As we head into the final week of March and what was could have been the last month that the UK was a member of the EU, I’ve been giving some thought to the effect, if any, that the recent issues have had on the local housing market.
If you listen to the national news, or read any of the newspapers regarding the housing market, then you will be forgiven for thinking that it’s all bad news, and that the current ups and downs of Brexit are having a huge impact on people’s ideas about moving to a new home. Just today I have seen two articles advising people to either stay where they are, or even worse, that the only option is to reduce the asking price if you want to sell!
To state that prices need to drop is nonsense! If sale prices were realistic before the recent talks, they still are today. Our own experience and data show that the market in Harrogate and surrounding areas is very strong. Homes are still selling, and people are still buying! In fact, just this last weekend, we have had one our busiest periods of the year, from both buyers and sellers alike. We listed a lovely apartment in the Duchy area of Harrogate on Saturday morning, and by lunchtime on Tuesday, after 7 viewings and 4 offers, it’s sold, and for more than has ever been paid for a similar property in this building! We do like to keep our ‘SOLD’ board installer busy! See it here: rightmove.co.uk/property/80355398
So, what is actually happening? It appears that in the 2 or 3 days before a major vote occurs in Westminster, people in our region begin to get a little worried about how the result will affect the sale or purchase of their home, and in turn there is a slight lull in demand as people wait until the vote has taken place and take stock of the result. However very quickly afterwards it appears that Brexit is soon out of mind again, and those people planning to sell continue with their plans, and buyers pick up the phone again to book viewings. No matter what happens in Parliament in due course, there will always be those people who need to move, for additional space, or financial reasons for example, and so there will always be property to buy. However, those people who are motivated to move for a change of lifestyle or change of pace are continuing to list their homes too, and we are continuing to attract the right buyers for them, with our unique and bespoke marketing plans. As we head further into Spring and Summer, and word spreads that we sell homes differently, we continue to receive a growing number of new clients looking for an agent to go that extra mile, take better photographs, write more poetic descriptions and really make their home stand out in the local market today.
For us at least, save for a few days of fewer enquiries whilst Westminster gets its house in order, we continue to receive more instructions, more enquiries, and most of all, continue to sell more homes this year than ever before. The quieter times are very similar to the temporary blips when there is a General Election, or when Wimbledon or the Tour de Yorkshire are in progress. Everything returns to normal very soon afterwards. There really is no need to worry, as there is a buyer for your home and your moving journey can begin when the time is right for you.
If you have plans to move this year, our advice is don’t let the current debate stand in your way. Check out why Spring is such a great time to get moving. We would love to hear your plans and are ready to help you sell your home, in your chosen timeframe, and for the price you need.