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Welcome to our news archive page containing details of Fenn Wright news. Please scroll down the page to read all of our news, or use the following links: For current news stories click here 2007 News Stories Fenn Wright's Revamped Country & Equestrian Website Gallops Ahead A New Owner Is Needed For Colchester’s Garrison Church Property Tax Seminar : 22 November 2007 Welcome to the second edition of the Fenn Wright Property Lifestyle Magazine 'Residence' Five Years as Corporate Members of the Essex Wildlife Trust More Fisheries Angling for a Sale Significant Upturn in Demand for Small Freehold Office Buildings, but Nil Uplift Rent Review a The Capital Gains Tax Conundrum Detailed proposals revealed for next phase of Skyline 120, Braintree Empty commercial property rates relief abolished - another damaging tax grab by Brown Home for sale boasts houseboat and boatyard Fenn Wright let five units in The Walk for investment company Threadneedle Outstanding opportunity in landmark building near waterfront How are your energy levels? - An insight from our in-house Domestic Energy Assessor Fenn Wright : Chartered surveyors, Estate Agents, Property Consultants Traditional farmhouse offers leisure and commercial possibilities Amenity Land and Paddocks for Sale Celebrating successful expansion of rental division in Ipswich Change in traditional market trends as City Bonuses buyers are set to spend! Ex-Farm Building is perfect for Horse Lovers! Fenn Wright Announce New High Profile London Presence Fenn Wright launch new property lifestyle magazine Freehold/investment office building available on Hadleigh Road, Ipswich Good News for Equestrian Property Owners - Exempt from HIPS? Hold on HIPS! Managing Partner Alan Williams comments on the Home Information Packs Saga Luxurious Lodges with Private Fishing New high quality office building to let at Skyline 120 Business Park, Nr Braintree Picturesque thatched cottage with equestrian facilities in Roast Green Prestigious development off Mersea Road, ideally suited to retirement purchasers, now available Rare Chance to Acquire one of the Best Known Carp Fisheries in the Country Set sail in Nautica apartment! 'Ship-like' development in Ipswich Strong market for Property with land ...... Teala joins Fenn Wright to head DEAs Unique Opportunity to acquire Amenity Land in the Dedham Vale Want to 'buy-to-let' and keep a close eye on your investment? Click here for 2006 News Stories Click here for 2005 News Stories ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Fenn Wright's Revamped Country & Equestrian Website Gallops Ahead
A revamped website for Zoe Napier at Fenn Wright Country and Equestrian is already attracting an increased number of hits for the specialist agency. More than a thousand visitors a day are now being registered regularly for the new-look equestrianproperty4sale.com bringing the total to well over half a million since the website opened in 2005. Zoe says: “ We’re really thrilled with the website’s new look. It’s packed with useful information for buyers and sellers, and there are some super graphics. Most importantly, all the properties are easy to find and clearly displayed.” Fenn Wright Country and Equestrian is continuing to expand, and there are now seven team members. Newest among them is sales consultant Eve Reed who has more than 20 years experience and has previously worked with Zoe in the sale of country houses. Zoe reports that the market for equestrian properties remains brisk. "Despite perceived current trends widely reported in the press, the market for our type of properties remains strong, because every one we sell is unique”.
A New Owner Is Needed For Colchester’s Garrison Church Following a request from the Minstry of Defence (MOD), the UK’s largest homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, has taken ownership of the former Colchester Garrison Church ahead of schedule.
Taylor Wimpey recognises that the Grade II Star listed building is of considerable historic interest and importance to the community, and is therefore keen to secure a purchaser that is able to enhance and preserve the Church.
Peter Willis, the Director General Manager for Taylor Wimpey’s Eastern region, said: “The Church is extremely important to Colchester and the local community, and although it is our intention to sell the building, we have consulted with English Heritage and Colchester Borough Council, and we wish to secure a purchaser who has the best interests of the Church at heart.
“We have been approached by a number of specialist interest groups over the past couple of years, and want to ensure that the future owner will be someone who intends to use the Church for a relevant purpose and can assure its future maintenance within the context of its listed status.”
To help ensure the future of the Church is preserved, Taylor Wimpey is planning to take careful measures to vet all prospective purchasers, including requesting all interested parties submit detailed proposals on their plans for its use.
Colonel Tony Phillps, from Colchester Garrison, said: “Whilst the Church has a special history in regard to the Garrison, it was part of the overall Land disposal package agreed in 2004 between the MOD and the developers. The Garrison are pleased that Taylor Wimpey is treating the sale of this building with sensitivity and we are hopeful an appropriate buyer is found. The contents of the Church have all been correctly redistributed and the historical legacy will be suitably marked.”
Prospective purchasers wishing to submit a proposal should contact Daniel Wye of Fenn Wright on 01206 216565 for further information. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Property Tax Seminar (22/11/07) Fenn Wright teamed up with Birketts LLP Solicitors and PKF Accountants to present a Property Seminar on 22 November at Trinity Park, Ipswich.
