Estate agents getting busier

by Aaron Strutt

Feb 18 2011

The average number of potential buyers registered with estate agents rose to 252 during the month, up from 227 in December, although the figure was 13% lower than January last year, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

There was also a slight increase in the number of homes on the market, with the average estate agent having 69 properties on their books, compared to 64 in December.

The NAEA also reported an increase in sales, with typical estate agent selling six properties in January, up from four the previous month.

Michael Jones, president of the NAEA, said: “It is encouraging to see activity levels begin to increase following the downturn we saw in December where bad weather and the Christmas festivities kept many house-hunters away.

“However, when compared with our report from this time last year, the market is still showing signs of consumer reluctance. Macro-economic issues such as the VAT rise and interest rate pressure continue to put many people off searching for property.”

February 18, 2011