BANG THE DRUM


Welcome to C


hristmas is coming! Are your ready with the turkey and trimmings, the presents and the tree? No? Me neither! More importantly, are you ready for 2011? There’s a general air of gloom settling over the country as the Government’s money saving measures become closer and more clear. The likelihood of rising unemployment,


combined with wage freezes and a lack of mortgage availability, doesn’t paint a very bright picture for property sales in 2011. Many people are also discussing the private rented sector, describing it as another crisis


Knowledge is power. In 2011 we’ll all need to understand our market and give clients what they want.’


waiting to happen, with more people needing to rent and little new investment in homes. This could spell homelessness for some potential tenants, which is unforgiveable in the UK in the 21st Century, but it also spells trouble for letting agents who will be short of properties to let and see a reduction in income as tenants stay put. For landlords it is also bad news, yes, their properties will be in demand, but many tenants will be under financial strain, leading to arrears. So it’s a difficult scene; how do you prosper in such a market? The best way (aside from working incredibly hard of course) is to know your market, keep up with trends and opportunities and absorb every piece of information that comes your way. In this issue of PROPERTYdrumwe have oceans of information, led by our excellent exclusive report from Google on their latest research which maps the road to homeownership. It makes fascinating reading but the real value


is in understanding what your buyers do when they look for a new home; knowledge is power – and Google should know! We also have the final part of our lettings insurance review – Professional Indemnity – a key


element of best practice and security for your business. Other topics include new services in conveyancing and mortgage sourcing which could help secure sales in 2011 and, for the brave few, some ideas on new property hotspots across the globe. It’s not all bad news, so let’s keep positive, have a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year!


Sheila Manchester


PROPERTYdrum DECEMBER 2010 3


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