Homeowners encouraged to up their asking prices

Homeowners encouraged by the lowest stock levels for ten years have begun to increase their asking prices, property website Rightmove said today.

Optimistic sellers listing their properties in the New Year have been demanding 0.4% more than those who advertised in December.

According to Rightmove, the average asking price for UK properties fresh on the market is now £222,261, compared with £221,463 last month.

The property website said that an increasing number of buyers fighting for a very small number of properties has allowed sellers to jack up their asking prices as those looking for home removals strive to find a bargain.

‘The rise in asking prices is an early indicator that new sellers in 2010 have the confidence to try for a higher price,’ said Miles Shipside, Rightmove’s commercial director.

‘We are now seeing the lowest number of properties on the market this century.

‘Buyers have little choice in popular areas, and while this continues sellers have a window of opportunity to obtain a higher price and a speedier sale.’

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