How the 2024 Autumn Budget Impacts the UK Building Warranty and Property Development Market

With the Labour government’s first Budget in over a decade, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has introduced substantial fiscal measures, focusing on investment, tax reforms, and economic recalibration. For developers, property investors, and building professionals across the UK, understanding how these changes influence the property and development market is essential. Here, we explore what these Budget updates mean for GBW Latent Defects and the broader building warranty industry.

Key Highlights: Tax and Housing Investment

The Autumn Budget brings some significant shifts in property-related policies:

1. Housing Investment
   The Chancellor announced a £5 billion commitment to support affordable housing projects, which includes £3.1 billion directed to the Affordable Homes Programme and an additional £3 billion to support SMEs and the Build to Rent sector. This investment may foster increased development projects, especially in affordable housing. For GBW Latent Defects, this means potentially higher demand for structural warranties in this sector as developers ramp up efforts to meet housing needs.
2. National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
   From April 2025, Employer NICs will rise from 13.8% to 15%, with a reduction in the Secondary Class 1 NIC threshold from £9,100 to £5,000. This change may impact staffing costs for builders and developers, potentially influencing project budgets and timelines. For contractors and builders looking to manage these increased costs, GBW Latent Defects’ new home warranties and insolvency protections could become even more critical, providing assurance amid these economic shifts.
3. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Adjustments
   Effective from 31st October, the surcharge on SDLT for corporate and second-home purchases will increase from 3% to 5%. This measure is likely to impact corporate purchasers and investors, especially in the buy-to-let and second-home markets, potentially cooling demand in certain regions. With SDLT relief for first-time buyers scheduled to end in March 2025, these tax adjustments may also create urgency among new buyers and investors, leading to a surge in short-term projects. GBW Latent Defects’ completed housing warranties can help developers secure attractive properties for first-time buyers and other residential clients.
4. Inflation and Interest Rates
   The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) now forecasts a gradual reduction in inflation, but high interest rates may persist longer than expected. Rising interest rates could impact borrowing costs for developers and builders, affecting overall project feasibility. GBW Latent Defects’ various warranty options—such as site insurance and self-build warranties—could be a valuable layer of protection for those navigating the higher costs associated with borrowing.
5. Inheritance Tax Changes
   The Chancellor extended the freeze on inheritance tax thresholds until 2030 and announced that inherited pensions will be subject to inheritance tax from April 2027. This development may prompt some property owners to sell or transfer properties earlier, benefiting from existing tax thresholds. Builders and developers may see more family-driven investments in residential projects, opening up opportunities to support “bank of mum and dad” financing arrangements.

Building Warranty Demand: A New Horizon

The increased government spending on affordable housing and infrastructure provides GBW Latent Defects with a significant opportunity. Developers seeking to align with affordable housing requirements will likely find demand for high-quality building warranties essential to meeting compliance standards. This demand may extend to GBW Latent Defects’ tailored warranty solutions, including the Social or Affordable Housing Warranty, Self-Build Warranty, and New Home Warranty, designed to provide peace of mind to both developers and end-users.

Looking Ahead: GBW Latent Defects’ Role in a Changing Market

The Budget highlights the importance of risk management, especially given the economic challenges posed by new taxes, employment cost changes, and inflation. GBW Latent Defects can play a pivotal role by offering structural warranties and insurance products that mitigate risks and enable developers to manage unforeseen costs effectively.

Contact GBW 

If you’re a developer, builder, or property investor seeking guidance on navigating these changes, GBW Latent Defects is here to support you. With over 13 years of expertise in providing comprehensive building warranties, we ensure that your project aligns with industry standards and safeguards against potential risks.

To learn more about our range of warranties and how they can support your next development, contact us at 01284 365345 or email enquiries@granitebw.co.uk.

How a Case Officer Can Help You Navigate Your First Planning Application

If you’re considering submitting your first planning application, understanding the role of the case officer can lead to a smoother and more successful application experience. The case officer is critical in ensuring your application is reviewedcorrectly and smoothly. Let’s break down who they are, what they do, and how they fit into the planning process.

Who Is a Case Officer?

A case officer is a planning professional assigned by the local planning authority to oversee your planning application from start to finish. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the application process follows all planning regulations and policies.

