beresfords aquire magazine issue 19

Beresfords.indd 1 25/4/12 12:04:02BeresfordsLowResCover.indd 1 24/5/12 09:15:14

IntroductIon to acquIre

Contents

Central LondonDouglas & Gordon - pages 08 - 11

South East England Henry Adams - pages 13 - 15

Burns & Webber - pages 16 - 17

Campbell’s - pages 18 - 19

Charters - pages 20 - 21

Oakley Residential - pages 22 - 23

Saddlers - pages 24 - 25

South West EnglandCooper & Tanner - pages 27 - 35

Stags - pages 36 - 39

Symonds & Sampson - pages 40 - 45

Central EnglandDouglas Gribben - pages 47 - 50

Jones Robinson - page 51

Anker & Partners - pages 52 - 53

Howkins & Harrison - pages 54 - 55

Michael Graham - pages 56 - 63

Moores - pages 64 - 65

Eastern England

Oliver Minton - page 67

Beresfords - pages 68 - 69

Brown & Co - pages 70 - 71

Cheffins - pages 72 - 77

Clarke & Simpson - pages 78 - 79

Midlands and WalesAndrew Grant - pages 81 - 83

Balfours - pages 84 - 85

Caudwell & Co - pages 86 - 87

Flint & Cook - pages 88 - 89

John German - pages 90 - 94

Northern Englandand ScotlandFoster Maddison - pages 96 - 97

Rettie & Co - pages 98 - 99

Overseaspages 101 - 104

Feature ArticleThe Property Index, the whole truth, the complete

truth or a confection? - pages 04 - 06

Welcome to the latest edition of our property magazine, in which you will find property and regional comments from our members across the UK and Europe. You will see that the central London market is being driven upwards by lack of supply and strong demand, especially from overseas buyers, but the country market is unpredictable: relatively strong in some parts of the UK but supply has increased proportionately more than demand in other parts giving a more balanced market. There is no doubt that there is demand for good quality residential property which is selling if priced correctly. It is important for vendors to use an agent who is experienced and who will genuinely work the hardest, exploring every marketing avenue to secure a successful sale.

Confidence drives the residential market and thus it is crucial that those who write/commentate and those who read the property headlines are fully informed of the sources. House price figures can vary significantly between indices, causing confusion. Neil Mackwood explores this further in his article on pages 4 and 5.

The London Office has acted on behalf of leading Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors for over 17 years to promote their services and their clients’ properties to a national and international audience. We provide our members with an extra dimension to the services they offer to ensure that their clients receive the best local expertise, supported by national and international marketing. Operating from our ground floor central London office in St James’s, we are in a unique position to provide advice to prospective purchasers, who can search our database and take away hard copies of suitable properties.

We work alongside our London member, Douglas & Gordon, to assist Londoners who are either moving out of the capital or purchasing a weekend property. Together we have successfully hosted the sixth Move To The Country Show. Held in central London, this attracted potential purchasers and enabled them to talk face to face with knowledgeable and experienced partners from estate agencies around the country. It is symptomatic of the positive ways the network works together to promote clients properties. The benefits are not biased solely towards London, but are also evident throughout the network, as purchasers are put in contact with vendors and visa versa. The strength of a dynamic affiliated network of 36 leading firms with 193 offices across the UK should not be underestimated. Many of our members have been part of the group since its inception and there is a close working partnership between the different members and offices. The strength of the group lies in its combination of individual local knowledge and expertise. Many of the partners have previously worked for large national firms and have taken that experience to their local area to provide a professional and personalised service. They are very conscious that you cannot trade on reputation alone. In this ever-changing industry, it is essential to be proactive, embracing modern technology alongside traditional methods, to ensure the client receives the best service.

Whether you are looking to buy, contemplating renting or are simply researching prices before selling I hope you will enjoy Acquire.

Bob Bickersteth, director

the London office 87 St James’s Street SW1a 1PLtelephone: 020 7839 0888e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thelondonoffice.co.uk

Introduction.indd 1 4/5/12 16:08:45

You live in a house and you are considering selling so you seek expert advice as to what that house might be worth.

You are told by agent a.} that it’s valued at £750,000 while agent b.} tells you it’s worth £700,000 (so long as you clear the clutter and fumigate the home to rid it of the wet dog smell). Agent c.} turns up and says he believes it could go for between £750,000 and £800,000.

Who do you believe? Who do you take on? Human nature probably dictates that you take the highest valuation because you have read that house prices are back on the up and that this is a seller’s market.

But who do you believe? You are an occasional reader of national press and you like to peruse the property pages on the week-end and Bricks and Mortar are telling you that property

prices outside London (where they have been nudging up regardless of Osborne’s austerity measures for three years) are heading up again. You catch the Today Programme and you hear a man form the Halifax justifying his thesis that house prices are static because there is a lack of stock. But why is there a lack of stock – the interviewer persists – because lenders are not lending? The man from the Halifax demurs.

The following day the Nationwide comes out with its survey which contends that house prices in the country have fallen by 0.5% in April. Oh! Confusion, confusion everywhere.

Then the putative seller sees other data provided by the government’s Land Registry and an index put out by the Department for Communities and Local Government (Known by the glamorously acronym - DCLG).

But hold on the now deeply confused potential seller casts his eye over the much covered RICS survey – the august body The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – presumably estate agents in suits with exams. They must be trusted surely. Then there’s another survey from a private property data company Hometrack and the property websites Zoopla and Rightmove let alone the LSL/Acadametrics index all add to the mix of knowledge – a dual-carriageway of information overload?

The ProPerTy Index, The whole TruTh, The comPleTe TruTh or a confecTIon?

Article_final.indd 1 4/5/12 15:59:06

Recently Knight Frank published its Property Sentiment Index and showed that property prices had fallen for the 21st consecutive month yet the DCLG’s House Price Index showed house prices rising – and both indices were reported in the same national newspaper three days apart.

The Halifax and Nationwide also issue conflicting data – one showing prices were down by 1.9% year-on-year while the other (Nationwide) found that prices had increased by 0.9%. Statistics damned statistics eh!

