Perthshire property bosses are reporting a healthy “half time”, with more than £78 million-worth of houses sold in just six months.
Statistics released by the Perthshire Solicitors Property Centre (PSPC) for the first half of 2014 reveal that 462 homes were sold, with the average house selling for £169,397.
The second quarter of the year has been described as “fantastic” for PSPC, with more than £47 million-worth of sales in April, May and June alone. May, in particular, was regarded as a “bumper” month, with 112 homes changing hands.
Last year, PSPC member firms sold just over £65 million-worth of homes over the six months, with the average property selling for slightly less, at just over £160,000.
Yesterday Anne Begg, PSPC manager, said she was “optimistic” about the current state of the property market in Perthshire.
She said: “Flats, villas and bungalows, in particular, continue to do well. More than 100 flats have changed hands so far this year, with the average property going for just over £105,000, again more than this time last year.”
She continued: “As we look back on the first half of the year, we have seen an improving picture and, more importantly, a consistently healthy one with no sharp increases or drops in activity, which is never sustainable.
“We have returned to the days of closing date, which is a very welcome sign, an increase in ‘under offers’ and much shorter marketing times for properties. Basically, in most cases, homes are selling more quickly than they were, which is a good reason to be optimistic about the state of the market.
“Although in the minority, we still see some homes which take longer to shift.
“This can be down to a number of reasons but, sometimes, is linked to their asking price, so potential sellers should always seek advice from their member firm and listen to their honest and unbiased guidance about the market.”
With most properties selling more quickly than before, PSPC is eager to encourage more properties on to its books, to stimulate the market further.
Mrs Begg added: “By more properties being added to our portfolio, we can invigorate the market further.
“We are still very much in the peak of summertime and there are many months left to showcase your home in the best possible light, upping your chances of a quick and satisfying sale.”
David Geddes, vice-chairman of PSPC, backed the positive view, believing that there is now a “steady return” on house sales in Perthshire.
“There isn’t a boom which would not be good, anyway but we are seeing a nice-paced return on property sales,” he commented.
“PSPC has sold 50% of properties so we have a good handle on what is going on. All the indicators are there that the local property market is going in the right direction.”
This upturn in the property market was mirrored at the Perth branch of Thorntons Property Services, which has reported “phenomenal activity” over the last few months at the firm’s George Street base.
Colin Emslie, property manager at Thorntons Property Services, said staff had seen “quick turnarounds” from when a house entered the market until it was placed under offer.
He said the average house price had risen by 16.3% and put this down to the popularity of homes in the £150-250,000 bracket in Perthshire.