Agents must educate sellers about realistic prices, says Zoopla

A state-of-the-housing-market survey by Zoopla has led the portal to tell agents they have an opportunity to educate sellers about prices.

“We are seeing a polarisation of the market. Confidence is slowly returning among buyers, but this is moderated by a feeling of caution among sellers, with ongoing economic uncertainty causing them to doubt whether they will achieve the asking price they believe their property is worth” says Andy Marshall, the portal’s chief commercial officer. 

“This offers a great opportunity for agents to realign sellers’ expectations whilst also educating them on the resurgence the market has seen in the first month of the year” he continues.

“What’s more, there are increasing numbers of people who are active in the property market and those seeking a new property are serious about making a move. This again provides fantastic opportunities to agents to highlight their local knowledge and expertise, bringing together buyers and sellers and helping both to reach their property goals.”

Marshall’s comments follow the release of Zoopla’s survey findings which show that 31 per cent of buyers currently active in the market are looking to move within the next year.

The main reasons for the move are upsizing and the need for more space.

Meanwhile, first-time buyers remain the largest buyer demographic outside of London and the South East, with a 40 per cent market share

The survey involved 6,000 people and over 650 sales and lettings agents.