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The number of first time buyers carrying out a London property search and actively looking to purchase a property in the capital has dropped off significantly in 2010, as a lack of affordability has hit demand, according to estate agent Marsh & Parsons.

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Marc Da-Silva

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020 8846 2320

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www.marshandparsons.co.uk

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Marsh & Parsons, ...But, the end of the stamp duty holiday passes largely unnoticed in the capital

The number of first time buyers carrying out a London property search and actively looking to purchase a property in the capital has dropped off significantly in 2010, as a lack of affordability has hit demand, according to estate agent Marsh & Parsons.

In January 2009, first time buyers comprised 17% of new buyer registrations at Marsh & Parsons, but while there are plenty of buyers registering (over 2,600 so far in 2010), this number fell to 10% in January 2010 - and below one in ten in February. However, with so few London properties in the lower price threshold, the end of the stamp duty 'holiday' at the turn of the year has not played a significant part in this drop-off.

Between January 2008 and April 2009, house prices fell by up to 30% in some parts of London, and last year this improved affordability led to a large increase in demand from first time buyers pursuing a London property search. In August 2009, first time buyers made up almost one in five new registrations (19%), reaching a peak. However, strong house price growth in the capital since spring 2009 (up £39,602 or 13% on average) is now deterring growing numbers of first timers.1

Peter Rollings, managing director of Marsh & Parsons, commented: "Central London may not be typical first time buyer territory, but it's little wonder why. Mortgage lenders now typically require a 25% deposit from first time buyers, meaning they would need to put down over £84,000 to purchase the average London property – realistic for only the tiny minority with substantial parental assistance.
"The end of the stamp duty holiday has not had a great impact on demand, as so few purchases were eligible for exemption. The lack of homes priced below £175,000 meant only 13% of London transactions benefited from stamp duty relief in the first year of the holiday - and only 22% of these purchases were in Inner London boroughs.2 Higher average house prices mean London is the area where first time buyers are most in need of support and, if the government is serious about helping them, it must reintroduce the stamp holiday and - crucially – take into account the wide regional variations in prices."

First time buyer hotspots remain popular, but are not immune to price rises

Areas such as Clapham and Balham, which are traditionally popular with first time buyers searching for property in London, continue to be a strong draw but have also seen slightly reduced first time buyer demand in 2010. In Marsh & Parsons' Clapham office, first time buyers comprised over a third of new buyer registrations throughout 2009 (34%), dipping slightly to 28% in February 2010. In Battersea, 30% of new registrations were first time buyers in 2009, which fell to 25% in February.

Peter Rollings said: "Central London is in effect inaccessible for most first time buyers, but areas like Clapham - although not immune to the impact of rising prices - remain ever-popular destinations for young professionals looking to buy their first home."

For further information please contact:

The Wriglesworth Consultancy
Tom Urpeth / Neil Mackwood
0207 427 1400

Marsh & Parsons
Marsh & Parsons has been part of the London property scene since 1856. The sales and lettings agent has 15 offices situated in prime positions across central, west and south London. They have an intimate and extensive knowledge of the area.

Marsh & Parsons are an independent and professional firm with a 'can-do' attitude covering all aspects of residential property. They aim to establish individual relationships with clients through a business built on energy, agility, professionalism and knowledge. Their business aim is to be the agent who not only understands the local area around their offices better than any other agent, but also to be at the heart of the community.