investorsHD

inHD

Link copied

UK Homebuilder Stocks Flash Buy Signal After Year-End Slump

stock :: 2024-12-17 :: source - bloomberg



By Joe Easton

(Bloomberg) -- British homebuilder stocks are flashing a key buy metric for the first time in more than a year, indicating a possible end to a slump spurred by concern that elevated mortgage rates will hamper demand.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Bloomberg UK Homebuilder Index is trading at a price-to-book ratio of less than 1, loosely meaning the equity market is valuing the sector lower than the value of the land that it owns. It was last at that level on an annual basis in November 2023, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“When housebuilders are trading below book value it is usually a buying signal,” said RBC Europe housing analyst Anthony Codling.

Homebuilders fell on Monday after property portal operator Rightmove Plc said asking prices saw their largest monthly decline this year. The homebuilder stock index is down 14% in 2024 after double-digit percentage declines for shares including Barratt Redrow Plc, Berkeley Group Holdings Plc and Taylor Wimpey Plc.

Swap rates that are used to price mortgages have risen since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans for added government spending at her September budget, fueling concern around higher-for-longer interest rates in the UK.

Speculation about additional taxes on housebuilders is also “weighing on investors minds,” according to RBC’s Codling, though he thinks the market is robust.

“House prices are firm, mortgage availability is improving and wages are rising — all of which are supportive of a housing market recovery,” said Codling.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

This week top market trends.

Recent global market news

investorsHD Media

Subscribe to our handles,follow the news 24/7

investorsHD & partners uses cookie to ensure your best user experience,by continue using investorsHD,we assume that you have agreed with our cookie terms & policy , to have more privacy experience,simply switch your browser to privacy mode, Learn about cookie

×