As the world starts to wake up from the restrictions of lockdown and the initial (for some) novelty of working from home (WFH) begins to subside, businesses and their employees start to address the new balance and possibilities surrounding home v’s office working or even a mixture of both.

For business owners, ‘both’ can look expensive; a desk which is only used half the time but still necessary and all the WFH infrastructure you must also provide your employees to enable them to do both.  If you retain the same ‘desk space’ it means that you must occupy as large a premises as before the pandemic and therefore the same overheads (utilities, business rates, reception staff … the list goes on). 

We think we have just the solution!  - A serviced office within a renowned Grade II* Listed Georgian building in the centre of Shrewsbury Town with excellent internet connectivity. 

Two offices have been released to the rental market at Windsor House, an impressive property nestled just off the main High Street, overlooking St Mary’s Church, the River Severn and Shropshire Hills. The managed serviced premises include a receptionist, plus availability of one of the fastest broadband connections in town; 100 upload/100 download. 

Balfours agent, Charlotte White explains: “For anyone seeking to create a positive impression Windsor House offers great benefits to any business. Not only is there the grandeur of the property itself but also the welcoming greeting from the long-standing and highly thought of receptionist as all employees’ and clients’ alike enter.   The building itself boasts stunning architecture, including ornate oak panelling, strengthening the authenticity of businesses within.

Not only for physical meetings within the business premises, but the Receptionist is also able to take and divert internal/external calls and book meeting rooms – exactly what a small, medium or ‘satellite hub’ office of a larger business could need to facilitate an evolving way of working, such as ‘hot-desking’.

For many it is time to embrace the new balance of home and office working and this opportunity may just enable that balance to work!

Windsor House offers very competitive rates for serviced offices.  For more information call Charlotte White, on 01743 241181.

Right to Rent checks are changing all the time, you might now be wondering if an EU citizen who arrived in this country six months ago has the right to rent a property without having settled or pre-settled status?

If you are not using an agent the responsibility falls to you, as landlord, to make sure you hold all the correct documentation, and it is up to date and correct.

It really has got to that point where having your property managed, by a reputable agent who monitors the checks on your behalf is usually the safer option. This is particularly, due to the introduction of unlimited fines or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not legally permitted to stay in England.

Furthermore, because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Checks include which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’). You will need original documents that prove they can live in the UK; and that those documents are genuine. Keep copies of all documents. 

In addition, right to rent checks continue in the same way as now until 30 June 2021 for citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Continue checking their passport or national identity card as before. For family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, follow the usual guidance for documents you can accept for right to rent checks.

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home, for instance a property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

• they live there most of the time
• they keep most of their belongings there
• their partner or children live with them
• they’re registered to vote at the property
• they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Why not just call us – we have the systems in place to ensure you are the right side of the law.

Jackie Monro, FARLA, FNAEA, Head of lettings

Balfours has launched to the market a grade II listed two bedroom house in the heart of Ludlow; 25 Bell Lane comes with a guide price of £395,750.

Situated off Broad Street it exudes charm and character while delivering convenience, culture and community associated with the mediaeval market town voted one of the best places to live in the UK by the Telegraph.

The classic front door opens to a small reception hall with staircase, to the left is the dining room with an open fire and through to the kitchen. Agent, Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley observes: “The property has been refurbished and is very well presented – with the rooms being light and contemporary.” The kitchen leads to the terraced garden at the rear – offering an intimate outdoor room.

On the first floor is a long living room, naturally dividing into a seating area with wood-burner and a study area. A bathroom is also to be found off the first floor landing. There are two bedrooms on the second floor, one with en-suite shower room. 

Scott adds: “While 25 Bell Lane might suit someone seeking to enjoy a Ludlow lifestyle, it would also be an excellent holiday let or holiday home.” For more information call Balfours on 01584 707100

When selling your home, which is likely to be one of the largest transactions of your life, choosing the right agent is crucial. And it is not just from a financial perspective there are many legal hurdles to clear, plus of course the likely mixed emotions of moving.

Despite all these factors the estate agency sector is mainly unregulated that is why we, at Balfours, have opted for endorsement through Propertymark, an independent body that verifies our credentials, reassuring you of our professional and principled practice; adhering to a nationally recognised Code of Practice.

That means that our team are not only trained and experienced professionals but that we undertake regular training too. That ensures that we are kept up to date with complex legislative changes and best practice – giving you peace of mind that we are going to achieve the best results for you.

Of course, lots of people sell their home and lots of agents do a good job, but by being part of Propertymark, at Balfours, we can give you the peace of mind that your home, your sale and your money are all in the safest hands.

Abigail Barker MNAEA,Property Sales Office Manager

Residential sale vendors are currently in the hot seat, with one in three properties - 32% - selling for more than the asking price, driven by an average of 16 buyers for every available property on the market.

Independent statistics revealed by Propertymark, endorse what we, at Balfours, are experiencing with buyers driving the post Covid economy. It has been an exceptional spring, with the number of sales agreed reflecting Propertymark’s average of 12 sales per estate agent in April, the highest ever month since April 2007, when the average stood at 13.

It is a simple fact that pent up demand has simply exploded into almost insatiable frenzy right now; at a time when the supply of properties is at the lowest since December 2002.

This is a concern to us, and it does illustrate a need to rebalance the market. As stamp duty and furlough are both phased out by the end of September this is likely to steady the market. We hope that the Planning Bill outlined in the Queen’s Speech encourages the development of more housing to be rolled out in Shropshire and the Midlands.

Meanwhile we would encourage those prospective vendors who are hovering, to get in touch. Each vendor’s aspirations are unique – and it is only through honest discussion that we, as professionals, can offer the opportunities and options your property could unlock for you. Alistair Hilton, head of sales.

Cottage Farm, found in an idyllic rural location, half a mile from the sought after and vibrant south Shropshire village of Clun has been launched to the market.

The three-bedroom farmhouse, with studio annex is set within one acre of picture-perfect countryside, enjoying outstanding views. It provides potential for a building plot, subject to planning. Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, comments: “This is a stunning property, the accommodation has charming character and the whole has much potential, including the studio annexe as an immediate homeworking space.”

Currently there are two reception rooms, each with original beams and the main lounge with impressive stone inglenook fireplace with woodburning stove; plus, the south facing garden room which opens to terrace and main lawn.

Also reflecting the age and history of the property, it has a true farmhouse kitchen with oak beams and feature stone wall; glazing to two aspects offers an abundance of natural light.  A lobby gives access to the utility and wc. From the central hallway, stairs ascend to provide three double bedrooms, one with en-suite and two with their own well positioned shower-rooms.

Cottage Farm is marketed with a guide price of £745,000, call Balfours on 01584 707100.