New figures were published last week showing significant positivity in the housing market. This comes by way of an unprecedented rise in the average asking price of properties. Since the General Election in December it would appear confidence has returned to the market, leading to a new record in property asking prices. But, is an increase in house prices a good thing?
New build completions reach 200,000 It doesn’t need to be said that there’s still unprecedented demand for new homes across the country. And that demand is greater in some areas than others. However, there is some good news to share in that new build home completions this year saw figures at their highest in a very long time. That said, they still fall short of the government’s target for delivering new homes. Let’s find out more…
The cost of buying new Whether it’s your very first time buying a home, or it’s been a while since you last purchased a property, it’s important to consider all the costs associated with moving. The same goes even if you’re buying a new build property. There may be offers with your housebuilder and you may well qualify for stamp duty exemption, which all helps with the budget. But what about all the other costs here and there which soon start to add up?
For obvious reasons such as Brexit and political uncertainty, house price growth last year was a little stagnant. In fact, figures shared by Post Office Money, found by analysing ONS data, shows there was an increase of only 0.9% across the UK. This saw the average home in 2019 cost £282,713. But the figures also reveal a couple of regions across the country where growth outstripped the national average and reached double figures. We look at some of these areas and the new build homes you can find there…
Traditional features lead the way Some new research was published last week, highlighting the most important factors a new-build home can have, from the point of view of homebuyers who are looking to buy new. And despite our desire for lifestyle and contemporary living, it’s the more traditional features which still rank as the most sought after when people are looking for their ideal new property.
We do like to live by water Yes, the warm Summer weather can make a big difference when it comes to thinking where we’d most like to live. An air-conditioned apartment, a South-facing garden or how about something on the coast? A recent study done across Britain revealed most of us would prefer to live near water, given the chance. Ideally by the sea.
Some might argue the effectiveness and popularity of Government schemes to assist those buying property. However, new research from Zoopla, UK’s online property search provider reveals how Help to Buy has been a success and where in the country it’s been the most effective.
Record figures for first-time buyers With all the political turmoil in the country over the last few months, anyone would be surprised to hear property sales have broken records this year. Buy they have, and they come via the first-time buyer proportion of the market. We look at the numbers and the reasons why…
Essex sees huge property price growth Looking at the country as a whole, statistics show that Essex has experienced some of the largest property price rises on average, in recent years. Recent data from Rightmove dug a little deeper to show those regions of Essex where house prices have rocketed in the last five years. And, it might surprise you to know that Basildon tops the list!
New homes flourish in Scotland There has been a steady increase in the number of new build homes in Scotland over the last few years. In fact, figures from the last 12 months show new home building has increased by 15% compared to last year, with a rise of 3,000 new properties brought to market.