We at Buyitprivately.com take a rather controversial stance on the housing market - and we think that if you are buying a home (as opposed to purchasing an investment) - then we think now is a great time to be buying, as long as you are prepared to live in your home for at least the next three years.

Think about it - according to the latest Halifax figures house prices have fallen 16.2% year on year in December. Last December they reported a year on year fall of 5.2%

So on that basis, and with a little crude arithmetic, we estimate that if a house had been worth 600,000 at its peak, then that same house according to the Halifax would now be worth around 475,000.

Now on top of that, vendors (according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) are offering on average 9% below asking price.

So lets say you make an offer on a house now listed for 475,000 - that brings the price down to 432,250.

From 600,000 to 432,250 - a saving of almost 30% from the peak. Now think back to all the sensationalist media stories of properties dropping 30% in value - not so sensationalistic now are they?

We recall a time, back at the peak, when many properties right across the UK would have had people queuing up to put in offers.

The fact is, if you want to secure your ideal property, in the area you want - and at the price you can afford - then we think now is a great time to do it. No competition, no sealed bids - and a choice of some excellent housing stock and very receptive vendors.

Yes, there’s always the danger that prices may fall a bit further - but if you’re buying a house to live in then just how important is that to you? You’re purchasing the house you really want at potentially 30% less than what you would have paid for it a short time ago. You’re going to be living in it - you are buying a home.