How to buy a bargain home in a slowdown
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Taking the temperature of the property market can be a tricky but when estate agents talk of a buyers' market those hoping to bag a good deal should listen up.
With agents dropping prices, auctioneers setting lower reserves and a slump in property confidence taking hold, buyers are now firmly in the driving seat
Experts agree the heat has gone from the property market, after two robust years of price rises following the mini-slowdown of 2005.
The National Association of Estate Agents reported just five homes per agent were sold on average in December 2007, compared to eight per agent in December 2006.
Putting a positive spin on the slowdown, it said: 'For those choosing to enter the market now, there is plenty of opportunity.'
However, if buyers can purchase without over reaching themselves and are willing to accept their asset may dip in value, the upcoming months represent an opportunity to test a soft market and perhaps bag a bargain home.
Full article continues at thisismoney.com
With agents dropping prices, auctioneers setting lower reserves and a slump in property confidence taking hold, buyers are now firmly in the driving seat
Experts agree the heat has gone from the property market, after two robust years of price rises following the mini-slowdown of 2005.
The National Association of Estate Agents reported just five homes per agent were sold on average in December 2007, compared to eight per agent in December 2006.
Putting a positive spin on the slowdown, it said: 'For those choosing to enter the market now, there is plenty of opportunity.'
However, if buyers can purchase without over reaching themselves and are willing to accept their asset may dip in value, the upcoming months represent an opportunity to test a soft market and perhaps bag a bargain home.
Full article continues at thisismoney.com
Labels: House market, property boom, thisismoney
