National Statistics V Local Experience

Recent news reports and building society statistics have suggested house prices have fallen 1.9%, between the end of June and beginning September. At Coast and Country we question the value of such information and believe negative spin relating to the mortgage market is also misleading.




These figures are based on nationally collated figures and do not take into account factors which experienced estate agents are aware of and consider in their marketing. The property market locally has remained buoyant throughout the summer and although the number of viewings has dropped slightly in July and August the quality of buyers has been high and levels of business good. This has resulted in above average sales. Why have viewings been down? School Holidays and summer vacations, just like every other year.



By taking this experience into account and applying a basic market principal of supply and demand, one can easily explain what is a minor fluctuation in the market nationally. This has little relevance in the southwest, a desirable area where people aspire to live. On a national scale slightly fewer buyers have been available for a short period, as stock of property for sale has increased. This process is has tipped the balance slightly in favour of buyers, who have on average saved around £3000. Sounds a lot, but when factor in sales where prices are in the millions and price fluctuations my have been very large, the effect on everyday properties in minimised. You are probably talking a few hundred pounds on an average home in most cases this is insignificant.



Other reports have suggested that the mortgage is “tight” and overall the amount lent out buy lenders is only increasing slowly. Here again if you dig a little deeper there is positive news. Many people in a position to do so are reducing their mortgages. This is because investment returns are considerably lower than mortgage rates and it makes sense to do so. However the total amount on loan is still rising, this means a far amount of lending must be going on. Less positive is the time it’s is taking to obtain loans currently and the strict criteria. Difficulties can often be minimised by taking good advice from independent professionals.



Looking further forward into September, where will the market be? We expect levels of viewings to peak through September and October and levels of sales to be high, with numerous pre Christmas completions. We are gearing up for the surge with more advertising and are actively seeking further instructions. Year to date we have been the top selling agent in TQ12 according to Vizzihomes and have sold stc, over 22% more properties than any other office. We expect this margin to increase during the latter part of the year as we simply do more advertising and promotion our clients homes compared with our competitors.

Summer At Coast & Country

Summer is a time sizzling hot property and focussing on the best buyer.

As summer gets under way, schools break up and families depart on annual holidays, many agents assume that the market will be quieter. Although this may traditionally have been the case, having the right attitude really gets results.

Those looking for property during the hotter months tend to be more serious. At Coast and Country these buyers are identified and maximum effort is directed to matching them with the right new homes. Those looking to sell can attract buyers by tapping into these quality buyers. The partners at Coast and Country believe that many agents rest on their laurel during July and August leading to poor results. In order to maintain their position and the top selling office in TQ12 for all of 2010, according to independent market researchers Vizzihomes, Coast and Country do the opposite, and this is delivering excellent results. Coast and Country are maintaining high levels of instructions on and a large register of quality properties, this combined with their extensive newspaper advertising and Internet marketing ensures that the maximum number of real buyers are in touch with them.

The partners in the firm believe that if things are potentially a little quieter a flight to quality occurs. Vendors instruct agents that do more and these instructions attract the highest quality buyers. The result is an increased differential between market leaders and those follow.

A New Type of Agent Arrives In Teignmouth, Dawlish & Shaldon

Coast & Country are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Bryant as their Teignmouth, Dawlish and Shaldon area specialist. He will be offering a completely new style of service, which until now has been unavailable locally.

Working out of the prominent top selling office of Coast & Country Newton Abbot, but spending all his time generating instructions and sales in his designated area, Jonathon is expecting impressive results. The Coast & Country brand is already established in the area where Jonathon lives and was brought up. He has over 20 years’ experience in the property market and extensive contacts in the towns he will be servicing.

Working with the partners at Coast & Country, Jonathan has devised a progressive and innovative marketing strategy. This includes capitalising on the greater foot flow of applicants through an office with national connections in a larger town, to generate more enquiries. Focussing budgets on newspaper advertising, beyond that normally available from other agents and enhanced internet marketing to ensure maximum exposure.

The marketing package on offer from area specialist Jonathan is designed to get results and offer great value. Comprising: truly free HIPS; premium listings on Rightmove; numerous other website listings, including our own site www.cacia.co.uk; full colour advertising in the Teignmouth and Dawlish papers and the Mid Devon Advertiser and a tailored service from a dedicated professional. All this will be backed by a leading local brand for 1.75% plus vat. An additional launch discount, a reduced fee of 1.25% plus VAT including a free HIP is available to the next 3 instructions received in area of Teignmouth, Dawlish and Shaldon. This offer will apply for a limited period.


Jonathan is available for free pre-marketing appraisals and advice. Please call for further details on the dedicated line 01626 883360.