Gascoigne Halman: Figures reach highest level for over a year (From Knutsford Guardian)

11:50am Friday 10th July 2009

AN ESTATE agent with a branch in Knutsford has seen house buying figures reach their highest level for more than a year.

The number of viewings booked at Gascoigne Halman was also the most for 18 months.

Last week the business in Princess Street said there was increasing evidence that the market may have stabilised.

“There is no doubt that locally we have seen a significant increase in the level of activity in the housing market,” said boss John Halman.

Statistics from leading house price experts have given mixed messages in recent months.

But Gascoigne Halman believes its local branches - especially those in wealthier towns such as Knutsford - are seeing improvements.

The company’s number of viewings is now at a higher level than at any time since 2007.

“We first noticed an increase in activity in January of this year, which initially was regarded as simply seasonal,” said Mr Halman.

“But this has increased on a month by month basis as more people perceive value in the market.”

Gascoigne Halman believes its figures for June could match those for the previous month.

It said some buyers were even competing for properties again.

“There is also a significant reduction in the number of sales falling through,” said Mr Halman.

“The return to better selling conditions is most pronounced in the more desirable locations.

“But the pick up in activity is evident over the majority of our area.”

As the Guardian went to press Gascoigne Halman could not provide exact figures to show the increase in interest.

The company said last year was difficult for those involved in the housing market.

It said that from June to Christmas activity levels had slumped to negligible proportions and prices had tumbled as a result.

“There is no doubt that 2008 was an annus horribilis,” said Mr Halman.

Gascoigne Halman said the events of last year meant estate agents had to be cautious about predictions.

But the managing director believes the market will survive and prosper.

“Ultimately, the laws of demand and supply are likely to result in a return to competition for properties,” said Mr Halman.

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