July 2, 2021

lucy

In The PressProperty Market Update

In The Press – The Times

In The Press – The Times 0

Picture Credit: Alamy/The Times

 

Having been born and bred in Chichester, our Director, Jennie Hancock, knows the local area like the back of her hand. With over 30 years’ experience of working here too, she also boasts impressive knowledge and acumen of the country house market. Therefore, when The Times Bricks & Mortar asked us for comment on Chichester’s property market, we jumped at the chance to be interviewed and were delighted to see Jennie’s name quoted throughout.

Read the full article here (paywall).

June 26, 2021

lucy

Company NewsIn The Press

In The Press – Daily Telegraph

In The Press – Daily Telegraph 0

The Daily Telegraph asked our Director, Jennie Hancock, for comment about increased demand for buying agents in West Sussex, and the appeal of purchasing a country house off-market. We are delighted to see that some of her comments have been included, demonstrating Jennie’s expertise in the local property market. Here is the Q&A with the journalist:

 

Have you seen demand for your services increase in the past year?

I have noticed a surge in global traffic on my website over the last twelve months – up 1,368%. The top three nationalities are the UK (+1,471%), US (+60%) and China (+440%), with other top ten long-haul visitors including Singapore, Japan, India and Australia. Over 60% of enquiries I have received since the pandemic began are now from London buyers, with rural and waterside villages once sought after fifteen years ago high on the agenda once more, as the need to live close to work or a train station is replaced with the desire for amenities such as a good pub, village shop and for the coastal locations, access to the water. My local town clients are also seeking a more rural life to enjoy their retirement.

 

Why?

The pandemic has without a doubt reinforced the joys of living in a village. People are seeking village life offering beauty, peace, clean air, simplicity, charm, natural surroundings and close local communities to name a few. When we’ve been trapped in our homes, having access to stunning surroundings and beautiful walks around fields, woodlands and rivers has been a saving grace. It’s a completely different experience to living in a city or busy town. They may be a five-to-ten-minute drive further away from a main line railway station, but as more people are choosing to work from home now or only wish to travel into London once a week, they are seeking something slightly more rural. Gone are the days of being on a train at 6am and struggling home for 8pm. Instead, wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle have shot to the top of people’s priorities and requirements. More and more people are now choosing this rural way of life over urban, seeking a more relaxed and gentle pace that makes life far more enjoyable.

Many of my buyers are choosing the awe-inspiring hidden village gems over towns, where you literally step back in time. For example East Dean, Chilgrove, West Stoke and Church Norton. Venturing out between Midhurst and Petworth, you will find some more truly stunning English villages. Still within the South Downs National Park, these in particular have proved more popular with my clients over the last twelve months than they have in fifteen years! For example, Graffham, Lodsworth, Lurgashall and Lickfold.

The most sought after houses are those offering swimming pools, tennis courts, water access, water views, separate outbuildings for home office space, yoga studios or for Air B&B purposes, a separate boot room and utility room due to pets and village amenities such as a good pub, shop, village green, cricket club, croquet club and even an annual fete/dog show!

Prices are rising as a result, especially in the golden villages, which offer a good pub, shop, have a village fete and cricket green and so on, almost stepping back in time. I believe this momentum will continue throughout 2021 and into 2022, and over the long-term country houses in this area should continue to appreciate with their prices remaining high.

 

What is the minimum clients need to spend on property?

For West Sussex, most of my clients are spending between £1million-£7million anywhere from a small family home or weekend pad to large country houses with reasonable acreage and all the bells and whistles.

 

Any examples of where you have really added value in the past year?

I have an Oxfordshire client who is in the process of purchasing a house off market in the South Downs National Park just south of Petworth. They have made a very good offer in cash, and consequently the seller was encouraged by the representing professional to move out of the house into rented accommodation. This they did, in order to secure the sale. I found this property through my estate agency contacts.

I took a client to a house in the South Downs National Park which was for sale at a guide of approximately £1.5million. It had numerous viewings over a weekend and although my client was the first to offer, the offers from other buyers ended up being 20% over the asking price. I therefore advised my client to walk away so that they didn’t over pay. Not long afterwards, I found them another property off market that they are delighted with which was found through my estate agency contacts.

 

Click here to read the full article (paywall). For more details about how Property Acquisitions can help you with your property search in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock via e-mail (jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk), phone (+44 7776452128), or LinkedIn.

