Recent figures have shown that the average UK house price has dropped for the first time in recent months, missing the double digit inflation predicted by many. This falter comes after the end of the stamp duty holiday so there is evidence to suggest that the missing sales and higher offers have all been used up before the stamp duty holiday ended. The bank lending criteria has loosened but with the chance of an increase in interest rates, 2010 looks to be a great year for predictions with one thing for sure some of the pundits will be left with egg on their faces.