Welcome to the second edition of the Fenn Wright Poperty Lifestyle Magazine 'Residence' (16/11/07) RESIDENCE
If you would like to receive a free copy please click here to send us your details ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Five Years as Corporate Members of the Essex Wildlife Trust (26/10/07)
Wear it Pink at Fenn Wright (26/10/07) WELL DONE AND A BIG THANK YOU to all the Fenn Wright staff who took part in "wear it pink®" day to raise funds for breast cancer research on Friday 26 October. We are delighted to announce that they raised a grand total of £260 for the charity.
For further information on this charity visit: www.wearitpink.co.uk More Fisheries Angling for a Sale (22/10/07)
A MARKED UPTURN in the number of fisheries for sale through Fenn Wright’s specialist fisheries department and website fisheries4sale.com has had partner Martin Freeman and Emma Wolter frequently out on the road visiting far flung parts of Britain. "I think perhaps that the sudden influx is weather related. People got to mid-July and decided to throw in the towel,” said Martin, “though some of those now coming to the market have been people considering selling over many months or years. Currently, there are 23 fisheries or fish related properties on our books, which given that only about 50 such establishments are marketed each year is a remarkable total”.
Martin sees the next big trend to be lodges for sale beside fisheries, and is in the process of building a new website fishinglodges4sale.com. The first to be marketed on the site will be Chapel Barn Lodges at Aldeburgh in Suffolk, a group of twelve luxury wooden cabins set around a purpose-built lake with private fishing.
For further information contact Martin Freeman on 01206 216541 or visit www.fisheries4sale.com
Significant Upturn in Demand for Small Freehold Office Buildings, but Nil Uplift Rent Review a "Rare Achievement" (22/10/07)
says Roger Hayward, partner in charge of Fenn Wright's commercial property department at Chelmsford "AFTER a number of years of relatively low levels of activity in office buildings, there has been a significant upturn over the last 12 months" says Roger Hayward, Partner in charge of the commercial department at Fenn Wright in Chelmsford. "This upturn has manifested itself in demand for small freehold office buildings, such as those constructed by Churchmanor Estates PLC at Springfield Lyons Technology Park at Chelmsford. But there is still a significant surplus of larger leasehold premises in the town, which has resulted, he says, in Fenn Wright's "rare achievement" in settling a rent review with nil uplift. We acted for M&G Insurance, a subsidiary of Prudential, in a rent review of Levick House, a large office building they occupy in Chelmsford," said Roger. " This is a modern building of approximately 32,700 sq ft, with around 100 car parking spaces, let to M&G by Landlords St James's Place at an annual rent approaching £700,000. We were unable to negotiate a settlement with theLandlords agent, but following referral to an Independent Expert, the rent review was determined by the Expert with a nil uplift - a rare achievement. Since that settlement was reached, there have been one or two larger new office lettings, but overall, office rents show no immediate signs of increasing significantly above current levels. Competition among landlords for new tenants remains fierce." For further information contact Roger Hayward 01245 261226
The Only Arbitrator in Town (22/10/07) Peter Burleigh BSc (Est. Man.) FRICS, is one of a very rare breed in Ipswich. He has recently become the only surveyor in town to receive appointments from the President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to act as either an Arbitrator or an Independent Expert in rent review disputes when two sides fail to reach agreement.
There are about 450 rent review surveyors on the President’s list in the UK, very few of them in East Anglia. Arbitrators and Independent Experts are practitioners of many years experience who have undergone specific training for the role, taken written exams and undergone regular assessments.
A salaried partner at Fenn Wright, Peter estimates that he may be appointed as many as 20 times in any year, but probably only two or three cases will actually run the full course. His appointments are usually in North Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. One of his recent cases was an unusual determination on a funeral parlour in Norfolk.
Beginning his career with three years in London, Peter emigrated to South Africa and worked for 15 months in Johannesburg and Capetown and then moved on to Sydney where he spent two happy years. He returned to England in 1974 and joined Abbotts, subsequently becoming a Partner. He then moved to Fenn Wright in 1995. Now 63, and living at Copdock with his wife Comilla he is not contemplating retirement.
“I enjoy my job and meet some very interesting people” he said. “I would like to do more arbitrations or independent determinations, but in a low inflationary period rent reviews are less contentious. Nevertheless there has been growth in rentals in certain sectors. The appointments, which do not run very often, have a legal problem to resolve. There certainly aren’t enough appointments to make it a full time career. However it is good to be considered by one’s peers as suitable to do the job”.
