As safe as houses

Despite the recent banking collapse, there are several early reports that we have now reached the beginning of the end of the economic crisis and that house prices have started to ‘bottom out'.

There have been several positive messages emerging from the property market, highlighting that there is growing demand for houses and that people still want to move. In a recent survey, Hometrack the property data business, found that the number of house sales agreed rose by 5.3% in October, the first rise since January. In the first half of the year many purchasers put off moving and some even took a step off the property ladder and moved into rental accommodation in anticipation of market fluctuation. These buyers have watched the market and have now begun to return; along with investors they have made the strategic decision to take advantage of bargain prices and the wide choice of incentives currently available.

The recent interest rate reduction of 1.5% is also helping to build the public's confidence that now is a good time to invest your money in bricks and mortar, which has proven to be the only safe long-term option. The Bank of England base rate is now at 3%, the lowest it has been since 1955. The Nation's largest lenders have reflected this reduction; HSBC is offering an attractive 3.99%* term tracker and Nationwide's standard variable rate mortgage is now just 4.69%*.

Award-winning housebuilder Linden Homes Western has a wide portfolio of stylish developments in sought-after locations throughout the South West and is experiencing first hand this increased demand.

Nigel Palmer Managing Director of Linden Homes Western, commented; "We are seeing a rise in the number of people who don't have a chain and are ready to move. Investors are leading the way back into the market and are keen to take advantage of low house prices and especially the tailor-made incentives that we can offer."

Nigel continues: "The buoyant rental market offers an excellent prospect for those looking for their next rental opportunity or those looking to invest for their pension. It is an ideal time to ‘buy to let' and sit back and reap the rewards of capitalising on your long-term asset. So I would urge everyone interested to find out how they can take advantage of the market now, before the amazing incentives currently available have gone, to talk to us today."

Linden Homes Western has a range of fantastic developments in the city centre and suburbs of Bristol and Chippenham. In Bristol, developments featuring apartments include Essence, where one bedroom apartments are priced from £149,995, Glaze, Great Western Dockyard and Vibe. Three and four bedroom family homes are available at The Courtyards and The Mews where a three bedroom home is priced from £229,995. In addition to these developments, is Market Quarter, the exclusive development of eco homes located in Chippenham, which has a range of one and two bedroom apartments, priced from £139,995, and 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

For further information on any of the Linden Homes developments, visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

* Correct at time of issuing to press and subject to eligibility.