An excellent case officer possesses strong communication skills, impartiality, attention to detail, and technical knowledge of planning policies. These qualities help them guide applicants effectively and ensure the process runs smoothly.

When Is a Case Officer Assigned?

After you submit your planning application, the local council will first validate it. This involves making sure that all the required documents, forms, and fees have been provided. Once your application has been validated, it will be registered officially. At this point, a case officer is assigned to your application. Typically, this happens within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly validation can be completed. You can help speed up validation by ensuring all documents, forms, and fees are complete and correct before submission.

What Does a Case Officer Do? (Understanding these responsibilities helps you see the importance of each step and how it contributes to a smoother process.)

The role of the case officer is central to the planning process. Here are the key responsibilities they take on and why they are important for your application:

1. Initial Review and Validation: The case officer ensures all information is complete and sufficient to proceed with the assessment.
   1. Before submitting your application, it’s beneficial to engage in pre-application discussions to identify potential issues early. Learn more about Key Aspects of Pre-Application Discussions
2. Consultation Management: The case officer arranges for relevant parties to be notified about your application. This includes statutory bodies, like environmental agencies and your neighbours, who can comment or raise objections.
   1. Consultation is an important part of the planning process, allowing local stakeholders to provide feedback. Learn more about Why Planning Applications Go to Public Consultation
3. Site Visit: In most cases, the case officer will conduct a site visit. This is important for assessing the impact of the development on the surrounding area and understanding your property and any possible impacts of your proposed development.
4. Assessment Against Policies: They will assess your proposal against local planning policies, national guidelines, and any other relevant regulations to determine if it meets the requirements for approval.
5. Reporting and Recommendation: The case officer will prepare a report outlining the application’s details, including a summary of any objections or support received. They will also provide their professional recommendation to approve or refuse permission. For smaller applications, the case officer might make the decision directly. However, a planning committee often decides larger projects, those with significant public interest, or complex issues. In these cases, the planning committee, made up of elected councillors, reviews the case officer’s report and makes the final decision in a public meeting.
   1. The case officer’s report will determine your application’s status as it progresses through the planning process. To understand more about the different stages, read our guide on Understanding the Planning Application Status

Why Understanding the Role of the Case Officer Helps You

Knowing that a case officer is there to guide your application through the system can help set your expectations. They act as your point of contact throughout the process, answering questions and keeping you informed. The case officer also plays an impartial role in evaluating your application against planning policies—this impartiality ensures a fair assessment, which can help build trust in the process. If your application faces delays, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your case officer to understand and resolve any issues promptly.

Local councillors can also play a role in the planning process, particularly if the planning committee is considering your application. Councillors can represent the local community’s views and may support or raise concerns about your application.

Tips for Working With Your Case Officer (These tips are crucial

for improving your chances of a successful outcome and ensuring a smoother process.)

• Be Responsive: If your case officer requests additional information, try to provide it promptly to avoid delays.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your case officer if you’re unsure about any part of the process. They are there to help you understand what is needed.
• Consider Feedback: If the officer identifies potential issues with your application, consider revising your plans to address them. This can improve your chances of approval.

Summary

Every planning application is assigned a case officer, who plays a key role in guiding it through a decision. By understanding their role and working with them effectively, you can help ensure your application is processed as smoothly as possible. For example, effective communication with your case officer—such as promptly providing requested information—can help resolve potential issues early and lead to a successful outcome. From managing consultations to assessing your proposal against policies, your case officer ensures all aspects are properly considered.

If your planning application takes longer than the standard 8-week period, you have the right to contact your local planning authority to inquire about the delay. Sometimes, you may agree to an extension with the case officer if the application is complex or further information is required. Alternatively, if there is no satisfactory progress, consider appealing to the Planning Inspectorate.

Be Prepared

If you’re about to submit your first application, being prepared and knowing what to expect from your case officer can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel throughout the process. You may also find it helpful to explore resources like the Planning Portal, which provides guidance on submitting planning applications, or consult with a planning consultant if you need further assistance.

For more information, please contact Ed or Kelly on 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk.

Current Stamp Duty Land Tax Rates UK

How much is stamp duty today?

Rates for a single property

You pay stamp duty at these rates if, after buying the property, it is the only residential property you own. You usually pay 3% on top of these rates if you own another residential property.

