Drop in interest from new buyers in October according to RICS

Latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey – October 2018 headlines ‘Prices, demand and supply all in decline as Brexit uncertainty persists’.

In October, the fall in interest from new buyers has led to a more negative trend in house prices, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

The report states: In October, the fall in interest from new buyers has led to a more negative trend in house prices, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. While the regional picture remains varied, respondents are also doubtful that UK sales momentum will pick-up over the coming months.

Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist, RICS said:

“Although the tone of much of the newsflow surrounding the housing market remains downbeat, this continues to disproportionately reflect developments in the south and east of England with the picture remaining rather more resilient in many other parts of the country. Uncertainty about the economic outlook on the back of the never-ending Brexit negotiations appears a key drag on sentiment according to respondents to the survey.

“Meanwhile, the announcement of the extension of Help to Buy, albeit in a narrower format, should continue to underpin the new build market in the near term. Whether it, alongside other measures recently announced including the lifting of the HRA cap, is sufficient to drive housing starts up to the government’s 300,000 target over the coming years remains to be seen.”

Read the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey – October 2018 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

Mortgage approvals continue to climb in June

The latest mortgage approval data from the Bank of England figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for June sat at 64,167 up (+1.4%) from 63,288 in May. This signals two consecutive months of growth. Approvals are also up (+5.6%) when compared to the 60,761 seen in June 2024. This growth is positive,…
Read More
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England Money & Credit Report June 2025

Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased by £3.1 billion to £5.3 billion in June, compared to a £2.8 billion increase to £2.2 billion of net borrowing in May. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 900, to 64,200 in June. Approvals for remortgaging also increased by 200, to 41,800 in June. This…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing market’s summer surge dampened by soaring stamp duty costs

Housing market activity has surged, with buyer demand up 11 per cent and agreed sales up eight per cent year-on-year, defying typical summer slowdown National house price inflation has slowed to 1.3 per cent, driven by a 12 per cent increase in homes for sale and higher stamp duty costs for many buyers Higher stamp…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rents reach another new record as tenants pay £400 more than five years ago

The average advertised rent of homes outside of London has risen to another new record this quarter of £1,365 per calendar month (pcm), but the yearly pace of rent growth continues to slow: London rents also reach a 15th consecutive new record of £2,712 pcm this quarter Five years on from the pandemic, new tenants…
Read More
Breaking News

Six UK vineyards where homebuyers avoid the 84% premium

Six affordable UK vineyards where homebuyers avoid the 84% house price premium and toast a better deal The latest research from Yopa has revealed that living close to one of the UK’s top vineyards will set homebuyers back an average of £494,739, 84% more than the current UK average house price. However, there remain a…
Read More
Breaking News

Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars

Communities and town centres across the UK are set to benefit from a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options, as the Government slashes red tape to breathe new life into the high street. Government to overhaul planning and licensing rules to make it quicker and easier for new cafes, bars…
Read More