I am pleased to bring you my weekly property bulletin. Don’t be shy, feel free to comment!

Here in the Harringay branch we are definately experiencing an increase in buyers enquiries. Speaking to our colleagues in neighbouring branches, they have echoed this.

We are also noticing an increase in investor activity, now these people really do study the markets!

Well as if we needed proof, we also received an email from ‘Rightmove’ saying that email enquiries were up 109% on last year!

Now that property prices appear to have settled within the area, the emphasis seems to be on affordability, with interest rates still at a historical low. Most banks still require a large deposit, but the experts indicate that the banks seem to be lending and borrowing from each other again as confidence is growing, so it is only a matter of time until they find the balance! Banks obviously make money from mortgages, so we all know they will be competing with each other in the mortgage market for our business… Watch this space!

Recession or no recession, demand has always been high in this area, you could put this down to having neighbouring areas like Crouch End and Islington, or the speed at which you can reach the city! The fact is, this area just seems to tick the boxes for so many buyers whatever their needs, and one thing that never changes during a recession is just that… People’s needs!

Shortage of Properties, the frustrating thing at the moment is that many people still seem to be holding back on placing their property on the market. But, this in itself indicates that the prices are very unlikely to get any lower. In fact they could start increasing again, sooner than we expected as more buyers obtain mortgage funding with a low interest rate.

Parental help, we have also noticed more parents stepping in to help their children with the deposit. This makes perfect sense when their savings are earning very little interest in the bank. People still perceive property as the safest and best long term investment. Unlike stocks and shares, property is tangible, you can see it, you can improve it’s value yourself, and it provides a roof over your head, or an income!

If you have a question about any property call us on 020 8341 6262 or email us at info@castles.uk.com

You can also follow our valuer on ‘Twitter’ Steve sits in his car after every valuation and tweets from his Blackberry phone… you could be finding out about new properties before the sales team back at the office! Simply log onto Twitter.com and type in SteveAtCastles

www.castles.uk.com