Property viewings rise in run-up to Christmas

Latest figures issued by Coventry and Warwickshire estate agency Brian Holt show viewings went up 31 per cent in Earlsdon and 25 per cent in Leamington compared with December 2010.

And requests to be added to the property mailing list rose by 24 per cent in Earlsdon and 15 per cent in Coventry city centre.

Meanwhile, in Kenilworth valuations rose by 11 per cent and sales were up by two thirds compared with the same month last year.

Activity has been brisk since the new year too.

The latest statistics follow reports by the Halifax and Nationwide building societies that prices are expected to remain pretty much the same throughout 2012.

They say economic pressures and worries about the UK economy and the Eurozone are countered by lack of property availability, which is keeping prices on an even keel.

Brian Holt director and manager of the agency’s Earlsdon office, Clive James, said: “Our latest figures show a latent desire to move house.

“People are deciding they don’t want to stay put any longer and are keen to get on with the business of moving.

“They’re no longer afraid that prices will fall but are market savvy and aware that paying a sensible price for a property is vital.

“Gone are the days when moving meant you could make a quick profit in couple of years – movers now are looking for homes they want to live in for the foreseeable future, and still feel confident they will recoup their investment when they do come to sell.”

A report issued by the Halifax said prices had remained surprisingly resilient in the face of the economic situation and anticipated broad stability in house prices for the coming year if the UK avoids recession.

Pictured: Clive James