Homeowners unconcerned about stamp duty deadline dip in house prices

House Prices: Homeowner Survey

This week we surveyed 1,080 homeowners in England, and found that 83% were unphased about a potential cool in house prices now the initial stamp duty deadline is about to expire.

When asked the same question with regard to the second and final deadline expiring in September, 82% remained unconcerned about a potential market cliff edge causing house prices to tumble, with just 4% stating they were very concerned.

We then asked if a dip in property prices would deter homeowners from selling, with 32% stating it would, although again, 68% would still hit the market regardless.

Homeowner confidence remains high

However, it may be the cyclical nature of the property market that is helping boost homeowner confidence in the face of a potential house price slump. 87% stated they had no plans to sell within the next two years, meaning any house price decline caused by the end of the stamp duty holiday is likely to have come and gone.

Just 7% plan to sell within two years, although 6% do have plans to sell within the next year.

Insights and analysis

What do we think about these findings?

There’s a very real chance that a house price dip is on its way once the stamp duty holiday fully expires. Having spurred an unprecedented level of buyer demand (and drastically boosted the desirability of cash house buyers) for such a sustained period of time, it’s only natural that this artificially manufactured, house price boom bubble is going to burst once the stimulus is removed.

Too much Government stimulus

It has caused such concerns that the government has tried to soften the blow, not only by extending the stamp duty holiday itself but by implementing a staggered deadline to minimise the immediate impact on the market.

The good news is that many homeowners remain unconcerned, no doubt due to investing with a long term view rather than on a profit and loss basis. With many also having little intention of selling anytime soon, the chances are that any market decline may have been corrected by the time they do.

Potential difficulty ahead for home sellers

However, those with plans to sell within the next six months may want to do so sooner, rather than later, in order to achieve current market values. That said, with sizable delays also plaguing the market, the best chance to complete before a house price dip is to consider alternative options to help get a quick sale”.