House prices are expected to fall by almost 30 per cent during the next three years according to the leading indices of property price futures, with more investors than ever looking to bet on long-term property prices as the value of their own homes fall.

About £50,000 ($98,752) will be wiped off the value of the UK average house price of £185,000 by 2011 judging by current trading on spread betting platforms, more than most commentators currently expect.