A fizz of festive cheer has been launched to homes in Shropshire and borders. Balfours and Tanners Wines annual best dressed Christmas tree competition is now live. To be in with a chance of winning six bottles of Tanners Champagne, all you need to do is upload a photo of your decorated tree to Instagram.

Balfours office manager, Abigail Barker says: “We want to see your creations and entering the competition is a great way to embrace the festive season. Decorating your tree is totally bespoke to every family, with decorations conjuring up special memories for some, while for others it is all about a grand design.

“Over the years we have had some fabulous entries which have captured the attention of our judges,” adds Abigail. To be in with a chance of cracking open Tanners bubbles, share your pictures using #balfoursbestdressed2021, or email your tree photo to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Entries to be received by Wednesday, December 22 latest, and you must be over 18 years old and available for a PR shot featuring your tree. The winner will receive their prize in time for the big celebration.

Police across the UK are warning of an increase in commercial and domestic properties being used to house cannabis grows. Shropshire is not immune. Cannabis “grows” have hit local headlines more than a dozen times in the past year.

These “grow factories” cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to the properties and can pose a serious risk to the public due to the bypassing of the electrical supply. We as agents and you as landlord both have a part to play in staying vigilant.

There are many tell-tale signs of this illegal horticulture. Namely: lots of visitors, often at unsociable ours, excessive security, bright lights on by day and night, conversely, windows covered and blacked out, plus high levels of heat and condensation and suspicious amounts of green plant material discarded. Most of this you could notice without even entering the premises.

Another tell-tale sign is sudden jumps and drops in electricity bills. If in doubt ask for an immediate inspection, if there is no doubt call the police immediately.

Cannabis factories can of course cause landlords’ serious structural issues too, including damaged ceilings and walls, wiring ripped out, floorboards removed, furniture destroyed and water damage. A cannabis farm also increases the risk of fire or explosion.

A landlord being on friendly terms with your property’s local community is a good starting point. You will be helping each other: ensuring the neighbourhood is a safer and more pleasant place to live and the fabric of your property holds good. Jackie Monro FARLA FNAEA Head of Lettings

A home with the most mesmerising views and sounds of water has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Herons Reach so aptly named is perched on the north bank of the River Teme, in one of Ludlow’s finest residential areas. Offering one of those rare opportunities to follow the dream of living at one with the natural elements; with the river, the weir and all natures beauty that flows and ebbs by – a mindful retreat.

The accommodation comprises four bedrooms, two on the ground floor and two on the first floor each with en-suite facilities. There are a total of three reception rooms, while the kitchen and the lounge enjoy those magnificent views to the river encompassing panoramic angles, the lounge to a full 180 degrees.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, comments: “Never could the phrase ‘location, location’ be truer. There are beautiful mature south facing gardens to both sides of the house, plus large terrace and raised decking which are totally at one with the outlook to Casemill Weir. The accommodation would benefit from modernisation, therefore has tremendous scope for the purchaser to put their personal stamp on Herons Reach at their convenience.”

Ground floor includes an entrance porch with link to the integral double garage, hall, plus dining room, utility, inner hall and the large lounge and kitchen. There is a hugely generous landing which could make a wonderful study.

The property is a short walk from the thriving market town of Ludlow and comes with fishing rights. Balfours are marketing Herons Reach with a guide price of £750,000. Call 01584 707100.

A field extending six and a half acres, ideal for equestrian use, including two stables and a tack room is on the market with Balfours.

Located in the heart of the Teme Valley, on the Shropshire, Worcestershire border to the east of Lowbourne, the land has excellent access and road frontage. Scott Kemsley, Balfours Ludlow sales manager says: “The land is in good heart, well fenced and with hard access for a horsebox. Teme Valley is a well-established equestrian area, with good access to both quiet country lanes and bridleways in stunningly beautiful countryside.”

Currently a 1,250-litre water tank, collects the stable roof rainwater, however mains water and electricity is available at the roadside. Offers invited, call Balfours on 01584 707100.

As we draw near to Christmas, we can see that the market is planning for 2022. More vendors are starting to get their ducks in a row, approaching Balfours in preparation for coming to the market next year.

For those who are thinking of moving, there are many plans to negotiate before the Christmas period: Being patient for photographs with a view to launching in Spring 2022; or like a number of our clients, being off market and having a light touch until the weather improves next year. Alternatively, as there is a current lack of stock on the market, coming to the market now to maximise the value and proceed with greater certainty into the New Year.

To be that brave person as my colleague Scott refers to in his article, predictions are that the market next year will be a different one to which we are currently in where the housing stock cupboard is bare.  As people’s lives come back on track, more people are likely to look to sell next year than now.

With this in mind, it could be a good idea to get ahead of the competition and be ready. Indeed, our ultimate message is one Balfours voice: “Vendors keep one step ahead, be prepared.” Charlie Giffard, Country House Sales.

How long will the sellers’ market last? With a budget imminent at the time of writing and Bank of England committee meeting diarised for early November, it would be a brave person who answers that.

What we can say is that the market is currently flying, particularly anything in the countryside with land, up to ten acres. At the top end Newport House, with a £10 million guide, has completed, while a building plot in South Shropshire is under offer at £160,000. Of course every sale is unique, but anyone proceedable is winning the race – and indeed I can vouch for strong runners coming into the county.

This year we have achieved repeat sales on a number of houses, including Orleton House, Trinity House, 25 Bell Lane and we have agreed terms on Sutton Court Farm which is great endorsement of the Balfours sale expertise, market share and presence including our London office, experienced by both vendor and purchaser.

While I can’t tell you how long a sellers’ market will continue – I can tell you those best placed are those that are prepared. A market appraisal on your house this side of Christmas will enable you to action the right moment for you and the market. Scott Kemsley, Ludlow Sales Manager