As summer concludes and autumn approaches, homeowners have a final opportunity to finalise their move before the year ends. While each season brings its own set of advantages and challenges, there are compelling reasons why now might be the perfect moment to make your move. Let’s look at why now is a great time to sell your home and maximise your profits.

Sales agreed is high

All the evidence shows that the market has been very active in recent months, with Zoopla’s House Price Index showing that the number of new sales agreed increased by 8% between June 2023 and June 2024.*

This indicates a robust market, in which movers have plenty of confidence and are prepared to move quickly. When buyers are pro-active and already have the necessary finances in place, chains move faster and are less likely to break, reducing the likelihood of your move falling through.

Demand has also increased

As you may expect, with sales agreed being so high, demand also increased over the course of 12 months, with Zoopla showing an increase of 6%*. As confident buyers look to secure their dream move, sellers are able to find a buyer without having to wait for too long, speeding up the whole process.

A major benefit of high demand is that it often leads to competitive bidding, which can drive up the price of your property and increase the amount you receive. Additionally, having multiple potential buyers gives you the freedom to negotiate a completion date that suits you, allowing you to move quickly and take advantage of the busy market.

More homes are for sale

The number of homes for sale is a further indication of consumer confidence in the market, with an astonishing increase of 19%.* This gives the market a lot of variety in the types of properties available, allowing more people to find their dream home with less hassle.

With more properties on the market, you have greater scope to narrow down your search and find a property that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a particular style, size, or location, the increased inventory makes it easier to find your dream home instead of settling for something that isn’t quite right for you.

House price overvalued

Zoopla estimates an 8% overvaluation in house prices,* indicating that properties are currently selling for more than their true value. While this may initially sound like a negative, it actually makes now a great time to move, as it gives sellers the perfect opportunity to sell at a higher price and release a larger amount of equity.

Selling in an overvalued market can provide you with the capital needed to move up the property ladder to a more desirable home or a better location. However, it's crucial to move quickly, as Zoopla anticipates the 8% overvalue to vanish by the year's end as house prices return to their true value by the end of 2024.*

If you’re a landlord who is considering expanding your property portfolio, you are not alone. According to a survey from Landbay, 44% said they are looking to invest in property in the next 12 months. * This is an increase of 12% compared to the same survey conducted 12 months prior. In fact, over six out of ten landlords planning to buy said they were doing so to expand their portfolio. *

Confidence is high  

The fact that so many landlords feel confident in expanding their property portfolios is a testament to the rental market's current strength. One of the primary reasons for landlords to be confident is the strong demand for rental properties. This demand is expected to continue growing in the coming years, providing landlords with a steady stream of potential tenants. Plus, as property prices rise, property values appreciate. This gives landlords the opportunity to increase rental income and maximise their return on investment.

The benefits of expanding your portfolio

Increased cash flow

One of the main benefits of expanding your property portfolio is the potential for increased cash flow. By purchasing more buy-to-let properties, you can generate more rental income each month. You can use this income to help offset any mortgage payments and expenses associated with maintaining the properties. As you add more properties to your portfolio, your overall cash flow will continue to rise, providing you with a stable source of income.

Property appreciation  

Property appreciation is another significant benefit of expanding your portfolio because your total return on investment should increase as the value of your property rises over time. As properties become more valuable, landlords build more equity, giving them more options to reinvest in more properties or negotiate better mortgage terms.

Diversifying your investments

Growing your property portfolio also allows you to diversify your investments. By spreading your risk across multiple properties in different locations, you can protect yourself from market fluctuations and unforeseen events that may impact an individual property.

Tax benefits

Owning multiple properties can also provide you with various tax benefits. Rental income is typically taxed at a lower rate than other types of income, and you may be able to deduct expenses related to property maintenance, repairs, and mortgage interest.

Leveraging  

You may be able to use your existing properties to help buy new ones. By using the equity in your current properties as a deposit or collateral for a new loan, you can expand your portfolio without having to worry about raising additional funds upfront.

How your agent can help

Working with a knowledgeable agent can massively help you expand your property portfolio. These professionals possess a detailed understanding of local market trends, rental yields, and landlord regulations, enabling them to offer valuable insights and strategic advice. An agent can also assist you in identifying exciting investment opportunities, negotiating favourable deals, and managing your properties efficiently. With their expert guidance, you can stay informed about industry updates and grow your portfolio with confidence.

Landbay*