Doom and gloom in the property market might not be universal.

House builder Barratt Developments is reporting an increase in visitor numbers after cutting prices and launching new marketing initiatives.

Take a look around the new housing estates and developments on your patch.

Has construction ceased altogether or is it business as usual?

Perhaps building plans have been changed in the light of the credit crunch to include more/less starter properties.

Speak to showroom staff and see how the current climate is affecting them.