Residential market outlook, September 2019

Price corrections leading to an increase in buyer enquiries.

  • Across the capital, the average price of a property is back to a level last seen at the start of 2016. In prime Central areas, prices per square foot are now comparable with five years ago
  • Quarterly price falls now less than 0.5% in 10 Core London markets, with prices static or increasing across six. A year ago, price falls exceeded 2% in 11 Core London areas
  • £1 million to £3 million market across prime central London performing well, with an 18% increase in sales during the first half of 2019 compared to a year ago
  • Buyer enquiries are on the up, with high levels of interest, but still a way to go to reach normal market levels
  • Super-Prime boost – twice as many super-prime (+£10m) deals have complete in the Q2 2019 compared to a year previously across prime Central London, as buyer discounts for overseas purchasers have been pushed to record highs
  • Demand for rental properties remains strong across the capital. A supply-demand imbalance is fostering the return to rental price growth in many markets, with prime lets at record levels
  • Rental price values across the capital are up by 0.9% per annum compared to a 0.2% fall at the same point a year ago.

James Hyman, head of residential agency at Cluttons comments: “Whilst Brexit is the main predator in the super prime market, for the sub-£1.5million market affordability assumes that role. Every location has a price point, and areas where the market has readjusted to such levels are bucking the London trend.

“We are experiencing close to ‘normal’ market conditions when to be marketing a property priced in line with where the true value sits. A property marketed at 20% off the highs of early 2015 will see immediate viewings, several offers and sell within a sensible time frame.”

Below are two examples of well-priced properties that Cluttons have recently brought to market. James comments: “It is important to note these are not fire-sale prices but true market value from realistic sellers who want to sell their properties in a realistic time frame.”

Merchant Court, Wapping, E1W

2-bedroom, river fronted apartment on the market for £1.15m (would have been £1.45m in 2015).

Tunnel Wharf, Rotherhithe, SE16

2-bedroom apartment with water views on the market for £895,000 (would have been £1.5m in 2015)

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James Hyman

Partner, head of residential agency

T +44 (0) 20 7407 3669
James Hyman
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