having recently brought a house in the area if you're looking for a house under 500k then there's alot of competition. In the last year I've been gazumped, outbid, outbid on sealed bids, booked an appointment to see house which on came on the market at 6pm on Friday by 1pm saturday my appointment was cancelled because an offer had been accepted..... I could go on. The upside the house market two years ago was much higher than it is now but if you're looking for a 'bargain' now you may have missed the boat as the lack of stock in this very specific area are keeping the prices up. Sara at Harrts was great only show us houses in our price bracket & criteria. Actually got the last house she showed us, phoned me Thursday afternoon new instruction, looked round Friday 1pm, offer accepted Tuesday. Have to say after all the above hassle was surprised it only took 5 weeks to complete! Good luck.