It’s a strong market as spring arrives

Nationwide’s latest index shows that the housing market is buoyant, even though there are still affordability questions. The number of buyers without a mortgage, making a cash purchase,  is now greater than before the pandemic. A gradual rise in buy-to-let purchases with a mortgage has been recorded over the last year. As rental yields have grown and mortgage rates lowered, landlords have seized the opportunity to make further investments although activity still remains low. A number of landlords are still making cash purchases, keeping this part of the market afloat. The stamp duty increases at the end of this month and the forthcoming regulatory changes may reduce investment activity.