I am delighted to report that the market for GTH, right across our 14-office network stretching from Devon to Dorset, has been extremely busy throughout the summer, both in terms of new instructions and sales agreed. As a result, this has been our busiest period in South Molton since opening the office two and a half years ago.
Can you give an example of a recent successful sale?
We have just sold two properties in Croyde, which was great to get involved in one of the most sought after coastal villages in North Devon. The instruction was quite unusual because it involved a pair of cottages which had been in the same family since the 1930s. Situated on the desirable Moor Lane, both cottages required improvement and were set in a fantastic large mature garden. We offered the cottages for sale individually or as a pair and I am delighted to report that they remain together, having been sold at a figure well in excess of the £750,000 guide price.
Has the weather helped boost the market?
Undoubtedly, the weather does influence activity in the property market, everybody feels better when the sun is shining. I am convinced that the lovely summer has had a significant impact in getting the phones ringing and encouraging activity, especially on the more rural properties and those with land.
How does this compare to the last few years?
Clearly, the sign of a general recovery in the UK economy has resulted in more optimism and confidence in the property market. The UK certainly appears to now be moving out of recession and in my opinion this is being directly reflected in the number of new purchasers’ we have registering with us.
What are prices like in North Devon?
We are hearing numerous reports in the press of rising house prices, which is primarily being driven by London and the South East. I do not feel that prices are increasing in North Devon as yet and it is important to keep our feet on the ground and value sensibly in what is still a very price-sensitive market. Nevertheless, we are seeing a lot more people now looking to move into the area, especially from London and the Home Counties where the market appears to be particularly strong. Fortunately, we live in an extremely desirable part of the country and if the recovery continues then it is hopefully only a matter of time before that ripple effect spreads out from the south east.
What are your hopes for the rest of the year?
We always seem to have a strong autumn property market here in North Devon and my hopes for this autumn are extremely optimistic.
Richard Webber is a Partner at Greenslade Taylor Hunt in South Molton Tel: 01769 574500
