Despite challenging economic conditions, the market remains resilient, in part due to motivated buyers still looking for correctly priced homes. Activity amongst first-time buyers is holding up well.
Summer Slowdown
As normal and expected:
July and August are typically slow months for selling properties. Summer holidays, outdoor activities and children off school mean that our thoughts are elsewhere. In August we have historically seen an average month-on-month fall of 0.9% (Rightmove). This year the figure is higher at 1.9%, an indication of growing realism in the market and keen vendors pricing competitively to attract buyers. Despite the current softening in prices, average house prices in May were down just 2% on last September’s high and still over 20% above pre-pandemic levels (Zoopla).
Mortgages
In light of improving inflation data and more positive forecasts for the UK economy, lenders have been cutting their fixed mortgage rates. The quarterly growth rate of mortgages approved has improved from the start of the year, with lending volumes 6.3% higher over the three months to the end of July than they were for the prior three months. Whilst current levels are higher than at the end of 2022 and early 2023, they are considerably lower than a year ago (Bank of England).
Demand
Demand continues to be supported by strong employment levels and record annual wage growth. Those serious about moving are still doing so, perhaps adjusting their budget to offset interest rate increases. The number of sales agreed is currently 15% lower nationally than 2019 levels. However, the first-time buyer sector is holding up better, down by 10% and likely driven in part by high rents and lack of rental availability (Rightmove).
Despite the economic conditions, transaction numbers have also been relatively resilient. There were 86,500 transactions in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, a modest 0.8% higher than in June, although down 16.3% on July 2022 (HMRC).
So, if you are thinking of selling or letting in Anglesey or Gwynedd and would like to know in more detail what’s happening in the local property market please contact us!
Williams & Goodwin The Property People are members of the Guild of Property Professionals, National Association of Estate Agents, Association of Residential Lettings Agents, National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and are Chartered Valuation Surveyors we are members of a National Network of approximately 800 independently owned and operated Estate Agents.
I was recommended by a neighbour who had sold their house through Williams & Goodwin, after they’d used a previous local agent with whom they had little interest after one year. With W & G, their house was sold within a few weeks. The service was excellent and the staff very friendly and k...
Chris Squires
Dealt promptly and efficiently with each stage of the sale. Gemma (at the Llangefni office) was outstanding, an asset to the company.
Kyle Williams
Great company, quick service and all staff were excellent during the sale of our house.
Elin jones
Diolch i bawb yn Williams a Goodwin am eich gwasanaeth ac ymdrech i werthu ein ty! A diolch i Gemma yn arbennig am ymateb i phob ebost a galwad yn brydlon a cadw ni ben ffordd.
Diolch!
Scott D
During the purchase of our property. We dealt with the Holyhead branch. From our first viewings (not just the property we bought), they were very professional and dealt with all our enquiries fast and efficiently. Unfortunately, part way through our purchase, the sellers of the property we were purc...
Sara Hughes
I cannot recommend or thank Williams&Goodwin Holyhead Branch enough for their support and guidance as I bought my first home. From the friendly viewing accompanied by Jamie to the continued reassurance, communication and updates from Charlotte, the team were so approachable and professional thro...
Megan Dixon
Elizabeth Margaret Jones
Well what can we say, a brilliant service from Caron Sally and Gemma and Amy , they went out of their way to make our journey less stressful, Caron was always there to listen to me when I was worried about anything, and thank you also to Dafydd .
Ceuron Parry
Gemma, our estate agent, truly made the process of buying our first home a breeze. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and attentive to our needs, guiding us through every step with patience and expertise. Her in-depth knowledge of the local market and her keen eye for detail help...
Catherine Fiona Richmond
Absolutely 💯 % customer service keeping everyone up-to-date in the process
