Fewer homes put on market in February according to RICS

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

Home and Living

Four summer interior mistakes you’re probably making right now

Summer brings longer days, brighter evenings with plenty of opportunity to enjoy our homes, yet many homeowners are unknowingly making simple interior mistakes that could be leaving their spaces feeling darker, smaller and less inviting than they should. While many people focus on refreshing their gardens and outdoor spaces during the warmer months, maximising indoor…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: April 2026

Despite wider economic uncertainty and inflation remaining above target, the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience. Within the rental market, demand continues to significantly outstrip available supply. Sales 1. In April 2026, stock levels showed a marginal increase with an overall average of 43 properties for sale at each member branch. 2. The average number…
Read More
Damaged timber from Dry Rot
Breaking News

Stop managing damp. Start managing risk

The next phase of Awaab’s Law isn’t about repairs. The question regulators will ask is whether you can prove what you knew, and when. Housing providers, operators and agents are being warned not to view Awaab’s Law solely through the lens of damp and mould, as new requirements coming into force later this year expand…
Read More
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

Biggest challenges facing agents is generating motivated buyer leads

The latest research by GetAgent has revealed that while seller activity remains relatively resilient across the UK housing market, growing buyer hesitation is weighing on overall market momentum, creating a more challenging environment for estate agents. The survey of UK estate agents, commissioned by GetAgent, examined current market conditions, lead quality, business investment and expectations…
Read More
Breaking News

Against all odds, recovery remains on track

Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Construction Forecast indicates sector resurgence in 2027, despite a painful start to the year Construction sector set to rebound by 13% over the course of the Forecast period (2026-2028) as economic conditions improve Significant value gains expected for offices, industrial, public sector and civils verticals Private and social housebuilding predicted to rally…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Manchester tops decade of property price growth with London bottom

New long-term analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove reveals that Manchester is the fastest growing city for prices over the last 10 years, while London is the slowest The average asking price for a home in Manchester is up by 63% compared with 10 years ago, by contrast prices in London are only…
Read More