What will happen to the housing market in 2022?

Moving into 2022, the housing market will be influenced by both positive and negative factors. On the positive side, the pandemic-induced search for space has further to run.  The ability to work from home has expanded the horizons for many office workers who now feel able to look further afield.

Zoopla research shows that 22% of people currently want to move, significantly higher than the usual 5% in a normal market. The high levels of equity homeowners have built up during the past 18 months and the shortage of homes on the market is expected to support house price growth well into 2022.

But on the downside, the rising cost of living, combined with an expectation that mortgage rates and taxes will rise next year, will impact affordability.

House price growth is expected to end 2022 at 3%, with growth likely to be strongest in the East Midlands and North West and weakest in London. Transaction levels are expected to fall by 20% to 1.2 million, in line with the long-running average but still comparatively high compared with the past decade. House price growth expected to slow in 2022 with regional variations

Richard Donnell, of Zoopla, said: ‘The impact of the pandemic on the housing market has further to run but at a less frenetic pace.  We expect the momentum in the market to outweigh some emerging headwinds from higher living costs and the risk of higher mortgage rates.  The latest data shows a turning point in the rate of house price growth, which we expect to slow quickly with average UK house prices up 3% by the end of 2022.’

What could this mean for you?

First-time buyers

The market remains fast-moving and is not expected to start slowing down until well into 2022. As a result, you’ll need to be prepared to move quickly if you see somewhere you like. It’s a good idea to have a mortgage offer agreed in principle before you start house hunting. With many potential buyers looking for more space, particularly a garden, you may find you have more choice and less pressure if you opt for a flat.

Home-movers

If you’re thinking of moving, it remains a great time to put your home on the market as demand from potential buyers is continuing to outstrip supply. Unfortunately, these same dynamics may make it challenging to find your next home. Do as much research as you can before listing your current property and talk to local estate agents to find out how fast the market is moving in your area.  If the market is moving very quickly, you may want to have an offer accepted on a property you want to buy before listing your current home for sale.

Bristol, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online will gladly discuss all your mortgage options with you to best meet your current and predicted future needs looking at the whole-of-market

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