More Houses Sold

The number of houses sold in March has increased compared to the previous two months. Analysts expected the annual “regular spring increase,” stated Makelaarsland on Tuesday. About 5,500 houses changed hands in March, according to the largest real estate office in the Netherlands. In January and February, the number of sold houses dropped to 3500 and 4800, respectively. The firm also observed that many people put their homes up for sale last year to take advantage of  the old rules for the mortgage interest deduction. This was often earlier than the owners had planned. “In spring time we always see an increase compared to the winter months”, according to Makelaarsland. “Even though we have tougher mortgage rules this year, we see the increase clearly.” “In the coming months, the housing market needs young starters who profit from the low interest rates and who believe that a further decrease of house prices is not going to happen.” Compared to last March the number of houses sold decreased by 32%. The political situation and the insecurity of the people about changes in housing prices and mortgages created an increase in housing sales inventory last year. But Makelaarsland is cautiously optimistic about this year's sales numbers. The best indicator for how many houses are going to be sold, is the number of house viewings, which increased considerably in March, they claimed.