Search Acumen comments on the Bank of England’s decision to keep the base rate at 3.75%.

Andrew Lloyd , Managing Director at Search Acumen, says:

“Holding the base rate at 3.75% forces it in line with the majority of expectations in the market at the moment. After December’s cut, few were geared up for a further loosening of policy, and the recent inflation figures have further consolidated this view.

“For the commercial real estate sector, this decision means the recovery in transaction volumes will be gradual rather than immediate. Investors are ready to deploy capital, but with borrowing costs staying put for now, we expect a continued period of price discovery as buyers and sellers try to align their expectations.

“That said, stability has its own value. A hold allows firms to plan with a degree of certainty. The smart money isn’t waiting for the bottom of the market; they are using this time to conduct thorough due diligence and get their data in order, ensuring they can move quickly when the next window of opportunity opens later in the spring.”