WHICH WAY IS UP

from Southsea Lifestyle December / January 2022/23

BELONGING

Neil Maxwell

Ilike to have stats and figures to illustrate my articles, especially when so much is so uncertain in the housing market, but frankly, at the moment I don’t know which ones to rely on, with so many contrary indicators and information. It’s hard to tell which way is up and which way is down, but I can tell you, with some conviction, where the ground is. Driving down the A27 from Chichester to Portsmouth and the M27 to Southampton, the amount of new homes that are being built, or have been built, is phenomenal. None of the new homes seem to be struggling to sell, which highlights not just the shortage of housing stock, but the need for more homes to be built across the south east. My geography teacher, predicted back in the late eighties, that a time would come, when from Chichester to Southampton, the different settlements would eventually be linked by housing developments, forming a megalopolis along the length of the south coast. It was a concept I found hard to believe at the time, but It’s something that’s happening, the signs are palpable, and I think we have to embrace and plan for it. I think Portsmouth could be at the heart of any future development, because of all the things that make our island city such a popular place to live, which we possibly take for granted. For example, most amenities are within a reasonable walking distance on the Island, and

if you don’t fancy walking, they’ll be a bus along shortly, or if you feeling adventurous, take a scooter or an electric bike. Ferry links to Europe, trains, coach stations and airports are all close to hand. Contrast this convenience with living in the middle of the countryside or small town, where everything is a car journey away and buses are non-existent, we’re well positioned to be one of the best parts of that megalopolis. It's this popularity that perpetuates our housing market and means there are always deals to be done no matter what is going on in the economy. Yes, recent I think Portsmouth could be at the weeks did create a lot heart of any future development of uncertainty as the country held its breath waiting to see what would happen next, but I’d like to think we’re through that now, and although there have been some shifts in the housing market, people are still keen to move, and they are being realistic about their asking prices, so it’s not all bad news. Regrettably press and media outlets seem focused on bad news stories, rather than looking for good news stories. One of the other great things about living in our island city is that there is a strong community spirit. And while some of us might be worried about getting the best price for our house, there are others who are worried about their energy bills, or even finding shelter for the night. So as we look forward to Christmas, let us also think of those who need our help and support right now, from food bank donations to a kind word, we can all make ourselves be part of something better.

STANLEY STREET, SOUTHSEA - £375,000

• Charming Victorian cottage located in an enviable central Southsea setting within the Stanley Street conservation area No.1. • Its own double gated entrance leading to a delightful, landscaped garden with raised patio terrace and secure ‘off-street’ parking. • Impressive 17ft x 13ft living/dining room with cosy snug and 14’ kitchen/breakfast room to the ground floor together with two bedrooms and shower room.

EPC Rating D

QUEENS GROVE, SOUTHSEA - £625,000

• Three bedroom house situated in one of Southsea’s much requested residential locations just around the corner from the main shopping precinct at

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PELHAM ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £588,000

• Fabulous Victorian residence situated in one of Southsea’s highly requested conservation areas just north of the main shopping precinct and within a short walk of the seafront making this the perfect family home. • Spanning over 1,500 sq.ft (144.1 sq.m) over three floors, the well-presented interior provides four double bedrooms over two floors, plus two bath/shower rooms. • Rear garden has been beautifully landscaped and features a 2-tier paved patio, artificial lawn, al-fresco dining terrace and useful rear gate access. EPC Rating D

02392 754217 5, Clarendon Road, Southsea

Hello again! It’s that time of year where we’re bombarded with Black Friday and Christmas sales adverts, mostly for the online giants — so what better opportunity to keep reminding you how many wonderful places to buy local there are this Christmas?

We’ve got plenty of new release titles in already, with many more on the way — and as always, we’ll always do our best to get hold of anything we don’t already have, so make sure to ask! We’re also looking ahead to the new year — with some book launches and events from both local authors and some potentially exciting famous faces to come as well… If you’re stuck for gift inspiration for that tricky-to-buyfor reader in your life, why not a regular book subscription box? The Bookish Mindset set out to hand-pick incredible reads for its subscribers, and throughout the last year has achieved that and more! Supporting Pigeon Books in her venture, owner Nikki has taken great pride in starting this brand new book subscription service. Boxes contain a new book each month, two gifts from other small businesses and always a tea. Books and gifts are from diverse authors and business owners in a bid to help you diversify your bookshelf. We’ve been working alongside Nikki for a while now, and she’s been an avid supporter of the shop since the beginning. Make sure to include her boxes on your gift lists!

1 Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2SE www.pigeonbooks.co.uk @pigeon_books www.thebookishmindset.com @thebookishmindset

LET’S TALK ABOUT PROBATE

Are you worried about how to manage a deceased loved ones estate? Not sure what probate involves? Find out more in this article….

The death of a relative or loved one is already a difficult time for families without the added burden of the stress often involved in the handling of an associated property. Sympathetic guidance and advice from professionals can make the process more bearable. Nesbits are here to help. In some cases the obtaining of three “Market Appraisals” will be sufficient to arrive at a professional Probate value. However, and specifically where Inheritance/Capital Gains Tax is a factor, the accepted proper procedure is to commission a formal assessment of the property. Nesbits are here to help. Are all Agents able to supply a compliant Probate valuation? No, only those with the appropriate professional accreditation are equipped to do so. Nesbits, as a result of their membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), are qualified to supply the grade of report needed in those cases involving possible HMRC scrutiny – a “Red Book” valuation. This is a service called upon by many local and other solicitors, together with trustees and family executors. Similar reports are available for Family Division and other purposes. Nesbits are here to help. Through Nesbits Auctions

Probate is the legal and financial Ltd, we can also value processes involved in dealing with (and sell where appropriate) the property, money and possessions a property’s contents for of a person who has died. Probate purposes, whilst contacts with allied trades enable us to assist with security, cleaning, garden tidying and full clearance where needed – a “one-step” service tailored to freeing executors and family from unnecessary time and effort. Nesbits are here to help. If you’re going through this difficult process, Nesbits, long-standing team are on hand to give you professional advice. In addition, if you would like a probate valuation, Nesbits are here to help.