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Hunts Lane, Desford, LE9

A superb country house set in gardens and grounds approaching one acre. Hunts Lane...

£1,300,000

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The Belt South Kilworth, LE17

The Cordals is an idyllic country property located on The Belt in the highly desirable...

£900,000

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Ten reasons why the 2024 property market is looking good

2023 was a better year than expected

Next year is already off to a good start on the back of a much less bleak 2023 than anticipated. Many doom-mongers had predicted the worst, but the annual national average asking price in November came in at -1.3%.* When you consider the rapid growth in prices over the last few years, this is insignificant. In fact, in October 2023, the monthly change in the national average asking price increased by 0.5%.*

Realistic pricing

There are no hard-and-fast rules. All properties are unique, and first-time buyer home prices have remained the most robust. This will continue in 2024. But with house prices no longer rapidly increasing, the market is in a better place and more reasonable pricing is prevailing. There is also slightly more room for negotiation on bigger homes. Because of this, it’s vital to value and price your home correctly in the coming year.

Stabilising interest rates

Interest rates were held at 5.25%** for the second consecutive time by the Bank of England in November after months of increases, thanks to falling inflation. This has created more certainty and stability as we enter a new year. There is a wider acceptance that mortgage rates will not return to the super-low levels of the past. This is ushering homemovers into getting on with their moves and not waiting any longer with a life-is-for-living attitude. And with many banks not passing on the increase in the base rate to mortgage rates, if there is another increase, then your mortgage will not necessarily cost you more.

More mortgage products to choose from

Your mortgage benefits from a more stable base rate. This leads to a greater choice of cheaper mortgages appearing on the market. Moving home mortgages or porting your mortgage allows you to move home with your existing mortgage. This year has seen an increase in mortgage support schemes and longer terms, which make moving with higher interest costs more affordable. A good mortgage advisor, like a good agent, can be the key to making your move more possible and can explore options such as offset mortgages, and interest-only mortgages. Next year, we should see a bigger increase in choice as the market settles.

As mortgage rates decrease property prices will increase

Some analysts predict that mortgage rates will decline in 2024 and that house prices will rise towards the end of the year. But there is little point in waiting for this to occur, as property prices right now are reasonably priced. Putting off moving to later in 2024, when mortgage rates may decrease, will not save you any money. As property prices increase, any savings you thought you might gain by waiting will be lost.

A returned-to-normal market

The market has returned to the more normal levels of 2019. With reasonable pricing, strong demand, and good levels of affordability, 2024 promises to be a better year. Prices could not continue to rapidly rise as they have in recent years. Looking ahead, the property market is strong, resilient, stable, and far less frantic than in recent years. This year has seen a re-adjustment and the re-emergence of a market that will allow you to enjoy your home move with more time and less haste.

The Christmas and New Year surge

In 2022, the number of views of homes for sale on Rightmove jumped by 20% between the week of Christmas and Boxing Day.* Thousands of homemovers start viewing properties over Christmas as homes appear on the market in time for the Boxing Day home viewing frenzy. Getting an early start to the year ahead will create renewed buoyancy in the market. Your home will sell quickly, and there will be plenty of homes for you to explore. Perhaps it is also hard-wired into many of us that we like change as a new year appears.

Good growth

With improved levels of affordability, a renewed vibe at the beginning, and an expectation of lower interest rates by the end of the year, 2024 is looking good. Many people are eager to get moving after postponing their plans to wait and see what happens. With competitively priced homes entering the market and this pent-up demand, 2024 could see good levels of growth.

Properties

Whether you are window shopping or seriously seeking the property of your dreams, you will notice a huge variety of beautiful properties appearing on the market. With for-sale signs sprouting on your street and property portals. Homes and investments in all locations, from first-time buyers to large, luxurious, or compact apartments, will give you a greater choice than in past years. And finally, you make your move to a better way of living.

Your agent will make it easy

Estate agents are evolving and being less rushed than in previous years, they will have a lot more time for you. But don't be fooled into thinking this is due to a lack of market activity. The market will remain strong, resilient, and buoyant and feel less frantic. Agents are connected to vast databases of homemovers and mortgage advisors, and with the ability to price your home correctly, they make moving easy.

Need any more reasons to make your move happen? Contact us

Rightmove*
Bank of England**

Why buying now could be a really great move?

