Freehold Property For Sale

West London Flat for Sale, Fernhead Road

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

Fernhead Road, London, W9

A two double bedroom flat, set on the first floor of this attractive character property.

The property is situated within walking distance of Queens Park Bakerloo Line Station and Salusbury Road with its great deli's. patisseries and restaurants.

The property offers a 17ft bay fronted reception room wooden flooring, modern open plan kitchen with butler sink and stainless steel oven and hob, master bedroom and second double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a modern bathroom which comprise of a stunning double shower and white three piece suite.

Further benefits include newly varnished wooden flooring, share of the freehold and gas central heating.

Bakerloo Line Flat for Sale

Rightmove Consumer Survey Reveal Its a Buyers Market

2012-01-30T05:54:00.001-08:00

Rightmove’s first Consumer Confidence Survey of 2012 was released today and finds that the public believes the property market balance of power currently lays firmly with buyers.

Over 60% of respondents are of the view that it is a ‘buyers’ market’ and just 13% a ‘sellers’ market’. There is also evidence of increased price confidence in the property market with the proportion of those forecasting prices to be the same or higher in 12 months’ time edging up to 66% from 62% a year ago. However, deeper analysis shows that both findings mask some significant regional and local variations which provide further evidence of an acute north-south divide and a property market pock-marked with localised micro-markets.

Shipside adds:
“On the surface it looks as though potential home movers are feeling a bit more positive about the outlook for property prices. However, hidden beneath is the real story that different market segments are performing very differently and that in all probability your price predictions will depend on your own local micro-market. While parts of the stock-starved south, and London in particular, are feeling relatively bullish about prices, the turmoil of the last few years has wreaked havoc in parts of the buyer-blocked north.”

It is worth considering the variations in national, regional and local price outlooks in the context of confidence. Rightmove’s survey asked respondents to indicate whether they believed that current market conditions favour buyers, sellers or whether the balance was about equal. 60% indicated that they felt that the ‘balance of power’ lay with buyers, and just 13% with sellers, giving a ‘market balance ratio’ of 5.4:1 – or 5.4 people who believe it is a buyers’ market for every one person who believes it is a sellers’ market.

Shipside comments:
“There is a clear north-south divide in both house price expectations and an even more acute contrast of opinion in where the balance of power lies. A shortage of stock and greater numbers of proceedable buyers lead those in the south to anticipate upwards pressure on prices and so a more tricky market for buyers to negotiate a price reduction in.”

West Hampstead Period House For Sale

2012-01-26T05:33:00.000-08:00

Broomsleigh Street, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A superb period character house in excellent decorative order in a quiet residential turning off Mill Lane. All local amenities are available including a plethora of restaurants, bars and cafes and fantastic transport links (ThamesLink, Jubilee and London Overground stations) are all close by on West End Lane which can be reached via a useful footpath running directly from Broomsleigh Street.

The ground floor includes a bright double reception room benefitting from smoked solid oak flooring, central fireplace with a limestone mantlepiece and made to measure shutters. The fully fitted kitchen offers a tiled floor, a combination of solid beech and granite worktops and is dual aspect with windows overlooking the rear garden and a stable door giving outside access.

On the first and second floors the house offers 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is a superb shower room with attractive tiling, a heated wall mirror and a wooden vanity unit complete with a contemporary circular wash hand basin.

Other features include made to measure shutters in the master bedroom, a large cellar, two eaves cupboards, a spacious dressing/storage area leading to bedroom 4, double glazed sash windows to the rear of the house, a feature entrance hall with original covings and period front door and a most attractive and private westerly facing rear garden.

Viewing is highly recommended on this beautiful house to avoid disappointment.

West Hampstead Property for Sale NW6

Middlesex Village Bungalow For Sale For Redevelopment or Refurbishment

2012-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

Investment Property for Sale Middlesex

Ickenham
Hoylake Crescent
Ickenham
Middlesex
UB10

£ 410,000 Freehold

Located in the Middlesex Town of Ickenham Hoylake Crescent is a quiet tree lined street within close proximity to Ickenham Village and it's selection of shops, restaurants and schools.

Ickenham and West Ruislip stations are within walking distance offering easy access into Central London via the Metropolitan/Piccadilly, Chiltern and Central lines. The A40, M40 & M25 motorways offer alternative transport options.

The accommodation briefly comprises an un-modernised bungalow with entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Further benefits include a private driveway and a rear garden backing onto playing fields.

Potential to increase its square footage by way of extension and loft conversion (STPP).

Bungalow for Redevelopment for Sale, Middlesex

London Estate Agents Fees Should Be Clear

2012-01-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

Estate agents are often secretive about what they charge sellers, it has been alleged, whilst there is great variation in the levels of fees that they charge.

A new survey found that only one agent in London – Winkworth – disclosed its fees on its website. About 20% of London agents refused to disclose their fees over the phone or via email.

The survey, by new estate agent comparison website ipostcode, looked at 250 agents’ fees across London and found that it is not necessarily in the most expensive postcodes where agents charge the highest fees.

Some of the highest average commissions are charged in the SE1 (Bermondsey), NW11 (Golders Green) and W6 (Hammersmith) postcodes, although agents in some lower priced areas – E8 (Dalston), N8 (Crouch End) and SE28 (Thamesmead) – offer some of the lowest commission rates.

The majority of the London estate agencies surveyed quoted 1.5% commission, but 15% of agents quoted 1%. The highest commission level quoted was 2.5%.

There were several postcode areas including Islington (N1) and Clerkenwell (EC1) where commission levels spanned the range from 1%-2.5%, which means that on a property priced at the London average of £342,749 (according to latest Land Registry figures), the seller could be paying anything from £4,113 to £10,282 including VAT to sell the same home.

Estate agents’ reputation for being guarded about their fees was borne out by the survey, with one in five of agents refusing to say what their fees were, either on the phone or via email. Only one agency, Winkworth, which has 43 London offices, displayed fees online.

One in four agents said that their fees are negotiable based on either a realistic valuation of the property or depending on the price range of the property. Many agents in the survey stressed that an agency should not be chosen simply on their commission rates but on service, track record and marketing.

The survey also found that estate agent fees in London at an average of 1.7% are more or less in line with the national average of 1.8% – contrary to the perception that London estate agent fees are the highest in the country.

Estate Agent Today

Kenley Ex Nursing Home for Sale for Redevelopment

2012-01-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Surrey Investment Property for Sale, Kenley

Kenley
Hayes Lane
Kenley
Surrey
CR8

Gross Site Area: 31507 sq/ft*

£ 1,300,000 + VAT

Kenley is a small town nestled in the Surrey countryside which borders Coulsdon, Caterham and Whyteleafe. Kenley is approximately 13 miles south of Central London.

Located on the corner of Hayes Lane & Abbotts Lane within a quarter of a mile of Kenley Railway Station with services via Purley into Croydon, Central London, Gatwick and the South Coast. Kenley is an affluent area and offers good access to surrounding towns and the countryside.

This vacant former Nursing home is arranged over ground and first floors of brick construction under a pitched tiled roof.

With an approximate gross site area of 31,000sq.ft the property offers good alternative development potential (STPP).

Freehold Development Property for Sale, Surrey

London Property Market News; WSJ Looks At London Property in 2012

2012-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

How long can London's property market defy gravity asks the online Wall Street Journal? House prices in the capital rose in December, even as prices elsewhere stayed flat or fell, says the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices in prime central London are around 16% higher than their September 2007 precrisis peak. Some forecasters predict a further 25% jump by 2016, as foreign investors continue to seek havens for their cash. But downward pressures are likely to intensify this year.

Foreign buyers account for more than half of the sales of London's most desirable residences, helping shield the market from a domestic downturn. Many have large chunks of equity to invest, so are less affected by the mortgage-lending squeeze. Recent sterling weakness against many currencies—down 20% against the dollar since the start of the crisis—has added to London's allure, while ultralow interest rates have kept a lid on distressed sales.

So long as the economic uncertainty continues, the torrent of foreign cash flowing into London property—an estimated £6 billion, or roughly $9 billion, in the 18 months through mid-2011—will likely be sustained. But the top end of the market is sensitive to the global picture. If the euro crisis is resolved or the world economic outlook improves, overseas investors might turn to riskier, higher-return assets. A rise in sterling or a fall in commodity prices are other possible factors.

London property isn't cheap by any measure. Yields are low—at 3.9%, compared with 5% in the wider U.K. housing market and up to 7% for prime offices in most European capitals. Soaring prime central London rents, up 25% since mid-2009, have provided some support to valuations, but an estimated 55% of "prime" tenants work in financial services, where heavy job losses are on tap. Yields are likely to remain flat into 2016, estate agent Savills says.

Meanwhile, the average house price in London is equivalent to 7.8 times earnings for a typical first-time buyer, compared with an average of 4.8 times across the country, website Findaproperty.com estimates. Such a disparity looks unsustainable, and provides a strong incentive for capital-dwellers to relocate and investors to seek better value elsewhere.

Kilburn Park Freehold Investment Property for Sale

2012-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Freehold Investment Property for Sale London

Kilburn Park
Canterbury Road
London
Greater London
NW6

Existing: 10000 sq/ft*

£ 2,750,000
Freehold

Kilburn Park can be found to the south of Kilburn High Road close to Carlton Vale. The area has seen a recent resurgence of good local bars, coffee shops and hotel opening.

The building is situated on Canterbury Road offering easy access to Kilburn Park (Bakerloo Line) station and further transport, shopping and recreational facilities of Kilburn High Road.

The existing character building comprises of a large B1 office of some 10,000 sq.ft over ground and first floors with off-street parking for up to 25 cars.

Planning permission has granted for the change of use from offices (B1) to residential (C3) on the first floor to create 2x1 bed and 3x2 bed flats and a 3-storey side extension to provide staircase and lift, erection of additional storey to form a further 4x2 beds flats.

There is a S.106 contribution of £48,000 and car free housing.

The building also offers the potential to create serviced offices, student accommodation or a hostel.

Rates payable £28,200 p.a.

NW London Site with Planning for Sale

Commercial Real Estate Investors Head for The US in 2012

2012-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

The United States will remain the top choice of most global commercial real estate investors in 2012, but the country has lost ground to Brazil which ranked No. 2 this year, according to a survey released Sunday.

While the United States offers the most stable and secure option in commercial real estate, investors said improvement in rent and occupancy growth and the repeal of a 1980 foreign investment tax would have the strongest impact on their investment decisions, according to the 20th annual survey of Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) members.

For about the past year or so, investors in U.S. commercial real estate have focused on gateway cities such as New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, driving prices up and yields down.

Meanwhile commercial property in Brazil, with its bubbling economy and safer investment environment, has become a hot spot for global investors. Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, jumped to the fourth best city for real estate investment dollars in 2012, up from 26th place last year.

The United States is still very desirable and was second behind the UK in attracting cross border investment in 2011, according to Real Capital Analytics preliminary figures.

