Economic Review – February 2022

Interest rates rise again In February, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced an increase in its main interest rate for the second meeting in a row as the Bank continues to grapple with a rapid rise in the cost of living. At its latest meeting held in early February, the MPC sanctioned … Continue reading “Economic Review – February 2022”

Residential Property Review – February 2022

Promising signs in the UK housing market Following a record-breaking 2021, continuing strong numbers of agreed sales and approved mortgages suggest transactions are likely to stay high over the next few months. Net mortgage debt by individuals decreased slightly to £3.6bn in December 2021, according to the Bank of England Net mortgage debt by individuals … Continue reading “Residential Property Review – February 2022”

Commercial Property Market Review – February 2022

Upbeat mood for regional office activity The regional office investment market remains upbeat, according to the latest quarterly update from Avison Young, after office demand across the ‘Big Nine’ returned to ‘normal’ activity in H2 2021. A strong second half brought the year’s total take-up across the Big Nine cities to 8.1 million sq. ft, … Continue reading “Commercial Property Market Review – February 2022”

Economic Review – January 2022

Economy regains pre-pandemic size The UK economy grew strongly in November to move beyond its pre-COVID level, with increasing momentum recorded across all industry sectors prior to the arrival of the Omicron variant. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the economy grew by 0.9% in November. This was much stronger … Continue reading “Economic Review – January 2022”

Residential Property Review – January 2022

Strong end to record-breaking year – but uncertainty ahead As Big Ben’s bongs rang out, a record-breaking year for the residential housing market gave way to an uncertain New Year. Completed transactions to November totalled 1.36 million, which means the number of homes sold in 2021 will reach levels not seen since before the global … Continue reading “Residential Property Review – January 2022”

Commercial Property Market Review – January 2022

Upbeat tone in new year forecasts 2022 could be a year of recovery for the commercial property market, two leading forecasts have suggested, with Colliers’ ‘Forecasts for 2022’ predicting investment volumes will reach £65bn and CBRE’s ‘UK Real Estate Outlook’ also foreseeing strong growth despite lingering risks. According to CBRE, the office market is predicted … Continue reading “Commercial Property Market Review – January 2022”

What trends will dominate the housing market in 2022?

Last year house prices rose to new heights and the sales market was at its most active since 2007.  Last year’s property boom was fuelled by a desire for more space, a mismatch in supply and demand, and the temporary Stamp Duty holiday.  Looking ahead, what trends will dominate the housing market in 2022? Strong … Continue reading “What trends will dominate the housing market in 2022?”

Economic Review – December 2021

Bank sanctions December rate rise The Bank of England (BoE) sanctioned a 15-basis-point increase in its main interest rate on 16 December and warned that inflation is now likely to hit 6% by spring.  At its latest meeting held in mid-December, the BoE’s nine-member Monetary Policy Committee voted by an 8-1 majority to raise Bank … Continue reading “Economic Review – December 2021”