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

Home and Living

Domestic Fridge Recycling in the UK: Compliant, Convenient and Eco Friendly with Recycling4you

Every year thousands of fridges in the UK reach the end of their useful life and must be replaced. These appliances cannot simply be left out with general waste or dumped at the nearest tip. They contain hazardous materials such as refrigerant gases and insulating foam which require careful handling in accordance with strict legislation.…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Buy-to-Let Explained: How It Works and Is It Worth It?

Buy-to-let is one of the most popular property investment strategies in the UK, attracting investors who want to generate regular rental income while benefiting from long-term property value growth. Whether you are a first-time landlord or someone considering adding property to an existing investment portfolio, understanding how buy-to-let works is essential. If you are exploring opportunities with Whitegates…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

The Hidden Cost of Deposit Disputes for Letting Agents

Nobody gets into lettings because they love arguing over oven grease. Yet for a growing number of letting agents across London and beyond, deposit disputes at the end of a tenancy have become one of the most quietly destructive parts of the job — eating into time, draining morale, and slowly eroding the trust that…
Read More
Breaking News

Britain’s strongest housing markets revealed

The latest research from Benham and Reeves reveals the best-performing housing markets across Great Britain when it comes to the average rate of house price growth seen over the course of 2025, with the northern regions and Scotland outperforming most of the rest of the country with annual price growth of up to 11%. Last…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Over £900 million economic opportunity lost to property fall throughs

Analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove reveals there is an economic opportunity of over £900 million in England if the number of property transactions falling through can be reduced The calculations show that nearly £392m in potential estate agency revenue and £515m in potential government stamp duty receipts were lost last year to…
Read More
Breaking News

Landlords chasing rental arrears of £470m

The latest research from Propoly – the platform that automates compliance, reduces risk and protects landlords – has revealed that landlords in England deal with more than £470 million worth of rent arrears in a year, with the largest number of tenants in arrears found in London and the North East. Propoly has analysed the…
Read More