Suitable stock emerges as the major buyer concern
Half of those intending to buy in the next 12 months state that finding a suitable property to buy is their single biggest concern according to Rightmove’s Q2 Consumer House Price Forecast.
This figure has risen consistently from 36% two years ago and 44% a year ago to 50% now. Rightmove has previously reported that fresh property choice coming to market remains subdued at around 35% below 2007 pre-credit-crunch levels. The most active buyer markets tend to be those where the cash-rich wish to live, leading to suitable property shortages and rising prices.
Rightmove director Miles Shipside explains:
“Those looking to buy this year say their biggest concern is finding a suitable property to buy. This is leading a big chunk of those at the sharp-end of the property market to forecast higher prices as the lack of suitable choice will encourage them to pay a bit more to secure the right home when they find it. Those who can proceed will often be competing in the same locations as other deposit-rich buyers which could lead to increased rivalry for the most appealing properties.”
