Interest grows in prime properties

Housing market falls have opened up "prime property" to rent and buy for a greater number of people, says estate agency group email4property.co.uk.

The website, which matches potential buyers and tenants with agencies, has reported a 20% rise in people using its "premier property" search option since August.

It said less-experienced cash-rich buyers are now seeking to trade up to better homes in more desirable locations before property price rises in recent months push them back out of reach.

Email4property.co.uk has published a series of tips for people seeking to upgrade.

First, it says people should assess whether moving to an upmarket location will provide them with the lifestyle they desire - especially if they overstretch themselves financially.

Second, the group advises that upmarket properties are serviced by upmarket estate agents - different agents cover different sections of the market.

Thirdly, buyers should be clear about what they want and be ready to view properties if demand is high in a particular area.

And finally, email4property.co.uk says people shouldn't forget the basics - check a property's condition, proximity to amenities, in short, any rules you would apply to a more modest property.

Steven Lees, head of marketing for email4property.co.uk, said: "Those lucky enough to have had sufficient capital to secure a mortgage over the past two years have been in a strong position to capitalise on the low prices available across the market, and many have been able to secure homes that would previously been out of their reach."

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