Slow housing market

[seaside_love]

I know what you mean, I'm looking for my 2nd property in hastings- as it's my home town I've seen such a massive change in the last 4-5 years, so many people are moving from brighton and london specifically- it's become the new trendy place to live it seems! I fear it's now becoming the new brighton I really hope it doesn't, hopefully the trend will change to somewhere else soon!

[Richard]

The market seems quite brisk this year with many properties on the market along St. Helens Road, at any rate.
I'm surprised if anyone thinks there isn't much availability especially if estate agents are too busy conducting viewings to accomodate requests to find properties.
'Just Property' and 'Foxtons' are normally well-supplied.
Ask to speak to a manager and find out why they don't have much to offer - sounds a bit odd to me.

[Technique]

There are definitely properties about at that price, but I totally agree with what you say about the Hastings Agents. We bought a 'proper' house down here last year having had a holiday home for 10+ years. I was quite amazed at the agent's lack of urgency when trying to arrange appointments. This was a few different agencies, some were better than others.

It was quite difficult and I feel we missed out on seeing some places solely down to the fact that there seemed to be no pressure felt by agents to sort out viewings.

I had to do all of the chasing and at times make suggestions as to how they could provide access. A symptom of the sellers market perhaps?

Keep at it, you'll get there

[Tarmar]

The estate agents down here are dire! And I've personally experienced most of them, the independents and all the high street ones. I was trying to move here from london from 2013 and had two properties fall through before I finally managed to secure a home - 18 months later!

The agents don't seem to have any appreciation how difficult house hunting in a different area can be, in terms of planning viewings. Some agents didn't even bother to call back when I enquired about arranging times for viewings.

I found the best way was to stay at an Airbnb place in the area I was interested in for a couple of days. Then, when the agent inevitably changes the viewing time you'd previously agreed on weeks ago , you don't have to take more time off work/book another train etc. And, as an added bonus you get to experience the area during the day and night, and get a feel for it.

[Geoff]

Sound advice Tarmar, staying the night will definitely give you a feel for the area. There are plenty of local B&B's to choose from... http://www.1066online.com/hastings/bed-breakfast.php

[NewGirl]

The estate agents down here are dire! And I've personally experienced most of them, the independents and all the high street ones. I was trying to move here from london from 2013 and had two properties fall through before I finally managed to secure a home - 18 months later!

Just thought I'd add my experience of the last few months. To be honest I found the agents absolutely fine. They're not as cut throat as the Londoners (not the same ludicrous amounts of fees and bonuses involved, I should think) but they have been perfectly helpful and knowledgeable. It's a pretty hot market for good properties and if my observations are anything to go by, a really good property will disappear in a matter of a few weeks.

- I refuse to consider the possibility of my purchase falling through. Not if I can help it!

[jeansson]

i would like to come to st leonards to look for a flat,if you know of any one who would let me have a room for a a few days 4 or 5 at the most please telephone me on 07580031456, i will give them £100,
many thanks....den

[newfie]

Just Properties and John Bray tend to have higher end properties - ie. £450k range. They're both fairly good.