Now more confused than ever, the poor potential seller does not know if he is coming or going. House prices are going up here, falling there, remaining static here and there’s a property bubble developing in Belfast. What to do?

The reason why these indices are compiled might throw some light on the why and how they are constructed and what they are intended to achieve. The clue is that they are largely done for PR reasons.

Nationwide (the largest building society) and Halifax now part of the Lloyds Banking Group run much publicised indices.

Both these surveys look at mortgage approvals – not surprising because they are leading lenders. They use different samples and it’s said that the

Halifax favours the north (its traditional home) while Nationwide looks more traditionally to the south. This might explain the small differences that they invariably come out with.

Hometrack and Rightmove:Privateers who run indices for one outstanding reason – PR. Don’t be surprised as they still add to the knowledge of the residential property market but the exercise is not done for altruistic reasons. It’s done to build the brand of Hometrack and the property listings site Rightmove. Both are effective and Hometrack quiz its database of 3,500 estate agents from 2,200 postcode districts in England and Wales. Agents are asked to say if asking prices are rising or falling and the achievable selling price for four standard property types on their patch.

Rightmove, which claims 90% of all properties for sale in the UK, collates asking prices for houses posted on its website over the previous month but does not compile the prices at which those houses are sold.

Now more

confused than

ever, the poor

potential seller

does not know if

he is coming or

going


RICS:They quiz their residential membership and the sample is a small one (250) and it is a perception survey. Do members feel prices in their own areas have been rising or falling in the preceding three months? A bit of a finger in the wind exercise yet the BBC always give big coverage to this report.

The Land Registry:It records all completed property sales in England and Wales but only records changes in prices on those properties that have been sold before. The proceeds of all the transactions are added up and then divided by the total number of sales to reach an average sales price – a pretty ludicrous figure and you might contend there is no such thing as “average” when it comes to house prices. But the registry does provide a definitive picture of house prices down to postcode level but the data is presented two months late.

DCLG/Office for National Statistics:The government’s own monthly house price index is now published by the ONS and tracks mortgage

completions. This does not include cash sales so means the survey covers only about 60% of the housing market. It is a mix-adjusted survey which irons out anomalies.

A recent graph actually shows a surprising consensus among these various indices when looked at on a year-to-year basis although monthly findings will often be skewed - hence the confusion.

They serve to promote the brands that put this information out while the government tries to make senses of all this data – only partially succeeding. The mass of information should act as a guide – a rule of thumb – but not a definitive statement as to the health of the property market. That’s because there is no one amorphous “property market”. The market does exist, is prone to sentiment and the perception of how the economy is performing.

Last week an industry forum brought together by the Wriglesworth Consultancy group were given a pretty gloomy assessment of the market by a distinguished panel of

lenders, economists and journalists. The market, they said, would not return to the levels seen at its peak in 2007 – transactions would remain well below its zenith. Then the informed audience was asked to vote whether house prices would rise, fall or remain static over the next 12 months - the floor voted:

50% said they would remain flat

50% said they would rise

0% said they would not fall

You can have as much expert opinion as you want but in the end people are driven by their own instincts. There’s nothing wrong with the various indices but you need a sceptical approach when reading about their findings and it may be best to listen to your local property expert – your trusted estate agent.

Neil MackwoodDirector The Wriglesworth Consultancywww.wriglesworth.com

...there is no such thing as “average” when it comes to house prices.


Central LondonCentral London

After another tumultuous year in the markets, spring is finally here. With the end of the tax year over and the budget announced it is time to look ahead. The sun is shining, London is gearing up for the Olympics and the property market in the capital is showing signs of growing strength. Values in the first quarter of 2012 surged ahead by 4.3% – the strongest quarterly growth since the summer of 2010. International buyers continue to be significant in central London, especially with the Euro crisis beginning to raise its ugly head again. Lending is again being constricted and only time will tell if this will affect the domestic market.

The rental market paints a different picture, showing an overall fall of 1.09% for the quarter to the end of March, for the second consecutive quarter, despite the overall balance of supply and demand remaining largely unaltered. Movements in rental values are a reflection of economic activity as a whole, which, as we’re all aware, has been at a low ebb over the last six months.

George Franks Director of Sales

Balham - 020 8673 0191

Battersea - 020 7924 2000

Battersea Park - 020 7720 8077

Chelsea - 020 7225 1225

Clapham Southside - 020 8675 4400

Douglas & Gordon - pages 8-11

estate agents

Pimlico - 020 7931 8200

Southfields - 020 8874 8822

South Kensington - 020 7581 1152

West Putney - 020 8785 6666

East Putney - 020 8788 3000

Fulham - 020 7731 4391

Hammersmith - 020 8563 7100

Kensington - 020 7792 1881

Notting Hill - 020 7727 7777

London.indd 1 9/5/12 13:50:02

Douglas & Gordon

www.douglasandgordon.com

08 . Central London . acquire

London.indd 2 4/5/12 17:31:29

Douglas & Gordon


Central London

London.indd 3 4/5/12 17:31:31

Douglas & Gordon


10 . Central London . acquire

London.indd 4 4/5/12 17:31:40

Douglas & Gordon


Central London

London.indd 5 4/5/12 17:31:42

12 . South East England . acquire

Henry Adams - pages 13-15

Burns & Webber - pages 16-17

Campbell’s - pages 18-19

Charters - pages 20-21

Oakley Residential - pages 22-23

Saddlers - pages 24-25

estate agents

Levels of high quality instructions at sensible prices have been steadily climbing in 2012, featuring some very special properties in honeypot villages across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Picturesque locations with good communications continue to attract premium values but with the emergence of complex micro-markets it’s advisable to seek professional advice to pinpoint the real gems.

Alan Frost

Billingshurst - 01403 782991 Bognor Regis - 01403 842123 Chichester - 01243 533377East Wittering - 01243 672721 Emsworth - 01243 377773

Haslemere - 01428 644002 Horsham - 01403 253271 Middleton-on-Sea - 01243 587687 Petersfield - 01730 262801 Rose Green - 01243 263789

Selsey - 01243 606789Storrington - 01903 742535Worthing - 01903 246040

The first quarter of 2012 has been refreshingly active. A significant number of people who have held back from moving over the last four years, whilst waiting to see what was going to happen, have decided to move in 2012.

