Property Blog
21st April 2020
Rights of Way and Covid 19
Farmers and Landowners have, not surprisingly, seen an increase in the use of footpaths and bridleways as part of the publics permitted daily exercise during the Covid-19 lock down. Although a great resource for the public to be able to exercise in the countryside, it comes with additional risks to those who work in it, live in it and also those now exploring it.
Despite the temptation for farmers and landowners to block or obstruct a right of way... more
20th April 2020
This is usually the time of year when we announce any promotions, and this year is no different despite the extraordinary challenges for COVID-19. The Partners are therefore delighted to confirm that Sophie Keogh and Hennie Carter have been promoted to Associates.
Sophie is senior negotiator in our residential sales team in Cirencester with a level of energy, enthusiasm and organisation that makes her highly valued by those whose properties she is selling.
... more
16th April 2020
The effects of the Covid-19 lockdown are proving a challenge for everyone and we do not underestimate those. There will be some of you who may want to sell your home and move when Government regulations allow; many have been in touch. So often we find a buyer at the right price, but then the sale stalls for lack of preparation; for example, a buyer’s solicitor unearths a problem with Listed Building Consent or some form of third party rights.
... more
9th April 2020
Thinking of moving to the Cotswolds? Use this time to explore the towns and villages online to see where might suit you best...
· Sam Butler of the Cotswolds property specialist, Butler Sherborn says that people are already reappraising what’s important in life once Covid-19 passes
· ‘Home is where the heart is’ and the ‘quality of life’ will inform future property choices and lifestyle decisions
· Cotswold stone properties new to the market: Quenington House - the perfect ‘forever home’ - £2.65million, and One Hope Cottage, a great second home - £400,000
“Without in... more
6th April 2020
At the end of March 2020, the Government introduced the Coronavirus Act 2020, which outlines a number of temporary measures to help protect, from eviction, both private and social tenants, during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Notice Requiring Possession
Within the coronavirus legislation, the government has increased the notice period a landlord is required to give a tenant – from 2 months to 3 months’ notice of their... more
2nd April 2020
As one of many employees currently working from home this week, this query was brought into sharp focus when my boiler chose this of all weeks to make some very strange sounds, then shut down completely.
We needed heating and hot water; equally we must heed government instruction on social distancing and not visiting other people or dwellings. So where does this leave homeowners, and in particular Landlords and Tenants, who have this sort of problem with their property? ... more
31st March 2020
There are numerous ways to offer help and get involved, from lending a hand to local charities, to supporting the unstinting efforts of the NHS.
As a result of the recent Government initiative and call for volunteers, NHS England has seen an inspirational response from the public to become NHS Volunteer Responders.
This should not discourage anybody from coming forward to assist in local volunteer centres or locally based charities or indeed the NHS. ( NHS England Coronavirus volunteer) In these restricted times, it makes sense to contribute to the local community. Both Volunteering Matters (https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk... more
30th March 2020
These are such very difficult times for everyone in lockdown due to the unprecedented Coronavirus Pandemic.
This will, of course, end but at a human and financial cost. With everyone’s support for the NHS, and amongst ourselves in our communities, we will get through this together.
At Butler Sherborn, we are following all the Government rules and NHS guidelines, whilst our staff, working remotely, endeavour to provide clients with services, and advice where we can. We are very much on the end of our telephones and e-mails.
Clearly we all need to keep busy; exercising while doing... more
24th March 2020
In accordance with Government Guidelines, Butler Sherborn LLP have shut their offices.
Despite these constraints, we are committed to delivering the services required by our clients during the current COVID-19 outbreak, and have full remote working arrangements in place. All staff can be contacted, as usual, by email and telephone throughout the working day.
In compliance with Government and NHS Guidelines, full and detailed Protocols for Staff and Office practices... more
18th March 2020
Butler Sherborn LLP - Response to Covid-19 & Business Continuity Plan (18 March 2020)
As the impact of Covid – 19 continues to rapidly develop we want to give you re assurance that we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our staff, their families, our clients and any other members of the public with whom we come into contact with. We are very much “open for business” with houses for sale, rent, valuations being undertaken, and rural property being managed – albeit with inspections and viewings only taking place under controlled conditions.