Rural Offices on the Rise (22/10/07) Although not a new phenomenon, the popularity of rural business premises continues to rise, according to Fenn Wright’s commercial division. "Smaller traditional farm buildings do not suit modern agricultural requirements, so an increasing number of farmers are looking to diversify, and are choosing to put their redundant buildings to good use as commercial units, including offices, light industrial and storage facilities", says Alistair Mitchell of Fenn Wright Commercial in Ipswich. "Increasingly, with modern technology and communications, physical location is not so crucial and the historic reasons for locating in town no longer apply. A pleasant rural environment is enjoyed by both staff and customers, and the promise of ample parking facilities and easy access continues to attract tenants. Given the congestion issues afflicting most town centre premises, the rural option is a good one.” Alistair cites three examples of successful rural transformations: “Court Farm Business Centre at Brantham is an award-winning scheme that provides units from approximately 200 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft, and has attracted a wide variety of businesses including offices, workshops, and retail outlets. There are good connections to major road and rail routes", he said. Gulpher Business Park at Trimley has been very successful in attracting shipping companies that historically were sited within the port at Felixstowe. Alton Business Centre at Wherstead, located a mile from the A14 /A137 interchange provides very high quality offices. NFU Mutual Insurance relocated there last year, and we then negotiated the letting of 4,860 sq ft to BOCM Pauls Ltd., both companies having decided to relocate from Ipswich town centre. Currently on the books are five units in The Richmond Old Dairy at Gedgrave near Orford at rents between £2,300 per annum and £7,250 per annum, Holton Park office suites at Holton, and the north wing of Claydon Court." From Chelmsford, Abby Rees currently has several high quality rural business premises to let. Among them are Whitelands in Hatfield Peverel, Lord Rayleigh’s former estate office, which has been divided into several units ranging from 826sq ft to 1,335sq ft available at £10 per sq ft pa, and Pond Park at Felsted. Pond Park Business Centre offers new office space ranging from 1,206sq ft to 3,800sq ft set in beautiful surroundings and offering a modern office environment. These offices are being marketed at £15 per sq ft pa. "New technology certainly plays a crucial role in allowing businesses to move out of town", Abby said, "but so does the fact that rental levels in rural offices developed to a high standard represent good value for money”. At Colchester, Lewis Chambers lists South House Farm at Maldon and Unit 8 Griggs Business Centre at Coggeshall among countryside commercial premises on his books. "Griggs Business Centre is a rural office development built around several courtyards over a 15 year period from a range of former farm outbuildings. Occupiers include a good range of local, regional and national businesses, all benefiting from an attractive rural setting and close proximity to the A120 Stansted to Colchester Road", he said. "Recent lettings include 1,164 sq ft premises at Bentley Manor, Little Bentley which form part of a larger conversion from disused farm buildings to well planned office accommodation. A rent of £8,000 per annum was achieved." For further information contact Alistair Mitchell 01473 232701, Lewis Chambers 01206 216562 or Abby Rees 01245 261226
The Capital Gains Tax Conundrum (15/10/07) The Chancellor’s Pre Budget Statement on Capital Gains Tax should raise serious questions for agricultural investors and farmers considering a disposal. Under the current tax regime, investors disposing of non business assets will be taxed at an effective rate of 24%, subject to the length of time the asset has been owned. On the face of it, the proposed 18% looks very attractive. We would however raise a note of caution. With the loss of Taper Relief, we also see the end of the inflationary linked relief, Indexation. In some circumstances Indexation can completely nullify or give rise to only a small gain subject to CGT. Under the Chancellors proposals, there will be no relief and the entire gain will be chargeable at the lower rate of 18%. The question investors considering disposal of agricultural property must consider is whether the perception of lower tax under the proposals is a reality or whether the effects of Indexation and Taper Relief more than counter this. The Chancellor’s proposals are even more concerning for the land owning farmer. In many circumstances farms have been owned for many years and Indexation will significantly reduce the tax liability. Add to this the effects of Taper Relief on Business Assets, effectively reducing the tax rate to 10%, and many farmers can dispose of property with only a minimal tax liability. From 6th April 2006, not only will the tax rate increase from the effective rate of 10% to 18% but with the removal of Indexation the higher rate will be chargeable on the entire net gain. The effect on the average family farm could be the difference between paying no tax on disposal or a bill running into several hundred thousand pounds. The circumstances will be different in each case and we would urge anyone considering a disposal in the next 18 months to seek advice from their accountant.
For further information contact David Ward 01206 216544
Detailed proposals revealed for next phase of Skyline 120, Braintree (19/10/07) Detailed proposals have now been revealed for the next Phase of Skyline 120 at Great Notley Garden Village, Braintree, which will see the Park increase in size to over 500,000 sq. ft. Skyline 120 is the largest speculative commercial development currently under construction in Essex. The next Phase will comprise approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of warehouse/industrial space in units ranging in size from 3,010 sq. ft. to 17,380 sq. ft. Completion is due in August 2008 and initial discussions are already under way with a number of potential occupiers. The Courtyard Office Village was completed at the end of June 2007 and comprises 7 freehold office units, three of which have already been sold or placed under offer. We have four units left ranging from 2,625 sq. ft. to 3,588 sq. ft. GIA approx. Andrew Carrington, Director of Countryside Properties plc, the developers of the scheme, commented “Braintree’s appeal as a business location has improved significantly as Companies have begun to appreciate the benefits of the improved transport infrastructure and broad employment base of the town”.
For further information contact Roger Hayward or James Wright on 01245 292825
Empty commercial property rates relief abolished - another damaging tax grab by Brown (19/10/07) New legislation comes into effect on 1 April 2008 which abolishes business rate concessions currently enjoyed on most vacant commercial property. From April 2008 empty commercial properties will be rated at 100% of liability. The impact of this largely unpublicised initiative will be extremely damaging to the commercial property market, particularly in the industrial sector where, for many years, vacant properties have not attracted a business rate liability. The Government have sought to justify the introduction of this new initiative on the basis that it will promote more effective use of property. Gordon Brown has indicated that his scheme is likely to raise £900 million.
