“This survey is a stark illustration of the state of the English housing market. In just ten years, we have witnessed a step-change in the market as the shifting demographics of homeownership and the housing supply shortage redefine what has previously been considered the norm.
“While the housing market and the availability of mortgage finance has improved significantly over the last decade, stricter affordability rules are limiting activity by those who would otherwise be highly leveraged. Coupled with a dearth in housing supply, it means more younger Britons staying in the rental sector for longer periods. Concurrently, rising under-occupation rates show that ageing homeowners are moving less often – whether by choice or constraint.
“This survey points to a chronic housing supply shortage, contributing to an increasingly illiquid market. Home movers, or ‘steppers’, in particular face a number of hurdles including high house prices relative to earnings, stricter mortgage affordability criteria and a lack of suitable homes – holding back housing turnover and transaction volumes.
“The market needs to work for everyone: we look forward to working with the new Housing Minister as he faces the challenge of delivering on the Government’s promises and aspirations for change.”
Notes to Editors
About IMLA
The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) is the trade association that represents mortgage lenders who lend to UK consumers and businesses via the broker channel. Its membership of 52 banks, building societies and specialist lenders include 18 of the 20 largest UK mortgage lenders (measured by gross lending) and account for about 90% of mortgage lending (91.6% of balances and 92.8% of gross lending).
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