Tuesday, January 18, 2011
THE UK housing market saw a surge in the level of enquires, both
for buyers and sellers in the first two weeks of January, according
to estate agents.
The buoyant start to the year was recorded in a poll of almost
700 estate agents conducted by the National Association of Estate
Agents (NAEA).
Almost two thirds (59 per cent) of those surveyed said that the
number of house hunters registering with them during the first two
weeks of January was higher than they would normally expect for
this time of year. A quarter (26 per cent) said that levels were
consistent with the average for January. Just 14 per cent said
things were worse than expected.
Similarly, the level of enquiries from potential sellers went up
with 45 per cent of NAEA members reporting an increase over the
same period. Over a third, 36 per cent of agents questioned said
that figures remained steady.
NAEA President Mike Jones said: "The results of this latest
survey would seem to indicate a renewed confidence in the housing
market as we begin 2011. It is encouraging to see that the majority
of our agents are noting an upturn on both the buyer and seller
sides and those that didn't are still reporting steady figures
consistent with January of last year.
"The market appears to have experienced a jump start to 2011. We
are hopeful that this strong start to the year will continue into
February."