The Government’s objective that rate relief prevents liquidity in the commercial market is not well founded, long term vacancies often relate to obsolescence, lack of demand or delays in the planning system. Imposing an additional tax burden will do little to solve these difficulties. We recommend that clients with properties which have potential for a long term void very carefully review their letting or redevelopment strategy in the light of this misguided new tax initiative.
Home for sale boasts houseboat and boatyard (12/10/07) An unusual opportunity has arisen to buy a house, former boatyard plus a refurbished houseboat all together on approximately 7.7 acres of land between Great Bentley and St Osyth, two miles away on the Essex coast. For sale by informal tender through agents Fenn Wright, who have set a guide price of £600,000, Hill House and Flag Wharf, including houseboat ‘Locker’, present an excellent business opportunity, according to partner Lewis Chambers.
“The property stands in a Coastal Protection Belt, so prospective buyers will need a plan that is sensitive in terms of the surrounding area. But over the last 15 years, the wharf area has operated as a commercial boat yard, trading mostly recently up until the beginning of last month as Flagwharf Boats. On average, around 50 vessels have been accommodated on the wharf, and services have included brokerage, launching and repairs,” he said. Hill House is an attractive brick property on an elevated site overlooking the wharf, but is now inneed of refurbishment. It has five bedrooms, four ground floor rooms plus scullery, walk-in pantry, and a long lean-to conservatory. Behind the house are four garages and an attractive outbuilding, a large parking area and gardens. The wharf occupies around 1.4 acres and consists of mud berths in the creek accessed via a range of timber walkways (some of which have become unsafe). There is also a hard-standing area and concrete slipway. For the past 15 years or so, the houseboat ‘Locker’ has occupied one of the mud berths. Attractively refurbished in recent years, it offers a good sized living area, galley, bedroom and shower with WC. It is included in the sale, but will not be available to be viewed internally except by the successful purchaser.
Fenn Wright are arranging a series of viewings over October and November, culminating in best written offers by noon on 30th November.
For further information contact Lewis Chambers (01206 216562) or Daniel Wye (01206 216567)
Fenn Wright let five units in The Walk for investment company Threadneedle (12/10/07) Fenn Wright have successfully let five shops located in The Walk, Ipswich, owned by Threadneedle Pensions, who control approaching a £1 billion worth of property. For Threadneedle, asset manager Richard Saul remarked: “ Having completed these lettings we can now offer Ipswich a full range of small niche retailers in a prime town centre location. We look forward to the continued success of the Walk with the help and advice of Fenn Wright."
Among the new tenants, Mr Charles Partridge of Partridge Farm Shop said: “We were very pleased to find this property in The Walk. After many months of looking for the right location to expand our business, this our second shop will enable us to broaden our customer base due to its high profile location. We have started a very good business relationship with our landlords Threadneedle Pensions and Fenn Wright who have both been very helpful and supportive in all aspects leading up to our opening, we look forward to a continued working relationship"
For more information please contact Alistair Mitchell at Fenn Wright on 01473 417714
Outstanding opportunity in landmark building near waterfront (05/10/2007)
A fantastic opportunity exists to create a new hotel and restaurant in a landmark building close to Ipswich waterfront, reputed to be the oldest established pub in town. The Old Bell Inn in Stoke Street is for sale through agents Fenn Wright at a guide price of £445,000, with planning permission and Listed Building consent to expand the accommodation to include an 80 cover restaurant, new kitchen, six en suite letting bedrooms as well as manager’s accommodation.
Grade II listed, The Old Bell dates originally from the 16th Century, when it was a regular stopping place for carriers and farm carts on their way across Stoke Bridge into town. Reputedly famous for its cock fights, it was said to be named after an old bell foundry that stood nearby. For many years it was owned by the Tollemache brewery, and let to tenants at five shillings a year. Considerably reduced in size when its left hand portion was taken down to make way for the construction of Vernon Street many centuries ago, the building currently offers a bar area, pool room, dining room, kitchen and WC, with lounge, five bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor. There is an extensive rear yard with open fronted building towards the rear, plus an area of grass. The planning permission in place will increase the total accommodation by some 299 sq m, (3,223 sq ft). Conversion of the original building, amounting to around 265 sq m over the two floors (2,848 sq ft) will provide three ground floor dining rooms, a private function room, lounge and store, plus first floor manager’s accommodation. The new-build three-storey extension will consist of a new kitchen, store, covered parking and six double en suite bedrooms.
At Fenn Wright, Alistair Mitchell believes The Old Bell Inn has huge potential. “ Given its location close to the waterfront, within easy striking distance of the various new commercial and residential developments and the new University campus, I am sure this will prove a lucrative project for someone with vision. The Old Bell Inn is a splendid old building and sympathetic renovation will bring it a new lease of life, “ he said. Contact him on 01473 232701 for full details. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ How are your energy levels? (27/09/07)
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Traditional farmhouse offers leisure and commercial possibilities (31/08/07) A traditional Grade II listed farmhouse 10 miles from the Essex coast could be adapted for a variety of purposes as it comes with a super leisure complex and a range of potential commercial buildings, understood to have been last used as a Kindergarten.
Oak House Farm in Great Bromley, 10 miles inland of both Harwich and Clacton and just eight from Colchester, is for sale through agents Fenn Wright at a guide price in excess of £1.25m.