As of today, January 1, 2024, there are no confirmed plans for further changes to stamp duty in the UK. However, the following points are worth noting:

• Current temporary changes:
  • The existing increased thresholds introduced in September 2022 are temporary and will revert to their previous levels on March 31, 2025. This means:
    • Nil-rate band: Currently at £250,000, it will return to £125,000 after March 2025.
    • First-time buyers’ relief threshold: Currently at £425,000, it will drop back to £300,000.
    • Maximum property value eligible for first-time buyers’ relief: Currently at £625,000, it will revert to £500,000.

The History of Stamp Duty in The UK 

Stamp duty in the United Kingdom has a long and complex history, dating back to the 17th century. It is a tax levied on various documents, transactions, and assets. Here’s an overview of the history of stamp duty in the UK

The first “Stamped” duty started in the 17th century in June 1694, however, there were duties paid from May 1671 without the embossed stamps.

1. Origins in the War with France: Stamp duty was introduced in England in 1694 during the reign of William III. It was initially implemented to generate revenue for financing the war against France, known as the Nine Years’ War (1688-1697). The tax was a way to cover the war’s substantial costs.
2. Tax on Legal Documents: In its early days, stamp duty targeted legal documents such as deeds, agreements, and contracts. The tax was imposed based on the number of sheets of paper used and the value of the transaction. The presence of a physical stamp on the document was proof of payment.
3. Paper, Not Ink: The name “stamp duty” might suggest that the tax was related to the ink stamp, but it was based on the stamped paper used for these documents. The government required certain documents to be printed on specially stamped paper, and the duty was paid by purchasing this paper.
4. Expanding Tax Base: While initially focused on legal documents, stamp duty gradually expanded to cover a broader range of items and transactions over the centuries. This expansion was driven by the government’s revenue needs and desire to tax various economic activities.
5. Revenue Generator: Stamp duty proved to be a reliable source of revenue for the British government, and it was used not only during wartime but also during peacetime to finance various government expenses. Over time, it became one of the state’s significant income sources.
6. Changing Rates and Exemptions: The rates and exemptions of stamp duty were adjusted periodically to suit the government’s fiscal needs. Different documents and transactions were subject to varying rates, and exemptions were often introduced or removed based on policy changes.
7. Public Resistance: Like many taxes, stamp duty faced resistance and evasion from the public. People sometimes tried to avoid or evade the tax by using unstamped paper or engaging in fraudulent practices. The government responded with measures to combat tax evasion.

Stamp Duty In The 18th Century 

1. Tax on Various Commodities: In the 18th century, stamp duty was not limited to legal documents but extended to a wide range of everyday commodities. This included taxes on newspapers, pamphlets, playing cards, dice, and even hats. These taxes were often seen as a way to generate revenue while regulating and controlling certain activities.
2. Taxation of Newspapers and Pamphlets: One notable aspect of stamp duty in the 18th century was its impact on the press. Newspapers and pamphlets became subject to the tax, which had significant implications for disseminating information and the growth of journalism. Publishers had to pay a tax on each copy printed, which could increase the cost of newspapers and limit their circulation.
3. Playing Cards and Dice: The tax on playing cards and dice was aimed at raising revenue and discouraging gambling, which was considered a social ill at the time. People had to purchase specially stamped playing cards, and dice games were subject to taxation. This was seen as a way to control vices associated with gambling.
4. Tax Evasion and Smuggling: Just as in the 17th century, the 18th century saw attempts to evade stamp duty. People used various strategies to avoid paying the tax, including smuggling untaxed goods. The government responded by implementing measures to combat tax evasion, sometimes leading to crackdowns and enforcement actions.
5. Role in Government Revenue: Stamp duty remained an important source of government revenue throughout the 18th century. It was used to fund various government expenses, including military campaigns, public infrastructure, and administrative costs. The revenue generated from stamp duty helped support the government’s functions during this period.
6. Impact on Society and Commerce: The widespread application of stamp duty significantly impacted society and commerce in the 18th century. It influenced the cost of goods and services, the accessibility of printed materials, and the behaviour of individuals engaging in taxable activities, such as gambling and publishing.
7. Legislative Changes: The 18th century saw changes in stamp duty rates and regulations. Parliament periodically adjusted the rates and expanded or contracted the scope of taxable items based on fiscal needs and policy goals.

