Despite much market commentary predicting a sluggish recovery in the housing market, Gateway has revealed that within their figures over 70% of valuations were for house purchases.
Commenting, Mel Kettle, director of client services at Gateway, said: “We have had an exceptionally busy month which seems to be bucking recent trends and it is gratifying to see some confidence, however meagre, returning to the market.
“Although the recent estimates of gross lending from the CML in August show just £11.4 billion of lending, the lowest in a decade, our figures hopefully point to an increasing appetite for house purchases. Reporting an increase in business in August is particularly pleasing as this is traditionally a time when holidays tend to dampen the public’s enthusiasm for house hunting.
“The increased volumes of work reflect some recent business wins and should this trend continue then we will look to further expand both our in-house team and panel of valuers by the end of the year.”