"The negative is it doesn't promise a whole lot of capital appreciation because the prime markets are already fully priced," AFIRE Chief Executive Officer James Fetgatter said. "By no means will Brazil replace the U.S., at least not in the forseeable future. Brazil is considered now a much safer place to invest and a place where you can get capital appreciation and good yield."

AFIRE'S survey respondents hold more than $874 billion of real estate globally, including $338 billion in the United States.

Sixty 60 percent of respondents said they plan to increase their investment in U.S. real estate in 2012, down from a record 72 percent last year, according to the 20th annual survey.

Some 42.2 percent said they believed the United States in 2012 would offer the best opportunity for the price of their commercial real estate investments to increase, down from 64.7 percent last year's survey.

The United States lost ground to Brazil, with 18.6 percent saying Brazil's property market offered the best growth opportunity for their investment dollars. That's up 14.2 percentage points, moving Brazil up to second place from fourth, and pushing China down to No. 3, according to the AFIRE survey.

Seventy percent of respondents picked one of the three countries as their favorite, while the remaining 30 percent had top choices from 13 other countries on five continents.

British Property Remains a Safer Bet Than Stocks and Shares

2011-12-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Lofty apartments in London's prime boroughs, chic chalet's in the finest Alpine ski resorts of France and Switzerland, and 2 bed semi's in Salford. Spot the odd one out?

While there may be many reasons making the 2 bed semis in Salford the odd one out, investment potential is not one of them according to British institutional investors, who have invested heavily in British housing stock in the last 12-18 months, to capitalise on the current rental boom, and solidify their investments away from the tumultuous global stocks and bonds markets.

According to data just released by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, financial institutions invested £2.2 billion in UK houses and apartments in the year ending April 2011, a 189% increase over the previous year.

Specialist property companies also increased their exposure to UK buy to let during the period, the data shows that such firms purchased £7.5bn worth of UK rental properties, which is a 27 percent increase over the same period in 2010. Wealthy British individuals are also getting in on the action. They invested a combined £193.8 billion in the year ending April, which is surprisingly only a 24% increase over 2010.

The growth is hardly surprising. The financial world is a scary place, and the stock markets are even scarier. The Eurozone debt crisis is making any European investment a high risk strategy, especially now with some reports indicating that banks are putting in place contingency plans for the Eurozone's complete break-up, although few believe this will come to pass.

Never the less, this makes British property one of the few safe investments in Europe. Property is far less volatile than stocks, and of course, Britain stayed out of the euro, so, while it would suffer a shock if the Euro collapses, its property market will see a far smaller hit than those in the Eurozone.

On top of the long term safety of British property, the rental yields are currently very attractive in the short-mid term as well, with the constrained mortgage market, lack of affordability and housing shortage continually drive up rental demand. The latest data rents and yields are growing across the country. The latest Residential Lettings Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said that 15% more chartered surveyors reported rental yields rose rather than fell in the three months ending October. This is the 7th consecutive quarter of rising yields according to RICS.

London Property for Sale With Possibility of Extending, Queens Park

2011-12-23T02:29:00.000-08:00

Brondesbury Villas, Queens Park, London, NW6

A spacious (826 sq ft) well presented two double bedroom two bathroom garden flat set within an attractive four storey semi-detached period property on one of the most desirable tree lined streets in Queens Park. The property is situated a short walk from Queens Park underground station (Bakerloo Line) and the variety of shops, gastro pubs and deli's along Salusbury Road.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with wood floors and a fitted storage cupboard; a modern family bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite with fully tiled walls/floors; an 18' front facing reception room with wood floors and a gas fireplace with wood surround; guest cloakroom and a separate fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.

Further benefits include a 15' master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and direct access to the private rear garden, an ensuite shower room with extractor fan, the second double bedroom with direct access to the private rear garden, side access to the 53' mature rear garden and a private front garden. The property also has potential for a single storey rear extension (Subject To Planning).

Queens Park Garden Flat for Sale

House Prices Remain Stable in November

2011-12-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

There was no movement for house prices in the UK in November, according to the latest England & Wales House Price Index from LSL Property Services/Acadametrics.

However, just because house prices have remained static, people should not assume that they are not becoming more affordable.

David Brown, commercial director at the firm, said that zero growth means that in real terms houses are becoming more affordable.

"With inflation running at five per cent the real cost of property is getting smaller and smaller, which is good news for buyers and mortgage borrowers alike," he added.

The data showed that the average house price in the UK now stands at £220,043.

Mr Brown said that while over the past year house prices have dropped 0.7 per cent, low mortgage rates, the stamp duty holiday and the government's FirstBuy scheme have prevented larger falls.

Recent data from Halifax showed that 2011 has so far seen five months of price falls and the same number of rises, with one month of no change.

Mortgage Rate & Home Loan News

10% Increase in October Mortgage Agreements

2011-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

It’s not all doom and gloomy in the mortgage market says leading broker John Charcol.

The mortgage advisory firm says that despite media reports of a subdued market place, purchase business for residential property and buy to lets is actually performing quite well and there is a glut of suitable products available.

Simon Collins, product and technical manager at John Charcol, said that it saw a ten per cent increase in the amount of mortgages agreed during October compared with the same month in 2010.

“Despite the approaching festive season, we have seen the number of good quality purchase enquiries hold up very well, so whilst the market’s not great, it’s not as bad as it’s being painted,” he stated.

Last week, the latest Mortgage Monitor from chartered surveyors e.surv found that mortgage approvals for property purchases during November reached its highest number since December 2009 and were up some 15 per cent on November 2010.

Mortgage Rate and Home Loan News

Refurbished Queens Park Apartment for Sale

2011-12-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hartland Road, Queens Park, London, NW6

A newly refurbished ground floor one bedroom flat within this period terraced period house in the heart of Queens Park.

The property is situated along a popular tree lined street just a short walk to the Bakerloo and overground stations at Queens Park and the plethora of local cafes, restaurants and shops along Salusbury road.

The accommodation comprises of a reception with wood floors, high gloss open plan fitted kitchen with appliances, double bedroom with an en suite shower room and direct access to the communal rear garden.

Further benefits include a luxury fitted shower room with a heated towel rail and an extractor fan, double glazing, gas central heating, entryphone system and no upper chain.

The property has been completely refurbished and an early viewing is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Queens Park Apartment for Sale

Landlord and Tenant News: Landlords set to expand their portfolios in 2012

2011-12-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

The coming 12 months look set to be a boom time for buy-to-let investors, with many looking to significantly increase their property portfolios.

Research conducted by specialist mortgage provider Paragon found that landlords are practically falling over themselves to invest further funds in bricks and mortar at present despite the traditional market being subdued.

Indeed, more than a fifth of those surveyed said they will be making more property investments in 2012.

While in contrast, less than one in ten landlords claimed that they will be looking to reduce the size of their buy-to-let portfolios in the 12 months.

Thanks in part to a loosening of lending restrictions from banks and building societies, the number of properties owned by rental magnates has risen to an average of 13 this year and will continue to rise further in the next year.

Terraced property remains the most popular choice for landlords with 65 per cent of respondents saying that they owned at least one.

This was followed by flats or apartments, which are owned by 58 per cent. Semi-detached homes made up part of 48 per cent of landlord's existing portfolios while 24 per cent own a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Of those questioned 77 per cent stated that they were positive about being a landlord, while 57 per cent said prospects for the rental sector in 2012 were either "good" or "very good".

"This is an interesting time for the private rented sector as landlords are experiencing very high levels of tenant demand as other areas of the housing market come under increasing strain," John Heron, Paragon Mortgages managing director, said.

"I am pleased to see that landlords are expecting to add to their portfolios as there is no sign that tenant demand is going to slow in 2012."

Iqbal Hussain, property consultant at Knight Knox International, recently said that now is the best time to buy for anyone wanting to dip their toe into the property rental market.

Property News Magazine

International Students Demand Luxury Letting Property

2011-12-02T02:20:00.000-08:00

Cash rich students from overseas are increasingly looking at the more luxurious end of the rental market.

Jonathan Moore, director of EasyRoomMate.com, said that while student homes still often have the reputation of being far from grandiose, students are becoming more choosy and those from overseas in particular are looking for properties in more affluent districts.

"With the increase of demand from international students with bigger budgets, we are seeing a niche luxury lettings market emerge in many university towns, with investors targeting higher rents - albeit from a bigger investment," he said.He added that, despite this, changes in the HMO [house in multiple occupation] licensing requirements mean that all property let to students is now of a decent standard.

Research conducted last month by specialist mortgage provider Paragon found that student lets still offer a landlord the highest possible yield, with an average of 7.62 per cent.Properties let on a shared basis by professionals was the second best performer at 7.56 per cent.

Landlord and Tenant News

Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs is Declaring War on Stamp Duty Avoidance.

2011-12-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

It is to mount a court challenge to determine the legality, or otherwise, of stamp duty tax avoidance schemes.

Central to the challenge will be the use of limited companies to buy properties, and then sell them to individuals – something which does appear to be completely legal.

Essentially, the purchaser sets up a Special Purpose Vehicle, a company or a trust with a property as its sole asset. The purchaser then buys shares in the company and is subjected to a tax rate of just 0.5%.

There are many companies offering stamp duty tax avoidance: a Google search yielded over 3,200 results.

The taxman’s move follows this year’s Budget when Chancellor George Osborne announced that he would be clamping down on stamp duty avoidance, whilst law firms have also warned that HMRC is on the prowl.

HMRC estimates the tax avoidance schemes have cost it millions in lost revenue. It is investigating 1,200 people it suspects of having underpaid stamp duty by a collective total of £35m, whilst it will also go after others who have avoided the tax altogether.

The many schemes that claim to legally exploit stamp duty loopholes frequently charge fees of around half the amount that would have been paid in tax.

It is thought that a number of property investors have set up a limited liability company to buy the property to sell back to the individual.

An HMRC spokesperson said: “The schemes rely on an interpretation of law that produces an outcome different from that envisaged when the law was enacted, and that HMRC does not accept.”

Landlord and Tenant News: Government pours praise on SAFEagent in new housing strategy.

2011-11-28T01:13:00.000-08:00

Landlord and Tenant News: Government pours praise on SAFEagent in new housing strategy.

SAFEagent, the scheme launched this year to protect both landlords' and tenants' financial interests, has this week received glowing praise from the government.
In a statement released by Westminster detailing the government's new strategy for housing, SAFEagent, which launched to much acclaim in May, was described as a scheme which is driving up industry standards.

It was also stated that many landlords and tenants often do not realise the benefits of choosing a letting agent that is covered by the client money protection initiative.

“The SAFEagent scheme promotes consumer awareness of the issue and helps them to identify agents with protection, through the SAFEagent badge," the document noted.
“It shows how much can be achieved quickly and cheaply through simple and effective ideas driven by industry not the government.”

Since the scheme came into force, housing minister Grant Shapps has been extremely vocal in praising what SAFEagent is doing and has encouraged more letting and property management companies to sign up.

