Competitively priced properties continue to be sought after achieving traction and a good chance of converting into a sale, writes Balfours partner and Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley. Yes, the market has re-adjusted, from the post covid hysteria during 2021 and 2022, where a pent-up market drove values up by 10 to 15 per cent.

This year has seen a re-adjustment to more realistic levels, the recalibration, not only due to a calmer market post covid, but also due to the invasion of Ukraine which has ultimately skyrocketed the cost of living. Oil, gas and wheat the staple diet of the west from both Ukraine and Russia have been impacted exponentially.

Therefore, today’s market is realistic. Homeowners who saw prices in 2021/2 and think their property is still worth those values are not being realistic. What is often forgotten is that if a vendor is selling for 10 to 15 per cent less, there will be an equivalent saving on their subsequent property – which is likely to be worth 10 to 15 per cent less too!

There is a trade-off to be done in what is now a buyers’ market. Those who want to sell, at the right price, have an excellent chance of doing so. Those who hanker after the over-inflated past will quite probably sit on their property until after a general election. And with Ukraine and the Middle East in turmoil, the glass is rather half empty than half full right now. Given the trajectory of the market - the risk is you may be putting your life on hold for too long?

My job is to manage vendors expectations. Some do say the cost-of-living crisis only affects the bottom end of the market. Not so. The bottom end underpins the top-end. Today’s value is what a buyer is prepared to pay and if a £400,000 house is now worth £40,000 less, then a £600,000 house is likely to be a similar per centage less. The truth is something is worth what someone else is prepared to pay at that moment in time.

If you would like a professional and confidential market appraisal, together with analysis of the viability of your next steps in the property market, do give call me on 01584 707100.

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Number Three Bull Farm Cottages is a recently renovated semi-detached, three-bedroom home, located in the Herefordshire countryside 12 miles west of the county town. Letton village is just a quarter of a mile down the road, while Kington is eight miles and Hay on Wye nine miles.

This is a beautifully presented property with fresh open plan living surrounded by woodland and countryside views. The porch, which provides cloakroom space leads through to the hallway incorporating staircase and wc.

The next door leads to the living room a generous 6.4 meters by 3.6 meters. A contemporary feel is bathed in natural light from opposite ends of the room, including French doors to the terrace and garden oasis. Further down the hall is the open plan sitting, dining and newly fitted kitchen. 

On the first floor two of the three bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes; also accessed off the landing are the family bathroom and two storage cupboards.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley comments: “On the market with a guide price of £330,000, Three, Bull Cottages is an absolute gem. Its’ surroundings are quite magical with a fantastic terrace for entertaining, overlooking a large, but easily maintained garden.” For more information call Balfours on 01584 707100

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The Balfours Autumn 2023 Newsletter should be hitting peoples doormats any day now -  if you would like to read a copy online please follow the link to our Newsletter PDF or click on the below image.

Sunnymead, is located within walking distance of Church Stretton town centre, while quite literally stepping out to one of the most beautiful valleys in the South Shropshire Hills. This Arts and Crafts style detached four/five bed family home at the foot of the picturesque Cardingmill Valley has been launched to the market.

The property is approached via a generous sweeping drive flanked by immaculate gardens. The front door opens into a porch with glazed French doors to the generous reception hall where light floods in from ground and first floor. Doors off the hall lead to three reception rooms and the kitchen, also to the cloakroom and pantry. Beyond the kitchen is a utility and a garden room, with a storeroom off.

The large light filled landing opens to four bedrooms and the family bathroom. Two bedrooms benefit from wash basins, while three enjoy character fireplaces. There is a fifth room which could be a dressing room/ensuite, study, hobby room, or a fifth bedroom.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours comments: “This is a very well-maintained character period property with front room bay windows and built to very generous proportions in terms of ceiling height and room size. Sunnymead also offers scope for modernisation. Within the well-tended gardens is a greenhouse and a summerhouse, the latter with fabulous views of the hills. The whole is a true delight,” he adds.

Shrewsbury and Ludlow are 13 and 17 miles respectively, while Telford and the Midlands are commuting distance too. Church Stretton is on the main Cardiff to Manchester railway line. Balfours are marketing Sunnymead with a guide price of £850,000. For more information call 01743 353511.

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A cottage with paddocks and outbuildings in the heart of the Cheshire Marches’ open countryside is on the market with Balfours. Number Three Dukes Cottages, Halghton, sits in Wales, very close to the Shropshire and Cheshire borders. This semi-detached home has three reception rooms, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and guess what? Three stables too.

Enjoying rural views, the cottage dates back to the 1750’s. Its age is reflected in the sitting room with beamed inglenook and the snug with original beams; both rooms benefit from Clearview log burners. The dining room has glazing to two aspects including French doors to a terrace seating area and garden with fabulous rural views. The generous kitchen breakfast room gives direct access to the dining room and to the pantry. 

Completing ground floor space is a hallway, with access to kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. Stairs ascend from the sitting room to the first floor where there are two double bedrooms, benefitting from ensuite facilities and a single bedroom.

Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton explains: “Three Dukes Cottage comes with 3.4 acres, within this is a large barn, currently used as a carport, a yard with former livestock buildings, part of which has been repurposed to provide three stables and a haybarn. There is a paddock adjoining the front yard, a further paddock of the side lane and a field of just under two acres just down the lane.

“The property is in a beautiful rural location; Whitchurch is some seven miles and Wrexham less than ten miles. The county towns of Shrewsbury and Chester are both within easy commute as are a number of state and private schools,” Alistair adds.

Balfours are marketing Three Dukes Cottage with a guide price of £550,000, for more information call 01743 353511.

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Issued by and more information from Joy Fox Pr 07841 763 530

If Shrewsbury is on your radar as a possible place to live, then TV presenter Phil Spencer is right behind you. He delves deeply into the county town in his report - moveiq.co.uk.

Shrewsbury’s success as a great lifestyle choice has evolved over many centuries. Its location just nine miles from the Welsh border, set in the loop of the River Severn was ideal for purpose of fortification. Today it is now hugely pleasing for its leisure and aesthetic values.

The beauty of the town doesn’t stop there, quirky black and white Tudor houses, cobbled streets, together with the Georgian and Edwardian period homes that followed, combine to make for an eclectic mix of architecture that induces smiles and ultimately wellbeing.

There is a diverse choice of residential properties, with values being in line with the national average at £252,00, while a detached home will be in the region of £341,000. Buyers with a higher budget have a good choice of stock between £500,000-£1m, visit www.balfours.co.uk

Phil Spencer’s run through the rental market and living costs are all pleasingly affordable in Shrewsbury; as are its amenities, from wonderful independent shops, cafes and restaurants to cultural and club life. Crime rates at 80% less than the national which must be a positive too.

Phil’s parting advice, and ours, at Balfours: Don’t just visit once, enjoy a weekend or two here and let Shrewsbury do the talking.

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