Property Blog
31st July 2017
"There remains a strong demand from buyers for realistically priced, good quality Cotswold property, across all price bands, despite the chronic political and economic volatility. Village properties, and those in our lovely market towns continue to attract a wide variety of buyers, both from within the local area and further afield. The school holidays as usual, will have an impact on activity but, we are feeling positive about this autumn."
13th July 2017
As professional members and supporters of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Butler Sherborn are happy to promote their recently launched campaign, “The Countryside Matters”.
The aim is to demonstrate a high level of public support for continuing to invest in our countryside, so that the Government views farming, the rural economy and our landscapes as a spending priority, once the UK leaves the European Union.
Land owning rural businesses are working day in, day... more
21st June 2017
The 9th Burford Festival drew to a close on Sunday 18th June, having benefitted from some stunning weather over the last 10 days. The town came alive with the bunting running from the top to the bottom of the High Street and decorated shop fronts. The events held were plentiful and varied, some of which included guided tours and talks about local history, literature workshops, open garden days, music and family events – all hosted by the local residents and businesses.
... more
20th June 2017
As Summer Approaches Us… As the warm British summer approaches us and we traditionally spend more time outside, it is worth considering the following:-
Noise pollution and respecting your surroundings
Much of the attraction of renting a property in the Cotswolds is to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding countryside, spending many hours socialising with friends & family outdoors. However before you go dusting off the BBQ and positioning your wireless loud speakers, it is important to consider any noise pollution clause within your tenancy agreement in order to ensure you are not in breech, thereby avoiding any potential... more
13th June 2017
General Election Result
It would be unrealistic to think that the unexpected result of the General Election won’t have some effect on the country property market. People hate uncertainty and this, on the face of it, will perpetuate that.
However the Conservative party's decisive decision to back Teresa May in the forming of a new government will help while the dust settles. Hopefully after that they will, from the lessons learnt, focus on a clear strategy for... more
9th June 2017
There continues to be a shortage of good quality equestrian properties available to both rent and buy in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. The area remains hugely popular with those looking for equestrian property, and as such we have a seen a good level of competition when the right properties become available.
It is never easy to accurately gauge the rental market, as many equestrian properties do not reach the open market. The majority of the yards let by Butler Sherborn in the last 18 months have been snapped up by tenants registered with us, and therefore have never come to the market. This level of demand has resulted in some good rents being achieved. However, running genuinely profitable equestrian businesses remains extremely difficult, and therefore rents need to remain at a sensible... more
9th June 2017
With many farmers and landowners claiming under the Basic Payment Scheme there is the ever present possibility of a Cross Compliance inspection.
Reports suggest that farmers can expect to be inspected at least once in every seven years. With an increased emphasis on farm inspections from the Rural Payment Agency and growing numbers of unannounced inspections, or inspections with under 24 hours notice, it’s important to know the areas... more
25th May 2017
The shop was opened by a local, Joanna Virgin, in partnership with Polly Jaffé and Patrick Neale who have a thriving bookshop of the same name in Chipping Norton. Joanna grew up in the Cotswolds and attended a local prep school, Kitebrook. Following university she worked at Waterstones and then at HarperCollins Publishers before going to work in the book trade in New York. Joanna returned to settle in the Cotswolds with her husband and children and taught at various schools in the... more
3rd May 2017
We are seeking an RICS qualified Senior Estate Manager for 1 day a week (est.) to lead the management of a significant mixed rural estate in north-west Oxfordshire with in-hand farm, let residential portfolio, managed woodlands, shoot and country house.
The position will involve dealing with key strategic and the more complex technical management matters, overseeing staff and being the key contact for the Estate owner.
The successful applicant will be fully supported by the... more
25th April 2017
In our news article dated 14th March 2017 we reported the Government’s plans to significantly increase Probate Fees, the principle of which has been highly criticised. It was reported at the end of last week that those plans have now been abolished so from now on at least there won’t be any changes with Probate Fees remaining at £215 per application (with a reduction to £155 if solicitors are acting). "This is very welcome news" comments Richard Greasby, head of Butler Sherborn’s... more
6th April 2017
The valuation thresholds have reduced which means more properties will be caught by this tax net.
