Issue 12
FREE
November 2011
South Downs ProperTY (value ÂŁ3.00)
Your local specialist property publication
Residential sales, lettings, developments & commercial proper ties in the South Downs National Park
Focus on
Winchester
Lettings
active in adversity
W IN! ÂŁ200 w
or th o vouchers fromf Chocolate Fro g Fur niture
Conservatories l News l Market update
Page 24
Bring colour to your home...
...in black & white
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WELCOME
Comment Winter warmers
As winter approaches, we can see some glimmers of light in the local property market, with a slightly higher level of mortgages taken out this summer compared with a year ago. The message from the agents for vendors is to be realistic about the price and perfectionist in presenting your house.
Southdowns Builders Ltd
Your Local Specialists in Brickwork, Roofing and Leadwork
‘Manholes to Mansions’
Buildings • Roofing • Landscaping • Driveways Historic Brickwork • Commercial • Local Authority
The lettings market is active in adverse conditions. There is now close cooperation between lettings and residential departments in many agencies. Property is about much more than the external fabric of a house, so this issue takes a close look at planning a conservatory (or outbuilding) and legal issues. There is also a competition in this issue and the chance for you to win £200 worth of furniture vouchers. ISSUE 12
FREE
NOVEMBER 2011
South Downs PROPERTY (value £3.00)
YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST PROPERTY PUBLICATION
Complete Interior Solutions
Nick Keith Editorial Director 01730 235668
Residential sales, lettings, developments & commercial proper ties in the South Downs National Park
Focus on
Winchester
Chrysalis provides complete interior solutions for companies wishing to fit-out or refurbish their offices or commercial premises.
nick.keith@lifemags.co.uk
We provide design consultancy and project management from project conception to completion allowing clients to focus on their day to day running of the business. We have a team that will ensure that a project remains on budget and on time, without compromising on quality and safety.
Fit-out and refurbishment our typical work includes: • Partitions • Ceilings • Joinery • Electrical • Furniture • Office relocations
• Plumbing • Data • Decorating • Air conditioning • Grade-listed restoration works
In today’s world image is everything - businesses need to convey a message of professionalism and quality throughout. We believe it starts with the right choice of contractor, showing genuine care and understanding of your business needs.We believe Chrysalis Design & Build is that contractor.
Lettings
active in adversity
C o v e r i n g
P e t e r s f i e l d ,
l o n d o n
a n d
t h e
s o u t h
Page 24
Conservatories l News l Market update
Phone: 01730 233587 | Email: info@chrysalisdesignbuild.co.uk | www.chrysalisdesignbuild.co.uk
Chrysalis Ad.indd 1
WIN!
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Editor / Publisher
Nick Keith nick.keith@lifemags.co.uk
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Alana Hebenton alana.hebenton@lifemags.co.uk
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Jackie Barnett info@southdowns-property.co.uk
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Disclaimer South Downs Property is published by Life Magazines Ltd. The views or facts expressed in the content of the magazine editorial or advertising are not necessarily those of the editor or Life Magazines Ltd nor do they accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions or any legal implications arising thereof. Life Magazines Ltd retains © copyright over the content. Any material submitted to the publishers is done so at the sender’s risk and may or may not be returned, and may be subject to editing without notice prior to publication. Life Magazines Ltd does not necessarily endorse any of the businesses or services featured in this magazine.
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Southdowns Builders Ltd are specialists in Brickwork, Stonework, Groundwork and all aspects of Roofing including Slate, Tiling and Leadwork. We have a dedicated team of roofing and leadwork specialists and some of the best trained construction staff in the business. Geographically Petersfield - Southdowns
Builders Ltd area of operation covers the central south of England but we have worked on projects in Sussex, Petersfield, Kent, Middlesex and Essex.
“From Manholes To Mansions” our reputation is “second to none” and there is no job too large or small
No. 3166271
T: 01730 267 869 M: 07767 792825 or 07765 641471 16 Heath Road, Petersfield GU31 4DU
www.southdownsbuilders.co.uk 1
S o u t h d ow n s s p otl i g h t
Focus on
Winchester Winchester Cathedral
The city of Winchester provides the western
Winchester Museum
City Mill
entrance to the South Downs Name
Winchester’s name is said to have come from when the Romans called the town Venta Belgarum, meaning capital of the Belgares, the local Celtic tribe before the Roman conquest. When the Saxons arrived in the 6th century, they called the Roman settlement a caester, so the town’s name was changed to Venta Caester. In time this became Wintancaester and was eventually corrupted to Winchester.
History and Heritage
• 150BC A large defended enclosure was created on the western slopes of the city, in the area of Oram’s Arbour. • In Saxon times the town was chosen by King Alfred to be the capital of England. • 1086 William the Conqueror called for the Domesday Book to be compiled in Winchester. • 1644 Battle of Cheriton. The City falls to Parliamentarians. • 1651 The Castle was destroyed on Cromwell’s orders. • 1724 Daniel Defoe wrote that Winchester was a ‘place of no trade, no manufacture, no navigation’ . Many improvements to the town in the 18th century included the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in 1736 and the theatre in Jewry street in 1785. • 1840 Arrival of the railway which encouraged tourists and new industries to move to the town.
