Whilst the last thing the local house market needed was a prolonged cold snap straight after its Christmas/New Year hibernation, there have been some genuinely encouraging signs of increased activity in 2010.
In spite of the weather, viewing levels have been significantly higher and this has been reflected in both offers and sales agreed.
There has also been an increase in the number of home owners having their property valued with a view to putting it up for sale.
Mortgage availability and lending criteria are still a problem, but the level of underlying demand is definitely increasing with, as yet, no evidence of any election effect.
So although its early days, the green shoots of recovery are certainly appearing and its only to be hoped that they are here to stay this time!
Neil Hunt BSc FRICS
Wilkins Vardy
Member of the RICS Housing Market Survey Panel
