According to research by Compare My Move, UK house prices have increased by an average of 4.6% within the 12 months following a general election. This trend varies across different governing parties, with house price increases during Labour governments surpassing those under Conservative governments by 1.1%.
The research indicates that whether the election results in a majority government is a crucial factor affecting house prices. When a party secures over half of the seats, the average increase in house prices tends to be 6.9% higher compared to scenarios where the election results in a hung parliament. Dave Sayce, Managing Director and Founder of Compare My Move, notes, "Stability is crucial for a favorable real estate market, and a hung parliament can impact market stability to some extent."
While a hung parliament may lead to a slower pace of house price increases, it doesn't necessarily mean prices will decline. For instance, post-election house price trends differed between the hung parliament scenario in 2017 and the faster-paced increases observed after the 2010 election. Sayce explains, "Without a majority government, house prices may not experience rapid declines like we saw in 2010 but may rise at a slower pace, similar to 2017."
Historical data reveals that house price increases were higher under Labour-majority governments (7.1%) compared to Conservative-majority governments (6%). The post-2015 election period saw the highest increase in house prices within 12 months, with an 8% rise after David Cameron won a Conservative majority.
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Sayce suggests, "If you're planning to sell your house post-election, you could expect an average increase of 6.9% under a majority government. However, future price changes are uncertain, and historical data serves as a reference." This implies that even with predictions based on previous election outcomes, house prices may exhibit different trends.
With the UK general election set for July 4, market participants will closely monitor its impact on the real estate market. Whether the Labour or Conservative party secures a majority will influence the specific trajectory of house prices. However, historical data indicates a general upward trend in house prices post-election, providing crucial insights for buyers and sellers.
Following the announcement of election results, the real estate market typically reacts swiftly, with buyers and sellers adjusting their strategies based on new government policies. For instance, promises of increased housing supply or homebuyer subsidies may stimulate demand and lead to price rises, while tighter mortgage regulations or increased property taxes could have the opposite effect.
In conclusion, the trends in UK house prices post-election are influenced by various factors, including party policies, economic conditions, and supply-demand dynamics. While prices typically rise after elections, the extent and timing of these increases depend on multiple variables. Therefore, staying informed about policy changes and market trends is essential for participants in the real estate market.
Regardless of future changes, a stable and transparent policy environment is crucial for the healthy development of the real estate market. Understanding post-election market trends and government policies is essential for informed decision-making by both regular homebuyers and investors. The future of the UK property market will continue to be shaped by overall economic performance and government policy direction.