Population
The population of Winchester grew from some 6,000 people in 1801, to around 13,000 in 1851 and more than 17,000 in 1891. At the 2001 Census, Winchester had a population of 41,420. 2
Attractions Winchester Cathedral One of the largest cathedrals in England, Winchester Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 900 years. Winchester’s Military Museums Made up of five museums, including The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, The Gurkha Museum, The Guardroom Museum and the Museum of the Adjutant-General’s Corpshere. www.southdowns-property.co.uk
so u t h d ow n s s p otl i g h t
The Westgate At this unique fortified medieval gateway, serving as a debtors’ prison for 150 years, visitors can read prisoners’ graffiti, see the interesting collection of weights and measures and take in rooftop views across Winchester. Winchester College With alumni including Douglas Jardine, Lord Howe and Anthony Trollope, the College is one to be the oldest English schools. City Museum For a fun filled free activity, the City Museum tells the story of Winchester from early trading centre to modern times.
3: To Wear Or Not To Wear, Royal Winchester Golf Club, Sarum Road, £12, 01962 871725
5: Sponsored Walk the Line, Mid-Hants Railway “Watercress Line” 01962 733810
Winchester Colleg e
The City Mill With over a millennium of history, the City Mill has regular milling demonstrations, children’s quizzes and an interactive exhibition. The Great Hall and King Arthur’s Round Table At the top of the High Street you’ll find the only remaining part of Winchester Castle with the Great Hall and the famous Arthurian Round table (see cover). Further afield INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium Out-of-this-world attraction allows visitors to float through the universe hightech digital theatre presentations in the UK’s largest planetarium. Marwell Wildlife For a wild day out, Marwell Wildlife’s 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
Famous Residents
Food and Drink
King Alfred, Jane Austen, Collin Firth, John Keats.
What’s On in November
Winchester Round Table Bonfire & Fireworks, North Walls Recreation Ground. 01962 840500 6: Antiques & 20th Century Collectibles Market, High Street and Middle Brook Street Winchester. 07515 797 878 8-12: Fiddler on the Roof, Theatre Royal, Jewry Street, £14.50. 01962 840440 9: Digital Static: Hampshire’s new world-class radio, Intech Science Centre & Planetarium, Telegraph Way. 01962 863791 10: Scoundrels Comedy Club, Railway Inn, St Pauls Hill. 01962 840500 17: Christmas in Winchester, Various locations across Winchester. 01962 840500 18: A night with...Divas, Morn Hill, Winchester. Price £29.95 per person. 0871 942 9188 18-19: Carry On meets Agatha Christie, Norton Park Hotel, Norton, weekend for two nights for £295 per guest. 0845 0345 777
Marwell Wildlife
On the second and last Sunday of every month Winchester presents one the country’s largest farmers markets with over 90 local producers showcasing their diverse range and quality of food available from Hampshire. Here you’ll find everything from ostrich meat to home-baked bread, to crabs fresh from the Solent. Venue: Middle Brook Street and Middle Brook Street car park. Time: 9am - 2pm. The Dim T, Dim Sum Restaurant Relaxed and affordable catering with an extensive menu of the most popular oriental dishes and a wide range of Chinese Teas. 01962 843000 La Place & Froggies Bar A taste of France in the heart of Winchester town square. 01962 864004
Winchester Farmers Market
The Pitcher and Piano Bar and Restaurant Set in a restored grade II listed building, attached to Winchester Guildhall, this makes a chic destination for a delicious meal. 01962 856301 The Royal Oak Pub & Restaurant The oldest bar in England serves a wide selection of ales as well as home cooked roasts. 01962 842701
19: Winter Threads Exhibition – Force 8, City Space, Winchester Discovery Centre, www.christmasinwinchester.co.uk 20: Art & Design Market, Middle Brook Street and the High Street, 10am-4pm, 07515 797 878. 24: Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink, The Close, Winchester, 01962 857276 25: Christmas at Marwell, Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, 01962 777407 29: Winchester Chamber Music Festival,The Music School,Winchester College, Tickets £22 each (including interval refreshments), 07531 69 46 43
r El Sabio Tapas Ba & Restaurant
El Sabio This family-run riverside Tapas Bar & Restaurant serves authentic Spanish tapas, paellas and other dishes made with Chef’s personally selected, locally sourced ingredients. 01962 820233
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
3
Froxfield
Guide ÂŁ1,250,000
Perfect rural hideaway Kitchen, dining room, sitting room, study, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Barn/party room, outbuildings, stunning gardens. Paddock. In all about 4.15 acres. Contact Winchester Knightfrank.co.uk/Winchester 01962 850333 george.clarendon@knightfrank.com
Hancock and Partners specialise in selling, letting and managing properties, everything from country estates to city apartments. Established in 1991, we are an independent team of professionals who care about their clients, whether letting, relocating, moving up or scaling down.
We live and work in Chichester and West Sussex, so we know the market inside out, from the local schools to the best locals, and, being independent, we work that bit harder to keep our clients happy.
Hancock and Partners are ready to give you the best help and advice you need. Contact one of our friendly sales team on 01243 531 111, or our lettings team on 01243 531 155. Latest instructions:
Currently available to let: Summersdale £360,000 A detached 4 bedroom family home in the sought after Summersdale area of Chichester.
West Ashling £1650pcm Fully refurbished 3 bedroom detached period house in charming village location.
Chichester Centre £425,000 An impressive 4 bedroom period house, close to Chichester City Centre.
