Agents must boost property confidence, says Ballard
Commercial property agents need to instil confidence in the industry to give it "a shot in the arm", a partner at Derby-based Salloway has told Insider.
Mark Ballard from the property company said: "The property sector has people looking to buy, build or move – but it can take just one little thing to change their minds.
"I believe that it's down to agents to help and support them through the decision making process, giving added value in terms of feasibility and taking a look at their needs for the future."
Ballard said commercial property values have been nudging slightly higher this year, with average values in the UK’s commercial property sector now up by some 17.5 per cent since their lows in 2009.
He added: "We all have a responsibility to keep the property sector moving locally.
"Five years ago, you could show someone around a couple of properties. They would select one. It would go into lawyers’ hands and within a month, the building would be taken and the deal done.
"I wish I could say that was the case now."
As well as a lack of confidence with occupiers, Ballard says he wondered whether agents are less positive about the advice they are giving because of the market or the inertia in the state of the economy.
Salloway has offices in Derby, Burton-upon-Trent and Nottingham.
