Us house price growth continues to moderate

US house prices in September saw moderated growth for the 11th month in a row, according to Clear Capital. The firm's latest data shows that yearly gains decreased from a high of 11.7 per cent in October 2013 to just 7.8 per cent through September 2014. This trend is amplified in the West, where annual gains are cut nearly in half, from highs of 19.5 per cent in October 2013 to 10.9 per cent in September 2014.

If the ongoing moderation in the West, still the recovery leader, continues at its current pace, it will be a foreboding sign of future declines, says the company.

Metro market trends will continue to keep buyers on their toes, as national and regional recoveries wane at varying velocities. Detroit is a great example. Discounted opportunities helped push prices up 21.9 per cent year-over-year in September. Meanwhile the Hartford MSA is experiencing declines of 1.1 per cent over the quarter and 0.4 per cent over the year, highlighting the type of market performance disparity that characterizes the present market.

Each of the lowest performing 15 markets posted less than a 1 per cent gain over the last quarter. This group remains subject to short term declines, which could eventually turn into yearly losses.