19th Century: 

Stamp duty underwent significant changes during the 19th Century. In 1808, a tax on newspapers and pamphlets was repealed, but stamp duty on other documents remained in place. The tax was used to fund the British government’s expenditures during this period, including the Napoleonic Wars.

20th Century: 

In the 20th Century, stamp duty continued to evolve. It was applied to various financial transactions, including stock transfers. During World War I, stamp duty rates were increased to help finance the war effort. After the war, some of these higher rates were retained.

1950s and 1960s: 

The Finance Act of 1958 introduced significant reforms to stamp duty, including exemptions for particular transactions, such as gifts between family members. In the 1960s, stamp duty on share transactions was substantially reduced.

1980s and 1990s:

In the 1980s and 1990s, stamp duty saw further reforms and changes. Stamp duty on residential property transactions was introduced in 1986, and it has since become a major source of revenue for the UK government. Rates for different property values have been adjusted multiple times over the years.

21st Century: 

Stamp duty continued to be a significant revenue source for the UK government in the 21st Century. In 2003, stamp duty land tax (SDLT) replaced stamp duty on property transactions, and in 2014, a new SDLT structure was introduced, introducing a progressive rate system.

Lockdowns and The Effect On The Housing Market

(needs a reference to the prices of houses around this period)

STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY 2020

On the 8th July 2020 the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced an increase for the zero threshold on the payment of stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland in an attempt to help kick start the flagging housing economy post-lockdown.  But did it work and will it last?

The Details

The payment of stamp duty threshold was raised from £125,000 to £500,000 on all properties in England and Northern Ireland; meaning that no duty will be payable up to this amount.  Above this level tax will be at a graduated rate starting at 5%, rising to 10% between £925,001 and £1.5million, and 12% above £1,500,000.  Second home purchasers will also see some benefit, with a reduced stamp duty of 3% on second home purchases up to £500,000.  The ‘holiday’ will last until March 2021 and could save house buyers up to £15,000 on a purchase price of £500,000.

Did It Work 

It certainly seems to have had the desired effect as house sales have rocketed and property values increased following the Chancellor’s announcement.  With summer a traditionally slow time in the housing market when people focus on their own holidays, it would seem that this year only the stamp duty is on holiday and everyone else is staying put and moving house.

According to the property platform, Rightmove, they have seen the busiest month for agreed sales in the last ten years, up 60% on 2019, as well as the highest number of properties coming to the market since March 2008.  

This is across all sectors and prices and Miles Shipside, Rightmove director and housing market analyst comments, “Rather than just a release of existing pent-up demand due to the suspension of the housing market during lockdown, there’s an added layer of additional demand due to people’s changed housing priorities after the experience of lockdown….. The out-of-city exodus has helped push prices to record levels in Devon and Cornwall, for example, where working from home means a different lifestyle much closer to your new doorstep.” (source)

The Future Of Stamp Land Tax Duty (2021)

Following the budget last Wednesday, an extension to the Stamp Duty holiday was announced. It will continue for a further three months, until the end of June 2021. This will enable buyers more time to complete their sales and potentially save up to £15,000 on Stamp Duty Land Tax.

In order to prevent the ‘cliff edge’ scenario, a tapered scheme will come into effect until the end of September 2021; for properties up to the value of £250,000.  After this, the duty will return to the original threshold of £125,000.

Approximately three quarters of a million house purchasers will have saved themselves the tax by the end of the scheme. This has prompted a small, short term property boom.

According to Zoopla, the majority of these purchases were under £500,000. Therefore, no Stamp Duty will have been payable, saving an average of £4,660 per sale, or a collective £2.8 billion.

The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) is calling on the Government to either permanently increase the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 (at a cost of £3 billion to the Government) or abolish it altogether. The latter is a highly unlikely scenario!

But for many, the continuation of the stamp duty holiday, along with the anticipated introduction of the 95% mortgage scheme, should help to provide a lifeline for the housing market. It is expected this will keep property prices buoyant in the short to medium term.

Stamp Duty Holiday Rush 2021

Solicitors In Demand

We have heard of solicitors advising they cannot take on any more work due to being at breaking point.

As a result, there has been an enormous increase in costs to the buyer created by the huge demand over supply.

