Two weeks after the show in Birmingham we are still dealing with the large number of enquiries we received from the Lets in the Sun stand at the NEC.
After every new exhibition we get the team together and analyse the show, the exhibitors, the visitors and any new trends in the overseas property industry.
The show was a great success, reasonably well attended for a property show in the current financial climate. The other exhibitors were a mixed bunch. Some developers, some long standing names in the real estate market and quite a few newcomers. The visitors were predominantly lifestyle clients taking their first tentative steps in the process of buying overseas property. We identified a new trend after just a few hours at the show. Lifestyle buyers do not want to take a weekend trip and commit to buying a property on a whistle stop tour. . We had an overwhelming number of requests for 3-6 month winter season rentals. The potential purchasers we spoke to, told us they wanted to spend some time in the area and decide at their leisure what and when to buy. A trend which is an encouraging development for the resale market, so for those of you thinking about selling your property at last some good news.
Over 90% of the clients we spoke to were looking to move to sunnier climes in the not too distant future. What they did not want to do at a property show was buy property.
This try before you buy option shows how perceptions have changed and extensive coverage in the media of what can go wrong means buyers are extremely cautious. It is a very sensible option for future expats who will get to know more about their new countries and stand a much better chance of succeeding in their new lives. It also excellent news for property owners who can tap into this trend and achieve better rental returns with these long winter lets.
Next step on the marketing front for us will be the World Travel Market, in London Excel from the 8th to the 11th of November. This is the premier global marketing event for the travel industry. Watch this space for a bit more on our objectives for the upcoming show and preparations we have been making to make it a big success for the Lets in the Sun marketing machine.
