Northern Ireland house prices continue to rise as supply levels fall

House prices are continuing to rise in Northern Ireland as fewer properties are listed for sale, according to the October 2021 RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The balance of NI respondents to the survey said that the number of properties being listed for sale fell in the month, adding to already existing issues with supply. October is the fourth month in succession that respondents (a net balance of -35%) reported a fall in new instructions.

Whilst the outlook points to sales activity stabilising in the coming months, in October, respondents to the survey pointed to another dip in the volume of sales agreed over the month (a net balance of -11%), with respondents feeding back that a lack of stock for would-be buyers to choose from is an issue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This is the second in succession that newly agreed sales are reported to have fallen.

Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster BankTerry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank
Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank

It’s not just the sales activity that is being affected by the lack of stock, but it is a significant factor behind current house price rises.

“In October, a net balance of +68% of NI respondents cited a rise in house prices, with the pace of growth in line with that seen in the UK as a whole. Again, respondent comments point to the lack of stock on agents’ books as the key factor.

Samuel Dickey, RICS Northern Ireland Residential Property spokesman, said: “Anecdotal feedback from surveyors is that the lack of stock on their books is both pushing up prices and limiting sales activity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This has been an issue for some time, but it seems to be intensifying and there is little sign that it will improve in the near future. Agents will be hoping that the new year will bring a new impetus from potential sellers to list their properties for sale and help boost sales activity and alleviate some of the price pressures.”

Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank, added: “October was the first month of the final quarter of the year but whilst it was a new quarter some of the main trends in the market continue.

“In our experience there continues to be good demand but there also continues to be a lack of homes available to buy. But for those moving ahead with a purchase there are a wide range of mortgage options, and with COP26 happening this month, we have seen a further increase in interest for our green mortgage and green remortgage as climate change is front and central in many people’s minds.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you