The UK property market has enjoyed a mini boom since reopening after the lockdown and the government’s stamp duty cut could result in more people moving home over the next few months.
Here, Which? explains what’s happening to house prices and offer advice on making an offer on a property in these uncertain times.
- You can keep up to date with all the latest news on the pandemic on our coronavirus advice hub.
What’s happening to the property market?
Property markets across the UK have now reopened, meaning estate agents are conducting in-person house viewings again and buyers are able to move home once more.
All UK governments have also temporarily cut stamp duty. This means buyers could potentially save up to £15,000 in tax if they move home before April 2021.
The cut is designed to reignite the property market in the wake of COVID-19, although there are signs that the wheels were already beginning to turn.
Provisional data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) shows that 70,710 property sales went through in July, up 14.5% on June’s figures but down 27% year-on-year.
HMRC says the stamp duty holiday is unlikely to impact on transaction figures until later this month.
How have house prices changed?
It’s too early to tell how much impact coronavirus is having on house prices and it’s likely that the figures we see in the coming months will fluctuate significantly.
The most reliable barometer of house prices is the Land Registry’s UK House Price Index. The index was suspended during lockdown, but last week the Land Registry released delayed figures for May showing a 0.3% month-on-month drop and a 2.9% year-on-year rise in prices.
The Land Registry says that by 21 October it will be back on track with its scheduled reports, and by that time we may have a clearer indication of what’s really happened to values.
Rightmove’s index (which is based on asking prices rather than sold prices) reported a 0.2% month-on-month drop in August.
Nationwide’s August index (based on mortgage lending) reported a 2% month-on-month rise in prices, while Halifax (also based on lending) reported a 5.2% increase.
- Find out more: should you pay attention to house price indices?
House price predictions
There’s a great deal of optimism around the property market at the moment, with Rightmove hailing ‘the busiest month for 10 years’ in August and Zoopla saying activity is at its strongest level in five years.
This might not last, however. Experts believe the market (and house price growth) could slow down once the government’s Coronavirus financial support schemes and the stamp duty cut come to an end.
- Halifax says the housing market will eventually feel the effects of the economic downturn, with ‘greater downward pressure on house prices in the medium-term’.
- Nationwide says the winding down of government support schemes could ‘dampen housing activity’.
- Rightmove says the market is likely to continue performing well in the short-term, buyers and sellers ‘still need to be mindful of the wider economic concerns’.
- Zoopla believes that prices and activity will remain stable until the end of the year.
Will the stamp duty cut affect house prices?
Mid-range buyers in more expensive parts of England are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of the stamp duty cut, with savings of £10,000 on a £400,000 property and £15,000 on a £500,000 property encouraging more moves.
In the short term, this could theoretically make house prices rise, especially on properties in sought-after areas within commuting distance of major cities.
But buying a home based on the stamp duty cut could be a dangerous move, as you might pay a premium now and then see the property’s value fall over the next 12 months.
When considering how much to offer, do your research and remember that the estate agent works for the seller, so will be looking to get as high a price as possible. If you’re unsure, consider taking advice from another agent or a specialist buying agent.
- Find out more: stamp duty calculator – how much could you save?
How do house viewings work at the minute?
During the lockdown, estate agents began offering video house viewings and these will still play a part.
The government’s latest guidance says buyers should use virtual viewings to filter properties and only view homes in-person once they’re seriously considering making an offer.
In-person viewings must follow social distancing measures. You must wash or sanitise your hands when entering homes and avoid touching surfaces. If social distancing isn’t possible, both viewers and agents should consider wearing a face mask.
- Find out more: should you buy or rent based on a video viewing?
Is it possible to get a good mortgage deal?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the number of mortgage deals on the market has halved, but there are still plenty of good rates out there – especially if you have a bigger deposit.
Data from Moneyfacts shows that average rates dropped to record lows in July. They’ve begun to creep up again now, but remain significantly lower than they were before the lockdown in March.
Buyers with deposits of 5% and 10% have been hardest hit by deals being withdrawn, with nine in 10 low-deposit mortgages disappearing and banks putting restrictions on lending.
- Find out more: low-deposit mortgages are disappearing
Which? coronavirus advice
Experts from across Which? have been compiling the advice you need to stay safe, and to make sure you’re not left out of pocket.
- Can you remortgage if you’ve been furloughed?
- Your rights if an event is delayed or cancelled due to coronavirus
- Coronavirus: how to protect your pensions and investments
- What coronavirus means for your travel insurance
- How to spot a coronavirus scam
- Travel and consumer rights Q&A
- Coronavirus: UK transport rights on trains, coaches and car insurance
You can keep up to date on our latest advice on the pandemic with our coronavirus advice guides.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/09/how-will-the-coronavirus-affect-house-prices/