Contrary to reports from many other estate agents over the past few months, Woking and Horsell agent Lynch & Company has experienced some of its best sales months ever. Much of this activity was in the upper end of the market. With the property market now catching its breath over the summer holidays, Tony Lynch of Lynch & Company and Nick Churton of Mayfair Office take a special look at the top end of the property market and give some words of advice for achieving the best sales results.

“I am pleased to say that our record figures come partly from increased market share in this sector,” says Tony Lynch. “Nevertheless interest in Woking and its surrounding area has never been stronger. This is a major reason why prices have held up reasonably well in the upper end of the market. We are still obtaining good figures compared with other areas of the country, yet we do urge our clients to be cautious in setting asking prices.”

Nick Churton who runs the Lynch & Company associated office in Mayfair agrees. “Prices in Surrey do seem to have fared reasonably well. The recent reduction in interest rates should help stimulate the market further. This does not necessarily mean that prices will increase but it will help stabilise the market and generate new interest. Also there should not be the hard landing

the press seemed so keen to forecast. With prices neither rising nor falling buyers will take their time in making offers and feel much less pressurised than in recent years.”

“If anything this creates a balanced market,” explains Tony Lynch. “Home owners will come to realise that they are in a competitive situation and will have to price realistically to sell within their ideal time-frame.

“So many estate agents seem to over value, often to attract business, but we advise our clients to set attractive asking prices which are not off-putting to a buyer. As exciting as these high valuations sound, is it really the best advice when property then remains on the market for months with little sign of a buyer?

“Our market share has increased through correct valuation and then excellent marketing to attract the right buyer. We are finding homeowners are becoming wary of extreme valuations and prefer our realistic approach to ensure a speedy and trouble-free sale.

“So the rules of engagement for sellers this autumn are competitive pricing and presenting the property at its very best inside and out. Follow these simple rules and sellers will have moved out long before not-so-realistic neighbours.”