This is the first 1st article with a date without an author
Despite some continued challenges within the market as consumer attention was drawn towards
the Brexit and general election debates, our figures for the final quarter of 2019 show a more
positive performance than expected. Supported by the clear election result, and subsequent
‘Boris bounce’, the usual seasonal slowdown failed to materialise, with December ahead of
December 2018 on all key measures.
This does feel like a turning point for the housing market and, in the weeks immediately following the
election, we have seen those that were hesitant, both vendors and purchasers, gain confidence and take
action to progress with their sale or purchase.
It was pleasing to see purchaser demand strengthen as new applicant registrations remained ahead of
2018 for the second quarter in a row, with Q4 registrations 4% ahead of Q4 2018. Again, first-time buyers
were a key driver for this increase as their registrations saw a 13% uplift on Q4 2018. First-time buyers are
a key feature of a healthy market although, with overall stock levels remaining low, it may be some time
before these buyers are able to take their first step onto the property ladder