The delightful rambling farmhouse is believed to date originally from the 17th Century with later additions, and offers a wealth of period features. There are three spacious reception rooms. Among these, the dining room is a magnificent 29ft 10ins by 14ft 10ins and has an inglenook fireplace and French doors to the garden. A long well-fitted kitchen has an archway through to a breakfast room containing an Aga set within a brick fireplace.
Upstairs, there are five good sized bedrooms, the master with its own bathroom en suite, plus a family bathroom.
The property consists of around seven and a half acres of land, a formal garden surrounding the house. To the rear of this is the leisure complex, a single storey L shaped building consisting of kitchen, office, shower room and sauna, and a snooker/games room with built-in bar. A 38ft by 18ft swimming pool is contained within a pool room over 48ft long, which has sliding patio doors and double glazed windows on two sides. There is a changing area and plant room to one side.
Adjacent to a garage block is a possible annexe or office, consisting of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and first floor living room containing kitchen area.
The potential commercial buildings are extremely spacious, and created within a converted barn and other outbuildings. A large play area has a cloakroom off and a good-sized kitchen. There are three more kitchens serving three more former classrooms, plus two rooms on the upper floor, one with kitchenette and cloakroom..
Outside, there is parking for numerous vehicles on the sweeping driveway, and in addition to an equipped children’s play area, there are two stables, paddocks and a hard tennis court. The house is set away from the commercial buildings.
For Fenn Wright, David Ambrose said: “ Oak House Farm is in a lovely rural spot, but is by no means remote. The extensive buildings offer huge potential for a variety of uses, and the leisure complex could equally well be part of what is on offer, or be retained for private use by the new owners.”
To obtain full details, contact David Ambrose on 01206 216565.
Fenn Wright Announce New High Profile London Presence (28/8/07) Leading local estate agents Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian are proud to announce the official opening of their spectacular new London office.
Country & Equestrian. “It means we can offer our clients exclusive, high-profile access not only to the massive London market as a whole, but also to affluent overseas buyers and the international investment community.” Originally opened in 2001, the Park Lane offices have been totally transformed, both inside and out. No expense has been spared to create one of the most stunning property showcase venues in the country. Outside, there are eye-catching new fascias and a stunning array of plasma and touch screens. Inside, subtle shades and the finest quality materials and furnishings combine to create an environment that is both modern and ultra-stylish. Technology is again very much in evidence, with more plasma screens (there are nearly 20 in all) presenting a rolling display of selected properties. Five high-calibre staff are on hand to deal with enquiries. “Park Lane is probably the best address in London,” says Zoe. “The new office therefore gives us a London presence which is quite simply second to none - the perfect environment in which to present our clients’ properties directly to this most lucrative market.”
______________________________________________________________________________ Luxurious Lodges with Private Fishing (20/8/07) In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast, 12 luxurious holiday lodges with private fishing are being offered for sale through Fenn Wright’s specialist fisheries department at Colchester.
room over 19ft long by 18ft wide divided into three distinct areas for sitting, dining and food preparation. The kitchen area is stylishly appointed, as is the en suite shower room to the master bedroom (12ft by 8ft 5ins) and the family bathroom which serves the second bedroom. Timber decking outside overlooks the lake, and there is an option to install a hot tub as a luxurious extra. A brick-paved driveway leads to the lodges, and there are parking bays.
retreat for the keen angler – not only is the lake right on the doorstep, but there are endless opportunities for river, shore and sea fishing in the area. Those in the family who might prefer other pursuits will find plenty of alternative holiday activities to occupy them.” For further details contact Martin Freeman on 01206 216555 for full details or visit the website www.fisheries4sale.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Good News for Equestrian Property Owners (9/8/07)
Wright's Domestic Energy Assessment team, Teala Estabrook, and it appears that parcels in excess of five hectares, where horses are bred or kept, will be exempt from providing a HIP as the amount of land would be considered too large for purely residential purposes." Other exemptions apply to park homes (static caravans), boat houses and holiday properties with restrictions on the number of months' occupation. For further information contact Zoe Napier on 01376 530135 email: zn@fennwright.co.uk or Teala Estabrook on 01206 507680 email: tpe@fennwright.co.uk ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ Ex-Farm Building is perfect for Horse Lovers! (26/7/07) Tucked away down a no through lane on the edge of the village of Great Finborough, Butterfly Farm is a horse-lover's dream home.
opens through to an inner area (with shower/cloakroom off), leading in turn to the living room. At 26'6" (maximum) by 16'2", this is open to the rafters, displaying the timber frame. There is a wide opening through to the kitchen, door off to a study or fourth bedroom, and stairs rising to the vaulted main bedroom on a mezzanine floor above. Off to the other side of the hall are two more bedrooms and a bathroom.
ago, this has a rubber and silica sand base and is fully fenced. Paddocks enclosed within post and rail fencing lie to the east of the barn. For full details of Butterfly Farm, contact Zoe Napier at Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian on 01376 530135 or visit www.equestrianproperty4sale.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Teala joins Fenn Wright to head DEAs (16/7/07) Teala Estabrook Dip DEA joined Fenn Wright in June to head up the five-strong in-house team of Domestic Energy Assessors having qualified after completing the very first course offered through SAVA and the National Home Energy Rating accreditation scheme.