Arundel £1350pcm Un/furnished 3 bedroom town house with riverside location offering views over the River Arun.
When choosing an Estate and Letting Agent
Your Choice is Black & White
Petersfield £900pcm
Modern 2 bedroom house
Peterfsield £900pcm
2 bedroom penthouse apartment
Liphook £650pcm 2 Bedroom ground floor flat
Colin Williams
Toni Russ
Liz Cribley
Petersfield £650pcm
1 bedroom character apartment
Petersfield £1250pcm
4 bedroom semi-detached house
Liss £575pcm 1 bedroom character conversation flat
Lisa Williams
Sharon Wright
Lindford £725pcm Modern 2 bedroom apartment
Residential Sales & Lettings 01730 233333
6-8 College Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4AD sales@neilanwilliams.co.uk lettings@neilanwilliams.co.uk www.neilanwilliams.co.uk
Thinking of Letting? We are offering a fully managed service for only 8% +VAT!
8%
*
+VAT
Don’t miss out. Offer only available untill the end of December
*offer ends 31st December, subject to terms and conditions
Take a look at our NEW website for more details www.neilanwilliams.co.uk
Colin Williams
Toni Russ
Liz Cribley
Lisa Williams
Sharon Wright
“
This does not mean you will get a reduced service. We pride ourselves on offering a professional, efficient, friendly and complete service.
Liz Cribley, Lettings Manager
We have the advantage of being an independent agent so we are not bound by corporate rules or quotas, we treat people as individuals and not numbers.
“
If you want to find out more, please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will arrange to visit you, entirely free and without obligation
Peter Hughes country property
Tranquil Parkland Setting
• • • •
3 double bedrooms • 2 reception rooms • Cloakroom Kitchen/breakfast room • 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) South facing terrace • Covered parking Access to formal gardens, grounds, parkland and tennis courts
Charming Detached Cottage
• • • •
4 bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen Utility room • 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) Garden & grounds • Off street parking In all about 0.23 acre
BURTON PARK - £535,000
LODSWORTH - £795,000
www.peterhughes.co.uk New Street Petworth West Sussex GU28 0AS
Lovely Village Setting BURY - £925,000
• • • •
5 bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite) Utility room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Cloakroom Delightful garden • In all about 0.9 acres Entrance drive with garage • Stunning rural views
01798 344554
1 CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH 11 CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH WEST SUSSEX GU28 0AH WEST SUSSEX GU28 0AH WEST GU28 PRICE GUIDESUSSEX £349,000 WEST SUSSEX GU280AH 0AH
PRICE GUIDE £349,000 PRICE GUIDE £349,000 PRICE GUIDE £349,000 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY REFURBISHED, EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QU VEAN DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY REFURBISHED,REFURBISHED, EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QUALIT EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY EXCEPTIONALLY APARTMENTS SITUATED IN THE TOWNS MARKET SQUARE AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT COMPLETELY EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENTS SITUATED IN OF THE TOWNSIN MARKET SQUARE APARTMENTS SITUATED THEREFURBISHED, TOWNS MARKET SQUARE APARTMENTS SITUATED IN THE TOWNS MARKET SQUARE
Petworth, West Sussex 3 g y in nl n O ai m re
Price from £275,000 to £349,000
An exclusive development of completely refurbished, exceptionally high quality apartments situated in the town’s Market Square * Communal Entrance Hall * Private Entrance Hall * Master Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room * ntrance Hall, Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom with Room En-suite Shower Room, Two Furthe Communal Hall,*Private Entrance Hall,Reception Master Bedroom with Ro * TwoEntrance Further Bedrooms Second Bathroom * Principal with Kitchen and En-suite Dining Area Shower * cond Bathroom, Principle Reception Room with Kitchen andTops Dining Communal Garden * Communal Gardens *Bathroom, Colour Video Entry Phone *Reception Solid Oak Kitchen Work * 5Kitchen RingArea, Gas Hob * Built-in * Bedrooms, Second Principle Room with and DiningOven Area, Co Communal Entrance Hall,Fridge Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom En-suite Shower * Built-in & Freezer * Fully Tiled Bathrooms * Built-in Wardrobeswith * * Wired for Surround Sound in Lounge Reception & Bathrooms * 37CDI Worcester Bosch Boilerand * Bedrooms, Second Bathroom, Principle Room with Kitchen Dining Area,
Entry Phone, Solid Oak Kitchen Work 5 Ring Gas Hob,5 Built Oven, Colour Video Entry Phone, Solid Oaktops, Kitchen Work tops, Ring in Gas Hob,Built BuiltIninFridge Oven, nce Hall, Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room, Two & F y Tiled Bathrooms, BuiltBathrooms, In Wardrobes, for Surround Sound in Lounge & Bathrooms, Freezer, Fully Tiled BuiltWired In Wardrobes, Wired for Surround Sound in Loung nd Colour Bathroom, Reception with Boiler Kitchen and 5Dining Area, Communal G VideoPrinciple Entry Phone, Solid Room Oak Bosch Kitchen Work tops, Ring Gas Hob, Built in Ove 37CDI Worcester 37CDI Worcester Bosch Boiler Freezer, Fully Tiled Bathrooms, Built In Wardrobes, Wired for Surround Sound in Lou 37CDI Worcester BoschBuilt Boiler try Phone, Solid Oak Kitchen Work tops, 5 Ring Gas Hob, in Oven, Built In F
Fittleworth, West Sussex
Price Guide ÂŁ895,000 Freehold A major proportion of this grade ii listed mansion situated in a rural location offering exceptional accommodation * Entrance Hall * 3/4 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/ Breakfast Room * Wet Room/Cloakroom * * Three/Four Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Store Room * Office * * Garage, Parking for several cars and Gardens *
P i c k o f t h e C omme r c i al P r o p e rt i es
Pick of the Commercial Properties
9 Rotherbrook Court Petersfield
Lyndum House 12 High Street Petersfield
A modern two storey office building with suspended ceilings, raised floors, 10 allocated parking spaces, available as a whole - 2,592 sq.ft or single floor - 1,348 sq.ft.
