If you read or listen to the property press, or the national media commenting on the property market, you will know they are currently awash with speculation and projections on the way the market will behave in 2020. But it is only speculation. We have never been in conditions quite like this - coming off the back of a surprisingly emphatic election and three-plus years of market dormancy, brought on by political confusion and inertia.

However the national press are not necessarily the safest forecasters of the overall picture.  Many seem to forget that the property market is not confined solely to London and the Home Counties, but is a series of mini-markets.

As we enter a new decade, these micro conditions will once again enter into play. Regions about to see economic stimulus will come into a new focus. Areas benefiting from new infrastructures such as transport will become targets for renewed interest from buyers. Parts of the country that have been in decline will begin to bloom and perhaps even boom in property terms. Sellers will reap the reward.

Of course, buyers will still choose locations for schooling, work, retirement and natural beauty so these factors will continue to be strong personal influencers. But one thing most of us in the business can agree on is that the cloak of uncertainty which created the prolonged low levels of activity in the property market has lifted.  This is borne out by the increased levels of activity we are seeing in the new year so far, a large numbers of buyers and sellers are coming forward earlier than usual wanting to make the most of the increased optimism we are seeing.

It is important now more than ever, that if you are wanting to sell your home, you hit the market at the correct time. Rightmove has recently detailed that 8 of the 10 busiest days for property searches will fall before the end of February. The days of waiting for the Easter Bank Holiday to list your home are long gone, the buyers are there and have the appetite right now.

As estate agents, experts in property and our areas, we are the people best suited to advise on the market in our area. We have been doing this for a long time, have seen many cycles within the market and understand the best way to maximise the value of your home.

Michael Hewitt – Branch Manager of PFK Estate Agency, Cockermouth.