June 25, 2021

lucy

In The PressProperty Market Update

In The Press – Property Reporter

In The Press – Property Reporter 0

The demand for larger homes and more outdoor space across every county in England is showing no signs of slowing down, with three-bed houses the most desirable and one-bed flats the least. Property Reporter has kindly quoted our Director, Jennie Hancock, about buyer demand in West Sussex, as the county ranks joint third in the market analysis from house selling weather forecast, PropCast.

You can read the full article in Property Reporter here.

June 17, 2021

lucy

Property AdviceProperty Market Update

Well-established gardens are back in horticultural fashion

Well-established gardens are back in horticultural fashion 0

The world’s greatest flower show may have been pushed back to September due to the pandemic, but green fingered horticulturists are fully embracing their gardens this summer – in fact, they have been for the last fourteen months!

Having been cooped up at home for over a year this is of no surprise – for those lucky to have outdoor space that is. People who have been living in apartments haven’t had quite the same luxury – not unless they have a ground floor flat or live somewhere with communal gardens to enjoy.

This is very noticeable with the enquiries I have received from both local and London property buyers. Homes with pretty gardens have always been very popular, but outdoor space has never been quite so important like it is now. It’s not just about having a large freshly mowed lawn anymore.  Other aspects are now expected, many of which feel like we’re taking a step back in time to how gardens used to be.

What do country house hunters ask for in their gardens now?

  • Colourful flowers and shrubs for every season
  • Vegetable / kitchen garden
  • Walled garden
  • Summer house to relax and unwind in, offering a sense of escapism
  • Stone bridge
  • Green house
  • Treehouse
  • Shaded areas with mature trees
  • Wild meadows
  • Glorious communal gardens for apartment owners – this is especially true today, particularly from downsizers. They are either looking for a smaller village house or homes within grand country houses which boast spectacular gardens and grounds they can enjoy. The King Edward VII Estate in Midhurst is a classic example of this, where you can find a one/two bed-apartment for less than £500,000.

 

With this list, I am reminded of one of my favourite proverbs…. “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” I feel today’s country house buyer is inheriting a part of the history of a garden, along with the love and devotion given to it, because the previous owners would have spent a lot of time designing the grounds and spending money to care for them. Of course, people are also looking for all the mod cons such as patios for al fresco dining, swimming pools, tennis courts and so on as a result of Covid-19, but the generation of 2020/2021 are inheriting these glorious established gardens from their parents or grandparents which we haven’t seen for sale for decades, and are now selling them.

For example, I recently acquired an attractive period house in Harting off-market. Nestled within a tranquil village setting which has no passing traffic – a rarity in today’s world – the house had a glorious well-established garden that offered seclusion and amazing views – exactly what my client was looking for. They were the only buyers to view the house and consequently I was able to secure it for them.

Last year in Slindon, I found a stunning village home for a client with land, beautiful gardens and grounds that had been well maintained by the previous owner for many years. The house benefitted from colour and variety in the flowers and shrubs, mature trees to sit under in the shade plus a kitchen garden and walled garden. There was also a spectacular magnolia tree, an archway which led to an apple and pear orchard and a pergola covered in climbing roses and honeysuckle. These were key selling points for my client. The property sold off market where again, they were the only buyer.

Meanwhile in West Wittering, I showed a client a stunning house which had a wild meadow, landscaped gardens, mature shrubs and trees with views over farmland which the buyers fell in love with immediately. They made an offer the next day.

To stand a chance of owning such a garden as above, you need a budget of at least £1million in West Sussex and be able to act quickly. Homes with this type of offering are being snapped up, often with multiple bidding wars from competitive purchasers if they’re on the open market. Having said that, many of these transactions are happening off market where the competition is less intense as most buyers don’t know they’re for sale unless they’re using a buying agent. This is one of the many reasons house purchasers ask me for help with their search because I am aware of what is being sold discreetly. Often, my clients will be the only buyer looking at the property as a result.

 

Find Out More

For any questions about finding your dream home with a glorious garden, please do get in touch with myself, Jennie Hancock, via e-mail (jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk), phone (+44 7776452128), or LinkedIn.

June 15, 2021

lucy

Property Market Update

Buyer demand remains higher for houses than flats in West Sussex due to Covid-19

Buyer demand remains higher for houses than flats in West Sussex due to Covid-19 0

Covid-19 continues to fuel demand for larger homes and more outdoor space in West Sussex according to recent research by PropCast, with 80% of houses for sale under offer or subject to contract, compared to 57% for flats.

