Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

So how do we sum up the year?

It hasn't been easy but for me at least it could have been a lot worse.

My biggest issue at present is a lack of stock to sell or let because quite a lot has shifted this last few months albeit at not very exciting prices or rents.

Landlords and sellers have increasingly adopted much more realistic aspirations on the basis that things are unlikely to get better. If there is a hit to be taken its better to take it now rather than possibly take a bigger hit in a few months time.

I am afraid I do not see an improvement in the market for 2012. It will be much more of the same.

I think there is still a general lack of confidence around fueled by higher than acceptable inflation which affects consumers and businesses, rising unemployment particularly amongst youngsters, the Eurozone crisis, banks who are still not lending and a host of other reasons.

In the scheme of things I consider myself quite fortunate. Chris Rowlands & Co. is a one man business which I run from home. My overheads are minimal and I am lucky to have a number of long standing and loyal clients.

I look forward to next year with some optimism tinged with a dose of realism.

I hope 2012 is good for whoever might be reading this.

Best Wishes to one and all for Christmas 2011.

Chris