At Balfours many of our sales are through recommendation, word of mouth and return clients. That’s because they recognise our small team can provide a personal and professional service, where you can quickly talk to the right person. As a boutique agency team we are also small enough to know who is dealing with what, but big enough to have national coverage via the London office.

Add to that our agent experience, myself, together with Charlie Giffard, plus Scott Kemsley, in the South of the county, have notched up a over half a century of property sales. We have all gained invaluable experience in London, plus Scott and I have overseas experience too and each of us has long standing ties to Shropshire.

For our clients we ensure that when we are called out to undertake market appraisals, we can not only tell you what the guide price should be and how much the property may actually sell for but substantiate our figures showing you examples of similar properties that are on the market and those that have sold.

We will combine this with an understanding of your circumstances and needs; perhaps a deadline to sell for reasons of work or family; together with sensitive issues where discretion and confidentiality are paramount. 

Each sale is tailored, clients can opt for agent viewings or to meet and greet themselves.   The current market frequently means fewer viewings, with our buyers list often matching buyers with properties pre-launch. 

Taking that first step of a complimentary market appraisal is not a commitment but may provide you with the springboard of options. For a professional and personable approach do call or drop an email and we will be happy to assist.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales Balfours.

At Balfours we frequently find that our rural properties attract a higher percentage of prospective tenants who would like to bring their pets. In most cases landlords with suitable accommodation are open minded to the idea.

It therefore may amuse you to hear of the tenant who has undergone a pseudo-marriage ceremony with her cat, yes her cat! The 49 year old woman from Kent held what she perceived to be a witnessed civil ceremony with her cat India. This is in a bid to get around any future rental properties allowing her cat.

Ironically momentum has been building in the past year for pets to be allowed into more rental properties. And in fact the Model Tenancy Agreement MTA has been updated to be in line with changes to the Renters’ Reform Bill, with pets included in the Agreement. However the MTA remains simply an option for landlords in England.

It is thought that the RR Bill and White Paper scheduled for later this year may require landlords to be more flexible about taking pets. We will of course watch the situation with interest, while continuing to apply dogged common sense. Jackie Monro, head of lettings.

Ludlow Spring Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, in the atmospheric surroundings of Ludlow Castle. This is where you will find more than 60 fine food and drink producers, 200 real ales and 150 classic vehicles, not forgetting an eclectic mix live music starting Friday evening 5.30 to 9pm. Then, throughout Saturday and Sunday. Find out more at www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk/ make it easy with e-tickets.

Here Balfours, Scott Kemsley, Ludlow sales manager, reflects on Ludlow’s success 

Balfours have had a base in Ludlow for some time now, what do you think makes it a place where people want to put down roots?

You are quite right we, at Balfours, will enter our fifth summer with a Ludlow base; Why do people want to put down roots? Well, having personally worked globally – and chosen to come back to my roots, it’s simple – Ludlow has culture, true cuisine and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, combined they offer a superlative and healthy lifestyle. Away from the crowds, but convenient and central to destinations throughout the UK

What property trends have you noticed over the last 12 months?

Probably the most significant trend has been the speed of the market. Buyers realise if they want a property, they need to be pro-active. Work lifestyle choices have also strengthened, triggered by the pandemic and more flexible working. That means homes with flexible accommodation, including more bedrooms and or outdoor working space firmly on buyer wish lists.

What are your top tips for buyers in the Shropshire area?

Talk to us and I suppose other estate agents. Today, scrolling the internet alone just isn’t enough, we frequently have properties which have buyers queuing to view the moment they are released.

Where is your favourite place to eat out or buy food in Ludlow?

Look there are so many great places, it depends whether I want to cook at home, a full course pairing menu, or delicatessen treats for a picnic. I have a preference for local which means less food miles,  sustainably produced and healthy.

What would be your drink of choice to enjoy at the Ludlow Spring Festival.

Hmm, how long have you got? While not wishing to overindulge and depending on the weather there are some fabulous local brews, not forgetting the cider and we have excellent wines, produced within a fifty-mile radius.

Permanent pasture in good heart and extending six and a half acres, in the Teme Valley is on the market with Balfours.

The land at Commonwood Villa, Knighton-on-Teme, is three miles from Tenbury Wells and a mile and a half from Newnham Bridge. Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley: “Significantly it is level pastureland, equally suited to equestrian, a small-holder, or a local landowner seeking to extend pasture ground.

“There is good access on a quiet country road on the outskirts of the hamlet of Woodgate Green. It is also worth mentioning that there are no public rights of way across the fields – giving peace of mind where livestock is concerned,” he adds.  The land is marketed with a guide of £100,000. Call Balfours on 01584 707100

Rose Haven is a contemporary south facing four-bedroom home in one of Ludlow’s most sought-after locations, just east of the town centre and within walking distance of both town and countryside, including river walks.

Found on Steventon New Road, the front entrance leads from a porch into the reception hall with double doors opening into the open plan living space incorporating kitchen, dining, seating area – the whole benefits from bifold doors to two aspects of the south facing garden.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley comments: “This is a fabulous space full of natural light and leading out to the garden with lawn and terrace, complete with built outdoor kitchen incporating BBQ.  In addition to the generous open plan living area there is a sitting room with bay window and fireplace, plus a second reception room, currently used as a family room.

The utility and downstairs cloakroom are conveniently placed to both the kitchen and side access. Across the way is a home office, gym, which overlooks the garden. On the opposite side of the house is a generous and secure storeroom.

Two bedrooms benefit from ensuite facilities, with the master room also having a large built-in wardrobe. The family bathroom is of contemporary finish with a standalone bath and separate shower. Scott adds: “Rose Haven is finished to an exacting standard throughout. It is turnkey ready within a great location and is marketed with a guide price of £675,000.” Call 01584 707100

Liam Heskey, who joined Balfours just as the pandemic was flaring up in November 2020, has triumphed in attaining his level four Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.  

Despite numerous challenges due to the pandemic, Liam is now enjoying the support of the accounts team in New Windsor House, Shrewsbury. His studies, that were to have taken place two evenings a week at college were also thwarted, diverted to online zoom sessions.

Head of accounts, Laura McIver-Driscoll, “Liam has been steadfast in his resolve to study and pass his level four, more recently we have been able to offer guidance and the whole team congratulates him in his achievements.”

Liam adds: “I have had fantastic support from Balfours, now it is onwards, I have the summer to gain wider experience, before launching back into studies for my ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams.”