Why Rightmove is predicting a summer sales boom

The reasons why Rightmove is predicting a summer sales boom are..

First of all, there’s been a significant switch in mood in relation to COVID19 in the last couple of months.

Being separated from family and friends for so long has been hard of course. So has doing without so much of what we used to take for granted. But, recently, there have also been some glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel.

Milestones

For a start, UK statistics suggest a fairly dramatic downturn in the number of cases since vaccinations began. More recently, pronouncements from the UK government have also been more upbeat. Ministers even recently released a list of dates when we can tick off milestones on the way to a “new normal”.

As estate agents, we’ve been more fortunate than some. Communications technology has allowed the buying and selling process to continue online. Indeed, a recent article in The Times pointed out some sales abroad have progressed without the buyer ever attending a real-life viewing.

But even more encouraging for the international property market are new statistics from Rightmove. They suggest the current travel restrictions really are acting as a dam holding back a lot of pent-up demand.

Brisk business

Even before Boris Johnson announced the UK’s “Road Map To Recovery” (February 22) travel agents were reporting a surge in summer bookings. The increase is particularly among the over-50s who, unusually, make up around 50% of the potential traffic.

And, with the over-50s also in the age group most likely to purchase a home abroad, international estate agents have been tipped the wink to be ready for some brisk business later this year.

Indeed, more than half of the potential buyers aged over 55 on Rightmove Overseas’ books have already indicated they’d like to begin their move within six months of air corridors reopening.

Rightmove also states potential customers browsing properties online have been saving details to their accounts more than ever. This is also being seen as an indication of potential demand once restrictions are eased.

Help is at hand

Obviously, it’s encouraging news for us – and for vendors too. Anyone selling a desirable home with a realistic price tag has a good chance of seeing it snapped up in the first wave which could be as early as June.

But if you’re a buyer and you’d like a little help or a heads-up on how to plan, why not give as a call or drop us a line?

We’re not just about the buying and selling of homes. We’re happy to help with the logistics, paperwork and advice before, during and after your move so feel free to get in touch. We’d love to help if we can.

Alternatively, feel free to browse our blog for previous posts you may find useful. If you’d like to check out our portfolio, you can also find details of properties currently on our books right here. You can also keep up to date with our Facebook page here.