Lock & Key reporting buyer interest boost hope for 2012
An unexpected surge in interest from potential homebuyers in December bodes well for the house market this year.
Explained Nigel Fitzgerald MNAEA The typical number of house hunters registered per branch in December was 294, up 32.
The percentage of first-time buyers also rose to 21%, continuing the increase since this section of the market hit its lowest proportion in nearly three years last autumn, although first-time buyers made up a quarter of the market during the same period last year.
Surprising the market showed some resillience as we were kept busy right up to the Christmas break which bodes well for 2012. Sales were being agreed and a limited number of viewings were still booked in right up until the festivities began.
"I remain confident say Nigel that this clear demand for property will be met with sensible pricing of homes by sellers in 2012 in order for them to move."
It is pleasing to see that prospective house hunters remained determined to continue their search for a home despite the slowdown and into 2012 we are already reporting good trading figures for this time of year.

It's all about positive sentiment and confidence. There is a market out there and we continually move people week in week out. Everyone is now aware that as long as you are realistically priced then you will move and you can also adopt that same philosophy to your purchase. It's all about creating a meeting of minds with the purchaser and seller. People always turn to Lock & Key for advice, whether selling , buying or lettings as the recognise our good sale levels either sold / let. I just don't subscribe to negativity and neither will my team so we choose to ignore the doomongers and over hyped press. I know things are tough, so I choose to fight back and dispell this myth nothing is happening. To prove a point last week I took on a charming cottage in Church Lane for £250,000. In one week Lock & Key have put 11 viewings into the property and today I am receipt of a full asking price offer of £250,000.
This is why we are different as I am prepared to invest into all my properties and provide excellent marketing techinques which you need to do nowadys in order for or clients stock to stand out.
My message to anyone is to go for it whether you are selling, letting or buying. Interest rates remain low, property is cheaper to buy and we are letting property for full rents in days of marketing.