Our new residential magazine looks at what's happening in your area: ‘Sellers should come to the market early.'

The market in 2011 was at its strongest for us over late spring and early summer, when viewing levels increased dramatically year-on-year and the number of offers received was also up. As we anticipated, the market quietened over the summer holiday period and we were hopeful of a resurgence of interest in September. Sadly, this proved not to be the case, as volatility in the stock markets and predictions of a double-dip recession sapped buyer confidence.

However, we experienced an encouraging surge in activity during November. Good-quality properties that were realistically priced generated interest from a mix of London and local purchasers, and successful initiatives such as the Open House Day meant sales were still achieved, some in excess of the guide price. Examples include Beech Leaf Cottage, St Albans, which had 25 offers and sold for well over the £325,000 asking figure, and Hawkswick Cottage, also in St Albans, on offer for £1.85 million but which sold for over £2 million.

We believe that, although confidence will remain fragile over the coming months, there are positive signs and the first indications of a shortage of quality residential properties. Sellers considering a sale this year would do well to come to the market early, when there is a limited supply of fresh, competitively priced properties. The market appears to be less seasonal now and we would advise sellers to put their property on early instead of waiting for the traditional spring activity.

There will always be strong demand for the areas with easy access to London - Harpenden has a village feel yet is only 27 minutes from the capital by train - which helps to drive the market forward. This, together with the provision of outstanding state and private schools in the area, will ensure a resilient market throughout the year.

Read the full magazine: &homes - Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire