Are you in the market for a house move?

According to recent statistics, there are currently over 2000 homes for sale in Rochester, with 127 of them going on the market in the past two weeks at an average price of £183,136.

It would appear from the stats that this year has been a good time to do it – the time on market has fallen since September last year, with terraced houses the main benefactors, suggesting that dropping prices are helping first time buyers to find their feet on the property ladder.

To check out what your property may be worth, there’s a summary of sold houses on a street by street basis here.

The Council of Mortgate Lenders seems cautiously optimistic, with CML economist Paul Samter stating:

“It is difficult to see anything other than a slow market for the rest of this year as underlying activity remains subdued. The rest of 2010 is likely to see rather lower lending and transaction numbers compared to the same period last year. Late 2009 saw a pick up as some home buyers looked to move before the end of the first stamp duty holiday.

“But for most home owners, the situation is not that bleak. The vast majority of households continue to pay their mortgages in full every month, and many have benefited from the record low interest rates. This looks set to continue for some time yet. While there are a range of risks to the outlook, low rates will further help most stay on top of their finances.”

So why not have look through here for your dream home in the Rochester area and to get an idea of how much yours is worth.

Estate agents haven’t enjoyed the best of reputations over the years, however, there are enough consumer advice websites out there to tell you what the estate agent’s definition of ‘cosy’ really means, so now you can concentrate on taking advantage of the agent’s local knowledge and expertise in the actual process of buying a house. Here’s just a small selection on the books at the moment.

Mann Countrywide have a one bedroom flat for OIRO £65,000 in Hoo.  

Ward and Partners in Strood have a typical three bedroom semi detached.

Allhallows specialises in permanent holiday park homes, and has a delightfully landscaped 2 bedroom bungalow available via Your Move – at just £80,000.

A Grand 19th century 4 bedroom house with magnificent views over the Medway  – just £605,000 – is this the one for you, on offer though Machin Lane? It was once owned by Oswald Short of Short Brothers Aircraft Manufacturers, who were the first company in the world to build aeroplanes, and entertained the Queen Mother there in the 30’s!

Ward and Partners in Rochester offer a one bedroom apartment conversion at £85,000.

Spicer McColl have a rather nice one bedroom starter home in Sidney Road at £100,000.

I think the phrase for this two bedroom terrace in Wouldham via Mann Countrywide would be deceptively spacious – since the gym on the lower ground floor can presumably be turned into a third bedroom if desired!

Sweet Property Services have a wonderful three bedroom family home in Beech road, much improved to a high standard at £169,995.

And if you’re swayed by place names, Mann and Co in Hoo have an aptly named property for Rochester - in Dickensian Close! 

Finally, one of the most unusual properties for sale in the area is St.Bartholomew's Chapel, at the Chatham end of the high street – at only at least £150,000, I’m sorely tempted to re-mortgage. I’d have to live in a tent inside for sure – but that’s a small price to pay for a Grade 1 listed Norman relic from 1070. Isn’t it?

So are you tempted or will you be staying put? Where is the best part of Rochester to live? Does the heart of the city appeal to you or do you prefer the villages out in the rural area? And what’s the best thing about your little patch of Rochester?

Photo courtesy of Ripplestone.