The average asking price of a home in Britain has risen by 1.1% since March, to £372,324.
This is in line with the sort of rise we usually see at this time of year, and brings average prices to within just £570 of their all-time record, which they reached back in May 2023.
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Signs of life were seen in the UK housing market in the new year with a rise in the number of mortgages being approved.
Activity remains weak overall, with potential buyers still nervous about high interest rates.
But the latest Bank of England data shows approvals for house purchases rose to 55,200 in January from 51,500 in December. This was the highest level since October 2022.
Sky high house prices, slow wage growth, student loans and rising rent costs mean that getting on the property ladder is challenging. But the desire to own a home remains strong for many young adults. Now, the affectionately known ‘bank of mum and dad’ (or bank of other family members) may wish to lend or give money for deposits and other house purchase costs
All measures of sales market activity continue to improve as pent-up demand returns to the housing market. Buyer demand is 11% higher than a year ago. A better indicator of market health is sales agreed which are 15% higher than a year ago – evidence of greater buyer confidence and more realism on pricing by sellers. The North East (+17%) and London (+16%) have led the rebound in sales.
A poor credit rating can be a major barrier to getting a mortgage, but the good news is, there are lenders who are prepared to help those whose applications may be refused elsewhere. It might not seem fair but even having a big deposit in place and a decent salary isn’t enough to guarantee you a mortgage, if you have a poor credit history.
Over the years, many of our clients have said they prefer to get Christmas and New Year out of the way before thinking about moving.
This general feeling has now been backed up by a survey carried out by Rightmove, the findings were published by them on 25 January 2024.
Here are some of the highlights from the report…..
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Mortgage lenders have started the year by cutting rates, taking some of the pain out of the cost of a new deal for homeowners.
The UK's biggest lender, the Halifax, has cut some interest rates by close to one percentage point, with brokers now expecting others to follow suit.
HSBC has announced it will make cuts on Thursday, in what is being described as a "fast-moving market".
Sales hold up in Q4 2023, providing support for prices
The final weeks of 2023 have recorded above average levels of new sales, 17% higher than a year ago and ahead of 2019 levels. Market sentiment is improving due to rising incomes and an initial decline in mortgage rates. An increase in available supply, up a quarter on last year, is also boosting choice and supporting sales.