Summer 2023 Market Report: Summer sun

Blue skies and sunshine have put a smile on many faces in recent weeks. Conditions remain challenging, but improved economic forecasts are good news for the housing market.

Market dynamics
Mortgage approvals and sales volumes in April remained subdued as prospective buyers continue to adjust to today’s interest rate environment. However, Zoopla report the volume of sales agreed in May was up 11% on the 2018-2022 average. Close to two-thirds of sellers are confident they will sell their property within three months and 70% of prospective buyers expect to buy within that time frame (OnTheMarket). Surveyors remain cautious but are their most positive as to the state of play of the market since July 2022. Expectations over the next 12 months point to stable market conditions (RICS).

Consumer confidence
Growth is now predicted for the UK economy in 2023, a significant shift in rhetoric from just a few months ago. While still cautious, consumer confidence continues to rise, registering its strongest level for 15 months in May. An 11-point uptick in consumers’ willingness to make expensive purchases is a positive sign for the housing market in future months. The average price of a 5-year fixed-rate mortgage is fluctuating just above 5%. Inflation fell to 8.7% in April and falling energy prices are set to lower consumer bills in the coming months.

First-time buyers return
Buyer demand for smaller and second-stepper properties is stronger than in 2019, with property choice perhaps influenced by tighter budgets. As rental prices continue to rise steeply, first-time buyers are returning to the market, helped by higher loan-to-value mortgage deals, and in some cases, gifts or loans from family members. The volume of available properties for agents to sell has improved, boosting choice for potential buyers, but still remaining low by historic standards. Well-presented homes in popular areas continue to sell quickly, with sensible and realistically-priced properties continuing to be in demand.

Lettings
Demand for property to let continues to outpace supply, resulting in properties letting at or very close to asking price. Legislative and monetary changes in recent years have undoubtedly impacted investor returns, however indicative gross yields remain attractive, particularly for landlords with a lower Loan-to-Value (LTV) outstanding on their portfolios.
The long-awaited Renters Reform Bill has been introduced in Parliament. Set to abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and implement a move to periodic as opposed to fixed-term tenancies, it would provide more security for renters. The bill also outlines changes to strengthen Section 8, covering landlords’ rights to possession, and the development of a new online portal for landlords.

Regional Reports
Browse our Regional Market Reports:
● Market Report 2023 Summer East Midlands
● Market Report 2023 Summer Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk
● Market Report 2023 Summer Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
● Market Report 2023 Summer London
● Market Report 2023 Summer North East, and Yorkshire and The Humber
● Market Report 2023 Summer Northern Ireland
● Market Report 2023 Summer Scotland
● Market Report 2023 Summer Devon and Cornwall
● Market Report 2023 Summer Southern Home Counties
● Market Report 2023 Summer South East Home Counties
● Market Report 2023 Summer Southern
● Market Report 2023 Summer Thames Valley
● Market Report 2023 Summer West of England
● Market Report 2023 Summer West Midlands
● Market Report 2023 Summer North West
● Market Report 2023 Summer Wales

Contact us today
To see a full copy of The Guild’s summer market report and for further guidance on the home moving process, take a look at the regional property market updates or get in touch with your local Guild Member today.

Financial Services

Contact a specialist from Aston & Co Financial Services for help with finding the right mortgage.

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Jodie Skinner

From the beginning, our experience with Michael and Rhys has been brilliant. Whenever we had a question to ask or needed some additional information, they were both just a phone call away and were always happy to provide us with an answer. As first time buyers, they made us feel ...

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We can’t fault Aston and co in Syston, for their handling of the sale of our property. We were kept up to date weekly and nothing was too much trouble. Both Micheal and Rhys were approachable and very professional. I would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle ...

Andy

Having had issues with other agents, we came to Astons who gave us an honest appraisal of our house – not overpricing it like others to gain business. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and Rhys being local was able to provide viewers with information that other agents hadn’t. ...

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Recently sold our house with Aston & Co. We honestly could not have asked for more. From the moment Michael came to value the house, to the day to day communication from Rhys we have not had to chase them once. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and a ...

V Pears

We chose Aston & Co in Syston to handle the sale of our property. We were kept up to date regularly and Michael and Rhys dealt with all matters efficiently and quickly.We would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle-free move.

Gareth Mueller

We bought a house from a vendor who used Astons & Co as their agent. Rhys was helpful and professional from start to finish and regularly kept us in the loop with how things were progressing. Communication was efficient and swift all the way through.

Julie Pearson

From the first visit to value our property to the final phone call informing us of completion Rhys and Michael at the Syston office have been brilliant, down to earth, realistic with valuation very easy to get in touch with.Making everything less stressful.Regular updates were very reassuring . I would ...

Charlotte Hings

The team at Astons are great. They’re really down to earth, take time to listen and help resolve anything they can for you.Their communication is excellent as they always keep you in the loop with what is happening with your sale. They keep both seller and purchaser happy.Fees are reasonable ...

Julie Perkins

We have recently used Aston & Co to sell our property. At all times we received regular reports from them on interest and following viewings . When our property sold Astons managed the chain keeping all parties fully informed and I believe that without their input our sale would have ...

Tina Poole

Michael and Rhys handled both our sale and purchases. They had good local knowledge, their valuation turned out to be on point. Our sale viewings were nearly all on the same day and we accepted an offer very quickly. We were kept up to date regularly with that and our ...

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