Two-thirds of property professionals are hoping for a decrease in interest rates next year, a webinar poll by Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) reveals. 

The poll also found that 17% wanted the cladding dispute to be resolved while 13% coveted a deposit solution for first-time buyers (FTBs). 

The launch of an alternative Help to Buy was highlighted as a wish for 5% of attendees and 3% demanded a delay in the energy performance certificate (EPC) regulation and 2% would like increased funding for lending. 

A further poll taken during the webinar found that 51% of the audience thought existing homeowners with no mortgage had it best this year. 

This was followed by 22% who suggested that existing homeowners who had held a mortgage for over 10 years and/or with less than 15 years to go had it best in 2022. 

Meanwhile, 8% pointed to existing homeowners who had only held a mortgage for 10 years or less. The same percentage suggested that nobody had it best with 6% implying that FTBs had it best while 5% said property investors and landlords. 

Looking to next year, 60% of respondents thought existing homeowners without a mortgage would have it best, while 13% predicted that nobody would have it best. 

The responses were recorded at CSS’ webinar of 300 attendees, which reflected on 2022 and looked ahead to 2023.

The panel was hosted by CSS managing director Matthew Cumber and CSS director of technical risk and compliance John Baguley. 

Panellists included Santander UK head of business development for mortgages Graham Sellar, Rightmove director of property science innovation Tim Bannister and Hamptons International senior analyst David Fell.

Cumber says: “2022 has certainly been a rollercoaster year for the housing and mortgage markets. However, it’s encouraging that confidence levels remain healthy and it’s little surprise to see interest rate reductions topping property professionals wish lists for 2023 as this would help activity levels remain strong and demand high over the course of the year.”

“There is a good chance that the long-running cladding issue could be resolved in the new year, and this will release ‘cladding prisoners’ who have inadvertently suffered through no fault of their own.”

“The culmination of this long-running saga will also provide a further stimulus to the housing market by allowing these homeowners to upsize and create more affordable opportunities for first-time buyers where possible. A series of events which has to be a positive shift for all concerned.”