A town centre period office building with ground, first and second floor accommodation providing 3,543 sq.ft Attractive internal atrium, cellular office accommodation, close to large public car park
Situated on Petersfield Business Park. Good access to the A3M and A272 interchange.
Rent £40,000 pax
Rent £18,500 - £35,000 pax
DUKES COURT, CHICHESTER
NEWLY CONSTRUCTED RESTAURANT UNIT
790 sq ft To Let Three parking spaces
An rare opportunity has arisen with construction imminent of a 3,000 sq ft restaurant with patio areas situated in central Chichester adjacent to the popular London Walk retail arcade. Rent on application Joint Agents: Richard Pyne, Stiles Harold Williams, 01273 876213 sean.kaufmann@cluttons.com 01243 532222.
Rent £10,000 pax Excellent self-contained split level office building subject to new refurbishment, adjacent to ring road. sean.kaufmann@cluttons.com 01243 532222.
Contact Cluttons’ Chichester office for
Contact Cluttons’ Chichester office for commercial agency planning consultancy l rating
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investment
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commercial agency
rent reviews and lease renewalsplanning consultancy l rating Cluttons LLP 14 West Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1TB chichester@cluttons.com
Bob Hull (Planning)
01243 534096 01243 532222
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management
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rent reviews and lease renewals
01243 534096 Sean Kaufmann (Commercial)
01243 532222
Cluttons LLP 14 West Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1TB chichester@cluttons.com
Studio: The Media Barn, StEast, Peter’s Cluttons - in the UnitedKings Kingdom, Court, Europe, Middle South Africa,Road, Petersfield, GU32 3HX cluttons.com cluttons.comAsia Pacific* and the Caribbean *VPC Asia Pacific in association with Cluttons t: +44 (0)1730 235666 e: info@navigate-design.com www.navigate-design.com
Cluttons - in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Asia Pacific* and the Caribbean *VPC Asia Pacific in association with Cluttons
design
investment
Bob Hull (Planning)
Working with the clients through Christmas and into 2012 Sean Kaufmann (Commercial)
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web
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publishing
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consultancy www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Saxford House, Monkhouse Batcheller
M a r k et u p d ate
Days ofreality Nick Keith finds that vendors must remain realistic and price their houses competitively There are small signs of movement in the property market. Lending for house purchases rose in August with loans advanced worth £7.9 billion, up from £7.2 billion in July, and from £7.7 billion 12 months previously. But what are local agents in the South Downs finding? Jamie Daniell, at Monkhouse Batcheller in Pulborough, says: “Nobody was quite certain how the market would open up again following the summer holiday season. However, come September, the telephones began to ring again, although they were not ringing quite as loudly as they had been earlier in the year.
“The message remains the same as it has been through the year. If you have a property which stands out from the crowd in some way and you price it sensibly to reflect current market conditions, then you are in with a very good chance of finding a buyer. “In many cases prices are reflecting the levels which were achieved in about 2007, but there remains a temptation on behalf of some vendors to attempt to buck the trend by asking fancy high prices. In a market such as this, which is fearful of what may lie ahead, there is no room for such bravado if the intention is to achieve a sale. Jamie Daniell sums up: “These are days of reality, and market conditions will not permit the ‘quick buck’ approach. Treated with respect, it is a market which will enable those buyers and sellers who are serious about moving or selling to do so.” Monkhouse Batcheller has two interesting properties close to each other just north of the park near Petworth, both with a guide price of £795,000: Saxford House, a good-sized family house in the village of Plaistow, with three bedrooms and a self-contained flat; and Four Houses, a Grade II listed house in Loxwood, with a range of stables and paddocks in 4.6 acres. Monkhouse Batcheller, 01798 872081 Charity Holden, an Associate Director at Savills in Guildford, says that fewer buyers are coming out of London, because of the economic situation. “However, it is my experience that quality properties in locations such as the South Downs National Park are always highly sought after,” she adds, “and, if priced competitively in this market place, will certainly sell.”
Bridge Mews House, Savills www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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M a r k et U p d ate
Rory McKenzie, Head of Savills Farnham, says: “There is always strong demand for property in the Downland villages and we have seen in some instances recently investors purchasing property here to let out as holiday rentals. As ever, buyers are looking for properties which are near perfection and which represent reasonable value for money.� In Lynchmere, between Haslemere and Liphook, Savills offers Bridge Mews House, in a rural setting in the South Downs National Park. This is an attractive barn conversion completed in 2006. With four bedrooms, fourth bathrooms and a courtyard. Savills, 01483 796820
Old Henley, Clarke Gammon Wellers
With Clarke Gammon Webber you will find Durrants at Milland, a small farm built around the Second World War. A classical Sussex farm close to the centre of the village, Durrants has 38 acres, attractive paddocks, grounds, stables and outbuildings, all in need of improvement. The property covers 1,800 sq ft and is ripe for modernization, extension, or even demolition and rebuild subject to planning approval.
