There has been a lot of negative press about the UK residential sector over the past year and this has had a detrimental effect on property investment there. With the exception of London the view is been that investors should stay away from the market. However, figures just released by the Office for National Statistics present a different picture.
In the 12 months to June 2012 UK house prices increased by 2.3%, unchanged from the 12 months to May. House prices continue to remain relatively stable across most of the UK. The year-on-year increase reflected growth of 2.8% in England, which was offset by declines in Scotland and Northern Ireland of 1.0% and 11.9% respectively. House prices remained unchanged in Wales.
Some parts of the England fared better than others, with London seeing prices rise by 6.5%. Increases in the South West and South East were 2.3% and 2.2% respectively. The only decrease in England was the North East, which fell 1.3%.
New homes were ‘more popular than ever’ according to Barratt Homes. According to a survey this leading builder carried out, there has been a 27% increase in the popularity of new build property, since a similar survey was carried out in 2008. This is supported by ONS figures which show prices of new dwellings rose by 5.9% during the 12 months to June 2012, while the price of pre-owned dwellings increased by 2.1% in the same period.
The first time buyers market also showed some improvement. In June 2012, prices paid by first time buyers were 3.1% higher on average than in June 2011. For owner occupiers (existing owners) prices increased by 2.1% for the same period
Our readers should not get carried away by the above though. Whilst London should continue to perform well over the medium term the rest of the UK faces an uncertain time. If you are buying outside London you should look for a niche sector and a secure income stream. It’s a sound strategy for property investment in uncertain times.
