2011 Property Market Predictions

Lots of homeowners battered by negative equity in recent years are hoping for a more positive outlook in 2011. First-time buyers are also eagerly waiting for lighter lending criteria so they can start to climb the property ladder. But with economic pressure and drastic cuts in public sector spending as well as the lack of finance available the future is unclear.

2010 saw some signs of recovery but nothing to jump for joy over. 'The Mortgage Works' introduced an 80% buy-to-let mortgage signalling renewed confidence in a market which experienced numerous fluctuations. And the introduction of mortgage lenders such as, Aldermore, Paragon, Precise and Kensington showed some indication of increased competition, which could hopefully later result in more lenient lending criteria moving into 2011, as they compete for business. But overall property prices fluctuated and demand was quelled by lack of available finance and poor confidence in the economy. Media coverage of massive dips one day and huge increases the next did nothing but confuse the public.

In 2011 over hanging economic pressures will continue to loom over the UK. November 2010 saw inflation rise 3.3%, which is well above the Bank of England's target of 2%. Obviously the more this increases the more it affects our standard of living and if it hits 4% which is possible, the government will have to seriously think about increasing interest rates. This will deter spending at a time when big cuts by the government have been announced and job losses in the public sector are inevitable.

Due to cuts in public spending the government are capping the amount of benefit people can obtain for housing. This will result in many having to move to cheaper areas, which may affect house prices in more expensive areas. This is not a great prospect if you have invested heavily in more affluent postcodes.

Also as of January, V.A.T has been increased from 17.5% to 20%; this means a cut in disposable income for consumers and a further rise in price for consumables such as petrol and energy. So a rise in inflation and interest rates will put more pressure on borrowers using tracker mortgages and make it less desirable for investors to borrow if strict lending policies are maintained.

Predictions for 2011 amongst most experts suggest we will either see a double dip recession due to rising inflation, interest rates and unemployment. The effect on the housing market will be negative as prices fall further and more homeowners are faced with losing their homes through repossession. At the very least many are predicting a slow recovery over the coming years with house prices increasing slightly and the buy-to-let sector largely propping up the market. In a time when rental demand is high because people cannot afford to buy many savvy investors may be looking to become a landlord in an area which does not rely on public sector jobs.

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