It is clear from member sentiment, that economic uncertainty, and interest rates in particular, are continuing to weigh on the commercial property market. Supply and demand imbalances continue in key sectors, suggesting that there will be a challenging start to 2024.

For the last quarter of 2023 in the property auction sector, catalogue numbers continued to grow substantially, although high numbers of properties continue to be withdrawn before auction. In the commercial auction sector sales and instructions are experiencing a notable surge propelled by corporate insolvencies spanning various sectors. In the goods, chattels, and fine art sector there continues to be a plentiful supply of buyers to create competitive open market bidding in all sectors.

In the residential sales sector, demand has temporarily slowed following the January post-Christmas bounce. Rents continue to fluctuate by location and property type, although there are some signs of stabilisation. As we progress into March and beyond, the re-establishment of seasonal trends should result in positive progress in both the sales and lettings sectors.

In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of landlords, which was obtained via Propertymark letting agent members' landlords. If the Bill is implemented, landlords whose properties are managed by Propertymark member agents will receive professional support to assist with implementation and compliance. However, it remains to be seen if the UK Government plan to provide further guidance, and whether it is sufficient to support self-managing landlords.

The new year has arrived and those who had delayed moving at the end of last year have returned to the market on mass. However, there has been little change in the economic environment that households must contend with. Interest rates are stable but are higher than those seeking mortgages or re-mortgages would prefer and inflation remains some way off UK Government targets.

December marks the end of an interesting and challenging year within the property market. In the wider economy interest rates have stabilised, however, inflationary concerns remain, and GDP growth has been anaemic. In response to these and other factors, house prices have fallen in some areas. In the PRS, tinkering by the UK and devolved governments and continued strong demand has caused rents to rise.

In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of letting agents, a key force for change within the sector. The research, conducted with a geographically representative sample of Propertymark letting agent members, provides valuable evidence, which policy makers can use to help shape the Bill in its final stages and thereafter inform its implementation.

Despite inflation moving in the right direction, economic uncertainty continues to affect auction markets and beyond with many members expressing concerns. In the property auction sector, catalogue numbers have continued to grow substantially, although high numbers of properties continue to be withdrawn prior to auction. In the commercial auction sector sales and instructions are experiencing a notable surge propelled by corporate insolvencies spanning various sectors.

Economic uncertainty continues to pervade the UK economy and housing markets. In the residential sales sector, seasonal trends are undoubtedly weighing on market performance. In the lettings sector, supply and demand remain relatively static, but imbalanced with the equivalent of nine new applicants registered for each available property.

The Autumn statement had an upbeat feel and yielded some positive news for the housing industry. However, this is no time to celebrate while the cost-of-living crisis continues to limp on. In the letting sector, the number of new prospective tenants registered per member branch has decreased month on month since July 2023.

The base rate was held in September, GDP is growing slowly, the construction materials price index is decreasing, and Propertymark Commercial agent sentiment is increasing in several key areas. However, economic uncertainty remains and improvements in sentiment are generally from a low base.

There has been a slight reduction in available properties for sale and this reflects ongoing market uncertainty. More concerningly, the vast majority of properties continue to sell below asking price pointing to a pricing correction despite average house prices continuing to rise. Governments across the UK continue to tinker with legislation and legislative programs, disincentivising landlords along the way. Supply in the PRS remains tight with far more applicant registrations than properties available.

There has been little urgency from governments across the UK to address the supply and demand issue by incentivising investment for landlords. The sales market is strong as we see a 29% rise in the number of new properties for sale when compared with last month.

As the number of viewings and valuations drop, this report indicates a shift to only the more serious homebuyers and sellers remaining proactive in the sales market. In the lettings market, we continue to see an alarming disparity in the number of homes available to rent when compared with growing demand from prospective tenants.

Financial implications, practicality, consequences, and communication surrounding energy efficiency measures are key concerns cited in Propertymark’s latest report which provides recommendations to help homeowners, landlords, and tenants save money, create new jobs and fight climate change.

Despite disappointing national economic news, the number of valuations for sale conducted per branch has remained steady. The number of properties available to rent is 19 per cent lower than last year, while the number of new prospective tenants registering per member branch is up 27 per cent. This worrying mismatch between supply and demand continues to put pressure on rents.