South Downs National Park
14
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
M a r k et u p d ate
Four Houses, Monkhouse Batcheller
Alternatively the firm has Old Henley, a 6-bedroom Victorian house between Fernhurst and Midhurst with 10 acres. The house is in Henley near the celebrated Duke of Cumberland. There is a detached lodge with a bedroom and a reception room, and a home office in need of repair. Clarke Gammon Wellers, 01428 664800 Strutt & Parker offers Hillside at Clayton in the South Downs National Park. Ditching lies two miles to the north east with a post office, a delicatessen, a primary school and a pub. Hassocks Station is less than two miles away with trains to London Victoria in 55 minutes.
Durrants Farm, Clarke Gammon Wellers
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
The partially-walled rear garden faces south and there are lovely views of the church, glimpses to the South Downs and the Jack and Jill windmills. The guide price is £575,000. Strutt & Parker, 01273 475 411
15
C omme r c i al P r o p e rt y
Tunnel
vision
The £371 million Hindhead tunnel is expected to
have an impact on commercial property sales in the South Downs The new tunnel which opened in July will enhance the appeal of office, industrial and warehouse properties south of Hindhead in Petersfield, Liphook and Liss, according to Stuart Mitchell, Director, Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell, an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors, specializing in commercial property. “Rentals in these areas can be up to 20 per cent less than areas further north such as Guildford but the journey times to the M25 will now be dramatically reduced. We have certainly seen an increase in enquiries for office, industrial and retail properties in the Petersfield area as businesses around Godalming or Guildford realise they can afford to rent or buy larger or more modern space and benefit from the quicker journey times the new road will provide. “An initial increase in enquiries following the summer holiday slowed as wider economic news became more uncertain. This made both occupiers and purchasers more cautious and they take more time ensuring that a new property meets all of their requirements.” Lack of funding from the banks has inhibited expansion or investment in commercial property. “Sales and lettings are still taking quite some time from commencement though to completion,” Stuart Mitchell added, “largely down to purchasers and tenants wanting to check every aspect of a property’s costs and commitments. “Properties that have low maintenance costs and energy bills are becoming more desirable. We may be seeing the start of a green revolution where energy efficient properties are being let and sold when older properties that are not as efficient become redundant in their existing uses. “Many companies are using the current market conditions to rent or purchase retail, office and industrial premises that they would not have been able to afford only two or three years ago. They will benefit when the economy shows signs of recovery.” Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell, 023 9237 7800 Eddie Jenkinson, consultant at Henry Adams in Horsham, says that the commercial property market “remains difficult”. He adds: “Having said that there are certainly still tenants for the right properties. Rural properties remain most of interest primarily because of easier parking arrangements. Many workers in the South Downs commute by car and prefer to avoid town centre traffic and parking charges. “With this challenging market reflected in the cost of leases for all types of commercial property, now is potentially a good 16
36 North Street, Chichester, Cluttons
time for companies to consider their future needs and take this opportunity to relocate or move to more suitable premises while there is the choice available and on reasonable lease terms. Although prospective tenants are in the driving seat in terms of price, the over-riding factor is whether the property suits their requirements - in terms of quality, location and size.” At Henry Adams in Chichester, consultant Bob Stoyle advises ttention to detail, high quality design and specification. He cites The Courtyard development at Vinnetrow Business Park as a striking B1 office complex. Only three units are left at this out-oftown site, two miles from Chichester. “Retail and restaurant space is invariably more popular in a more central location but must be in the best locations and again of excellent quality and design,” he adds. “For example, The Buttermarket redevelopment, set in the heart of Chichester, has glass-fronted retail space and open-plan first floor space for a myriad of options.” Henry Adams, Horsham, 01403 2825100; Chichester, 01243 521800. Sean Kaufmann, Partner at Cluttons in Chichester, reports the encouraging news that small businesses are moving from home or from serviced offices into self-contained premises above retail shops in the city centre. Industrial is weaker and there is lack of opportunity, but “a high-tech producer has been looking to take 20,000 sq ft on the outskirts of Chichester”, having won public sector and private contracts. “Associated suppliers to Rolls-Royce have also taken up further industrial space as the luxury car manufacturer continues to prosper.” And Jack Wills “are rumoured to be taking in excess of 7,000 sq ft in North Street”. He adds that the Square, Eastgate, has proved successful, with tenants including Carluccio’s new restaurant, Cook, and Brasserie Blanc, and only one 1,000 sq ft unit remaining. Cluttons, 01243 532222 www.southdowns-property.co.uk
C o n se rvato r i es
Planning makes perfect There is plenty to do in the winter to plan a conservatory or outbuilding
Alitex extension to a cottage in the Park
Nelly Hall, at Alitex in the heart of the Downs near South Harting, recommends that people find time to plan their conservatory or outbuilding. “That is probably the key element in buying a conservatory or any extension,” she says.