that road before the Government’s about-face, and was able to change to the course for DEAs without losing out financially. Now living at Holton St Mary on the Suffolk/Essex border, Teala is confident that Fenn Wright are ready to face any challenges the introduction of Home Information Packs will bring. “ We are determined to bring the best possible service to our clients through these uncertain times,” she said “ and to be a help to all our colleagues within the industry who are facing the same challenges introducing HIPs.” ______________________________________________________________________________ Set sail in Nautica apartment! 'Ship-like' development in Ipswich (12/7/07) The lettings department of Fenn Wright in Ipswich has seven apartments to let in the stylish Nautica development close to Ipswich's popular and fashionable waterfront area.
high standards and boasts up-to-the-minute fixtures and fittings. It stands on a corner plot a stone's throw from the docks fronting Fore Hamlet and Myrtle Road. Luxury fitted kitchens have granite-style work surfaces and fully integrated appliances including oven, hob and extractor hood; bathrooms have chrome towel rails with electri over-ride and Grohe thermostatic shower mixers; Cat5e cabling serves living and bedrooms, which are wired for Sky as well as for home entertainment systems, and every apartment has an allocated parking space. There is a hands-free audio and video entry system and many of the apartments have Juliet balconies as well. Fenn Wright's Lettings Manager, Debbie Pawsey said, "There is a choice of four furnished or three unfurnished flats on offer, all with two bedrooms and with prices starting at just £550 per month. Developers Bermac have a policy of meticulous attention to detail in their projects and it certainly shows here. I have to say that the furnished apartments are absolutely stunning and look like show homes." The apartments available are between the first and fourth floors, the highest being the sun-deck apartment. For full details and to arrange viewings, contact Debbie Pawsey on 01473 417711 ______________________________________________________________________________ Freehold/investment office building available on Hadleigh Road, Ipswich (10/7/07) Fenn Wright's Ipswich office is offering a substantial office building for sale in a prominent location on Hadleigh Road.
to appeal to contracting companies and similar businesses looking for freehold premises, especially given the good access to both the town centre and the A12/A14 trunk roads." For further details contact Fenn Wright's Commercial division on 01472 232701. ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 2007 Celebrating successful expansion of rental division in Ipswich (19/6/07) Just over six months ago, Fenn Wright decided to expand its residential property managment department in Ipswich and appointed Debbie Pawsey and Jessica Mongan to manage it.
"Professional landlords with an established portfolio of properties and knowledge of the business can expect a fast, efficient service and expert management of their properties. New and prospective landlords are given every assistance throughout the whole process, from which area and what type of house to buy, through to the feasibility and projected rental returns on a selection of properties. If it is helpfull, we will visit the properties with them - nothing is too much trouble!" "Once the perfect tenant is installed, we turn our attention to managing the property, looking after the interests of both landlord and tenant, and dealing with any maintenance problems or other difficulties that might arise." Debbie and Jess are well aware that the rental market in Ipswich is highly competitive. Debbie said, "Only 100% professionalism, competitive rates and a service in keeping with Fenn Wright's outstanding local reputation will ensure that our success continues and the lettings department goes from strength to strength. I am confident of continuing expansion in the next half year, and look forward to serving many new landlords and tenants in the future." To contact Debbie or Jess, ring Fenn Wright's lettings department on 01473 417711. ______________________________________________________________________________ Want to 'buy-to-let' and keep a close eye on your investment? (11/6/07) If you aspire to buy-to-let, but prefer to keep a close eye on your investment, or are seeking a home with extra space for a relative, a newly refurbished property on Norwich Road in Ipswich could provide the ideal solution.
their independence; or for someone wanting to enter the buy-to-let market whilst maintaining close contact with their investment. The main house has two reception rooms at ground floor level, both with sash windows, picture rails and period fireplaces. The attractive kitchen, which has white painted fitted units, dark tiles and worktops and a wooden floor, has fully integrated appliances including oven, hob, fridge and freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a cloakroom. There are two more bedrooms on the second floor, together with a second cloakroom and family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, separate shower cubicle, low level WC and his-and-hers wash basins.
For full details of either or both properties, contact Fenn Wright on 01473 232700 ______________________________________________________________________________ Fenn Wright launch new property lifestyle magazine (6/6/07) RESIDENCE
If you would like to receive a copy please click here to send us your details ______________________________________________________________________________ MAY 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ Managing Partner, Alan Williams comments on the Home Information Packs Saga (25/5/07)
marketing and even then would not have the Energy Performance Certificate in place. Not unnaturally, most people have been unaware of this little pot boiler which started around 1998 and you could be forgiven for thinking that it was a bit more regulation for Estate Agents to worry about and if they were moaning about it well they would wouldn’t they? My main concern was not for us as a business but our clients as sellers of property. I didn’t think that sellers would like to have the freedom to market their own property, at a time of their choosing, taken away! How does it speed up the system if you have to wait for a pack to be prepared before you can even start marketing? And if a willing seller wanted to find a buyer how would it have improved the service to people desperately searching for a home if we legally had to keep quiet about a potentially perfect match until the pack was ready? It looks as though the RICS have done the government a favour by seeking a judicial review and forcing a postponement.
