The biorhythms of the residential property market calendar are changing.

The traditionally quieter period pre-Christmas this year saw an unprecedented flurry of market activity at a time when there is usually more of a focus on festive fun than on viewing properties. Strutt & Parker Estate Agents had their busiest December ever! Clearly serious activity was taking place despite traditional assumptions (clement weather).
 
Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker, believes that this delayed activity so late in the year can be seen as a by-product of the busy social year in the UK that has included the Royal Wedding and numerous bank holidays. "These events had a domino effect and pushed the normal property cycle back a few months leading to spikes of activity towards the end of the year" explains Fiddes. With the Olympics and Golden Jubilee coming up this year it is likely that 2012 could well see similar bursts of activity.

In these types of market conditions there is a real opportunity for both buyers and sellers. January is the time to get ahead and beat the early Spring market. Despite a reasonable number of houses coming on to the market at the end of 2011 there is still a distinct lack of stock so houses coming on at sensible prices are likely to sell quickly and well. There are serious buyers out there who are viewing and who are offering. Fiddes goes on to explain that "there is certainly a real feeling of a serious change of heart from our buyers. They are hungry and motivated and are being incredibly proactive already even at this early time."

Much has been made of predictions for the year ahead but this type of market is incredibly hard to read and is so varying in different micro areas. Fiddes warns, "Do not over analyse. If you are sensible and quick there are some extremely good deals to be done out there."