While Nelly says that “Alitex offers everything in the way of conservatories”, she recommends using aluminium. “The best bit about choosing aluminium, is that, once it is built, it is there for life, and will need the bare minimum of maintenance.”
MacDonald Oates LLP
Pictured above is a cottage in the South Downs National Park. Nelly says: “The rear of the cottage was the obvious place to extend the kitchen and ground floor living space, and the style has echoed the flat gables and 45 degree roof pitch. A subtle “Speaking to people now and making the plans, getting planning colour allows it to blend in, and the bi-fold doors blur the boundary between inside and out. It is built in no-maintenance permission in, are all good use of winter months. Get fully ready We building offer a works rangeinoftheconveyancing always striving to respond efficiently to your individual needs aluminium.” to start spring, with lessservices, risk of inclement Alitex, 01730 826900 weather!” “After the work is done, you do not want to keep having ‘if only we had done xyz’ conversations! So spend lots of time being spent upfront to get it right!
SOLICITORS
MacDonald Oates LLP SOLICITORS
We offer a range of conveyancing services, always striving to respond efficiently to your individual needs
in in safe safe hands hands Further information about the range of services offered by MacDonald Oates LLP can be found by visiting the firm’s website at www.macdonaldoates.co.uk www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Petersfield Office Tel: 01730 268211 | Fax: 01730 261232 Midhurst Office Tel: 01730 816711 | Fax: 01730 816016 17
L e g al & News
Mortgage lenders House prices up and solicitors Gary Score, Partner at Hart Brown, gives some advice on his experiences Mortgage lenders are protecting themselves against mortgage fraud and in doing so they are keeping their panel of approved lists to a minimum. If a solicitor is not on a mortgage lender’s approved list, a client could potentially end up paying twice. Often a firm of solicitors may drop off the list of the mortgage lender if no work has been done for them within an 18-month time frame – in that case a solicitor will be asked to reapply. This becomes a problem if the mortgage lender decides that the solicitor no longer fits their criteria. The Council of Mortgage Lenders, to which most lenders belong, does not lay down any criteria for selecting solicitors to be on individual lenders panels. There is no consistency between lenders as to how they manage their panels. For example for firms with different offices – one particular lender we know of will ask for each office to apply to be on their panel as if each office was a different solicitor. This can make life very hard for both the solicitor and for the client. It can waste valuable time. A client has no sway over the decision. This means if a client wanted to use their small, local, family solicitor’s practice which doesn’t appear on the mortgage lenders panel of approved solicitors they may end paying twice if they continue to represent them, as the lender will also instruct their own solicitor to act for them in relation to the mortgage. The alternative is to go with a solicitor who is on the lenders panel. Indirectly this gives lenders power to dictate which firm borrowers can or cannot use. More recently some mortgage lenders are asking the buyer for the identity of their seller’s solicitor. This may also be a factor in their decision as to whether to lend on a particular property. Tips for choosing a solicitor: 1. Get recommendation from family friends or people in the area. 2. Find out how many partners are within the firm. Often the size of the firm indicates how likely the mortgage lender is to lend. 3. Look for CQS scheme – solicitors have already been vetted by the law society and have had all CRB checks carried out. They are also likely to be on the panel of lenders approved list. 4. Check with your mortgage lender if there is an issue with your chosen solicitor. A buyer can get some way down the process of buying and then the lender will say the solicitor can’t be used as they are not on their approved list. Gary Score, a partner at leading law firm Hart Brown, has specialized in residential property for the past 20 years. Hart Brown, 01483 887766. www.hartbrown.co.uk 18
The average asking price for a property in the UK increased by 2.8% over the past month, according to the Rightmove House Price Index for October 2011. The average asking price for a UK property is now £239,672. Average property prices in the south (£336,743) are now more than double those in the north (£164,347). Compared to the beginning of the credit crunch four years ago, prices of properties coming to market have risen by 5.4% in the south. House purchase lending rose in August, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Some 52,000 loans were advanced worth £7.9 billion, up from 48,700 worth £7.2 billion in July, and from 51,000 (£7.7 billion) in August 2010. Home movers paid 9.4% of their income on average on mortgage interest payments in August – the lowest since monthly records began in 2002. This reflects the low interest rates available to borrowers with a large amount of equity, typically home movers.
Fine’s new MD Fine has appointed a new Managing Director, Chris Charlton, previously the Head of Northern Region Residential at Savills.
Chris, a member of the RICS Housing Policy Panel, assumes overall responsibility for the network of Fine branches. He will oversee the agency’s acquisitions programme and the recruitment of additional team members.
Chris Charlton
Launched in June 2009 by the Spicer-haart Group as an alternative to traditional premium estate agency, Fine sells more than £525 million worth of property in the UK.
Waste
The draft Waste and Minerals Policy (WMP) for East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove to 2026 has been approved by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). An informal six-week public started at the end of October 2011. The aims are to reduce waste growth, maximize re-use, recycling and recovery of waste, and minimize disposal to land. All decisions on waste and minerals will have to take into account the purposes of the National Park. SDNPA, www.southdowns.gov.uk
Literary festival
Petworth Festival’s first Literary Weekend from 10 to 13 November features speakers such as Michael Morpurgo, author and former children’s laureate; singer Ian Bostridge; war reporter and independent MP Martin Bell; ballerina Deborah Bull; and comedian Robin Ince. www.southdowns-property.co.uk
“Our strength is in our service” Established for 15 years, we’ve built our business on a real commitment to our customers. Gas safe registered and specialists in gas boiler installation, service and maintenance, we offer a full range of domestic heating and plumbing services for both private and corporate customers in Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey. Our customers receive a reliable, efficient and competitively priced service and are provided with latest best value energy efficient products whenever possible. • Boiler Installation, Service & repair • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates • Heating System Design and Installation • Commercial & Contract Boiler Maintenance • Bathroom Design and Installation • And much more...
