There was an interesting article in the NY Times recently on “The power of words” (you’ll need to register with the NY Times to see it, but it’s free). It’s obviously US-focussed, but it outlines the way in which real estate agents and the public describe the changing real estate market. Are we in a bubble? Is it cooling? Are we heading for a soft landing? Is it simply a “pause”?
The article goes on to describe the changing lexicon in real estate marketing. For example, at least in the USA agents no longer say a home is “cosy”, since we all know that means it’s just plain tiny. And they don’t say “spacious” – that’s so 90’s. They now say that an apartment/home/bedroom/laundry is “grand”. And you’re not just buying a property close to the city – you’re buying a “lifestyle”. Oh yeah, that’s a big one.