This report is based on responses to a monthly survey of Propertymark member agents. Analysis is based on data provided by around 100 sales and 100 letting agents across the UK.
Residential sales
Prospective buyer numbers continue to fall
Market conditions remain challenging with the average number of new prospective buyers registered per branch continuing to decline. The number of registrations reduced from 53 in October to 49 in November. Whilst exacerbated by seasonal factors, a downward trend has been evident for some time.
Mortgage advances down
As anticipated gross advances increased in Q3 2023. This is the first quarterly increase since Q3 2022. However, the commitment to new lending decreased from 61,665 cases in Q2 to 51,471 in Q3, further pointing to a slowing market.
Residential lettings
Tenant demand is static
The number of new prospective tenants registered per member branch remained static in November. The seasonal trend line indicates that this is relatively typical for this time of year. A three-year comparison reveals that there is little difference in tenant demand levels between Nov 21, 22 and 23 (86, 77 and 82 respectively).
Stock levels remain challenging
As with demand, there has been little change in stock levels in November when compared to December. However, there remains a significant shortage of stock. On average, there were almost 9 new applicants registered per member branch for each available property. It is worth remembering that these figures do not consider applicants already registered and seeking to rent within the PRS.
