Chris Duverger, a conveyancer with more than 40 years' experience, says that the past 18 months have been the most difficult he has experienced in the housing market, but it's now time to look forward to more buoyant times.
The recession created negativity with firsttime buyers and throughout the market; it is now time to shake off that negativity.
I have worked as a conveyancer for more than 40 years and there is no doubt that market conditions over past year or so have been the most difficult. But over those years I have seen market fluctuations and know that doom and gloom won't be with us forever.
Indeed, although there is no doubt that the market in Jersey is still very sluggish, there were indications in the first half of 2011 that it is moving in the right direction, especially in the mid to higher bracket.
It seems many people at the lower end of the market are still unaware that lending institutions are putting together much better packages, some of which will require the assistance of others, perhaps parents. Many estate agents and independent financial advisors (IFAs) agree with this view.
There is no doubt that to stimulate the whole market there has to be some improvement at the lower end. For those buyers, it's worth noting that an enquiry costs nothing, and banks and IFAs may reassure you that you could meet the lending institution's necessary criteria.
Collas Crill now has offices in both Jersey and Guernsey and it is interesting to note that the market across the water, even if there may be a difference in supply and demand, seems a lot more buoyant than Jersey. It's interesting to consider how two islands separated by a span of water can be so different, especially taking into account that both have the same lending institutions offering the same packages.
Although we haven't seen a dramatic drop in property prices in Jersey, buyers should take comfort from the fact that it is now very much a buyers market.
If you are unsure how to get started as a buyer or seller, Collas Crill's Property Team are only too happy to point you in the right direction. We can put you in touch by recommendation with the right financial contacts and agents with whom we work on a daily basis. We can also give you a good insight into legal and associated costs across the board from a very early stage.
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