December 17th, 2024
The UK mortgage market in 2024 has been a landscape of gradual recovery and shifting dynamics, shaped by economic adjustments, policy developments, and evolving consumer behaviour.
For contractors and self-employed professionals, navigating this market has required strategic planning and expert guidance. Here, we evaluate what the mortgage market had to offer in 2024, and focus on how contractors can position themselves effectively going into 2025.
The Economic Backdrop: Base Rates and Inflation
The Bank of England’s approach to monetary policy has remained a central force in the mortgage market this year. Following a series of aggressive base rate hikes throughout 2022 and 2023 to combat inflation, 2024 marked a turning point.
Inflationary pressures began to ease, prompting the Bank to lower the base rate incrementally from its peak of 5.25% to 4.75% by November.
Despite base rate reductions, mortgage rates have not consistently mirrored these declines.
Whilst Nationwide’s 3.99% 5-year deal back in July came as a welcome piece of news, the final sub-4% product left the market towards the end of November, even though the base rate had just fallen below 5% for the first time since May 2023.
This news demonstrated how inflationary concerns and economic uncertainty remain in lenders’ concerns. Those looking to secure a new deal in 2025 should stay alert and consult with their broker to establish the best possible route for them to take.
House Prices and Market Resilience
The UK housing market in 2024 has shown remarkable resilience. After a period of stagnation in 2023, house prices began to climb steadily, recording a five-month streak of increases by November. In 2024, the average UK house price was £293,999, in addition to a 22% increase in the number of agreed sales, and new buyer demand increasing by 13%.
However, affordability remains a key concern. Contractors, who may need to balance irregular income streams, face additional challenges in meeting lenders’ affordability criteria. Lenders have tightened stress-testing measures, requiring higher deposit levels and more rigorous proof of income stability.
Government Policies and the Autumn Budget
On the topic of affordability, the Autumn Budget provided an update on Labour’s plans for housing, as Rachel Reeves announced a £5 billion investment in house building, which could potentially ease the pressure prospective buyers are facing in terms of prices.
Policy changes introduced in the Labour government’s Autumn Budget have also influenced the housing market. One notable measure was the increase in stamp duty for landlords and second-home buyers, aimed at curbing speculative investments and improving affordability for first-time buyers. For contractors looking to expand their property portfolios, this presents an additional cost consideration.
Another notable Labour policy is the change of the current stamp duty threshold from £425,000 to £300,000, which will take effect in April 2025.
For those looking to take their first step on the property ladder in 2025, this will be something to consider when establishing what you can afford.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to early 2025, the market is expected to experience a busy period. The economic outlook, while improving, is still clouded by global uncertainties and potential fluctuations in the Labour market. Contractors must stay vigilant and proactive, leveraging expert advice to navigate the complexities of mortgage finance in 2024.
In conclusion, while the UK mortgage market in 2024 offered a mix of challenges and opportunities, contractors who adopt a strategic approach and work with experienced brokers are well-placed to secure favourable outcomes in the new year. By staying informed and prepared, contractors can take advantage of the evolving market conditions to achieve their homeownership and investment goals.