As a consequence, there is a tangible change in the atmosphere of the market and the mood of buyers and sellers, with a great deal more intent and commitment being shown by both. This is evidenced by fewer numbers of viewings for each sale arranged, together with a general increase in the speed of transactions.

In reality, there is little to be gained by ‘waiting to see what happens’. Nothing dramatic is likely to occur in the property market over the next 12/18 months. Both volume of transactions and pace will be similar to the last twelve months, making it a perfectly stable time to move if you need and want to.

Surrey’s private parks and prime residential areas are attracting strong interest. With a relative shortage of properties for sale in these areas, agreed prices have firmed a little. We think that by the end of 2012, we will see some further increase in values.

Mortgage finance remains under strict scrutiny by lenders and securing the right package is even more difficult than before. Our Mortgage and Financial Services division has witnessed a remarkable increase in clients researching more options than those being offered by their existing lender.

Andrew Dewar

Cranleigh - 01483 268822

Farnham - 01252 713868

Godalming - 01483 427101

Guildford - 01483 440800

As we go to press the April showers seem to have dampened down a hoped for boost and early start to the spring market. It is fair to say that this year has generally been slow off the blocks across the board and little is coming to the market, which does seem to be keeping prices stable. We hope, that as the sunshine breaks through the showers, and Summer approaches that owners will be encouraged to enter the market with the steady market environment we are currently experiencing.

Chris Oakley

Brighton - 01273 688881 Lewes - 01273 487444

After a slow end to 2011, the market took off with a vengeance at the start of 2012, with a healthy level of new instructions coming onto the market and eagerness from buyers not seen for some time. There remains a strong demand for character country property in the Kent area, principally from those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital to enjoy a slower pace of life in the countryside, yet still benefiting from the convenience of a fast rail commute to work.

Paul Martin

Charing - 01233 713127

Winchester’s popularity has not escaped the attention of developers who are now looking for opportunities in desirable locations such as ours. At Charters we have been working very closely with some of these developers as well as remaining very active in all aspects of the property market. We are delighted to report a 35.4% market share of sales in the Winchester market over the last six weeks according to statistics from the Digital Property Group.

Robert Mott

Winchester - 01962 830880

There was a time when Estate Agents would agree that the property market was seasonal, but this no longer seems to be the case. Certainly at Campbell’s over the last two years, these theories have gone out of the window. For us, the best sales results in 2011 were achieved in February and August, which are normally two of our quieter months. So is the Winter the new Spring? Is the Summer holidays now the peak selling time, or is it just that the right property will sell at the right time? Demand is always high in the southeast but if you are thinking of buying or selling our advice is there is no time like the present.

Justin May

Battle - 01424 774774

South East England.indd 1 4/5/12 17:16:07

South East England

Henry Adams

www.henryadams.co.uk



Henry Adams



South East England

Henry Adams



Burns & Webber


www.burnsandwebber.com


South East England

Burns & Webber

www.burnsandwebber.com


Campbells


www.campbellsproperty.co.uk


South East England

Campbells

www.campbellsproperty.co.uk


Charters


www.chartersestateagents.co.uk


South East England

Charters

www.chartersestateagents.co.uk



Oakley Residential

www.oakleyresidential.com


South East England

Oakley Residential

www.oakleyresidential.com



Saddlers

www.saddlersresidential.co.uk


South East England

Saddlers

www.saddlersresidential.co.uk


26 . South West England . acquire

Cooper & Tanner - pages 27-35

Stags - pages 36-39

Symonds & Sampson - pages 40-45

estate agents

The signs are looking much more positive for the market for rural property this spring. Despite the general economy, not just the UK but the wider world, still being in the doldrums, would be buyers are increasingly looking to get on with their lives and purchase the property of their dreams. Consequently, the interest from London buyers is growing daily, as they are keen to cash in on the high prices we see in the central and southwest London market.

Martin Hemmett

Country House Agency - 01373 455060

Castle Cary - 01963 350327

Frome - 01373 455060

Glastonbury - 01458 831077

Rural Office - 01373 831010

Street - 01458 840416

Warminster - 01985 215579

Wells - 01749 676524

Once again the past quarter has been a tale of two halves; “feast and famine” on property viewings with no real rational behind the level of activity as illustrated with some properties going under offer within either a day or couple of days and others having inactivity. Overall sales have picked up in early spring and with offices reporting a surge in sale valuations and a wave of fresh properties coming to the market. The geographical radius of applicants/viewings has remained fairly evenly spread between parties within our office coverage and from outside the region, with particular emphasis form London/Home Counties, over the past 6 months.

Richard Taylor

Axminster - 01297 33122

Beaminster - 01308 863100

Blandford - 01258 452670

Bridport - 01308 422092

Dorchester - 01305 261008

Salisbury - 01722 336944

Sturminster Newton - 01258 473766

Wimbourne- 01202 843190

Yeovil - 01935 423526

A stronger end to 2011, and more market activity, has encouraged owners to take the plunge and hit the market, even though prices are still under pressure. Properties need to be marketed at the right level to generate viewings and offers. Mortgage finance is still a problem, so genuine cash buyers are able to negotiate to their advantage.