John Midgley, chair of the SAFEagent Steering Group, said that the governments continued backing was a "fantastic endorsement" of SAFEagent and he thanked Mr Shapps for his support throughout the past few months.

“We’re delighted that the government recognises that the industry can generate and implement proactive, innovative ideas which are in the interest of the consumer rather than relying on imposed regulations which would lead to further red tape and cost," he stated.

“SAFEagent is a simple and sensible approach to raising consumer awareness of Client Money Protection and it’s one that is working."

At present more that 1,600 agents and management firms have joined the scheme but Mr Midgley urged more to make a positive difference to the industry by joining up.

This September Lord Taylor of Holbeach, a Conservative peer and House of Lords whip, said he was "delighted" the government was endorsing SAFE and added that consultation is in place to make such protection initiatives a statutory requirement for all agents.

Landlord and Tenant News

Overseas Property Searches

2011-11-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

The United States is now the second most popular overseas property search destination in the world, according to the latest report from TheMoveChannel.

After a long running battle between France and Spain at the top of the chart, the US has unexpectedly turned the two horse race into a three way competition for top spot. The country rose by two places in the rankings, replacing the traditional runner up as the surprise second favourite for buyers in October.

America has always been one of the most popular places for foreign real estate investment, alongside France, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. But while Spain remains the country of choice for buyers, receiving 3% more enquiries than the month before, America saw an increase of 1.06% in enquiries last month.

That number may seem like a small increase, but interest in US property has grown by 3% over the past three months, indicating a consistent appetite from overseas buyers for the country’s heavily discounted property market.

France had 1.57% fewer enquiries last month, while interest in Portugal also waned, by 2.42%, perhaps a sign that the continuing Euro crisis is sapping interest in continental property markets.

America’s ascension was just one of several surprises, as Cyprus and Thailand both jumped several places to enter the Top 10 most popular destinations. Cyprus has been suffering from unemployment and economic woes in the years since the housing boom, but the country is now starting to claw back buyers, as property prices dropped for the sixth quarter in a row last month.

Manchester City Centre Investment Property for Sale

2011-11-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

Building Land for Sale, Manchester

Piccadilly Village
Store Street
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M1

Gross Site Area: 7480 sq/ft*

£ 150,000
Freehold

The land is situated adjacent to Store Street on the edge of Manchester City Centre approximately 350 yards north east of Piccadilly Railway Station. Access to Store Street is from London Road (A6)

The plot can be found on the southern side of Store Street in the City Centre and is also near to the Grade II* listed Store Street aqueduct. The site is currently vacant and is approximately 3 metres higher than the level of Store Street (approximately 1 storey level).

The GSA is approximately 0.17 acres is landlocked on 3 sides with its fourth side fronting onto Store Street.

Planning permission had previously been granted for the construction of 16 luxury apartments in one block. That consent has now lapsed however details can be found at www.manchester.gov.uk (Ref: 070326/FO/2003/C3).

Investment Property for Sale, Manchester City Centre

West Hampstead Freehold Property Show Day

2011-11-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

Kings Gardens, West Hampstead, London, NW6 £499.950

SHOW DAY SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER

A well-proportioned three double bedroom flat, set on the ground floor of this attractive mansion block.

The property is situated within easy walking distance of West Hampstead's Jubilee Line, Thames Link and North London Over Ground Stations.

The flat offers a bright reception room with wooden flooring, 15ft kitchen with a full range of fitted appliances, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a bathroom comprising of a modern four piece white suite.

Further benefits include carriage drive way, recently redecorated block, porter, communal gardens, share of the freehold and no upper chain.

West Hampstead Mansion Block Property for Sale

Home Track House Price News for October

2011-10-31T02:37:00.001-07:00

Reuters is reporting that the fall in house prices in England and Wales accelerated in October as consumers become increasingly worried about the outlook for the economy and shy away from buying homes, property data firm Hometrack said.

Average prices dipped 0.2 percent on the month compared to falls of 0.1 percent in each of the five preceding months, Hometrack said. House prices were 2.8 percent below the October 2010 level.

"Growing consumer concern over the outlook for the economy is beginning to impact directly on house prices," Hometrack Director of Research Richard Donnell said in a statement.

As in previous releases, the survey showed large regional differences, although prices stalled even in London after rising for seven months in a row.

"The evidence is clear that buyers are drifting away from the market in the face of weak consumer confidence and concerns over the prospects for the economy and their household finances," Donnell said.

Hometrack said that while demand eased, supply had grown by 11 percent over the past six months. "The balance between supply and demand is clearly shifting and points to an acceleration in price falls in the coming months," Donnell said.

Bootle Property With Planning for Sale

2011-10-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

Merseyside Investment Property For Sale

Claremont Villas
Merton Road
Bootle
Merseyside
L20

GIA: 8866 sq/ft*

£ 185,000
Freehold

The property is located on Merton Road a predominantly business district which includes a number of government departments, Sefton Council, Sefton Town Hall and Sefton Magistrates Courts. Liverpool City Centre is approximately 3 miles to the south and Bootle Oriel Road Station is also with walking distance.

The property comprises of large office accommodation (8,866sq.ft) and was originally a pair of period semi detached houses which could be reinstated (STPP)

The property benefits from disabled car park, main reception, office suites, boardroom, kitchenette, male and female WCs, access leading to basement storage.

To the first floor there are further offices with male and female WCs and to the second floor there are further offices / storage, open plan meeting rooms, kitchenette.

At the rear of the building is a large garden providing parking for approximately 40 vehicles with potential for future development.

The property is offered for sale with vacant possession.

Freehold Development Property for Sale, Bootle, Merseyside

Kent Investment Property for Sale, Birchington

2011-10-25T02:44:00.000-07:00

Kent Property With Planning

Birchington
The Square
Birchington
Kent
CT7

Net Saleable: 4879 sq/ft*

£ 340,000 Freehold

Birchington is a quiet popular Town located on the Kent North Coast. This development opportunity is situated at the rear of 8-10 Birchington Square and is a few minutes walk to the local shops, bus routes, railway station and local amenities.

Full planning permission has been granted for the conversion of existing outbuildings into 2 residetial dwellings and the erection of 4 new build houses.

All 6 houses will benefit from 2 bedrooms and off-street parking.

Net saleable approximately 4,879sq.ft

Kent North Coast Property for Sale

London Property Investment is a Safe Bet

2011-10-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

Property in London continues to be a safe bet for investors as overseas demand is helping to keep the market stable, it has been revealed.

Selwyn Lim, director of Mouseprice, said the ongoing robust nature of the London market can be attributed to the city's position as a globally-renowned cultural and business centre, with the capital continuing to outperform the rest of the UK in terms of its ability to recover from the financial downturn.

"London has always been a unique case in that the supply and demand of property in London is [affected] by overseas cash and lots of overseas buyers," he commented.

According to figures published by Rightmove, the gulf in north-south average asking prices is now the highest it has ever been.

The firm revealed average prices in the south of England (£336,743) are now more than double those seen in the north (£164,347).

Aylesford Property for Sale, Kent

2011-10-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

Kent Property in Conservation Area

Aylesford
High Street
Aylesford
Kent
ME20

£ 700,000
Freehold

Business Centre for sale in the Medevial Village of Aylesford on the banks for the River Medway.

The property is situated in a Conservation Area and is situated close to numerous eateries, coffee shops, a post office and primary school. Outside the village is Aylesford Secondary School, retail park and a supermarket.

Aylesford has its own train station and has road links to both the M2 and M20 motorways with links to London.

A planning application has been made for a change of use to residential (10 'private' flats) and both conditional or unconditional offers are invited. This comprises of a conversion of the existing business centre and public house and erection of an additional floor.

Property for Sale Kent

Property Investment Rising Despite Global Economy

2011-10-17T01:21:00.000-07:00

Propertywire reports that global investment in real estate is holding up well despite the economic growth concerns with transaction volumes up 36% in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010.

Volumes totalled US$99 billion according to the latest figures from Jones Lang LaSalle. In the first nine months of 2011, investment activity increased by 43% with total transaction volumes amounting to US$297 billion, compared to US$208 billion in the same period last year.

Despite heightened economic and sovereign debt concerns, European transaction volumes have held up well, with a total of $US41 billion in the third quarter, an increase of 14% on the last quarter and a 38% rise on the third quarter 2010.

The UK, the largest market in Europe, saw a marked improvement in the third quarter 2011, in part due to deal completions delayed from the second quarter. Germany, France, Scandinavia, Poland and Russia all continue to attract strong investor interest, with safe haven status and relative GDP growth considerations prevalent.

In Asia Pacific, transaction volumes amounted to $US20 billion in the third quarter. This represents an 8% rise on the previous quarter and a 3% increase on the third quarter 2010. The deal volume for China’s direct commercial property investments rose to approximately $US2.8 billion, up 13% on last year. Japan the largest Asian market, saw volumes rise to over $US4.7 billion, in line with the same quarter in 2010, as the markets recovered following the tsunami and earthquake earlier in the year.

The Americas saw a slowdown in the third quarter with volumes down 22% compared with what was a very strong second quarter. Investment reached $US38 billion, up 60% on the same period last year.

Buy to Let Investment News: Buy to let mortgage rates 'fall in last 12 months'

2011-10-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

People who need to secure buy to let funding in order to expand their portfolio might be pleased to hear that average mortgage rates have fallen in the last 12 months.

Research from Defaqto revealed that the average two-year fixed rate for a buy to let mortgage at 75 per cent loan to value has dropped from 5.78 per cent in September 2010 to 4.86 per cent last month, while three-year product have seen average rates fall to 5.56 per cent from 6.03 per cent last year.

However, those looking to buy flats and houses for sale in Mapesbury, London, in order to rent to tenants will still find a buy to let mortgage is significantly pricier than an equivalent residential mortgage.

Defaqto insight analyst for banking David Black commented: "People should factor mortgage fees into their calculations as, like the interest rate, they tend to be much higher for buy to let mortgages than for residential mortgages, and can make a real difference to the overall cost of the mortgage."

Buy to Let Investment News

Essex Development Land For Sale, Laindon, Basildon

2011-10-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

Basildon Freehold Development Site For Sale

Basildon
Roberts Road
Laindon, Basildon
Essex
SS15

Net Saleable: 5675 sq/ft*

£ 375,000
Freehold

The development is located in the Essex Town of Laindon near Basildon and can be found on Roberts Road.

This cleared site is situated in a residential area and offers easy access to the local shops and amenities.

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 10 luxury apartments with associated off-street parking.

The Laindon Railway Station and A127 are within easy reach.

The site measures approximately 12,000sq.ft.

Laindon Site with Planning for Sale, Basildon

Bristol Property With Planning Permission for 9 Houses

2011-10-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

Bristol Freehold Site With Planning For Sale

Barrowmead Drive
Bristol
Somerset
BS11

Net Saleable: 9266 sq/ft*

£ 295,000

Kings Weston is located on the outskirts of Bristol, just 6 miles North West of Bristol City Centre.

