Invest in bricks and mortar

There are signs emerging from the market that there could be an early recovery with several developers recording an increase in the number of visitors to sites. This is backed up by a recent report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors that the level of new buyer enquiries improved in November for the seventh consecutive month and has now reached the best levels since October 2006.

There are many factors that are contributing towards the upturn in the market, including the recent reduction in interest rates by a further 1%. The Bank of England base rate is now at 2%, which is the lowest it has been since 1951, helping to rebuild homebuyer's belief that it is a good time to buy.

The report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors also found that the confidence in the sales outlook continued to improve. Indeed, sales expectations hit their best level since March 2007, and are now above the surveys long run average, since the introduction of this series in 1998. This is a really positive message, showing that buyers who have been waiting and watching are now ready to move and that confidence is beginning to return to the market.

With the recent turmoil in the stock market and the banking collapse, many buyers are choosing to place their money in bricks and mortar which has proven to be the only safe long-term investment.

Many experienced investors have made the strategic decision to return to the market now and take advantage of bargain prices and the wide choice of incentives currently available, allowing them to reap the rewards of capitalising on their asset.

Award-winning housebuilder Linden Homes Chiltern has a wide portfolio of stylish developments in sought-after locations throughout Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire and is experiencing first hand this increased demand.

Helen Todd, Sales and Marketing Director for Linden Homes Chiltern, says: "At Linden Homes, we have continued to experience a high number of visitors and we have achieved sell out success at many of our developments in the last six months; including Sandford Gardens in Marcham, The Highfields in Loudwater, Verve in Slough and The Villas in Barnet. This is a testimony to the stunning homes that Linden produces and demonstrates that even in a difficult market; quality is always in demand and will continue to sell."

She continues: "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 house prices and the tailor-made incentives that we can offer."

At Linden buyers can take their pick from the wide range of incentives to help get them moving, including:

- Linden's Part Exchange scheme* for a hassle-free move.
- Mortgage Subsidy* to help fix your future.
- Easy Start*, allowing you to own 100% of your home for just 75% of the price.
- 5% deposit paid* to give you a helping hand.
- Mortgage Payment Protection* on all of their homes to give you peace of mind.

With stylish apartments and large family residences, Linden Homes Chiltern has a range of properties to suit anyone in prime locations. For more information on any of the homes and how you can invest in bricks and mortar, log on to Lindenhomes.co.uk.

*Subject to scheme rules and on selected homes only