ALTHOUGH 2017 was quite a challenging year for property professionals - dealing with the aftermath of a snap election in the summer and, of course, the continued wave of uncertainty ushered in by Brexit negotiations – here at Perry Bishop and Chambers we have enjoyed a reasonably busy and active start to 2018.

The removal of stamp duty for first time buyers on purchases up to £300,000 seems to have had the desired effect of stimulating the market from the bottom-up.

And, we are anticipating a healthy spring and summer market.

We are so fortunate to live and work in this desirable region, which to some extent has been cushioned from economic challenges affecting other parts of the country.

Properties are holding their value and indeed in certain areas prices are going up, albeit small incremental rises.

The Stroud Valleys continue to be a big draw for buyers moving out of the Capital as well as those looking to retire to this beautiful part of the world.

Interestingly, some two thirds of those on our buyers’ register at Perry Bishop are already based in the area.

They are looking to move for lifestyle reasons - perhaps for a smaller garden, lower maintenance costs, more space for the children or to be closer to local amenities.

The number of buyers is actually quite high, but it is fair to say that people are moving on their own terms.

They don’t want to compromise much on their next purchase and are keen to tick off as many boxes as possible on their wish list as is realistic.

Realistic pricing, professional photography and a marketing strategy which engages potential buyers offline, online and via social media is the approach that we find delivers the best results.

Our clients achieve on average 99 per cent of the asking price and thanks to our dedicated sales progression team, the majority of sales and purchases are completing in just under 100 days.

Those struggling to find their next house are also able to take advantage of our low-key marketing service – whereby we help find a buyer who is willing to wait until you have found your onward move, thereby ensuring that you are in the very best possible position when you do.

Now we have completed our Gloucestershire branch network - opening our sixth branch in Stroud in the latter part of 2017- we are extremely well placed to assist anyone looking to sell and/or buy in our region.