DOING THE RIGHT THING

Neil Maxwell

With the recent interest hikes and threats of more to come it’s no surprise that the sales market has experienced a slowdown. As ever with this industry when sales go quiet, lettings pick-up and indeed many of our landlords have been achieving good levels of return on their investments.

Good news for landlords you might think? In fact, some landlords have decided that with the increasing interest rates and various tax changes that have taken place, their investments are no longer viable and are opting to sell. I appreciate, that from some people’s points of view, landlords selling may be a good thing, but it means tenants are faced with a dwindling choice of properties available to rent.

It means we are now facing an unprecedented demand for rental properties with the average number of enquiries for available rentals numbering in the hundreds! Apart from the human misery of not being able to offer people properties to rent, it’s difficult to know how we are to deliver an effective response to these enquiries and to keep our normal standards of customer service. Bear in mind, and I’m not looking for sympathy here, but since the government ban on charging administration fees for the rental process, this process has become a huge cost to the business, particularly as we only need one tenant per property. We have therefore had to prioritise on a first come, first served, basis and to be as fair as we can to help those in the NHS, social service workers and those in the armed forces.

On the Sales front there are less buyers but those looking are making offers and very serious about moving so there are still sales being made. We haven’t seen dramatic drops in asking prices and offers are generally within 1 or 2% of the asking price but it is a time to be realistic with asking prices and making deals where possible, even if that means shaving a little off the next purchase to make it all work.

Estate agents don’t always get a good press, but the experience and knowledge of estate agents who have made a career in this industry are becoming increasingly important in order achieve the best price for selling, the best price for rental properties, and doing the right thing for our prospective tenants.

BEMBRIDGE CRESCENT, SOUTHSEA - £875,000

• Outstanding four/five-bedroom family residence in highly sought-after Craneswater Park location

• Spacious accommodation spanning almost 2,900 sq.ft (265 sq.m) over four floors

• Superbly presented with fabulous open plan kitchen, cinema room, landscaped garden, and off-road parking option.

EPC Rating C

NORFORK STREET, SOUTHSEA - £595,000

• Charming Grade II Listed Georgian Town House in King Street Conservation Area of Southsea

• Deceptively large interior with two reception rooms, spacious kitchen/dining room, and separate living room

• Original features, courtyard, and cottage garden with gated rear access

EPC Rating Exempt

CRANESWATER PARK, SOUTHSEA - £850,000

• Outstanding penthouse apartment with panoramic views of Canoe Lake, Seafront, and City Skyline

• Spacious lounge/dining room with triple aspect windows and access to roof terrace

• Three double bedrooms, modern en-suite, two garages, allocated parking space, and communal heating system

EPC Rating TBC

‘Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted a career that involved food and wine. After I left university I got a great job, working for the Sunday Times Wine Club — I phoned club members, chatted about the latest wines and if I was lucky, people added them to their order. Later I lived in Spain where I was fascinated to learn all about the different vineyards and how a subtle change of soil, temperature or moisture can affect the taste of wine,’ explained George. Moving on, he spent some twenty years working in the restaurant sector, including general manager and regional manager of the chain Las Iguanas.

But at the back of George’s mind, was a business of his own, a business that had wine as its main focus… step forward Crushed and Cured, which he opened last November. ‘In my travels, I’d seen a few shops that sold wine, along with some well curated food, charcuterie and cheese’. Apart from selling bottles of wine (and craft beer), from across the world at various price points, people can come for wine tasting evenings. ‘I like to offer wines from one country per month, so far, we’ve had wines from France, Italy, Australia, Chile, and England. People drink the wines and I chat about the producing country/region, where and how the wine is made, flavour and aromatic profiles, but in a way that’s unassuming and straightforward, I can’t stand all the pretentiousness that so often surrounds the wine industry! People can book a private evening, with their friends or family, including charcuterie and cheese, I can cater for 6 – 14 guests.

‘Crushed & Cured also offers a selection of wines by the glass to enjoy; usually 6 reds, 6 whites and an orange wine. These change every month so there is always something new and exciting to try, accompanied by a small menu of British & Continental charcuterie and cheese and selection of small plates, all at affordable prices in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, with low lighting and quiet music. The public tasting events are sold out until the end of this year, so it’s worth checking our website regularly to book a spot,’ said George who is obviously delighted that his dream of having his own business, is starting to come true ‘Ultimately, it’s all about great wine and good food,’ said George.

Opening hours: 10.30am-9pm Tues & Weds 10.30-11pm. Sun 11am-5pm Thurs, Fri & Sat www.crushedandcured.co.uk info@crushedandcured.co.uk

60c Victoria Road South, Southsea PO5 2BT.

Tel: 023 92178391