James Green

Barnstaple - 01271 322833

Bideford - 01237 425030

Bridport - 01308 428000

Dartmouth - 01803 835336

Dulverton - 01398 323174

Exeter - 01392 255202

Honiton - 01404 45885

Kingsbridge - 01548 853131

Launceston - 01566 774999

Okehampton - 01837 659420

Plymouth - 01752 223933

South Molton - 01769 572263

Taunton - 01823 256625

Tiverton - 01884 256331

Torquay - 01803 200160

Totnes - 01803 865454

Truro - 01872 264488

Wellington - 01823 662822

Yeovil - 01935 475000

South West England.indd 1 4/5/12 17:34:19

South West England

Cooper & Tanner

www.cooperandtanner.co.uk


Cooper & Tanner




South West England

Cooper & Tanner



Cooper & Tanner




South West England

Cooper & Tanner



Cooper & Tanner




South West England

Cooper & Tanner



Cooper & Tanner




South West England

Cooper & Tanner



Stags


www.stags.co.uk


South West England

Stags

www.symondsandsampson.co.ukwww.stags.co.uk


Stags


www.stags.co.uk


South West England

Stags

www.symondsandsampson.co.ukwww.stags.co.uk


Symonds & Sampson


www.symondsandsampson.co.uk


South West England

Symonds & Sampson



Symonds & Sampson




South West England

Symonds & Sampson



Symonds & Sampson




South West England

Symonds & Sampson Lettings


Price: £2,100 pcm Price: £2,500 pcm

Price: £1,950 pcmPrice: £1,850 pcm

Price: £1,300 pcm Price: £1,800 pcm


Douglas Gribben - page 47-50

Jones Robinson - page 51

Anker & Partners - pages 52-53

Howkins & Harrison - page 54-55

Michael Graham - pages 56-63

Moores - pages 64-65

estate agents

46 . Central England . acquire

This year has seen a steady growth in the market with strong, fresh interest emanating from London, where moving to the country is still a popular choice.

Supply of properties has improved but we are constantly looking for quality homes to satisfy this, as well as local demand.

Looking forward, we believe the market will remain stable, staying level for both vendors and buyers. However, we have several initiatives ahead to enhance activity across the Michael Graham region – which now includes 11 offices covering six counties and London.

Simon Hill

Aylesbury - 01296 336227Bedford - 01234 220000Buckingham - 01280 821100 Milton Keynes - 01908 399199

Newport Pagnell - 01908 218860Northampton - 01604 611011Olney - 01234 712424Stony Stratford - 01908 307300

Towcester - 01327 350022 Woburn Sands - 01908 586400

The spring market has been slow to get going with the well-documented economic factors making people apprehensive. There seems to be a shortage of new instructions coming to the market and we are hopeful that as summer approaches the seasonal influence will help matters. We have a number of good proceedable buyers lined up for the right properties should they become available. However, house prices are not on the up and are indeed under pressure. Once again correct pricing is all-important and vendors must show realism if they wish to sell.

Tom Crump

Banbury - 01295 271414

The early spring and sunshine has brought out both vendors who have been holding back from what was perceived as a slow market and buyers who have been frustrated with the lack of choice. It has become a normal busy market as it should be at the best time of year and results are good. We are finding that there is confidence in buyers who rightly sense that now is the right time to go up market and quite often sales are going to best and final offers for quality period village homes. Prices seem to have stabilised and could end up higher by the end of the year if this momentum continues.

Robin Bartram

Atherstone - 01827 718021

Daventry - 01327 316880

Henley-in-Arden - 01564 793137

Lutterworth - 01455 559203

Northampton - 01604 823456

Rugby - 01788 564666

In West Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire the spring of 2012 has proved an encouraging start to the year. Being just one hour from London it is not only commuters (using the Didcot and Newbury excellent rail links) who have been looking at property in the area, also local buyers are upgrading, investors have been out in force and the retirement age group downgrading to supplement pensions. All in all a busy time with prices holding steady albeit a very price sensitive market still and the rental market is continuing to flourish with a real shortage of rental stock.

Graham Douglas

Didcot - 01235 816222

Lambourn - 01488 73337

Newbury - 01635 35010

Wantage - 01235 766222

Rutland and Stamford seem to be more ‘recession-proof’ due to the lack of people who choose to sell quality homes and the amount that are owned by aristocracy-style landowners. When a quality home becomes available at the right price, we see many people who are looking to move into the area for schooling often buy before it hits the open market.

Vernon Moore

Oakham Office - 01572 757979 Stamford - 01780 484555 Uppingham - 01572 821935

Central England.indd 1 4/5/12 17:38:26

Douglas Gribben

Central England

www.douglasgribben.co.uk



Douglas Gribben



Central England

Douglas Gribben




Douglas Gribben



Jones Robinson

Central England

www.jonesrobinson.co.uk



Anker & Partners

www.ankerandpartners.co.uk


Central England

Anker & Partners

www.ankerandpartners.co.uk



Howkins & Harrison

www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk


Central England

Howkins & Harrison

www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk



Michael Graham

www.michaelgraham.co.uk


Central England

Michael Graham




Michael Graham



Central England

Michael Graham




Michael Graham



Central England

Michael Graham




Michael Graham



Central England

Michael Graham




Moores

www.mooresestateagents.com


Central England

Moores

www.mooresestateagents.com


Oliver Minton - pages 67

Beresfords - pages 68-69

Brown & Co - pages 70-71

Cheffins - pages 72-77

Clarke & Simpson - pages 78-79

estate agents

2012 – So far, so good, but with the early increase in numbers of First Time Buyers trying to beat the March 24 Stamp Duty relief deadline having now subsided, it appears that the lower end of the market has slowed down again, resulting in the predictable knock on effect in the middle market. Early spring sunshine has brought more properties to the market, but we are now experiencing a situation where the supply is outweighing the demand in some price brackets and accurate pricing will now become the key to a successful sale before the Olympic slow-down hits us in the summer!

Oliver Minton

Puckeridge - 01920 822999 Stanstead Abbotts - 01920 412600

66 . Eastern England . acquire

Though market conditions certainly remain challenging, we emerged from the depths of winter and enter spring with slightly more buoyant market conditions than those experienced in 2011. There is still fragility in the market place but we have noticed sellers across our region bringing forward their marketing plans and these are met positively by buyers. Cash rich buyers are still negotiating upon the strength of their purchasing position to seek value for money. Pricing remains a critical factor within the market place to achieve sales. Our offices report comparable positive activity, often without general pattern but across the broad spectrum of property categories. This activity is mirrored through our auctions where the right property at the right guide price stimulates competitive bidding and good sales are achieved.

Investors have been encouraged into the market; many suggesting, that despite unpredictability, now is the time to buy.

