Marked differences in trends across the country according to RICS

Released today the RICS UK Residential Market Survey – November 2017 headlines ‘Activity remains subdued in UK housing market, with little improvement anticipated.’

The report reveals that: Respondents to the November 2017 UK Residential Market Survey suggest activity will continue to be impacted by the continued shortage of new instructions, alongside general economic uncertainty.

Simon Rubinsohn RICS Chief Economist said:

“It is perhaps not surprising that the headline indicators for both prices and activity are subdued as Christmas approaches. But once again the feedback we are receiving from respondents points to quite marked differences in trends across the country. It is clear from the results than the mood music in London and the South East is very much flatter than elsewhere and interestingly, the forward looking indicators suggest this is likely to persist into the new year.

“It remains to be seen whether the scrapping of stamp duty for first time buyers announced in the Budget will provide much of a lift for the market. There was not much evidence of this in the latest survey, which was conducted after the change in policy, and while most independent analysis casts doubt on whether there will be much follow through, it is still early days. However, if the move does trigger a wider debate about how best to tax property, it will serve a useful role.”

Read the RICS UK Residential Market Survey – November 2017 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

Nationwide Housing Affordability Report

Affordability stretched, but gradually improving Modest improvement over past year, but affordability remains stretched by historic standards Considerable variation in affordability across occupational groups Affordability most stretched in London and South of England, with North of England & Scotland the most affordable Commenting on the figures, Andrew Harvey, Senior Economist, said: “There has been a…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Will the ‘Our Future Homes’ report address the needs of an ageing population?

Will the ‘Our Future Homes’ report address the needs of an ageing population? By Kevin Shaw at Leaders The government recently published an independent report, ‘Our Future Homes’, which considers our ageing population and looks at how housebuilders can meet the wants and needs of older people. It is widely acknowledged that not enough new homes…
Read More
Breaking News

Zoopla: Over a quarter of parents ‘lie or break rules’ to get children into their preferred school

Admission Impossible: Over a quarter of parents admit to ‘lying or bending’ rules to get their children into preferred schools Over a quarter (27 per cent) of UK parents admit to flouting the rules to get their children into schools, rising to 38 per cent in London The number who admit lying is on the…
Read More
Breaking News

Government planning reforms to protect nature

News that the Government has warned that the planning system must protect nature, as it unveils reforms Partner Alison Ogley, Freeths commented: “This is a potential game changer addressing the current inertia in the system, providing a solution that is more effective than individual developers trying to address environmental improvements on a project by project…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Surge in demand for investment sector as interest rates drop

The latest insights from the UK’s number one commercial property website Rightmove reveals that there has been a surge in demand to invest in commercial property compared with the same period a year ago, as interest rates drop following the second Bank Rate cut. The trend marks a continued recovery for the investment sector as…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

7 Ways Self Storage Supports Business Growth in 2025

As businesses face increasing challenges in managing costs, scaling operations, and adapting to changing markets, self storage has emerged as an indispensable tool for success. Whether you’re a small startup or an established multinational company, self storage offers a practical, affordable, and secure way to handle the demands of modern business. As businesses grow, they…
Read More