Category: JULY 2024

The number of people moving home increased by 10% in the first half of 2024, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Home Mover Review.

In the first six months of this year the number of home moves recorded was 126,884, compared to 115,530 during the same period in 2023.

The South East had the largest number of home movers across the UK, as 28,828 moved home in the first half of this year, +13% more than the same period last year.

Detached homes are the most popular among people moving home as buyers seek more privacy and space, as this property type made up 33% of all home mover mortgages, compared to 29% ten years ago. In the East Midlands, this increased to half (50%) of all house purchases, up 10pp when compared to 2014.

Further north, semi-detached homes were the most common choice for movers in the North West (36%) and Yorkshire and The Humber (35%).

Over the last ten years, terraced properties have decreased in popularity for movers. People choosing a terraced home as their next house move declined by 5pp – from 24% in 2014 to 19% in 2024. Only in pricey Greater London are terraced homes (27%) and flats (46%) more popular than detached for home movers.

Home movers paid an average house price of £392,107, -6% during the last year but 20% more than five years ago (£327,112). Almost all regions within the UK saw a drop in prices over the last year, with Northern Ireland the only region or nation to see home mover house prices increase, as the average price tag in the country is now £257,611, 3% higher than in 2023 (and 38% more than five years ago).

The average deposit amount for a home mover has increased over the last five years by 22%, to £129,951 on average, largely in line with home mover house prices over the same period (+20%). This means movers have equity in their new home to the value of around 33% of the property price – in the South West, Scotland and Northern Ireland this rises to 35%.

The average age of a person moving home is now 40, a year older than 12 months ago, with the oldest home movers in the South West, at an average age of 41.

Source: Property Industry Eye

The proposed Renters’ Rights Bill aims to enhance tenant protections and improve living conditions in England’s private rental sector. Here’s a detailed summary based on the government’s statement and interpretations from other sources:

It’s purpose is to provide greater rights and protections to renters, addressing issues of insecurity and substandard living conditions.

Key Provisions;

Abolishing Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions

– Ends No-Fault Evictions: Prohibits evictions without a stated reason, increasing tenant security and stability.
– Expanded Grounds for Possession: Clarifies and expands the grounds on which landlords can reclaim their properties, making the eviction process more transparent and fairer.

Strengthening Tenant Rights

– Challenging Rent Increases: Empowers tenants to dispute unfair rent hikes.
– Banning Rental Bidding Wars: Prevents landlords and letting agents from engaging in practices that inflate rental prices through competitive bidding.
– Pet Requests: Allows tenants to request permission for pets, with landlords permitted to request insurance to cover potential damages.

Improving Housing Standards

– Decent Homes Standard: Applies this standard to ensure that rental homes are safe and free from hazards. The standard is due for a rewrite, although the date is not specified.
– Awaab’s Law: Mandates timely repairs of serious hazards to maintain safe living conditions.

Digital Database and Dispute Resolution

– Landlord and Tenant Database: Establishes a digital platform for accessing key rental information, improving transparency.
– Ombudsman Service: Introduces a new service for resolving disputes fairly and efficiently, aiming to reduce the burden on courts.

Anti-Discrimination Measures

– Protection Against Discrimination: Makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on tenants’ receipt of benefits or presence of children.

Enhanced Enforcement

– Local Council Powers: Strengthens investigatory and enforcement powers of local councils to identify and penalize unscrupulous landlords.

Impact

– Scope: Affects 11 million private tenants, including significant numbers of families with children and older adults.
– Addressing Evictions and Rental Prices: Aims to reduce the frequency of no-fault evictions and curb rising rental prices.
– Income and Housing Quality: Strives to decrease the proportion of income spent on rent and improve the overall quality of rental homes.

Territorial Extent

– Primary Application: Applies to England, with certain provisions also extending to Wales.

To conclude, the Renters’ Rights Bill closely mirrors the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill, aiming to abolish Section 21 evictions, enforce stronger tenant rights, improve housing standards, and ensure fair treatment of tenants. The bill represents a comprehensive effort to balance tenant protections with landlord rights, ultimately seeking to create a more equitable and stable rental market

Source: Property Notify

Rightmove’s report states that one of the most pressing concerns in the current property market is the elevated interest rates, which are continuing to stretch affordability. Now, all eyes are on the Bank of England’s next meeting in August.

According to Rightmove, financial markets expect the first Base Rate cut to occur in August or September. This is encouraging news, but these forecasts may change in the coming weeks. The first Base Rate cut in four years, combined with the renewed political certainty post-General Election, could set the backdrop for a booming Autumn market.

Rightmove’s Director of Property Science, Tim Bannister, said: “A Base Rate cut is expected to lead to lower mortgage rates, which could be the game-changer for some would-be home-movers who are being held back by significantly higher monthly mortgage costs. The average five-year fixed rate is still nearly twice as high as it was before the first of 14 consecutive Bank of England rate increases in 2021, with rates staying elevated for much longer than many thought that they would. A first Base Rate cut for over four years, together with the new political certainty, could set the scene for a positive Autumn market, with improved affordability and a more confident outlook in the second half of the year.

