Mortgage approvals reach highest levels since 2007

January 11, 2021Newsletter

The scramble for property continues as buyers rush to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday.

Mortgage approvals soared to a new 13-year high in November as the property market showed no signs of slowing down.

A total of 105,000 mortgages were agreed for people purchasing a home, the highest level since August 2007, according to the Bank of England.

Approvals were up from 98,300 in October (also a 13-year high) and broke through the 100,000 barrier for the first time in 13 years.

The increase comes as lenders continue to expand on the number of mortgages available for first-time buyers.

There are currently 160 different deals available for people with a 10% deposit, up from a low of 51 in October last year, but still significantly below the 762 that were available in January 2020, according to the latest figures from Moneyfacts.

Why is this happening?

The buoyant mortgage approval figures suggest the mini boom in the housing market still has further to run.

The high level of transactions has been sparked by a combination of the stamp duty holiday on homes costing up to £500,000, alongside people re-evaluating their housing needs following lockdowns and periods of working from home.

Meanwhile, the rise in mortgage products for buyers with small deposits indicates lenders are feeling less risk-averse than they were in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, when many of these deals were taken off the market.

Who does it affect?

The increase in mortgages for people borrowing 90% of their home’s value is good news for first-time buyers. But while the availability of these mortgages has increased, there are still very few options for people with only a 5% deposit, with just eight different 95% mortgages currently available.

Although product choice for people with a 10% deposit has increased, the cost of the deals remains significantly higher than this time last year. The average interest rate is now 3.65% for a two-year fixed rate mortgage, compared with 2.59% a year earlier, despite the Bank of England base rate falling by 0.65% during the period.

Mortgage rates are even higher for people with just a 5% deposit, averaging 4.44% on a two-year fixed rate loan, up from 3.25% in January 2020.

What’s the background?

Our data suggests the current mini housing market boom still has further to run.

Buyer demand was 33% higher in December than it was in the same month of 2019, according to our latest House Price Index.

Meanwhile, a record Boxing Day bounce saw traffic on our property search portal surge by 70.5%, considerably higher than the 61% jump seen a year earlier.

But the market is expected to start slowing down in the second quarter of this year once the stamp duty holiday ends on March 31 and unemployment rises as government support measures are withdrawn.

Top three takeaways

Mortgage approvals for house purchases soared to a new 13-year high in November as the property market showed no signs of slowing down
A total of 105,000 mortgages were agreed for people purchasing a property, the highest level since August 2007
The number of mortgages available to people with a 10% deposit has increased to 160 from a low of 51 in October last year

by Blackstones

Government rules out stamp duty holiday extension in 2021

December 23, 2020Newsletter

With the stamp duty holiday due to end on 31 March 2021, the government has reacted to calls for an extension. What it means if you’re planning to buy or sell a home next year.

The government has responded to calls for an extension to the stamp duty holiday by stating it has no intention to extend the tax relief.

The stamp duty holiday is due to come to an end on 31 March 2021, despite repeated industry calls for an extension and a petition to parliament with more than 28,000 signatories.

Responding to the petition, the government said: “As the relief was to provide an immediate stimulus to the property market, the government does not plan to extend this relief.

“Stamp duty is an important source of government revenue, raising several billion pounds each year to help pay for the essential services the government provides.”

What’s the background?

The stamp duty holiday was introduced in July 2020 by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in a bid to boost the housing market in England and Northern Ireland during the coronavirus pandemic.

Under normal circumstances, buyers pay stamp duty land tax when buying a property worth £125,000 or more, although first-time buyers only have to pay it on homes above £300,000.

The introduction of the stamp duty holiday raised the threshold at which the tax kicks in to £500,000 for all buyers, amounting to a potential saving of up to £15,000.

Can I still buy before the stamp duty holiday ends?

Yes, but you’ll need to move fast. The time it takes between agreeing a sale and completing is normally just under 100 days.

Our research shows that only 54% of sales agreed in January will complete in time, with that figure dropping to 17% in February.

From getting your paperwork lined up in advance, to smoothing out any wrinkles that may disrupt your property chain, here are our top tips to help you beat the deadline.

What happens when the stamp duty holiday ends?

Once the stamp duty holiday ends on 31 March next year, the former stamp duty rules will apply.

This means buyers can be charged between 2% and 12% tax (or up to 17% if they are a foreign investor) on their property purchase, depending on the value of the home they are buying and if they own more than one property.

“The government is committed to supporting home ownership and helping people get on and move up the housing ladder,” it said.

“When the stamp duty holiday ends, the government will maintain a stamp duty relief for first-time buyers which increases the starting threshold of residential stamp duty to £300,000 for first-time buyers that purchase a property below £500,000."

How much stamp duty will I pay after 31 March 2021?

Stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the property you are buying. It applies to freehold and leasehold properties, whether you’re buying outright or with a mortgage.

For existing homeowners, the rates are:

0% up to £125,000
2% on £125,001-£250,000
5% on £250,001-£925,000
10% on £925,001-£1.5m
12% on any value above £1.5m.

For example, if you buy a flat for £275,000, the stamp duty you owe would be:

0% on the first £125,000 = £0
2% on the next £125,000 = £2,500
5% on the final £25,000 = £1,250

Total stamp duty = £3,750

First-time buyers after 31 March 2021

Stamp duty relief was introduced in November 2017 for first-time buyers to help people step onto the property ladder.

First-time buyers are exempt from stamp duty on properties costing up to £300,000 and pay 5% on the value of a property between £300,000 and £500,000.

A first-time buyer will pay:

0% on the first £300,000
5% on the remainder up to £500,000

So a first-time buyer purchasing a £275,000 flat would pay no stamp duty.

For a house costing £475,000, a first-time buyer would pay:

0% on the first £300,000 = £0
5% on the final £175,000 = £8,750

Total stamp duty = £8,750

However, if the purchase price is more than £500,000, first-time buyers cannot claim the relief and must pay the standard rates.

For example, a property purchased at £700,000 would result in a stamp duty bill totalling £25,000 even for a first-time buyer.

Landlords and second-home owners

For owners of more than one property, a surcharge of 3% on top of the standard stamp duty rates apply.