Jeremy Baguley

Brigg - 01652 654833

Bury St Edmunds - 01284 725715

Ely - 01353 662675

Grantham - 01476 591991

Holt - 01263 713143

King’s Lynn - 01553 770771

Melton Mowbray - 01664 502120

Norwich - 01603 629871

Retford - 01777 709112

Sheringham - 01263 822488

Spalding - 01775 722321

As per the preceding year, 2012 has started strongly in terms of new instructions and a good level of enquiries is matching this. Suffolk is proving more and more popular; those who are lucky enough to already live here want to move and remain within the area. Those in London and the south-east see the County as a very attractive proposition; not only does it still demonstrate reasonable value for money, but more and more people want to move to the area for the lifestyle; excellent schooling in both the state and private sectors, wonderful countryside and coastline and reasonable road and rail links back into London. However, market conditions are still fickle, which is probably due to the fact that purchasers are being very selective about the property ‘package’ that they are after. For the remainder of 2012, and notwithstanding the pleasant distractions of the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, we envisage that Suffolk will continue to trade well with continued demand across the board for sensibly priced properties.

Stuart Clarke

As winter fades into a distant memory and spring emerges, the property market seems to be gaining strength. Since the start of the year, all the key ‘front end’ indicators have improved considerably especially in terms of the numbers of properties coming to market.

We have also seen a noticeable increase in demand for rural and village properties not just from local buyers but also from those moving from near our Greater London and Central London offices into Essex. They seek peace and quality of life and, of course, are able to purchase more interior and exterior space for their money.

So as the weather warms and the days become lighter, there’s every sign that the market will continue in the right direction.

Paul Beresford

Country Homes - 01245 397475

Billericay - 01277 626262

Braintree - 01376 348444

Brentwood - 01277 231515

Chelmsford - 01245 500555

Colchester - 01206 764444

Collier Row - 01708 730707

Gidea Park - 01708 730255

Hornchurch - 01708 474034

Ingatestone - 01277 350505

Shenfield - 01277 212111

Upminster - 01708 222200

Writtle - 01245 420880

This year has been as challenging, as we believed it would be. We have seen the resilience of Cambridge and the surrounding towns where we have offices strive through with some remarkable sales levels and demand has continued to outstrip available property for sale throughout the year. This in balance between demand and stock levels, has maintained prices and created a stable market. Our biggest challenge has been to persuade prospective clients to come onto the market where conditions are far more favorable for selling than they may have presumed.

Martin Walshe

Cambridge - 01223 214214

Ely - 01353 654900

Haverhill - 01440 707076

Newmarket - 01638 663228

Saffron Walden - 01799 523656

St Ives - 01480 300777

Framlingham - 01728 724200

Eastern England.indd 1 4/5/12 17:45:40

Eastern England

www.oliverminton.com

Oliver Minton


Beresfords


www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk


Eastern England

Beresfords

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk


Brown & Co


www.brown-co.com


Brown & Co

www.brown-co.com

Eastern England


Cheffins


www.cheffins.co.uk


Eastern England

Cheffins

www.cheffins.co.uk


Cheffins


www.cheffins.co.uk


Eastern England

Cheffins

www.cheffins.co.uk


Cheffins


www.cheffins.co.uk


Eastern England

Cheffins

www.cheffins.co.uk


Clarke & Simpson


www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk


Eastern England

Clarke & Simpson

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk


Andrew Grant - pages 81-83

Balfours - pages 84-85

Caudwell & Co - pages 86-87

Flint & Cook - page 88-89

John German - pages 90-94

estate agents

80 . Midlands & Wales . acquire

On the way to The London Office last month, courtesy of the 7.40 Virgin Pendolino from Lichfield to Euston, and I’m enjoying scrambled egg and smoked salmon. There were a number of other passengers in Coach J, and it seemed the majority were on their daily commute.

It was only then I realised just why we are selling an increasing number of properties to buyers from “the south”. They can reach their office from up here in the Midlands in less time than most 20 mile road journeys around London, and of course buy a far more impressive property for the same price. Wise buyers indeed, grabbing a substantial rural property with views and land, instead of a 2 bed terrace in Battersea. Even without those commuter buyers the market here us very encouraging, it might just be a time for cautious optimism, but when valuing we must still be aware of the price sensitive market

Nick Pollitt

Ashbourne - 01335 340730

Ashby-de-la-Zouch - 01530 412824

Burton-on-Trent - 01283 512244

East Leake - 01509 856006

Lichfield - 01543 419121

Loughborough - 01509 239121

Stafford - 01785 236600

Uttoxeter - 01889 567444

West Bridgford - 0115 981 0003

The last couple of years have been extremely difficult with a real lack of confidence in the market translating into few people wanting to sell or buy, there have been bursts of activity but we suspect that this market may be difficult for a while to come. However, in the last month or so, we have seen an increased number of instructions and more people actually viewing which have turned into deals being done. The rental market remains very strong.

Ed Caudwell

Bakewell - 01629 810018

With spring now upon us and the County of Herefordshire starting to ‘bloom’ the property market is at long last showing strong signs of recovery. In particular, country cottages in the price range of £300,000 - £500,000 and period or imposing City Houses being particularly in demand. We do not expect prices to rise this year but activity levels will continue to increase providing that the Banks and Building Societies take a more pragmatic lending approach.

Gerard Flint

Bromyard - 01885 488166 Hereford - 01432 355455 Ross-on-Wye - 01989 562009

Quarter one of 2012 has certainly been stronger than the previous two years, however that is starting from a very low base. The market remains patchy with some properties achieving strong sales in competition while others struggle to generate any interest. Sales volumes remain approximately one third of 2007 levels.

Tim Main

Craven Arms - 01588 673314

Hereford - 01981 570727

Much Wenlock - 0845 230 3344

Shrewsbury - 01743 353511

Whilst the shires market for £Million plus property remains challenging, nevertheless we are experiencing a more normal market than in recent years. Some excellent sales have been agreed in the first quarter of 2012 to buyers from the Capital, the South East and from abroad of properties that have been available for more than a little while. The shortage of quality supply is just about sustaining prices. Over 50% of our registered buyers are based outside of the county and prime landed country houses at over £3,000,000 are particularly sought after.

