A lack of Housing supply will continue to support the level of price growth says Countrywide

A recent news release from Countrywide contained their Housing Market Forecasts, published on the 21st August 2017 the news released headlined ‘Price growth to slow to 1.5% in 2017, but increase to 2% in 2018.

They expect average house price growth in Great Britain to fall to 1.5% in 2017 compared with 5% in 2016. While the first half of 2018 is likely to be more difficult, they forecast prices to end the year 2% higher. By 2019 they expect house prices to be growing at an annual rate of 3%.

They state: Despite little recovery in the levels of housing transactions – due to affordability issues and fewer buy-to-let purchases – the rate of new building is not expected to gather enough pace over the next two years to catch up with previous shortfalls. A lack of supply will therefore continue to support the level of price growth.

Fionnuala Earley, Countrywide’s Chief Economist, said:

“Economic conditions for households will remain challenging over the next year as inflation eats into budgets and interest rates begin to rise. In addition, fewer landlord purchasers and the later age at which people buy, is affecting the level of demand. But we expect the UK economy to recover and wage growth to pick up in response to global growth. That, combined with a continued lack of housing supply, will help to support house prices.

“The housing market is sensitive to confidence which will be affected by the outcome of Brexit negotiations and the implications this will have – particularly on employment.”

Read the Countrywide Housing Market Forecast in full click here.

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

Only one in six landlords ‘fully prepared’ for Renters’ Rights Bill

Only one in six landlords (16%) say they are ‘fully prepared’ for the implementation of the controversial Renters Rights Bill in the coming weeks. The remaining 84% have either not heard of it at all (7%), are aware of it but don’t know what it means for them (29%), have heard of it but know…
Read More
Home and Living

Grass Types and Striping Suitability: Choosing the Right Turf for a Striped Lawn

A beautifully striped lawn is one of the most visually satisfying features of any garden. Those alternating light and dark lines, extending across the grass like an emerald barcode, elevate even the simplest outdoor space into something that looks expertly maintained. Yet, as many gardeners quickly discover, not all lawns produce stripes with the same…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

London’s private school postcodes command hefty premiums

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that homes within close proximity to some of the capital’s most prestigious private schools command property price premiums of more than 60% compared to their wider local authority averages. Benham and Reeves analysed average house prices in postcode districts where independent schools…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals climb for third month in a row

Mortgage approvals on house purchases for July sat at 65,352 up (+1.2%) from 64,571 in June. This signals three consecutive months of growth. Approvals are also up (+4.6%) when compared to the 62,489 seen in July 2024. This growth is positive, and there is optimism for continued  growth in the coming months, especially if further…
Read More
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England Money and Credit – July 2025

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals decreased by £0.9 billion to £4.5 billion in July, compared to a £3.2 billion increase to £5.4 billion of net borrowing in June. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 800 in July, to 65,400. Approvals for remortgaging decreased by 2700 in July, to 38,900.…
Read More
Breaking News

Prime London buyers could see discounts of upto £500k

Prime London buyers could save half a million pounds in Reeves tax overhaul, with seller tax taking 15 years to equal current upfront costs. The latest research from Jefferies London shows that whilst the average London buyer stands to save £16,250 on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) should it be removed, those purchasing at the very…
Read More