Since lockdown first eased our team has been in full swing, with a very busy market.  We have continued to market property across the rural and high end sectors the AB way, with some fantastic results. From fine houses and cottages, to smallholdings and farms – the market has definitely seen a shift.

The start of 2020 saw a steady property market despite Brexit looming, but then we began to see Coronavirus coming to the UK.  Lockdown saw the enforced suppression of the market. Naturally, very few new sales were agreed and only a handful of properties came to market.  However, we now know that buyer demand was building in the background.  Many people realised that they could work very effectively from home and started to consider how a different lifestyle might look.  When agents were asked to resume operating safely, we saw an overwhelming surge in enquiries and in people looking to sell.  This occurred throughout the rural market, with requirements altering; the home office and garden space rose in importance – making us the ideal agent!

Comparing year on year, Armitstead Barnett has already agreed significantly more sales in 2020 than in 2019, despite lockdown.  It will be interesting to see how this year ends, with market predictions varying from “the market is here to stay” to Spring 2021 being more difficult.  We do however know that there is currently a window of opportunity to make the most of the current market, and the benefit of  reduced Stamp Duty.