Like many of our farming and property owning clients, if you own a company that owns residential property in the UK then you have probably heard of ATED. This is a tax charge that was introduced on the 1st April 2012 with tax payments based on the value of the properties owned. When it was introduced it was only for properties in excess of £2.0 million however it now applies to properties worth more than £500,000. The base date for values has been April 2012 (unless the property has been... more
4th April 2017
The London and Country Property Show
Promote your property effectivley in London at a dedicated Exibition in Chelsea, on Wednesday 10th May 2017
21st March 2017
‘Having had a brilliant run at Lincoln in the Advanced Intermediate this weekend on Galley Light, Ben is all set for Badminton.’
Both Ben and his fiancée Sarah Parkes are entered for this years Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. This will be Ben's third time competing at the prestigious Cotswold event whilst it will be a debut for Sarah. Badminton is one of only 6 CCI 4* events in the world. As part of their preparation Ben and Sarah ran some of their top horses at Lincoln this weekend finishing in 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the AI, finishing close behind Kitty King and her Rio Olympics ride Ceylor Lan. Ben has... more
14th March 2017
The Ministry of Justice has recently confirmed how it would like to reform fees for the Grant of Probate. Currently there is a flat fee system of £215 where there is a personal application or £155 for those applying through a solicitor.
The Government is proposing to introduce a banded system. Estates below £50,000 will pay nothing. A minimum fee of £300 applies for estates worth between £50,000 and £300,000 rising to a whopping £20,000 fee for estates worth over £2.0 million. ... more
14th March 2017
The RICS/RAU rural land market survey has just been published for H2 2016 which points to a further softening in demand for farmland during that period. Demand fell across both mixed use and commercial farmland sectors during the second half of 2016 largely as a result of uncertainty over Brexit and future subsidies as well as low commodity prices. The bare land opinion based survey suggests that values at the end of 2016 were an average of £8,625 per acre for arable land and £7,... more
10th March 2017
Five Festival Chances for the Butler Sherborn sponsored Ben Pauling Racing
HighBridge – Supreme Novice Hurdle, 2 miles Tuesday.
He has won his three starts over hurdles this season and is going there in great form. He appears to have plenty of speed so should travel well through the race. He also stays well which is important as they go very quickly in this race, especially as it is the first race of the whole meeting and the jockeys are normally a little over excited!
A Hare Breath – Arkle Novice Chase, 2 miles Tuesday.
He has a very... more
3rd March 2017
The Hedgerow and Boundary grant is individually worth up to £5,000 and is designed to help farmers improve farmland boundaries.
The application window for the £5 million scheme is now open and closes on 28 April 2017.
Farmers can apply for a one-off grant towards the restoration of a range of traditional boundaries including hedgerows, dry stone walls, stone-faced banks and earth banks. Payment rates are fixed for each item. These include hedge-laying or coppicing,... more
2nd March 2017
Butler Sherborn’s expert property valuations move to a higher level, with evidence recently being given in the High Court, London.
Richard Greasby, who heads Butler Sherborn’s formal valuation work, undertakes a significant number of expert valuation cases, however most are settled without needing to go to Court. Many valuers therefore do not have any Court experience. "I have been fortunate to have previously gained experience by giving evidence in the County Court for... more
1st March 2017
Housing White Paper Aims to Deliver Growth
The government has launched last month its latest housing white paper;
'Fixing our Broken Housing Market'
The government believes that the lack of homes being built across the country has resulted in the sharp rise in house prices compared to average income.
Since the 1970’s, there has been an average of 160,000 homes built per year, with research suggesting the actual amount needed is in the region of 225,000 to 275,000 per year. Last year 190,000 new homes were... more
26th January 2017
Sensible pricing and being well prepared are key factors in ensuring a successful, smooth sale this year.
As we head into 2017, the property market is no different from any other sector. There is inevitable uncertainty surrounding Brexit and things are going to be difficult to call, politically and economically. But whatever happens, life goes on.
The availability of good quality properties for sale will remain restricted - although we did see this beginning to ease towards the end of 2016 and now into 2017, and people will remain disinclined to pay more stamp duty than... more
