Beresfords reports steady Essex Q1 with stock 71.6% above three-year average

Essex agent Beresfords reported Q1 trading on 6 May: new instructions up 11% year-on-year, buyer registrations up 6%, and first-time buyer activity up 8%, with stock 71.6% above the three-year average. Rates have eased from around 5% back to 4%. For Basildon-area buyers, more stock plus cheaper money means stronger negotiating leverage. For sellers, around 35% of listings have already taken at least one price reduction. Sales agreed still lag instructions: stabilising, not re-accelerating.