The average asking price for a property in the UK will rise by two per cent in 2020 thanks to the general election outcome, new research by Rightmove has found.
Research found that the clear Conservative majority winning could mean we see a greater increase in housing market activity next spring.
While there has been much uncertainty in the housing market since the 2016 referendum, Rightmove has explained that this has given house-movers a window of certainty next year.
Rightmove's director Miles Shepard says: 'The greater certainty afforded by a majority government gives an opportunity for a more active spring moving season, with some release of several years of pent-up demand.
'Rightmove measures the prices of 95 per cent of property coming to market, and we predict that buyers and sellers will on average see a 2 per cent rise in those prices by the end of 2020.
'While this is over twice the current annual rate of 0.8 per cent, it’s still a relatively marginal increase as it’s a price-sensitive market.'
Across the UK, the average asking this month price stood at around £300,025, which was 0.9 per cent lower than in November.
The study also found that the demand from buyers has remained almost level, with the number of sales agreed so far in 2019 down by just 3 per cent on 2018, while the number of properties coming to market is down by 8 per cent.
Elsewhere in their research, they found that more needs to be done to help first-time buyers. Miles continues, saying: 'First-time buyers are the drivers of the market. Too many are struggling to save the necessary deposits, and not all of them want to buy a new-build home through Help To Buy.
'More ways of getting more people onto the ladder would help to limit rising rents, increase liquidity and transaction numbers in the housing market, and make the dreams of their own roofs above their heads a reality for many more of the younger generation.'
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
12 stylish Christmas plates for your dinner table
Looking for some traditional Christmas plates? You can't go wrong with Emma Bridgewater. This delightful festive plate is perfect to layer with pigs in blankets and turkey and ham sandwiches – or, as the writing suggests, those all-important mince pies for Santa.
Melody Rose Lucky Stars Bone China Plates
Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent, England's pottery heartland, these stylish Christmas plates feature cobalt blue and gold edged stars scattered across white fine bone china.
This gorgeously traditional Spode side plate has an intricate line drawing of a fir tree to help you feel festive. It's ideal for small Christmas dinner sides, nibbles or sweet treats.
This super sweet gingerbread house-shaped serving dish is perfect for dishing up sugary treats over the holidays. And, at just £5, it would also make an excellent stocking filler or Secret Santa gift.
Made from high quality porcelain, this set of four side plates from Sophie Conran is perfect for those looking for something elegant and understated for their Christmas table. In fact, you could even get away with using them throughout the rest of the year.
Create your own indoor winter wonderland with these adorable robin plates from Argos. We also adore the matching cake stand, butter dish and dinnerware set, allowing you to deck out your entire table this festive season.
Keep it pared-back with this delightful porcelain dinner set from John Lewis. You can't go wrong with off-white crockery for special occasions, and with a modern metallic rim, this collection is both timeless and elegant. This 12-piece set includes four dinner plates, four side plates and four bowls.
Personalised Christmas Holly With Star 8 1/2 Inch Plate
Serve up a tasty festive treat on this gorgeous Christmas holly plate. And best of all, it can be personalised as you wish.
We love these beautiful side plates from M&S which feature a lovely textured snowflake pattern. Serve up cakes, mince pies and sandwiches.
We're big fans of this wooden Christmas tree platter from Dunelm. With three sections that can house different types of snacks, it will make the perfect party platter.
This elegant set of four dinner plates with red striped edges are festive enough for use during the Christmas period, but would also look just as chic for year-round use. Although they are more of an investment, they should pay for themselves during regular use. Plus, they can easily be dressed up or down depending on your tablescaping plans.
Add something special to your tablescape with these gorgeous scalloped plates. Coming in a set of four, they're also available in three other fun colours – a light salmon pink, a jolly green and a light blue – making them the kind that will work year-round on your table.
