The local property market in Norwich and across Norfolk is alive and doing fairly well, according to tops director Roger Lake. Roger said the current local situation was in "stark contrast" to the disaster headlines being put out in the national press and those looking to buy or sell this year should be reassured. "The property market in this part of the world has always had a resilient character, and been less prone to the wider fluctuations of some other regions of the UK," he stressed. "Our county is a desirable place to live, and a popular place to move to - this adds stability to demand, and is continuing to keep estate agents busy."

High levels of sales
The Norwich and Norfolk sales results being reported by tops in no way reflect the gloomy situation being portrayed by headlines, said Roger. He said the agent was pleased with its recent results and has high hopes for the coming months. "During the two months of February and March tops agreed 235 new sales - equivalent to more than £50 million worth of property," he said. "Over the same period, we began marketing around 350 new instructions on behalf of seller clients, most of whom were intent on moving house during the middle part of this year."

Satisfied Customers
Local tops branches have reported a flurry of activity in the property market across Norfolk as the weather has improved and homeowners set out to sell and buy during the spring and summer. Aftersales manager Philippa Press said viewing levels are up and those properties that are correctly priced are now selling well. "April has started very positively," she said. "Certainly many of our customers seem to be very pleased with both the service we are offering them and the results." Comments recently received from customers reflect this high level of satisfaction, she said. "One property owner said he was 'very pleased and surprised' after selling on the same day and at the full asking price," said Philippa. "Another said he was 'extremely pleased with the high levels of viewings almost immediately.'"

Successful Auction
Another valuable barometer of activity in the property market is the success of auctions, said Roger. The latest Auction House event, held last week, was for 35 lots and achieved a success rate of around 80 per cent. "We were very pleased with these results," he said. "An eight out of 10 result like this is a signal of active bidding and a large number of happy buyers and satisfied sellers." And he stressed: "Norwich and Norfolk are not suffering the slump that the media would have us believe - and home movers should not be put off by tabloid journalists. "

Interest Rates
TThe talk now among experts is of base rate cuts, and a fading of the mortgage crisis, he continued. "While lenders will continue to be more selective than in the past, we are told that there are still ample funds available for good status borrowers who are not considered to be a high risk. "It is true that the credit crunch has created difficulties for some - but it has also brought a huge number of opportunities, and astute buyers will be wanting to take advantage of these," he said.

Bargains Abound
As prices have fallen back since last summer, there are now many properties available at very keen prices. Deals are being negotiated at below asking price and to the significant benefit of capable purchasers, said Roger. "Evidence of bargains abounds and these opportunities are now attracting increased interest and activity, according to our teams of staff across Norfolk. Many buyers aim to purchase when prices level out at the bottom of a cycle - and many industry experts see us in that position now. "At tops we are now readying ourselves for the increased activity that clicks in at this time," he said.

Seek Out the Experts

Those looking to sell should take advice from agents experienced at selling properties within their sector of the market and in their geographical location, said Roger. Agents with the right expertise and who achieve high levels of sales will be able to help you price your property correctly and offer you the best chance of a successful sale. Potential buyers should be out there looking now, he said. With so many opportunities for a good purchase, it is worth viewing as soon as possible. "Those looking to sell or buy at this time should contact the experienced staff at tops," he said. "They will be able to offer you advice that is relevant to your own personal situation and if you decide to proceed will be able to offer you their support throughout the process."

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