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In spite of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis that has ensued, findings suggest that the property market is continuing to boom.

 

Although the global pandemic has effected many peoples’ lives, leading to job losses and a reduction in low-deposit loans, temporary measures put in place by the government have attempted to support the housing market through this turbulent period.

 

With such temporary measures as the stamp duty cut, introduced earlier on in July this year, buyers have been given a window of opportunity in which to buy a new property and save money on certain costs associated with this process.

 

Figures from a property website have recently revealed that during October, the average price of a home in Britain hit £323,530 – a record high. Compared to a year ago, prices are now £16,818 (5.5%) higher, this being the largest rate of increase in over four years.

 

Rightmove director of property data Tim Bannister was reported to comment the following on the matter: Previous records are tumbling in this extraordinary market, and there are still some legs left in the upwards march of property prices.”

 

Rightmove have announced that their predictions for the annual rate of price growth could peak by December, predicting this to be around 7% higher than it was a year ago.

 

In spite of an effective market closure that occurred between the end of March and the middle of May, Rightmove claim that so far 2% more sales have been agreed in comparison to this time last year. In addition to this, Rightmove have also said that the average time in which to sell a property has also reached a record-breaking high of 50 days – being a whole 12 days faster in comparison to this time last year.

 

Bannister further commented: “Many buyers seem willing to pay record prices for properties that fit their changed post-lockdown needs, though agents are commenting that some owners’ price expectations are now getting too optimistic, and not all properties fit the ‘must have’ template that buyers are now seeking.”

 

“Not only is the time left to sell and legally complete before the 31 March stamp duty deadline being eaten away by the calendar, but more time is also needed because the sheer volume of sales is making it take longer for sales that have been agreed to complete the process.”

Daniel Tannenbaum

Author Daniel Tannenbaum

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