From 1st August HIPS will be phased in for houses with four bedrooms or more and my Holy Grail of ‘first day marketing’ will be allowed back in for the time being. A step in the right direction but a little more climbing down is required in my opinion. Fenn Wright have made sure that we were ready for HIPS form 1st June anyway, by having our Survey team qualify as DEAs. Together with a new recruit to the team that gives us five Domestic Energy Assessors to take care of our clients needs in –house. That’s about 1% of the national total so far as at the end of May. In all about 7000 DEAs are thought to be needed. We also invested in training Home Condition Inspectors last year when the government decided that a Home Condition Report would no longer be a mandatory part of the pack. The information part of the pack is now so thin (mainly evidence of title and searches) that it should be scrapped altogether leaving only the Energy Performance Certificate as a requirement before contracts exchange. The EPC is an EEC requirement anyway and we are all increasingly aware of the need to reduce carbon emissions so let’s embrace it without holding back the market. Incidentally, if 7000 new DEA’s look at around five properties each working day, isn’t that an extra 35,000 car journeys that were previously not required? If the current nationwide pool of surveyors could get on with the EPC when they survey the property for a potential buyer/lender wouldn’t that be better for the environment? When the government review the scheme at the end of the year I am sure that the Trading Standards people will also privately hope that HIPS are scrapped leaving only Energy Surveys to worry about as they had already complained about having no extra resources to enforce 96 pages of new regulations. "If you are thinking of selling remember that, whatever is thrown at us and wherever the goalposts move next, you can relax safe in the knowledge that we are prepared and we still enjoy the fun bit – selling homes and making our clients happy! " ______________________________________________________________________________ Prestigious development off Mersea Road, ideally suited to retirement purchasers, now available (18/5/07)
The accommodation in each bungalow comprises entrance hall, lounge/diner, kitchen with integral appliances including gas hob, electric oven, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and plumbing for dishwasher. An inner hallway with storage cupboard leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom, the main bedroom having french doors to the garden. All the properties are offered with double glazing, gas central heating and are covered by NHBC. "This prestigious development is ideally suited to the retirement purchaser," said Maria Montgomery of Fenn Wright. "The bungalows are built to a high specification and are situated in a secure gated development set back from Mersea Road, accessed via a private road. Purchasers will have a choice of kitchen cupboards, work surfaces and tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as internal paint colours, subject to build programme." The bungalows are being released in two phases, with Phase I, comprising four bungalows, including the Show Bungalow, already available at a price of £184,500 each. For further details contact: Maria Montgomery on 01206 507634 ______________________________________________________________________________ APRIL 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ New high quality office building to let at Skyline 120 Business Park, Nr Braintree (30/4/07) Fenn Wright’s Chelmsford office is letting a new high quality office building at Skyline 120 Business Park at Braintree. “It’s easy to see the benefits of this new build office accommodation at 800 Avenue West,” said Hugh Crayston of Fenn Wright. “It’s ideally located, with easy access to the A131/A120 junction and excellent links to Stansted Airport and the national motorway network approximately 15 miles away.” The building provides three high quality office suites, which are available to let on a new full repairing and insuring basis, as follows: Suite 1 180 sq.m. (1,935 sq.ft.) @ £33,500 per annum exclusive All three suites are finished to a high specification, including raised floors, suspended ceilings, air conditioning, Category 2 lighting, optional solar power and car parking. For further information: Please contact Hugh Crayston on 01245 261226 ______________________________________________________________________________
Fenn Wright also hosted a reunion of former pupils of the Endsleigh School at Lexden Grange to give a last look inside the building before the new purchasers move into the 8 apartments. On Saturday 21st of April over 250 people, including former pupils and two teachers, turned up to rekindle memories and bump into Old School chums.
Coates Hutton family whilst William Coates Hutton was the Mayor of Colchester. Unfortunately, Mr Gower didn’t buy one of the properties at Lexden Grange, but one former pupil has! Lexden Grange show apartment is open at weekends from 11am to 4pm. For further information contact Jonathan Perry on 01206 507642 ______________________________________________________________________________ MARCH 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ Strong market for Property with land ……………. (30/3/07) Fenn Wright are constantly moving forward with the changing markets and lifestyle requirements of not only local buyers but the geographical movements of London buyers searching for ‘commutable’ property in Essex. The Firm has its own unique and specialist agency divisions, to include their own branding of "Zoe Napier at Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian" – an exclusive country house market place dedicated to he sale of property with land, offering residences with anything from 1.5 acres to 200+ acres. This specialist division offers one of the country’s leading equestrian websites www.equestrianproperty4sale.com which attracts a wide range of buyers and not just the die hard equestrian buyers! This fast growing market for property with land brings many London buyers to the region, particularly North Essex and the Suffolk borders, who are seeking to simply ‘change their lifestyle’
specialist equestrian services and countless buyers wanting property with land to ‘secure their own view’ and just enjoy the outdoor life that acreage can offer. This includes many families buying the family pony and quad bikes for fun – a far cry from City life yet so close for all major road/rail/air links! The range of buyers is quite diverse," continued Zoe, "all but a few have the same thing in common ‘to live your dream and change lifestyle’ as the slogan indicates in our distinctive advertising." Essex is reported to have the most horse owners in the country – not at all surprising to Fenn Wright. The County benefits from a number of facilities including the Port of Harwich which provides access to Hook of Holland and a gateway for horse transport to Europe, Wix Equestrian Centre, Unex Towerlands (where "Only Fools on Horses" was filmed) and the new Essex Showground Racecourse (due to open this year) - all good reasons as to why Essex attracts a high volume of equestrian buyers.
clients. We believe that our specialist coverage is far wider than other agents in this respect and proof of such is already in the Country & Equestrian teams’ growing profile and obvious successes”.
