The property market has had a slow start to the year, according to analyst Hometrack, as 10.5 per cent fewer new property buyers registered with agents in January compared with December, along with 5.4 per cent fewer houses listed and 14.3 per cent fewer sales agreed. House prices also remained flat during the month, while sellers are generally achieving 92.5 per cent of the asking price of their homes.
“The latest Hometrack survey reveals a market dogged by uncertainty,” said Hometrack director of research Richard Donnell. “On a national basis house prices have not increased over the last 18 months – a theme carried over into January when prices were unchanged.”
However, there was some light at the end of the tunnel for people living in London, which was the only region in the country where prices increased month-on-month, and the market is expected to get a further boost later in the year as overseas buyers take an interest in the capital thanks to the 2012 Olympic Games.
