What Property Ladder?

27 Sep 2013

During the boom years, if you were minded to move house you simply got on and did so! Any delay in moving up in a rising market could prove expensive as the property you were buying would inevitably have appreciated more in cash terms that the one you were selling. Moving up the property ladder was all the rage as speculation, aspiration and wealth creation prompted a culture of expected property inflation, supported by “generous” lending by the banks.

Today of course, we have all matured and we see the market for what it is – not really a market at all. A “market” suggests investment, trading, risk and profits. However fewer people currently buy purely from a speculative perspective hoping to profit from a move, especially with today’s higher stamp duty regime.

And yet we have a solid market despite the reduced volumes which are about 50% of what they were at their peak. We find those who are moving up are not doing so because they feel they should or because of greater equity appreciation, but because of a tangible need. The reliable old motivation such as a growing or shrinking Family, job move, death, divorce, debt, lifestyle change etc are the key drivers of today. These are real people with real issues, both positive and negative, which drive their desire to move (plus a handful of buy-to-let investors seeking to take advantage of today’s high rental yields).

From our prospective and estate agents we find this environment to be healthy and productive and we enjoy using our skills to understand and anticipate people’s needs so we can help them move. Moving can be stressful enough but becomes more so when it overlays the anxieties associated with the reasons that prompted the move.

If you have a property need of any description, you’ll find that we’ll listen, understand and gently guide you towards the right decision for you, your family and your future. It’s what we do!