Negative trend in prime central London according to RICS

RICS UK Residential Market Survey report – August 2017 released today headlines ‘Growth at the headline level, but regional house price picture remains mixed.’

Although the headline level shows a return to growth, sentiment is less positive in prime central London and to a lesser extent the wider South East, alongside the North and East Anglia.

In the August RICS survey, 6% more respondents reported prices rising rather than falling at the headline level, the latest figures point to solid price growth in many parts, including Northern Ireland, the North West, Scotland, and the South West.

Negative trend in prime central London in particular  with 56% more respondents seeing a fall in prices, posting the weakest result since 2008.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said: “The latest results continue to suggest that the greatest pressure on both prices and activity continues to be felt in prime central London market. Although there are some signs that the wider South East is also losing some momentum, anecdotal evidence suggests the impact is very location specific. Meanwhile the numbers for most other parts of the country point to a rather more resilient marketplace.

“It is interesting that over the medium term, the conclusion of the latest survey is that rental growth is likely to outpace increases in house prices. Although the Build to Rent offer is now stepping up a gear, there clearly is some doubt as to whether it can do so at a fast-enough pace to address the shortfall which may result from the more hostile environment for Buy-to-Let investors.”

Read the RICS UK Residential Market Survey report – August 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

Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Autumn Budget doesn’t dampen commercial property outlook for 2026

Demand in both leasing and investment remained in largely positive territory, despite Budget uncertainty Industrial sector continued to lead the way with demand to lease up  11% year on year and demand to invest up 12% 2026 outlook shows positive signs alongside predicted interest rate cuts Demand in terms of both leasing and investment for commercial…
Read More
How to add value to your home
Breaking News

Stabilising house prices and falling mortgage rates offer renewed hope for first-time buyers

Propertymark says forecasts of modest house price growth in 2026, alongside falling mortgage rates, point towards a housing market that is beginning to stabilise, offering renewed hope for first-time buyers, while wider affordability challenges remain. As lenders continue to reduce mortgage rates following improved market conditions, monthly repayments are becoming more manageable for aspiring homeowners.…
Read More
Breaking News

Inheritance tax receipts rise as government performs partial U-turn on relief rules

Inheritance tax (IHT) receipts reached £6.6 billion in the first nine months of the 2025/26 tax year, according to data released by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) this morning. That figure is £200 million higher than the same period last year and continues a steady upward trend that has persisted for more than two decades.…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 22/1/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Why are most proptechs Unsaleable? Structural issues rooted in how proptechs are conceived, built, and taken to market stops an exit or IPO   (Thought Leadership by Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR) The proptech sector has matured rapidly over the past decade. Capital has flowed in, incumbents have launched…
Read More
Breaking News

Nationwide extends six times lending to home movers and remortgage

Nationwide enhances support for people looking to move up the property ladder or get a new mortgage deal Five-fold increase in Nationwide loans to first-time buyers at or above 5.5x income in 2025, compared to 2024 Increased first-time buyer support follows regulatory changes to improve affordability Nationwide is today announcing a major boost to the…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 21/1/2026

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Jon Cooke steps down as Non-Executive Director at GPEA Jon Cooke will continue to focus on innovation within the property sector Jon Cooke has stepped down from his role as Non-Executive Director at GPEA, the business that owned Fine & Country and The Guild…
Read More