Housing market remains stable (From Stroud News and Journal)

Housing market remains stable

THE Stroud area can look forward to a stable housing market in the coming months, in line with national expectations. Although nationally house prices have risen at a slower rate in the last six months, a downturn in the market is not expected.

Estate agents in the Stroud Valleys have been reporting a positive level of inquiry since the New Year.

Claire Ashby, of Smart Move in Stroud said: "we are extremely busy at the moment and would expect things to stay as they are despite a dip in the market in the lead up to Christmas."

Other estate agents have reported similar positive trends since the New Year. Alvin Gardiner, of Frowens in Stroud said: "In the few days we've been open, it has been quite busy, and we have been encouraged by the number of inquiries we've had".

Agents have, however, advised people selling their houses be realistic when considering their asking price.

Liz Whitaker of Hamptons in Stroud said that while she did not expect the market to stagnate prices should not be set too high.

She added that if a property was on the market at the right price it would sell. Steven Sawyer of Sawyers in Stroud echoed this adding: "the general opinion is that prices do need to drop".

He went on to say that the Stroud area still did not have enough affordable housing for Stroud born and bred, first-time buyers.

Clive Murray, of Murrays estate agents in Stroud said he was generally optimistic and highlighted the New Year as a traditionally busy period for the market.

He added that although the number of viewings taking place might have decreased sales had held up, suggesting buyers were looking more seriously.