Consumer confidence improves across Anglia

With the UK experiencing a reported economic downturn in recent months and the difficulties involved with trying to secure a mortgage deterring hundreds of househunters from buying a brand new home, it's no wonder consumers are being cautious when looking for a new property.

Jon Gibbs, sales director for leading homebuilder Persimmon Homes Anglia, states: "It's been widely reported that the housing industry as a whole has been greatly affected by the recent economic conditions, and Persimmon is no exception to this. Over the last six months it has been frustrating to see that although demand has remained high, often interested parties weren't able to obtain a mortgage which has hindered their intentions to buy.

"Thankfully, in the last few weeks, we have been able to offer greater assistance to househunters hampered by these circumstances, therefore seeing an improvement in conditions and a return to consumer confidence around the Anglia region."

Danny Steel, senior partner for independent financial advisory service, The Finance Shop works alongside Persimmon Homes in supporting homebuyers. He adds: "Confidence is improving and we are seeing a notable difference in conditions in comparison to earlier this year where mortgage lenders reduced their product offering and tightened their lending criteria, which caused problems for some house purchasers at that time.

"Recently it's been heartening to see that fixed rate mortgage interest rates are at averaging 5.5 per cent, which is comparable with the competitive rates in July 2007 before the reported economic downturn began.

"We have seen an increase in buyers returning to the housing market, especially to new housing developers such as Persimmon as they realise that with the range of incentives and schemes available to assist their move, now is a good opportunity and time to purchase a brand new home."

Persimmon has a number of incentives and initiatives in place to support both first time buyers and those looking to move up the property ladder, aimed to ensure that purchasers can find their dream home at a price they can afford.

Jon continues: "We have seen that the range of schemes on offer, further to our variety of incentives available through us has meant that we are starting to see increased visitors, sales and confidence across a number of our developments."

Choosing to buy a new home as opposed to second hand property boasts numerous benefits. Persimmon homes are priced in line with current market conditions and in most cases are already pre-valued by mortgage lenders to ensure the buying process can proceed smoothly, expert help and advice is readily available, tailored incentives mean buyers can be confident their home represents excellent value and the houses come with a two year warranty with Persimmon and a ten year warranty with the NHBC.

Jon attributes Persimmon's recent sales success to a number of factors including their realistic approach to selling homes and first class service and products. He concludes: "The whole team should be commended in being able to assist all our purchasers in understanding the current market conditions and helping them to realise that not only is it a good time to get on the property ladder, but that a new home represents excellent value now and in the long term."

If you're interested in hearing about the homes available from Persimmon, log on to Persimmonhomes.com.