Reassurance has come from one of Shropshire’s leading estate agents that the property market is in an “industry holding pattern,” while the pandemic health crisis dictates a lockdown.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours says the most critical factor is to adhere to the Government stay home and social distancing guidelines – we all need to play our part. Part of that holding pattern is to maintain communication, agents to clients, lawyers and web portals.

“I have been speaking to Rightmove this week, and it is true that information to buyers and sellers is being updated on a daily basis, however there is no evidence of market prices being corrected. We know from past experience, dare I say Brexit, that a softening ‘rate’ of sales is very different to a financial crisis where prices fall. And obviously right now the rate of sales has slowed right down.”

He continues: “However this week (ending March 27) we have agreed terms on a £740,000 Shrewsbury property and sold land in Monmouthshire, both within a few per cent of their asking prices. We are also processing exchanges on several properties.

“At Balfours Estate Agents, clients with properties currently selling and under offer – everyone is in a holding line waiting, rather than making a knee jerk reaction. As per government advice we are taking a pragmatic view to completion dates with mutual agreement to defer the proposed timescales, with lawyers’ safe guarding intention.”

“Flow of communication is key - we remain in communication via phone and are responding to emails. Ironically everyone staying home may be the very catalyst to explore and forward plan marketing options, while there is time, without commitment until some certainty returns.

“As it happens I have come into the office today accompanied by my dog. It is our outing for the day. Though very strange to be alone in the office I have been able to formulate this week’s sales, while most of the world remains home, including my family. We all need to play our part to help save lives and have businesses to come back to,” Alistair adds.

The Balfours Spring 2020 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.

 An oasis in a mad world is how Margot Hinkins describes her beloved home at Chatwall Home Farm, of nearly 14 years.

This 17th century gem is tucked within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the hamlet of its namesake, Chatwall and neighbouring the picture box village of Cardington and its vibrant community.

A Cosy, Warm, Family House For Sale in Shropshire

Arriving at Chatwall Home Farm, you are greeted by double fronted gables in mellow stone – well worthy of its grade II listing. Before entering it is impossible not to appreciate the half acre of gardens, within the 1.43 acres of steading, where two self-contained barn conversions and a paddock are also to be found.

“What I love is that it is a cosy warm family house. There are four reception rooms which are all very interchangeable, between drawing, dining, sitting rooms and snug or study,” Margot reflects.

Together with her husband, Paul, the couple have sympathetically restored and updated the house, retaining many superlative original features, from inglenook fire places to panelling. The large kitchen with island and Aga provides a friendly hub. An impressive oak staircase leads to the first floor offering four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with an additional bedroom and bathroom on the second floor.

The couple designed the garden from a blank canvas with no formal boundaries, to the oasis of calm it now is. Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley adds:  In addition to the main house, Chatwall Home Farm comes with two self-contained barn conversions; both are immaculately presented, each with two double bedrooms and two bathrooms ideal for extended family, guest accommodation or considering its locality self-catering units.”

The area offers idyllic opportunity for outdoor pursuits from walking and cycling to riding and, across the valley, gliding; Church Stretton is just five miles away, while Shrewsbury is 11 miles. Access to the M54 is a similar distance – beyond which the world beckons if you can be tempted away.

Indeed, for the Hinkins it will be a wrench, but downsizing is the driver and they are grateful to have enjoyed their custodianship in one of South Shropshire’s gems. Chatwall Home Farm has a guide price of £995,000 call Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

One of Shropshire’s leading estate agents is throwing its weight behind calls to better regulate estate agents.

Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton, says that estate agents can currently operate without any qualifications or regulation: “The issue has recently been given a national profile through BBC radio 4s Money Box Live, where several  vendors relayed horror stories of being trapped by rogue agents, resulting in losing both time and significant property value.

Cleaning Up the Industry

In 2018, Lord Best was asked by the government to come up with proposals to help clean-up the industry, covering estate agents across the UK and lettings and management agents in England and Wales. His report made a series of recommendations. These included creating a new independent regulator, and making sure that all property agents (estate, lettings and management agents) are licensed, have passed qualifications and are signed up to a code of practice.

Alistair explains: “At Balfours training and qualifications are taken as read, yet at the moment anybody can set up shop and operate as an agent, which is very worrying when for most of us our home is our most valuable capital asset.

“We pride ourselves on providing a professional service, tailored to individual needs and circumstances, overlaid with a comprehensive knowledge of the market. We would urge prospective vendors to check that the agent is qualified and registered with a recognised body such as ‘NAEA Propertymark.’ Then to invite at least two agents to provide market appraisals, remembering if it is too good to be true, it usually is.

“They say moving house is one of the most stressful times, better industry regulations will be a step towards a better experience when selling a home.”

Oak Barn, Stanwardine Park Farm, near Baschurch is true to its name boasting high quality oak finishes throughout. It comes with two paddocks and walled gardens and a guide price of £595,000.

Two Paddocks and Four En-suites

Focal to the living space is a generous former Jinney Ring – a horse powered mill, with floor to ceiling glazed elevations taking the octagonal form spanning more than eight metres. An attraction for many families will be the en-suites attached to each of its four bedrooms – including roll top bath in the master en-suite.

The entrance hall opens to a large kitchen breakfast room, with bespoke oak Roca Heritage fixtures. Double doors lead to the Jinney sitting room where French doors open to the terrace and garden. A Charnwood raised log burner offers the option to hunker down.

Recently installed oak floor to ceiling shelves are to be found in the library, with an abundance of natural light from two aspects. A dining room/games room and utility complete the ground floor.

Balfours, head of sales Alistair Hilton says: “This well-presented conversion has some wonderful character windows. It is located at the end of a long gated private drive. The property sits in 3.2 acres with outlooks to countryside.  Oak Barn is 11 miles from both Shrewsbury and Oswestry, with good access to cities in the Midlands and the North. Call Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury on 01743 353511.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

One of those unique country gems dating back to the 17th century is on the market with Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow.

Wonderful Original Features in House For Sale, Shropshire

Arriving at Chatwall Home Farm, you are greeted by double fronted gables in mellow stone – a property worthy of its grade II listing. Before entering it is impossible not to appreciate the half acre of manicured gardens, within the 1.43 acres of steading, where two self-contained barn conversions are also to be found.

 All this is set within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at Chatwall, near the picture box village of Cardington and five miles from Church Stretton, Shrewsbury is 11 miles, access to the M54 and the Midlands is a similar distance.

Internally Chatwall Home Farm has been sympathetically restored retaining may wonderful original features, from inglenook fire places to panelling. There are four reception rooms a large kitchen with central island and Aga. An impressive oak staircase leads to the first floor offering four bedrooms and two bathrooms, there are a further three bedrooms on the second floor.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, says: “In addition to the main house, Chatwall Home Farm comes with two self-contained barn conversions; both are immaculately presented with two double bedrooms, ideal for extended family, guest accommodation or considering its locality self-catering units.”

Chatwall Home Farm has a guide price of £995,000, call Balfours on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.