In last month’s editor’s note I lamented the lack of humanity shown in the war against Ukraine. But since then I have been blown away by quite the opposite.
It’s important to acknowledge the world is also full of kind-hearted charitable people. And the mortgage industry is no exception.
From charity football matches to lotteries, marathon running and a whole variety of fundraising endeavours, the market is really coming up with the goods to help Ukraine in whatever way it can.
While the day-to-day job is hectic to say the least, it’s truly inspiring to see the additional effort being applied to a very worthy cause.
I have heard of some other exciting fundraising plans in the works, so stay tuned to Mortgage Strategy for updates.
With the cost of living soaring, surely house prices have now plateaued
Last week, Nationwide’s latest house price index showed the cost of buying a home in the UK increased by 14.3% in March and has risen 21% since before the pandemic. Meanwhile, a report from Zoopla showed that demand for housing was 65% higher in the four weeks to 20 March than the five-year average.
The age-old issue of demand far outstripping supply seems to be only worsening. But prices simply cannot continue on the trajectory they have been on since the stamp duty holiday was brought in.
With the cost of living soaring, surely prices have now plateaued. If not, you would expect a significant lull in housing transactions to be on the horizon as affordability becomes even more of an issue.
The market is coming up with the goods to help Ukraine in whatever way it can
On a more positive note, this month’s issue includes the shortlist for the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2022. In a year that saw some of the highest levels of property transactions on record, those on the list really are to be celebrated.
It will be no time before we are all together again for the awards night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, but before then I’ll be taking a little time off for my own celebration – getting married on the third attempt. Same man, different venue!
Fingers crossed that there are no further lockdowns between now and then.
