June 2008 - Hamptons International, one of the UK’s premier residential agents has recently revealed that realistic pricing will help stop house prices falling further, by encouraging movement within the current property sector.
The residential agent has confirmed that activity is still taking place at the 10-15% price drop level, and as a result of these drops there are some fantastic investment opportunities for buyers.
Across the country, Hamptons International has witnessed price drops of approximately 15% over the last six months. However, it is also continuing to enjoy a steady stream of interest from buyers, with viewing levels 11% up when compared to the same time last year.
In fact, the recent price drops have provided investors with excellent opportunities. Hamptons International figures reveal some fantastic opportunities available across the country, with some of the top reductions including: a five bedroom property in the sought-after Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire (21% drop from £1.45m to £1.15m), Drury House, Guildford, Surrey (with a 20% reduction down from £3.75m to £3m) and a Grade 11 listed property in Herefordshire (down 23% from £1.3m to £1m).
Ian Westerling, Regional Director, Hamptons International said, “In spite of the negative backdrop to the UK housing climate, buyers are becoming motivated by the greater selection of properties for sale at more affordable prices and unlike previous cyclical downturns in the property market, vendors have quickly taken on board the fact that their properties need to be priced in line with current market conditions.”
Outlined below are ten excellent investment opportunities across the country: currently available through Hamptons International. These provide a snapshot of the current properties available that offer outstanding value for the discerning buyer:
Hertfordshire
Piccotts End, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 £1,150,000 (previously £1,450,000)
REDUCTION: 21%
The price of this property has been reduced by 21%, and it now makes outstanding value for an active buyer. It is an attractive five bedroom family house offering well balanced accommodation on this generous plot of approximately 1.4 acres (0.6ha).
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1727 890770
Surrey
Drury House, Guildford: £3,000,000 (previously £3,750,000)
REDUCTION: 20%
Reduced by 20%, this property is situated in an elevated position within the glorious Surrey Hills. It is a substantial character country house offering spacious and versatile accommodation including a staff flat. The gardens and grounds amount to about 1.7 acres (to be measured) and include a swimming pool.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1483 572864
Hurtmore Road, Godalming: £695,000 (previously £795,000)
REDUCTION: 13%
A fine character detached house, having been built in the 'cottage style', dating back to 1884, having attractive facing clematis clad Bargate stone elevations under a tiled roof. The house provides a good level of family accommodation, which includes both a principal bedroom suite, a guest bedroom having a shower cubicle and wash hand basin, whilst the third bedroom (again with a hand basin), gives access to a small inner landing with a staircase leading up to the main loft space which lends itself to being converted (subject to planning permission).
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1483 417222
Hort House, Guinea Common, Elstead, Nr Godalming, GU8 6LF: £1,050,000 (previously £1,300,000)
REDUCTION: 19%
Reduced by almost 20%, this is a charming detached cottage with origins back to the 15th century. Situated in the middle of woodland and commons, yet not isolated, it has been extended and enlarged over the years to provide a very comfortable and elegant house, with a most attractive high ceiling drawing room. The property featured in Country Life in 1924.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1483 417222
Cornwall
Machan, Helston, Cornwall, TR12: £3,500,000 (previously £4,000,000)
REDUCTION: 12%
A sensational six bedroom coastal property in the Art Moderne style, recently been reduced by over 12% in price. With extensive terraces, indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, and stunning views overlooking Falmouth Bay, close to the Helford Estuary it is perfect for entertaining! All set in about 13 woodland acres.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1993 824546
Gloucestershire
Chatter Street Longney, Gloucestershire, GL2: £595,000 (previously £645,000)
REDUCTION: 8%
An individual detached family house that has been sympathetically extended and developed, with the original structure believed to date back to the 17th Century. The interior of the original farmhouse retains a host of character and period features including exposed brick walls, exposed beams & fireplaces. The games/entertainment room is a particular feature of the property and is currently split into 4 areas comprising games area, bar area, lounge & dance floor. Attached to the property are the original stables and outbuildings. Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1453 751666
Tumpy Green Lane Cam, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL 11: £495,000 (previously £600,000)
REDUCTION: ALMOST 18%
A rare opportunity to purchase this unique package which consists of a detached and extended cottage and 7 stables set in 2.775 acres of garden and paddocks.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1453 751666
Herefordshire
Cropthorne, Pershore, WR10: £1,000,000 (previously £1,300,000)
REDUCTION: 23%
Reduced by 23% in price, this is a very special Grade 11 listed property providing outstanding value for money. A stunning property – it has a Grade II listed Dovecote with 1,159 nesting boxes, coach house, stable block and particularly special gardens and paddocks. It also has frontage to the River Avon with the benefit of single bank mooring and fishing rights. Both the house and the gardens have been maintained to a very high standard and there is scope to convert the stable block to further residential accommodation, subject to the usual planning consent. There is a self-contained annexe situated to the south west of the house constructed of brick beneath a pitched and tiled roof.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1386 852205
Cheshire
Knutsford Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9: £475,000 (previously £495,000)
REDUCTION: ALMOST 5%
A charming double bay fronted period property with accommodation over 3 floors boasting a wealth of character such as high ceilings, sash windows, deep skirtings and more.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1625 444700
Duck Lane, Off Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9: £850,000 (previously £935,000
REDUCTION: 9%
With almost a 10% reduction, The Coach House can be found next to Frog Castle and offers excellent accommodation in close proximity to Alderley Edge village. To the ground floor there is an entrance porch leading to the dining hall, and downstairs cloakroom and the drawing room can be found to the front of the property. The kitchen has a range of modern kitchen units and the Amdega conservatory has double French doors leading onto gardens. The utility room can be found to the rear. On the first floor there is a landing with access to the master bedroom and en-suite bathroom, bedroom two, three and four and family bathroom.
Telephone Hamptons International: +44 (0)1625 444700