Unemployment - How Will It Affect The Real Estate Market?

Published: 26th January 2011
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It is easy to see how and why unemployment levels have an impact on the housing market and other sectors of the economy. To state the obvious, the people without an income and aren't economically independent won't have the money available to purchase goods and meet monthly bill payments. Those without the available funds are likely to lose their home or not be in a position to purchase a home in the first place. This adds vacant homes to the housing list, which would contribute toward a fall in house prices.

Despite numerous government projects to help stimulate the economy by helping home owners being instigated, a lender is extremely unlikely to negotiate on any loan repayments if the debtor can't demonstrate how they can afford to pay in the future. This means that foreclosure is extremely likely and a high number of foreclosures are not at all good for the market.

Another, less direct way in which unemployment could have a negative impact on the housing market is through the effect that the jobless have on the economy. Those without an income have less or no disposable cash to spend, which means that they buy less from shops and other outlets. This in turn decreases the revenue that's taken by commerce which could result in redundancies or even business closure. This in turn means that there's even less money available on the market for things such as home purchase.


On a more localized level, high unemployment levels in a particular region could cause higher crime rates. Any area with high crime rates is less desirable to potential buyers and therefore the price of the housing is adjusted downwards to compensate for this lower demand.

Even the people who are employed may not be confident regarding their future in an economy that is seeing increasing unemployment figures. Due to this they may decide to wait until a bad economy stabilizes and improves before making any large purchases, houses included. Another factor could be that in a negative economy individuals expect house prices to decrease, and thus choose to wait till the market levels out so that they can get the best available price.

Those who do have jobs and a disposable income are more likely to maintain and invest in their houses. Home improvements like re-decorating and building extensions will always have a positive impact on the attractiveness of a home and nearly always push the price up relative to its location. With fewer individuals making such home improvements, or probably even seeing their houses fall into disrepair because of a lack of funds the overall desirability of homes, and therefore the amount that a buyer would be ready to pay for them would decrease.


Since unemployment levels are so closely linked with the housing market, it is typically something that is looked at when economists try to forecast housing prospects, and a factor that people typically take into consideration before choosing whether or not to go ahead with a purchase.

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Source: http://coryboatright.articlealley.com/unemployment--how-will-it-affect-the-real-estate-market-1987301.html


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