Both properties for sale and numbers of buyers increase ahead of summer

There was a brief lift in the number of properties put up for sale during May, ahead of an expected summer slump, a new report reveals.

In the May Housing Report released by NAEA Propertymark, it was seen that the number of properties available to buy increased by 12 per cent in May, as sellers anticipated a summer slow-down and raced to get offers secured.

There were 37 homes available per branch in May, compared to 33 in April. Supply typically increases in May.

Year on year, the number of sellers marketing their properties is down from 40 in May 2017, but looking at a ten-year comparison, it’s down 62 per cent from 97 in May 2008.

Demand from prospective buyers increased from 337 in April, to 351 in May, as house hunters set out to have offers accepted before their summer holidays

Year on year, May 2017 saw 350 house hunters registered per branch, but looking at a two-year comparison, there is a big increase in demand. In May 2016 there were 304 buyers registered per branch, marking a 15 per cent increase over the last two years.

For the fourth month running, the number of sales agreed stood at eight per branch, and for the second month in a row, 24 per cent of these were made to FTBs

Year on year, the number of sales agreed is down from 10 in May 2017, while the percentage of those which were made to FTBs is also down from 26 per cent last year.

Mark Hayward, chief executive, NAEA Propertymark, said: “We see this every year. House hunters desperate to get their offer accepted, and sellers on a mission to find suitable buyers, flock the market in May.

"They’re hoping to get everything tied up so they can enjoy their summer holidays without worrying about viewings. But those willing to be more flexible might do well to hold off until the market’s quieter in July and August.

"Not everyone heads abroad over the summer, with lots of people opting for winter sun instead, so while the market is undoubtedly quieter, competition is a little less intense, which might better suit some buyers and sellers.”