Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see a flood of people looking to seal a deal on their dream home after an estate agent has claimed there has never been a better time to buy in the province.

While confidence in the expensive property market in Belfast has been low due to high interest rates, solicitors could soon see more people able to pick and choose property if Templeton Robinson is to be believed.

Keith Mitchell, a partner with Templeton Robinson, said that there has been a "massive catch-up in a very condensed period" in Northern Ireland recently.

"I think if you're buying in the mainstream market - the people who are looking to move house, from the first-time buyers right the way through to people downsizing - that remains strong, and if you're already on the housing ladder then everything is relative," Mr Mitchell explained.

He blamed the confidence crisis in Northern Ireland on interest rates, Northern Rock, and rapid price rises followed by a period where prices weren't going up.

In Northern Ireland, solicitors have also seen banks lending to property developers even without planning permission, although recently lending criteria has tightened.

Mr Mitchell concluded: "There's never been a better time to buy property in Northern Ireland for a whole host of reasons."

He cited the change in the supply and demand ratio, a good choice of houses on the market, and therefore time to consider what to buy.



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