As a director of a leading estate agents, I would like to hope i have a strong idea how the property market is materializing, it has been a interesting time where a lot of negotiator casualties have been the talking point in many pubs in and around Tooting. Estate agents have been cutting outgoings to prepare for rough times ahead, predictions are that the second half of the year are going go from bad to worse. i firmly predict the opposite, in my company we have seen sales of properties increase three fold. We are witnessing more purchasers entering the market who are very motivated to find a good deal, when speaking to these people its great to hear how clued up they are, these people generally have two philosophies on the property market, they are as follows. Firstly, they understand this equation, if you was to have a sold your property one year ago at £350,000 and bought your new property at say £500,000. Now, as predicted, the market has dropped 15% from one year ago, so now, if you sold your property at £297,500 (£350,000 divided by 15% = £52,500) and bought at £425,000 (£500,000 divided 15% = £75,000) you would have saved £22,500 (£52,500 - £75,000 = £22,500). Secondly, you should try and avoid buying a home as a investment, instead perhaps buy your home as a home, its for you to live in and not necessary make money from. Modern day society is so hell bound in making money from any property transaction people forget you should primarily buy a home to live in and enjoy.
I boldly predict the sales market will get stronger from now to November and slow down near Christmas, simply witnessing the market 'on the ground' I feel more and more people are getting finance/mortgages again (slowly but surely they are I mean), surveyors aren’t being so rigid as they once were early on in the year and levels of properties being 'down valued' and vendors are becoming more realistic.
Joseph Lee - Director
Hunters Estate Agents
www.huntersonline.co.uk