UK Property - Knight Frank Residential comments on the base rate change

Liam Bailey, head of residential research, commented:

“This cut is unlikely to have any immediate effect on the housing market, although it may tempt some buyers to make a decision. Prices will continue to fall into 2009, and we believe they have a further 15% to fall. However, by limiting the extent to which the economy contracts, and minimising the level of business failure and job losses, the cut will help to prevent a more serious slump from occurring.

“Much depends on whether the new rate is passed on to borrowers. LIBOR has decreased in recent months but remains highly volatile. Until it stabilises lenders will resist reducing rates or increasing mortgage availability, although pressure from the Financial Services Authority is likely to increase.

“The housing market remains at a standstill, despite last month’s 1.5% cut. Many homeowners are unable to remortgage, while first-time buyers are finding it almost impossible to provide the high levels of deposit now required by lenders.”

Courtesy: Knight Frank Residential Research

For further information, please contact:

Liam Bailey, head of residential research, Knight Frank,
Tel: +44 (0) 7919 303 148
Email: [email protected]

Niki Riley, pr manager, Knight Frank
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7861 5037
Email: [email protected]