More than half of the population (53%) see Brexit as the biggest single risk to the market in 2019.
Consumer confidence in the housing market has fallen considerably because of Brexit uncertainty, the Building Societies Association’s Property Tracker survey has found.
More than half of the population (53%) see Brexit as the biggest single risk to the market in 2019.
Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the BSA, said: “It is unsurprising that Brexit is a key factor in the subdued mortgage market. More than half of the population see it as the biggest risk to the market, and a quarter said an agreement with the EU would make them more confident.
“However, dominant negative media coverage and the pessimistic forecasts will be affecting people’s views. If we get some sort of clarity soon, this could cause a shift in sentiment.
“Looking past Brexit, the fact remains that raising a deposit is the biggest barrier to buying property. For decades, successive governments have failed to get a grip on the deficit in housing supply.
“This has led to house price increases far exceeding wage growth, particularly for the young. The current government has bold plans, but bold actions are needed to narrow the gap between house prices and earnings.”
Other concerns about the market are a rise in the cost of living (38%) and a rise in interest rates (36%).
Raising a deposit remains the biggest barrier to home ownership (62%), though there is a growing concern about future falls in prices as a barrier to property purchase.
However, among those who don’t see now as a good time to buy, a third (31%) say a correction in house prices might make them change their mind.
