Sharp rise in house sales in north as investors swoop...

24 October 2008

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Written by rosalind renshaw

The York office of Hunters, the north-based agent, has reported a 71% increase in sales in the last five weeks compared with the same period last year, as investors move in on heavily discounted properties.

Director Kevin Hollinrake said the news was startling but a possible early sign of improvement in the housing market.

“We do not believe this is just a flash in the pan,” he said.

“We are certainly seeing more activity from canny investors and a greater willingness from sellers to be realistic about the prices they are likely to achieve. We are applying the same principles that delivered huge success for us when we opened our first office in 1992 – in the depths of the last housing market slowdown. We have a great team all focused on matching motivated buyers with sellers who really want to sell.”

He said that sellers had to be prepared to price their properties so they looked like bargains.

Comments

- Neill Smith
Rebel'comments. You mean that you can't believe what a politician says? Surely not|
- 24 October 2008 12:11 PM
- Rebel
Yorkshire Post : Published Date: 09 October 2008

POLITICAL CASUALTY - Would-be MP stands down to save firm

A Conservative candidate was yesterday forced to pull out of a key marginal seat in Yorkshire to concentrate on saving his business. Kevin Hollinrake, candidate in Dewsbury, said he needed to spend more time on the York-based Hunters Property Group, where he is joint chief executive, during "difficult economic times".

Mr Hollinrake did not return calls yesterday but speaking to the Yorkshire Post last December, he warned that this year would be difficult for his industry.

"I definitely think there will be more estate agencies closing in the next six months," he said.

ENDS

Mmmmmmmm
- 24 October 2008 11:12 AM
- Pin to Balloon
It's a 'good news' story and mirrors many agents experience of a busier September pre-Lehman Bros. What isn't reported is that Hunters closure of three satellite York Offices and consolidation of property centrally has trippled their stock level in the York office. Factor in that September 07 activity wasn't hot anyway as well as their September auction and its less exciting. Story has more to do with a similar claim by another York agent. At least its comforting that we're seeing a return to the days of agents desperately seeking the position of top dog. Here's hoping that when the current flurry of dust settles we see another and more prolonged brts of activity- is it too much to hope for November or should we settle for January?
- 24 October 2008 11:11 AM