Whilst the affects of the market downturn is marked by a slowdown in the pace and volume of sales, the top end of the market is still buoyant with some sales completing swiftly after competitive bidding. Waterfront property in particular seems to be bucking the national trend as well as period properties and anything with exceptional views. In these uncertain times the Island is still seen as a haven for a better quality of life and increasingly those thinking of holiday property are looking at the UK rather than relying on cheap flights and escalating fuel surcharges.

Eco Island. This is such an exciting concept and the first conference was inspiring with brilliant speakers and a bold vision. Now what? As the instigator leaves the council we hope that his colleagues will move forward with a cohesive plan for mapping the Island's future as a sustainable community, and tackling those awkward and divisive issues like locally created renewable energy.

With fewer houses coming onto the market this year, it appears that the buyer’s market has finally returned to the UK. Local knowledge will be the key to buying well in 2008.

Here on the Island we have always been a little slow to react to market forces, occasionally missing out on minor corrections as a steady stream of incomers feed the market. Talking to agents this week they are all flat out with new instructions and advising vendors that getting the asking price right is critical to prevent the market stagnating.

A recent report from Hometrack shows the Isle of Wight in the TOP TEN counties in the UK for increased house prices. We stand in at a 249% rise over the decade. Cornwall is the only other county in the south of england also in the top 10. The national trend for lifestyle moves and the massive interest and investment in waterside living all around the UK has made the Island an obvious target for major developers who offer excellent incentives for first time buyers.

When I talk to prospective clients I ask them why they want to come to the Isle of Wight and very often they say something like 'because it’s England as it used to be’. This is not surprising to those of us living here, enjoying some of the most unspoilt countryside and coastlines in Britain, where neighbours know each other and people talk to you in shops, but what IS surprising is that these comments are not coming from people wanting to retire here, but those in their 30s, 40s and 50s bringing their work with them.

Life’s a beach. Some very exciting seaside property has been snapped up this year with competitive bidding taking prices to eye watering levels. Several beach houses in Seagrove Bay, and Steephill Cove, an unparalleled building plot on the Solent shore and one or two other hidden gems have found new owners. 

Cool Island. It’s so fashionable here that even upmarket property writer Clive Aslet thinks its ok! Whilst anyone who has worked in property here over the last 20 years remembers it was almost impossible to get a London agent down to value a house, let alone market it – now they’re fighting for instructions and I get regular calls from London agents for information and comparables.

I was asked today what my typical client is like. I thought for a bit about the wide variety of people I have worked with over the last few years. There is no typical client, that’s what makes the work so enjoyable. The search can take anything from a week to two years, their budgets range from £50k to £5m, their ages range from 20 to 80, they are moving up, down and sideways to permanent, holiday or investment homes. We laugh a lot, the variety is endless, and every day if different. Not a bad sort of job really!