Members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) have reported that consumer confidence has slightly risen in May.

The NAEA said that the news provides evidence of a stable house market, with consistency shown in the number of houses on agent’s books, the number of sales agreed and the time between instruction and sale.

However, from the results shown, the NAEA admitted that there is still a need for reassurance.

First time buyers regain some confidence
First time buyers, the NAEA said, have backed off from the housing market in the past few months, as signs of a downturn and the credit crunch deterring many. The start of the year saw potential as the fpercentage of first time buyers stood at 14.5% in January, however this has dropped month by month, with last month being the lowest of the year, at 7.7%.

May, however saw an increase as the number emerged to 10.6%, even higher then the same time last year. There could be a number of reasons supporting this month’s increase. Agents reported an increase in the number of houses available from the month before, which was 84 in April and risen to 97 in May. This increase gives the buyer more choices of houses and therefore makes it a buyers market. The difference between asking and sales price also increased to 5.1% which may indicate that people are having to be realistic in order to give first time buyers a chance.

Aside from first time buyers, NAEA members report that the number of house hunters on their books has increased in May to 247, in comparison to 237 the month before. This again, the NAEA says is a sign of stability in the market and that house buyers have slightly gained confidence.

Buyers Market
During May, there was a dramatic leap in the number of houses available compared to the month before. This suggests that it is a buyers market, as there are more choices available to them. Therefore, it may be easier for the buyer to find a property that suits them and their financial situation.

NAEA members reported a rise in the average difference between the asking and sale price. Consumers are most likely realising it is a buyers market and therefore could be offering lower then the asking price. This continues to show a dislocation between what sellers believe their house is worth and what the market is prepared to pay. This may also be distorting and lengthening the time taken to sell.

Chris Brown, President of the NAEA, comments: “The figures from the May survey indicate a slight confidence boost from consumers in the market with a rise in house hunters. A significant improvement is the percentage increase in first time buyer sales. This is great news as it suggests a lift in confidence in one of the most crucial groups and shows prices have fallen far enough to enable them to climb on the ladder. The figures reported by agents also highlights that as there are more choices available with the number of houses rising, this potentially gives the buyer more options.

To maintain more stability or better yet, to restore more confidence, the NAEA continue to urge the government to help the market. We have called for measures such as a stamp duty holiday for first time buyers and temporary tax relief on the mortgage interest of people’s primary residence. We really want to see action from the government to ease pressure and give consumers hope for the future.”