17/06/2003
RICS 'confident' despite slide in house sales
Fears earlier this year of a significant fall in house prices are receding as confidence in the market strengthens, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has said in its latest survey of England and Wales, published today.
In terms of new buyer enquiries and surveyor confidence in future sales, a generally stronger picture has emerged in southern regions, following an improvement in London for April, the report found.
However, this cannot obscure the current market slide, which saw overall sales down 21% for May compared to last year, and the stocks of unsold properties on the market at the highest level since September 2000.
RICS housing spokesman Ian Perry said that the market remained "sluggish" due to a weakness in demand, and the south continues to experience declining prices. Although, the situation in the south was being partly offset by price rises in the north, he said.
He added: "The declining number of enquiries has shown some signs of bottoming out indicating the market is stabilising, rather than showing any renewed vigour just yet."
However, Mr Perry said but despite this, "we are seeing confidence from London spreading out across the southern region".
But in terms of RICS registered members, confidence levels are now "at their highest level for six months", with 13% more members saying they expect to be handling more sales over the next three months.
Nationwide, for the three months to May, 25% more surveyors reported a fall in prices than reported a rise, a slight improvement on the previous survey’s figure.
The survey points to low interest rates and a post Iraq-effect as key contributors to rising surveyor confidence.
(GMcG)
In terms of new buyer enquiries and surveyor confidence in future sales, a generally stronger picture has emerged in southern regions, following an improvement in London for April, the report found.
However, this cannot obscure the current market slide, which saw overall sales down 21% for May compared to last year, and the stocks of unsold properties on the market at the highest level since September 2000.
RICS housing spokesman Ian Perry said that the market remained "sluggish" due to a weakness in demand, and the south continues to experience declining prices. Although, the situation in the south was being partly offset by price rises in the north, he said.
He added: "The declining number of enquiries has shown some signs of bottoming out indicating the market is stabilising, rather than showing any renewed vigour just yet."
However, Mr Perry said but despite this, "we are seeing confidence from London spreading out across the southern region".
But in terms of RICS registered members, confidence levels are now "at their highest level for six months", with 13% more members saying they expect to be handling more sales over the next three months.
Nationwide, for the three months to May, 25% more surveyors reported a fall in prices than reported a rise, a slight improvement on the previous survey’s figure.
The survey points to low interest rates and a post Iraq-effect as key contributors to rising surveyor confidence.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 September 2009
Scrappage Scheme Boosts Car Sales
The government's car scrappage scheme has pushed up UK car sales by 6% from a year ago, according to the latest industry figures. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' statistics show a total of 67,006 cars were sold in August, the second consecutive month of growth.
Scrappage Scheme Boosts Car Sales
The government's car scrappage scheme has pushed up UK car sales by 6% from a year ago, according to the latest industry figures. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' statistics show a total of 67,006 cars were sold in August, the second consecutive month of growth.
30 July 2003
Retailers boosted by later summer sales, says CBI
The warm weather and a later start to the summer sales gave retailers an "unexpected boost" in July, according to the CBI's latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey published today (Wednesday). Retailers had expected July to show the same modest sales growth as June but in fact sales grew at the fastest rate since April 2002, the CBI said.
Retailers boosted by later summer sales, says CBI
The warm weather and a later start to the summer sales gave retailers an "unexpected boost" in July, according to the CBI's latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey published today (Wednesday). Retailers had expected July to show the same modest sales growth as June but in fact sales grew at the fastest rate since April 2002, the CBI said.
11 May 2010
'Spring Bounce' For Property Market
Britain's housing market enjoyed a 'spring bounce' in April, according to research by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The research showed both property prices and sales levels were rising last month. Approximately 17% of surveyors reported a rise in April, up from 9% in March.
'Spring Bounce' For Property Market
Britain's housing market enjoyed a 'spring bounce' in April, according to research by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The research showed both property prices and sales levels were rising last month. Approximately 17% of surveyors reported a rise in April, up from 9% in March.
19 September 2013
NSO Reports Surprise Fall In Retail Sales
The Office for National Statistics have reported a 0.9% fall in retail sales volumes in August, as opposed to 0.4% rise that analysts had predicted. Despite the fall sales volumes were still 2.1% higher than in the same period in 2012, when the Olympics affected spending.
NSO Reports Surprise Fall In Retail Sales
The Office for National Statistics have reported a 0.9% fall in retail sales volumes in August, as opposed to 0.4% rise that analysts had predicted. Despite the fall sales volumes were still 2.1% higher than in the same period in 2012, when the Olympics affected spending.
14 May 2003
House market shows more signs of cooling
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has said today that the housing market showed more signs of weakening in the first quarter of the year. The RICS market survey for England and Wales reveals a weakening market as average house prices fell for the second month running with the available supply of property rising.
House market shows more signs of cooling
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has said today that the housing market showed more signs of weakening in the first quarter of the year. The RICS market survey for England and Wales reveals a weakening market as average house prices fell for the second month running with the available supply of property rising.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.