Gerard Smith

Worcester - 01905 734735

Bromsgrove - 01527 579977

Droitwich - 01905 771124

Hereford - 01432 355292

Kidderminster - 01562 60228

Malvern - 01684 563136

Pershore - 01386 554031

Redditch - 01527 66161

Stourbridge - 01384 370232

Midlands & Wales.indd 1 4/5/12 17:48:22

Andrew Grant

Midlands & Wales

www.andrew-grant.co.uk


Andrew Grant




Andrew Grant

Midlands & Wales



Balfours


www.balfours.co.uk


Balfours

Midlands & Wales

www.balfours.co.uk


Caudwell & Co


www.caudwellandco.com


Caudwell & Co

Midlands & Wales

www.caudwellandco.com


Flint & Cook


www.flintandcook.co.uk


Flint & Cook

Midlands & Wales

www.flintandcook.co.uk


John German


www.johngerman.co.uk


John German

Midlands & Wales



John German




John German

Midlands & Wales



John German




Foster Maddison - pages 96-97

Rettie & Co - pages 98-99

estate agents

Central LondonNorthern England & Scotland

The unexpectedly busy February and March within Edinburgh, some 20% up on transactional volume compared to 2011, were echoed by plentiful sales over April in Glasgow, the Borders and Fife. No commentators expect material price rises in Scotland over 2012, although competition can develop selectively in certain property types where the supply is limited. Closing (tender) dates have tentatively re-appeared in such cases.

Tony Perriam

Edinburgh - 0131 2204160

Glasgow - 0141 2484160

Glasgow West End - 0141 3416000

Melrose - 01896 824070

Bearsden - 0141 9433150

Spring may be unseasonably late in the North but in spite of this, viewing enquiries and new applicant registrations have risen steadily since New Year with volumes for the first quarter higher (for the corresponding period) than at any time since 2007.

Whilst sentiment amongst buyers appears increasingly positive, too many vendors remain unwilling to grasp the reality of prevailing market conditions. Those bringing desirable property to the market, or simply adjusting in line with 2012 pricing, are reaping the rewards and should continue to do so throughout the summer.

Neil Foster

Hexham - 01434 605441 Lanchester - 01207 528282 Newcastle - 0191 2221066

Northern England.indd 1 4/5/12 17:29:12

96 . Northern England & Scotland . acquire

www.fostermaddison.co.uk

Foster Maddison

façade


Northern England & Scotland

Foster Maddison

www.fostermaddison.co.uk


98 . Northern England & Scotland . acquire

Rettie & Co

www.rettie.co.uk


Northern England & Scotland

Rettie & Co

www.rettie.co.uk


Overseas - pages 101-104

estate agents

100 . Overseas . acquire

Longer days and warm sunshine herald the beginning of spring and traditionally a time when Estate Agents, Sellers and Buyers alike enjoy a frenzy of activity. We push the winter behind us and look afresh at the properties being offered. Internationally we lag a little behind the home property market as confidence most often starts at home. This season has seen a welcome increase in activity contrasted against recent years and confidence, which may be because prices in the UK have firmed, and in many cases, enjoyed modest increases.

The bonus right now for buyers is that mortgage interest rates are still very low, property prices in leading European resorts are competitive, and supply, although shrinking, still includes some wonderful properties. Some of which can be seen in the following pages. Furthermore, at the time of writing, the exchange rate for UK based buyers is at a better rate than it has been for some time.

If you would like to receive regular updates or property information on your preferred location please do not hesitate to contact us at The London Office.

Paul Baxter

020 7839 0888

Balearics - Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca

Bulgaria - Ski regions and Black Sea coast

Canada - British Colombia and Alberta

Cape Verde - Sal, Boa Vista, Sao Vicente and Santiago

Caribbean - St Lucia and Barbados

Cyprus - Country and coast

France - West, South west, Riviera and Alpine Ski

Greek Islands - Corfu and Crete

Italy - Tuscany, Umbria, Calabria, Piedmont and most regions

Malta - All regions and Gozo

Monaco - Monaco Monte-Carlo

Morocco - Mediterranean coast and Marrakech

Panama - Panama City

Portugal - Algarve

Sardinia - Alghero

Spain - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida

and Murcia

Switzerland - Geneva, Vaud and Ticino Cantons

USA - New York, Florida and Maine

St Lucia Office

International.indd 1 4/5/12 17:13:58

International Property

Overseas

www.tlo.co.uk

Balearics - Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca

Bulgaria - Ski regions and Black Sea coast

Canada - British Colombia and Alberta

Cape Verde - Sal, Boa Vista, Sao Vicente and Santiago

Caribbean - St Lucia and Barbados

Cyprus - Country and coast

France - West, South west, Riviera and Alpine Ski

Greek Islands - Corfu and Crete

Italy - Tuscany, Umbria, Calabria, Piedmont and most regions

Malta - All regions and Gozo

Monaco - Monaco Monte-Carlo

Morocco - Mediterranean coast and Marrakech

Panama - Panama City

Portugal - Algarve

Sardinia - Alghero

Spain - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida

and Murcia

Switzerland - Geneva, Vaud and Ticino Cantons

USA - New York, Florida and Maine



www.tlo.co.uk




Overseas

www.tlo.co.uk



www.tlo.co.uk



The London Office St James’s Street

020 7839 0888 - Bob Bickersteth [email protected]

Andrew Grant Worcester

01905 734735 - Andrew Grant [email protected]

Bromsgrove01527 579977 - Julia Simonds [email protected]

Droitwich01905 771124 - Jonathan Richards [email protected]

Hereford01432 355292 - Mark Baddeley [email protected]

Kidderminster01562 60228 - Debbie Fellows [email protected]

Malvern01684 563136 - David Cox [email protected]

Pershore01386 554031 - Dominique Williams [email protected]

Redditch01527 66161 - Matthew Reynolds [email protected]

Stourbridge01384 370232 - Janis Borley [email protected]

Anker and Partners Banbury

01295 271414 - Tom Crump [email protected]

Balfours Craven Arms

01588 673314 - Peter Wright [email protected]

Hereford01981 570727 - William Shuttleworth [email protected]

Much Wenlock0845 230 3344 - Jayne Tart [email protected]

Shrewsbury01743 353511 - Tim Main [email protected]

Beresfords

Country Homes01245 397475 - Paul Beresford [email protected]

