Year-end accompanies optimism

Posted: 29 Dec 2008 16:07:39 GMT

The end of 2008 has come along with more small glimmers of hope among estate agents, it has been reported, suggesting that the housing market may improve throughout 2009.

A Times report has found that a surprising number of estate agents in both London and across the UK have recently made plans to expand next year, going against the grain of many analysts' predictions that suggest house prices will continue to fall in the coming year.

Furthermore, a great deal of estate agents have predicted that the housing market could turn around in 2009 as a result of the low prices now on offer - a move likely to create even higher demand for homes.

Stephen Shipperley, chairman of Connells estate agent, told the newspaper: "For first-time buyers, now is the best time to buy for years.

"Over the coming months, there will undoubtedly be some assets available. We will have the cash and ambition to grow. The best time to buy is when things are dull and dismal."

Homeowners hoping to make the most of a resurgence of interest in the housing market could benefit from selling a home online, which can attract more potential buyers than a traditional estate agent's window.

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