…because sentiment has a reference to nothing beyond itself…” David Hume; Of The Standard of Taste and other Essays Eruditely expressed by the 18th century Scottish philosopher, essayist and economist. Before the woes (dependent upon your political blood type), of Clacton and Manchester triumphed in forcing Ebola, ISIS and other matters of genuine world-changing import off the front pages, the lot at George’s mate Mark’s bank produced another survey relating to the property market. The central bank’s Credit Conditions Survey reported the biggest fall in the amount of credit that lenders felt able to suppll since those naughty boys the Lehman Brothers made off for the hills with everyone’s’ money in 2008. This glossy survey – complete with several very pretty graphs – showed that the ‘sentiment’ for lending had plummeted on a par with Labour’s majority in the safe seat of Heywood and Middleton. The report did conclude that the sentiment for lending would improve within the next three months. One does have to ask what thought process was behind commissioning such a survey, why and what did it cost? Continuing the sentimental theme, is it now policy that when earnest first time buyers are looking for approval for a mortgage in principle, instead of a letter declining their request they are handed a packet of love heart sweets emblazoned with amongst other messages, “Bye Bye”, “Grow Up” and “Dream On”?
Speaking of Scottish sages with their finger on the political pulse of the nation, (or in this particular case, the jugular), I note that oil prices are this week down to $90.00 a barrel, their lowest in 2 years and 20% lower than at their peak. You had a lucky escape there, Alex.
I also this week received another reminder that it is all about location, location, location. Having to deal with a fellow estate agent in North Yorkshire – genuinely God’s Own Country (only just beating Varteg.) I was informed that unfortunately he could not speak with me as he had gone fishing to try and catch some of the first salmon making their way back up stream to Scotland. In Cwmbran, the only salmon I get to see is courtesy of Mr John West and my time relaxing away from the office is the burger van at B&Q where in the past 6 months, I have met 3 estate agents, 2 mortgage brokers and various members of the legal profession. There is a story there…
