BUNNY BUSINESS AT CALCOT FAIR

Homebuyer demand down – only slightly

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

IT MIGHT not feel like it, but according to new data, homebuyer demand in Berkshire fell in the first quarter of the year – but it was only a marginal reduction compared to other parts of the country.

The latest Homebuyer Hotspots Demand Index by the estate agent comparison site, GetAgent. co.uk, has found a 1.8% drop following the final curtain for the stamp duty holiday in the final quarter of 2021.

The Index monitors homebuyer demand across England on a quarterly basis.

Current demand is based on the proportion of stock listed as either sold subject to contract or under offer as a percentage of all stock listed for sale.

So, if 100 homes are listed and 50 are already sold, the demand score would be 50%.

Across England, average homebuyer demand for the first quarter of 2022, sat at 64.3%, down -1.4% on the previous quarter when the stamp duty holiday finally finished.

Greater London seeing the largest decline at -5.8%. East Sussex (-3.9%), Devon (-3.8%), Surrey (-3.6%) and Cornwall (-3.5%) were among those areas to see the largest correction in buyer demand levels in 2022.

Bristol remains the hottest spot of the market for current demand, with 79.6% of all homes already sold or under offer. Berkshire has 62% of homes sold or under offer, a drop of just -1.8% on the previous quarter.

Founder and CEO of GetAgent. co.uk, Colby Short, said: “The stamp duty holiday spurred an unprecedented level of market activity which has been sustained for the duration of the scheme and it’s fair to say we’re still seeing the market perform extremely well now, despite the final deadline coming in December of last year.

“Of course, there was always likely to be some level of natural readjustment and that’s what we’re seeing here, with a slight decline in demand levels during the first three months of this year.

“However, we expect to see a sustained level of market activity throughout 2022, even with the escalating cost of living and increasing interest rates.

“So, there’s a very good chance that demand will remain consistent and even rebound as the year goes on.” HAPPY DAY: Louise and Simon Turner at their Easter fayre, held at Beansheaf Community Centre in Calcot on Saturday Pictures: Dijana Capan/Dvision Hopping good time at Calcot fayre

AN EASTER Fayre in Calcot bloomed on Saturday, raising money for cancer research at Beansheaf Community Centre.

It featured stands and stalls from local artists and craftspeople, including Leave A Little Sparkle’s resin art, Kathy’s non-alcoholic fruit punch, and DeLoons and Gifts’ candy and confections.

Patrons were also given the chance to meet and greet the Easter Bunny, raising £150 for Cancer Research UK.

He also judged the Easter bonnet competition.

Joint organiser Simon Turner, from Jenny Wren Events, said the Easter Bunny went down a storm.

“He stood outside and waved at the kids in the park, and they all came running towards him,” he said.

“They were so excited to take a picture with him, and one girl came back to meet him three times.”

Mr Turner also said that he just had time to sample some of the stalls.

“Kathy’s Guinness Punch was great, so I made sure to take home a bottle.

“And my wife Louise baked the cakes for the refreshment stall, which were as good as sold out in the end.”

Mr and Mrs Turner say that they hope to be able to bring the fayre to Calcot again later in the year.

“Everybody went to a real effort, and it was lovely,

“We’re looking to put together a Christmas event, and something closer to the summer– perhaps with afternoon tea.”

5 Garage break-in attempt fails

Ukrainians to hold Orthodox Easter service

THIEVES attempted to break in to a Tilehurst garage earlier this month, but failed to gain entry.

As a result, they left the Longridge Close home empty handed.

However, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place between 4pm on Sunday, April 10 and 11am on Monday, April 11.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220155734.

THE READING Ukrainian Community Centre is holding an Orthodox Church Easter service.

Those who would like to attend are invited to the Easter Liturgy and Blessing which will take place this weekend.

The service will be held at English Martyrs Church, Liebenrood Road in Tilehurst.

It starts at 12.30pm on Saturday, April 23.

The Orthodox Church celebrates Easter at a different time to the Western Church.