Agent: Competitiveness key to success in Scotland
Thu 3rd Jan, 16:49:17 GMT
Estate agents in Scotland may be forced to become increasingly competitive if they want to stimulate interest in the properties on their books, it has been suggested.
While house prices in the country are still relatively robust, with a number of towns expected to see some of the highest levels of growth in the UK this year, many people have become concerned about the impact the wider housing market slowdown will have on properties north of the border.
Jamie Macnab, of high end estate agency Savills, told the Scotsman that despite a slow November and December, "activity will pick up" in the early part of this year.
However, agents will need to ensure they respond to the changing economic environment, with Mr Macnab commenting: "It will be important for agents to set competitive "offers over" asking prices to generate interest and competition."
Geoff Lockett, of Strutt and Parker, also predicted people would start to feel confident in the housing market again in 2008 but warned of a "period of minimal value growth and a reduced number of transactions".
"The Scottish market should be protected by the real value that Scottish property offers in comparison to other UK areas," he added.
While house prices in the country are still relatively robust, with a number of towns expected to see some of the highest levels of growth in the UK this year, many people have become concerned about the impact the wider housing market slowdown will have on properties north of the border.
Jamie Macnab, of high end estate agency Savills, told the Scotsman that despite a slow November and December, "activity will pick up" in the early part of this year.
However, agents will need to ensure they respond to the changing economic environment, with Mr Macnab commenting: "It will be important for agents to set competitive "offers over" asking prices to generate interest and competition."
Geoff Lockett, of Strutt and Parker, also predicted people would start to feel confident in the housing market again in 2008 but warned of a "period of minimal value growth and a reduced number of transactions".
"The Scottish market should be protected by the real value that Scottish property offers in comparison to other UK areas," he added.
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