However, if you sell a home within three years of purchasing a second property, you can apply for a refund of that 3%.

It is also possible under some circumstances to claim multiple dwellings relief.

What about non-UK residents?

From April 2021, an additional 2% stamp duty levy will be imposed on non-UK residents who buy property in England and Northern Ireland.

It means that international buyers of second homes could pay up to 17% tax on expensive properties.

The 2% is on top of standard rates and in addition to the 3% surcharge for any investors who own property elsewhere.

What other government support is available?

During the second lockdown, the government extended its offer of mortgage payment holidays. Those who need help paying their mortgages can still request a holiday of up to six months until 31 March 2021.

To help first-time buyers get on the property ladder, the government's Help to Buy scheme offers an equity loan of up to 20% of the property value (40% in London). As long as you can raise a 5% deposit, you can then apply for a standard mortgage to pay the remaining amount.

At the Conservative party conference in October, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to “turn generation rent into generation buy” and announced plans for a new scheme to give more people the chance to take out long-term fixed rate mortgages for up to 95% of their home’s value - although details have not yet been released.

What about stamp duty in Scotland and Wales?

Housing is a devolved issue in Britain so stamp duty only applies in England and Northern Ireland.

Scotland and Wales have equivalent taxes:

Scotland

From April 2015, Stamp Duty was replaced by Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) in Scotland.

In Scotland, the LBTT rates are:

0% up to £145,000
2% on £145,001-£250,000
5% on £250,001-£325,000
10% on £325,001-£750,000
12% on any value above £750,000

First-time buyers pay no LBTT up to £175,000.

Wales

Property owners in Wales have paid Land Transaction Tax (LTT) since April 2018.

LTT rates are:

0% up to £180,000
3.5% on £180,001-£250,000
5% on £250,001-£400,000
7.5% on £400,001-£750,000
10% on £750,001-£1.5 million
12% on any value above £1.5 million

In December, the Welsh government introduced an additional charge for second-home owners.

Second home-owners will now pay a 4% levy when they buy homes up to £180,000, rising to 16% for homes worth £1.6m or above.

What’s happening to house prices?

UK house price growth has increased to 3.9%, its highest level since August 2017, and up from 1.3% a year ago.

The impetus for the growth is coming from northern England and Wales, where property remains more affordable.

On a city level, Manchester led the way, with property values rising by 5.7% during the past year, closely followed by Leeds at 5.6%, Nottingham at 5.4% and Liverpool at 5.3%.

All cities monitored by our House Price Index recorded annual gains apart from Aberdeen, where prices dropped by 2.6%.

Regionally, the north west recorded the strongest growth, with average house prices increasing by 5% year-on-year, followed by Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber, both at 4.9%.

Is buyer demand still strong?

The housing market looks set to end the year on a strong note, with buyer demand currently 33% higher than it was in December 2019, as the market defies the traditional seasonal slowdown.

The pandemic has driven a ‘seismic’ search for space and quality location. And demand for family housing with gardens, parking and extra space to work from has continued to rise.

Despite the shutdown of the housing market earlier this year, the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ reassessment of property has seen buyer numbers soar by 40% across the whole of 2020, compared with the previous year.

What’s happening with property sales?

The strong levels of demand are proving to be committed, rather than speculative, and are converting readily into sales agreed.

Sales levels have jumped by 9% during 2020, compared with 2019, although with transactions taking three to four months to complete, a portion of these will spill over into 2021.

The rebound in sales has been strongest in the south east and eastern England, where they are more than 20% higher than in 2019.

But the strong demand has not been matched by an equal rise in new listings, with the number of properties for sale increasing by only 4%, creating a mismatch between supply and demand and putting upward pressure on prices.

What’s next for the housing market?

Housing market activity remains well above normal levels for this time of year, and this momentum is expected to lead to a strong start in 2021.

Looking ahead, our research and insight team expects annual house price growth to reach 5% in February, before slowing to 1% by the end of 2021, as demand starts to weaken during the second half of the year.

Buoyed by the strong start to the year, the number of completed property transactions is likely to be broadly similar to this year at 1.1 million.

Richard Donnell, director of research and insight at Zoopla, said: “The ‘once-in-a-lifetime re-assessment of housing’ kickstarted by the pandemic has further to run in our view and this will support demand into 2021.

“With a long Christmas weekend, and many households isolating in smaller groups, we expect interest in housing to be stronger than usual ahead of the traditional Boxing Day bounce, when interest in housing jumps.”

But Donnell warned that while market activity is being boosted by latent demand unlocked by the pandemic, the housing market is not immune to economic forces and rising unemployment.

He added: “Economic pressures are already impacting in parts of the market, reducing the volume and share of sales in less wealthy areas, for example.”

by Blackstones

Four tier Covid-19 restrictions: what does it mean if I want to move home?

December 21, 2020Newsletter

We give you a list of regions in full and explain what impact the government's tiered system could have if you’re looking for a new property.

England is now under four tiers of coronavirus restrictions, with London and parts of the south east having been placed in the highest tier by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The good news is that under the government’s new advice, the housing market remains open for business, whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed via Twitter that renters and homeowners in England will be able to move and removal firms, tradespeople, and estate agents can still operate in all tiers, including tier four.

“Housing market update: the sales and rental markets remain open in all tiers. All associated activities can continue as before," writes Jenrick.

“Please follow the Covid secure guidance. And use your judgment as to whether it’s necessary right now.”

Across the board, estate agents remain open and physical property viewings are allowed, with comprehensive advice on how to follow social distancing guidelines inside homes.

Others in the housing market, such as conveyancers, tradespeople, and professional movers, can continue to operate, too.

What the different tiers mean and which regions are in them:

ier 1 - medium alert

In tier one areas, all businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure way, other than those that are currently closed by law, such as nightclubs.

Schools, universities and places of worship can remain open, and indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place. People must not meet in groups of more than six either indoors or outdoors, other than where a legal exemption applies, such as for a wedding or funeral

Find full details and the latest government guidance here.

What does tier 1 mean for the property market?

Tier one essentially means business as usual for the property market, but with as many safety restrictions in place as possible.

Can I view properties in a tier 1 area?

Yes.

Property viewings can continue to happen with Covid-secure measures in place.

