UK housing sales remain subdued according to RICS
July 17, 2018
Latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey published 12th July 2018 headlined ‘UK housing sales remain subdued as rent expectations continue to heat up’.
The RICS survey reveals that: significantly, over the month, newly agreed sales have recorded the sixteenth successive month of continued decline, with 7% more respondents reporting a fall in agreed sales.
The survey states: For the second month in a row, new instructions have risen, with 10% more respondents seeing an increase in the flow of properties being put up for sale. However, with average stocks remaining close to historic lows at 43 it would be too early to suggest that this issue is lessening as an obstacle.
Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said:
“It is hard to see what is going to provide much impetus for activity in the housing market in the near term. Meanwhile the on-going challenges around lifting the delivery pipeline, reflected in last week’s disappointing data on housing starts, is captured in the suspicion in the survey that prices are likely to resume an upward course over the coming year. The challenge is also visible in the response of the private lettings market to change to the tax treatment on investment properties. While it is understandable that the government wanted to provide a lift for first time buyers, this may well come at the cost of higher rents as the appeal of buy to let diminishes.”
Read the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey 12th July 2018 in full click here.
You May Also Enjoy
Tenancy fraud costing landlords £266m a month
The latest research from LegalforLandlords reveals that tenancy fraud is costing landlords an estimated £266m a month as 70% of those who fall victim to fraud report being unable to retrieve their losses. LegalforLandlords commissioned a survey of UK landlords* and found that 5% report having been a victim of tenancy fraud. This aligns with…
Read More 
Prime London market activity falls,
The latest market insight from Jefferies London has revealed that the prime London market slowed considerably during the second half of 2025, with average monthly transaction levels falling by 31% compared to the first half of the year. Jefferies London analysed property market transactions across prime London postcodes, looking at the average monthly number of…
Read More 
Demand for wooden furniture remains strong as homeowners rediscover 1960s interiors
Experts reveal how natural materials and timeless design are bringing an overlooked vintage era back into modern homes Search interest in wooden furniture has remained consistently high over the past 12 months, peaking at its highest levels in spring 2025, as homeowners continue to prioritise natural materials and timeless design. Experts say this growing preference…
Read More 
UK postcode study identifies where buyers get the most space for their money
New analysis has revealed the best-value postcodes for buyers: One UK town offers FOUR times more space than the national average. The study, compiled by the experts at Sell House Fast, analysed postcodes across England and Wales to identify where buyers get the most space for their money. Where £100,000 buys the most space in…
Read More 
The graduate shortage: who will value Britain’s homes in 2030?
According to RICS, the average qualified surveyor is in their mid-fifties. Couple this with new entrant numbers failing to keep pace with retirements, and the profession faces a critical skills gap at the worst possible time. Ryan Mathews, Managing Director of LRG’s Surveyors division, examines why surveying struggles to attract new talent and what needs…
Read More
62% of letting agents failing to comply
The latest industry insight from The Letting Partnership has found that while Client Money Protection (CMP) is a legal requirement across the lettings sector, 62% of letting agents are failing to clearly display valid CMP certification on their website, highlighting a growing issue around how compliance is demonstrated to landlords and tenants. The Letting Partnership…
Read More