Soft landing - February 14

Softer landing in January should give buyers confidence says Portford Homes

Alarm bells have been ringing over the strength of the property market for some months now with experts predicting 2008 will see the end of the property boom. But according to one  housebuilder - who is looking to fly in the face of the ‘doomsters’ – the introduction of HIPs and the credit crunch may be major contributory factors in the slowdown in activity, but any stalling may not last much longer.

Leeds-based Portford Homes is basing its claims on a general undersupply of property in the UK.

Soaring prices, credit crunch, HIP’s and rate rises have all had a negative effect but in the wake of the crisis in confidence Portford Homes is reassuring buyers that in actual fact January has seen a much softer landing than anyone predicted!

“Buyers are much thinner on the ground but we are confident the ensuing storm should be shortlived. The population is rapidly growing and equally there is still an undersupply of housing. While the market may have been asked to weather some considerable storms recently, the basic supply and demand dynamic is what will help to keep it steady in the long term,” says David Mackintosh, Sales and Marketing Director for Portford Homes.
The news of the slowdown has disappointed many households, but for the millions who have been effectively locked out of the housing market because of record prices, it comes as a relief. It is this buyer that is now turning to Portford Homes recognising there can in fact be some great deals out there, which with Portford Homes involve six months mortgage paid, cash back or 5% deposit paid.

“For the first time buyer it’s time to relax and your turn to enjoy yourself!” continues David. “First time buyers have seen prices running away from them for several years, and suffered the triumph of contemporaries who stretched themselves to get on the housing ladder. But this time it is different: there has been a significant correction in house prices, and getting on to the property ladder has finally been made accessible.”

The proof is in the pudding as the saying goes and Portford Homes is currently offering a choice of two-bedroom apartments at Spenmill Grange in Cleckheaton for just £121,000 including 5% deposit paid. The development is set on the edge of the town with good access to the motorway, and promotes a healthy community mix with a range of apartments and townhouses and detached homes.

“Our advice would be for people not to be swayed by marketing spin or doom-mongering press reports. The property market will survive!” concludes David Mackintosh.

Interested buyers should visit Spenmill Grange now or call Portford Homes on 01274 871573 or log onto www.portford.co.uk
-Ends-