Billericay01277 626262 - Paul Healey [email protected]

Braintree01376 348444 - Matthew Lachs [email protected]

Brentwood01277 231515 - Carl Gable [email protected]

Chelmsford01245 500555 - Nigel Jessup [email protected]

Colchester 01206 764444 - Craig Ganderton [email protected]

Gidea Park01708 730255 - Julian Hall [email protected]

Hornchurch01708 474034 - Craig Job [email protected]

Ingatestone01277 350505 - Denise Morris [email protected]

Shenfield01277 212111 - Mike Wilson [email protected]

Upminster01708 222200 - Robert Twitchett [email protected]

Writtle01245 420880 - Denise Morris [email protected]

Brown & Co Brigg

01652 654833 - Jill Bell [email protected]

Bury St Edmunds01284 725715 - Robert Fairey [email protected]

Ely01353 662675 - Mike Stubbins [email protected]

Grantham01476 591991 - Richard Godson [email protected]

Holt01263 713143 - Peter Sargeant [email protected]

King’s Lynn01553 770771 - Suzy Martin [email protected]

Melton Mowbray01664 502120 - Ben Wills [email protected]

Norwich01603 629871 - Peter Hornor [email protected]

Retford01777 709112 - Jeremy Baguley [email protected]

Sheringham01263 822488 - Peter Sargeant [email protected]

Spalding01775 722321 - Charlie Bryant [email protected]

Bryan Bishop & Partners Welwyn

01438 718877 - Martin Bishop [email protected]

Burns & Webber Cranleigh

01483 268822 - Nick Moulden [email protected]

Farnham01252 713868 - Harry Hynes [email protected]

Godalming01483 427101 - Tanis Unwin [email protected]

Guildford01483 440800 - Ian Bond [email protected]

Butler Sherborn Burford

01993 822325 - Sophie Salter [email protected]

Cirencester01285 883740 - Sam Butler [email protected]

Stow-on-the-Wold01451 830731 - Elizabeth D’Allemagne [email protected]

Campbell's Battle

01424 774774 - Justin May [email protected]

Caudwell & Co Bakewell

01629 810018 - Ed Caudwell [email protected]

Charters Winchester

01962 830880 - Rob Mott [email protected]

Cheffins Cambridge

01223 214214 - Martin Walshe [email protected]

Ely01353 654900 - Mark Peck [email protected]

Haverhill01440 707076 - Jamie Warner [email protected]

Newmarket01638 663228 - Neil Harris [email protected]

Saffron Walden01799 523656 - Bruce King [email protected]

St Ives01480 300777 - Michael Houlden [email protected]

Church Gribben Didcot

01235 816222 - Gary Church [email protected]

Clarke & Simpson Framlingham

01728 724200 - Stuart Clarke [email protected]

Cooper & Tanner Country House and Farm Agency

01373 455060 - Martin Hemmett [email protected]

Castle Cary01963 350327 - Amanda Bailey [email protected]

Frome 01373 455060 - Tom Sumption [email protected]

Glastonbury01458 831077 - Oliver Jenkin [email protected]

Rural Office01373 831010 - Michael Joyce [email protected]

Street01458 840416 - Ian Odam [email protected]

Warminster01985 215579 - Andrew Colyer [email protected]

Wells01749 676524 - Robert Tettmar [email protected]

Curchods Cobham

01932 860999 - Neil Morgan [email protected]

East Horsley 01483 281010 - Alastair Coaker [email protected]

Esher 01372 462000 - Mark Hillier [email protected]

Guildford 01483 458800 - Justin Acheson [email protected]

New Haw 01932 344444 - Ian Overing [email protected]

New Malden 020 8942 8887 - Christopher Jakob [email protected]

Ottershaw 01932 874488 - Clive Bradley [email protected]

Shepperton 01932 230033 - Owen Miles [email protected]

Glasgow Edinburgh

Carlisle Newcastle

Durham

York

Leeds

Manchester

Cheltenham

Milton Keynes

Leicester Wolverhampton

Reading

Southampton

Torquay

Brighton

Ipswich

Kendal

Swansea

area Central London

area South East England

area South West England

area Eastern England

area Central England

area Midlands & Wales

area Northern England & Scotland

key

one hundred and ninety three officesThrough an extensive network of 36 leading firms, with 193 offices between them, The London Office markets over 21,000 properties a year across the network.

Office NetworkThe London Office

AtoZ.indd 1 4/5/12 15:34:50

Teddington 020 8977 3374 - Ken Wood [email protected]

Walton 01932 247777 - Warren Fraser [email protected]

West Byfleet 01932 350011 - Mark Allard [email protected]

Weybridge 01932 843322 - Andrew Grant [email protected]

Woking 01483 776644 - Lee Murphy [email protected]

David Burr Castle Hedingham

01787 463404 - Tim Rutter [email protected]

Clare01787 277811 - Nick Mills [email protected]

Leavenheath01206 263007 - Peter Hutley [email protected]

Long Melford01787 883144 - Steven Ray [email protected]

Woolpit01359 245245 - Alex Davies [email protected]

Douglas & Gordon Balham

020 8673 0191 - Toby Turnage [email protected]

Battersea020 7924 2000 - Tamzin Prout [email protected]

Battersea Park020 7720 8077 - Mark Hutton [email protected]

Chelsea020 7225 1225 - Ed Mead [email protected]

Clapham Southside020 8675 4400 - Alastair Summerfield [email protected]

East Putney020 8788 3000 - Charles Mitchell [email protected]

Fulham020 7731 4391 - Emma Hanks [email protected]

Hammersmith020 8563 7100 - Henriette Redgrave [email protected]

Kensington020 7792 1881 - Maddie Lewington [email protected]

Notting Hill020 7727 7777 - Maddie Lewington [email protected]

Pimlico020 7931 8200 - Alexander Leschallas [email protected]

Southfields020 8874 8822 - Maddie Miller [email protected]

South Kensington020 7581 1152 - Patrick Alvarado [email protected]

West Putney020 8785 6666 - James French [email protected]

Douglas Gribben Wantage

01235 766222 - Graham Douglas [email protected]