Ampella – The Heating Specialists
Call The Heating Specialists... Tel: 01730 894868 • Fax: 01730 894838 info@ampella.co.uk • www.ampella.co.uk www.southdowns-property.co.uk
19
L ett i n g s
Active in
adversity
Agents report high demand from people who are unable or unwilling to buy, with residential and lettings departments working closely together. Zaza Patterson, Partner at Carter Jonas, explains: “Some of our landlords have taken the opportunity to sell through our sales team headed up by Partner Matthew Hallett, and some houses have now come onto the lettings market from sales. “There is a healthy trade between the two markets and Carter Jonas is ideally set up for clients to be able to go either way to suit their needs / the market conditions. There are also those who become tenants having sold their properties locally and are marking time until they find something suitable to buy in the area or elsewhere. “As always with Winchester there are new applicants coming in to the town – those wanting a lifestyle change, some to work from home, some to commute back into London and those who want to find a house in the right catchment area for our excellent local schools. We are experiencing a flurry of new properties to the market from large detached family village houses to contemporary one-bedroom annexes.” Carter Jonas has Hinton House – a beautifully restored Victorian mansion in Kings Worthy – available to let at £3,000pcm with 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, Carter Jonas, 01962 833383
Mark Williams, Head of Residential Lettings at Belgarum, reports a sharp increase in new letting registrations and activity over the internet this year. “When deciding upon a letting agent we advise that, along with local knowledge and unrivalled market experience, coverage on the information superhighway is key. “There are still quality applicants keen to move in before Christmas. They are seeking quality property, and are prepared to pay good rent for it. In particular demand are more substantial rural properties for long-term family or company lets.” Belgarum, 01962 844460 Chesterton Humberts Lettings Department in Petersfield and Chichester, headed up by Vivien Bailey, finds that the demand for prime country houses remains strong where supply cannot meet the demand. In some instances premium rental levels are being achieved. “The firm has a strong relationship with relocation and retained home-finding agents,” says Associate Director Barbara Loweth. “This has led to premier properties being let prior to them fully coming to the open market.” An example is Middlemarch at Bordean Manor which is available for sale or to let. “This form of letting is both appealing to landlords and tenants. This applies to residential sales as well, when in a testing market discreet marketing can be a prerequisite to formal marketing next year if the required result is not forthcoming.” Chesterton Humberts, 01730 261612
Pick of the Properties
Nutbourne Studio, Pulborough
2
5 bedrooms Shower Room Games area/ gym Basement/ cellar
Hidden on a private lane, this award-winning converted pumping station is now a versatile eco-home, once featured on BBC2.
20
Wyck Manor Farm, Alton
Impressive barn conversion in an outstanding position, backing onto farmland with beautiful views Wyck Manor Farm, Wyck Lane, Wyck, Alton, Hampshire
Agent: Comyn and James 4/5 bedrooms 01798 888111 savills.co.uk Vaulted drawing room, Mezzanine study Guide Price: £1.7 million
Heated outdoor swimming pool 2 workshops with potential for conversion (STTP) 2 acres of garden
Agent: Savills, 01252 729000 Guide Price £1,75 million
Converted barn in an impressive position backing onto farmland with outstanding views.
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E A T UR E
With Grovewood you are
in safe hands
Do you want a room with a view or need an extra room to relax, escape, entertain, study or work in? You do, well, with your imagination and our tailor-made designs; your choice and our extensive range; and your needs; with our expertise you can have a conservatory that’s unique to you. You can bring the outside in and transform your home’s appearance. Adding a conservatory or orangery means adding another room and adding to your property’s value at up to 18 per cent more than the cost to build one - a sound investment! There are various types and styles of conservatories and orangeries so choosing one to best suit your home and lifestyle is easy with our professional help and guidance. At Grovewood we provide a full service, including related building work and a free in-house design service, while our surveyor will manage your project and oversee each stage to reflect your vision and ensure full satisfaction. Conservatories are not just for the summer, with the right heating, lighting and ventilation, they can be enjoyed all year round. A great place for parties, catching the sun on a cold day or simply watching the birds in the garden! Conservatories A conservatory is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to add light and space to your home. And - because most domestic conservatories are exempt from mainstream building regulations and planning permissions - they can be bought and installed with the minimum of fuss.
