Thursday, October 27, 2011
DEMAND for UK property increased for a second consecutive month
in September, reaching levels not seen in over four years,
according to estate agents.
Our housing report for September showed an
increase in the number of people registering to look for homes.
The figure rose from 304 in August to 308 in September as an
average per branch - the highest level since September 2007
(326).
The number of houses available for sale also increased from 65
per branch to 72 across August and September while the number of
sales remained the same with eight per branch.
Other figures showed the percentage of sales to First Time
Buyers (FTB) increased, moving from 20 per cent in August to 22 per
cent in September, however regional variations still
remain.
Wendy Evans-Scott, President of the NAEA said: "It is
encouraging to see that the number of enquiries is increasing, but
sellers need to be very realistic when pricing their property
in order to secure a sale in what is still a very cautious
market.
"The number of First Time Buyers on the market has increased
slightly over the course of the month, however our agents are
reporting widespread regional variation. Lending still remains a
real barrier to homeownership for this part of the
market."