Hello from Mackenzie Smith and Welcome to the latest Thistleblower Issue,

Demand remains strong but values need to be more accurate than earlier in the year.

It’s not because there is more property available; far from it.

However, it’s understandable that the growth in values had to slow down and this has occurred for a number of reasons. These include the mortgage market review, talk of climbing interest rates during the summer months, mansion tax proposals on more expensive property as well as a general election looming next May.

The threat of increasing interest rates has receded, the supply of property has not increased and if anything is tighter, the mortgage market review slows mortgage approvals but does not prevent well qualified buyers from buying. The UK (and in particular London and the south east) remain a very good bet for investment.

In my view property remains a solid investment providing many people the ability to boost their pension fund with an asset they understand or just enabling them to step in to the market with confidence.

What we are experiencing is a continuing demand for property and land often from buyers relocating from London who see this area as good value offering, great countryside, excellent schooling and good transport links.

If you own property or land and want to sell or let but are concerned about the time of year – don’t be. There are buyers and tenants who want and need to move.

Ed Mackenzie Smith, Managing Director