It is probably no surprise that there is significant demand for larger homes and for properties with gardens. At Stones Residential, we are pleased to say we have assisted many buyers and vendors, and we know what people are looking for in the local area.
We also stay in touch with what is happening nationally. With a lot of research taking place into buyer demand activity these days, we are here to ensure you makes an informed decision when you next move.
What do buyers want and what are agents seeing?
Findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors review of the market provide a suitable starting point in determining what is happening in the housing market. 63% of respondents said there has been an increase in buyer interest in the most recent month.
Agreed sales increased for the third month in a row, and there was a net balance of 61% of contributors experiencing an increase in activity. Sales expectations remain positive, although in the longer-term, 12-month sales projections are more modest.
The RICS findings confirms the shift in buyer demand when it comes to desirable characteristics. Over 80% of respondents expect the demand for properties with a garden to continue rising in the next two years.
A similar rise for properties which are located near to open spaces is also expected.
RICS expect house prices to rise
The RICS survey also indicates there is an expectation house prices will rise. Expanding on this matter, the RICS website news release states; “The August survey feedback points to a sharp acceleration in house price inflation. At the national level, a net balance of +44% of respondents reported an increase in prices, the strongest reading since 2016. This is up from a net balance of +13% in July and marks a dramatic turnaround compared to the reading of -33% registered back in May. What’s more, virtually all parts of the UK are now seeing prices increase.”
Key takeaways from the August RICS report are as follows:
• National house price growth indicator hits a four-year high
• Enquiries, sales and new instructions all continue to rise
• 83% of respondents foresee demand increasing for homes with gardens / outside space over the next two years while 79% predict rising demand for those properties near green space
Simon Rubinsohn is RICS chief economist, and he said; “The latest RICS survey provides firm evidence of a strong uplift in activity in the housing market which should help support the wider economy gain traction over the coming months. More of a concern is the pick-up in prices which could intensify issues around affordability in some parts of the country. Disaggregated data shows demand generally to run ahead of supply.”
Simon continued by saying; “Meanwhile the results provide a further pointer to more substantive changes taking place in household behaviour in the wake of the pandemic. Increased demand for properties with garden and near green spaces has if anything increased since we tested the water in May.”
Whatever your circumstances are, or what move you would like to make next; we are here for you. Stones Residential prides itself on offering the best standard of service to our clients, and we work hard to help you achieve your property goals. If you would like to arrange an appointment or get more details on how we can help you sell your property, contact us today online or by calling us on 020 8954 0045.
