The market is open and working – for a few months over the 2009/2009 winter, the market came close to collapse. When there is no trade, there are no prices and when you can’t price, you can’t trade. But the few deals that were being put together were sufficiently efficient to process the correction that the housing market in the UK needed.
Now the battle lines are drawn. Everybody has got to accept (have accepted) that the market has plummeted by at least 30%. And if you want to trade, you have got to be realistic.
The boot may be on the buyers’ foot but it doesn’t have the sharp, steel toe cap that it did over the winter. We told many to buy. Those deals that we stitched together were superb – from a buyer’s point-of-view – 35-50% plus off peak price.
The questions, in my mind, now are:
- a) when’s the next financial bomb going to go off?
- b) how bad will it be?
- c) what’s going to happen to the economy?
The trouble is the market is still very thin. And thin means very fragile, so it is necessary to plan for further financial system wobbles and a recession of some length. As a buyer, that means being ready to buy when there is a confidence knock, but remembering that you can drill into price at any time.
You have to ask yourself:
- i) why do I want to move?
- ii) what am I investing for?
There are very good reasons to do both, whatever might happen.
- Property remains the soundest asset class on the planet.
- If you are moving house from one to another, there are bargains to be bought and the differential in peak to current price is matched through the transaction.
- Property is 35% cheaper than two years ago.
- A home is more than just a speculative tool!
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When making probably the most important financial decision of your life, it pays to have the right advisors at your side.
Downsizing or Resizing
Retirement or semi-retirement is an exciting stage in life. Finding the right home to live in and enjoy it to the full is important. We know that and will do all that we can to understand what you’re looking for… before starting to search. And search we will, until we find the house of your dreams.
Moving from Abroad
Relocating is time consuming and stressful. We regularly work with clients who live abroad. We hunt, short-list, prepare your viewings, and make the search process as easy as possible. We oversee the negotiations, manage the conveyancing, and deal with the headaches, so you can concentrate on other aspects of your move.
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A holiday home is often an interesting mix of investment and heartfelt connection. You want to use it, but you may well also be keen for others to use it too. We can advise you on what factors to consider in making your decision. And we can then find the perfect holiday home for you to enjoy.
Investing in UK Property
Others say, ‘location, location, location’. We say, ‘location, purpose, price, capital growth, rental returns’… the list goes on. Knowing the market is critical. Local knowledge is key. We ensure all aspects of your investment decision are addressed. Finding, analysing, negotiating, and completing… it’s what we do.
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Old Severn Bridge House
Purton, Blakeney
Gloucestershire
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