Hopes for a price collapse in the housing market – NRK Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
– It was a nice flat, but a small bathroom then, says Martine Haavi.
Together with roommate Jørgen Haavi, she is on display at Grünerløkka in Oslo.
– The best thing for us is that the prices continue to fall. For those who sell at a loss, it is of course difficult, but we want to pay as little as possible, says Martine.
Earlier in the week, Obos, Norway’s largest housing developer, reported that their prices fell by 3.1 per cent from August to September.
– Prices usually fell at this time of year, at the same time the decline was clearly greater than in previous years, explained chief economist Sissel Monsvold in a press release.
Eiendom Norge presents its statistics at 11 a.m. today.
The show at Grünerløkka is the second the couple attends. Despite the fact that you can make a good purchase, they want the feeling to be right.
– We have spent a lot of time following Finn.no and how the stall rounds are going. They often go about their business more calmly now, he says.
– Good news for some
Ola H. Grytten is professor of economics at the Norwegian School of Economics. He believes that the falling prices can be good news for, among other things, first-time buyers.
– If you have a secure job and a salary that can tolerate even higher rent, it is clear that you can make a bargain in the housing market now, says Grytten.
When the banks assess a loan application, the borrower must be “stress tested”. That means checking whether he will be able to cope with a rent increase of five percentage points.
With a notified rent of around 3 per cent, this means being able to handle a home loan with 8 per cent net.
– As the price increase is as high as it is real interest rate low. The falling house prices have a clear cost side, if everything else becomes more expensive, says Grytten.
If the Ministry of Finance decides to change the lending regulations, it may become more difficult to get a loan after the New Year. This makes the next few months a window of opportunity for those who are ready to buy.
– We hope to buy before the New Year. Imagine having a Christmas party in a new flat, says Martine.
Highest rent in 13 years
Due to high price increase From last autumn, Norges Bank has steadily raised the key interest rate. Since zero interest in September 2021, in one year we have had the highest rent level in 13 years.
The consequence of higher rent is that the loan becomes more expensive, and more people are pushed out of the market.
The movements after the rent increases take time before they become visible in statistics, but the broker has close contact with buyers and sellers. She senses a change.
– Although there is a lot of interest in, for example, small apartments, we notice that there are slightly fewer people showing, says property broker Ane Line Plassen Nordbak.
In her hall area, Sagene og Bjølsen in Oslo, she says that after screenings, people are more expectant.
– Nobody wants to be the first to bid, now it may be just over 12.30 before the round of bids starts. But there is still good room, she says.