10
Feb
Potential buyer enquiries rising, figures show
Interest among potential buyers rose for the third consecutive
month in January, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS) has revealed.
According to the body, actual housing market transactions are at
their lowest point since 1978, but enquiries from prospective
purchasers are up.
Of its members, 16 per cent more reported an increase in interest
than a decrease and surveyors are optimistic that sales will rise
as a result.
RICS spokesperson Jeremy Leaf suggested that buyers are keen to
pick up bargains in the current climate, stating: "This interest
has yet to translate into sales but transactions may pick up in the
coming months. The latest cut in interest rates may improve
confidence for those on the margins."
Chartered surveyors in London were found to be particularly
expectant of a rise in sales, with the balance of those who are
optimistic up from 18 per cent to 38 per cent.
Meanwhile, London mayor Boris Johnson has announced an agreement
with 14 of the capital's boroughs to provide more than 16,750
affordable homes.
