Property writer Jenny says goodbye

After exactly 10 years of writing these pages I am handing over to a colleague and moving to property pastures new. It has been an exciting decade.

When I took over, the residential sector was recovering from the late 1980s' slump, and new-build was rather conservative.

Then, one or two developers came up with imaginative schemes for brownfield sites close to the Wensum, and national concerns followed to create hundreds of homes by the riverside.

Now it seems every available Norwich site is being redeveloped.

New-build is the dominant factor locally, and while much is financially beyond first-time buyers, sales are being sustained by investors and older owner/occupiers attracted by a vibrant city lifestyle.

As always, confidence is paramount.

Barring major catastrophies or significant hikes in interest rates, demand for homes generally is forecast to outstrip supply, keeping prices strong.

While buyers and sellers need to be wary of those who talk the market up for personal gain, recent performance indicates stability has returned.

Finally, my sincerest thanks to the hundreds of owners who have invited me into their homes, helpful industry professionals and the many readers who have told me they enjoy these property pages.

Writing them for you has been a pleasure and a privilege.