1
Jun
Govt 'should assess HIPs, following positive property results'
Now could be an ideal time to analyse some of the current property
market legislation, according to the National Association of Estate
Agents (NAEA).
Positive results relating to the housing industry - such as recent
figures released by Nationwide Building Society and the NAEA itself
- should be followed by a government assessment of the home
information pack (HIP) system, the national body said.
The group added that the processes involved in stamp duty represent
another area that could be readdressed.
A statement from the NAEA said these parts of the sector "dampen
activity across the market, particularly for first-time
buyers".
Commenting on the state of the industry last month, chief executive
of the association Peter Bolton King said: "What we are beginning
to see now are consistent positive indicators that have held firm
or improved since the beginning of the year."
He added that, even though six months ago people were saying
people's attitudes to property ownership had changed for good, the
NAEA felt demand for bricks and mortar remained strong.
