In the press… The Times

Our founder and MD, Jennie Hancock, was delighted to be asked by The Times to author a comment piece on one of the biggest issues facing the country homes market – the psychological block facing many downsizer sellers who are struggling to accept the value of their home has fallen.

The over-60s have seen significant house price growth in their lifetime, so it’s no wonder many sellers from that generation overestimate how much their home is worth now.

Many remain anchored to peak valuations, convinced they should still apply, regardless of the current market level which is typically between 10 and 20 per cent lower. They want to downsize, but the idea of crystallising a loss is very difficult to reconcile.

The result is a blockage in the country market, with stock languishing for months and going stale, and high-quality buyers losing patience and walking away.

You can read the full article here if you’re a Times and Sunday Times subscriber.