Strutt & Parker predicts a surge of activity in the housing market this autumn, similar to the busy spring marketplace.

Summer has been even quieter than usual for a variety of reasons - the budget, Jubilee, rain and the well-publicised sporting events, but house buyers who got side-tracked these past few months have refocused to buy before Christmas. Strutt & Parker is expecting the autumn period to be brisker and is already seeing some great new instructions coming on at all levels. 

Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker believes that whilst new instructions are significant and encouraging for market prospects, however ensuring that the price is right is the only way to a quick sale. "The property market is hugely price sensitive right now and anything that seems even a tad overpriced will simply not attract the right interest and is unlikely to sell before Christmas."

The current housing market can be compared to an 'ebay market' which reflects the trend of prospective buyers sitting at home, watching, waiting and pouncing when the price looks good. Over the period of a tough year people have become more savvy as to how the market is working and as a result don't want to feel they are paying over the odds for a home. Buyers are really doing their due diligence and looking for a good deal and although some are looking for the ultimate bargain, most are now happy and willing to pay a realistic, decent and fair price.

Another key thing is to make sure that your property stands out from the crowd so professional photography is vital. This is particularly true of properties that have already been on the market. A new photo showing the house in the new season should really help draw in new interest. Also if price reductions are called for then they need to be significant - 2-3% simply doesn't stand out. A 5% plus alteration should put the property in another price bracket that might trigger interest from a buyer on a different budget.

Fiddes adds "A number of new offers are not necessarily from a long list of new buyers but rather from frustrated purchasers who were looking earlier this year. In fact some of the offers are from purchasers who already viewed the houses, in some cases up to 4 or 5 months ago and have come back to try and negotiate."

As the housing market shows signs of improvement, it still isn't back to where it was during the 2008 peak. House buyers are not paying over the odds for property so realistic pricing is the best way to achieve a sale.