 

The findings form part of a nationwide report, where the house selling weather forecast analysed buyer demand across England to see what percentage of houses and flats for sale were being snapped up, and how that differed between the number of bedrooms. Across England, on average 73% of houses for sale are under offer or subject to contract – substantially higher than the figure for flats (43%). Three-bedroom houses are in most demand at 76%, followed by two-beds (75%), four plus-beds (69%) and one-beds (62%). Meanwhile, one-bedroom flats are the lowest in demand at 44% – most likely due to not having a garden and with limited space indoors – along with three-bedroom flats. Flats with two-bedrooms are sought after the most (50%), followed by four-plus beds (39%).

 

I absolutely agree with these findings at Property Acquisitions. Houses will always be the most obvious choice for families relocating out of London to West Sussex, but what has been interesting to see is a shift in what my downsizer clients are looking for. Previously, a two-three bed apartment within the city/ on the outskirts would have been at the top of their wish lists but now they want to tick the same boxes a post-Covid family buyer wants. Ie larger homes, gardens, luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, potential for office space and outdoor entertaining options. The enquiries I have received over the last year from those looking to downsize are either centred around a village cottage or a substantially sized flat within a country house which boasts impressive landscaped grounds and wrap around balconies or terraces. They want somewhere they can really enjoy being at home with friends and family given they’ve spent so much time cooped up on their own at home over the last year.

 

Gavin Brazg, Founder of PropCast provides some good tips for those who are trying to sell their flat in the current market… “Over the last year, we can see buyer demand has grown to record high levels across West Sussex, and we don’t expect these elevated levels of buyer demand to peter out anytime soon. However, it’s clear to see that if you’re trying to sell a flat at the moment with minimal to no outdoor space, it is going to be harder to find a buyer quickly. My advice would be to look at the situation as if you are in a buyers’ market, which is a time where you have to change your selling strategy in order to achieve the best possible price and fast. The best way to strengthen your position is to price conservatively from the start and choose a local, trusted estate agent who truly knows the market and how best to position your home within it.”

 

The overall property market in West Sussex

Overall, according to PropCast, buyer demand in West Sussex has continued to grow since the pandemic began, with buyer demand up 95% – indicating a very hot sellers’ market. This is especially true in areas which offer a rural lifestyle and large family homes. The popular coastal postcode districts in and around Chichester – where Property Acquisitions source properties for clients – have experienced a staggering increase. For example, PO18 (to include Bosham) has seen an 89% rise in property sales, whilst demand has risen 86% in PO20 (to include Itchenor and West Wittering). Meanwhile rural villages that sit between Midhurst and Petworth (GU28), such as Lodsworth, Graffham and Lurgashall, have seen a growth of 66% – somewhere I am very active at the moment with my clients.

 

I am experiencing one of the busiest years I have ever encountered in the villages in and around Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth, especially in the Lodsworth, Graffham and Selham areas where I have had more interest here in the last twelve months than I have in fifteen years! Buyers have been making offers left right and centre during the pandemic, with almost all of these deals happening off-market, within days. Without a doubt, COVID-19 has changed people’s mindsets; not just for now but for the long-term too. They’re re-evaluating what they want in life, and where they want to be. The relaxed, rural setting that provides a variety of lifestyle-enhancing options. Prices are rising as a result, especially in the golden villages, which offer a good pub, shop, have a village fete and cricket green and so on, almost stepping back in time. I believe this momentum will continue throughout 2021 and into 2022, and over the long-term country houses in this area should continue to appreciate with their prices remaining high.

 

Find out more

For any questions about finding your dream home (whether that’s a house or apartment) in and around any of these locations, please do get in touch with myself, Jennie Hancock, via e-mail (jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk), phone (+44 7776452128), or LinkedIn.

June 14, 2021

lucy

In The Press

In The Press… an FT West Sussex property market focus

In The Press… an FT West Sussex property market focus 0

Our Director, Jennie Hancock was quoted in the Financial Times over the weekend about the West Sussex property market. Opening up the article, Jennie talks about how she has seen more demand in the Lodsworth, Graffham, Selham area in the last twelve months than she has in fifteen years, with buyers asking for a village shop they can walk or cycle to, a church, croquet, and local dog shows. She also talks about how most of her country house purchases for clients are done off-market.

