Good news for the UK housing market and why its time to buy

When inflation falls in the UK, it can have several effects on the property market. Inflation refers to the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises over time, and when it falls, it means the rate of price increase is slowing down.

Inflation and interest rates are often linked. When inflation falls, the Bank of England may respond by reducing interest rates to stimulate economic growth. Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper, including mortgage rates. As a result, homeowners may find it more affordable to buy property or refinance existing mortgages, which should naturally increase demand in the property market.

When inflation is low, the purchasing power of the currency tends to be stronger. This means people can afford to buy more with their money. In the context of the property market, potential buyers might find that their money goes further, leading to increased demand for properties. This could push up property prices.

Although further interest rate rises are expected this year, the recent fall in inflation was far better than predicted, meaning that future rises will not be as severe as once thought.

Our advice to anyone thinking of moving is - do it, if it's affordable to do so.

If you had the opportunity to purchase your dream home for a lower price, would you? This can be achieved when entering the slow housing market, also known as a “buyers’ market”. Buying a home during this time comes along with many benefits being that this season can also be considered the second-best time of the year to buy! Despite these advantages, many homeowners tend to purchase homes when properties are limited due to a busy market.

SELLERS ARE MOTIVATED

When there is a supply is greater than demand, sellers will often set their asking prices lower than the previous homes sold in the area months before. When sellers compete with other sellers eager to sell their home, as a buyer you become the commodity they which results in you being able to take the lead! If a seller is anxious to move on from their home, they will want the slip on their For Sale sign to change to “SOLD” as soon as possible.

MORE INCENTIVES

Often, a seller's goal is to sell their home as fast as possible and for the highest price, which sometimes is a lot to ask for in a slow market. During this time, they become more willing to offer incentives, such as paying for closing costs, including appliances and furniture, or even repairing any damages to the home.

LESS COMPETITION, LESS BIDDING

With a lack of competition comes the next advantageous reason to buy during the slow market! Buyers can take advantage of the low competition and can avoid getting into a bidding war over their dream home. Removing the multitude of buyers, you come across when searching during the busy market, you can rest assured the bidding process will flow much easier.

MORE TIME

Since it is less likely for a home in a slow market to receive multiple offers, this grants buyers more time to search and assess their finances before making the big jump. More time allows you to not make a rash offer on a property that you are not 100% sold on because you are stressed someone else will make an offer before you.

My thoughts, whilst we may see a short-term wobble, long-term, history tells us the UK housing market is rather robust when faced with uncertainty and economic challenges, in the UK we have always felt safe buying bricks and mortar because 'it's as safe as houses':