Sellers and estate agents may choose to wait outside the property or decide not to be present while viewings are undertaken.

Open house viewings are not allowed at this time.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or of the household viewing the property, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should be delayed.

The government is encouraging the use of virtual viewings before visiting properties in person in order to minimise public health risks.

Are estate agents in tier 1 open?

Yes.

However, the toughened tier system means more people are being encouraged to work from home where possible under tier one.

This might mean some agents may choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and remaining open at branch-level by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 1?

Yes.

Estate and lettings agents, removers, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can continue to work under the tiered system as they did during the most recent national lockdown.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Advice from the government encourages everyone involved in a home move to be as flexible as possible and to be prepared to delay moves if, for example, one of those involved becomes ill with Covid-19 or has to self-isolate.

Which English regions are in tier 1?

South east

Isle of Wight

South west

Cornwall
Isles of Scilly

Midlands

Herefordshire (from midnight on Saturday 19 December)

Tier 2 - high alert

Tier two is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of Covid-19 infections.

Anyone living in a tier two area must follow all of the tier one rules, and also not meet with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, including their home or a public building.

Meetings of up to six people from outside the same household or bubble can take place outside in public spaces and gardens.

Find full details and the latest government guidance here.

What does tier 2 mean for the property market?

Under tier two, the majority of businesses can continue to operate as usual and this includes estate agents and other services related to moving house, such as conveyancers and removers.

Can I view properties in a tier 2 area?

Yes.

In-person property viewings can still take place, with appropriate precautions.

The same advice applies to tier two property viewings as it does in tier one.

This means property viewings can continue to take place with Covid-secure measures in place.

Sellers and the estate agent may choose to wait outside the property or decide not to be present while viewings are undertaken.

Open house viewings are not allowed at this time.

The government is encouraging the use of virtual viewings before visiting properties in person to minimise public health risks, and socially distant viewings.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or of the household viewing, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then in-person viewing should be delayed.

For the latest government advice in full check here.

Are estate agents in tier 2 open?

Yes.

However, as with tier one, the toughened tier system means more people are being encouraged to work from home where possible.

This might mean some agents choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and opening their branch by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 2?

Yes.

The government has been clear that the property market is staying open even as restrictions are toughened, and during the second national lockdown moving services continued with Covid-secure measures in place.

This means estate and lettings agents, removals, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can to continue working under the tiered system.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Advice from the government encourages everyone involved in a home move to be as flexible as possible and to be prepared to delay moves, for example if one of those involved becomes ill with Covid-19 or has to self-isolate.

Which English regions are in tier 2?

East of England

Milton Keynes
Cambridgeshire (excluding Peterborough, which is in tier four)
The following local authorities in Essex: Colchester, Tendring, Uttlesford
Norfolk
Suffolk

East midlands

Northamptonshire
Rutland

North west

Cumbria
Liverpool City Region
Warrington and Cheshire

South east

Bracknell Forest
Brighton and Hove
East Sussex
Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant which is in tier four)
Oxfordshire
Reading
Waverley in Surrey
West Sussex
Windsor and Maidenhead
Wokingham

South west

Bath and north east Somerset
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Bristol
Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay
Dorset
Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury)
Somerset (north Somerset, south Somerset, Somerset west and Taunton, Mendip and Sedgemoor)
Wiltshire and Swindon

West midlands

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin
Worcestershire

Yorkshire

City of York
North Yorkshire

Tier 3 - very high alert

Tier three is reserved for areas in England where transmission rates of Covid-19 are high.

People living in these areas are not allowed to meet anybody outside of their household or support bubble in an indoor or outdoor setting, apart from open public spaces such as parks and beaches, where the rule of six will still apply.

The public are also advised not to travel in and out of these areas, other than for work, education, accessing youth services or caring responsibilities.

What does tier 3 mean for the property market?

The government has been clear that the property market is staying open even as restrictions are toughened, and during the latest national lockdown moving services continued but with Covid-secure measures in place.

However, the government has called for flexibility among movers and sellers under these measures, should plans have to change due to any of the households involved contracting or being exposed to Covid-19.

Can I view properties in a tier 3 area?

Yes.

In-person viewings are still allowed under tier three. However, some estate agents, sellers and buyers may decide to postpone viewings while restrictions are in place.

That said, renewed lockdown measures may also heighten people’s desire to move if they are unhappy with their current accommodation.

Virtual viewings can continue to take place and are likely to be offered by estate agents in the first instance so that any in-person viewings are given to the most interested prospective buyers.

As in the lower tiers, Covid-secure measures should be firmly in place during in-person viewings.

Such measures include the wearing of face coverings, regular hand washing, keeping doors and windows open for good ventilation during the viewing, and only two prospective buyers from the same household entering the property at a time. Sellers and the estate agent may choose to wait outside the property or decide not to be present while viewings are undertaken.

Open house viewings are not allowed under tier three or any of the lower tiers.

You can find out more about what to expect from socially distant viewings in this article.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or the household viewing, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should be delayed.

Are estate agents in tier 3 open?

Yes.

However, as with tiers one and two, the toughened tier system means people are being encouraged to work from home when possible.

This might mean some agents choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and remaining open at branch-level by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 3?

Yes.

Estate and lettings agents, removals, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can to continue working under the tiered system.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Which English regions are in tier 3?

East Midlands

Derby and Derbyshire
Leicester and Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

North east

North East Combined Authority: County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland
North of Tyne Combined Authority: Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland
Tees Valley Combined Authority: Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees

North west

Blackburn with Darwen
Blackpool
Greater Manchester
Lancashire

South west

South Gloucestershire

West midlands

Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull

Yorkshire and The Humber

East Riding of Yorkshire
Kingston upon Hull/Hull
North East Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire
South Yorkshire
West Yorkshire

Tier 4 - stay at home

Tier four replaces tier three as the very highest level of English restrictions and is reserved for areas in England where transmission rates of Covid-19 are rising rapidly.

Tier four residents have been advised to stay at home and cannot leave or be outside of the place they are living unless they have a reasonable excuse.

The public are also advised not to travel in and out of these areas, other than for work, education, accessing youth services or caring responsibilities.

What does tier 4 mean for the property market?