Homeowners have saved on average £11,566 in stamp duty since the holiday was introduced last July. According to Halifax, the rush to get a property completed by 30th June 2021 has led to a huge workload for conveyancing firms and a massive hike in fees.  However, buyers seem to be prepared to pay to ensure their sale is top of the list and will make the deadline.

Removal Firms Cashing In 

A client of ours told us they phoned 29 removal firms and were quoted four times the normal price for moving house at the end of this month, but had no choice but to accept it!

Many removal firms are not accepting work unless exchange has already taken place. This has led to disreputable firms cashing in on the demand. There is no requirement for firms to be registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Effectively anybody with a van can call themselves a remover but such companies often have no insurance. They are also likely to leave you high and dry if they get an offer for a more lucrative job; not to mention the risk of damage and stolen goods!

Surveyors

Surveyors are similarly charging any fee they choose for full building surveys. Mortgages are also taking longer from ‘in principle’ to ‘formal’ offer.

Stamp Duty 2024 and Beyond

The future of stamp duty in the UK is still being determined. The current temporary increase in SDLT thresholds is set to expire on 31 March 2025, but it is possible that the government could extend or make permanent these changes.(source)

Many factors could influence the government’s decision on stamp duty in the future, including:

• The state of the UK economy
• The performance of the housing market
• The government’s fiscal position
• Public opinion on stamp duty

Some experts believe that the government will likely extend the temporary increase in SDLT thresholds or even abolish the tax altogether. This is because the government is keen to support the housing market and make it easier for people to buy homes.

Other experts believe the government will likely raise SDLT thresholds in the future but not abolish the tax altogether. This is because stamp duty is a significant source of revenue for the government.

The Future

The government could also introduce new or reformed stamp duty measures. For example, the government could consider introducing a regional stamp duty system or a stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers.

Overall, the future of stamp duty in the UK is uncertain. However, the government will likely change the tax in the coming years.

Here are some specific predictions from experts:

• The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) predicts that the government is likely to extend the temporary increase in SDLT thresholds beyond 2025. (source)
• The Resolution Foundation predicts that the government is likely to increase SDLT thresholds for first-time buyers in the future. (source)

These are just predictions, and the government could ultimately decide to take a different approach to stamp duty in the future.

References 

Stamp Act 1712

Residential Property Rates

FAQ’s Stamp Duty

The past decade has witnessed notable fluctuations in the UK housing market, with prices experiencing dramatic increases and notable dips. This comprehensive overview explores the factors and specific events that have shaped house prices over the last ten years.

House Prices Trends

Key Drivers of House Price Trends

Supply and Demand Dynamics:

The fundamental driver of house prices is the balance between supply and demand. In recent years, rising population growth, increased household formation, and growing disposable incomes have significantly boosted demand. This, coupled with inadequate supply, has led to a sustained rise in house prices.

Influence of Interest Rates:

Interest rates play a crucial role in housing affordability. Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper, thus fuelling demand and escalating prices. On the other hand, higher interest rates make mortgages more expensive, dampening demand and slowing price growth.

Impact of Government Policies:

Initiatives like Help to Buy have made homeownership more accessible, stimulating demand and, consequently, prices. These policies often aim to support specific market segments, such as first-time buyers.

Economic Conditions:

The strength of the economy significantly influences house prices. Economic booms encourage spending and investment in housing, while recessions typically lead to cautious spending and stagnation in the housing market.

Specific Events Impacting House Prices

1. 2013: The government introduced the Help to Buy scheme, which made it easier for people to buy homes with a small deposit. This led to increased demand for housing and a rise in prices.
2. 2015: The government introduced a new stamp duty surcharge for buy-to-let properties and second homes.This was designed to make it more expensive for people to buy second homes and to free up more homes for first-time buyers. However, it had little impact on house prices.
3. 2016: The UK voted to leave the European Union. This caused uncertainty in the economy and led to a fall in the value of the pound. This made it cheaper for overseas investors to buy property in the UK, which helped to boost demand and prices.
4. 2017: The government introduced a new stamp duty band for properties valued at over £1 million. This was designed to raise revenue and to make it more expensive for people to buy expensive homes. However, it had little impact on house prices overall.
5. 2019: The government introduced a number of measures to help first-time buyers, including a new First Homes Fund and a new Help to Buy scheme. These measures were designed to make it easier for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder.
6. 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in house prices. This was due to a number of factors,including a fall in consumer confidence, a decline in economic activity, and a temporary halt to the housing market. However, prices have since rebounded and are now higher than they were before the pandemic.
7. 2021: Stamp Duty Holiday: The government introduced a temporary stamp duty holiday from July 2020 to September 2021, removing the tax on property purchases up to £500,000 and £250,000 for first-time buyers. This significant incentive fuelled a surge in demand and drove up house prices.

