Fewer homes put on market in February according to RICS

March 8, 2018

RICS UK Residential Market Survey – February 2018 released today headlines   ‘Further fall in housing stock as demnd also falls for the eleventh month’

The survey reveals the indicators for future activity in the UK housing market remain subdued. New buyer enquiries fall for the eleventh consecutive month as average stocks on estate agents’ books hits fresh record low. Results continue to signal significant regional variation across the country.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said:

“The consultation announced earlier this week on housing delivery put the onus squarely on developers and planning departments to up their game to lift the supply pipeline, but the feedback to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey casts some doubt as to whether this will be sufficient to address the challenge.

“Significantly, the longer term national house price indicator has begun to creep upwards once again in recent months despite the current somewhat mixed climate and the private rent series also remains firm, in both cases pointing to increases of at least fifteen percent over the next five years.

“Meanwhile, the divergent regional picture is becoming increasingly pronounced with key RICS indicators across huge swathes of the country still showing considerable resilience but data for London, the South East and East Anglia rather more subdued.”

Read the RICS UK Residential Market Survey – February 2018 released 8th March 2018 in full click here.

Read also RICS UK Residential Market Survey: Devolved Regional Outlook released 8th March 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

HMRC ramps up scrutiny of residential property valuations as it cracks down on inheritance tax avoidance

  Taxman’s requests for help from the Valuation Office Agency with property valuations in IHT returns rises nearly 25% Rise reflects HMRC’s increased efforts to recover revenue from underreported and misvalued estates.   HM Revenue & Customs is increasingly challenging residential property valuations in inheritance tax (IHT) returns, with the number of cases referred to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters urged to understand their new rights before major law change

With just one week until the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, renters across England are being urged to understand how the changes will affect their rights, tenancies and day-to-day renting experience. From 1 May 2026, the new legislation will introduce wide-ranging reforms designed to provide greater stability, clearer rights, and…
Read More →
Adding second coat of varnish floor boards
Home and Living

The Foundation of Your Home: Why Your Subfloor Dictates Your Flooring Destiny

In the field of residential and commercial renovation, the aesthetic selection of a floor covering—be it the grain of a hardwood plank, the texture of a stone tile, or the finish of a luxury vinyl—often commands the most attention. However, from a technical perspective, the long-term performance and durability of these materials are entirely dependent…
Read More →
Breaking News

Almost £1.4m difference in property prices between the start and finish lines of London Marathon

The latest property market analysis from London’s number one lettings and sales estate agency brand, Foxtons, has revealed that there’s a difference of almost £1.4m in the average sold price from the starting point of the London Marathon and the finish line. As London’s largest estate agent, Foxtons holds an unrivalled view of the London…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Demand drops year-on-year for commercial property from high base

Three out of four of the main commercial property sectors saw a yearly decline in demand both in terms of leasing and investment in the first quarter of the year, amid speculation about interest rate hikes following the start of the war in Iran. According to Rightmove’s Commercial Insights Tracker for Q1 2026, the office…
Read More →
Breaking News

Property market is improving

Property market is improving, but more sellers are cutting prices and withdrawing from the market The latest market data analysis from House Buyer Bureau has found that whilst the property market is showing signs of improvement, more sellers are still being forced to cut their asking price, endure a failed sale, or withdraw from the…
Read More →