The recent surge in house prices, reflects the resilience of the UK housing market despite the broader economic challenges. With a 2.1% rise in the year leading up to July—the fastest growth since December 2022—the average home price in the UK now exceeds £266,000. While this upward trend may seem daunting to potential buyers, particularly as mortgage rates begin to ease, deciding whether to buy now or wait is far from straightforward.
Factors to Consider When Buying or Selling
Economic Outlook
Interest Rates: Although there's been some relief with mortgage rates starting to dip. If these rates continue to fall, waiting might offer more affordable borrowing options.
Inflation and Cost of Living: The ongoing high inflation and rising cost of living have tightened household budgets, making it harder to save for a deposit or manage mortgage repayments. However, if inflation begins to ease, financial pressures could lessen, making homeownership more attainable.
Market Trends
House Price Predictions: While house prices have risen, the market may cool later in the year as higher interest rates limit buyers' borrowing capacity. If prices stabilise or even decrease slightly, waiting could result in a better deal.
Supply and Demand: The UK housing market has long been characterised by a shortage of supply relative to demand, keeping prices high. Without a significant increase in housing supply or a drop in demand, prices are unlikely to fall sharply.
Personal Circumstances
Financial Stability: Your current financial situation is crucial. If you have a stable income, a good credit score, and enough savings for a deposit, buying now could lock in a home at today's prices, potentially safeguarding against future price increases. If this is the case you can use our
property search to filter by property type, price, and postcode. If you can't find what you're looking for, simply add a property notification, and you'll receive an immediate update when your perfect home becomes available.
Long-Term Plans: Consider your long-term plans. If you intend to stay in the same home for several years, short-term fluctuations in prices or interest rates become less critical. However, if you expect to move soon, waiting might be more prudent.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
Buy Now: If you are financially ready and can secure a mortgage with a manageable interest rate, buying now could be a sound decision, especially if you've found a property that suits your needs. This approach could also protect you from future price increases.
Wait: If you're concerned about interest rates or believe prices might stabilise or decrease in the near future, waiting could be wise. This option is also preferable if you need more time to save for a larger deposit, which could reduce your overall mortgage costs.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal financial situation, market conditions, and how long you plan to stay in the property. We have teamed up with award winning brokers L&C Mortgages to bring you fee free mortgage advice.
Selling Your Property: Partner with I Am The Agent
If you're considering selling your property, collaborating with a knowledgeable estate agent is crucial. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the property market,
I Am The Agent empowers you, the property owner, to take charge of
selling your home online, making it easier than ever and saving you thousands in the process. Advertising your property online with our specialist, dedicated
sales packages is both efficient and cost-effective, and has been proven to be quicker than traditional methods. Simply upload and list your property to millions on Rightmove, Zoopla, PrimeLocation, and more.
Securing the Best Mortgage Deal
Securing the right mortgage is crucial to ensuring your home purchase is financially viable. At this stage, you may be wondering how to obtain the best mortgage rates and deals. Working with our partners at
L&C can simplify the process. They have access to a wide range of
mortgage products and can assist you in finding a deal that suits your financial circumstances.
What to Consider in a Mortgage:
- The Size of Your Deposit: The larger your deposit, the better your mortgage options. This could mean lower interest rates and more favourable terms.
- Your Credit Score: A higher credit score can open doors to more competitive mortgage deals.
- Type of Loan: Fixed-rate loans offer stability, with predictable monthly repayments, while variable-rate loans may offer lower initial rates but come with the risk of fluctuating payments.
Seeking Professional Advice
Choosing the right mortgage can be complex. That's why we have teamed up with award winning brokers
L&C Mortgages to bring you fee free mortgage advice. You can compare today's mortgage rates, speak to an
L&C adviser, or use their online mortgage eligibility service to see how much you could borrow. No hidden costs, just great service. consulting
mortgage advisor is invaluable. They can assess your situation, explain your options, and help you navigate the process to secure the best possible deal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re considering
buying,
selling, or s
ecuring a mortgage, by carefully considering your financial situation and long-term goals, and with the right support from
I Am The Agent, you can make informed decisions that serve your best interests. I Am The Agent is here to help you navigate this journey, ensuring you achieve your property goals with confidence.