Leaving your home to undertake activities associated with finding and securing a new home, or moving home, are considered exemptions to the advice to stay at home.

However, people outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.

The government has called for flexibility among movers and sellers under these measures, should plans have to change due to any of the households involved contracting or being exposed to Covid-19.

Can I view properties in a tier 4 area?

Yes.

In-person viewings are still allowed under tier four. However, some estate agents, sellers and buyers may decide to postpone viewings while restrictions are in place.

That said, renewed lockdown measures may also heighten people’s desire to move if they are unhappy with their current accommodation.

Virtual viewings can continue to take place and are likely to be offered by estate agents in the first instance so that any in-person viewings are given to the most interested prospective buyers.

As in the lower tiers, Covid-secure measures should be firmly in place during in-person viewings.

Sellers and the estate agent may choose to wait outside the property or decide not to be present while viewings are undertaken.

Open house viewings are not allowed under tier four or any of the lower tiers.

You can find out more about what to expect from socially distant viewings in this article.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or the household viewing, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should be delayed.

Are estate agents in tier 4 open?

Yes.

However, as with tiers one, two and three, the toughened tier system means people are being encouraged to work from home when possible.

This might mean some agents choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and remaining open at branch-level by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 4?

Yes.

Estate and lettings agents, removals, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can to continue working under the tiered system.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

The government advice is to follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.

Which English regions are in tier 4?

London

All 32 London boroughs plus City of London

South East

Kent and Medway
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire (Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Windsor and Maidenhead and West Berkshire)
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
Hastings and Rother
Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth

East of England

Hertfordshire
Essex (excluding Tendring, Uttlesford and Colchester)
Central Bedfordshire, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton
Peterborough.

What about Scotland?

Scotland’s government has imposed a five-level system of coronavirus measures.

Currently, there are 11 areas in west and central Scotland now in the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions, which go from zero (lowest) to four (very high risk).

Can I view properties in-person in Scotland?

Yes.

The Scottish government’s guidance on property viewings emphasises a virtual-first approach.

This means in-person property viewings are permitted, but it is recommended that you view properties virtually in the first instance if possible and only proceed to a physical viewing if you are interested in offering on the property.

Can I move house in Scotland?

Yes.

In Scotland, people can continue to move under all five levels, and to and from areas in different levels.

However, the government suggests people may wish to consider whether they can postpone a move and related activities in areas subject to level four.

You can read the latest guidance from the Scottish government on moving home here.

What about Wales?

Wales recently imposed a four-layer tier system of Covid-19 restrictions.

The country is currently at level three. Here are the explanations of the four tiers:

Level one (low risk): Level of restrictions closest to normality while infection rates are low and other preventative measures, such as social distancing and working from home, remain in place.
Alert level two (medium risk): Additional controls to limit the spread of coronavirus, complemented by more targeted local actions to manage specific incidents or outbreaks.
Alert level three (high risk): The strictest restrictions short of a firebreak or lockdown.
Alert level four (very high risk): Equivalent of full lockdown.

People living in Wales may:

move home
market a residential property for sale or rent and prepare a residential property for persons to move into
visit estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes for the purposes of the purchase, sale, letting or rental of residential property
view a residential property.

Looking for a new home?

It’s worth remembering that Zoopla, like other property portals, is open 24/7. That means you can do a lot of your property search online, from exploring our news, guides and insights, and checking out the prices of recently sold properties, to registering to get instant alerts for exactly your type of property - and save as many searches as you want.

Richard Donnell, our head of research and insight, said: “We’ve already seen how the first lockdown led to people carrying out a once-in-a-lifetime re-evaluation of their homes and lifestyles, with a focus on prioritising space. And the latest restrictions will continue to support this trend – particularly for those who are more financially secure.”

Meanwhile, the stamp duty holiday is continuing to act as an incentive for buyers to complete a purchase before the tax break ends on 31 March 2021.

However, with different regions in different tiers, it’s a good idea to find out how your local housing market is operating in a Covid-19-secure way.

by Blackstones

Bank of England to review mortgage affordability as Covid-19 creates 'tight conditions’ for borrowers

December 21, 2020Newsletter

The review by the Financial Policy Committee comes amid concerns that first-time buyers are struggling to get mortgages.

The Bank of England is reviewing mortgage lending rules which could make it easier for first-time buyers to get on to the property ladder.

Its Financial Policy Committee (FPC) is looking at whether the affordability criteria that borrowers must pass in order to qualify for a mortgage is still appropriate.

The rules, which limit the amount people can borrow relative to their income and ensure homeowners could still afford repayments if interest rates jumped by 3%, are thought to have impacted first-time buyers particularly hard.

The review comes as the number of mortgages available to people with only small deposits has nosedived, with lenders responding by becoming more risk averse in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Mortgage credit conditions remain tighter than at the start of the year, particularly for high loan to value mortgages,” according to FPC meeting notes in December 2020.

“This reflects reduced risk appetite from lenders due to the economic outlook, as well as operational constraints in meeting the current high demand for mortgages.”

The FPC is due to report its findings next year.

Why is this happening?

Since June 2014, the FPC has recommended that no more than 15% of mortgages advanced by individual lenders are awarded to people borrowing 4.5 times their income.

It also suggested lenders ensure borrowers could still afford their mortgage repayments when their deal ended. At this point, a lender is moved onto a reversion rate of repayment, which is typically 4.5% or higher if interest rates have risen by 3%.

The move was intended to protect the banking system from a high level of household debt following the financial crisis of 2008. However, the reforms were introduced at a time when interest rates were expected to rise by 2.25% during the coming five years.

The Bank of England base rate currently stands at a record low of 0.1%. Interest rates are now expected to stay low for a longer period of time, making it easier for borrowers to service their debts and meaning the current affordability rules may no longer be appropriate.

Who does it affect?

The review of lending rules is good news for first-time buyers who are more likely to struggle to meet the affordability tests than those who have high levels of equity in their home.

Although the FPC said there was no evidence that the current rules had limited mortgage availability, it pointed out that credit conditions had tightened recently, particularly for people with only small deposits, while rates on these mortgages were also higher.

