This may be 2022’s least surprising research finding – most property professionals want interest rates to fall.

A webinar poll undertaken by Countrywide Surveying Services – the supplier of valuation panel management services – found that almost two-thirds wished for interest rates to decrease in 2023.

When asked what one wish they had for the UK property market in 2023, 60 per cent chose decreasing interest rates. 

Runner up was the cladding dispute to be resolved – chosen by 17 per cent – while 13 per cent suggested a deposit solution for first-time buyers. 

The launch of an alternative to Help to Buy won five per cent backing, with three per cent demanding a delay in EPC changes and two per cent backed easier borrowing.

The responses emerged at Countrywide Surveying Services’ final webinar of 2022; over 300 people attended the online session with the audience consisting of lenders, brokers, surveyors and other property professionals.

The panel included Graham Sellar, head of business development – mortgages at Santander UK; Tim Bannister, director of property science innovation at Rightmove; and David Fell, senior analyst at the Hamptons agency.

It was hosted by Matthew Cumber, managing director at Countrywide Surveying Services who was joined by John Baguley, director of technical, risk and compliance at Countrywide Surveying Services.