First-time buyers are pushing up demand
ACCORDING to the latest First-Time Buyer Opinion Barometer from local estate agent Reeds Rains, the number of first-time buyer house completions in the UK rose seven per cent year on year in August.*
In addition, Reeds Rains believes that 93 per cent of tenants want to become homeowners and 17pc expect to buy before the end of the year.
Steven Cooke, regional operations manager for Reeds Rains, said: “First-time buyers remain keen to get a foot on the housing ladder.
“Locally, property is coming on to the market which is suitable for first-time buyers, but more is needed to meet the demand of the increased numbers of buyers we are experiencing.
“It is fantastic to see more first-time buyers able to afford a property.
“The fact is that Reeds Rains was established over 140 years ago; in that time, it has become one of the UK’s largest estate agencies, with an expanding network of branches covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“We’ve never lost sight of the need for local expertise or moved away from our principles that building great relationships, being genuinely interested in our customers and getting the job done is the way to achieve success.
“And it’s this that we think puts us in the perfect place to respond to the local market activity.”
Today, thousands of homeowners around the UK entrust Reeds Rains to sell their homes.
Steven continued: “Reeds Rains invest millions of pounds every year on marketing and advertising homes for sale.
“For most addresses we already have a list of buyers registered with us who are currently looking in that area.
“So, as soon as we have completed the property details, we can email and phone potential buyers with the view to achieve a quick sale.
“Basic tips I would offer for selling your home are that first impressions do count and a fresh coat of paint, tidying the garden and de-cluttering the rooms can make all the difference.
“Be open-minded too: you don’t have to accept the first offer and you can discuss with us whether we think more could be achieved by waiting.
“We encourage local sellers to take advantage of the fact that 41pc of tenants want to become homeowners within five years and think a trip to your local Reeds Rains would prove extremely worthwhile.”
Visit www.reedsrains. co.uk for more details. * LSL Property Services – First-Time Buyer Opinion Barometer – September 2014