Competition helps install confidence ; While the market is still challenging, activity levels in Kent remain positive, writes Philip James of Strutt & Parker, Sevenoaks

Last Saturday, Strutt & Parker held its fifth national open day.For the Sevenoaks office it was by far our most successful.

We had 35 houses open for viewing between 10am and 4pm, whichconjured up in excess of 140 viewings, the most popular housereceiving more than 15 viewings.

One house that only went 'live' on the internet on Fridayafternoon achieved eight visitors, two of whom have booked in forsecond viewings.

Including properties offered from our Canterbury office, morethan 100 took part throughout Kent, with a total number of visitorsin excess of 400.

The event has taken on a momentum of its own and there wascertainly more interest from applicants and vendors than in any ofthe previous times, with universal praise from everyone saying howmuch they like the event.

One vendor was ecstatic in her praise of the open day asking:"Why doesn't every agent do them?" Judging by how many houses werealso advertised by another agent, as having an open hour on the sameday, we acknowledge that imitation is the sincerest form offlattery!

There is no doubt that the property market is becoming morechallenging. Strutt & Parker nationwide statistics show that fewerhouses are going under offer throughout the country than this timelast year, but I am pleased to say that in Kent the opposite is trueand we are maintaining very positive activity levels.

There does, however, appear to be buyer resistance to viewingproperties that they perceive to be expensive.

The one certain factor that gives a buyer confidence to proceedin today's market is if they know there is competition for theproperty.

This, at least, gives them the knowledge and confidence that theguide price is fair and they can then decide for themselves how muchthey want the house and offer accordingly.