Date: January 2012

QUIETLY CONFIDENT IN THE COTSWOLDS

  • Majority of residential sales achieving values within 10% of guide price
  • Farm and land prices exceed national average by up to 40% in 2011

“A sense of realism is now being experienced in both the residential property and agricultural land markets here in the Cotswolds,” says Sam Butler, partner of Cotswold property specialists, Butler Sherborn.

Walnut Tree House, Nether Westcote, Gloucestershire
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Mill Farm, Horton, Gloucestershire
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Hope House, Northleach, Gloucestershire
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With the lack of capital appreciation in houses over the past couple of years resulting in a much more stable residential market, the price expectations of both buyer and seller are more closely aligned, making it easier to achieve a realistic market valuation that both parties are happy with. This is consequently speeding up the sales process.

“Based on my experience of the 1990 and 2000 recessions, property price inflation is unlikely to return within the next few years, which means that people can get back to regarding their properties as homes, and not some form of currency.”

As evidence, 83% of all the properties sold by Butler Sherborn last year achieved their guide price or within 10% of it, resulting in a welcome stabilising effect on the market.  The majority of sales were also to people already living within the area, indicating a reduction in the number of people moving out from London.

“In a difficult economic climate, these sales figures demonstrate the firm's accurate assessment of the market and its ability to secure buyers,” added Sam Butler, “and underlines our knowledge of the area as the Cotswolds property specialists.

“With all that has happened to the stock market and pensions recently, people are seeing property as a tangible safe haven for their money, while also enjoying living in and improving their homes, rather than speculating and trading them.

“2012 has already got off to a strong start, with more people - vendors and prospective purchasers coming through the door than this time last year,” he added.

Butler Sherborn Farm Agency

Meanwhile the story is much the same at Butler Sherborn’s farm agency, where Richard Greasby, partner responsible for farm sales and purchasing, reports that 2011 saw some strong activity.  “Farmers, not investors, made up some 66% of buyers last year, and against a national average value for bare land of £6,000 per acre, we secured sales exceeding this by up to 40% to achieve figures as much as £10,000 per acre.

“We expect another strong year during 2012.  We are very active in the market and looking for more farms and land to sell to those buyers already on our books,” he said.

Example properties currently for sale include:
Walnut Tree House, Nether Westcote, Gloucestershire

 

A Grade II Listed Cotswold stone house with pretty landscaped gardens, a lodge, Cotswold stone barn, further outbuildings and paddock set on the edge of this desirable village in 2.5 acres

Guide price £1.95m

Butler Sherborn - Stow-on-the-Wold - 01451 830731 - stow@butlersherborn.co.uk
   

Walnut Tree House sits on the edge of the Cotswold village of Nether Westcote in a Conservation Area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The house dates back to the late 16th/early 17th century, is Listed Grade II of architectural and historical interest and requires updating.  Accommodation includes a reception hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, garden room, cloakroom, 2 cellar rooms, master bedroom with adjoining bath/shower room and walk in wardrobe, guest bedroom with adjoining bathroom and dressing room, 4 further bedrooms and family bathroom.  The property also has a lodge with entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom; a large Cotswold stone barn with utility room; a gym; range of outbuildings; stores; carports; 3 bay steel Dutch barn and 1.6 acre post and railed pony paddock.  In all extending to about 2.5 acres (1.01 hectares). 
Click here to download colour brochure for 'Walnut Tree House' (PDF)

Burford and Stow-on- the-Wold are around 5 miles, Kingham Station 4 miles (London to Paddington is around 80 minutes), Cirencester 23 miles, Oxford 25 miles.

Mill Farm, Horton, Gloucestershire

 

A beautifully presented country house with delightful views set in the middle of 25 acres

Guide price £1.75m

Butler Sherborn - Cirencester - 01285 883740 - cirencester@butlersherborn.co.uk
   

Mill Farm sits in its own land with out buildings conveniently located to the house whilst not compromising the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The original part of the house dates from the 16th century with later Victorian additions.

Accommodation includes reception hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and sitting room, “The Long Room”, study/office, master bedroom suite, bedroom with ensuite, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom.  Outside there are gardens, a triple garage, open fronted barn, former cattle barn, Dutch barn, woodland and paddocks.  In all about 24.85 acres.
Click here to download colour brochure for 'Mill Farm' (PDF)

Badminton is around 5 miles, Tetbury 9 miles, Chipping Sodbury 3 miles, M4 (Junction 18) 5 miles, M5 (Junction 14) 10 miles, Bath 14 miles and Bristol 14 miles.  Chippenham Railway station is 20 miles with London Paddington taking around 75 minutes.

Hope House, Northleach, Gloucestershire

 

A handsome Grade II Listed townhouse with period features and a spacious enclosed garden

Guide price £600,000

Butler Sherborn - Burford - 01993 822325 - bur@butlersherborn.co.uk
   

Hope House is a handsome town house situated within walking distance of the market square in Northleach.  The property was refurbished and updated a few years ago but retains many original features such as flagstones, open fireplaces, exposed beams and sash windows. Traditional style radiators can be found throughout the house.   Accommodation includes entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, pantry/larder, master bedroom with adjoining bathroom, bedroom 2 and family bathroom, with 2 further bedroom and bathroom on 2nd floor.  Outside there is a stone outbuilding/office, utility room, gardener’s lavatory, summerhouse and a fully enclosed rear garden.Click here to download colour brochure for 'Hope House' (PDF)

Burford is around 9 miles, Cirencester 10 miles, Cheltenham 12 miles, Kemble Station (London-Paddington about 75 minutes) 12 miles.  Kingham Station (London-Paddington about 90 minutes) 10 miles.

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Issued by:

Sue Hitchcock
sue.hitchcock@lawsonclarke.co.uk
LawsonClarke PR
Tel: 01285 658844
Fax: 01285 650080
www.lawsonclarke.com

Ref: BS01/2012