Our monthly property market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. We are not responsible or authorised to provide advice on investment decisions concerning property, only for the provision of mortgage advice.  We hope you will find this review to be of interest.

Transition to eco homes “hotting” up

With climate issues becoming ever more urgent, policymakers and the housing industry are increasingly turning their attention to sustainable property development. Making homes greener will play an important part in the UK’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050: new and existing homes together account for 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. As such, any improvements the sector makes could translate into a major environmental benefit. The government’s Future Homes Standard, which comes into effect in 2025, commits to making all new-build homes in England ‘future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.’ Meanwhile, in response to growing interest in eco-friendly homes, several lenders have started offering green mortgages. Typically, these allow buyers of energy efficient homes to get lower rates on certain mortgages. Some commentators, however, have been critical, suggesting that the current range of green mortgages is too limited in scope. It is suggested that the next steps may involve offering incentives to homeowners for improving less efficient homes, rather than simply rewarding buyers of A or B-rated properties.

Sales spree ahead of Stamp Duty changes

A race to beat the Stamp Duty holiday deadline has pushed UK house buying to its highest level since records began. According to Savills, the non-seasonally adjusted estimate for residential property transactions in June rose to a monthly record of 213,120. This was double the June average for 2017-2019 and more than three times June 2020’s coronavirus-impacted total. June is traditionally a busy month for transactions. This year, though, the buying spree was further fuelled by the imminent tapering of the Stamp Duty holiday. Until June, buyers in England and Northern Ireland paid no tax on the first £500,000; the nil-rate threshold has now been reduced to £250,000 until 1 October, when the threshold reverts to £125,000. Analysts believe there will inevitably be some slowdown in the coming months, although the market is not expected to grind to a complete halt. Agreed sales remain above average with increases in activity especially noteworthy for higher value homes.

WBW Mortgages Stats

WBW Mortgages Stats 2

 All details are correct at the time of writing (19 August 2021)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.

If you have any queries, please contact Samantha Allnutt of WBW Mortgages by telephone on 01803 500544 or email [email protected].

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.