Record viewing requests as firm reopens

A Moray housebuilder has experienced record viewing requests amid reports of “pent-up demand” following the Covid-19 lockdown.

Springfield Properties closed its offices in March due to the coronavirus pandemic that affected industries across the country.

The Elgin-based firm reopened the doors of its sales offices at its Inchgower development in Buckie at the beginning of the month and has since been inundated by potential house buyers.

Estate agents across Scotland are expecting a record month for property sales amid forecasts of house hunters finally concluding delayed deals.

Joyce Hadden, Springfield North’s sales manager, has already seen evidence of the market taking off at the Barhill Road development following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

She said: “We’re seeing a lot of pent-up demand as a result of lockdown.

“In the first week we opened, we took more reservations than we ever have in one week.

“We’re all really excited to welcome customers back to our show homes and sales offices in Buckie.

“To continue to keep everyone as safe as possible, we’ve introduced a new appointment system, giving customers access to our show homes without queuing, something we’ve all become accustomed to in recent months.”

An increase of the threshold of sales required to pay lands and buildings transactions tax, from £145,000 to £250,000 until March, has also contributed to the increased demand.