Property viewings rose across the UK

The latest figures from Hamptons International revealed that property viewings across the UK rose sharply in the last few weeks, with a +50% increase when comparing this year to the previous year.

The findings showed how many potential buyers are being enticed back into the sales market thanks to falling house prices and strong investment opportunities. In London, prime areas such a Knightsbridge and Begravia/Pimlico witnessed a rise in viewings of +77% and +78% respectively. This increase can certainly be understood when comparing current property prices in these prestigious areas, a London property requiring the equivalent on £1m in capital in Dec 2007 could be acquired for approximately £750,000 in December 2008.

Across the rest of the country, the upswing in activity was also apparent, particularly in the commuter belt countries of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

This is certainly echoed with buyer registration figures too, with Hamptons’ data revealing that the number of buyers registering in January has jumped to the highest level for 9 months.