The housing market has had a very strong start to the year with sales transaction levels up by a staggering 52% from this time last year. However buyers still remain price sensitive and the properties that sell quickly are the ones that are correctly priced.
Paul Smith, chief executive of haart commented: “We are expecting an incredibly busy weekend this Easter. On top of the highest level of property viewings booked for a weekend so far this year, we are expecting many more potential buyers through the door as the weekend progresses.
“The housing market is very buoyant at the moment, as confidence has returned, under the backdrop of continued household growth and a stable interest rate outlook. Transaction levels are well above the level last year and we expect this level of activity to continue well into the summer months. We believe that in many areas in the UK, house prices will increase by up to 7% in the first half of the year.
“The return of first time buyers to the market has also helped kick start the sluggish market. Last year, first time buyers represented under 20% of the market share. However, we have seen a resurgence of this all important group to 28% of the market share.”
