Tuesday, 27 December 2011

The State of the Property Market in 2012

By Anthony Haaland


The housing market has remained stable during 2011; this is partly due to the Bank of England's base rate remaining at 0.5 per cent throughout most of the year. If this trend continues during 2012 property prices are expected to remain stable. This is positive news for property investment as the number of properties for sale is unlikely to fall.

Due to the recession many people are unwilling to move, particularly in areas hit hard by the economic recession. Whilst properties in these areas may be sold at BMV levels, those looking for property investment should research the area to find out if they are likely to make much of a return on their investment. London and the South East are predicted to be the least hard hit and property bought here is likely to hold its price well.

Despite the weak economic growth expected and mortgage pressures experts predict some good points for the year ahead. With fewer and fewer new homes being built the low supply with high demand of new home seekers will help to keep the property prices stable. The current low mortgage rates are ideal for property investment; it also means that home owners are using less of their disposable income to pay their mortgage. This means that there are less forced house sales due to people not being able to keep up repayments on their mortgage; this is the most common cause of properties being sold at BMV. An increase in forced sales is usually one of the causes in falling house prices and an increase in BMV properties.

In 2012 the number of first time buyers increasing is unlikely. The economic and employment uncertainty makes people wait before taking on their first property investment; worries about being unable to repay their mortgage is the biggest reason for this. Those looking to purchase overseas property or UK property will find more BMV properties available as fewer people are willing to buy.

It is unlikely that 2012 will see a large increase in the amount of first time buyers. With fears of unemployment and being unable to meet mortgage repayments many people are put off from buying their first home. This may cause an increase in BMV both in UK and overseas properties as sellers find there are fewer buyers willing to invest.

Whilst there are mortgages available, buyers are holding back waiting for a better economic time to buy, this means that those who are not first time buyers and are able to invest are able to do so, whether they are looking for UK or overseas properties.

Many people will be put off buying UK and overseas properties due to the economic situation and the high deposits required from sellers. This in turn will create more BMV properties. For those with financial security along with mortgages available at low rates, it can be an ideal time for property investment.

With those who can afford to buy being able to pick and choose from the many properties for sale many houses simply are not selling. Whether this is due to the area or the price is worth considering before you invest. If you find UK or overseas properties at BMV you need to consider the cost and length of your property investment, with prices remaining the same across many areas.




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