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

Breaking News

Propertymark backs move to commonhold

Propertymark has welcomed proposals from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to phase out the sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales, while warning that the transition to commonhold must be carefully managed to avoid market disruption and consumer confusion. Responding to the UK Government’s consultation on “Moving to commonhold: banning…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Phasing out leasehold flats is the right thing to do

Propertymark has welcomed UK Government proposals to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and replace them with a commonhold system designed to give homeowners greater control over their properties. Responding to a consultation launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Propertymark said the reforms could help tackle many of the long-standing…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Deposit Disputes Are Rising – Are Baths to Blame?

Interior Designers Say Acrylic Baths Are the Hidden Culprit in Family Rentals Deposit disputes over bathroom damage are rising, and acrylic bath surfaces are the overlooked culprit. Acrylic baths are often marketed as lasting 10 to 15 years or more, yet designers say many start to look tired in busy family homes within just a…
Read More
Breaking News

Inheritance tax haul grows as more families are dragged into the tax net

Inheritance tax receipts got off to a slightly slower start in the first month of the 2026/27 tax year, but the figures still underline how rapidly the tax burden on estates continues to grow. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collected £0.7 billion in inheritance tax in April, £65 million less than during the same month…
Read More
Breaking News

The 10 biggest homebuyer turn-offs

From overgrown gardens to nightmare neighbours, homeowners across Britain could be knocking tens of thousands of pounds off the value of their property before a buyer even makes an offer.   New insight from House Buyer Bureau reveals the most common homebuyer turn-offs that could be thwarting your chances of making a sale, and the…
Read More
Home and Living

5 trends driving London’s landscaped gardens

London gardens can add more than £205,000 in value as Chelsea tops table for prime buyers seeking outdoor space Ahead of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, research by Enness Global has revealed that a garden can add more than £205,000 to the value of a London home, whilst Chelsea fittingly boasts the highest degree of…
Read More