The area is convenient for easy access to the M5 motorway (Junc 18) Temple Mead Railway Station and Bristol Airport is approx 12 miles away.

Full planning consent has been granted for demolition of the existing public house and for the construction of 9 houses (8x3beds & 1x4bed) and associated parking.

The houses will comprise of 1 x 4 bed unit 106.9sqm, 5 x 3 bed units 94.8sqm and 3 x 3 bed units 93.3sqm.

Net saleable 9,226 sq.ft

Somerset Site With Planning, Kings Weston, Bristol

Wolverhampton Site With Planning For Sale, West Midlands

2011-10-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

West Midlands Property With Planning For Sale

Hare & Hounds
Stow Heath Lane
Willenhall
West Midlands
WV1

Gross Site Area: 1.6 acres*

£ 595,000
Freehold

Wolverhampton is located in the West Midlands approximately 15 miles north west of Birmingham. Major facilities include the Mander Centre and the Wulfrun Centre.

The development is located on Stowheath Lane a predominately residential area and connects the A41 to the A454 Willenhall Road.

Sitting on 1.65 acres this former public house has the benefit of full planning permission for the construction of an 86 bedroom care home.

West Midlands Site With Planning for HMO Care Home.

Clacton-on-Sea Freehold Commercial and Residential Property for Sale

2011-10-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Essex Seaside Property for Sale, Clacton-on-Sea

The Eldorado
Broadway
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
CO15

Ground floor footplate: 2830 sq/ft*

£ 395,000
Freehold

The property is located on the busy main seafront of Jaywick which boasts beautiful beaches and is positioned on the outskirts of Clacton-on-Sea.

Operating from a substantial and well presented three storey detached premises the business and private dwellings are of considerable size and quality.

On the ground floor is an amusement arcade & Social Club and the first floor comprises of a snooker club.

The top floor is a 4/5 bedroom self contained apartment which benefits from a private roof terrace. This flat is currently let at a discounted rate of £850.00 pcm.

The property represents excellent value for continued licensed use / owner occupation. There is also enormous potential for redevelopment (residential / commercial / mixed use) subject to gaining the appropriate Local Authority consents.

We are advised that the Business Rates currently stand at approximately £6,290 per annum and the Council Tax is £725.

Clacton-on-Sea Investment Property for Sale

Ramsgate Property with Planning for Sale

2011-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Kent Development Property for Sale

Belmont Road
Ramsgate
Kent
CT11

Gross Site Area: 3514 sq/ft*

£ 250,000
Freehold

Ramsgate is a seaside town in the district of Thanet on the Kent East Coast.

The development is located on Belmont Road in the popular Ellington area of Ramsgate close to the Town Centre, Ellington Park and Mainline Station (British Rail)

Belmont Road is a quiet street off the High Street and is a short walk to the sea.

Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a new block to provide 8 apartments (5x1beds & 3x2beds) and associated parking.

Approximate net saleable 3,750 sq.ft (348.4 sq.m)

Kent Property for Sale with Planning for Redevelopment

Prospective Property Buyers; Act now to move before Christmas

2011-09-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Rightmove House Price Index Key points

New sellers’ average asking prices up by 0.7% on the month, but 3.0% down over the summer period

Two deadlines should focus the minds of frustrated sellers:
- Christmas is 98 days away but average time on the market is 94 days, so buyers and sellers need to get serious now if they are to tie up a deal before the festive season;

- first-time buyer stamp duty relief is due to finish on 25th March 2012.

Market recovery appears as far away as ever three years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, as key metrics are little changed:

- new sellers again at 23,000 per week as lack of confidence and inability to move remains;

- prices up by 2.5% in three years, compared with 16.4% in the previous three year period;

- unsold stock per estate agency branch still stuck in the high 70s.

While new planning proposals may boost housing market activity in the longer term, initiatives supporting mortgage lending such as FirstBuy are the more immediate requirement.

Rightmove

Cambridgeshire Development Opportunity for Sale

2011-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Cambridgeshire Property for Sale

St. Neots
High Street
St. Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19

Gross External: 25500 sq/ft*

£ 850,000

This development opportunity is located in the affluent Cambridgeshire Town Of St Neots and is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of both the busy High Street (B1428) and the River Ouse.

The A1 motorway and St Neots Railway Station offer great access into London.

Planning permission has been granted for the part conversion part new build of this former storage and workshops to create 24 residential dwellings and 3 commercial units.

In addition, there is no affordable housing required throughout the development, however there is a S.106 contribution.

St Neots Freehold Property for Sale

Herne Bay Property With Planning, Kent

2011-09-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Kent Freehold Property for Sale, Herne Bay

Herne Bay
Central Parade
Herne Bay
Kent
CT6

Net Saleable: 6380 sq/ft*

£ 925,000
Freehold

Located on the Kent North Coast lays the picturesque seaside Town Herne Bay. With over 2 miles of seafront and golden beaches the town is a popular holiday destination.

The development is situated on Central Parade at its junction with Market Street and is directly opposite the sea. The locations also offers easy access to the main line station, sea front, Herne Bay Town Centre and other local amenities.

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a ground floor commercial unit (A3) and 9 luxury apartments above (7x2 beds & 2x1 beds)

The seller has started some of the construction.

Kent Property with Planning for Commercial and Residential Development

Tring Warehouse With planning for Sale

2011-09-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hertfordshire Freehold Property for Sale, Tring

Dixon’s Wharf
Dixon’s Gap
Wilstone, Nr Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23

Gross Site Area: 3.95 acres*

£ 1,000,000

Freehold site of approximately 3.95 acres currently occupied by a large single storey warehouse building.

Dixons Wharf is approximately 14 miles from Junction 20 of the M25 and can be reached in under 20 minutes even during rush hour as the A41 Dual Carriage way gives quick access and traffic flow is moving in the opposite direction. Tring Station is 3 miles from Dixons Wharf and has direct access to London Euston (35 mins), Watford Junction (15 mins), Milton Keynes Central (22 mins) and Birmingham New Street (1h 29 mins).

Dixons Wharf has easy access to several local village pubs and will benefit from an on-site catering facility. There is sufficient car parking for everyone on site, including visitors, and all this comes with the added benefit of outdoor seating areas which are ideal for informal meetings in the sun.

The site benefits from planning permission for a new B1 office development which was granted in July, 2009. This planning permission was for 2,739 sqm of Class B1 office floorspace. The approved commercial scheme reflected the layout of the exisitng building footprint and proposed 16 separate commercial units within 4 blocks. The scheme utilised the existing access off Wingrave Rd.

The site is now considered suitable for residential development and a number of reports have been carried out in this respect. Our client is looking at an outright unconditional immediate sale of the site or a partner with expertize in the matter to tackle a 'subject to planning' for residential application.

Further information is available upon request.

Freehold Property With Planning for Sale, Tring, Hertfordshire

London W10 Property for Sale

2011-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

London Freehold Listed Building for Sale

North Kensington (Cobden Club)
Kensal Road
London
Greater London
W10

GIA: 8397 sq/ft*

£ 3,000,000

Located on Kensal Road in a wonderful Grade II listed building is the "Cobden Club" a members only bar just a stones throw away from fashionable Portobello Road.

Kensal Road leads off the northern most end of Ladbroke Grove, at the Sainsbury's roundabout. The Club is the last building on the left side of the road, just before Meanwhile Gardens.

The building would be suitable for continued use/owner occupation/conversion or redevelopment (STPP).

Planning permission has been granted subject to a S.106 for the conversion of the existing building into a ground floor gallery & 3 residential dwellings (1x1 bed Apt, 1x2 bed apt & 1x4 bed hse)

GIA 8,397sq.ft

S.106 contribution approximately £3,000

The seller is seeking OIEO £3,000,000

Cobden Club West London Residential and Commercial Property for Sale

Student Accommodation Property Investment; Do your Research

2011-09-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

Landlords hoping to invest in student accommodation in London have been offered advice on where to look.

David Lawrenson, property letting expert and owner of LettingFocus.com, pointed out that student letting is a sub-set of the market and has unique features.

"It's a good time to be a student landlord on the whole. One of the key things to look out for on the student market [is that] you have got to get the kind of property that is in demand for students," he noted.

"[It has got to be] in the right area and it has got to be [at] the right time as well because students only look at certain times of year - and that varies by university."

While the majority of first-year students will have been assigned university accommodation by this point, there will still be a number of older students looking to find property to rent in London and in their own university towns.

"One of the key things to be careful of with student lets is that with rising fees coming in, you have to look at the level of demand coming in for that particular education institution where you are buying, because some places are in less demand than others," Mr Lawrenson posited.

"With introduction of fees for students and the increase in cost of university [it] has focused minds a bit more about which university to go to, so look at the level of demand coming through for that particular university."

This may not be the same level of demand that landlords were expecting, but it helps to know the limitations of the local rental market.

Another thing to look out for, according to the expert, is that large companies do not come into an area and build university accommodation blocks that "soak up" most of the student demand.

"If you're not careful you could end up in an area which becomes oversupplied," Mr Lawrenson warned.

His advice came after research from Lloyds TSB revealed the average house price in new university towns has risen by 70 per cent since 2001.

London Property to Rent

Middlesex Property With Planning For Sale, Stanmore, North London

2011-09-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Jubilee Line Property With Planning for 5 Bed Home

Stanmore
Glanleam Road
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7

Net Saleable: 4000 sq/ft*

£ 1,150,000
Freehold

Glanleam Road can be found in the North London suburb of Stanmore. The property is located on a private road moments from a superb range of shops, cafe's and bars in Stanmore.

Local transport links are available nearby from Stanmore Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Planning consent has been granted for the demolition of the existing bungalow and for the construction of single family dwelling.

The scheme comprises 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms circa 4,000 sq ft.

The property will also benefit from a carriage driveway and large south facing rear garden.

Middlesex Property and Land For Redevelopment

Basingstoke Freehold Property for Sale

2011-09-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Property With Planning for Sale in Basingstoke

Darwell House
Essex Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21

NIA: 7299 sq/ft*

£ 2,100,000
Freehold

This exclusive development is located close to the mailine railway station and Basingstoke Town centre.

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a side extension, construction of a second floor and minor alterations to existing building to form 14 no flats with associated parking and landscaping (7 x 1 beds & 7 x 2 beds)

All the flats benefit from large lounges, fully fitted luxury kitchens with dining area, good sized bedrooms, bathroom and storage cupboards.

All 14 flats are let on an AST basis @ £125,000 p.a.

Hampshire Property for Sale, Basingstoke

Streatham Freehold Property for Sale, Lambeth, South London

2011-09-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

Streatham Investment Property For Sale, Lambeth

Gleneldon Road
Streatham
London
SW16

NIA: 11198 sq/ft*

£ 2,600,000
Freehold

Gleneldon Road is located in Streatham in the London Borough of Lambeth. The subject property is situated on the south side of Gleneldon Road and is bounded by residential units on Gleneldon Road to the north and east, by gardens and thereafter residential units to the south, and by Bournevale Road to the west.

