Archive for March, 2010

Conveyancing Data From RICS Shoves Sterling Below $1.50

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Just shows what an impact the UK housing market has… the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyers (RICS) reported a dip in house prices last month and shortly after Sterling dipped below $1.50. The RICS data, gathered from conveyancing specialists, showed a drop to +17% in February from a +31% in January based on year-on-year figures.

February’s housing market prices decline is the most severe one-month fall since way back in April 2008 and as a side effect Sterling fell 0.4% to a 10-month low of $1.4781. Not good for anyone hoping the economy was back on track or if you’re looking to go on holiday and need some foreign exchange.

Repossession Properties Aren’t Making It Back To The Market Place Quick Enough

Friday, March 5th, 2010

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) have said that there is a shortage of almost one million homes in the UK which threatens to create a housing crisis. Their research also revealed that only 124,000 homes were built last year, the last time that few homes were built in the UK was just after the Second World War.

The HBF report put the problem down to the recession and the static Construction Industry, stating that nearly five million people are on housing waiting lists and many are having to choose rented accommodation or live with parents because they can’t afford to buy a property. Of course, there hasn’t just sprung up 5 million people, the shortage is not down to a lack of properties but a lack of properties on the market and a lack of credit available for buyers. With repossession properties staying with banks and not being sold and sellers holding off till after the General Election, the market is at a very slow point.

Housing Plans Could Be Halted Due To General Election

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

After blogging on monday about how the General Election (GE) was influencing the housing market, there is yet more evidence that UK politics’ biggest popularity contest is affecting decisions within the property arena. This time it’s about new builds, specifically, plans to build 1,500 homes on the edge of Wantage, Oxfordshire. Local MP Ed Vaizey believes the proposals to build should be held back until after the GE.

Speaking to the press, Vaizey said: “The Liberal Democrat council have made the mistake of proposing to dump 1,500 houses on Wantage without any consideration about either the number of houses or the best place to put them.” If the proposals come to fruition, they will increase the town’s population by 35% but the MP for Wantage believes it is possible to stop some of the development and plans to request a meeting with the Secretary of State the day after the GE.

Quick House Sale Not Likely As Buyers Hold Off

Monday, March 1st, 2010

The latest news from Estate Agents across the country is that the housing market is at a stand still as home buyers and sellers wait to see if the run up to the general election and any government change will affect their position. According to many home-owners and wannabes, concerns about budget cuts and potential tax rises are making them hold off on agreeing deals on property.

With less houses on the market due to the general election fears, it’s no surprise that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that in last months nationwide house price figures, 17% more estate agents reported a rise rather than a fall in house prices. Despite the postive news of increasing house prices, with very few people looking or able to buy, a quick house sale is seemingly out of the question unless you take another route.