Confidence that house prices are heading upward increased last month according to property investment company the Worldwide Property Group. Results from their monthly confidence survey shows that 62% of respondents expect UK residential house prices to rise over the next 12 months compared to 58% last month. The percentage of people who believe that house prices will fall over the coming 12 months fell from 18% to just 12%.
When asked if now is a good time to buy UK property a huge 86% of respondents said yes, 71% said that they believe now is a good time to buy overseas property with the USA considered the top region in which to purchase.
Property is still considered the best category in which to invest with 79% putting it at the top of their investment list; shares took second place with just 13%. And, historically low interest rates are continuing to have a positive impact with nearly two thirds (61%) saying that they are benefiting financially and the same number indicating that low rates have increased their desire to buy property, with over half (57%) considering investing in foreign property.
Commenting on the findings Kevin Wilkes, Managing director of the Worldwide Property Group said: “These figures just go to show that the worst of this downturn is now firmly behind us. Based on this, the bottom of the market was reached several months ago and anyone who invested at that point will benefit from maximum capital growth. However, we expect house price growth to be subdued for the remainder of the year before picking up early next year, making this an excellent time to invest in property either here in the UK or in many exciting overseas locations.”
