Discounts and other incentives from housing developers are in place to attract buyers while the market is struggling, says Peter Randall of RPC.

With developers having difficulties in selling housing stock and looking to unlock cash for future projects, there has never been a better time to pick up a new home at a competitive price.

The credit crunch has had a big impact on the UK mortgage market, with many buyers unable to get the finance they need to purchase homes. This has led to a marked slowdown in all house sales and, as a consequence, a drop in prices. With new housing numbers already less than those required by government targets, the difference between supply and demand looks set to increase during 2009.

With developers keen to sell their existing stock and efforts being made to re-invigorate the mortgage market, now is the right time to get a great deal on a new property, but the opportunity won’t be around long.

RPC Managing Director Peter Randall said: "At the moment developers have a lot of unsold housing stock and they don’t have the luxury of sitting and waiting out the financial downturn in the same way as owners of second-hand properties.

"As a result, there are a lot of incentives available such as discounts, help with deposits, stamp duty, part exchange and even mortgage payments.

"We have also seen developers being a lot more cautious this year in buying land and it is clear there will not be as many projects started next year. This means the choice and availability of new houses could significantly reduce and the deals won’t be as good as next year.

"My advice to anyone considering buying a new property would be to get out there now and don’t be afraid to negotiate or make an offer.

"There are some great deals at the moment but they won’t be around forever. There has been a perception that new homes are more expensive than the second-hand market.

However, this is not now necessarily the case and, with the incentives and advantages they offer, overall, a new property tends to be much better value for money."

RPC Land and New Homes has specialist centres covering Kent and the Thames Gateway.

For further information visit www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk or call Peter Randall on 01732 363633.