Hayman-Joyce has had a positive start to 2024, with more sales agreed than in the preceding two years, and at a similar level to the peak market in 2021.
Land Registry data for the Cotswold District shows stable prices over the last eighteen months and I predict property prices will increase this year, making now a good time to buy.
Don’t be put off by the upcoming General Election. There is much talk of a slowing market, with transaction volumes falling ahead of the election. The Land Registry UK sales volume data shows the volume of sales was not impacted by the last five general elections – putting pay to much of the commentary to the contrary.
Interest rates have stabilised, real incomes both before and after tax are now growing, the percentage of income spent on mortgages is in line with the last 12 years, targets for the supply of new homes are being missed, rental prices – according to our in-house Hayman-Joyce data – have risen by 37.4% since 2020, making buying more affordable than renting. Rules on mortgage lending have been relaxed and mortgages are increasingly being considered on gross income multiples.
The Skipton Building Society, for example, offers a 100% loan to value mortgage, allowing buyers who can’t afford to save for a deposit to buy, on the basis the buyer’s mortgage repayments are no higher than the rent they have been paying. Housing supply in the UK continues to lag behind demand, with net migration at 700,000 in 2023 and net additional dwellings at 240,000. The Cotswolds is ever popular, with fantastic schooling, beautiful countryside, sparsely populated and great transport links (Elizabeth Line from Paddington greatly improving the prospect of commuting to London). Over all the Cotswolds and surrounding countryside offer an exceptional way of life for many.
For expert advice on the Cotswold property market please contact Tom and the team on 01608 651188 or book a valuation at haymanjoyce.co.uk.