There are currently only eight mortgages available for people with a 5% deposit, compared with 391 in March this year, while the number of different deals for people with 10% deposits has dropped to 88 from 779 during the same period, according to Moneyfacts.

At the same time, the average two-year fixed rate paid by people borrowing 90% of their home’s value has increased by 1.17% during the past year.

What’s the background?

The review comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to help first-time buyers by increasing the availability of mortgages for people with small deposits.

In his speech at this year’s virtual Conservative Party conference, Johnson announced plans for a new scheme for people with 5% deposits, in a bid to turn “generation rent into generation buy”, although further details were not given.

Meanwhile, the government’s flagship Help to Buy equity loans scheme will be available to first-time buyers from April next year, but applications open on 16 December.

The scheme enables people to purchase a new-build property with a 5% deposit which the government tops up with a five-year interest-free loan.

Top three takeaways

The Bank of England is reviewing mortgage lending rules which could make it easier for first-time buyers to get on to the property ladder
It is looking at whether the affordability criteria that borrowers must pass in order to qualify for a mortgage is still appropriate
The review comes as the number of mortgages available to people with only small deposits has dived as lenders become more risk-averse in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

by Blackstones

Q&A: 'Housing market this Christmas is set to be the busiest in more than a decade'

December 12, 2020Newsletter

Head of research, reveals what's behind a busy end to the year.

Q. Why is overall buyer appetite still higher than this time last year?

A. Buyer demand soared during the summer after lockdown, but has since moderated - even so, it is still 34% higher than this time a year ago.

The first shutdown of the housing market earlier resulted in a build-up of demand which has come back to the market since then. The Chancellor’s stamp duty holiday has also acted as an incentive to move home now, with the average bill falling by £4,500.

The pandemic has been the catalyst for more longer-term trends too, however. Continuing lockdowns and restrictions, as well as the shift to working from home, have meant that people are re-assessing what they want in a home, with some homeowners carrying out a once-in-a-lifetime re-evaluation of how and where they want to live.

Q. Will this trend continue over the next few months?

A. Absolutely. Buyer demand levels are set to hold firm for the rest of this year. There’s also a cohort of buyers – those carrying out a major re-appraisal of their homes and lifestyles – who will still want to move home beyond the stamp duty holiday deadline in March next year. The continuing restrictions, coupled with new working practices for many office-based workers which are probably here to stay, are continuing to prompt more re-evaluation of home.

Q. Is the number of homes coming onto the market soaking up this demand?

A. Yes, the elevated levels of buyer demand are encouraging more people to put their homes up for sale - many buyers are sellers, too.

This combination of sustained buyer appetite and more homes on the market has boosted overall activity levels.

The number of new sales agreed is running 38% higher than a year ago – and we expect this trend to continue in the weeks ahead.

Q. What’s the forecast for Christmas and the new year?

A. Busy! Activity in December – and the run-up to Christmas – is expected to be the strongest in more than a decade.

The pipeline of sales is now nearly 40% bigger than this time last year. The overall number of homes sold in 2020 is set to be 1.1m in 2020 - just 6% lower than in 2019. It’s remarkable given the outlook – and the complete closure of the housing market - earlier this year.

Perhaps unsurprisingly though, the number of homes sold in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is expected to be lower than last year by up to 12%, because their housing markets were shut for longer than England’s.

All of this activity has meant that annual house price growth is now 3.5%, the highest for almost three years. Some 80% of privately-owned homes are in areas where annual house price growth is more than 2%.

We expect UK annual house price growth to hit 4% by the end of the year.

Sales will spill over into the new year as buyers rush to beat the stamp duty holiday deadline, with 100,000 additional transactions set to complete before the end of March.

But of the sales agreed in January, we expect just half to complete in time to get the tax break.

Q. With projections that house price growth will be 4% by the end of the year, how resilient is the housing market?

A.The housing market has been one of the bright spots of the economy this year. And this has been reinforced by the government which – after the first lockdown – has kept the housing market open for business.

Lockdowns and restrictions as well as changing working patterns as a result of the pandemic have prompted a complete sea-change in the way people view their homes, and this will continue to support the housing market.

It’s also worth noting that while first-time buyers and those with small deposits have been hit by growing economic uncertainty and reduced mortgage availability, existing homeowners – particularly second and third steppers – are becoming more interested in moving up the housing ladder. These wealthier demographics aren’t so sensitive to wider economic headwinds and are buying homes with bigger price tags.

Q. What’s in store for the housing market in 2021?

A. A significant number of sales will go over the line in the first few months of the year as the stamp duty holiday draws to a close. We expect this to level off as normal stamp duty is re-introduced.

The overall number of homes sold in 2021 are set to be in line with 2020. Meanwhile, we predict annual house price growth will be at 1% by the end of next year as weaker market sentiment and economic uncertainty eases the upward pressure on prices.

by Blackstones

Three-tier system after lockdown 2: what will the “tougher” coronavirus measures mean for the property market?

November 30, 2020Newsletter

With the national lockdown in England lifting on 2 December, we explain what impact the government's strengthened tiered system could have if you’re trying to buy or sell a home.

Boris Johnson has announced plans for England to return to a three-tier system to combat the Covid-19 pandemic once national lockdown ends on 2 December.

Speaking to Parliament via video link on Monday, Johnson said: “We are going to go back to a regional tiered approach, applying the toughest measures where Covid is most prevalent.

“And while the previous local tiers did cut the R number, they were not quite enough to reduce it below 1, so the scientific advice, I am afraid, is that our tiers need to be made tougher.”

What the different tiers mean:

Tier 1 - medium alert

Tier 2 - high alert

Tier 3 - very high alert

The good news is that under the government’s new advice, the housing market remains open for business, whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting.

Across the board, estate agents remain open and physical property viewings are allowed, with comprehensive advice on how to follow social distancing guidelines inside homes.

And others in the housing market, such as conveyancers, tradespeople, and professional movers, can continue to operate too.

Meanwhile, the stamp duty holiday is continuing to act as an incentive for buyers to complete a purchase before the tax break ends on 31 March 2021.

However, with different regions in different tiers, it’s a good idea to find out how your local housing market is operating in a Covid-19-secure way.

Tier 1 - medium alert

In tier one areas, all businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure way, other than those that are currently closed by law, such as nightclubs.

