Combine the elegance of a Georgian style residence with the indulgence of a 21^st century build, and Number Four, Column House Gardens hits the spot.

This four-bedroom home is end of terrace and possibly the best position of the ten-property gated development in the sought-after residential area, off Preston Street, just over a mile from Shrewsbury town centre.

The reception hall provides a cloakroom, staircase and access to the open plan living space with contemporary kitchen, flowing to dining and living areas. Beyond French doors is an additional sitting room with a second set of French doors to the southwest facing Japanese style garden.

There are three bedrooms on the first floor, the guest room with en-suite and two additional bedrooms served by a family bathroom. The second floor is devoted to the master bedroom with ensuite shower room and significant storage.

Balfours Abigail Barker comments: “This stunning property built in 2015, is fresh and contemporary with double glazed sash windows and underfloor heating, the whole achieving an EPC ‘B’ rating; yet still full of character. It comes with two private parking spaces, plus a generous side return. We are marketing with a guide price of £500,000. For more information call Abigail on 01753 353511.

The most charming two-bedroom black and white timber lodge house, located on a major historic Welsh Estate is on the market with Balfours.

The Lodge is on the edge of the Gregynog Estate and Bwlch-y-Ffridd, a beautiful rural village. The grade II listed single storey house is set back from the country road along a private track. Accommodation, which would benefit from some modernisation, comprises of reception lobby, lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is also a covered area linked to the house with access to a workshop and outbuilding.

Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner, Country House Sales, comments: “This is an utterly charming country property, there is obvious scope for the purchaser to put their own stamp on the property, which could include incorporating the workshop, covered area, subject to planning. Each of the reception rooms has a fireplace as do both bedrooms.

“This is a private setting with a delightful garden area bordering woodland at one end.  There is also the opportunity to purchase a paddock by separate negotiation,” Charlie adds. Local amenities are found in Caersws which is four miles away, including primary school, pubs and train station. Newtown and Llanidloes are seven and 13 miles respectively. The Lodge is marketed with a guide price of £225,000, call Balfours on 01743 353511.

The perfect townhouse bolthole which is bountiful in charm and character is on the market with Balfours.

Two Berrington Court is a three-bedroom house with its own parking. It is found on Bell Lane, in the heart of Ludlow, between Mill Street and Broad Street.  Part of a gated development of four properties, its situation and location make it ideal as a town centre home, holiday let, or lock-up and go property.

Accommodation is over three floors. On the ground floor is the hallway, with bathroom, utility and a bedroom, which could equally be used as a study, or a consultation room. Stairs ascend to the first floor with kitchen and lounge diner, the latter having French doors to a Juliet balcony. The second floor provides an additional two bedrooms with shower room.

Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, says: “This is a well-presented easy maintenance property in a great central location as perfect for holidays as for Ludlow lifestyle. It would suit anyone seeking a well-protected and flexible base, which also offers Ludlow’s mix of restaurant’s bars, shops, culture and heritage, all literally on its doorstep.”

In addition to off-road parking there is outside space to enjoy, plus River and Castle walks close-by, while open countryside, golf and Ludlow’s National Hunt racecourse are all within easy reach. Number Two, Berrington Court is marketed with a guide price of £425,000. Call Balfours on 01584 707100.

Residential rents are reported as rising at their fastest rate for 13 years with overwhelming demand and few properties available.  The ever-increasing standards required of private housing also encourages a landlord to spend on improvements before reletting so also playing a part in higher rents.   

The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper proposes a landlords register; a “decent homes standard” and the abolition of section 21 notices.  We must wait and see what the first two proposals mean in practice, but the abolition of s.21 notices is simpler to understand:  When an initial fixed term tenancy of usually six months, or a year, comes to its end the landlord is entitled to serve notice to recover possession by serving written notice to that effect. There does not have to be a stated reason.  This notice is a s.21 notice.

Most residential tenants, therefore, have no long-term security of tenure. In practice this system has worked for the majority – and certainly so at Balfours. However it is obviously far from satisfactory for most tenants.  Experts in the industry do not think the abolition of these no-fault evictions, need be a bad thing for landlords, so long as the alternative system for evicting a tenant who does not comply with the terms of their tenancy, is suitably strengthened. 

To summarise, residential rents are rising and look as if they will continue to do so.  Balfours manage a large number of residential letting in Shropshire and the borders, so have a very good feel for rental values.  However for those proposing to take advantage of this it is essential they fully understand and comply with existing legislation, as well as having an idea of what the future may bring.

While the spectre of inflation is likely to erode potential affordability, it is not all bad news for those looking to move or re-negotiate mortgage finances. It seems the banks are going to be hungry for your business this year, writes Alistair Hilton, Head of Sales.

This is because the banks have had two flying years with homeowners on the move. Now, combining a crystal ball with the foreseeable future suggest that the rise in the cost of living and ultimately inflation is likely to slow the property market.

Fewer transactions, means that while finance deals are normally fixed for two or three years – now there is opportunity to fix as far forward as five or even ten years. This means if you know with reasonable certainty that you intend to remain in your current property for the longer duration it is well worth exploring fixed deals.

That way, while inflation is running at 5.5 per cent you can at least lockdown with certainty on your mortgage. Of course, longer terms should only be if the intention is to stay in your current home – as there would be a redemption to pay on opting out.

We don’t know how long inflation (the base rate) will remain above the Bank of England’s target base rate of two percent, but while it is market forces will ensure that those seeking a mortgage deal are likely to be pleasantly surprised with what is out there.

Spring and sunshine are just around the corner, honestly! Therefore if you have any thoughts of selling this year, you need to start preparing.

This might put you off, thinking you must declutter, paint and do those little jobs that you intended doing, but don’t have time for. The first task is simpler than that. Pick up the phone and talk to an agent; of course since you are reading this Balfours would be best!

A complimentary market appraisal will not only provide a valuation and remind or explain the intricasies of the sale process, but our agents can also advise on those tasks that will, or won’t, make a difference to the value of your property. Our expert professional team are naea propertymark endorsed, we will provide a friendly market appraisal which is confidential and a true reflection of the market.

So often what the prospective vendor considers important, aesthetically, isn’t. We know, through experience, exactly what matters to purchasers and are happy to guide you. You may also be thinking you will wait until everything is green and spring flowers are in the garden. However there is enough other paper preparation required that by the time that is in place, your garden is likely to be photo ready.

So if you want to catch the Spring bounce in a hungry market, start the process by picking up the phone, or drop us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.