   1. Continued Low Interest Rates: Despite the pandemic, the Bank of England maintained low interest rates, making mortgages more affordable and further supporting demand for housing.

8. 2022: Return to Pre-Pandemic Price Levels: House prices surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching record highs in several regions. The combination of pent-up demand, low interest rates, and the lingering effects of the stamp duty holiday continued to drive market activity.

   1. Rising Inflation: Inflation began to rise sharply, putting pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates. This shift in monetary policy signaled a potential slowdown in the housing market.

9. 2023: Interest Rate Hikes: The Bank of England responded to rising inflation by raising interest rates several times throughout the year. These increases have impacted affordability, leading to a moderation in house price growth.

   1. Economic Uncertainty: The ongoing war in Ukraine, global supply chain disruptions, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have created economic uncertainty, which could influence future house price trends.

Summary

The last decade has seen a complex interplay of factors influencing the UK housing market. From supply-demand imbalances and economic shifts to government policies and global crises, these elements have steered house prices on an eventful journey.

While the market has shown resilience and growth, it remains subject to cyclical trends and future uncertainties. As we look ahead, it is crucial to approach the housing market with a well-informed and balanced perspective, recognising that while growth has been robust, it is not guaranteed to persist indefinitely.

With the rising costs of housing prices this has also had an effect on a 10 year new build warranty.  Of course at Granite we strive to be a competitive provider in the marketplace.

Reference

• Saxo
• ONS House Price Index
• Halifax

Persimmon Homes Deliver Encouraging News in a Turbulent Housing Market

Granite Building Warranties – Specialist Warranty Brokers to the Construction Industry

Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s largest housebuilder, reassured investors last week that targets will be met this year, in spite of higher mortgage rates, the end of Help to Buy and high inflation.

Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s largest housebuilder, reassured investors last week that targets will be met this year, in spite of higher mortgage rates, the end of Help to Buy and high inflation.

Persimmon said it was likely to build 9,000 homes in 2023 and the average Persimmon house price rose to £256,445 in the six months to the end of June 2023. This is up £10,848 per house from the same time last year.

First time buyers accounted for 34% of sales in the first six months of this year, although this was down from the same period last year.

Granite Building Warranties are specialist independent brokers of building warranties for the construction industry and for a quote or further information please contact Ed or Kelly on Tel: 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk

First Time Buyers Not Put Off By Rising House Prices

The Key Statistics

According to the Halifax First-Time Buyer Review 2021:

• First time buyers (FTBs) increased by 35% on the previous year, despite the rising price of property.
• The average FTB is now 32 years old, up from 29 a decade earlier, and is now over 30 years old in every UK region.
• The average deposit is £53,935 – a fall of 6%.
• Rising 3%, the average house price is now £264,140.
• Each region in the UK saw an increase in new buyers. London saw the largest increase of 49%, and Scotland the smallest at 24%.

Esther Dijkstra, Mortgage Director at Halifax, said there were a number of factors influencing home buying decisions in 2021.

“The Stamp Duty holiday increased the availability of first-rung homes as others moved up the ladder. However, undoubtedly, the biggest drivers are the cost of homes and the need to save a significant deposit to get on the housing ladder.

In 2021, the increase in average house price to £264,140, combined with difficulties in raising a deposit, meant that the gap between purchase price and deposit widened in every region in the UK.”

The average price to earnings ratio for UK first-time buyers now stands at 6.9x. Affordability in all but three local authorities has fallen since 2011. In some authorities it has almost doubled, meaning affordability has halved. The least affordable local authority for FTBs is the London borough of Brent, where homes are 12.3x average earnings!

Source: Halifax First-Time Buyer Review 2021 (lloydsbankinggroup.com)

However, despite all the difficulties it would appear that the desire to own your own home remains as strong as ever in the UK.

For further information, please contact Ed or Kelly on 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk.