Harcourts CEO: Buoyancy Should Last

18 October 2009: Harcourts New Zealand’s figures for September show a continuation of more buoyant sales levels in most locations when compared to the previous year and a lift in new listings too according to Harcourts New Zealand CEO Bryan Thomson.

Commenting in the latest Harcourts MarketWatch newsletter Mr Thomson says Harcourts’ nationwide team of sales consultants wrote 44% more sales in September 2009 than in the same month last year, with a 90% increase in its Northern region the top result.

Mr Thomson says the closing weeks of last month were more subdued than hoped, likely in part due to the shocking weather that affected much of the country, but he is predicting good levels of sales will continue through to Christmas.

“As our statistics show there has been an increase in new listings, with auctions and tenders continuing to be heavily utilised by sellers keen to maximise the potential result, while according to anecdotal evidence from around the group there is ongoing strong demand from a wide range of buyers which bodes well for the next few months.

“With confidence in property at better levels and summer weather on the way we believe today’s more buoyant market conditions should continue through to Christmas,” he says.

Mr Thomson says Christchurch is one marketplace where listings last month were well behind September 2008 levels. “There could be a catch-up in October, but if not the buyers in that marketplace will face an even bigger struggle for property.”

Commenting on current trends Mr Thomson says that according to anecdotal evidence from within Harcourts’ nationwide network, today’s buyers and sellers are making “reasoned” decisions, with confidence from both groups building.

ENDS

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