New-build enquiries jump in October

Posted: 24 Nov 2006 10:30:04 GMT

Enquiries about new-build properties hit an all-time high in October SmartNewHomes has claimed, with more than eight million online viewings last month

Enquiries about new-build properties hit an all-time high in October SmartNewHomes has claimed, with more than eight million online viewings last month.

This was mainly due to new-build price inflation remaining almost flat, with the average cost rising just 0.7 per cent over the year to October.

"With a shortage of property on the market fuelling a high demand, buyers are looking to new homes to fill this gap," claimed David Bexon of SmartNewHomes.

"This recent surge in the market, combined with increased web activity has also reinforced the growing online trend."

With continuing growth in broadband access allowing more and more high-quality content, online sales will claim a greater stake of the market in coming years, he said.

"In years to come we may even see homes being sold straight over the internet, with new homes at the helm.

"In fact, for buyers, such as investors who are more likely to purchase properties off-plan before they have been built, this would not be such a big leap."

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