Agency reports boost in new build sales

Carrick’s housing market has received a welcome boost after a local estate agents reported an increase in new build sales in the area.
The Reeds Rains branch in the High Street   INCT 03-426-RMThe Reeds Rains branch in the High Street   INCT 03-426-RM
The Reeds Rains branch in the High Street INCT 03-426-RM

Independently owned estate agency Reeds Rains experienced a 44 percent increase in new build sales year on year from June 2013 to June 2014. The figure includes sales at the popular Orland Meadow development in Carrickfergus.

Michael Graham, director of Reeds Rains said: “Considering that overall transactions at Reeds Rains are up 24 percent and new build sales are almost double that, it is evident that both the residential and construction markets have improved.

“According to the most recent Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin published in May, the final quarter of 2013 saw 4,827 house sales, the highest number of quarterly sales recorded here since 2007 and a 28 percent increase on the same period in 2012.

“We currently have in excess of 70 new developments live across the areas surrounding our six branch offices – Bangor, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Glengormley, Newtownards and Lisburn – which equates to more than 2000 homes, approximately 500 of which are available at any one time providing phased development on each site, and the uptake in these site is extremely encouraging right across the board.”

Lynsey Graham, manager of the Carrick Reeds Rains branch, added: “We have experienced great demand for the Orland Meadow development on Bashford Drive in Carrick. This site of 25 units was only launched at the end of 2013 and already over half have been sold.”

John Armstrong, managing director of the Northern Ireland Construction Employers Federation, welcomed the growth experienced by developers and estate agents alike. “The construction industry was hit extremely hard throughout the recession; even in its aftermath it was reliant upon the availability of funding,” he said. “The upturn in new build sales we have seen this year is a reflection of an improving market which is very positive for the industry.”