What next for the UKs prime residential market?

Published: May 28, 2020, 2 p.m.

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Four Savills experts discuss the outlook for the prime UK residential sales and lettings markets in this podcast recorded just a few days after the government announced the \\u2018reopening\\u2019 of the housing market in England. They explore some of the most frequently asked questions in what undoubtedly remains a period of intense uncertainty.

What impact has lockdown had on what buyers and tenants want in their homes, and how that might impact when and how properties are marketed? Will the expected increased demand for country properties become reality and where does that leave prime London? What will happen to pricing over the coming months and beyond, and are buyer and seller expectations aligned?

Early demand indicators across the prime markets give cause for optimism. Levels of inquiries through the Savills website reached a new daily high on the day after the government\\u2019s announcement and surpassed that level on Tuesday of this week. This is translating into viewings, which are now up to around 80 per cent of normal levels and that while the Scottish and Welsh markets remain closed to in-person viewings. It remains to be seen whether buyer and seller expectations stay aligned so that expressions of interest turn into transactional activity.

In conversation with Guy Ruddle, you will hear from the following Savills voices recorded remotely: Andrew Perratt, head of country residential; Claire Reynolds, co-head of prime central London; Izzy Birch Reynardson, head of super prime lettings; and Lucian Cook, head of residential research.

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