Orangeries Orangeries, like conservatory styles, are both traditional and contemporary, falling somewhere between conservatory and traditional extension styles. With their brick pillars, orangeries offer more privacy than conservatory styles and the interior height provides a focal point through which light floods into your home. Your orangery will also offer a seamless link between your home and garden. Grovewood Home Improvements has dealt with thousands of residential customers in the Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey areas for over 30 years. Customers benefit from the company’s first-class reputation, grown from satisfied-customer referrals, for supplying and installing windows, doors and conservatories to the highest standard. With our professional help and guidance you can create a striking first impression and secure your property with new windows and doors to best complement the character of your home. For more information please contact us for a no obligation chat on 0845 470 1977 or visit one of our showrooms at Mint Road, Liss, Petersfield, GU33 7BQ or at Chessington Garden Centre, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NG or visit our website for examples of our work at www.grovewoodonline.co.uk
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
21
FIRE SAFETY:
A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E A T UR E
fprecautions ire
In our last two month’s editions, Neil Casson, of Energy Footprint, has outlined the changes to fire
safety legislation, the responsibilities that this placed on businesses and landlords, and the practical steps required in undertaking fire risk assessments. In this edition, Neil will look at the general fire precautions you may need to take. In this short article, it is impossible to give detailed guidance for every type of premises. However, the minimum you should consider will include the following: A fire-detection and warning system You must have a suitable fire-detection and warning system. This can range from a shouted warning or bell, to an electrical detection and warning system. But, whatever system you have, it must be able to warn people in all circumstances. A means of fighting a small fire It may be acceptable to have multi-purpose fire extinguishers. As a rule of thumb, you should have a minimum of one extinguisher for every 200 metre squared (m2) of floor space, with at least one on each floor. Safe routes for people to leave the premises The ideal situation is when there is more than one escape route from all parts of the premises, however this is not always possible. If only one route is available, you may need to make it fire resisting (protected) or install an automatic fire-detection system. The distance people need to go to escape (the travel distance) should be as short as possible.
Stairways, corridors and areas near the fire exits should be kept clear of obstructions and material which can catch fire. The escape route should always lead to a final exit and a safe place. Suitable fire exit doors You should be able to use fire exit doors and any doors on the escape routes without a key. In premises used by the public or large numbers of people, you may need push (panic) bars or push pads. Other things to consider: Do you need emergency lighting? Are there suitable fire-safety signs? Have you trained your staff or anyone else you may reasonably expect to help in a fire? Have you implemented a management system to make sure that you maintain your fire safety systems?
Call us for a free no obligation chat today: 01730 262 703 www.energy-footprint.com
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
23
C om p et i t i o n
Fine quality furniture
for your home
Transform your home or office this Christmas with fantastic oak furniture Chocolate Frog strives to bring the finest quality Oak furniture to homes and offices across the UK. Our furniture is made from 100% Oak, using sustainable resources and handcrafted to last a lifetime, all drawers are dovetail jointed, so you will find quality throughout our products. Come and visit our showrooms to see and feel the quality before you buy. Our main showroom is in Oakhanger, Bordon and a smaller one at Applegarth Farm in Grayshott. We have a brand new showroom being built at Oakhanger to showcase our new ranges of furniture. We have a beautiful collection of Mahogany arriving at the end of November, alongside some superb ranges of contemporary and modern furniture. You will also find a brand new range of accessories including lighting, giftware, candles and soft furnishings.
W IN! £200
worth of vouchers from Chocolate Frog Furniture
Your chance to win...
£200 worth of vouchers from Chocolate Frog Furniture All you have to do is answer these three questions:
1. Where is Chocolate Frog Furniture’s smaller showroom? 2. What wood is used for the furniture? 3. What type of joints are used? Send your entries with your name, address, email and phone number to: The Media Barn, Kings Court, St Peter’s Road, Petersfield, GU32 3HX or email nick.keith@lifemags.co.uk
Terms and conditions Entries must be received by 21 November 2011. One entry per person. The winners will be decided by draw and announced in the December issue of South Downs Property. The judges’ decision is final. No cash alternative is available. By entering this competition you accept that your data can be passed to our sponsors. Employees of Life Magazines and associates of Bridal Flowers Direct are not allowed to submit entries.
At Chocolate Frog we pride ourselves with our attention to detail and excellent customer service, as well as offering an immediate to 10 day delivery time from order. We will endeavor to accommodate time and day preferences at no extra cost. We look forward to welcoming you at our showroom, if you would like to discuss any furniture requirements prior to your visit please do not hesitate in contacting one of our sales professionals on 01420 471437. As a special Christmas treat we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a £200.00 voucher to be used for any Chocolate Frog Furniture. Look out for our Grand opening of our new showroom... Chocolate Frog Furniture 01420 471437 www.chocolatefrogfurniture.co.uk 24
CLOSING DATE 21 November 2011 www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Complete Interior Solutions
Chrysalis provides complete interior solutions for companies wishing to fit-out or refurbish their offices or commercial premises. We provide design consultancy and project management from project conception to completion allowing clients to focus on their day to day running of the business. We have a team that will ensure that a project remains on budget and on time, without compromising on quality and safety.
Fit-out and refurbishment our typical work includes: • • • • • •
Partitions Ceilings Joinery Electrical Furniture Office relocations
• • • • •
Plumbing Data Decorating Air conditioning Grade-listed restoration works
In today’s world image is everything - businesses need to convey a message of professionalism and quality throughout. We believe it starts with the right choice of contractor, showing genuine care and understanding of your business needs.We believe Chrysalis Design & Build is that contractor.
Phone: 01730 233587 | Email: info@chrysalisdesignbuild.co.uk | www.chrysalisdesignbuild.co.uk C o v e r i n g
P e t e r s f i e l d ,
l o n d o n
a n d
t h e
s o u t h
e a s t