The property market’s been in the doldrums for a while, but reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Figures out this week have shown that the number of mortgages approved for house purchase rose to an eight-month high during March, and there’s evidence of these green shoots in Wales, too.

According to the British Bankers’ Association, activity in the property market showed signs of picking up, with a total of 31,660 loans approved for people buying a new home, 5% more than during the previous month and the highest level since July last year.

Tristan Lewis of Howells Solicitors says that business from their offices in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport corroborates the latest findings. “We have seen a substantial increase in instructions over the last eight weeks which is a trend which appears to be continuing as we progress further into the spring.

“The number of instructions we received for sales and purchases in March was 30% higher than our usual monthly figures. We believe from speaking to clients and agents that people are at last becoming more realistic about selling prices in order to get the market moving,” he reveals.

As a mortgage lender, Principality have also seen an upsurge in activity, as explained by Principality’s Product Manager, Paul Straiton. “The pattern is similar at Principality, with both house purchase completions and total mortgage completions increasing slightly during March,” he says. But he does warn that the market’s not out of the woods. “The overall position remains down on levels reported this time last year, pointing to the fact that activity in the housing market remains at levels that are subdued relative to previous periods,” he says.

Buyer confidence is still being cited as a possible impediment in the improvement of the market, Paul believes. “The market still has a long way to go and with increased pressures on banks and building societies to hold more capital, the availability of mortgage finance will remain restricted.

“Concerns about the economic outlook and the ability to raise a deposit may deter potential buyers. Remortgage activity on the other hand is likely to continue to increase this year as borrowers look for fixed rate deals to combat any potential rate rise,” he adds.

The commercial conveyancing team at Howells Solicitors has helped Liberty Marketing, a Cardiff based online marketing agency, purchase commercial premises.

The 2000 sq ft office building formerly belonged to Costain plc and is a part of Cardiff Business Park in Llanishen, North Cardiff.

The premises, bought as an investment by Liberty’s managing director, Gareth Morgan, allows the business to continue its expansion and sees the business move out of the more expensive serviced offices where the company has been for the past 18 months.

Rhidian Hobbs, Partner and commercial property Solicitor at Howells, said "we were only too pleased to act on behalf of Liberty Marketing with the purchase of their first commercial premises and to help them achieve this significant milestone. We guided the client through not only the legal but also some of the practical issues surrounding leasehold commercial premises".

Gareth Morgan commented "Due to the location and the way the property was being purchased, the transaction was not straight forward. Rhidian and the team were very helpful and professional at all times and I couldn't have done it without their help. I am very pleased with how it worked out".

BBC programme examines the importance of making a will

In the UK alone, less than 50% of people make a valid will before their death, and too many times the estate can be passed onto the wrong people. A BBC programme called ‘Can’t take it with you’, which sets out to reaffirm the importance of making a will, is due to be aired on 14th January on BBC2 at 9pm.

Here at Howells Solicitors, we are experts in the field of will writing and offer our services at an excellent rate. If you die without making a will, there is a strong likelihood that your estate will be passed on to an undesired recipient, or even the Government.

Our specialist team of solicitors are waiting to help you through the process. We listen to you as an individual, ensuring your wishes and fears for your estate are given the full consideration they deserve. An expert solicitor, such as those at Howells, will be able to advise you on how to make tax savings, reduce administrative costs and avoid disputes.

Making a will also gives the peace of mind, as long as you keep updating it as circumstances change, as you will be in full control over the distribution of your possessions when you are gone. It is also an excellent method of ensuring your loved ones are protected.

Many individuals complain of not having the time or it’s something they simply haven’t got around to, but for those who die without a will it can sometimes take years to distribute their estate, causing prolonged distress for the family.

The common perception is that solicitors are expensive. However, at Howells Solicitors we complete the majority of wills on fixed fees. We spend the time to create you a bespoke and personalised will writing service at a very competitive price. Contact us now to find out exactly how we can help.

Howells Solicitors is delighted to announce their latest acquisition as they continue to grow throughout South Wales. In a bid to stay true to their roots as a friendly and approachable law firm, Howells Solicitors have expanded into new premises on Albany Road in Cardiff.

Alongside its Cardiff Headquarters, the firm now has five other offices throughout South Wales, ensuring a professional and personal legal service at arm’s reach. Our offices are situated in Newport, Caerphilly, Talbot Green and Swansea, with two offices in Cardiff, one being the Headquarters in Newport Road, as well as our new Albany Road branch.

The Albany Road branch is set to specialise in the areas of conveyancing and personal injury, whilst still offering all Howells’ other trusted and expert services, including: employment law, commercial property, matrimonial and family law, wills and probate and tax planning.

The new branch is to be headed up by Victoria Morley-Jones, whose experience in new-build transactions; residential transactions; leasehold and shared ownership will be invaluable in an Albany Road location where landlord and tenant disputes are common place.

The Albany Road practice is aiming to capture a large section of the local new build residential conveyancing market. We have a 28 day time span on our new build conveyancing service, ensuring our service is not only thorough, but also a lot more prompt than you could expect from most Solicitors.

Even though we are one of the largest and longest established firms of Solicitors in Wales, we are able to offer a fresh and friendly approach to legal services. With our local knowledge and expertise in key legal areas, we deliver an unrivalled service at a competitive price. For professional, friendly legal advice call Howells Solicitors on 02920 40 40 20.