22 Apr

Put your money where your mouth is.

In our recent editorials we have been at pains to explain the reasons why we believe that, by and large the property market, whilst going through a correction, is not anywhere near the scale or proportion that is reported by the popular press. We have also been keen to illustrate the difference between the highs and the lows of the market and that any disparity is largely driven by geography rather than anything else. Also whether you look at the mass market or the individual more bespoke or select market place. We have reported recently that whilst Hampshire is not isolated from the effects of the global market place it does tend to buck most trends and certainly that is evident today. Demand remains greater than supply and most deals are brokered without a funding reliance. The only real weakness has been centred around a lack of consumer confidence. Understandably both vendors and purchasers will have been thrown off guard by the reckless, divisive and sensationalised news headlines forecasting a significant decline in property values. Certainly the vast majority of people that we speak to you do not believe that at all, although a seed of doubt has existed. Therefore the move by the Governor of the Bank of England with his 'put your money where you mouth is' scenario will undoubtedly improve confidence and give back a reason to believe. Now the correction is being well handled and the support of the economy, of which the UK housing market is a pivotal point continues to be stabilised and with the capacity for growth. If the prediction for further interest rate reductions come true sooner rather than later then we can forecast a very busy summer ahead.