The Market

Economics expert David Smith explains how the housing market has so far managed to swerve a major downturn in this piece for The Times.

Strutt & Parker's Central London offices enjoyed a 'significant' flurry of buying activity last month, with 84% more offers accepted in November than in October.

Exchanges have been running 40% higher than the five-year average in the leafy NW London neighbourhood, reports agency.

'There are signs that the UK rental market will turn in 2024,' says Richard Donnell; 'rents are reaching the maximum affordable price and rental demand is starting to slow.'

Almost twice as many homes have sold for more than £10mn in Mayfair this year than in 2022.

The property market displayed 'much-better-than-predicted resilience this year,' says Tim Bannister, despite a bigger than usual December dip for new asking prices.

'We expect lending to remain weak in 2024, with a gradual improvement in affordability reflected in a modest increase in activity levels in 2025,' says banking industry trade body.

Tenants across Great Britain paid a record £85.6bn in rent in 2023, says Hamptons - equivalent to the total value of all homes sold in London last year.

Buyers are becoming more discerning, and placing greater emphasis on community and amenities, writes BPSDC's resi boss.

Catch up on all the latest movements and commentary in less than five minutes, featuring data and analysis from Reuters, Rightmove, Knight Frank, Beauchamp Estates, Hamptons & more...

'Cautious optimism is emerging as prime buyers consider economic headwinds to be easing,' says Knight Frank, as the property firm raises its outlook for international resi price growth in 2024.

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