Market Reports August 27, 2024
     

Regional Property Market Update Spring 2024: Scotland

Signs of green shoots are appearing in the property market. More buyers are returning to the market, supported by falling mortgage rates, wage growth outstripping inflation, and a strong labour market.

 

Economic backdrop 

With the Bank of England holding the interest rate at 5.25%, the consensus is that we are at the top of the rate rise cycle. Interest rate expectations in the monthly consensus forecasts have been improving over recent months as the economic outlook brightens (HM Treasury Average of Independent Forecasts). Rates are predicted to start falling in the second half of the year, reaching 4.4% by the end of 2024. With inflation under control and forecast to fall to 2.2% by the end of the year (HM Treasury Average of Independent Forecasts), confidence in the housing market is improving. 

 

Growing activity 

With the Bank of England holding the interest rate at 5.25%, the consensus is that we are at the top of the rate rise cycle. Interest rate expectations in the monthly consensus forecasts have been improving over recent months as the economic outlook brightens (HM Treasury Average of Independent Forecasts). Rates are predicted to start falling in the second half of the year, reaching 4.4% by the end of 2024. With inflation under control and forecast to fall to 2.2% by the end of the year (HM Treasury Average of Independent Forecasts), confidence in the housing market is improving. 

Scotland spring Report

Slower pace

In the year to February, average rents across the UK rose by 7.4% to £1,262. Average rents increased by 0.2% January to February, with all regions seeing a monthly rise except for the South East, Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, Northern Ireland and London (HomeLet). Rents are still forecast to rise in 2024, albeit at a slightly slower pace. A net balance of +41% of agents envisage rents rising over the next three months, as demand continues to outweigh supply (RICS). However, many landlords are keen to keep existing renters: 75% would maintain a rent level if they were happy with the existing renter, rather than take a new renter who would pay more (Dataloft, Property Academy Landlord Survey 2023). 

The Chancellor has also abolished the furnished holiday lettings tax regime, which should help to level up the buy-to-let sector and unlock more full-time tenancy stock in major cities, tourist hotspots and coastal communities.

Scotland property market

Early signs for the market in 2024 are increasingly positive, with metrics for buyer demand, sales and new instructions all turning positive (RICS). Choice for buyers is on the rise, with available homes for sale 20% higher than a year ago (Zoopla). Improved market conditions are boosting the chances of a sale, although sellers must continue to present their property well and at a reasonable price if they are serious about moving in 2024. Half of agents say offers are currently being accepted up to 5% below initial asking price; however, 15% report this level or higher (Dataloft Inform Poll of Subscribers). 

 

Average property values in Scotland are 27% above 2019 levels, equivalent to a rise of £40,054 (UK HPI December 2023). Price growth since before the pandemic is strongest in Na h-Eileanan Siar and East Lothian.

 

 

Contact us

Sell your property with your local expert this spring. Contact your local Guild Member today.

 

Autumn 2024 UK Property Market Report: Growing market momentum

Regional Property Market Update Autumn 2024: London

Regional Property Market Update Autumn 2024: Thames Valley, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire

Regional Property Market Update Autumn 2024: Scotland

Contact Us

Moreland Estate Agents
903-905 Finchley Road
Golders Green
NW11 7PE

Tel: 020 8381 4970
Email: info@moreland.uk.com

Follow Us

Moreland Estate Agents FacebookMoreland Estate Agents TwitterMoreland Estate Agents InstagramMoreland Estate Agents LinkedInMoreland Estate Agents YouTube Channel


The Guild of Property ProfessionalsTerms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Complaints Procedure | Fees | Code of Practice | Disclaimer | Client Money Protection                                                                                                                                                                   

2021 © Moreland Estates Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 03663497.
VAT Registration Number: GB 701 775 936.
Trading Address is: 903 - 905 Finchley Road, Golders Green, London, NW11 7PE.
Registered Office is: Unit 8 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green, Hertfordshire, AL9 7NT.

Check mortgage eligibility online

Update Cookies Preferences