Signs point to an upturn in Perthshire's property market
An incredible five house schedules a minute were handed out to potential buyers last week as the Perthshire property market showed signs of a post-winter fightback.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 04.04.11
- Published online : 04.04.11 @ 02.09pm
Law firms and estate agents are reporting "increased activity" following a poor opening quarter.
Severe winter weather was blamed for a disappointing first three months of the year, but new figures show a surge of homes have recently been put on the market.
Potential buyers have also come out of hibernation — with Perthshire Solicitors Property Centre reporting that staff handed out 50 schedules in just 10 minutes one day last week.
PSPC chairman Alastair Anderson said it showed confidence was returning to the local housing market.
"Feedback suggests local law firms and estates agents have been seeing increased activity over the last few weeks," he said.
"The recent footfall within the centre has been remarkable, staff recently handing out over 50 schedules in just 10 minutes, and 110 in one day.
Activity
"People looking to move were quite rightly advised to hold off during the winter, and that's what they have done — hence the increase in activity which we are now seeing."
However, Mr Anderson remains cautious for the forecast ahead and warned the balance of power remained with mortgage companies.
"We certainly look forward to the picture blossoming throughout the spring and summer, but funding remains the major stumbling block when it comes to the local and national market," he added.
"Already we are seeing signs that some mortgage lenders are promoting loans to first-time buyers, but it remains to be seen whether this will be followed.
"The position remains that until such time as the economic climate eases, we cannot predict any significant improvement within the market."
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors said the market had picked up nationally with a rise in sales and inquiries, although prices dipped as sellers dropped their demands to attract buyers.
Scotland, along with London and the north-east of England, is one of only three areas in the UK that has seen a rise in demand for property since the start of the year.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Diana Parkhouse.
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