Expectations for the housing market 2016

As far back as I can remember us Brits have been overley obsessed with house prices, probably started when Margaret Thather came to power back in the late 70’s.

As we get close to the end of 2015 nothing has changed, property prices are again hitting what many see as unsustainable highs, this time the reason is being put down to supply not meeting demand, that is no surprise to me as we see ever inceasing numbers of people coming to the UK for one reason or another, be it Europeans coming here for work or lyfestyle to immigrants legal or non legal and refugees.

House building is underway and houses are being built, but it does  not appear to having any effect on  the housing supply side yet, is that because the influx of people coming to Britain is not stopping or subsiding? if that is the case then there seems little hope of getting the balance right and shortage of housing stock will continue as will the rise in house prices.

During 2015  average house prices across the UK have risen by 4.2% according to Land Registry figures, with some showing even bigger growth, that being  London where asking prices rose by 9.5%.

According to a recent report Estate Agent Knight Frank said, it expects prices to rise by 4.1% over the course of 2016, and by the end of 2020, prices will be 20.3% higher than they are now, but, as always, there are big regional differences.

Knight Frank’s head of residential research Liam Bailey reportedly said: “Values are growing more strongly in the South of England (particularly London and the South East) compared to slower growth in the North of England, Scotland and Wales.

“These regional differences are unlikely to unwind significantly in 2016, although the improving economic and employment picture, especially in the regions, will underpin pricing.”

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

2026 Predictions for the Auctions Sector

Daniel Gale, Head of Auctions, First for Auctions, part of LRG “As we enter 2026, market conditions are expected to mirror those seen last year. Buyer confidence remains cautious, borrowing costs are still high, and lenders continue to tighten criteria. This ongoing pressure on private treaty sales is driving more sellers towards auction as a…
Read More
Breaking News

First-time buyer demand edges higher in Q4

The latest research by Yopa has revealed that first-time buyers are beginning to return to the market, encouraged by stabilising interest rates and the base rate cut seen in December, with demand edging higher during the final quarter of the year. Yopa analysed first-time buyer (FTB) demand based on the proportion of homes listed under…
Read More
Breaking News

Rental price and average salary tracker – December 2025

Seasonal slowdown brings month-on-month rent falls, while affordability pressures remain entrenched Year-on-year trends continue to show only modest movement, with the income required to rent remaining broadly stable across most regions, reinforcing the long-term affordability challenge facing tenants. The most notable shifts in the market are now happening month-on-month, with several regions experiencing sharp short-term…
Read More
Breaking News

Expectations are high for a booming mortgage market

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals the falls in mortgage rates during 2025, along with product choice growth, sets a positive stage for the market in 2026. Product choice overall rose month-on-month, to 7,158 options, where year-on-year, there are now 650 more deals available to borrowers. The latest count is the highest since…
Read More
Breaking News

Homebuyers benefit as 37% of homes see price cut

January sales bring bargain opportunities for homebuyers, but window is already narrowing as market strengthens The latest research by Benham and Reeves has shown that 37% of homes currently listed for sale across England have seen an asking price reduction, meaning homebuyers entering the market this January have a strong chance of securing a bargain.…
Read More
for sale sign london
Breaking News

Home sellers hit the ground running in 2026

The latest market analysis from GetAgent.co.uk shows that momentum is already starting to build in 2026, as sellers are returning to the market at mass, keen to make their move now that Autumn Budget uncertainty is behind us and buyer confidence has been buoyed by a December base rate reduction. GetAgent analysed current for-sale listings…
Read More