House vendors and hunters are exchanging their usual summer holidays for a stamp duty holiday says one of Shropshire’s leading agents.

The Phone Hasnt Stopped Ringing!

This summer Balfours has more than doubled the number of properties exchanged compared to July 2019 and seen an 80 percent increase in instructions.  The Shropshire agent performance figures are on a par with Property Mark who says sales for July in parts of the UK hit a 13 year high.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours, says that while August is traditionally a quieter month, with many holiday plans changed or abandoned and the exchequers stamp duty holiday, home owners have chosen instead to facilitate their home aspirations.  The final ingredient in the residential market is this year’s turn of events which has allowed people time to reflect on their home, work and lifestyle.”

He continues: “It has been a remarkable turn of events for the residential market, easing out of lockdown in June to the stamp duty bonus in July. However homeowners are mindful that the clock is ticking and it is unlikely to remain the same beyond March 2021.

“Buyers are accepting that they do need to meet the asking price to convert an offer into a sale. Indeed we have seen several properties exceed the asking price as buyers, particularly from away and down south, seek to secure their chosen property and peace of mind that they have achieved at least one positive outcome in a very difficult year.

“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing during the past six weeks: Home owners seeking market appraisals are up by 24 percent, viewings by prospective buyers are up by 65 percent. We have a log of buyers who are keen to ensure they are alerted to homes coming onto the market which match their wishes so that they too can capitalise from the stamp duty holiday.

As an independent local estate agent we pride ourselves on understanding all aspects of client needs, from their forever home to the practicalities of Covid viewing protocol. ”

This is where dreams and developments are made – a charming derelict cottage, set in just over an acre with a barn is on the market with Balfours with a guide price of £275,000.

Create Your Own Dream Property

Strangely currently named “The Town House,” it is anything but. Located in the charming rural village of Beguildy, the property is in need of significant refurbishment.

Set in the hill, it currently comprises of a large ground floor room, with adjacent wc. The first floor is accessed by external steps to four rooms, plus the bathroom and rear store. Subject to planning it is believed the property could be increased in size by as much as 50 percent under permitted development status.

Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton, comments: “This is a fantastic location in a remote tract of countryside eight miles north west of Knighton. Located close to the borders of Shropshire and Herefordshire, this is a true village with a post office, place of worship and The Radnorshire Arms. Schools can be found at Knighton and Newtown.

“Not only will this be of interest to those seeking to create their dream with a little land, but also possibly to developers. Residential planning permission has already been granted to the northern field, therefore opportunity for development in the one acre field is worthy of research: Success will attract a small overage.” Call Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury office on 01743 353511.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

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 £360,000.

For Sale in Ludlow, Delivering Convenience, Culture and Community

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 Estate Agents Ludlow on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

A swimming pool with sauna and Jacuzzi are unique selling points to be found at Avondale, Ruyton XI Towns.

A Fantasic Fun House

This edge of village property, built in 1995 benefits from a layout designed to flow through the main reception rooms, with double doors opening to provide a true party place. The entrance hall features a double staircase with double doors opening to the main reception room, with glazing to three aspects, this in turn leads into the dining room and to the lavish sunroom.

Access is gained to the kitchen breakfast room, both from the reception hall, while also directly linking with the dining room. A study, utility and cloakroom are also to be found off the hall. The pool complex with changing rooms and a full suite of facilities is to be found off the breakfast room. The pool also has glass doors to the garden.

Charlie Giffard, Balfours country house sales, comments: “This is a fantastic fun house, with generous sized rooms, five bedrooms, one en-suite plus two family bathrooms. The house has features including parquet flooring and coving; it is in need of some decoration which will enable the new incumbents to reflect their own personalities and lifestyle.”

A walled courtyard is to be found alongside a triple bay garage.  Part of the garden area benefits from planning permission for the erection of a dwelling – available by separate negotiation. Avondale is marketed by Balfours with a guide price of £675,000, call Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury office on 01743 353511.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

Uncompromised sights on every aspect are on offer at Asteron Hall, a grade two listed property providing flexible accommodation.

Amazing Location

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Asterton Hall dates back to 1680, it stands in one acre with the wild ponies of the Long Mynd in view plus the south to south west skies percolate to the Onny Valley towards the Welsh borders.

“We often say it’s all about location and this is just an amazing location,” says Balfours Ludlow Estate Agents sales manager, Scott Kemsley. Adding that the village of Wentnor is just two miles away, Church Stretton is six miles, while Shrewsbury and Ludlow are comfortable commutes at some 16 miles.

The ground floor provides a large contemporary finished kitchen, sitting room, and dining room/study. A boot room links the main house to the double garage and workshop. There are five bedrooms spread over the first and second floor, two en-suite plus a family bathroom and a large family room, perfect for hobby, fitness or study.

The lower ground floor provides a fully equipped one bedroom annex, with kitchen, large living room with sunroom, shower room and bedroom; ideal for extended family or guest accommodation including private garden.

Asterton Hall which is on the market with a guide price of £795,000 includes terrace, gardens, orchard and paddock. For more information call Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow office on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

Number 27 Ridgebourne Road, has much to offer in Shrewsbury’s sought after Kingsland area: A four bedroom quintessential Arts and Crafts home, with wonderful garden running to the Rad brook, plus ample parking to the front.

Wonderful Family Arts and Crafts Home For Sale in Shrewsbury

Ridgebourne Road is well placed for an excellent choice of private and state schools. While Shrewsbury’s town centre is a pleasant cycle or walk, the main trunk roads are highly accessible giving access to the Midlands and North West.

This very individual home retains much of its charming 1930s Arts and Crafts character. The reception hall is of generous and balanced proportions with the main three reception rooms off, together with a cloakroom and the staircase to the naturally lit balcony landing.

Parquet flooring is a feature in the hall and the drawing room, while pretty leaded light diamond glazing is a feature throughout, the drawing room benefits from a glazed door to the terrace. The second reception room has a wonderful bay window to the garden, while smaller bays flank the fireplace at the opposite end. Four bedrooms are served by a large bathroom and separate wc.

Outside a utility is found directly opposite the kitchen and linked to the carport and garage, with an outside wc also available. Head of sales, at Balfours, Alistair Hilton comments: “This is a wonderful family property with substantial south facing mature garden meandering down to the Rad Brook where a timber gazebo is just perfect for those summer days.” 27 Ridgebourne Road is marketed by Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury office; offers are invited over £750,000, call 01743 353511.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.