CONFIDENCE IN HOUSING MARKET IS GROWING, SURVEYS SHOW

New data from two major property surveys shows that confidence in the housing market is increasing.
Both the latest Building Societies Association Property Tracker and the Halifax Housing Market Confidence Tracker confirm the trend.
The Halifax survey supports this positive outlook with one third of respondents predicting that prices will rise this year. Half feel that it would be a good time to buy over the next three months.
The quarterly Building Societies Association survey reveals that the number of people who do not consider now is a good time to buy has fallen from 29% to 21% since March while the same proportion, 41%, believe that now is a good time to buy.
Further increased confidence in the market is indicated by the proportion of people concerned about future falls in property prices decreasing from 24% in March to 19% in June.
A lack of job security continues to worry prospective buyers but this is also less of a barrier, being cited by 48% of respondents in June, down from 57% in March.
Adam Offer, managing director of Besley Hill Estate Agents, confirms the property market revival indicated by the results of the new surveys.
"These encouraging statistics reflect what we are finding at our offices throughout Bristol and Gloucestershire," said Mr Offer. "They are signs that the worst is over and a recovery in the housing market is underway."

MORTGAGE SEEKERS "SPOILED FOR CHOICE"

There is no lack of choice for home owners looking for a suitable mortgage, according to a leading Bristol financial adviser.
"In fact, you could say they are spoiled for choice right now with thousands of mortgage products currently available," says Jonathan Mayall, of the award-winning Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).
"The number of mortgage products on the market from lenders increased to more than 7,400 during the first two weeks of this month after averaging a little over 7,000 in May.
"This demonstrates an increasing willingness to lend and more products means greater competition and better rates for borrowers as lenders withdraw and re-introduce new products, refreshing and re-pricing existing mortgage deals.
"Average mortgage rates for two- and five-year fixed rates have fallen back and now stand at 4.44% and 5.44% respectively while average two-year tracker rates have also reduced further to another new low of 3.38%."
Jonathan Mayall, based at Besley Hill Estate Agents' Fishponds office, is one of a team of MAB representatives providing financial services at Besley Hill's offices throughout Bristol and Gloucestershire.
National awards won by MAB include Best Mortgage Broker and Best Protection Broker.

ESTATE AGENT'S BMX BIKE RAFFLE PRIZE

David Vincent, director of Besley Hill Estate Agents at Downend, has provided a brand new BMX bike as a raffle prize for the forthcoming St Augustine’s school summer fete, which he sponsors each year.
St Augustine's school and parish have been running different summer events for over 40 years and this year’s fete is being held on Saturday, July 9, within the grounds of the school in Boscombe Crescent, Downend.
There will be a wide variety of game stalls, ranging from old favourites such as skittles, coconut shy, tin can alley, splat a rat and hook a duck, to new exciting games like space hopper grand prix and bouncy boxing.
Other attractions include produce and book stalls, bouncy castles, tombola, cake stall, BBQ and the all-important beer tent, as well as displays by Morris Dancers and cheerleaders and a tug of war tournament.
All of this, plus lots more, can be enjoyed from 1.00pm till 4.00pm for just 50p per adult and 25p per child entrance.
“Everyone is welcome to come and join in a really fun family day out," says St Augustine’s PTFA representative, Sue Mulrenan.
Photo shows Sue and David Vincent with the BMX bike to be won as a prize in the St Augustine’s school summer fete raffle.

EXPERTS PREDICT HOUSE PRICES WILL LEAP BY 16%

Economists predict that the cost of the average home will gradually rise 16 per cent to take prices above 2007's high as the market returns to growth from next year.
Leading experts forecast that house prices are set to rise by £30,000 and that mortgage lending will double as Britain's economy picks up over the next four years.
The respected Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) think-tank believes there will be a return to a sustainable housing market as the high street banks provide more funds to help people buy property.
The CEBR calculates the average cost of a property today is £175,000. By 2015 that will be £205,643. The 4 per cent year-on-year surge is predicted to start at the end of 2011 and carry on until 2015. It would see the average UK house price rise to above the 2007 high of £191,340.
CEBR chief executive Douglas McWilliams told the Daily Express: "The main factor driving house prices up is the shortage of available housing which has already pushed up rents. But the factors that will ultimately drive house prices up again are the loose monetary policy that will accompany the Government's deficit reduction and the ability of banks to lend again on consumer-friendly terms as their own underlying financial position improves.
"This should not be confused with boom and bust. We are forecasting a gradual four-year recovery at an annual rate of about 4 per cent."

THREE-BEDROOM SEMI IN PRIME LOCATION

A superior 1930s three-bedroom semi-detached house, 76 Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, occupies a desirable position close to Oldbury Court Estate and nearby shops and services.
This attractive home, ideal for professionals and growing families alike, offers spacious well-proportioned accommodation with such benefits as many uPVC double glazed windows, original white panelled internal doors and gas heating.
Fitted with a modern range of wall and floor storage cabinets, the 13ft 5ins x 7ft 8ins timber-effect kitchen has recently been refurbished and includes a built-in brushed steel-effect oven, inset glass top hob and wine storage unit, splashback tiling and vinyl floor covering.
Both the lounge and dining room have fireplaces with real flame coal-effect gas fires while double glazed sliding patio doors provide a pleasant outlook from the dining room on to the generous 60ft rear garden.
On the first floor of the property, which has been in the same ownership for many years, are three bedrooms, a bathroom with turquoise suite of pedestal wash basin and panelled bath with shower unit, and a separate w.c.
Located within the rear garden boundary is a double garage with twin aluminium-framed up-and-over entrance doors (one with electric remote door opener) and a side pedestrian door onto the rear garden.
For more details and an appointment to view this highly rewarding home, which is on the market for £215,000, contact Besley Hill Estate Agents, 764/766 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3UA, tel 0117 965 3162, email fishponds@besleyhill.co.uk