______________________________________________________________________________ Rare Chance to Acquire one of the Best Known Carp Fisheries in the Country ( 7/3/07)
The lake, extending to approximately 2.75 acres, is situated in delightful mature secluded grounds extending in all to about 6 acres. Currently run on a syndicated basis, producing revenue of over £19,000 per annum, the lake offers the potential for a greater income if run on a day ticket basis. It has the benefit of being overlooked by the house, providing security, together with hard car parking, toilet/shower block and a timber fishing hut.
heated swimming pool, well secluded by mature hedging, and a number of fine specimen trees. Positioned to one side of the plot is a 1,350 sq.ft. B1 commercial unit, with adjacent yard area of approximately 1,700 sq.ft. and ample parking. This has been let on an annual basis for £14,000 per year. Fenn Wright Fisheries4sale has a guide price of £1,300,000 for the freehold of Withy Pool. Contact Fenn Wright Fisheries4sale on 01206 216555 or visit www.fisheries4sale.com ______________________________________________________________________________ FEBRUARY 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ Unique Opportunity to acquire Amenity Land in the Dedham Vale (16/2/07)
The land is for sale as a whole or in two lots; Lot One comprising approximately 2.69 acres and Lot Two comprising approximately 2.52 acres. Fenn Wright is inviting offers in excess of £50,000 for the whole, or in excess of £25,000 for each of the two lots. Best Offers are invited to be received at Fenn Wright's office at 1 Tollgate East, Stanway, Colchester, by 11am on Friday 30th March 2007. For further information contact David Ward on 01206 216550 ______________________________________________________________________________ Picturesque thatched cottage with equestrian facilities for sale in Roast Green (08/02/07)
There are exposed beams in the cottage, which was originally a pair of cottages dating from around the 17th/18th century. On the ground floor are dual aspect sitting/dining room andfamily room/snug, both with open fireplaces, an AGA kitchen, breakfast room with brick fireplace, study/bedroom five and bathroom. On the first floor a galleried landing leads to four bedrooms, all semi-vaulted, family bathroom, separate shower room and second landing/occasional bedroom.
Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian has a guide price of £1.1 million for the freehold of the property. For further information call John Davey on 01376 530135 or email jend@fennwright.co.uk ______________________________________________________________________________ JANUARY 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ Amenity Land and Paddocks for Sale (30/01/07)
Fenn Wright is seeking offers in excess of £20,000 for this parcel of land.
Both properties are for sale by informal tender, with best and final offers being invited by 11.00 a.m. on Monday 5th February 2006. For further information contact the Rural Division on 01206 216550, or email Jonathan Perks jp@fennwright.co.uk ______________________________________________________________________________ Change in traditional market trends as City Bonuses buyers are set to spend! (02/01/07) “Anyone thinking of selling in the Spring might consider bringing their pending move forward,” reports Zoe Napier at Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian. “Last year’s market showed an upsurge in property sales during the first quarter of 2006 and 2007 is set to display a similar trend as City Bonus buyers are due record bonus payouts around the end of January!”
These buyers inevitably include the City Bonus buyers who assist hugely in the activity levels, demand and, subsequently, volume of sales for both the lower priced properties (for investment purchases) and higher priced properties to serve as comfortable family homes. Buyers, especially in the upper price ranges for Country Houses and equestrian property, are undoubtedly looking for a change in their lifestyle, which is why the market for property with land is so buoyant. There is simply nothing better than to have a family home where there is the opportunity for endless outdoor activities, such as owning horses, livestock for pets and quad bikes etc – Parents are definitely choosing the lifestyle option, if they can, for their children to have an active outdoor lifestyle in the country and Essex is the perfect place for the commuter with so many conveniently placed rural pockets and attractive villages. “The early part of the New Year is an excellent time to view houses too,” continued Zoe, “because if you like a house in the winter, then you will love it in the summer!” Examples of such reasons include the buyer being able to inspect the grounds, especially if there is paddock land – it is a good time to see whether the acreage is well drained. The gardens will also be at their most vulnerable for being overlooked and spring and summer foliage will only improve on the privacy aspects. A warm house is a welcoming house and a good time to see open fires and the heating system working efficiently. A draughty house can easily be detected in the winter too! The general message seems to be that if you are thinking of selling this year, then don’t delay in contacting your agent to get a market appraisal and to allow for early preparations to take place in order for an effective launch to the market and successful sale. For further information or a free market appraisal call Zoe Napier at Fenn Wright Country & Equestrian on 01376 530135 or email zn@fennwright.co.uk
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