We are... more
17th March 2020
Farmers markets, delis & award-winning food and drink producers. Four beautiful period homes from Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist from £425,000 - £1.45million
If you’re looking for great British food that’s produced close to home, move to the Cotswolds. Not only is this the largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, the Cotswolds also produces some of the finest food and drink, so whatever suits your taste you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And to really embrace the country living lifestyle, how about one of these beautiful period homes from Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist.
Cotham... more
16th March 2020
The Basic Payment Scheme 2020 online window is now open with the deadline for applications being Wednesday 15th May.
Provided that your submission has been made by the scheme deadline, you will be able to make amendments to your application up until the 31st May, without penalty.
The Rural Payments Agency has confirmed that the application process will be in line with last years process, however, BPS payments will only be made in sterling for the 2020 scheme year... more
6th March 2020
In conjunction with our associated office, The London Office, Butler Sherborn are taking their Stand in Chelsea Town Hall at The London & Country Property Show on the afternoon of Tuesday 28th April 2020 1.30-6.30pm.
The Show provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase and promote our clients’ houses to those actively looking to relocate or have a second home in the Cotswolds. All registered London applicants receive an Invitation to the Show and our Stand.
... more6th March 2020
Butler Sherborn wishes all local trainers, jockeys and owners a successful, and safe week of action packed steeplechasing at this year’s, Cheltenham Festival. The glorious Cotswolds plays host again to the greatest national hunt racing of the season, with 4 days racing top class racing against the backdrop of Cleeve Hill.
Despite the weather, Simon Claisse, Clerk of the Course and his exceptional team have the course in perfect condition. Local trainers Ben Pauling, Fergal O... more
27th February 2020
A customer’s review of this charming Cotswold pub –
‘The menu was interesting, and tempting with lovely variation and a good choice. We could have chosen any 4 of each course, and had difficulty making up our minds. It was refreshing not to be over faced with a huge choice. The presentation of the food was excellent, and the bream’s skin superb!
Good choice of beer, Bishops Finger, my old Kent brewer’s Shepherd Neame, as well as the local independent Hooky.
The... more
19th February 2020
In March 2015 the government introduced the above regulations, bringing into force energy standards for all private rented properties. In essence, the regulations make it unlawful to let properties with an energy performance rating of F or G.
What is an EPC
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. The certificate contains information about a property’s energy use, costs and suggested recommendations to reduce... more
13th February 2020
Health, wellness and mindfulness - instructors, studios and spas for all Four great Cotswold properties to relax in from only £795,000
There’s no shortage of research about the beneficial effects of going for a walk in the countryside and spending time amongst the trees - country living is good for the soul, body and mind. And if you are looking for further relaxation or honing, the Cotswolds is well served with spas and studios offering a wide range of courses across disciplines such as Reiki, Tai chi, meditation, yoga and Pilates - see below.
Whittington Manor, Whittington, Gloucestershire, GL54 4HB - £1.5million... more
11th February 2020
Overwhelmed by Probate?
There is a lot to deal with when someone close to you dies and the process can be slightly overwhelming.
To briefly summarise, probate is the judicial process of authenticating a last will and testament, if the deceased made one. It includes locating and determining the value of the deceased's assets, paying final bills and taxes, and distributing the remainder of the estate to the rightful beneficiaries.
Where... more
3rd February 2020
The second version of the Agricultural Bill, introduced last month, proposes amendments to tenancies in England that are governed by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. These proposals are summarised below:
Restrictive Clauses
Tenants to be able to object if Landlords refuse consent for changes necessary to enter new financial schemes or comply with new regulations If a Landlord refuses consent, then there may be the ability for tenants to apply to arbitrators or third... more27th January 2020
How will it impact farmers?
The government published a new version of The Agricultural Bill last week which is expected to go through without amendment and become an act of parliament. The original bill fell by the wayside last autumn amidst the Brexit and political chaos at the time.
The key points of the bill are:
The 2020 BPS payments will remain unchanged. The phasing out of direct payments (BPS) from 2021 to 2027. The % deductions for 2021 have been set at 5% for... more