The Renters' Rights Bill is shaking up the property market. House prices are bouncing back, with Belfast showing remarkable gains. The new EPC regulations are pushing landlords to upgrade their properties by 2030. Tracker mortgages are on the rise as interest rates climb, changing the landscape for borrowers. Plus, find out why avocado bathrooms are making a comeback among young homeowners, alongside some must-see TV recommendations.
16:15
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Recent data shows a recovery in house prices, with notable increases across various regions, especially urban centers like Manchester and Liverpool.
The Renters' Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament, highlighting ongoing rental reform discussions and potential impacts on the market and property owners.
Deep dives
Current Trends in House Prices
House prices have shown a notable shift in momentum, with recent data suggesting a recovery in the market. HomeTrack reported a 5.1% annual growth in Belfast, while England's key areas like Manchester and Liverpool are also performing well. Interestingly, regions in the south, including London, are showing resilience compared to other areas in the southeast, likely influenced by the ongoing trend of migration back to urban centers. These trends are further supported by a drop in mortgage rates over the last 15 months, boosting market activity significantly.
Market Insights from Nationwide and Halifax
According to Nationwide's latest data, house prices increased by 0.7% in September, indicating a recovery from the previous month's decline. The annual change now stands at 3.2%, while Halifax reports a higher annual growth rate of 4.7%, highlighting a broader recovery in the property market. This increase in activity is also mirrored in the number of mortgages agreed, which surged by 40% compared to last year, returning to pre-pandemic levels. The anticipation of potential aggressive interest rate cuts by the Bank of England could further stimulate the market as the year closes.
Impact of Rental Reform and EPC Ratings
The ongoing discussion around rental reform continues to gain momentum, with the Renters' Rights Bill moving through Parliament, though no significant changes are expected immediately. A notable global example from Argentina demonstrates that removal of rent controls led to a 40% decline in real rental prices, showcasing the potential benefits of allowing market forces to function freely. Moreover, there is growing concern about the government's proposal to improve energy efficiency in rental properties, with a deadline set for 2030. Despite the alarming number of homes needing upgrades, there is skepticism regarding the feasibility of meeting these targets, suggesting property owners should consider gradual improvements.
The property world was rocked by news of the Renters' Rights Bill, but that’s not all - there's been a ton happening in the market, and today Rob & Rob break it all down. Diving into the data they bring you BIG updates on house prices, latest shifts in mortgage rates, and what the upcoming budget could mean for investors.