December proves to be an exciting time for the property market, with house prices rising and a surprising rental boom on the horizon. Discussions reveal a two-year high in mortgage approvals and the implications of net migration on rental shortages. Leasehold reform timelines are finally on the table, adding another layer of intrigue. Plus, Boxing Day viewing trends are explored, hinting at a bustling post-Christmas market. To cap it off, festive movie recommendations bring a bit of holiday cheer!
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Quick takeaways
House prices have shown resilience with a 3.7% year-on-year increase, indicating a robust property market despite economic challenges.
The rental market is experiencing an 8.7% annual increase in prices due to a shortage of supply exacerbated by high net migration.
Deep dives
Strong Year-End House Price Growth
House prices have shown resilience by increasing by 1.2% in November and 3.7% year-on-year, indicating a solid performance in the housing market despite various challenges like higher mortgage rates and inflation. Market insiders emphasize that while these growth rates may not seem extraordinary compared to historical highs, consistent annual growth around 4% is desirable and reflects underlying strength in the property market. The increase in transactions also signals a functional market, with October 2023 registering the highest activity since November 2022. This positive trend in house prices and market activity is particularly notable in a year that has felt less favorable, suggesting potential stability going into the new year.
Notable Rental Market Boom
Rental prices have surged, now averaging an 8.7% year-on-year increase, driven by a notable imbalance between supply and demand in the rental sector. The exit of many landlords from the market, with 19% having sold properties while only 8% purchased new ones, exacerbates the rental shortage and allows remaining landlords to raise rents significantly. Additionally, net migration has hit record levels, with 900,000 new arrivals in the UK, further increasing demand for rental properties. This combination of factors indicates a continuing rental boom that is expected to persist, especially with the projected returns for landlords remaining strong amid rising inflation.
Mortgage Landscape and Market Resilience
Mortgage approvals reached a two-year high in October, reflecting a buoyant market despite higher interest rates and potential increases in long-term housing costs. Recent, sensationalized headlines about a 'shock' warning from the Bank of England regarding mortgage costs often misrepresent reality, as these changes were largely anticipated due to a historical shift from low fixed rates. The market's resilience at current mortgage rate levels is noteworthy, with many investors still achieving strong returns on their investments. This stability amidst rising costs suggests a robust property investment environment, defying expectations set by external economic pressures.
December might be here, but the property market isn’t taking a Christmas break yet! In our final market update of the year, Rob & Rob reveal the latest big new stories – from a surprising rental boom flying under the radar to the unexpected house price growth over the past year.
(1:11) Let’s start by looking at house prices.
(6:07) What’s the latest on mortgage rates?
(9:05) The shock data from the rental market.
(14:30) Has the leasehold reform timeline finally been revealed?
(15:33) Is Boxing Day really one of the busiest for house viewings?