It was driving back from a viewing on Saturday morning along Northampton Road that made me realise how fortunate we are to live and work in Market Harborough.

I had just met a young couple who had not visited the area before; one of them works in Peterborough, and the other in Birmingham, so Market Harborough seemed a sensible place for them to look for a home. The delights of the town were discussed- an attractive and active town centre, excellent rail and road communications, good restaurants and retail, and schools for all needs- this was an easy sell.

Further positive factors are the pleasant environment, open spaces, variety of accommodation, and the easy going and helpful residents. We are incredibly fortunate to live in this town and when the sun is shining our jobs are made so much easier.

We are experiencing very strong demand as a result of these factors. We are recording the most applicants and have the highest under offer book since August 2007.

Will these conditions continue? I don’t have a crystal ball but I do know that there is a general election in May 2015 and that the only way interest rates are going is up which may be sooner rather than later.

Home owners considering selling

For owners considering selling, now is the most positive time in terms of buyers and price that I can recollect in recent years. Let us hope for a good summer and what will be many more new residents for the future.