FIFE’S HOUSING market is showing positive signs of recovery, according to local property consultants.
Significant rises in sales were reported by both CKD Galbraith and Pagan Osborne in the first three months of the year.
CKD Galbraith said its spring-time surge of activity was the best for several years, with sales from its Cupar office up by 10%.
It also listed 33% more new properties in the first three months of this year than last and viewings were up by 25%.
While it warned the property market outlook remained unsettled, it said there were signs for optimism.
Partner George Lorimer said: “Over the last 12 months we have seen a steady improvement in the levels of activity in the housing market and the start of 2013 has continued this trend.
“The increase in sales, new listings and viewings provides a real indication of heightening confidence in the market after a turbulent few years.
“While there is still some way to go, sellers and purchasers now seem to be more comfortable with where the market stands and what they need to do to achieve their next house move.
“In particular, there is strong demand for rural homes with three or four acres of land, typically in the £250,000 to £500,000 price range.
“This demand should hopefully help to generate further activity in the market above and below this price bracket.
“Looking ahead, we expect the rest of this year to be similarly positive and the signs of activity during spring when the housing market traditionally starts to gather pace are better than they have been for several years.”
Pagan Osborne saw sales from its Anstruther office increase by 37% and from St Andrews by 13%.
New listings had soared by 76% and 39%, respectively, in the last six months.
Property manager Linda Black said: “There are positive signs in the Fife market at the moment across our offices.
“People seem to be more confident about putting homes on the market and we are seeing a lot of new properties.”
cpeebles@thecourier.co.uk