The National Association of Estate Agent’s housing market report for June revealed an increase in the number of househunters, with 294 registered per branch during June compared with 274 in May (294). This shows strong growth compared to last June’s figures (June 2011 - 263).
In May, buyer interest suffered as a result of the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday, however NAEA agents reported the return of the ‘serious househunter’ to the market in June, looking to secure a purchase before summer holidays and events such as the Olympic Games take place.
House sales remained stable with an average of 7 recorded per branch in June, marking a fourth consecutive month at this level. However supply levels decreased slightly from an average of 66 in May to 63 in June.
First time buyer levels also saw a slight increase with a 19% market share in June compared with 17% in May. However, this is still down on year-on-year figures. In June 2011, first time buyers represented a 21% share of the overall property market.
NAEA President Mark Hayward said: “After the bad news for first time buyer levels last month, it is pleasing to see that the market is showing some signs of resilience in the face of challenging conditions and we should welcome signs of the return of the serious househunter.
“Although year-on-year data is less encouraging, it should be tempered with the fact that the UK is now in the grip of a deeper recession than previously predicted. It remains to be seen how wider economic developments – such as the recent shrinking of the UK’s GDP in Q2 – will affect supply and demand levels, however NAEA agents are already predicting a slowdown in activity.”
