'Bruised, but not property crunch time'

THE credit crunch is having an impact on the local housing market.

But there is no sign of the collapse in prices which has been reported in parts of the UK. 'I believe that confidence is bruised here because of the credit situation in the UK, but I think the long-term future will be fine,' said Charman & Co. proprietor Steve Charman

'A lot of first-time buyers are struggling to get sufficient finance from the banks. 'I don't think it's a property thing, but a series of things that have happened at once, such as zero-10, the credit crunch and a slowdown in the UK property market, which is causing a unique imbalance.'