AT the half-way stage of the year, the Braintree property market is showing growing confidence with more properties coming onto the market and serious purchasers looking to buy according to one of the town’s leading estate agents.

 Boydens Braintree office manager, Simon Fookes, said: “There is no doubt the Braintree property scene is looking in better health. The number of properties taken on during June was double that of May which is galvanising the market.

“We’ve long had a good number of very serious buyers out there but a relative shortage of properties has somewhat held back the market. With more properties coming onto the market, activity is increasing.

“It’s still important that people listen to the advice of their estate agent when pricing their property because we have certainly not reached the stage where we can expect to see prices shooting ahead.

“So far, 2010 has seen a slow but steady recovery in the local property market. Whilst confidence is increasing, we’re talking about modest steps forward. This, in fact, is no bad thing. A boom and bust property market is of no use to anyone in the long term so a steady recovery is to be welcomed. Let’s hope the second half of 2010 continues the trend,” added Simon.