Read the full piece here. (Paywall)

 

April 27, 2021

lucy

In The Press

In The Press… The appeal of swimming pools and tennis courts

In The Press… The appeal of swimming pools and tennis courts 0

We are delighted to have been quoted in today’s Sunday Times Home, about the appeal of outdoor entertainment features such as swimming pools, tennis courts, croquet lawns and so on for today’s country house buyer. Our Director, Jennie Hancock, said:

“Generally, families coming out of London with children pre university are now looking for English holidays in their home if they have the money to do so, where friends and family can come and stay and enjoy their outdoor entertainment features. For example in West Sussex, they’re looking for swimming pools, tennis courts, a substantial bbq area and a property that has the maturity of a garden that’s not overlooked. There is a definite change in the dynamics of what buyers are wanting now, and my perception of that is that people who would have normally travelled to Mallorca, Greece or the South of France spending £10,000 plus for their family summer holiday, are now looking at using that expenditure to highly invest in their outdoor facilities instead. For the waterside and rural villages in and around Chichester – for example Itchenor, Bosham, Lodsworth and Graffham – you would be looking at paying around £2million plus to have all of these features. However, for this type of client, I also recommend they look for houses around £1.5m-£1.75million where there’s plenty of land to dig out a pool and a tennis court. This doesn’t need to be costly as it can be done at a reasonable fee. The other benefit for doing it this way is that they pay less stamp duty too.”

 

Read the full Sunday Times Home article here (paywall).  

April 15, 2021

lucy

Area FocusesProperty AdviceProperty Market Update

Property guide: when you’re looking for waterside property for sale, Chichester

Property guide: when you’re looking for waterside property for sale, Chichester 0

Some of the most pretty villages near Chichester with a waterside setting

The pretty villages near Chichester’s coast are hugely popular with walkers, cyclists, families and those who enjoy sailing, paddleboarding, kite surfing and so on. However, it’s not just a playground for holidaymakers…

Around half of the enquiries I have received at Property Acquisitions since the global pandemic began, have been from those seeking waterside properties for sale in Chichester. Many prospective buyers had been cooped up in their homes during the lockdowns – whether working or homeschooling (even both!) – so Covid-19 has fuelled the desire for a gentler pace of life on a more permanent basis.

Various evidence suggests living by the sea can actually have a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. With many stretches of water in and around Chichester, there are plenty of spots to relax and unwind. Without a doubt, living here taps into our basic senses, creating a feeling of tranquillity and escapism for anybody… from watching waves gently rolling into shore or hearing the wind chiming concerts of ropes clinking against sailing boat masts, to enjoying the smell of fresh clean sea air.

Property buyers are prepared to pay a premium – especially in the more popular locations – with the focus very much being around having a good sea view or direct access to the water, rather than square footage. For those who seek waterside property for sale in Chichester, there are options to suit a range of budgets, from as low as half a million up into the millions.
Some of my favourite waterside Chichester hotspots and pretty villages near Chichester for buyers…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Witterings

East and West Wittering are home to stunning unspoilt coastline. West Wittering is notorious for its long golden sandy beach, popular with runners and dog walkers as well as those who want to relax by the sea. On calm days, you’ll find the beautiful blue waters dotted with paddle boarders, kayaks and families splashing about in the shallow waters, whilst kite surfers and wind surfers flock when the wind picks up. It’s also incredibly clean, being a Blue Flag beach, views are to die for whether the tide is in or out and in the car park there is The Beach Café which has a superb reputation for its food, drinks and staff.

Meanwhile East Wittering has a thriving local community and offers residents a variety of independent shops, cafés and a pretty shingle beach.

The most sought-after properties are the large detached houses dotted along East Strand and West Strand, which rarely come up for sale because they tend to go from generation to generation. Generally, the original owners would have bought these in the 1950s, most likely for under £50,000. With commanding panoramic views over the Solent and direct access to the beach in front, and being so rare, these sell for around £3-£5m if not more now.

Itchenor
Itchenor is one of the most pretty villages near Chichester, famed for its yachting facilities, the world renowned Itchenor Sailing Club and its harbour. A popular hotspot is The Quarterdeck Café behind The Street, which a lot of the locals use when they sail, whilst Andy at the Itchenor Ferry is also a key part of the village. He runs his ferry and water taxi services regularly, linking Itchenor to the footpaths over at Bosham, or he will take you to your boat on the moorings.

In terms of coastal properties for sale in Chichester, there are many picturesque Sussex cottages, but there tends to be a huge premium on the plot value with views and water access all high priority. For example, I recently went to sealed bids on a £3.5million property which was being sold off-market on one of the village’s most sought after waterside addresses. It came with a jetty and stunning water views but needed updating, and all of the interested parties were cash buyers. All represented by buying agents, the property sold well over the asking price. If you have a lower budget however, then it is possible to buy houses close to the water on The Street in Itchenor. These tend to be terraced houses ranging from £900,000 for something that needs some work, up to £1.5million.