Find full details and the latest government guidance here.

What does tier 1 mean for the property market?

Tier one essentially means business as usual for the property market, but with as many safety restrictions in place as possible.

Can I view properties in a tier 1 area?

Yes.

Property viewings can continue to happen with Covid-secure measures in place.

Sellers and estate agents may choose to wait outside the property or decide not to be present while viewings are undertaken.

Open house viewings are not allowed at this time.

The government is encouraging the use of virtual viewings before visiting properties in person in order to minimise public health risks.

Are estate agents in tier 1 open?

Yes.

However, the toughened tier system means more people are being encouraged to work from home where possible under tier one.

This might mean some agents may choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and remaining open at branch-level by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 1?

Yes.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Which English regions are in tier 1?

South east

Isle of Wight

South west

Cornwall
Isles of Scilly

Tier 2 - high alert

Tier two is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of Covid-19 infections.

Meetings of up to six people from outside the same household or bubble can take place outside in public spaces and gardens.

Find full details and the latest government guidance here.

What does tier 2 mean for the property market?

Under tier two, the majority of businesses can continue to operate as usual and this includes estate agents and other services related to moving house, such as conveyancers and removers.

Can I view properties in a tier 2 area?

Yes.

In-person property viewings can still take place, with appropriate precautions.

The same advice applies to tier two property viewings as it does in tier one.

This means property viewings can continue to take place with Covid-secure measures in place.

Open house viewings are not allowed at this time.

The government is encouraging the use of virtual viewings before visiting properties in person to minimise public health risks, and socially distant viewings.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or of the household viewing, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then in-person viewing should be delayed.

For the latest government advice in full check here.

Are estate agents in tier 2 open?

Yes.

However, as with tier one, the toughened tier system means more people are being encouraged to work from home where possible.

This might mean some agents choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and opening their branch by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 2?

Yes.

This means estate and lettings agents, removals, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can to continue working under the tiered system.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Which English regions are in tier 2?

North west

Cumbria
Liverpool City Region
Warrington and Cheshire

Yorkshire

York
North Yorkshire

West Midlands

Worcestershire
Herefordshire
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

East Midlands

Rutland
Northamptonshire

East of England

Suffolk
Hertfordshire
Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough
Norfolk
Essex, Thurrock and Southend on Sea
Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes

London

all 32 boroughs plus the City of London

South east

East Sussex
West Sussex
Brighton and Hove
Surrey
Reading
Wokingham
Bracknell Forest
Windsor and Maidenhead
West Berkshire
Hampshire (except the Isle of Wight), Portsmouth and Southampton
Buckinghamshire
Oxfordshire

South west

South Somerset, Somerset West and Taunton, Mendip and Sedgemoor
Bath and North East Somerset
Dorset
Bournemouth
Christchurch
Poole
Gloucestershire
Wiltshire and Swindon
Devon

Tier 3 - very high alert

Tier three is reserved for areas in England where transmission rates of Covid-19 are causing the greatest concern.

The public are also advised not to travel in and out of these areas, other than for work, education, accessing youth services or caring responsibilities.

What does tier 3 mean for the property market?

However, the government has called for flexibility among movers and sellers under the tightest coronavirus measures, should plans have to change due to any of the households involved contracting or being exposed to Covid-19.

Can I view properties in a tier 3 area?

Yes.

In-person viewings are still allowed under the highest Covid-19 tier.

However, some estate agents, sellers and buyers may decide to postpone viewings while restrictions are in place.

That said, renewed lockdown measures may also heighten people’s desire to move if they are unhappy with their current accommodation.

Virtual viewings can continue to take place and are likely to be offered by estate agents in the first instance so that any in-person viewings are given to the most interested prospective buyers.

As in the lower tiers, Covid-secure measures should be firmly in place during in-person viewings.

Open house viewings are not allowed under tier three or any of the lower tiers.

If any member of either the household whose home is being viewed, or the household viewing, shows symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should be delayed.

Are estate agents in tier 3 open?

Yes.

However, as with tiers one and two, the toughened tier system means people are being encouraged to work from home when possible.

This might mean some agents choose to work from home, continuing to work digitally and remaining open at branch-level by appointment only.

Can I move house under tier 3?

Yes.

Estate and lettings agents, removals, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes can to continue working under the tiered system.

Meeting with people outside your household or bubble “to facilitate moving home” is listed as one of the government’s exemptions from gatherings limits across all tiers.

Which English regions are in tier 3?

North east

Hartlepool
Middlesbrough
Stockton-on-Tees
Redcar and Cleveland
Darlington
Sunderland
South Tyneside
Gateshead
Newcastle upon Tyne
North Tyneside
County Durham
Northumberland

North west

Greater Manchester
Lancashire
Blackpool
Blackburn with Darwen

Yorkshire and The Humber

The Humber
West Yorkshire
South Yorkshire

West Midlands

Birmingham and Black Country
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull

East Midlands

Derby and Derbyshire
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Leicester and Leicestershire
Lincolnshire

South east

Slough (remainder of Berkshire is tier 2: High alert)
Kent and Medway

South west

Bristol
South Gloucestershire
North Somerset.

What about Scotland?

Scotland’s government has imposed a five-level system of coronavirus measures.

Currently, there are 11 areas in west and central Scotland now in the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions, which go from zero (lowest) to four (very high risk).

Can I view properties in-person in Scotland?

Yes.

The Scottish government’s guidance on property viewings emphasises a virtual-first approach.

Can I move house in Scotland?

Yes.

In Scotland, people can continue to move under all five levels, and to and from areas in different levels.

However, the government suggests people may wish to consider whether they can postpone a move and related activities in areas subject to level four.

You can read the latest guidance from the Scottish government on moving home here.

What about Wales?

Wales recently emerged from a four-week “firebreak lockdown” and no tier-based Covid-19 restrictions are currently in place.

This means the property market can continue to operate within coronavirus safety measures.

People living in Wales may:

move home
market a residential property for sale or rent and prepare a residential property for persons to move into
visit estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes for the purposes of the purchase, sale, letting or rental of residential property
view a residential property.

by Blackstones

The 20 UK locations where homes sell the fastest

November 30, 2020Newsletter

Where do homes sell like hot cakes? Our latest research has the answer and also shows that three-bedroom houses sell faster than any other property type.