Flint & Cook Bromyard

01885 488166 - Gerard Flint [email protected]

Hereford01432 355455 - Jonathan Cook [email protected]

Ross-on-Wye01989 562009 - Paul Watkins [email protected]

Foster Maddison Lanchester

01207 528282 - Gillian Walker [email protected]

Hexham01434 605441 - Dan Maddison [email protected]

Newcastle0191 2221066 - Neil Foster [email protected]

Henry Adams Billingshurst

01403 782991 - Richard Baker [email protected]

Bognor Regis 01403 842123 - Richard Longhurst [email protected]

Chichester01243 533377 - John Corrie [email protected]

East Wittering01243 672721 - Ben Green [email protected]

Emsworth01243 377773 - Matthew Inker [email protected]

Haslemere01428 644002 - James Clare [email protected]

Horsham01403 253271 - Alexander Harvey [email protected]

Middleton-on-Sea01243 587687 - Simon Smith [email protected]

Petersfield01730 262801 - Mark Pelley [email protected]

Rose Green01243 263789 - Steven Tickner [email protected]

Selsey01243 606789 - Kevin Daymond [email protected]

Storrington01903 742535 - Harriet Coates [email protected]

Worthing01903 246040 - Clive Rainford [email protected]

Howkins & Harrison Atherstone

01827 718021 - Peter Bennett [email protected]

Daventry01327 316880 - Martin Broadbent [email protected]

Henley-in-Arden01564 793137 - Pat Phillips [email protected]

Lutterworth01455 559203 - David Clarke [email protected]

Northampton01604 823456 - Robert Eyton-Jones [email protected]

Rugby01788 564666 - Alex Clarke [email protected]

John German Ashbourne

01335 340730 - James Morgan [email protected]

Ashby-de-la-Zouch01530 412824 - Kathryn Jordan [email protected]

Burton-on-Trent01283 512244 - Phillip Sandbach [email protected]

East Leake01509 856006 - Scott Mellors [email protected]

Lichfield01543 419121 - John Stevenson [email protected]

Loughborough01509 239121 - Scott Mellors [email protected]

Stafford01785 236600 - Paul Barnes [email protected]

Uttoxeter01889 567444 - David Woodcock [email protected]

West Bridgford0115 981 0003 - Peter Whitehead [email protected]

Jones Robinson Newbury

01635 35010 - David Jones [email protected]

Lambourn01488 73337 - Paula Rudge [email protected]

Moores Stamford

01780 484555 - Adrian McCarthy [email protected]

Oakham01572 757979 - Vernon Moore [email protected]

Uppingham01572 821935 - Jamie Tyler [email protected]

Michael Graham Aylesbury

01296 336227 - Graham Robson [email protected]

Bedford01234 220000 - Richard Banks [email protected]

Buckingham01280 821100 - Paul Elliott [email protected]

Milton Keynes01908 399199 - Gavin Mills [email protected]

Newport Pagnell01908 218860 - Karen Beecher [email protected]

Northampton01604 611011 - Chris Durrant [email protected]

Olney01234 712424 - Steve Emes [email protected]

Stony Stratford01908 307300 - Stuart Headland [email protected]

Towcester01327 350022 - Richard Irlam [email protected]

Woburn Sands01908 586400 - Ian Thomas [email protected]

Mitchells Highcliffe on Sea

01425 272206 - Ben Jenkins [email protected]

Oakley Residential Brighton

01273 688881 - James Epps [email protected]

Lewes01273 487444 - Bryn Thomas [email protected]

Oliver Minton Puckeridge

01920 822999 - Oliver Minton [email protected]

Stanstead Abbotts01920 412600 - Daniel Hay [email protected]

Rettie & Co Edinburgh

01312 204160 - Tony Perriam [email protected]

Glasgow01412 484160 - Maria Ponte [email protected]

Bearsden0141 9433150 - Jonny Riley [email protected]

Glasgow West End01413 416000 - Maitland Walker [email protected]

Melrose01896 824070 - Rob Taylor [email protected]

Saddlers Kent

01233 713127 - Paul Martin [email protected]

Spencers of the New Forest Brockenhurst

01590 622551 - Rob Batten [email protected]

Burley01425 404088 - Alan Mould [email protected]

Ringwood01425 462600 - Mark Youngman [email protected]

Stags Barnstaple

01271 322833 - Simon Forman [email protected]

Bideford01237 425030 - James Carroll [email protected]

Bridport01308 428000 - Chris McCaughey [email protected]

Dartmouth01803 835336 - Stuart Millard [email protected]

Dulverton01398 323174 - Philip Palmer [email protected]

Exeter01392 255202 - Simon Cooper [email protected]

Honiton01404 45885 - Kevin Clarke [email protected]

Kingsbridge01548 853131 - Chris Kivell [email protected]

Launceston01566 774999 - David Robinson [email protected]

Okehampton01837 659420 - Mark Berry [email protected]

Plymouth01752 223933 - Roger Punch [email protected]

South Molton01769 572263 - Robert Ayre [email protected]

Taunton01823 256625 - Charles Hunt [email protected]

Tiverton01884 256331 - Lee Flay [email protected]

Torquay01803 200160 - David Lewis [email protected]

Totnes01803 865454 - Peter Symons [email protected]

Truro01872 264488 - Ian Osborne [email protected]

Wellington01823 662822 - Ashton Greed [email protected]

Yeovil01935 475000 - James Green [email protected]

Symonds & Sampson LLP Axminster

01297 33122 - Paul Longridge-Berry [email protected]

Beaminster01308 863100 - Sue Melhuish [email protected]

Blandford01258 452670 - Stuart Warnock [email protected]

Bridport01308 422092 - James Pellow [email protected]

Dorchester01305 261008 - Richard Taylor [email protected]

Salisbury01722 336944 - Chris Husson-Martin [email protected]

Sturminster Newton01258 473766 - Mark Lewis [email protected]

Wimborne01202 843190 - Calton Stockley [email protected]

Yeovil01935 423526 - Stephen Hennessey [email protected]

AtoZ.indd 2 4/5/12 15:34:52

beresfords aquire magazine issue 19

Documents