Timing is often on the minds of many homemovers. You want more. You want to move, but you ask yourself: Is it the right time? This can be for an entire host of reasons, and in many ways, it does not exist. Often, the amount of time you have invested in a property supersedes anything else, including financial elements. If you have a lot of equity in your home or are a cash buyer, you probably don’t worry too much about interest rates. If you are moving to a region where you have more space for your money than your previous location, then you still stand to gain. Perhaps you are moving for emotional reasons, and while the numbers are important, they are not a priority. But if you are someone who likes to be a bit savvy, it’s all about anticipating the market ahead. In fact, average asking prices in October 2023 increased by 0.5%.*

2024 has been built on good years

Many properties have had a small fortune spent on them in recent years. If you are thinking of moving now, you will find a high standard of interesting, inspiring, and, in some cases, breathtaking properties. There are still plenty of projects to be found that are both characterful and modern, with a little room for improvement in the mix as well. Over the past few years, prices have rapidly increased, allowing your home to gain equity quickly. Yes. There was a little bit of a lull in 2022, but it was nothing like the bleak picture that the mainstream media painted. This allowed the property market and you to catch your breath. Letting off a little steam is a healthy thing; it prevents overheating and keeps the market stable.

Many home movers are making an early start

A lot of homemovers will put their homes on the market over Christmas, and many more will be viewing them; it’s become a tradition. As you feast on Christmas fayre your eyes can gorge on stunning homes and investments. Suddenly, it will be 2024, and offers, viewings, and more valuations will keep agents busy. But not in a frantic way. Though all this activity will keep prices healthy, unlike in recent years, they will not get carried away. This early momentum makes it a good time to find a property and plant a for sale sign at your address.

Get ahead of the market

There are positive signs that the market has stabilised thanks to settling interest rates. There is much talk of the property market ascending as 2024 progresses, so by moving now, you can get ahead of the curve. Prices may fluctuate marginally, but the strong demand for your home means your property will retain its value. So, buying now before prices start increasing more rapidly could be the way forward. Valuing your home correctly with a skilled and knowledgeable agent is critical.

Defeat higher mortgage rates

With the right mortgage advice, you may find that you are already further ahead than you realise. In October 2023, the number of mortgage products stood at 5,495, which is the highest in 15 years.** Moving home with your existing mortgage (known as porting) or taking out a longer-term could counter the effect of today’s higher interest rates.

Final thoughts

It’s understandable to feel a little anxious with so much change occurring in 2023. A lot of what is churned out in the media is negative, and this does not help. But by focusing on your unique situation with the right agent to advise you, there are many doors open to you that will lead you to the right home. In fact, buying now could be the best move you ever make.

Get in touch to get a true understanding of what is possible for your 2024 property plans

Rightmove*
Moneyfacts**

New year, new home, new beginning?

Here we go again! Another new year, another chance to find everything you are looking for in a property. Could 2024 be the year that you have all the right questions answered with a lovely new home?

A new year

With visions of a better year ahead for 2024 popping into your head, you are forgiven for feeling excited about moving. The Christmas break is the perfect time to start searching as thousands of properties magically appear on the market. Sitting back in your favourite chair by the fire when you have some time to take a step towards a better future is a nice way to relax. A new year always brings new opportunities. If you see yourself and your loved ones sitting in a better garden, enjoying a bigger kitchen, or beaming with smiles because you are living in the location you love, then talk to your agent. The past year has been strong and proves that the UK property market is extremely resilient. Buyer demand is still incredibly strong, and prices are stable. At this time of year, you have the best of all worlds. There is plenty of buyer activity, but also plenty of people who will wait until the market is in full swing in the spring. That means high demand with not-so-high supply, which could lead to a swift sale and the new home you have been looking for.

A new home

The past few years have been eventful, but 2024 looks like it could be the year in which things settle down, which is why many people will choose to do exactly that. Making new friends in a new location, even if it’s in the same town, is an opportunity to make a fresh start. Decluttering your life from all the stuff you have collected over the years is a liberating experience. There is something extra special about doing this as the year begins. Are you craving a better property with a garden and an outdoor living area to cherish, that is, energy-efficient, full of character, cosy, and airy at the same time? Could a move mean a better education for your children? Could it lead to a happier life? Create a healthier life closer to family? A holiday home or a buy-to-let investment? Whatever you are interested in now is your opportunity to make a move before the property market takes off again.

A new beginning

There is so much to feel positive about as we head into 2024. Interest rates are stabilising, leading to lower mortgage rates and an increase in the number of mortgage types available. There is more time to pay with longer terms, interest-only options, porting, green mortgages, guarantor mortgages, interest-only and offset mortgages, which allow you to use your savings to reduce your balance, meaning you pay less interest. Agents’ listings are full of properties that have had a lot of work carried out, elevating them to new standards. And the market looks nicely placed due to its steady pace built on solid foundations. This is based on high demand and a high rate of mortgage-free home ownership. Don’t be jealous; this helps keep the property market financially secure. In 2021, 32.6 percent of dwellings were owned outright in England.* The market has become more complex than ever, and properties are becoming more individualistic. It takes real expertise and market knowledge to optimise your home move, so you can make the most of your new beginning.

This is money*