Home values are decreasing, making it an ideal time for buyers to invest in real estate. This article explores the reasons behind the decline in home values and what it means for buyers.

Introduction

The real estate market has seen a significant decline in home values over the past few years. This trend is a result of several factors, including the pandemic, economic downturn, and changing demographics. The decline in home values is good news for buyers as it makes homes more affordable, and they can now get more value for their money. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the decrease in home values and what it means for potential buyers.

Why Are Home Values Decreasing?

Several factors have contributed to the decline in home values. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Economic Downturn

The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has had a severe impact on the real estate market. The job losses and business closures have resulted in a decrease in demand for homes, which has led to a decline in prices.

Changing Demographics

Changing demographics have also played a significant role in the decrease in home values. Millennials, who make up a significant portion of the home-buying population, are delaying homeownership due to financial constraints. Additionally, baby boomers, who make up a significant portion of homeowners, are downsizing and selling their homes.

Oversupply of Homes

Another factor contributing to the decrease in home values is the oversupply of homes. Home builders have been constructing more homes than the demand, leading to a surplus of inventory. This has given buyers more options and bargaining power, which has resulted in lower prices.

What Does It Mean for Buyers?

The decrease in home values is excellent news for buyers as it makes homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here are some ways in which it benefits potential buyers:

More Value for Money

Lower home values mean that buyers can get more value for their money. They can purchase a more significant property for the same price or buy a property in a more desirable location that was previously out of reach.

More Options

The oversupply of homes has given buyers more options to choose from. They can now take their time and select the home that meets their requirements without feeling rushed.

Bargaining Power

Buyers now have more bargaining power as there is less competition for homes. They can negotiate a better price or ask for additional concessions such as repairs, closing costs, or upgrades.

The Pros and Cons of Buying During a Market Downturn

While there are several advantages to buying during a market downturn, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying during a market downturn:

Pros

• Lower home prices
• More value for money
• More bargaining power
• More options to choose from

Cons

• Potentially lower quality homes
• Potentially higher repair costs
• Limited financing options
• Uncertainty about the future of the market

FAQs

Q1. How long will the decrease in home values last?

A1. It is challenging to predict the length of the market downturn. Still, experts believe that the decrease in home values may continue for a few more years until the market stabilizes.

Q2. Should I wait for home values to decrease further before buying?

A2. It is challenging to time the market, and waiting for further decreases in home values may not be worth the risk. You should consider your financial situation, long-term goals, and personal preferences before making a decision.

Q3. Will I get a good return on investment if I buy a home now?

A3. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the current state of the real estate market in your area, the condition and location of the property you're considering, and your long-term plans. In general, if you buy a home in an area with a strong real estate market, and the property is in good condition and a desirable location, you may see a good return on your investment over time. However, it's essential to consider your long-term plans and the costs associated with owning a home before making a decision.

While some analysts believe Brexit has made the UK housing market porous. Others believe Brexit will pave way for a stronger housing market in coming years

The interaction between real estate and foreign policy is clear cut and this is more than proved by Brexit. As the March 2019 final Brexit negotiations approach, a precursor has been set, which might influence London's real estate market in coming years.

A recent report from international property firm, Knight Frank, puts London as the top favorite destination for global capital. This is due to the fact that London still presents liquidity and stability, factors attractive to investors.

Nick Braybrook, Knight Frank London's head of capital markets says ‘Despite the political turmoil surrounding the UK with Brexit, London is once again the most liquid real estate market in the world. It is more popular as a home for international investment than Paris Central, Manhattan, Munich, and Frankfurt combined,’.https://www.propertywire.com/news/global-news/londons-commercial-property-market-top-draw-international-buyers The influx of foreign investors particularly Asian buyers could be due to a weakened pound sterling, which has led to a slow growth in home prices.

According to an article by FT https://www.ft.com/content/87b1f284-1452-11e7-80f4-13e067d5072c "home prices have seen slow growth since the 2016 Brexit announcement. In May 2018, prices fell by 0.4% in London from an annual rate of 12% in 2016."

