Gas prices are rocketing.

Fuel costs steadily increasing.

And the price of everyday items is getting more expensive.

It's enough to make you bunker down and hibernate through this coming autumn and winter.

However, the good news for estate agents is that house prices are also going up.

And that information allows us to educate our clients and potential ones that now is an excellent time to move.

Nationally agents are reporting low stock levels. The demand is certainly there, and it's those buyers fuelling property price rises. But sellers are sitting tight.

Many people are holding off moving because they want to wait and see what happens to the economy, and this creates that vicious circle of a shortage of homes being on the market.

But there are things you can do to highlight why now is the best time to move.

The Only Way is Up

The point I would make is that it's better to make the move and upsize sooner rather than later in a rising market as it will save you money in the long run.

Here's an example.

House cost that you're selling = £150k.  Upsized house you're buying = £250k.  The price difference to upsize = £100k. Simple maths so far, even for us estate agents.

But let's assume price rises continue to increase at 20% annually.

Then in 12 months’ time - selling price = £180,000 (£150k x 120%), buying price = £300k (£250k x 20%)

Difference now - £120k extra to upsize from and to the same kind of properties.  That's £20k more (net) cost by waiting for 12 months to upsize.

So do it now.

Aim for the Upsizers

Yes, I know the figures quoted above are optimistic, but prices are going up across the UK. And as Rightmove reported recently, by 20% in some areas, like Toxteth in Liverpool.

And yes, I know that the above messaging doesn't apply to downsizers, as for them, staying put seems like the best option for now.

You can't be all things to all people all the time. And now the time is right for focussing on those upsizing. Young couples, growing families and aspirational movers.

As the market quietens, your prospecting should get louder and more proactive.

Call those who have shown interest in the past.

Update people on what your local market is doing.

Do the things your rivals won't do, which can often be as simple as spending an hour a day calling people.

What are you doing to encourage the potential movers in your market?

Thanks for reading.

Nick