“HOUSE prices are picking up globally. Values are rising in 18 of the 23 countries we track, compared with just 12 a year ago. The Case-Shiller index released on New Year’s Eve reported price increases of 13.6% in the year to October 2013. Homes in America have risen in value by 24% since their March 2012 trough, but they remain 20% below their peak in April 2006. In Britain, prices increased at their fastest rate in three years in October, fuelling fears of a housing bubble (and pop). The north-south divide in the euro area continues—prices still fall in the indebted south. ”
The Economist