15/12/2009

House Sales Growing, But Trend Still Slow

A recently published survey has indicated that house sales in Northern Ireland have increased.

However, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey said sales are still well below normal levels.

While the survey attributed the rise in sales to first-time buyers and investors, it also revealed that around 80% of those surveyed expected no further increase in the next three months, with the housing market traditionally remaining quiet over Christmas.

According to RICS spokesman Tom McClelland, concerns about the impact of public spending cuts could further damage recovery in the market.

"Activity in recent months has strengthened but there remains, understandably, caution in the market," he said.

"There are significant economic challenges to come, particularly relating to cuts in public sector expenditure and the ending of the stamp duty holiday is not a welcome development for the housing market."

A number of recent surveys carried out in Northern Ireland have suggested that while the house crash in the country may be reaching its end, a recovery in prices and transactions will not be swift.

(NS/BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 July 2003
NI construction confidence grows
Growing public sector activity has given rise to renewed optimism within Northern Ireland’s construction industry, a leading survey has revealed.
12 June 2018
Slight Increase In Unemployment In NI
The unemployment rate in Northern Ireland has increased slightly, according to the latest Labour Market Survey. The current figure stands at 3.3%, up by 0.2% compared to last month. However, the figure is significantly below the rate compared to a year ago and lower than the UK average for the third consecutive quarter.
14 October 2015
Unemployment Claimants Drop By 1,100
The number of people unemployed in Northern Ireland fell by 1,100 in September to 40,700, according to the latest Labour Market report. In addition, the number of people claiming unemployment decreased by 11,200 over the year. The Labour Market Report was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
09 November 2010
Builders To Lose Out As House Prices Drop
Northern Ireland's construction sector is facing further problems as NI house prices continue to fall over the next three months. They are expected to drop to their lowest levels since the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) started an authorative survey four years ago.
09 November 2017
NI House Prices Continue To Rise
NI house prices continued to rise in October, according to the latest market survey. Northern Ireland surveyors are also positive about the prospects for house prices over the next 12-months, the RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey suggests. However, surveyors continue to report that a lack of housing stock is a challenge for the market.