A greater proportion of people (12%) are more likely to purchase property now than they were at the beginning of the year, compared to just 4% less likely to do so, according to the Building Societies Association.

In its monthly consumer survey it found that confidence is returning to the UK housing market after a dip in the run-up to the EU Referendum. However the BSA also noted that the house price expectations of consumers have weakened following the vote.

So far, so good

So far the Referendum result has had less influence on buyer behaviour than may have been anticipated, according to the survey. More than two in five (44%) consumers who are more likely to buy a property say a change in personal circumstances has put them in a better position to do so, compared to a year ago.

The results show that a change in personal circumstances is also a key reason consumers are less likely to buy property than they were this time last year, cited by 20%. The same proportion cited the Referendum result as a reason for holding off. A further 19% said they were less likely to buy because they have already bought a home this year.

House price expectations have also softened, with 17% of consumers of the view that house prices are likely to fall in the next 12 months. This time last year just 4%1 believed prices would drop.

Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the BSA said: “With more people viewing now as a good time to buy a property, the BSA’s September Property Tracker results show a bounce back in consumer confidence.

“Following the decision on 24 June, there were numerous media reports of buyers pulling out of property purchases, but the fundamentals of the housing market remain strong, and there has not been a significant reduction in housing demand. Mortgage interest rates are at an all-time low and UK building societies continue to offer market leading products.”