sale

West Midlands property market continues to outperform the rest

The latest figures from Rightmove show that the UK’s house prices are now at an average £308,075, but where are the strongest markets?

Across the country, asking prices inched up by a modest 0.8% in May according to data from property sale portal Rightmove, representing a 1.1% rise over the past 12 months.

However, the top markets in the index by far outperformed the UK average, with the West Midlands, East Midlands and Wales all seeing strong gains both annually and monthly as demand in these areas remained high.

The West Midlands saw the highest month-on-month asking price rises across the country with an increase of 2.6% to £225,469, while prices were up by 4.3% compared to May 2017. Meanwhile, the East Midlands achieved the top annual property price growth of 4.8%, with a 0.9% monthly uptick bringing prices to an average of £233,266. In Wales, asking prices for homes went up by 1.6% between April and May, and 4.3% for the year, with the average property there now being marketed for an average of £192,422.

Lots of interest but reduced movement

While Rightmove has seen a huge surge in interest to its website from prospective home buyers, it also reported that people in general were more hesitant at the moment when it comes to property transactions. Sales by estate agents have decreased by around 5.4% over the past year, with London and surrounding areas the worst hit at 8.5% as different housing markets continue to move at different speeds.

Miles Shipside, director at Rightmove, said: “After six years of continual year on year price growth, the current market is becoming increasingly price sensitive, with new to the market sellers being limited to an average asking price growth of just 1.1% over the last year.

“This is in spite of there being plenty of historically cheap mortgage products around for buyers who meet lenders’ criteria.”

“Sellers need to pitch their price at a tempting level to entice buyers, as while there are signs of strong demand there appears to be hesitation among some buyers to commit.”

Self-certified Sophisticated Investor

Please read

I declare that I am a self-certified sophisticated investor for the purposes of the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. I understand that this means:

I am a self-certified sophisticated investor because at least one of the following applies:

I accept that the investments to which the promotions will relate may expose me to a significant risk of losing all of the money or other property invested. I am aware that it is open to me seek advice from someone who specialises in advising on non-mainstream pooled investments.

High Net Worth Investor

Please read

I make this statement so that I can receive promotional communications which are exempt from the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. The exemption relates to certified high net worth investors and I declare that I qualify as such because at least one of the following applies to me:

STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET

Sign up for first access to new developments and exclusive property investment opportunities.

We send limited and targeted emails on new launches and exclusive deals which best fit your areas. We are trusted by over 30,000 active buyers as their source for new stock.

  • New property developments
  • Professional market reports
  • Property deal alerts
  • Development updates
Manchester property investment

FIRST FOR NEWS AND KNOWLEDGE.

Receive trending news straight to your inbox and stay up to date on all of the property market trends and advice.

Established since 2005 we are a leading voice of authority and commentary on the UK property market. Our news is trusted by Apple News & Google News.

  • UK housing market
  • Mortgage & money
  • Buy-to-let landlords
  • Guides & advice

Talk to us

Speak to our UK property experts today:

 

+44 (0) 333 123 0320

Open from 9am-6pm GMT

 

+852 6699 9008

Open from 9am-6pm HKT