Rightmove’s PR machine moved our local market, says agency

The Rightmove annual Happy at Home Index list is, on face value, a clever bit of PR spin that grabs headlines nationally but one agent says the portal’s latest effort has led to a surge of enquiries in his area.

Alex Mackay, Managing Director at leading Brighton and Hove agency Mishon Mackay says the portals more recent list, which places Hove at No.4 behind Hexham, Richmond-upon-Thames and Harrogate, appears to have moved the local market.

He says Mishon & Mackay’s phones at its Hove office have been busy since the research was released at the end of last month.

The index ranks towns by quizzing those who have recently moved to an area to rank the area friendliness of neighbours, sense of belonging, quality of the town’s local amenities and its access to open space.

Rightmove hustle

“Hove has always been a popular place for young professionals, London buyers looking to move out of the hustle and bustle, and families,” says Mackay.

“Homebuyers are searching for more space, gardens, and a better quality of life beyond cities after lockdown, and a readjustment with sellers’ price expectations recently has brought investors back into the market with force. Whilst those looking to rent want to be close to a city and have amenities nearby.

“Most of our enquiries are still for this area alone, and we advise those thinking of relocating to Brighton and Hove, to take the plunge now.”

Other agents The Neg spoke to in the area said they had seen a surge in enquiries too, albeit more down to house hunters looking to secure a property before Christmas and sky-high house prices in Brighton, which is rapidly becoming London’s 33rd borough.

Read more about Mishon & Mackay.