Unique properties to drive market recovery

With positive news regarding the housing sector finally beginning to push its way through the mire of negativity that has surrounded the industry recently, an expert has urged caution.

Savills figures show residences in the south-east rose in value by 1.8 per cent in the second quarter of this year, but Smiths Gore director Robert Pritchard said this does not apply to every home.

He explained only certain kinds of property are trading at higher values and hinted the more unique examples could drive the market forward.

"Ordinary housing, where it is competitively priced, will probably stay down and not see an awful lot in the way of a quantum leap or an improvement, but individual houses will distance themselves and move upwards," Mr Pritchard asserted.

The expert said "smarter" properties were likely to lead the way in terms of price rises.

His comments might lead to some homeowners investing in a conservatory or glazed extension to help attract buyers attention.