Bosham

The waters of Bosham sit between two tidal creeks and are very popular with sailors, migrating wildfowl, as well as those who enjoy their sunsets and walks too. Many feel Bosham still has an enchanting old world feel to it, and it is arguably one of the prettiest harbour villages. There are some excellent tearooms and some great independent shops within Bosham Walk. One of my favourite pubs is The Anchor Bleu – a 300 year old building which overlooks the water and offers an exquisite alfresco dining setting. This area has become a very popular place for people to live, in fact, one of our colleagues is building a house here now as we speak!

The main coastal address is Bosham Hoe. A large proportion of people are permanent residents, but there are still small cottages occupied by weekenders from London, which cost between £800,000 – £1million. You can also find lower prices further down the lane in a quiet cul de sac called Tuffs Hard. Here there are semi and detached 1950s houses with nice gardens, garages and water views for around £950,000 to £1million. These rarely come to market however, and are like gold dust for weekenders in particular, as they’re ripe for renovation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church Norton

Church Norton is a secluded spot that’s a part of Pagham Harbour, offering a quieter pace of life and better value per square foot when purchasing property. People like it here because there’s a lot less traffic, plus it boasts a quiet shingle beach and a small church enriched in history which is thoroughly enjoyed by walkers and birdwatchers due to its peaceful rural setting.

Properties rarely come to market in Church Norton, so buyers will pay a premium to live here. Typically, homes vary from a farm cottage and a modern 80’s home to a stunning Georgian house, so there is something for everyone. Prices start from approximately £500,000 and can go up into the millions.

Birdham

Birdham is another popular sailing village, where you will find a number of boats moored at Chichester Yacht Basin and Birdham Pool – the largest purpose built marina in Chichester Harbour. There are some lovely walks on the Manhood Peninsula whilst the village boasts a cricket club (Stirlands), Birdham Animal Feeds which specialises in raw dog food and natural treats, and Birdham Stores.

On the way into the village is Church Lane with a range of 1950s, 1980s and period houses and prices starting from around half a million. Lock Lane and Martins Lane are closer to the water where you’re probably looking at around £1million plus for a property, whilst Westlands Estate sits right on the water, consisting of small bungalows ripe for renovation up to large detached houses. Depending on what you are buying, homes here could cost anything from £1million – £3million plus.

Dell Quay 

Dell Quay is a very quiet and tiny village nestled deep within Chichester Harbour. It has a great sailing club offering a relaxed, friendly feel as well as the Crown and Anchor pub which sits right on the water’s edge and is renowned for producing exceptional food. Dell Quay is often a pit stop for walkers due to its surrounding footpaths, as well as those crabbing from the quay at high tide.

Whether you would like Property Acquisitions to help you find your dream home in one of the pretty villages near Chichester or you’re interested in waterside property for sale in Chichester, please get in touch with Jennie Hancock via e-mail (jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk), phone (+44 7776452128), or LinkedIn.

March 22, 2021

lucy

Company NewsIn The Press

In The Press… Talking to The Times about Londoners moving to West Sussex

In The Press… Talking to The Times about Londoners moving to West Sussex 0

It was a very exciting week for me last week in terms of the press, as a couple of days after appearing in the Evening Standard, I was also quoted in The Times Bricks & Mortar regarding a piece about Londoners moving to the countryside. I had a great chat with the journalist, Melissa York, who has very kindly featured me alongside examples of buyers who moved out to West Sussex during the pandemic.

You can read the full article here (paywall).

March 18, 2021

lucy

Company NewsIn The Press

In The Press… Property Acquisitions is quoted in Evening Standard Homes & Property

In The Press… Property Acquisitions is quoted in Evening Standard Homes & Property 0

I am delighted to have been featured in yesterday’s Evening Standard Homes & Property, in a piece about what property buyers feel adds value to a home, and what doesn’t. I had commented on a variety of factors to include how outbuildings such as home offices and separate boot and/or utility rooms for dogs can command a premium in West Sussex, but that separate reception rooms are now being prioritised over open-plan. You can read my full comment on my latest blog post, as I discuss the latest Prime Country trends I am seeing as a result of Covid-19.

To read the full article in the Evening Standard, please click here.

 

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