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Experts have warned that if the Bank of England pushes interest rates to 7%, it could have dire consequences for the housing market, causing average prices to plummet. Craig Fish, managing director at mortgage broker Lodestone, believes that a 7% interest rate would tank the mortgage market completely. Tom Pugh, an economist at consultancy RSM, predicts that house prices could fall by more than a fifth if the base rate reaches 7%. Riz Malik, director of mortgage broker R3 Mortgages, warns that further rate hikes could be the final blow for the housing market. The Bank of England is expected to increase the base rate above 6% by the end of the year, heightening fears for the UK economy and household budgets. |
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The Independent (11/07/2023) |
Crossrail's appeal amongst homebuyers could be diminishing, according to new figures analysing the annual rate of growth across each postcode home to a Crossrail station and how their performance compares to the wider local authority in which they are located. The research shows that topline Crossrail house prices have climbed by 2.4% over the last year, marginally higher than the 1.9% increase seen across the wider local authorities home to a Crossrail station. The best performing Crossrail station over the last year has been Romford. Not only have house prices within the RM1 postcode increased by 14% year on year. In contrast, house prices within the E14 postcode, home to the Canary Wharf Crossrail station, have fallen by 17% in the last year, while Whitechapel’s E1 postcode has seen a 1% reduction. As a result, both Crossrail stations trail the wider borough of Tower Hamlets where the average house price has increased by 10% annually.
Property Reporter (04/07/2023)
According to new research by market analyst PropCast, Walthamstow and surrounding areas have been named as the “hottest” markets for property sales in London. Some 60% of properties currently for sale in the E17 postcode are already under offer or sold subject to contract. PropCast's research also shows that 54% of London is now in a “hot” sellers market, with the capital becoming a seller's market overall in June for the first time since January. Other hot postcodes include E11, Woodfood, Stratford, and various areas in south-east London. On the other hand, Kings Cross and the W1 postcode are among the coldest markets, with only 8% and 12% of properties for sale already under offer or sold subject to contract, respectively.
Evening Standard (03/07/2023)
House prices fell by 3.5% annually in June, according to data from Nationwide Building Society, with this following a 3.4% year-on-year decline in May. Month-on-month, prices were up 0.1%, reversing the 0.1% dip recorded in May. The report shows that the average UK house price in June was £262,239. London saw a 4.3% year-on-year decline in house prices, while southern England saw a 3.8% decline and prices in northern England were down 2.7%. On the year-on-year fall, Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “Longer term interest rates, which underpin mortgage pricing, have increased sharply in recent months, in response to data indicating that underlying inflation in the UK economy is not moderating as fast as expected.” He added a “sharp” increase in borrowing costs is “likely to exert a significant drag on housing market activity in the near term.”
BBC News (30/06/2023) The Daily Telegraph (30/06/2023) The Guardian (30/06/2023) The Times (30/06/2023)
The average rate for a five-year fixed mortgage has climbed to 6.01%, adding £1,488 a year to repayments on a typical £200,000 25-year mortgage. According to financial information service Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed deal is also now 6.47%. The increase follows the Bank of England’s decision to increase the base rate to a 15-year high of 5% as it looks to bring down inflation. The Moneyfacts analysis also highlights how savings rates have not matched the rapid increase in mortgage charges. While the average rates for two and five year fixed mortgages are both above 6%, the average easy access savings rate is 2.45%. Nick Mendes, from the mortgage broker John Charcol, said: "[Most] big high street lenders have already made substantial increases to their rates which means they sit outside of the best buys. Fingers crossed that rates might stop rising soon if swap rates calm down, although we may see increases in the future if there isn't substantial progress in bringing down inflation."
BBC News (04/07/2023) Financial Times (04.07/2023) The Independent (04/07/2023) The Times (04/07/2023)
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London luxury homes in prime locations represent value for money, according to Coutts' London Prime Property Index Q1 2023. The pandemic led to a race for space, with homeowners rushing to snap up properties in areas further out. However, with the peak of the pandemic hopefully behind us, inner central London is regaining popularity, says Katherine O’Shea, real estate investment services director at the private bank. These areas have also had more interest from international buyers, able to benefit from the strength of the dollar. Looking ahead, the number of homes under offer in the first quarter was up 26% compared with the last quarter of 2022 and up 3% compared with the same period last year. |
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The Times (28/06/2023) |