Against a background of an improving economy with low inflation, low interest rates and low unemployment.

Retail sales are improving, manufacturing is improving and businesses that we know are investing. Pension changes are allowing retired to access their pension funds and many are moving back into buy-to-let.

The government wants the housing market to flourish, but not to fly away. We believe that mortgage lending controls will keep price increases under control but we also think property transactions will increase again this year towards 1million in 12 month period-this will still be way below the long term average of 1.3million There are not enough surveyors or solicitors to complete the work involved with this number of transactions and we have seen the length of an average sale which last year was about 45 days between sale agreed and exchange of contracts rise to about 80 days this year. Phillip Bishop M.D. says “ we advise all our clients and all purchasers of property to complete any paperwork involved with a sale as a matter of urgency, being one way of making a transaction go through more quickly”

In our area of Cheltenham, Cirencester,the Cotswolds and Faringdon the mid to upper market is moving quite quickly with a number of buyers moving to the area, driven by lifestyle or excellent communication and transport links. People are also moving locally as they ‘right size’ rather than downsize The marketing of property has become even more sophisticated and we now offer a homestaging service to all our clients. “ In an increasingly visual age we find that a well staged property attracts more potential buyers, coupled with our on-line video channel and outstanding staff we are confident that we obtain a higher price for our vendor clients”

The land and development market is also buoyant. Land and new homes director Peter Chambers said ” with ever increasing stringent planning controls it is essential for any owner of land or development property to take professional advice at the beginning of any attempt at sale. Our clients constantly find that our free planning appraisal works to their long term benefit. I am pleased to say that out Land and New Homes division has never been more busy”