Diary of an Agent

With today (17 May) marking the next step in the UK’s exit from lockdown, which sees indoor hospitality, entertainment and cultural events resume, will this draw more international buyers to prime…

The escape to the country continues, but international demand for London is building in expectation of the end to international travel restrictions.

The pandemic has sent activity in international markets into overdrive.

A third national lockdown meant sellers hesitated, but supply is growing thanks to the recent stamp duty holiday extension and the approach of spring.

Auctions are providing certainty and a new route to market for sellers in the pandemic; while the residential development market remains active, driven by a need to satisfy long-term demand.

The latest lockdown is generating hesitancy amongst sellers; but buyer demand remains strong, with the current situation reinforcing the attractions of more space and the ‘escape to the country’…

London’s suburban markets perform strongly; working from home has opened up new parts of the country market to commuters; conveyancing system remains under strain.

Buyers have enlarged their search areas; the market’s usual seasonality is less pronounced; and there’s still a good opportunity to sell despite winter approaching.

Lockdown has seen buyers moving north to the benefit of both town and rural markets.

Rural properties and estates have enjoyed a renaissance despite fresh Covid-19 concerns