The property is easily accessible via public transport. There are a number of bus routes operating on Streatham High Road (A23) and Tooting Bec Road (A214) providing access to the surrounding areas and Central London.

Streatham Railway Station is located approximately 0.26 miles to the south on Streatham High Road (A23), which provides services to London Victoria and London Waterloo. Tooting Bec Underground Station (Northern line) is approximately 1.4 miles to the north west of the subject property. The immediate area is primarily residential and benefits from a range of independent shops, bars and restaurants.

The properties comprise four semi detached Edwardian houses that have been broken up into 30 flats (22 x studios, 7 x 1 beds & 1 x 2 bed) on an assortment of tenancies (1 x Regulated, 1 x assured, 28 x ASTs)

The buildings benefit from a large rear gardens and off street parking.

Rents average £109 pw, Current Local Housing Allowance Rates are £184.62 pw for studios and 1 bedroom apartments and £230.77 pw for 2 bedroom apartments.

Current Income £171k pa Potential ERV £277k pa
Potential Break-up value circa £3.6m

NIA 11,198sq.ft and GEA 13,815sq.ft

All offers should be exclusive of any VAT which may be charged on the purchase price.

Lambeth HMO Investment Property For Sale

Investment Finance News: Landlords 'should be optimistic' about buy to let opportunities

2011-09-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

Landlords with property to rent in London and other parts of the UK are increasingly turning their thoughts to expanding their portfolios, an independent property industry expert has said.

Malcolm Harrison commented that many landlords are right to be optimistic about their buy to let prospects, as the rental market will "remain very tight" until there is more housing stock and a wider range of UK mortgage offers for first time buyers.

"There is no house building, there is a shortage of decent housing in many areas and you can't get a mortgage, so quite a lot of people are going to be very dependent on buy to let investors," he pointed out.

"I think [landlords] are right to be cautiously optimistic anyway because we don't know what is happening with the overall economy yet."

Mr Harrison's comments come after LSL Property Services published research showing half (49 per cent) of landlords think now is a good time to invest in their portfolios, with 86 per cent are planning to do just that in the next few months.

Investment Finance News

Birchington Development Opportunity for Sale

2011-09-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

Property With Planning for Conversion

Birchington
The Square
Birchington
Kent
CT7

Net Saleable: 4879 sq/ft*

£ 340,000

Birchington is a quiet popular Town located on the Kent North Coast. This development opportunity is situated at the rear of 8-10 Birchington Square and is a few minutes walk to the local shops, bus routes, railway station and local amenities.

Full planning permission has been granted for the conversion of existing outbuildings into 2 residetial dwellings and the erection of 4 new build houses.

All 6 houses will benefit from 2 bedrooms and off-street parking.

Net saleable approximately 4,879sq.ft

Kent Investment Property for Sale

London Retail Landlords Are Better Off

2011-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Landlords who have retail property in London are likely to be better off than their counterparts in town centres.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company, explained that landlords are finding it tougher to let their town centre retail spaces for a number of reasons.
He explained: "There are lots of aspects about town centres which make it much harder [to let].

"There are a number of dynamics, and those dynamics vary depending on where you are in the country and the type of shop and population that you are serving."
Mr Hopkinson added that infrastructure issues, such as parking and the size of the retail space, are causing problems for landlords.

He claims many retailers want a space that has ease of access and parking that supports their business.

However, landlords who have retail property in London may not need to be too concerned, as Iain Smith, spokesman for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recently said that London is the "best business city in the world".

London Commercial Property News

Central London Investment Property For Sale In Bloomsbury

2011-09-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Bloomsbury Investment Property for Sale

King's Mews
London
Greater London
WC1N

GIA: 10512 sq/ft*

£ 5,650,000
Freehold

The buildings are situated on the eastern side of Kings Mews and can be accessed from Theobalds Road or Northington Street.

The property is located in Bloomsbury in the London Borough of Camden. Chancery Lane Underground station is approximately 350 metres to the south of the property on the corner of High Holborn and Grays Inn Road.

The site comprises a row of 6 freehold buildings. It is our clients wish to retain 2 of the units (preferably 25-26) The Kings Mews buildings are an assortment of low rise commercial buildings with one residential flat across the top floor of numbers 29 and 30.

The buildings for sale form part of a larger consented scheme for residential development. The buildings are now being sold separately and accordingly any prospective purchaser will need to make a separate planning application.

However, given than Camden Council granted a residential consent over the larger property, it could be argued that the principle of residential use for these properties has been established.

Having regard to the size of the buildings and plots for sale, there is potential for the development of mews houses in place of the buildings (subject to all necessary consents).

Individual buildings or parcels can be purchased.

There is an opportunity to develop the buildings on Kings Mews into mews style houses, subject to all necessary consents.

Investment Property in Bloomsbury

London Properties For Sale

2011-08-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Browse our listings of leisure, offices, retail, industrial, healthcare, student & commercial property investment opportunities for sale in London

Property in South East England

2011-08-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Browse our listings of leisure, offices, retail, industrial, healthcare, student & commercial property investment opportunities for sale in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex

UK Pubs; Change of Use and Planning

2011-08-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

Redeveloping Commercial property to meet the demands of the UK’s property deficit is a highly cyclical and risky business and finding the perfect property for development does not happen by chance. The ability to determine your property investment needs, identify problem areas and ask the right questions can be the difference between profit and loss.

Over the last few years more and more people are choosing to convert former public houses into private residential dwellings. The traditional British pub is currently under threat as never before. A combination of factors has led to more and more pub owners shutting down pubs and seeking to convert the buildings to other uses; Footfall in all pubs has gone down two-thirds in the last twenty years, and there just isn't the demand that there used to be. Beer sales are falling by 20pc year on year and pubs are closing at the rate of 5 a day. The price of freehold pubs continues to fall, as breweries, pub chains and pub companies offload unprofitable, struggling, run down or vacant pubs.

But finding the ideal pub site to redevelop is not always that simple. There are issues with finding finance for the purchase of a commercial building, VAT to be considered but perhaps most important are the issues of change of use and planning.

Paramount Investments specialise in the sale of licensed and commercial properties and Sales Director, Steve Oliver has been selling pubs, wine bars, hotels and restaurants for the last 8 years;

" Some of our commercial properties already have planning permission for redevelopment. Pubs have a flexible A4 planning ‘business use class’ that normally can be changed to A1 use (say, for a newsagents), A2 (a delicatessen or a firm of solicitors or architects) or A3 (restaurants). And if you buy a property with planning permission, you can get on with your property development, modernisation or refurbishment project straight away."

Lincoln Pub and Development Land for Sale

2011-08-07T01:51:00.000-07:00

Former public house/development land for sale with full vacant possession.

Joiners Arms
Victoria Street
West Parade, Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN1

Ground floor footplate: 1524 sq/ft*

£ 125,000 + VAT
Freehold

Unconditional offers are invited for our clients unencumbered interest.

Approx gross site area: 1,741 sq ft*

The property represents excellent value for continued licensed use / owner occupation. There is also enormous potential for redevelopment (residential / commercial / mixed use) subject to gaining the appropriate Local Authority consents.

The existing use class of the property is A4 'Drinking Establishments'. Planning consent is not required to change the current use to A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional services) or A3 (restaurants and cafes).

Rateable Value: £3,850

Joiners Arms Pub for Sale, Lincoln

Hotel for Sale, Mansfield Derbyshire

2011-08-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

Derbyshire Hotel for Sale

Stanton Hotel
New Houghton
Mansfield
Derbyshire
NG19

Gross Site Area: 9708 sq/ft*

£ 250,000 + VAT

Freehold Hotel For Sale, Mansfield, Derbyshire

Gloucestershire Pub For Sale

2011-07-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Property investors looking for pubs for sale might be interested to hear that the Fox & Elm in Tuffley, Gloucester, is on the market for £29,950 leasehold.The Citizen reported that the premises include gardens, a three-bedroom flat and a dining room, with rent set at £16,000 for the next two years.

A skittle alley, children's play area and large car park are also part of the pub, which was last refurbished in 2004.It also has 14 years left on a renewable Marstons Inns lease, while prospective investors might be pleased to hear that it turned over £180,000 in the last financial year.

Councillor Gerald Dee told the newspaper that it is hard for the pub to compete with cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets.

"I would like to see it continue as a successful pub but I am not sure if it could unless they started serving food," he added.

The Campaign for Real Ale noted that the site has hosted a pub for at least 60 years, having been known as the New Inn, the Blinking Owl and Fox & Elm over time.

UK Pub Sales News

Guide to Buying Properties at Auctions

2011-07-12T01:52:00.000-07:00

If you've set your mind on buying properties at auction, properties are usually advertised for three or four weeks before the auction day, during which time you can inspect them.

This is the time to do your homework and importantly make sure it's suitable. If you decide to take the plunge, let the auction house know you're interested, so it can keep you informed of developments. Some pubs are sold prior to the auction.

This is also the time to have the pub surveyed; Legal documents are usually available to download from the property auctioneer's website which you should get your solicitors to look through, however you don't need your solicitor to attend the auction.

Follow the links for more info on Guide to Buying Properties at Auctions

Downham Market Pub for Sale, Norfolk

2011-07-07T01:08:00.000-07:00

Norfolk Pub with Land for Sale

Jolly Farmers
Feltwell Road
Southery, Downham Market
Norfolk
PE38

Gross Site Area: 42112 sq/ft*

£ 210,000 + VAT

Jolly Farmers Freehold Pub for Sale, Downham Market

Bloomberg Analysts Warns U.K. Retail Demergers Should Await Consumer Return

2011-07-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

First-quarter sales at Costa Coffee surged 23 percent, Whitbread said last week, while sales at its budget hotel chain Premier Inn rose 8.1 percent. The company plans to double the size of Costa Coffee to 3,500 stores worldwide over the next five years.

“Nothing is likely in the near term,” Ellis said June 23. “It isn’t the easiest market environment to sell into at the minute, with ongoing consumer pressures. They would be better to hold off. It is now at the stage where a lot of investment in overseas markets is starting to bear fruit.”

The planned demerger of Punch Taverns Plc (PUB) this year to separate its leased pub division from Spirit, the faster-growing managed pub estate that includes Chef & Brewer, is unlikely to create shareholder value as weak consumer spending hurts leased outlets, say analysts.

“My valuation is 70 pence for Spirit and five pence for the Punch part of it,” Paul Hickman, an analyst at Peel Hunt, said in a phone interview on June 23. “It is fairly valued at the moment. The demerger is the delayed result of a company hitting the recession with too many pubs and too much debt. While trading is quite difficult, what they are doing is appropriate.”

Punch climbed 1.9 percent to close at 71.35 pence a share in London trading on June 24.

