UK mortgage approvals remained steady in June, signaling a stable housing market despite the highest interest rates in 16 years.
Key Takeaways:
Mortgage Approvals: The Bank of England (BOE) reported that 60,000 new mortgages were approved in June, similar to the 60,100 approvals in May. This marks the strongest level in 1½ years.
Lending on Properties: Total lending secured on properties rose to £2.7 billion (RM16.17 billion) from £1.2 billion the previous month.
Market Stability: The UK property market has shown resilience, picking up pace in recent months after a slight dip last year. This stability defies forecasts of a sharp drop in prices expected due to increased mortgage costs.
Interest Rates and Home Buyer Confidence: The BOE is considering when to lower interest rates, which could further boost confidence among home buyers.
Industry Insights: Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, noted that the housing market's momentum has sustained itself. He expressed optimism that a newly elected government with an ambitious housing agenda could further increase market confidence. Additionally, a potential rate cut by the BOE could provide a further boost.
Upcoming Data: Nationwide Building Society is set to release house price data later this week, with economists expecting a third consecutive month of price increases in July.
The steady mortgage approvals and rising property lending indicate a stabilizing UK housing market, offering positive signs for both home buyers and the broader economy.
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