The pre-Brexit rise in home prices, which were growing at above 10 percent year over year before the EU referendum has given way to slower price growth. 2018 so far has seen a price growth of only 3% all over the UK. For millennials and London residents, the pre-Brexit rates had kept them on edge with staggering prices. Now the current fair price increases and a residential market that is more or less slow present better odds of landing favorable home deals.

Currently, London's economy is great. There is a low unemployment rate and inflation rates are down. Speculators, however, believe that the thriving economy will lead to higher interest rates soon. This means that first-time homebuyers would need to pay higher down payments on mortgages.

And even though foreign investment has decreased in most sectors, due to the uncertain climate surrounding BREXIT, real estate foreign activity is at its peak. Even the tax hikes introduced on foreign landlords, renting out their houses, hasn't diminished London's foreign real estate activity.

2019 will definitely be an interesting year for the UK's housing market, depending on the outcome of the final negotiations between the EU and the UK. However, an abrupt Brexit will do no one any good. Mark Carney, the governor of the bank of England has warned that a "disorderly" Brexit will lead to interest rate hikes which might greatly affect the property market.

According to FT, Theresa May’s government is actively seeking to avoid such a scenario. The prime minister has softened her position on Brexit in recent months and has agreed to a transition period that would maintain much of the status quo until at least 2021.

What changes do you think might take place before 2021? Leave your thought

Your overseas property purchase doesn’t need to be stopped by financing. You can apply for a mortgage. However, getting mortgage for foreign property isn’t like getting a mortgage at home. This article considers some ways to tip the balance in your favor.

Why bank financing isn't always available for overseas property

When it is available and comes with no string attached, bank financing is the best option to buy foreign real estate. But alas, it’s not usually available. In many markets, it's hard to get loans as a foreign buyer. In Colombia for example, banks don't care if you're a legal resident, as long as you're a foreign buyer, you're not getting mortgage. It's easy to see why this is so. A foreign buyer isn't tied to the country; he can up and leave at any time, taking the bank's money with him. Banks wouldn't want to take this risk. Hence the hassles of getting mortgage for foreign property. This is one of the things stopping passionate investors from traversing foreign lands.

Resident and non-resident bank financing

So, let's say bank financing is available; it most likely would come in one of the following categorizations:

Ø  Resident financing: Except for countries like Colombia, most local banks would treat your loan application as they would treat that of a citizen if you're a legal resident. You'll have to prove credit worthiness just like any citizen and may not have to go through any other process or requirements. This is called resident financing.

Ø  Non-resident financing on the other hand is difficult to secure. Wherever it is available (countries like France, US, Mexico, Panama, The Dominican Republic, Portugal and New Zealand), it comes with a number of restrictions and requirements. Also, the rate you get may not be favorable, except in France, where it's possible for a non-resident with good credit to access a 20-year mortgage at a rate of just 2.25 percent.

Tips To Get Mortgage When Buying Foreign Property

So, here are some tips to help you secure mortgage when buying foreign real estate

1. Don't go it alone.

Even professional property investors get professional assistance when buying foreign property; this could be through experienced local agents or friends. They understand that investing overseas is a much different ball game. If you're in the UK, you can seek the help of an agent selling property overseas through the following bodies:

1. The Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) and
2. The National Association of Estate Agents International

2. Find a bank that has a presence in your country and the country in which you want to buy a property.

According to Glenn Carter, a Canadian investor who works for Condo Capital "The problem is a foreign credit score does not count for anything, it's just like having no credit score”. This means the interest rates you’ll be quoted will be that of someone with no credit. But a bank with presence in your home country will offer favorable rates. "The interest rate I was quoted from a US Bank was 9%, versus the 3% we got from a Canadian bank with branches in the US.” Carter says.

3. Get an Agreement in Principle

Before signing any contracts or paying deposit, get an Agreement in Principle. Learn more about Agreements in Principle. If you're planning on getting finance on the house, make sure this is explained in the contract, and seek an 'opt-out clause' if the loan is not agreed. This will ensure any first deposit paid is refunded.