Punch Taverns is making “good progress” with its demerger the company said on June 8. The demerger needs the approval of bondholders.

Save the Pub Group; Planning law changes ‘won’t save pubs’

2011-07-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

Morning Advertiser reports that protecting pubs through changes to planning law is “not deliverable”, community pubs minister Bob Neill has warned campaigners.

However, he has promised to look at a “mixture” of ways to improve protection of pubs and boost the chances of communities taking over assets where they are both viable and valued.

The All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, in conjunction with the Campaign for Real Ale, had issued Neill with a Charter for Protecting Pubs in England.

The charter calls for an end to the “scandal” of closing profitable pubs against the wishes of the community. It wants changes to the planning system to ensure pubs can’t be demolished or undergo change of use without planning permission.

It also wants to ensure a guarantee that a pub will not be lost where there is a viable bid to buy it and to continue running it as a pub.
Neill warned the Save the Pub Group that he could not deliver protection for every single pub.

“I don’t think it is deliverable — and certainly not through the planning system, as it deals with the regulation of land use. If you are regulating a certain type of business use, that is not deliverable.”

He added: “You can’t use the planning system to alter the shape of the market.”

Stonegate Pub Company and Town & City Pub Company Merger

2011-07-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

Stonegate Pub Company and Town & City Pub Company have merged to form the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK, with a combined portfolio of 560 pubs and revenues approaching half a billion pounds, reports Property Week.

The merger is the first significant transaction for Stonegate since it was formed by private equity firm TDR Capital to acquire pubs from Mitchells & Butlers in November 2010.

The merged entity will be called Stonegate Pub Company, with TDR Capital as the majority owner.

In 1998 TDR Capital were the original backers of Punch Taverns, orchestrating the acquisition of an estate of 1,428 pubs from Bass and the first tied pub securitisation. In 2003 TDR Capital acquired PizzaExpress, combining it with ASK in 2004 to create the Gondola Group, a leading casual dining group with over 500 restaurants across the UK.

“The UK pub industry continues to undergo significant change. This merger further strengthens our platform and positions us to be leaders in this shake-up.”

Great British Beer Festival 2011

2011-07-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

The Great British Beer Festival at Earls Court, Britain's biggest beer festival, once again brings together a wide range of real ales, ciders, perries and international beers.

There's plenty to occupy you at the festival, you can play on some traditional pub games, enjoy live music, sample some food, including good traditional pub snacks, and also attend tutored beer tastings.

Britain's biggest beer festival 2-6 August 2011 Earls Court, London

Market Drayton Pub for Sale

2011-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Shropshire Pub for Sale

Squirrel
Wollerton
Market Drayton
Shropshire
TF9

Gross Site Area: 18387 sq/ft*

£ 175,000 + VAT
Freehold

Squirrel Pub for Sale, Market Drayton Shropshire

Wi-Fi in Pubs Would Attract More Customers Reports Big Hospitality

2011-06-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

A survey of customers in some of the largest pub chains around the UK has found that a decent Wi-Fi connection would encourage punters to visit more often.

Preliminary results from a Him! Research’s OnTrack 2011 report reveal that 6 per cent of pub customers say they’d be more frequent customers in a pub if they could log on to the internet there.

The report was prepared following interviews with 2,700 pub customers conducted earlier this month at Greene King, JDW/Lloyds Average, JD Wetherspoon, Lloyds, Shepherd Neame, Vintage Inns, Marston's, Punch, and Independent Pubs.

“Other foodservice outlets are increasingly offering this footfall driving service, which has already become an expectation in some parts of the world,” said Him!

“For example, Pizza Express e-mailed its customer database this week to let them know about their improved Wi-Fi service."

Another survey published in 2008 revealed similar results. Conducted by T-Mobile, the survey had found that almost half of British consumers want to be able to use the internet wherever they go, and they list pubs as one of the top locations they would like to surf the web.

Pubs, Planners & Planning Permission

2011-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Paramount Investments specialise in the sale of licensed and commercial properties and Sales Director, Steve Oliver has been selling pubs, wine bars, hotels and restaurants for the last 8 years.

"Planners believe a pub is as essential to village life as a shop or post office. The loss of pubs, whether in rural or urban areas, can undermine the local economy and community. Although not impossible it will be harder to get planning permission for changing the use if it's the last pub in the village as planners like to have a least one pub in the area. Your local planning authority will be able to give you their opinion on the feasibility of your plans and if a similar property has already been converted, then this will help your own planning application."

Follow the link for more on Planners & Planning Permission

Bradford-on-Avon Pub for Sale, Wiltshire

2011-06-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Wiltshire Pub for Sale

Beef & Barge
Widbrook
Bradford-on-Avon
Wiltshire
BA15

Gross Site Area: 1 acres*

£ 575,000 + VAT
Freehold

Beef and Barge Pub for Sale, Bradford-on-Avon

Birmingham Pub for Sale, West Midlands

2011-06-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

West Midlands Pub for Sale

Lickey Banker
Ormond Road, Rubery
Birmingham
West Midlands
B45

Gross Site Area: 28291 sq/ft*

£ 400,000 + VAT
Freehold

Public house/development land for sale with full vacant possession. Unconditional offers are invited for our clients unencumbered interest.

The property represents excellent value for continued licensed use / owner occupation. There is also enormous potential for redevelopment (residential / commercial / mixed use) subject to gaining the appropriate Local Authority consents.

Lickey Banker Pub for Sale, Birmingham, West Midlands

Wales Pub News; Flat Holm Island Pub Opens.

2011-06-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

The Gull and Leek, one of the most unusual pubs in Wales, has opened, reports the BBC. But, as Andy Gourlay found, a visit requires some planning, because it is on the nature reserve island of Flat Holm.

On the face of it, it's not the most promising site for a new pub.

In the middle of nowhere, you can't park and the locals are a noisy bunch intent on pinching your sandwiches.

But despite all that, the Gull and Leek, the new pub on the nature reserve at Flat Holm island is sure to be a hit with visitors who do manage to drop in.

Unless you happen to own a boat, there's no nipping over for a quick pint as a trip there takes a bit of forward planning.

Blackpool Pub Change of Use Planning for Conversion to Officess

2011-06-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

Plans have been submitted to convert a legendary Blackpool pub into offices, reports the Blackpool Gazette.

The Oxford, in Oxford Square, Marton, had been a mainstay on the resort’s social scene for years but, after closing its doors a few years ago, saw a number of failed attempts to resurrect the business.

Now, following the purchase of the pub at auction for £120,000, plans have been lodged to convert the building into office premises.

They include the demolition of a rear storage building to form a car park, cycle and bin area, a first-floor extension to the side and rear, installing new windows and creating a new entrance feature.

The move flies in the face of a desperate plea from Blackpool landlords to re-open the building, as a pub.

The venue was famed in the past as a live music venue, with landlords having to work extra hard to attract customers due to a lack of parking spaces in the area.

UK Pub Grub News; Pies For Pubs

2011-06-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Pies for Pubs scheme aims to help non-food pubs start up a “quick, easy and profitable” pie service. The pie cabinets are designed to sit on the bar top and fresh pies and pasties will be delivered from 10 depots to anywhere in England or Wales with no minimum delivery.

Peter’s has signed a trading agreement with Punch Taverns.
“Peter’s has a great product and an excellent support package with many added benefits,” said Allan Todd, catering development manager for Punch Taverns. “I see remarkable potential with so many of our businesses and am thrilled that we’ve have reached this agreement.”

In South Wales where the scheme was piloted, several pubs are selling around 300 pies a months, enabling them to add £4-5,000 to their incomings. Peter’s recommends selling the pies for £1.99 each, which would result in 40% GP. In autumn the company plans to achieve 50% GP on each product. Peter’s provides marketing support to participating pubs.

Huddersfield Pub for Sale, Pub for Sale West Yorkshire

2011-06-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Freehold Pub for Sale, Huddersfield

Armitage Arms
Morley Lane
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD3

Ground floor footplate: 1535 sq/ft*

£ 175,000 + VAT

Former public house for sale with full vacant possession.

Also included in the sale is a commercial unit next door on Market Street. Currently trading as a Barbers on an unlicensed premises lease until 2015 @ an approximate rent of £3,100 pa. (We await confirmation from the vendor on this information, so please contact the investments team for further information - 0207 644 2333)

Approx ground floor area of Pub: 1,535 sq ft*
Approx ground floor area of the Barbers: 442 sqft*

The property is located in a mixed retail/commercial area, approx 2.5 miles from Huddersfield town centre.

Trading area comprises main bar and games room. There is an unused meeting room on the first floor and a further 3 bedroom owners accommodation to the upper parts.
There is a small rear yard and a garage on the site.
Unconditional offers are invited for our clients unencumbered interest.

Armitage Arms Public House For Sale, Huddersfield

People over 65 should drink less

2011-06-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Recommended safe limits for drinking alcohol by older people should be drastically cut, according to a reported by the BBC.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says people over 65 should drink a maximum of only 1.5 units of alcohol a day.

That is the equivalent of just over about half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine.

The report says older drinkers are less able to process alcohol and the drink might also interact with medication they may be taking for other ailments.

It warns current advice - 14 units of alcohol for women and 21 for men each week - is based on work with young adults.

A group of experts from the Royal College of Psychiatrists says there is a growing problem with substance abuse among older people, who they describe as society's "invisible addicts".

The report says a third those who experience problems with alcohol abuse do so later on in life, often as a result of big changes like retirement, bereavement or feelings of boredom, loneliness and depression.

Heineken, Independent offer free Wi-Fi news

2011-06-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

Heineken, Independent offer free Wi-Fi news

Fuller, Smith & Turner Question Capital Pub Rejection

2011-06-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Brewer and pub operator Fuller, Smith & Turner has responded to the rejection of their offer of 220p per share by Capital Pub's shareholders.

Fuller’s questioned the group’s growth strategy in the statement. “It has taken Capital over 10 years to grow its estate to 34 pubs and Fuller’s believes that the strategy to grow the estate by a further 11 to 16 pubs (which represents a 32 to 47% increase in the estate) over the next two years has considerable risks associated with its execution which could dilute the overall quality and attractiveness of the estate and which could have a negative impact on valuation over time.”

"Fuller's believes that the announcement yesterday of the acquisition of The Priory, a smaller leasehold site, reaffirms its concerns that in seeking to acquire sites quickly, Capital risks compromising the overall quality of its estate and diluting the freehold/leasehold mix."

UK Pubs and Restaurants Report Post-Bank Holiday Slump

2011-06-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

Spending on eating and drinking out-of-home flattened out in May, with a slight 0.3% decline in like-for-like sales - in contrast to a 3.8% uplift in the holiday month of April, according to latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data. But the sector still outperformed retail sales.

Figures from the Tracker, which monitors sales performance across 22 major pub and restaurant operators, also showed total sales growth slowing among the sample – up just 1.7% on the same month last year, compared with a 6.2% increase in April. Month on month May was down -6.1% on April.

