The New Year is a time of opportunity and change. For some, it’s when we’re looking to take on a new challenge, to move house, or perhaps to invest a Christmas bonus.
The UK housing market has been showing big gains across 2021, with further rises expected in the next few years. Therefore, if you are thinking of investing in property, now could be a good moment to act.
With January being a notoriously busy period for many professionals, if you’re looking to buy in the New Year, arranging a mortgage in principle can ensure you achieve a great rate and have a quicker, smoother journey towards securing your new home.
Property market predictions for 2022
More homes were sold in 2021 than in any of the previous 14 years, with the stamp duty holiday helping to fuel the market. The COVID pandemic helped to push up levels over the last year or so, and its impact will continue to be felt in 2022. After such an impressive year, we believe the property market will slow somewhat, but we expect prices to continue to rise for the next few years.
As our Co-Founding Director, Geoff Garrett puts it:
“A rise in interest rates was expected to materialise early next year but fears over spiralling inflation seem to have forced the Bank of England’s hand into a pre-Christmas increase. This is the first time since August 2018 that the cost of money has increased but this relatively small tweak is unlikely, in all probability, to derail the current ‘express train’ that is the UK housing market. Despite this recent increase, the market has arguably never been better for those looking to borrow in order to climb the property ladder.”
The scarcity of suitable properties is likely to continue, which makes it all the more important that you are able to move quickly if you do manage to source a property that suits your requirements. Fortunately, we have an excellent track record in securing favourable fixed-rate mortgages for our clients, if that is your preferred option.
The prime residential property market in London
Many of our clients are based in London or seek to buy property here. Like the rest of the country and the property sector as a whole, there has been strong demand in prime property in the capital in 2021.
According to Savills, there were 237 transactions worth £5m or more in London in the first half of 2021, a rise of 59% on the previous year when the pandemic first struck. Despite this increase in activity, the COVID restrictions meant that in the most desirable parts of the capital, property prices actually regressed slightly, as overseas buyers were less able to view or move into new properties.
The easing of travel restrictions means that prices of prime property are likely to rise more sharply than the rest of the market. Although the threat of the Omicron variant has meant some further restrictions may be imposed, we don’t expect this will affect the prime London market. So if you are considering making a move, it may be advisable to act promptly during the early part of 2022.
The return to at least partial working in offices has meant that owner-occupiers of prime property are becoming less inclined to sell. This reduction of available property in Central London is again likely to push up prices.
How Henry Dannell can help you find the right solution
Those we assist include professionals in the legal and financial sectors, as well as HNW individuals within the sports and entertainment fields. Whatever your requirements, however, complex the purchase and however complex your income structure, Henry Dannell can tailor a solution to suit you.
Our experience and market knowledge, as well as direct access to decision-makers within both high street and private banks, all mean that we can quickly find the lender and product that best suits your requirements.
We can provide indicative mortgage options and arrange an agreement in principle within as little as 24-48 hours of your initial call. Whether you require a regular residential mortgage, a high-value mortgage or a buy-to-let mortgage, we can access the right solution to meet your needs, complemented by bespoke protection for your property and other assets.
For a free initial consultation, please call 0204 5999 444 or email info@henrydannell.co.uk
Please note: a mortgage is secured against your home or property. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Please also note: The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate most forms of buy to let mortgage.
