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An interest rate rise could cripple almost seven million borrowers in the UK
Almost seven million how owners could struggle to cover their mortgage repayments if interest rates rise just 1%, according to new research. Interest rates have been at a historical low of 0.5% but some economists have predicted that they will begin to climb from Spring 2016. They are unlikely to rise steeply, however, a rise of 1% would see borrowers with standard variable rate mortgages pay an additional £55 a month for every £100,000 owed and once rates begin to rise, some 63% of borrowers say they would have to cut back on all non-essential spending, such as weekends away or even meals out, to cover the additional cost. The research, carried out on behalf of mortgage and loans provider Ocean Finance, also shows that while many borrowers are able to reduce spending to cover the increased mortgage cost, a further 13% are concerned they would quickly get into financial difficulty trying to make ends meet. Almost a quarter of borrowers have already switched to fixed rate mortgages and a further 16% plan to take fixed rate mortgages to protect themselves against a rate increase. However, the firm says it is worryingly that more than a third of home owners are not taking any steps to shield themselves from an interest rate rise. The pressure to meet increased mortgage payments would force about 10% of home owners to consider selling their home to avoid the higher cost of their mortgage, the research also suggests. ‘It’s inevitable that interest rates will rise at some point, whether that happens in Spring next year or later in the year. Whilst the rate rise is likely to be gradual and it may take a while to get to a 1% increase, every rate hike will have an impact on hard working families who are already struggling to make ends meet,’ said Gareth Shilton, Ocean’s spokesperson. ‘Many people will feel like mortgage prisoners because their circumstances have changed since they took out their loan and they’ll understandably be concerned about what a potential interest rate rise means for them,’ he pointed out. ‘It’s important to understand that in most cases there are options, so it’s important that anyone who is concerned about a rate increase should seek advice on the best deal available to them,’ he added. Continue reading
Prime London rental values up but price growth remains muted
Rental values in prime central London continued to climb in May, and annual growth of 4.2% was the highest figure since December 2011, the latest published data shows. It compares to a decline of 1.4% in May 2014 and the positive upwards momentum over the last year has been driven by the recovering UK economy and the transfer of demand from the sales market ahead of last month’s general election, according to the report from Knight Frank. A mood of hesitation around the election, combined with the two bank holidays, meant activity in May was slower compared to last year in what was a stop start market, the report says. Indeed, the number of new prospective tenants was down 12% in May compared to the same month in 2014, while the number of viewings declined 18%. In spite of the recent dip, new prospective tenants and viewings in the 12 months to May 2015 are up by 12% and 7%, respectively, and activity is expected to increase over the summer as part of a seasonal trend among students, families and corporate tenants. Demand has remained strong in markets including Marylebone and Hyde Park, particularly in lower price brackets, suggesting companies and private renters are still cost conscious despite the improving economy. Prime gross rental yields edged upwards to 2.96% in May, their highest level since August 2013, widening the spread between the risk free rate on a 10 year government bond. Meanwhile, in the prime central London sales market annual growth is lower than at any time since the last general election in 2010. Although prices grew 0.3% in May, an annual increase of 2.3% is the lowest since November 2009. ‘This relatively low level of growth underlines the gap between the expected impact of the result and the reality of a property market still digesting a series of tax changes,’ said Tom Bill, head of London residential research at Knight Frank. Continue reading
Demand for high end properties in Venice up 20% year on year
Enquiries for prime real estate in Venice have increased by 20% year on year with demand particularly for centrally located properties, according to a new report. The market in Venice is very active at the moment, especially at the top end with rich buyers seeking prestige properties finished to the highest of standards, says Ann-Marie Doyle of Sotheby’s International Realty. Buyers increasingly favour turn-key solutions over restoration projects and those from the UK, France, Germany and Austria have been key players in the Venetian market for years and this international interest has remained strong. ‘However, this year we have seen a noticeable rise in demand for prime properties priced between €3 million and €10 million. Notably, US buyers are now returning to the market due to the advantageous exchange rates,’ she explained. An example is Palazzo Molin, a 15th century residential conversion which has been converted into 17 highly specified apartments that combine classic Venetian architecture with contemporary design located minutes from landmarks such as Piazza San Marco and the Fenice Opera House. Apartments in the historic palace have been bought as second homes and buy to let investments with 50% now sold. ‘Whilst Venice is not a traditional buy to let location, it is a city where buyers can have the best of both worlds in terms of a second home in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as well as strong rental investment potential,’ said Doyle. ‘There is an ever-increasing demand for prestige short term rental apartments in Venice and this, coupled with the shortfall of top quality apartments that appeal to a sophisticated international clientele, is driving the high end rental market,’ she explained. ‘Visitors, and indeed buyers, come to Venice for its rich cultural offering, and events such as the Biennale reaffirm its timeless global appeal,’ she added. Continue reading