We’ve analysed our portal data to find the locations in Britain where homes sell most quickly. Our research identified 20 regions where properties sell in around 30 days or faster.

Falkirk in Scotland is the UK’s fastest-moving location with listings there taking an average of just 20 days to go from “for sale” to “sold subject to contract”.

Bridgend, Wales and Waltham Forest, East London were the joint second speediest markets, with offers being accepted on homes in both locations just 24 days after they were first listed.

The Midlands dominated our top 20, accounting for eight of the locations where homes sell in the shortest time frame.

By contrast, the South of England hardly featured on the list, with only three regions (just one of which was in London) earning a spot among the top 20.

What’s driving fast sales?

Pent up demand following the first Covid-19 lockdown has led to a surge in the UK property sales pipeline which is 50% bigger than this time last year

Tom Parker, our consumer spokesperson, said: “With a potential saving of up to £15,000, the rush from buyers to benefit from the stamp duty holiday is very much on.

“Of course there is still a significant amount of work to be done once a property is under offer, but properties being snapped up quickly by eager buyers is the first hurdle to leap if you want to make that saving.

“We’d urge buyers to act quickly and decisively in their hunt for a perfect property. Any delay can not only mean you miss out on your dream home but could hit you in the pocket too.”

UK locations where homes sell the fastest

Falkirk, Waltham Forest and Bridgend are the three fastest-moving locations.

The top five is completed by Liverpool and Salford, Greater Manchester where homes take an average of 25 days and 26 days to sell respectively.

Sheffield is the fastest-moving market in Yorkshire and the Humber, with homes typically listed for 27 days before they are sold.

Rank	Local Authority	Region	Days on the market*
1	Falkirk	Scotland	20
2	Waltham Forest	London	24
3	Bridgend	Wales	24
4	Liverpool	North West	25
5	Salford	North West	26
6	Sheffield	Yorkshire and the Humber	27
7	Redditch	West Midlands	27
8	Bromsgrove	West Midlands	28
9	Walsall	West Midlands	28
10	Stoke-on-Trent	West Midlands	28
11	Leeds	Yorkshire and the Humber	28
12	Bristol	South West	29
13	Dartford	South East	30
14	Nottingham	East Midlands	30
15	Oldham	North West	31
16	Gedling	East Midlands	31
17	South Staffordshire	West Midlands	31
18	Mansfield	East Midlands	31
19	Trafford	North West	31
20	Manchester	North West	31

* Days on the market rounded to the nearest whole number. Calculated as a rolling six months average from 1st May to 31st October.

Midlands dominates with majority of speediest markets

Markets in the East and West Midlands featured heavily on the list, particularly towns within a 40-minute drive of Birmingham.

Redditch, Worcestershire came in seventh place, with properties there taking an average of just 27 days to sell, followed by Bromsgrove and Walsall, both in the West Midlands, and Stoke-on-Trent in the East Midlands all at 28 days.

Also in the East Midlands, properties in Nottingham spent an average 30 days on the market before finding a buyer, while those in Gedling and Mansfield are on the market for an average of 31 days each.

The fastest-selling borough in London

Only one London borough features in our list of fastest-moving markets, Waltham Forest in East London.

Properties in this borough, which spans Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Highams Park and Chingford, typically sell in 24 days.

In line with London house prices, the fastest moving price band here is £400,000-£450,000, noticeably higher than the other fastest-moving markets in our top 20.

What about the rest of the South?

The South of England hardly features on our list of fastest-moving markets with only two regions outside London ranking.

Bristol is the only location in the South West to feature. It is in 12th place with properties taking an average of 29 days to sell. A two-bedroom terraced house is the fastest moving property type, while when it comes to price band, the speediest is £150,000-£200,000.

Meanwhile, Dartford in Kent is the only South East location to feature (apart from Waltham Forest). Dartford is a firm favourite with London commuters and comes in joint 13th place with average properties taking 30 days to sell. A three-bed terraced house is the fastest moving property type in this region and the fastest moving price band here is higher, coming in at a £250,000-£300,000

What are the fastest-selling property types?

Three-bedroom semi-detached homes were the quickest to sell in 12 of the top 20 fastest-moving markets, followed by two-bedroom terraced homes in five locations and one-bedroom flats in two places.

Cheaper properties also found buyers more quickly, with homes in the £100,000 to £150,000 price bracket leading the way in 11 markets, followed by those in the £150,000 to £200,000 range in five markets.

Waltham Forest and Dartford had the highest price bands for fast sales, followed by Trafford at £200,000 to £250,000.

by Blackstones

Revealed: the top 10 search terms most used by homehunters in 2020

November 30, 2020Newsletter

Our research reveals gardens and garages topped our "Top 10 most-searched terms" lists this year, as coronavirus impacted on what buyers and renters want from their homes.

A garden is what buyers and renters want most in 2020, perhaps reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns.

Analysis of our property search tool over the past 12 months showed that “garden” was the top feature both buyers and renters were looking for in their new home this year.

“Detached”, “rural” and “secluded” all also made it into the top 10 keywords prospective buyers entered into our search tool in 2020.

Meanwhile, renters were keen to find a property with a “balcony” (fourth on the list), and many were up for finding a rental in the countryside with “rural” featuring in ninth place.

Britons’ preoccupation with their cars was also reflected in our top 10 search terms, with “garage” and “parking” making it into the top three for both buyers and renters.

What are buyers looking for?

The most-searched-for terms give sellers an interesting insight into what potential buyers are really looking for.

“Garden” was the most-searched-for term among those looking to purchase a home, followed by “garage” and “parking”.

“Detached”, “rural” and “secluded” occupied the next three slots, as people looked for properties that would help them to social distance, while balcony took eighth place, as homehunters prioritised having access to outdoor space.

The once unfashionable “bungalow” made it into the top 10 most-searched-for terms for the second year running, coming in seventh place.

An “annexe” was the ninth most-searched-for property feature, possibly reflecting a desire among homehunters to have elderly parents move in with them as a result of the pandemic.

“Freehold” completed the top 10.

