Housing affordability

After a number of years of the housing market favouring buyers rather than sellers, there are now clear indications this spring that sellers are gaining the upper hand. Recent research is showing that Housing affordability has deteriorated to 2009 levels on the back of strong property price growth, according to Loyds Bank the average home in a British city now costs £195,107 or 6.1 times typical annual earnings before tax.

The group blamed the affordability deterioration on the strong house price growth seen during the past year, with average house prices rising by 7 per cent. The price growth has stalled more recently along with the sales market as the election looms ever closer, normally in the run up to Easter the market would be picking up as spring buyers make their appearance, such buyers are a  little more cautious this year waiting for the  outcome of election before commiting themselves.
It has been reported that Oxford is the least affordable city with the average house costing nearly 11 times typical local earnings, Greater London is the seventh least affordable city , this across the board figure however  disguised considerable variation throughout the capital.

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

Glenigan Construction Index: Pockets of regional resilience, do little to offset faltering confidence

The value of underlying work starting on-site during the three months to February decreased 6% and remained 17% below 2024 levels as activity remains relatively stagnant Lowered expectations on economic recovery dent residential construction, with starts down 10% on the preceding three months, slashed by 14% against 2024 figures Non-residential project starts decreased 2% against…
Read More
Home and Living

How to Create a Stylish and Comfortable Home Office

Creating a stylish and comfortable home office is essential for productivity and well-being. Here are key considerations to design a workspace that is both functional and inspiring:​D 1. Select an Appropriate Location Choose a quiet area in your home with minimal distractions. If a separate room isn’t available, consider converting a nook or unused space…
Read More
Breaking News

Zoopla Rental Market Report: Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years

Upcoming reforms in the rental market will limit new investment and the number of homes for rent Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years as Zoopla warns upcoming rental reforms will continue to limit rental supply   Average UK rents for new lets are three per cent higher over the last year, down from…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Commonhold White Paper – Thoughts from the Industry

The sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales is to be banned under Labour’s plan to end the  ‘feudal’ system. Labour wants to switch to Scotland’s commonhold system There are around 5 million leaseholders in England and Wales. Under commonhold, each flat owner would own the freehold of their home, but also have…
Read More
Breaking News

Greenpeace Ruling Exposes UK Government Policy

In January 2025, Greenpeace brought a collective action against the Dutch state for failing to comply with a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling on nutrient neutrality. An appeal is expected: however, as the UK Government has adopted the same ‘tax builders for pollution others cause’ approach to reducing nutrient pollution, it may find itself…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove commentary on mortgage market + weekly tracker

Commenting on the mortgage market, Rightmove’s expert Matt Smith said: “The market has settled after the unexpectedly high inflation figure. Average mortgage rates on many products have trickled downwards, and we’ve even seen the return of some eye-grabbing sub-4% mortgage rates for those with the biggest deposits. It shows that mortgage lenders are still keen to…
Read More