Web traffic points to busy summer says high-end agent

Knight Frank says the summer is likely to be busier than expected for the sale of prime property as a result of its pattern of web visits. 

It says some 22 per cent of UK property searches on the KF website were from mobile devices in May and June, up from 14 per cent in the same period last year and 10 per cent in 2013.

Traditionally the prime months for selling houses were March through to the end of June with a second period of activity in September and October. These two seasons reflected the end of spring and school summer holidays.

However, the firm says there has been a change in recent years with the market continuing through the usually quieter summer months. The number of properties sold by Knight Frank between June and August 2014 was in fact 25 per cent higher than in 2013.

“The increase in summer activity is a reflection on a number of factors including the popularity of holidays being taken in the UK and thus being able to see a house more quickly and the rise of the internet allowing holiday makers to browse their tablets and phones whilst relaxing” says Rupert Sweeting, head of Knight Frank Country. 

“We’re seeing this happen again this year principally as the election made many buyers put their decisions on hold until after the result was known. As a result the market is six to eight weeks ‘late’. We already have a high level of house bookings going forward this month and in August” says Sweeting.