UKhousing News & Analysis
6 articles
Market Mood
Homes on Market Increase as Mortgage Rates Hit Buyers Hard
According to Zoopla, three in five homes listed for sale since January remain unsold due to high mortgage rates. Agreed sales are 7% lower than last year, with specific declines of 12% in Wales and 11% in the East Midlands. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 4.83% in March to 5.90% by April 12 before dropping to 5.54%. The Bank of England reported mortgage approvals fell to a two-and-a-half year low in May, exacerbating the demand drop from first-time buyers exposed to higher borrowing costs, particularly affecting one and two-bedroom flats.
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Jersey Average House Price Falls 5% in 2025 Report Details
The average house price in Jersey has decreased by 5% over the past year, dropping to approximately £569,000 from nearly £600,000 at the start of 2025. The report by Statistics Jersey indicates a 1% decline in the number of properties sold, alongside a 10% reduction compared to the final quarter of 2025. Additionally, the House Price Index remains 18% below its peak recorded in Q3 2022. The private rental sector also saw a net decrease of 19 rental units during the quarter, highlighting ongoing market challenges.
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UK Young Men Living with Parents Hits 35% in 2025, ONS Reports
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 35% of young men aged 20-35 in the UK were living with their parents in 2025, up from 26% in 2000. This trend is attributed to high rental costs and rising house prices. In contrast, the percentage of young women in the same living situation is 22%. Additionally, almost 30% of households in the UK were comprised of single individuals in 2025, with nearly half aged 65 and over, reflecting broader changes in family structures.
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Apollo (APO) Acquires Gatehouse Living for UK Housing Expansion
On April 1, Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO) completed its acquisition of Gatehouse Living Group from Gatehouse Bank. This deal includes Gatehouse's investment arm and property management division, signaling an expansion into the UK housing market. While financial terms were not disclosed, Gatehouse Living is a significant player in the Build-to-Rent sector, managing over 10,000 properties. The acquisition aligns with Gatehouse Bank's strategy to focus on retail growth and Shariah-compliant products.
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UK Housing Giant Shares Plummet 70% Amid Hedge Fund Investments
Shares of a major UK housing company have decreased by 70%, raising concerns among hedge funds that have invested in the company. This significant decline reflects broader market conditions affecting the housing sector. The decline in share price could have implications for investor confidence and may lead to reassessment of valuations in the real estate market. Monitoring the response from hedge funds and other investors will be crucial in understanding potential future impacts.
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UK Government Reviews Residential Service Charges Exceeding £1,000 Annually
The UK government is examining the rising costs of residential service charges, which often exceed £1,000 annually. An example includes charges at Coopers Edge in Gloucestershire, where costs rose from £290 in 2016 to £558.65, reflecting a significant increase. Another resident reported a 60% rise in service charges at Wapping Wharf, Bristol, to over £1,000. Management companies cite inflationary pressures affecting budgeting. The increasing fees have raised concerns among homeowners about affordability and long-term residence viability.
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