Mark Sandall, managing partner at Andrew Granger & Co, predicts:
“More homes will be coming onto the market as owners decide to make the most of strong demand, and first time buyers could at last begin to find it easier to get onto the property ladder.
“All through last year and into this one, we’ve seen growing interest from people looking to buy all kinds of properties. Now with the economy improving, people who have been thinking for a while of selling are realising it could be the perfect time. As a result, we’re doing more and more valuations.”
He forecasts house prices in Leicestershire will go up by around five percent, a £9,000 rise for the average home from £186,000 in 2013 to £195,000 this year.
“There is pent up demand from people looking to move, and it’s an improving market with properties selling for closer to the asking price than they were a year or so ago.
“Of course, it’s still challenging out there, so it’s important to find an experienced agent who can present your home in the best possible light, and get you through any difficulties between putting your property on the market and completing the sale.”
The Government’s Help To Buy scheme should also have a positive effect, he predicts.
“For first time buyers, it’s still a big step onto the property ladder but the scheme should make it possible for more people to own their own home in 2014.”