PROPERTY experts in Edinburgh yesterday reported that activity in the housing market has become less seasonal. Despite the belief that the market goes into hibernation over winter, latest figures have shown that buyers and sellers are now active in the local market throughout the year.

Warners Solicitors & Estate Agents said analysis of selling patterns over recent months has shown evidence of a sustained level of sales across the year, even during the typically quieter winter months – as opposed to the expected spikes in peak periods such as spring and early autumn after the school holidays.

Figures collated by the estate agents also showed that seasonality played a substantial role in levels of buyer activity, traditionally. Sales results for 2007 show that 32 per cent of all homes that year were sold between March and May, despite an average expectancy of 25 per cent across any three month period.

However, last year the market appeared to have levelled out with 25.3 per cent of sales completed across the same three-month period, showing signs that the market is steering away from seasonal trends.

David Marshall, operations director at Warners Solicitors & Estate Agents, said: “A number of factors have led to the market becoming less seasonal.

“The fact that, these days, sellers can be easily contacted by phone and email, even when away on holiday, has certainly made people more willing to put their home on the market regardless of the time of year.”