BREXIT: The Guild’s National Advisory Council Update

Guild of Property Professionals

While the government has put several incentives in place to boost the first-time buyer’s market, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its full impact on the housing market, deposit requirements and property prices have left many would-be homeowners waiting on the side-lines for now.

“Over the past couple of years, the government’s initiatives to increase first-time buyer activity in the market has borne fruit with the numbers of first-time buyers at a 12-year high. However, concerns regarding Brexit and its implications on the housing market has had an impact and first-time buyer numbers have dwindled in certain areas,” said Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals.

Members of The Guild’s National Advisory Council, provided some insight into what is happening with first-time buyers in their area and it’s not all doom and gloom.

Brexit

According to Chris Sawyer, Managing Director at Sawyer & Co, operating in Brighton and Hove, the area is showing evidence that Brexit is having a significant impact with first-time buyers. “We are seeing first-time buyers showing fragile confidence in the market, which is understandable given the gloomy picture that is painted,” he says. “Many have adopted a wait-and-see-what-happens approach. With an average house price of £400,000, even a small change to value can have an impact on the buying power.”

Brighton and Hove aren’t the only areas to be affected. Nick Manson, Managing Director at Manson Property Consultants in Newcastle noticed that the uncertainty of Brexit is making the buyers in his area take a pause. He adds that warnings from Mark Carney from the Bank of England that a disruptive no deal Brexit could cause a 35% drop in house prices are also impacting buyer’s decisions.

It is no secret that London’s property market has also taken a knock. Conran Estates in Greenwich have pointed out that first-time buyers are very apprehensive, much like the rest of the market in the financial hub. Again, uncertainty regarding Brexit was pin-pointed as the primary issue, with buyers concerned they could end up with negative equity having no assets behind them, even though they have decent deposits. First-time buyers who are taking the leap are generally giving offers below the asking prices.

Deposits and high property prices

First-time buyer activity has slowed to a trickle in the Midlands, according to Bill Tandy in Lichfield. However, he says that Brexit is not the main antagonist but rather deposit requirements and the high value of the second-hand market. He adds that low stock and good availability are the main fundamentals at play, aspects that will not change when the dust of Brexit has settled.

Not all doom and gloom

For some it is business as usual in terms of the first-time buyer market. According to Simon Miller, Managing Director at Holroyd Miller in Wakefield, being predominantly a leave area, first-time buyers are not worried in the slightest by Brexit, as employment levels are stable. Brexit has not had a great impact on the area overall and first-time buyers are carrying on as they always have, with no hesitation.

Craig Reynolds, Owner of Urban & Rural in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, agrees. “First-time buyers are generally not holding back but if they are, it is due to other factors – not Brexit. These include elements such as mortgage availability and lending restrictions. House prices have fallen slightly, which has helped first-time buyers. With Brexit having been a saga for two years now, people are just getting bored with it and are carrying on undeterred,” he adds.

In Wales, Melfyn Williams, Managing Director at Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd, says Brexit has not impacted his area at all. “First-time buyers seem to be ignoring the press which is the most harmful thing surrounding Brexit. The attitude seems to be that everyone is still going to need a home or to move home at some point.”

Webbers, with offices in North Devon and Somerset, say their area of operation generally has a low number of first-time buyers, but Brexit is not affecting the attitudes of the ones who do. Overall, they say they have seen little impact to their local market. Borrowing is still very cheap and interest rates are low. First-time buyers are not worried.

Is Brexit keeping you out of the market? If not, have a look of the properties The Guild has to offer.

Shared by Wesley Barnard – wesley.barnard@guildproperty.co.uk

EAN Breaking News

Breaking News from the team at Estate Agent Networking. Have a new story to share with us? Then please get in contact today! When and where we can we will refer to third party websites with a 'live link back' where news was released first.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More