House sales 'on the rise again'

AFTER a long lean spell, the housing market is finally recovering, an estate agent has said.

Martel Maides director Keith Enevoldsen (pictured) said he had seen signs of growth after a slump that lasted months as sellers refused to lower prices and potential buyers lacked financial confidence.

'I think we are seeing more vendors being realistic pricewise. I think there was a period of time where people were sitting on their hands and being reluctant to spend, but I feel we are through that now,' he said.

'There appears to be more activity, especially in terms of sales going through court than there have been in the last few months.'

There was a different attitude appearing again, he said.

'People think it isn't going to get any worse and the interest rates are low now, so they are thinking they should just get on with their lives.

'The general view is that the economy and people's lives are unlikely to get any worse.

'Bear in mind that what is going through the courts now reflects the state of the market about eight weeks ago.'