Rightmove reports post-election boost in buyer demand

London has seen the biggest uplift in buyer demand since the election.

Rightmove reports post-election boost in buyer demand

There are initial signs of an uplift in buyer demand now the election is over with the biggest increase in London, according to property website Rightmove.

Demand across the UK from prospective buyers increased by 28% in the four days after the election (Friday 13to Monday 16December) compared to the same four days in 2018 (Friday 14 to Monday 17 December).

The biggest increase was recorded in London, up 54% on the previous year.

Miles Shipside, commercial director and housing market analyst at Rightmove, said:“Some of the pent-up demand from the ‘wait-and-see’ buyers is starting to show signs of being released, despite the distractions of Christmas.

“We often see a spike following an election, but it’s more surprising this year given the seasonal slowdown, perhaps because some home hunters know they’re more likely to get a bargain if they can agree a sale before Christmas.

“While it’s too early to see an uplift in new stock we do think this will start to come through after Christmas and into January.

“This year five of the top 10 busiest days on Rightmove were all in January so with a bit more political certainty than before we could be shaping up for an active January market.”

The biggest jump in searches took place in Scotland, with searches more than doubling in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders on Friday 13December compared to the previous Friday.