However, eating and drinking-out still held up better than retail. According to the British Retail Consortium / KPMG Retail Sales Monitor UK retail sales were 2.1% lower on a like-for-like basis in May, with total sales down 0.3%.

“Poorer weather after the hot spell and what looks like a post-Easter and Royal Wedding hangover among consumers will have played their part,” said Peter Martin of Peach Factory, the market consultancy which produces the sector Tracker in partnership with KPMG, UBS and the Coffer Group. “Nevertheless, the negative dip is disappointing as it marks the first month this year which as seen a fall in eating and drinking out sales, albeit a marginal one.”

“The good news is that if eating and drinking out are a better barometer of consumer confidence than retail, then the country is perhaps in better spirits than many think. Despite reports to the contrary, people are still going out,” he added.

Stoke on Trent Commercial Property for Sale

2011-06-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Staffordshire Property for Sale

New Hall Street
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1

Gross Site Area: 7459 sq/ft*

£ 400,000 Freehold

Part single storey and part three storey commercial building sitting on a gross site of over 7,400 sq.ft.

The property is superbly situated in Hanley town Centre opposite a Tesco store and within immediate proximity of the Potteries Shopping Centre.

There is enormous potential for redevelopment with planning consent already in place for over 9,500 sq.ft of retail and 27 flats (13 x 1-beds, 13 x 2-beds and 1 x 3-bed).

There are also other angles with the site which might also include a 70-90 bed hotel.

Site assembly may also be possible with the site forming a strategic piece of the pie in a larger local regeneration project.

Please let us know should you have any queries or wish to arrange a viewing.

Commercial Property for Sale

Leeds Tetley's Brewery Closure-170 Jobs Lost

2011-06-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Tetley's brewery has finally closed after almost 200 years as a landmark on the southern approaches of Leeds.

The closure of the brewery that has been on the same site since 1822 means the loss of 170 jobs.

Although various campaigns criticised the closure, announced in 2008, they have had no impact on the decision.

Local beer writer Barrie Pepper said: "I'm shattered. It's been an integral part of the city playing its part in civic life in so many ways."

Parent company Carlsberg announced the closure in in 2008.

It claimed the beer market faced the "perfect storm of falling consumption, increasing costs and rising tax".

Tetley's is one of Leeds' oldest companies and the city has a long history of brewing.

At the time of World War I there were about 20 breweries in Leeds.

UK Pub Sales News: Travelodge to target former pubs for sale

2011-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Budget hotel chain Travelodge will be seeking former pubs for sale in order to expand its operations by 100 new small hotels.

The company unveiled plans to develop Metro accommodation, which would see smaller sites containing between 20 and 40 rooms each being launched in prime locations.
Office space in London is one area Travelodge is looking to develop into hotels, along with old pubs, derelict cinemas and theatres, disused business parks and retail outlets.

Guy Parsons, chief executive of the chain, commented that a pilot scheme in Edinburgh showed how successful the Metro model could be.

"Downsizing our hotel building requirements will open hundreds of development opportunities for us. This will enable us to expand quickly and meet the growing demands from consumers who want low cost and good quality accommodation in prime locations," he added.

Meanwhile, Travelodge has also announced plans to link up with pub companies, including Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers and JD Wetherspoon, as part of a £100 million expansion project.

UK Pub Sales News

Welsh Pubco Puts Seven Pubs on Market

2011-06-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Welsh pub operator SA Brain & Co Ltd has put seven pubs from its portfolio onto the market.

The brewer and pub operator has already disposed of eight of its tenanted pubs between 2009 and 2010, and is now marketing the freeholds of seven more, according to the Morning Advertiser.

Amongst the closed pubs up for sale include the Cardiff Arms in Splott, which has a price tag of £255,000; the Mitre Inn in Canton, with a price tag of £195,000; the Talbot in Pwll, Llanelli, Dyfed - £150,000 - and the White Horse in Llanelli, Dyfed - £165,000.

The other SA Brain pubs currently being marketed for sale by commercial letting agents Sidney Phillips include Bar Charlie in Haverfordwest, Dyfed - for £115,000; the Mardy Hotel in Gorseinon, West Glamorgan - £255,000 - and the Sawyers Arms in Maesteg, Mid Glamorgan, on the market for £165,000.

Chief executive of SA Brain, Scott Waddington, had previously said that the company was 'cautious' about 2011 trading prospects, and that it would 'continue to focus on controlling costs within the business.'

The pub operator's profit after tax fell from £6.4 million in 2009 to just £1.5 million last year, but this was partly due to the sale of its free-trade division to Heineken in 2009, which pushed up profits.

Licensed property news: Localism Bill 'could affect pub sales'

2011-06-14T02:49:00.000-07:00

People thinking of buying a pub might be interested to hear that the government's Localism Bill could affect the way purchases are made.

The British Beer & Pub Association has called for changes to be made to the community right to buy proposals under the legislation, as in their current form the organisation fears pub sales could be hindered.

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the association, commented: "We want to see as many pubs stay open as possible - and community right to buy definitely has a role to play in keeping community pubs open. But many pubs are successfully bought and sold every day, and thrive under their new ownership."

He said the organisation would like to see the transfer of ownership process remain free of costly delays but retain the benefits and safeguards of the community right to buy proposals.

Meanwhile, director of strategies at the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Kate Nicholls told the Morning Advertiser that her organisation has raised concerns about assignment of leases.

Licensed Property News

Primrose Hill Pub Fights Mitchells ans Butler Take Over

2011-06-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Morning Advertiser reports that a number of celebrities have thrown their weight behind the licensees of a popular Primrose Hill pub, after Mitchells & Butlers announced it would be taking back the premises as a managed house.

The Engineer was taken over in 1994 by Tamsin Olivier and Abigail Osborne, who invested £70,000 to refurbish the premises and transform it into a popular London gastropub. The pub is now taking in excess of £30,000 a week, up from £2,000 a week when the licensees took over.

However, the future of the pub has now been thrown into doubt as landlord Mitchells & Butlers served notice with intent to take occupation and possession in October, at the end of the lease.

Comedian and Engineer regular Harry Enfield has joined forces with local businesswoman Jane Robbins, along with other locals and celebrities including comedians Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong, to launch the campaign ‘Engineered Out’.

Robbins told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser: “Primrose Hill is about free-thinking individual businesses and we managed to keep Starbucks out, so hopefully we can do the same to Mitchells & Butlers.”

JD Wetherspoon Opens New Pubs in Dorset

2011-06-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

New pub jobs are to be created in Dorset after JD Wetherspoon was granted permission to open a new venue in Wimborne, reports Caterer.com

The pub chain applied to East Dorset District Council to open a pub on the site of the former Old Conservative Club in West Borough and was given the nod by district planners, the Bournemouth Echo reports.

In addition, the chain's proposals for closing times - 00:30 BST from Sunday to Wednesday and 01:30 from Thursday to Saturday - were also given the green light.

The pub will be allowed to serve late-night refreshments and alcohol until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 01:00 from Thursday to Saturday, the newspaper noted.

It comes after plans to build a new venue in the Dorset seaside town of Weymouth were approved, which could create many hotel jobs in the area.

The multi-million pound proposals for the site on Mercery Road include a hotel, an office building, supermarket, petrol station and car park, View Online reports.

Chesterfield Pub for Sale

2011-06-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

Derbyshire Pub for Sale

Local Heroes (Yellow Lion)
Saltergate
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S40

Ground floor footplate: 1795 sq/ft*

£ 200,000 + VAT
Freehold

Public house for sale with full vacant possession. A small part of the property is Grade II listed.

Unconditional offers are invited for our clients unencumbered interest.

The property represents excellent value for continued licensed use / owner occupation. There is also enormous potential for redevelopment (residential / commercial / mixed use) subject to gaining the appropriate Local Authority consents.

Local Heroes Pub for Sale, Chesterfield

Pub Owners and Workers Beware; Protecting Your Business from Anti-Social Media

2011-06-09T02:08:00.000-07:00

Employers may be aware of a recent case in which an Employment Tribunal found that JD Wetherspoons plc had fairly dismissed a pub manager for gross misconduct when she made damaging comments about customers on Facebook. Ms Preece was subjected to abusive behaviour by the customers, whom she asked to leave.

She was then subjected to 3 abusive phonecalls, apparently from the customers' daughter, using very insulting language. Having dealt with these situations professionally, Ms Preece began to complain and swear about the customers by name on Facebook while she was working, although she did not mention the name of her employers or the pub.

In an age where many younger (and indeed not so young) employees stay in constant contact with friends through social media, what can or should employers be doing to avoid damage to reputation and disciplinary issues concerning ill-chosen online quips?

Lexology

Gloucester Pub for Sale

2011-06-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

Gloucestershire Pub for Sale

Coach & Horses
St. Catherine Street
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1

Gross Site Area: 8669 sq/ft*

£ 270,000
Freehold

Public house/development land for sale subject to an occupational tenancy until Sept 2012 @ a current rent of £8,505 pa.

Approx ground floor area: 3,214 sq ft* (pub only)

The property is located on the edge of the city centre close to Gloucester's Kingsholm Rugby ground and is in a mixed residential and commercial area, close to several business parks. There is a gated entrance to staff parking and trade garden at the rear.

It is a 2 storey end-of-terrace building and is a Grade II listed former coaching inn with white washed rendered elevations and also has later extensions which are brick built and used currently for storage.

The bar area is divided into three sections and is of open plan style. The accommodation comprises of a 1 bedroom self-contained flat and a 4 bedroom first floor flat.

Coach and Horses Pub for Sale, Gloucester

Oxford Pub Reopens

2011-06-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

Five pubs may be closing in the UK every day, but two pubs in Jericho are hoping to buck the trend this year.

The Old Bookbinders Arms in Victor Street, judged Oxford’s best pub by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) three years ago, closed its doors in Jericho on Friday. But just down the road, a couple from London are looking forward to opening their doors to the public next Monday.

The Harcourt Arms in Cranham Terrace closed last week when previous owner John Jackson retired due to ill health.

Now Paula Finch, 34, and Xavier Bouhayed, 36, are hoping to revive its fortunes, while drinkers are returning to the former Radcliffe Arms, now the Rickety Press.

Miss Finch said: “We have been looking for a pub to run for over a year and we fell in love with this area. We think the pub has got massive potential.

“The old boozer is perhaps not a profitable business anymore, but the model of pub coming out of London, like the gastro-pub, are.”

Jericho once boasted 24 pubs, but the only remaining ones are the Harcourt Arms and The Rickety Press, the Jericho Tavern in Walton Street, Jude the Obscure in Walton Street and the Victoria Arms in Walton Street.

