So what is the future for investing in Walton on Thames?

A number of homeowners and landlords, who own property in Walton on Thames, have made contact with me recently asking for my thoughts on the future of the buy to let market in Walton on Thames. In up and coming articles, we will talk about Walton on Thames’s, Ashley Park and Burwood Park's history of rents, current and past property values, tenant demand and yields; all important matters for a homeowner or a landlord.

Property values rose by 13.6% in last twelve months in Walton on Thames. 

Good news all round, but when you consider property values in the town have previously dropped by 16.6% between March 2008 and June 2009, this is not as good as the media would have you believe.  It should be no great surprise to hear that Walton on Thames property values are now starting slow up as we head in to the New Year.  Property values in the town were growing at 2% a month in August this year, but in October (the last month the Land Registry published their figures) they slowed to a modest 1.1% monthly increase.

The reality is we have had a few years of decent market conditions in Walton on Thames, but now all that pent up demand is starting to fade. The big question moving forward is whether the Walton on Thames market will now be held back by affordability and restricted mortgage lending, and what long term impact this will have on the Walton on Thames property market.

Looking at the UK as a whole, because we can’t look at Walton on Thames in just its little own bubble, the recent rapid rise in house values in some parts of the UK in the early part of the year (especially in Central London), along with earnings growth that remain below inflation and the possibility of an interest rate rise over the coming months, appear to have tempered housing demand. This weakening in demand has led to a modest easing in both property price growth and sales. A moderation in growth looks likely into next year as supply and demand become increasingly better balanced.

Now with the General Election on the horizon, whichever Government takes power, they, along with the Bank of England, have a thorny job to do in balancing the expected rise in interest rates with the continued resurgence of the housing market, to ensure the property market doesn’t drop and drag down the economic recovery forcing people into selling their property at a loss.

However, back to Walton on Thames, long term property values which track peaks and troughs are more helpful to landlord investors. The questions I seem to be asked on an almost daily basis by landlords are:-

·        “Should I sell my property in Walton on Thames, or even buy another?”

·        “Is the time right to buy another buy to let property in Walton on Thames and if not Walton on Thames, where?”

·        “Are there any property bargains out there in Walton on Thames?”

Many other Walton on Thames landlords, both who are with us and many who are with other  Walton on Thames letting agents, like to pop in for a coffee to  discuss the Walton on Thames property market, how Walton on Thames compares with its closest rivals (Sunbury, Weybridge and Addlestone), and hopefully answer the three questions above. I don’t bite, I don’t do hard sell, I will just give you my honest and straight talking opinion.

In the meantime may I take this opportunity to wish you all a prosperous 2015 and I hope you will keep visiting the Walton Property Blog on a regular basis.