Strutt & Parker’s 8th National Open House Day took place this October and produced over £32 million worth of offers for properties registered with the firm.

The idea was created back in 2009 when just one Strutt & Parker office in Kent took part but this year the property firm showcased homes from all of its UK regional offices.

It was a clear, crisp, autumn day which made excellent weather for viewing as serious house hunters came out in their droves to see the selection of properties on offer. Offices showcased a number of homes across the country, with interested parties able to view the houses at any time making the viewing process more informal and fun.

Despite the fact that the market has dipped since the last Open House Day there was a positive response with nearly half of all Strutt & Parker registered properties taking part. Nearly 1000 active buyers participated, viewing 736 properties throughout the day which culminated in 52 offers equating to £32,686,000 - a figure that is still rising.

Michael Fiddes, head of agency at Strutt & Parker, said: "Although the figures are slightly down from the last Open House Day which was held in the more buoyant spring market, results are promising. Buyers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the fact there is no pressure to make an offer."

It is also a special day for sellers who open up their doors and invite any interested parties to look round their home. Sellers who take part benefit from the increased advertising that comes with the event and the fact that more viewings could lead to a better sale price as competition pushes up offers. Open House Day can also lead to a house going under offer more quickly as a greater number of viewings are conducted, while viewers also come from further afield, often looking in areas they hadn't previously considered.

Many of those viewing the homes comment that they don't feel like they are wasting anyone's time booking appointments for houses they are intrigued about, rather than keen to buy. This makes for a unique atmosphere and has led to some surprising offers from buyers who were just curious to look around but ended up falling in love with the home.

Fiddes adds: "There were some fantastic stories to come from this Open House Day - one vendor of a popular house didn't stop all day, they started showing people round at 9am and finished at 6pm after 16 viewings - not even a break for lunch. The house ended up going under offer for the asking price two days later."