World Cup causes housing market volatility

Monday, 3 July 2006 12:00 AM

The World Cup, the weather and the stock market have caused an unusual amount of volatility in the housing market this year.

Even the timing of Easter added to the ups and downs in the market during the first half of 2006, which overall has seen transactions rise by 12 per cent on last year, according to Your Move.

The effect of the World Cup is evident in the 11 per cent fall in transactions in June compared with May.

On June 25th, when England played Ecuador, the number of viewings was down by 38 per cent on the average for a Sunday in the previous month.

Although transactions were higher in May than in June, the amount of rain in the month means the housing market was less buoyant than usual.

Meanwhile, stock market jitters have affected consumer confidence and the timing of Easter resulted in fewer viewing days than normal in April.

"The market has been undoubtedly strong this year, but has experienced volatility month on month due to a number of external factors including the weather, stock market downturns and the World Cup," said David Newnes, managing director of Your Move estate agent.

However, there is optimism that viewing activity will increase after the World Cup, following a 24 per cent increase in new buyer registrations in June.

The south has performed better than the north during the first half of the year, with gross sales rising the most in East Anglia, 29.6 per cent, and the south-west, 23.4 per cent.

In Scotland, sales slid by 14.8 per cent, while in the north they fell by 2.9 per cent.

"The southern regions have been consistently performing very well, with strong levels of buyer activity and transactions," said Mr Newnes.

"However, this has resulted in a shortage in supply which is likely to result in less growth and transactions over the coming months."

He also had a dig at the Conservative party's campaign against home information packs (HIPs), insisting that it had "not helped the market in June as it is undermining confidence in the future health of the housing market."

He added: "After an initial transitional phase there is no doubt that the health of the UK housing market will be better as a result of the introduction of HIPs."

Related stories

Search property

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK  Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture  Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.