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Average asking price for first-time buyer home jumps 6.2% in a month Average asking price for first-time buyer home jumps 6.2% in a month
(4 months later)
The average asking price of a typical first-time buyer home leapt by 6.2% in a month after buy-to-let investors rushed to buy properties before last month’s stamp duty increase, according to figures on Monday.The average asking price of a typical first-time buyer home leapt by 6.2% in a month after buy-to-let investors rushed to buy properties before last month’s stamp duty increase, according to figures on Monday.
The average for properties coming on to the market in England and Wales with two bedrooms or fewer was £11,298 higher in May than in April, at £194,224, according to data from the property website Rightmove.The average for properties coming on to the market in England and Wales with two bedrooms or fewer was £11,298 higher in May than in April, at £194,224, according to data from the property website Rightmove.
The figures, based on properties listed during the month, showed that across the UK the average price of a first-time buyer property had risen by 11.4% since May 2015.The figures, based on properties listed during the month, showed that across the UK the average price of a first-time buyer property had risen by 11.4% since May 2015.
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In hotspots such as Croydon, Dartford and Luton – all towns within easy commuting distance of central London – asking prices were up by more than 18% over the year. The figures do not include inner-London homes.In hotspots such as Croydon, Dartford and Luton – all towns within easy commuting distance of central London – asking prices were up by more than 18% over the year. The figures do not include inner-London homes.
The website said strong demand from investors keen to buy before the introduction of the surcharge on second homes had caused a “property drought” at the lower end of the market, putting upwards pressure on prices for those homes that were being made available.The website said strong demand from investors keen to buy before the introduction of the surcharge on second homes had caused a “property drought” at the lower end of the market, putting upwards pressure on prices for those homes that were being made available.
However, Rightmove’s director, Miles Shipside, said: “It remains to be seen if these prices can be achieved and there may be some over pricing in the market. It is also a reflection of better quality property coming to market in this sector which is now targeting owner-occupiers rather than landlords.”However, Rightmove’s director, Miles Shipside, said: “It remains to be seen if these prices can be achieved and there may be some over pricing in the market. It is also a reflection of better quality property coming to market in this sector which is now targeting owner-occupiers rather than landlords.”
In Llandudno, north Wales, prices were down by 7.5% year-on-year and in Darlington, north-east England, they dropped by 3%.In Llandudno, north Wales, prices were down by 7.5% year-on-year and in Darlington, north-east England, they dropped by 3%.
Across all property types, Rightmove said average asking prices had increased by 0.4% over the month to an average of £308,151. Prices were down on the previous month in London, the north-west and the north-east, but in all other regions sellers appeared more confident than in April.Across all property types, Rightmove said average asking prices had increased by 0.4% over the month to an average of £308,151. Prices were down on the previous month in London, the north-west and the north-east, but in all other regions sellers appeared more confident than in April.
The stamp duty increase came into effect on 1 April after being unveiled in November’s autumn statement. Second homes now attract a three percentage point surcharge, adding £6,000 to the upfront cost of a £200,000 property.The stamp duty increase came into effect on 1 April after being unveiled in November’s autumn statement. Second homes now attract a three percentage point surcharge, adding £6,000 to the upfront cost of a £200,000 property.
Figures from HM Revenue and Customs showed a spike in purchases before the change, with 161,990 sales of £40,000 or more registered during March.Figures from HM Revenue and Customs showed a spike in purchases before the change, with 161,990 sales of £40,000 or more registered during March.
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There are signs that landlords are still willing to buy, but are focusing their attention on the cheaper end of the market. Paul Milson at estate agents Leaders in Epsom, Surrey, said: “Despite the increase in stamp duty, investors are still keen to purchase one-bedroom flats because they make good long-term investments due to their higher yields, potential for capital gains and consistently high demand from tenants.There are signs that landlords are still willing to buy, but are focusing their attention on the cheaper end of the market. Paul Milson at estate agents Leaders in Epsom, Surrey, said: “Despite the increase in stamp duty, investors are still keen to purchase one-bedroom flats because they make good long-term investments due to their higher yields, potential for capital gains and consistently high demand from tenants.
“However, supply of two-bedroom flats is currently good across the board and prices for these appear to have peaked.”“However, supply of two-bedroom flats is currently good across the board and prices for these appear to have peaked.”
Research by estate agents Countrywide showed the average price paid by investors fell by 8.3% in April, from £194,000 to £178,000. Stamp duty on the cheaper property would now be £6,400 - £800 lower than on March’s average price.Research by estate agents Countrywide showed the average price paid by investors fell by 8.3% in April, from £194,000 to £178,000. Stamp duty on the cheaper property would now be £6,400 - £800 lower than on March’s average price.
Countrywide said investors in London paid an average of £365,000 in April v £436,000 in March, attracting a stamp duty bill of £19,200 rather than £24,880.Countrywide said investors in London paid an average of £365,000 in April v £436,000 in March, attracting a stamp duty bill of £19,200 rather than £24,880.
Johnny Morris, its research director, said: “Rather than being dissuaded by the new 3% charge it seems that landlords are already adjusting their behaviour. In response to the extra purchasing costs many are choosing to buy cheaper homes that offer a higher yield and of course a lower stamp duty bill.”Johnny Morris, its research director, said: “Rather than being dissuaded by the new 3% charge it seems that landlords are already adjusting their behaviour. In response to the extra purchasing costs many are choosing to buy cheaper homes that offer a higher yield and of course a lower stamp duty bill.”
He said there were early signs that first-time buyer numbers were increasing, but added: “It’s too early to tell whether this is simply the after effects of the stamp duty rush or the start of a longer term trend.”He said there were early signs that first-time buyer numbers were increasing, but added: “It’s too early to tell whether this is simply the after effects of the stamp duty rush or the start of a longer term trend.”