Most estate agents expect a summer interest rate cut to help revitalise buyer market activity but remain split on whether this will drive up house prices, latest survey results from GetAgent.co.uk reveal.
Some 85% of those surveyed believe that its higher mortgage rates that have dampened buyer market activity, with nearly eight out of 10 (79%) stating that the issue has persisted due to the Bank of England’s decision to keep rates held at 5.25%.
The latest Gov figures released last week, show that inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years and, at 2.3%, sits close to the Bank of England’s target rate of 2%.
But while a rate cut was widely expected this summer, April’s inflation figure came in higher than expected, denting hopes of a cut in June.
But the majority of agents surveyed by GetAgent believe a cut is what’s needed to boost buyer interest, with 83% believing that when rates do come down, more buyers will be enticed back to the market.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Colby Short, GetAgent.co.ukBut when it comes to the price they are willing to pay, agents remain split. Just over half (52%) believe that more buyers will offer a higher percentage of asking price compared to the current market if rates do come down, with just under half (48%) believing that they will continue to offer the same.
Colby Short, Co-founder and Chief Executive of GetAgent.co.uk, says: “Transactions so far this year have been at their lowest levels since 2013. The number of listings has remained quite high but properties have not been selling at the rate they have over recent years.
“This has been a double serving of trouble for agents as they have had to pay to acquire the same number of listings, pay for photos, pay to market the properties but are not generating the same revenue.
“It’s great to finally see light at the end of the tunnel. May’s transaction numbers increased year on year and, with inflation falling, cheaper lending appears to be on the horizon. It can’t come fast enough for the property industry!”
