The net balance of consumers with a positive view of the housing market has returned to levels seen in August. The number of those that say the current housing market is 'excellent' 'very good' or 'somewhat good' is stable at last month's peak of 41%, compared to 39% in August and 34% in July, but those who believe it is 'not good at all' has crept back up to 16% from 13% in September. Those in Northern Ireland have the most negative view of the housing market, with 69% stating it is 'not good' or 'not good at all' compared to the national average of 58%.
Consumer sentiment towards the current financial situation is most negative in North England and the Midlands, with 82% stating it is 'not good' or 'not good at all' compared to 74% in South England.
Patrick Foley, chief economist at Lloyds Bank, says:
"After a sustained run of stronger confidence readings, the pace of improvement in sentiment has eased back a little. But with the economic backdrop firming as the UK recovery takes hold, and essential spending growth easing back, looking ahead we are likely to see consumers better placed to undertake discretionary spending, and so to further support the economic recovery."
