News

All 12 UK regions covered within the Index saw significant double-digit growth in new ‘For Sale’ listings recorded in January compared to the previous month. Regional hot spots included the South West, up +98.4%, the South East, up +94.6%, the North West, up +80.6% and Wales, up 73.1%.

Whilst all the regions showed significant growth for new ‘For Sale’ listings, only 9 regions showed month on month growth in January for properties ‘Sold’ with Wales topping the table of hot spots, up +28.1%, with London up +23.9%, East Midlands up +23.6% and Scotland up +19.5%. Those regions not so hot for ‘Sold’ properties in January were the North East down -30.2%, South East down -27.2% and East Anglia down -1.2%.

When it came to individual city performances for new ‘For Sale’ listings compared to December 2011, there were mixed performances – Southampton topped the table, up +74.6%, Bristol was up +45.2%, Leeds up +40.4% and Milton Keynes up +36.9%. Cities that were not so hot in January for new ‘For Sale’ listings were Coventry down -45.2%, Colchester down -23.0%, Leicester down -16.3% and York down -6.9%.

Commenting on the latest Index results, Stephen Watson, Managing Director, Agency Express, said: “Our Index figures for January reflect what our staff and estate agents are reporting... one of the best January’s since 2007. Whilst there are underlying factors affecting the positive performances such as the unusually mild weather and the stamp duty incentives pre-March for first time buyers, I believe consumers are genuinely feeling more optimistic for the year ahead. Additionally, with interest rates remaining low and property prices also more affordable, this is a great time to consider a move.”