11/09/2012
First Time Buyer Numbers On The Up
First-time buyers in Northern Ireland are taking advantage of falling house prices, new figures suggest.
A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that the proportion of first-time buyers in the housing market is at its largest since 2001.
RICS also found that 55% of respondents said prices had fallen in the three months to the end of August.
But the market may be levelling out, especially in the Greater Belfast area.
73% of surveyors in the RICS quiz said they expected prices to remain the same between September and November.
And RICS Northern Ireland housing spokesman Tom McClelland said: "Overall, the big house price falls are certainly behind us, particularly at the lower end of the market, and this is the most apparent in the Greater Belfast area.
"But with economic conditions, repossessions and other factors, the average price in Northern Ireland will likely move lower in the months ahead, with price changes likely to be much more apparent in some areas than others."
The survey was carried out in conjunction with Ulster Bank.
Derek Wilson of the bank said: "With first-time buyers making up the largest proportion of the Northern Ireland housing market since 2001, it is clear that the increased affordability has helped facilitate activity in this segment. A properly functioning market also requires a healthy level of activity among home-owners, which will come as stability and confidence are embedded."
(NE)
A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that the proportion of first-time buyers in the housing market is at its largest since 2001.
RICS also found that 55% of respondents said prices had fallen in the three months to the end of August.
But the market may be levelling out, especially in the Greater Belfast area.
73% of surveyors in the RICS quiz said they expected prices to remain the same between September and November.
And RICS Northern Ireland housing spokesman Tom McClelland said: "Overall, the big house price falls are certainly behind us, particularly at the lower end of the market, and this is the most apparent in the Greater Belfast area.
"But with economic conditions, repossessions and other factors, the average price in Northern Ireland will likely move lower in the months ahead, with price changes likely to be much more apparent in some areas than others."
The survey was carried out in conjunction with Ulster Bank.
Derek Wilson of the bank said: "With first-time buyers making up the largest proportion of the Northern Ireland housing market since 2001, it is clear that the increased affordability has helped facilitate activity in this segment. A properly functioning market also requires a healthy level of activity among home-owners, which will come as stability and confidence are embedded."
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2012
NI Housing Market Sees Some Improvements
Last month has saw some improvements in Northern Ireland's housing market, it has been revealed. According to research carried out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey there has been a rise in transactions in March 2012. There were also increases in enquiries and new instructions.
NI Housing Market Sees Some Improvements
Last month has saw some improvements in Northern Ireland's housing market, it has been revealed. According to research carried out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey there has been a rise in transactions in March 2012. There were also increases in enquiries and new instructions.
15 September 2011
Unemployment To Blame For Falling House Prices
High unemployment and budget cuts are being blamed for the falling house prices in Northern Ireland, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The report by RICS and Ulster Bank also found that transaction volumes remained static in August.
Unemployment To Blame For Falling House Prices
High unemployment and budget cuts are being blamed for the falling house prices in Northern Ireland, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The report by RICS and Ulster Bank also found that transaction volumes remained static in August.
13 August 2008
NI Property Slump 'Faring' Better Than Rest Of UK
Market indicators have suggested the Northern Ireland 'property crash' is experiencing a decelerated pace of decline than other parts of the UK.
NI Property Slump 'Faring' Better Than Rest Of UK
Market indicators have suggested the Northern Ireland 'property crash' is experiencing a decelerated pace of decline than other parts of the UK.
05 May 2009
Housing Downturn Continues, Says Expert
High hopes that the housing slump in Northern Ireland was coming to an end have been dashed this week. A property expert has dismissed claims by economists that the housing market downturn is over.
Housing Downturn Continues, Says Expert
High hopes that the housing slump in Northern Ireland was coming to an end have been dashed this week. A property expert has dismissed claims by economists that the housing market downturn is over.
09 August 2018
Housing Market Confidence Remains High
Confidence in Northern Ireland's housing market remains higher than elsewhere in the UK, according to the latest Royal Institute of Chartered Survors (RICS) and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey. This is in contrast to other regions, particularly London, where sales expectations are in negative territory regarding the next 12 months.
Housing Market Confidence Remains High
Confidence in Northern Ireland's housing market remains higher than elsewhere in the UK, according to the latest Royal Institute of Chartered Survors (RICS) and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey. This is in contrast to other regions, particularly London, where sales expectations are in negative territory regarding the next 12 months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.