Stoke On Trent Pub for Sale

2011-06-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

Staffordshire Pub for Sale, Stoke On Trent

Jester
Biddulph Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST6

Gross Site Area: 24903 sq/ft*

£ 325,000 + VAT
Freehold

Jester Pub for Sale, Stoke On Trent

London Olympic Planning Night-Time only Deliveries

2011-06-05T01:01:00.000-07:00

The Morning Advertiser Reports that concern has been raised as Transport for London (TfL) unveiled plans to bring in night-time deliveries as a “key” part of its strategy to deal with the demand on the transport network during the 2012 event.

British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds demanded that TfL and London boroughs move quickly to make decisions to allow the trade to plan. She said: “This is a big logistical challenge, with hundreds of central London pubs, and many more around the other Olympic venues, directly affected.

“Night-time deliveries will have a big impact on all the pubs affected, with staff needed on site at night to receive goods. Though beer delivery is the biggest challenge, this isn’t just about beer, as pubs receive a wide range of supplies.

“Transport for London and the boroughs need to move things forward quickly, so brewers, distributors and pubs can work together to overcome the bottlenecks.”

London's South Bank Pubs And Restaurants Given £4 Million Boost

2011-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

London’s South Bank will undergo a £4m makeover to make it more easily accessible to visitors in time for the Olympics, with the works due to benefit the area’s restaurants, cafes and bars.

Accessibility will be improved accross a two-mile stretch of the Thames riverside
The development work is part of a larger project by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to improve access to some of London’s key attractions, particularly for those who have special accessibility needs.

The £220m Great Outdoors programme aims to improve over 50 of the capital’s public spaces in time for the Olympic Games next year. The measures include redesigned streets, which can be shared by both pedestrians and vehicles, reclaimed derelict green spaces and underused waterways.

Conducted in conjunction with local councils, businesses and residents’ groups, the development work aims to promote use of London’s attractions as well as its restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

CAMRA National Raffle to Save the Great British Pub

2011-06-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

The launch of the raffle comes at a time when 1,300 pubs shut their doors in 2010, causing the loss of more than 13,000 jobs.

The deadline for entering the raffle is Monday September 19th, with the draw taking place a week after on September 26th.

Members and non members who would like to donate to CAMRA's pub campaigning funds directly can also visit CAMRA Donate.

Colin Valentine, CAMRA national chairman, said: "CAMRA has campaigned tirelessly for 40 years to save valued community pubs from closure, and without the dedicated efforts of our members, we feel the issue of pub closures would be even more severe.

"In the face of chronic under investment, problems with UK planning laws, eye watering beer taxation levels, and continued issues with the way large pub companies are operated, we currently experience uncertain times in the pub industry.

"With the launch of this Raffle today, CAMRA is seeking to raise much needed campaigning funds in order to help continue to safeguard the future of community pubs and champion them as invaluable local amenities.

"All proceeds will go towards helping us to act locally through campaigns such as Local Pubs Week, which encourage more people to visit the pub, as well as helping us hammer home the pub closure message to central Government when we lobby politicians."

Campaign for the Amendment of the Smoking Ban

2011-05-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

The smoking ban has had a devastating impact on community pubs throughout Britain, according to campaigners who claim Scotland has lost 7.1% of its pub estate (467 pubs), Wales 7.3% (274), and England 7.6% (4,148).

That's according to the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, which has been set up by MPs from the three main political parties in an effort to change the smoking ban.

Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, Roger Godsiff, Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green, and John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, will host a reception for the Save Our Pubs &
Clubs campaign at the House of Commons on June 29.

The event, which marks the fourth anniversary of the smoking ban in England, will kick start the organisers' plans to lobby MPs for a review of the ban and an amendment to the legislation.

Knight said: "This is a unique opportunity for people to show how strongly they feel on this important issue. A modest change in the law, not a repeal of the smoking ban, is all we seek."

Simon Clark, director of the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, added: "Looking at the dramatic increase in pub closures since the introduction of smoking bans in Scotland, Wales and England, it is clear that the ban has been a big factor in the closure of many pubs and clubs throughout Britain.

"The government must review the ban and consider a change in the law that would allow separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs."

Leasehold Pub for Sale, Denton, Manchester

2011-05-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Denton Pub for Sale, Manchester

Broomhouse
Hyde Road
Denton
Manchester
M34

£ 225,000 + VAT Leasehold

Broomhouse Pub for Sale,Manchester

Fuller, Smith & Turner Unveils 118-year Old Beer

2011-05-26T01:45:00.000-07:00

London’s brewer Fuller’s has once again delved into its rich history of brewing in the capital to produce a second beer in the Past Masters range of historic ales.

Past Masters Double Stout has been brewed by Fuller’s master brewers to a recipe found in the brewbook from August 4, 1893 – just a year after the now world-famous Griffin Brewery name was first trademarked and when Fuller, Smith & Turner was a mere 48 years old.

As with the first Past Masters beer, XX Strong Ale, the Double Stout recipe contains a revived malt variety, Plumage Archer, which had disappeared from brewers books for many years. Fuller’s brewers have worked closely with their maltsters, Simpsons, to recreate the ingredients used by their forefathers as closely as possible.

Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling, said of his new, old beer; “Past Masters Double Stout is a rich, dark brown creamy ale, which balances a rich, fruity aroma with smoky, bittersweet chocolate notes.

“It is 7.4% ABV and, like the XX Strong Ale we made last year, will change character over time – quite how much in another 118 years we’re not sure!

Pubco News; M & B Report Food Sales Overtaking Beer Sales

2011-05-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

Pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers said food sales have overtaken drink for the first time on the back of a strong performance at Harvester and the disposal of 333 pubs which were focused on drink.

But the group warned that soaring food and energy prices will squeeze the business into next year.

M&B, which also owns the All Bar One, Toby Carvery and the Sizzling Pub Co chains, said rising inflation and the uncertainty around household spending in the UK will both pose a challenge

Ellesmere Port Leasehold Pub for Sale

2011-05-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

Cheshire Pub for Sale, Ellesmere Port

Wing Half
Alnwick Drive
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65

Gross Site Area: 13935 sq/ft*

£ 100,000 + VAT
Leasehold

Lease length: Short Leasehold 99 years from 1972 at a current rent of £4,750

Wing Half Pub for Sale, Ellesmere Port

April Pub and Restaurant Sales Up, but Analysts Urge Caution

2011-05-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Holiday fever helped to boost spending on eating and drinking out-of-home in April, with like-for-likes sales figures overall up 3.8% for the month. Figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker also showed total sales, which include the impact of new openings, ahead by 6.2% on the same month last year.

However, the headline figures hide a more complex picture of consumer spending. “While the school holidays had a positive effect, Easter 2011 wasn’t as good as Easter 2010 and while the hot weather helped pubs in particular, it also brought out more home barbecues as a counter-attraction,” said Peter Martin of Peach Factory, which produces the Tracker, which monitors sales performance across 21 major pub and restaurant operators, in partnership with KPMG, UBS and the Coffer Group.

“The extra holiday for the Royal Wedding, Easter being later, how school holidays fell and the sunny weather all played a role, but not always as might have been expected,” said Martin.

“The challenge for pubs and restaurants has been to convince people to go out rather than stay at home and watch the Royal Wedding on their own TV, for example, or enjoy the sun around their own or friends’ barbecues. So to grow sales over the month is good news, with the run up to the Easter weekend particularly strong,” he added.

“Hot weather, as we had this year, generally tends to favour pubs, especially those with outside areas, rather than restaurants. Last year, it rained over Easter and many people went shopping especially to malls, and to inside entertainment like the cinema, benefiting restaurants in those locations. Good weather can be a double-edged sword.”

Barnsley Pub for Sale, South Yorkshire

2011-05-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

South Yorkshire Pub for Sale, Barnsley

Flying Dutchman
Cemetery Road
Jump, Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S74

Gross Site Area: 5764 sq/ft*

£ 130,000 + VAT

Flying Dutchman Pub for Sale Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Wigan Hotel For Sale, Greater Manchester

2011-05-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

Greater Manchester Pub for Sale, Wigan

Bryn Hall Hotel
Bolton Road
Bamfurlong, Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN2

Gross Site Area: 13289 sq/ft*

£ 325,000 + VAT

Bryn Hall Hotel For Sale, Wigan

Manchester Hotel For Sale

2011-05-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

Leasehold Hotel For Sale, Greater Manchester

Eagle Hotel
Greenbrow Road
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M23

Gross Site Area: 15816 sq/ft*

£ 150,000 + VAT
Leasehold

Lease length: Short leasehold expires 2059 @ £120 pa

Eagle Hotel For Sale Manchester

Liverpool Pub for Sale, Merseyside

2011-05-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Merseyside pub for Sale

Lobster
Moss Way
Liverpool
Merseyside
L11

Gross Site Area: 19455 sq/ft*

£ 200,000 + VAT

Lobster Leasehold Pub for Sale, Liverpool

Preston Pub for Sale, Ashton-on-Ribble

2011-05-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Freehold Pub for Sale, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston

Fylde Tavern
Fylde Road
Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston
Lancashire
PR2

Ground floor footplate: 2898 sq/ft*

£ 225,000 + VAT

Fylde Tavern Pub for Sale, Preston, Lancashire

Putney Pub Saved from Closure Wins Nomination for Small Music Venue

2011-05-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

As part of a new campaign to "Keep Live Music Alive" NME is on the hunt to find BRITAIN'S BEST SMALL VENUE - the grass-roots pubs and clubs that are the beating heart of this country's music scene.

The Half Moon Putney was notified by the NME yesterday that they had been shortlisted for the competition along with 4 other venues in the London category.

Carrie Davies, of The Half Moon said:
"This time last year we were still celebrating the fact that The Half Moon didn't close and to be shortlisted for such an award only a year later is incredible. We are so lucky to have such loyal supporters, from our regular customers to the great bands that play here"

The Half Moon is determined to continue to book live music 7 nights a week and prides itself on booking an eclectic mix of bands and artists from 60s Soul Legends to the next big thing.

To cast your vote Voting closes on 10 June 2011

Rochdale Hotel for Sale, Greater Manchester

2011-05-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Greater Manchester Pub for Sale, Rochdale

St Albans Hotel
Manchester Road
Rochdale
Greater Manchester
OL11

Ground floor footplate: 1833 sq/ft*

£ 175,000 + VAT

St Albans Freehold Hotel For Sale, Rochdale

Pubs Raise £110 Million for Charity

2011-05-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Pubs in the UK raise £110m a year for charitable causes, BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) chief executive Neil Robertson revealed at the trade body’s annual lunch, reports the morning advertiser.

The total figure for charitable giving equates to £3,000 per pub. Top charities are: Help for Heroes, air ambulances, cancer charities, lifeboat charities and the Royal British Legion.

The figures have emerged from a survey of pubs by CGA Strategy on behalf of PubAid, which collates figures for donations to charity within the sector.

Robertson said: “Pubs do it not for praise — they do it to show their place at the heart of local communities. Congratulations to all who delivered this.

“Even if the economy stays flat, customers will still spend 9% of their disposable income on eating and drinking out.