	Buyers’ top 10 most-searched terms
1	garden
2	garage
3	parking
4	detached
5	rural
6	secluded
7	bungalow
8	balcony
9	annexe
10	freehold

What are renters looking for?

For renters, “garden” also took the top spot, while “balcony” was in fourth place and “rural” came ninth.

“Parking” was the second-most-important thing renters looked for in a potential home, followed by a “garage”. “Pets” completed the top five, perhaps reflecting the recent surge in renters who want to find pet-friendly homes.

Having the right flooring was also a priority for renters, as was rent that included household bills and having an ensuite bathroom.

The top 10 also reflected the demand for rental properties among those at university, with “student” the tenth most-searched-for term.

	Renters’ top 10 most-searched terms
1	garden
2	parking
3	garage
4	balcony
5	pets
6	flooring
7	bills included
8	ensuite
9	rural
10	student

Why is this happening?

The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a once in a lifetime reassessment of what people want from their homes.

Lockdowns and social distancing have caused people to put a high premium on having access to outdoor space.

Also, with more of us working from home, living in cities or close to good transport links has become less important. As a result, many homehunters are looking towards more rural locations.

This reassessment, combined with the government’s stamp duty holiday, has triggered a mini-housing market boom, with the sales pipeline currently 50% bigger than it was this time last year.

by Blackstones

Tenants’ charter: social housing residents to be given greater voice to demand safety standards from landlords

November 30, 2020Newsletter

Reforms announced by the government will make social housing landlords more accountable and speed up the complaints procedure.

Social housing is set to be reformed to make landlords more accountable and to give tenants a greater voice, according to proposals published by the government.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans for a new charter setting out the standards tenants in the sector can demand from their landlords.

“We’re levelling up this country, making it fairer for everyone – and that includes making sure social housing tenants are treated with the respect they deserve,” he wrote in the Social Housing White Paper 2020.

Such standards include living in a property that meets safety standards and is in good repair, and giving tenants the chance to have their voice heard through regular meetings and scrutiny panels with landlords.

In a bid to increase accountability, tenants will also have a right to know how their landlord is performing against a set of tenant satisfaction measures in areas such as repairs, complaints and safety, as well as how money is being spent.

The government also announced plans to speed up the complaints procedure for residents and to strengthen the Regulator of Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman to help drive the cultural change required and ensure complaints are dealt with promptly and fairly.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I want to see social housing tenants empowered by a regulatory regime and a culture of transparency, accountability, decency and service befitting of the best intentions and deep roots of social housing in this country.”

Why is this happening?

The plans are in response to a Conservative party manifesto pledge to provide social housing tenants with greater redress, better regulation and to improve the quality of their homes.

The government is also delivering on a promise it made to the Grenfell community that the voice of tenants would never go unheard again.

A total of 72 people died due to a fire at the Grenfell Tower block in west London in June 2017. The tragedy prompted the government to have a "fundamental rethink" on social housing.

Who does it affect?

Around 4m people live in social housing in England but the safety standards for the sector fall below those required for the private rental sector.

In the past, social housing tenants have also had to wait for several months in order to get complaints resolved, while the regulator has not conducted proactive investigations or inspections but only acted once things have gone wrong.

The new measures should not only increase the safety of social housing, but should also give tenants more opportunities to provide input on the state of their accommodation.

What’s the background?

The government is launching a consultation on making it mandatory to have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all rental homes to bring the social housing sector in line with the private rental one.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to helping social tenants who want to become homeowners to do so through the Right to Buy initiative and its new Right to Shared Ownership scheme for housing association tenants in new grant-funded homes.

Top three takeaways

Social housing is set to be reformed with a new charter to make landlords more accountable and to give tenants a greater voice
Under the new standards information will be published showing how landlords are performing in areas such as repairs, complaints and safety to increase accountability
The government also announced plans to speed up the complaints procedure for residents and strengthen the Regulator of Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman.

by Blackstones

Need further information?

Call 0203 129 1870 for further information about marketing your home, or to find out how much your property is worth.

Why is this happening?

Who does it affect?

What’s the background?

Top three takeaways

What’s the background?

Can I still buy before the stamp duty holiday ends?

What happens when the stamp duty holiday ends?

How much stamp duty will I pay after 31 March 2021?

First-time buyers after 31 March 2021

Landlords and second-home owners

What about non-UK residents?

What other government support is available?

What about stamp duty in Scotland and Wales?

We’re here to help

What’s happening to house prices?

Is buyer demand still strong?

What’s happening with property sales?

What’s next for the housing market?

ier 1 - medium alert

What does tier 1 mean for the property market?

Can I view properties in a tier 1 area?

Are estate agents in tier 1 open?

Can I move house under tier 1?

Which English regions are in tier 1?

South east

South west

Midlands

Tier 2 - high alert

What does tier 2 mean for the property market?

Can I view properties in a tier 2 area?

Are estate agents in tier 2 open?

Can I move house under tier 2?

Which English regions are in tier 2?

East of England

East midlands

North west

South east

South west

West midlands

Yorkshire

Tier 3 - very high alert

What does tier 3 mean for the property market?

Can I view properties in a tier 3 area?

Are estate agents in tier 3 open?

Can I move house under tier 3?

Which English regions are in tier 3?

East Midlands

North east

North west

South west

West midlands

Yorkshire and The Humber

Tier 4 - stay at home

What does tier 4 mean for the property market?

Can I view properties in a tier 4 area?

Are estate agents in tier 4 open?

Can I move house under tier 4?

Which English regions are in tier 4?

London

South East

East of England

What about Scotland?

Can I view properties in-person in Scotland?

Can I move house in Scotland?

What about Wales?

People living in Wales may:

Looking for a new home?

Why is this happening?

Who does it affect?

What’s the background?

Top three takeaways

Q. Why is overall buyer appetite still higher than this time last year?

Q. Will this trend continue over the next few months?

Q. Is the number of homes coming onto the market soaking up this demand?

Q. What’s the forecast for Christmas and the new year?

Q. With projections that house price growth will be 4% by the end of the year, how resilient is the housing market?

Q. What’s in store for the housing market in 2021?

Tier 1 - medium alert

What does tier 1 mean for the property market?

Can I view properties in a tier 1 area?