House prices are down, but they are really up – July 2020

UK property Prices July 2020

The negative stats were from April through June 2020, with these figures released by the mortgage provider Halifax. Looking at the wider picture and at the yearly figure so far then we have prices rising across Wales and within all regions of England.

When we consider the global crisis that was recently experienced that included a world’s first ever lock-down with people not able to work and the necessary intervention from the government having to support people’s income, then a tiny 0.9% drop, when even the estate agency world was firmly paused, then surely it proves how solid the UK property market really is (only Scotland showed negative years growth figures).

Demand on UK property is still very high and immigration in to the UK is also busy, with the difficulties currently in finding land with permission to build and targets not being met for new house building then for sure there will not be too much of a drop in valuations in the next few months.

the EY Item Club is forecasting a 3 per cent drop over the next few months, before stability resumes at the turn of the year.House prices forecast to fallThis is Money

Many will say, and I agree, that the full effect of Covid-19 is yet to be seen in regards to financial position of government and in turn consumers, but possibly spending in the UK itself will increase especially due to people fearful of travelling such as for holidays, spending happen at home rather than abroad. The will also be no need to pay out to the EU soon substantial daily fees and the chance for big dealings via international trade deals (free trade deals) with countries such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

A trade deal between the US and UK will jump start growth…The Daily Telegraph – June 2020

Estate Agencies have mostly reported positive activity following the lock down and the pausing of the UK property market. Speaking with varied agents I know, around the country (England) there seemed to be positive sales / enquiry figures with a slightly slower activity report from within areas of London.

So ahead of us we are still very much in the unknown regarding Covid-19 and it’s overall effect, Maybe it is now all done and dusted and it’s effect will slowly disappear allowing us to get back to normality though of course there are reports that it may re-appear and via a much stronger strain, this of course would be highly damaging to the economy and in turn property prices and sales activity.

One thing is for sure though is that property prices usually remain robust and in all cases they rebound. There maybe a potential doomy and gloomy road ahead, and especially if you read any of the typical politically motivated press, though even a small decline in prices will lead to an increased activity in the market and demand will once again go up!

 

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

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