LONDON (Reuters – British asking prices dropped 0.6% last month, as the market experienced its usual lull in the lead up to Christmas, however, they are likely to rise next year, according to a survey.

Rightmove is an online portal for property. In November, the average asking prices, which are not adjusted to seasonal variations, was at 342,401 Pounds ($459,057). That’s 6.3% more than what it had been in the previous year.

The market is entering an end of the year slowdown and asking prices are falling in every November since 2007.

Rightmove Director of Property Data Tim Bannister said, “That will likely push prices higher once again, and increase competition from other buyers.”

According to chartered surveyors, house price inflation rose in Britain last month as a result of fewer sellers. This also led to further price hikes.

Another survey has also shown that there is continued price growth in houses since July. In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, a one-year exemption from stamp duties tax on home purchases was cut in half.

In April Scotland, the incentive ended. It was also terminated in full in England and Northern Ireland by September.

($1 = 0.7459 pounds)