NAEA Propertymark: Demand rises whilst sales remain unchanged

Over the past decade demand has risen by 16% while the number of sales has remained consistent.

NAEA Propertymark: Demand rises whilst sales remain unchanged

Demand from house buyers has risen slightly from last year while the number of sales agreed remains the same, NAEA Propertymark has found.

Over the course of 2019 an average of 320 house buyers registered per branch, compared to 318 on average throughout 2018.

Over the past decade, demand is up by 16% from 275 per branch in 2009.

The number of sales agreed per branch through the year remained steady at eight on average per month in 2019.

Historically this figure has been consistent, only moving between nine and seven between 2009 and present day.

Mark Hayward, chief executive, NAEA Propertymark, said:“2019 has been an interesting year for the property market.

“House buyers and sellers have been faced with a lot of uncertainty, which in turn affects sentiment and decision-making.

“Activity in the housing market has remained consistent when compared to the last year, which was expected, as buyers and sellers hold off on purchases until the outcome of the General Election and Brexit is clear.”

The proportion of total sales made to first-time buyers increased by 2% year-on-year to 25%.

August saw the highest number of available properties this year, with an average of 44 available to buy.

Supply has dropped considerably over the past decade, from 65 on average per branch in 2009.