North East estate agency firm Pattinson says interest rate rises and cost-of-living worries have not dampened demand for properties.
The independent business, which runs 27 branches across the North East, says it sold 30% more properties in March than in February and reported movement in the market. Amid what its expected to be a busy spring sales period, the firm's managing director Caroline Pattinson updated customers saying fewer properties had come on to the market in March compared with previous years but there had been an increase in rentals.
The observations follow data from the Office for National Statistics that shows North East house price inflation grew 10% in the 12 months to January - the fastest of any region in England. However, North East's average price of just over £163,000 was still well below other areas with the closest price comparator being Yorkshire & Humber at £207,635.
