As we approach the autumn school half term period and winter draws closer it is always prudent to remember the autumn and winter can be an excellent time to buy property.

Recently released was an article highlighting the numbers of transactions from the height of the market falling from 1.1m year-on-year to closer to 600,000. With the number of transactions now at this new level we should consider this to be the new “norm” and start to monitor overall performance and recovery of the market using this figure as the base line. We have entered a new and significantly different economy and the number of transaction year-on-year over the next 5 years will make interesting reading.

We live in a country that has an increasing population and demand for housing will continue. Whilst in the short term prices may wobble; over a period of 5 or more years it is unlikely they will be at a lower level than today. Investors will return to the buy-to-let market. Lenders are looking to finance property purchases with larger deposits making them more attractive than first time buyers. Less university places being taken up due to the change in tuition fees will place more young people at work of whom some will be looking for housing, most likely rented accommodation.

The property market will reshape itself as the economy recovers. Demand for housing will always exist and therefore prices will recover and start to rise. Now is a good time to buy property especially if finance can be approved. With interest rates at record low levels a buyer with a good deposit is a much sought-after commodity.