UK Property Market Forecast 2024

Forecasts from Leading Analysts:

• Rightmove's Perspective: A modest recalibration is anticipated, with a projected 1% contraction in property values.
• Zoopla's Outlook: A slight 2% downward adjustment in housing prices is foreseen.
• Nationwide's Vision: Expectations lean towards a minimal, single-digit dip in property values.
• Halifax's Projection: A 2-4% decrease in the housing market is predicted, indicating a cautious yet notable shift.

Reflecting on Forecast Precision in 2022: It's crucial to acknowledge a certain deviation in last year's predictions by these esteemed organisations. Their estimates ranged from 8-15% declines for 2023, yet as per the latest ONS data, the actual decrease was a more contained 1.4%.

Comprehensive Market Analysis (Late 2023 and Looking into 2024):

• Current Market Dynamics: Despite historically low inventory levels over the past two decades, we're observing a five-year peak in available properties.
• Interest Rates and Mortgage Impacts: The base rate has remained stable for the third consecutive term, a positive reflection of diminishing inflation rates.

Rental Market Evolution:

• Demand Surge: The rental sector across most English regions has witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand, with an average price increase exceeding 10% in 2023.
• Rental Growth Forecast: A continued upward trajectory in rental prices is anticipated, compounded by a higher rate of landlords exiting compared to new entrants in the market.

Concluding Observations: The UK property landscape is steering towards a phase of relative stability, especially when considered against the tumultuous past 36 months. Properties that are strategically marketed and priced appropriately are finding buyers; those that aren't, simply aren't.

First-time buyers are now the most common purchaser, accounting for over 36% of transactions in England.

With mortgage rates on a downward trend, the market is poised for the introduction of attractive 3.99% mortgage deals within the next quarter.

Advice for Prospective 2024 Sellers: A word of caution – it's a common practice for estate agents to inflate valuations in the early months of the year to boost listings. If you're considering selling, be wary of this tactic.

Need a valuation?

Request a call back here.