Hamptons International experienced its best September in five years due to an increase in ‘serious’ buyers according to its figures with one in nine viewings leading to a sale, compared with one in 11 a year ago. The economic back-drop undoubtedly continues to be uncertain, however these figures represent encouraging signals for the Hamptons International branch network across the South.
The latest monthly figures, providing a real-time insight into the property market also highlights a yearly increase in cash buyer applicants (from 11.86 per cent in September 2010 to 12.46 per cent in September 2011) emphasizing the perceived strength of residential property as an investment asset.
Marc Goldberg, Head of Sales at Hamptons International says: “Due to the long-term nature of property as investment class, many of our buyers are preferring to invest their cash in bricks and mortar rather than more uncertain assets such as stocks and shares. Although the current economic downturn may have caused uncertainty, vendors can take heart that we’re seeing an encouraging increase in cash buyers ready to complete quickly.”
Applicant levels were up two per cent and the number of net sales agreed was up six per cent when compared with the same time last year. Marc Goldberg continued: “The yearly Autumn increase in sales activity highlights that buyers want to tie up their house purchases in time for Christmas – this year is no exception.”
For media enquiries please contact:
Henrietta Clayton,
Senior Press Officer
020 7758 8405 / 07866 529 159 / claytonh@hamptons-int.com