Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2009 | Page 20

life PROPERTY Are there signs of improvement in the property market? I have read with considerable interest over the last four months the various articles written both locally and nationally on this subject. Initially the general feeling was that the media in their coverage of the situation were not assisting consumer confidence and it was clear to see that the property market reacted adversely with properties being withdrawn from the market for sale and house prices generally falling substantially. Financial institutions placed almost a freeze on lending money which clearly had a knock on effect for the property market with mortgages generally being very difficult to secure. Redundancies were noted widely in the Banking and financial industry as they respectively struggled to trim overheads. The G20 summit demonstrated the necessity for a global financial input of money to the Banking industry in an attempt to "kick start" economies around the world and I am bound to say the extent of the financial input, considered necessary to survive the recession, was staggering and it will remain to be seen whether even further financial input will be necessary within the next twelve months. Having said all this, it is pleasing to note that there are clear signs of improvement in the property market with lending institutions now moving forward with responsible lending and structured investment packages now becoming more available. I believe as money is released into the system for mortgages and investments generally that the next twelve months will see considerable improvement in confidence in the property market. Ironically it is a very good time to buy and sell property as whilst house prices have reacted to the financial markets, it remains still relative to both seller and buyer in the process of moving house and is achieving a bargain for a first time buyer. I sense a real determination within the industry to defeat this recession and with some expediency, but this will only be achieved by responsible, bold and proactive actions taken in particular by financial institutions and the property industry as a whole. Our Practice will continue to assist in these difficult financial times by continuing to offer:- Photo: Mark & Terence Willey • No legal fees and disbursements requested up front both in sale and purchase transactions • Discounts on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney's for established clients • Free visiting for the disabled and elderly who wish to make Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney Please do not hesitate to contact Terence Willey on (01983) 811222 or Mark Willey on (01983) 611888 without obligation. • Deferred payments for Home Information Packs for six months Terence Willey & Co Tel: 01983 611888 www.terencewilley.co.uk 20 The Island's most loved magazine