Home buyers who had previously hesitated to make a move due to election uncertainty are now actively returning to the market, with the latest figures showing a spike in volumes and price growth across the UK.
Home buyers who had previously hesitated to make a move due to election uncertainty are now actively returning to the market, with the latest figures showing a spike in volumes and price growth across the UK.
The Office of National Statistics reports property prices increased by 9.6% in the year to March 2015, up from 7.4% recorded the previous month. This is the first time the annual growth figure has risen since last summer.
With a boost in properties launching to the market and renewed buyer confidence, making use of tactics like Strutt & Parker’s National Open House Day can help buyers find their dream home amongst the crowd.
Simon Backhouse, Partner in Strutt & Parker's Canterbury office explains: “We are launching dozens of new properties throughout May and June – a jump in our normal activity now the election period is over. Often we find there are three or four different homes that could suit a prospective buyer, so the best and most effective method to view them is through our Open House Day on the 13th June. It allows anyone to view multiple homes throughout the day, without commitment or set appointments times. This means the power is back in the buyer’s hands; flexibility and a more informal atmosphere can really make the difference.”
Unlike a typical Open House Day for just one house lasting only a couple of hours, Strutt & Parker coined the idea of a National Open House Day to permit buyers to view any house for sale from any of their 30 offices around England (except London). Their next event on the 13th June will see buyers view as many houses as they like between 10am and 4pm.
Since 2009, the amount of properties taking part in the event has soared by 28% and the number of viewers on the day has increased by 41%. As a direct result, converted into offers received the figure has grown considerably from £42million to a staggering £80million.
Simon continues: “The unique nature of an Open House Day means it works both ways – the sellers will get plenty of pairs of feet through the door and the buyers will get the opportunity to see what they want, when they want. It is especially good for a buyer who is not 100% sure what they are after, allowing them to comfortably view as many properties as they like and establish their likes and dislikes more quickly and efficiently. Opening horizons like this has seen many successful offers over the years.”
Strutt & Parker’s National Open House Day is being held on Saturday 13th June 2015 and offered to all properties who wish to take part. On this day, buyers will be able to view at their leisure as many homes as they like, in any region they want and at any time that suits them between 10am and 4pm. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, for those interested in taking part, please contact your local Strutt & Parker office or visit struttandparker.com/openday