Source: RW Invest

The recent shift in political power to the Labour government promises significant changes across various sectors, with the UK housing market poised for a substantial transformation.

Labour’s manifesto outlined a series of ambitious plans to address the housing crisis, emphasising affordability, sustainability, and community empowerment. Here’s a closer look at how the housing landscape is expected to evolve under this new administration.

One of Labour’s primary objectives is to tackle the chronic housing shortage that has plagued the UK for decades. The government plans to invest heavily in the construction of new homes, aiming to build at least 300,000 new homes annually. This ambitious target includes a mix of social housing, affordable homes, and homes for first-time buyers. By increasing supply, Labour hopes to ease the pressure on the housing market, making home ownership more attainable for a broader segment of the population.

A cornerstone of Labour’s housing policy is the significant expansion of social housing. The government has committed to building hundreds of thousands of council homes, reversing the trend of declining social housing stock. This move is designed to provide secure, affordable housing options for those on lower incomes and reduce the reliance on the private rental sector, which has often been criticised for high costs and poor conditions.

Labour’s approach to the housing market also includes measures to protect renters. The government intends to introduce rent controls to cap annual rent increases, ensuring that housing costs remain within reach for tenants. Additionally, Labour plans to enhance tenants’ rights, offering greater security of tenure and stronger protections against eviction. These measures aim to create a more balanced rental market, where tenants feel secure and landlords are encouraged to maintain high standards.

Sustainability is a key theme in Labour’s housing strategy. The government is committed to making all new homes environmentally friendly, adhering to stringent energy efficiency standards. This initiative includes retrofitting existing housing stock with modern insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy sources. By focusing on sustainability, Labour aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the housing sector and lower energy bills for homeowners and tenants alike. Ensuring these new builds meet high standards of construction quality, companies like Build Warranty Group can provide the necessary warranties and guarantees, giving homeowners peace of mind and protecting their investments.

First-time buyers are set to benefit from several targeted initiatives under the Labour government. The party has proposed the introduction of a new Help to Buy scheme, offering greater financial support and lower interest rates to those entering the property market for the first time. Additionally, Labour plans to introduce measures to curb speculative buying and investment in residential properties, ensuring that more homes are available for those who intend to live in them. To further support first-time buyers, partnering with organisations like Build Warranty Group can ensure that new homes are protected by comprehensive warranties, providing an additional layer of security for buyers.

Labour’s housing policy also includes a strong focus on community regeneration. The government plans to invest in the revitalisation of neglected urban areas, transforming them into vibrant, livable communities. This includes improving infrastructure, public services, and green spaces, making these areas more attractive places to live and work. By fostering a sense of community, Labour aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and stimulate local economies.

To fund these extensive housing initiatives, Labour has outlined a combination of increased public spending and tax reforms. The government plans to raise funds through higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals and large corporations, as well as closing tax loopholes. This approach is expected to generate the necessary revenue to support Labour’s ambitious housing agenda without placing undue financial burden on the majority of taxpayers.

The landscape of the UK housing market is set for a significant transformation under the new Labour government. With a strong focus on increasing housing supply, expanding social housing, protecting renters, promoting sustainability, and supporting first-time buyers, Labour’s policies aim to create a more equitable and sustainable housing market. While the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and ongoing support, the proposed changes offer a hopeful vision for the future of housing in the UK. Companies like Build Warranty Group will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and durability of new housing developments, contributing to the overall success of Labour’s housing strategy.

Source: PBC Today

Three major lenders have reduced mortgage rates ahead of an expected Labour victory this week.

Halifax and Natwest have cut rates by up to 0.23%, while Clydesdale Bank said its rates will fall by 0.38%.

The reductions come amid hopes that the Bank of England will cut interest rates next month after holding the Bank Rate at 5.25% since August 2023.

A number of economists forecast a rate cut in August, which it is hoped will stimulate buyer activity.

The average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate currently stands at 5.95%, according to analyst Moneyfacts, and the average five-year rate is 5.53%. Bank of England data last week revealed mortgage approvals for house purchases fell from 60,800 in April to 60,000 in May, while approvals for remortgaging decreased slightly from 29,900 to 29,600 over the same period.

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says: “Mortgage approvals for new purchases dipped slightly on the previous month, perhaps reflecting stubbornly high mortgage rates, which may have raised borrower concerns with regards to affordability and confidence.

“Remortgaging numbers decreased again as borrowers chose to stick with their existing lender and do a product transfer rather than go through the additional hassle of refinancing to another lender.

“With inflation hitting its 2 per cent target, an interest rate cut is increasingly likely, which will boost the market and give lenders more confidence to price their mortgage rates lower.”

Ryan Davies, strategy director, Bluestone Mortgages, added: “With an upcoming general election and consumer confidence still low, it’s unsurprising to see a drop in mortgage approvals.

“However, with markets now pricing in two base rate cuts this year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve already seen a number of lenders bring down their rates in the last week, and expect more to follow suit.

“For those worried about how they can climb onto or up the property ladder in the current environment, now is the time to look to their brokers for support. It is the ultimate duty of these professionals to signpost customers to the best available options for their unique circumstances so that no one should be locked out from achieving their homeownership dream.”

Source: Property Industry Eye