Trying to sell your home? Why now is 'perfect' opportunity for showing your house, says property expert Jonathan Rolande

Things may be looking up for the property sector

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Jonathan Rolande

By Jonathan Rolande


Published: 06/06/2024

- 13:46

Updated: 10/06/2024

- 12:39

What can Britons expect from the property market as we reach the midway point of 2024? Property expert Jonathan Rolande shares his predictions, including explaining why this summer is "perfect" for showing potential buyers your home

Rental rates are soaring. The speed at which new homes are being built remains way too slow.

And neither Rishi Sunak nor Keir Starmer have focused much attention on housing in the opening days of the general election campaigns.


But as we reach the midway point of the year there are reasons to be cheerful about the property sector.

One, interest rates have peaked. Many, including me, had hoped to see a reduction now, just a quarter per cent, to show a new direction of travel. Disappointingly, we haven’t yet seen that, but it is just a matter of time.

UK homes for sale

House prices are stable

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I’ll be flabbergasted if we don’t see a slight reduction in late summer, with another following close behind. This would be great news for borrowers, businesses and the economy as a whole – a return of the ‘feel good factor’.

Two, house prices are stable. In fact, they increased slightly in May. Prices going up quickly isn’t ideal, but neither is the price crash predicted by many but yet to materialise.

Steady prices, increasing slowly, are the best recipe for confidence in the market and mobility of the house-buying public.

Three, the Election looks set to be a win/win. Although things have been far from stable in recent years under the present Government, the property market has not significantly blown off course.

The market doesn’t like uncertainty and Labour entering Downing St would create concern but if promises of economic stability and a measured style of Government are to be believed, the housing market should respond well.

If the Tories find a way back to power, 'more of the same' for homeowners is not a bad option either. Win/win.

However, tenants will not be as fortunate – the Conservatives have no clear plan for fixing the many issues surrounding letting.

Four, homeowners and tenants have benefitted from the recent reductions in energy costs.

Jonathan RolandeJonathan Rolande is a property expert JONATHAN ROLANDE

Although much of the saving will have been eaten up by increases elsewhere, the Price Cap amendments have been a rare glimmer of hope in a troubled economy.

And finally, we have the weather - yes, the good old UK climate. A dismal winter with above-average rainfall kept many indoors, and spending less in shops has helped tame inflation.

There is also pent-up demand in housing as buyers return to their searches after a long winter hibernation. Warmer, longer and sunnier days are perfect for viewing property.

Jonathan Rolande is a property expert from the National Association of Property Buyers

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