Welcome to the second edition of our e-newsletter. In this issue we would like to introduce you to some of our team and let you know how Fisher German Chester can help you make the most of your property assets

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We are delighted to announce that Fisher German Chester has appointed Mark Herbert, a highly experienced town planner. Mark has over thirty years experience of town planning within both the public and private sector and his expertise has already benefited several large estates, farmers, and individual landowners to assess and progress development opportunities for their land and buildings - helping to maximise their return on investment.

Any proposals to secure planning permission for all types of development within the open countryside, or to optimise potential value by converting agricultural buildings, are likely to benefit from Mark’s considerable knowledge of the complex and ever-changing planning system. Mark has a particular interest in helping to maintain our built heritage. He is already assisting clients with the conversion of a Grade 2 listed building on the edge of Chester City Centre, and with seeking the redevelopment of a listed, but long redundant, church in Warrington.    

Mark is also thrilled to be able to work on projects in close collaboration with Fisher German Chester's Alex Broad, a building surveyor with extensive knowledge in Computer Aided Design (CAD). “It makes the planning process so much easier”, explains Mark. “Appearance and layout is fundamental to providing high quality schemes, whether for simple barn conversions or sensitive listed buildings. Illustrative material is essential in my role, in engaging with local authority planners or for public consultation. That’s what I love about the Chester office – sharing a room with Alex make my job a lot easier!”            

For a free initial consultation on any planning matter or to learn more about our in-house CAD services, please contact Mark on 07468 860082 or email mark.herbert@fishergerman.co.uk 

For more information on building surveying call Alex on 07880 381276 or email alex.broad@fishergerman.co.uk

Since the opening in late 2014 of our new Property Agency showroom at our Vicars Lane offices, opposite Grosvenor Park, to accommodate the expansion of the Estate Agency business, there have been some significant events in the national property market.

December saw the reform of the deeply unpopular Stamp Duty Land Tax rules for residential property in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland the new rates will apply until 1^st April 2015, when SDLT will be replaced with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax. It is estimated that 98% of buyers will save under the new rules. The reform has led to Fisher German seeing a substantial increase in activity since the changes, with buyers often using the savings to offer a little more to secure the purchase.

More recently, January saw the eagerly awaited launch of the new property portal, www.OnTheMarket.com, to challenge the duopoly that is Rightmove and Zoopla. The website is owned by a consortium of estate agents around the UK, and currently has over 4,000 agency offices signed up - Fisher German Chester was amongst the first to sign up.

Fisher German Chester has also seen an increase in buyer activity this January compared to January 2014 which indicates a continued strengthening of the market. However, it will be interesting to see if the uncertainty created by forthcoming Election in May has an impact on customer confidence.

If you are looking to move or simply would like confidential advice, please call Michael Harris or Anna Morris on 01244 409660 or email michael.harris@fishergerman.co.uk or anna.morris@fishergerman.co.uk

As a Rural Surveyor born and brought up on a tenant farm in Mid Wales, and having worked with landlords and tenants over the last eight years in Cheshire, I have come across practically every land issue in the book, from letting farms to tree remedial work.

Over the last 12 months I have seen increasing numbers of rural properties coming to the market to let.  I deal with a variety of Landlords and Estates of varying sizes, and have found that many Landlords are now looking carefully at the range of options they can now consider. The key issues many Landlords face are what type of agreement they want to enter into and finding the right tenant, to make the most of the property for the future. With many Agricultural Holding Agreements ceasing the options are becoming more and more diverse. it is important to find the right tenant with the appropriate vision and also the suitable agreement to maximise the Landlords position. As a Land Agent I consider many things, but the basics are often the same whether you are looking for a tenant for a grazing licence or for a farm on a long term let. These are relevant budgets, business plans, qualifications and good strong references.

I am seeing a growing number of clients approach me with their concerns regarding optimising their tax position and meeting the requirements to obtain Entrepreneurs Relief. These options can often help younger farmers obtain land without an initial large financial investment.  Although to fit into the requirements of contract farming it requires the Landowners to invest in their land, they expect clear organisational skills, realistic gross margins, budgets and be able to get on with the individual so they can invest their money wisely and without high risk.

With more properties and opportunities coming on the market in recent years it is important for new tenants to stay ahead of the game.  Also many Land Owners are unsure of what future action they should take due to the variety of options and therefore it is important to optimise your assets wherever possible and seek professional advice.

If you want expert advice on your land call Becky Evans on 01244 409660 or email becky.evans@fishergerman.co.uk

Have a look at our Chester team.

2015 has picked up where 2014 left off with strong lettings to new businesses in smaller units as well as good interest in larger office units and industrial space. This month we are pleased to have received instructions to market the former Partco Trade Counter in the Centre of Chester. The Unit is in a particularly good setting just off the inner ring-road; making it ideal for businesses with a storage/retail requirement.

Working with our Estate Management and Building Surveying Teams, we are pleased to be marketing Hapsford Hall, a superb office building extending to 3,467 sq ft (322.19 sq m).

This property would make an excellent Head Office for any business wishing to have a prestigious working environment, yet with excellent access to the M56. Click here to view all our commercial properties.

Going under the hammer

Auctions

Our first auction of the year includes an interesting variety of lots, including agricultural land and development opportunities within Cheshire and North Wales.  Full details of the properties in our auction can be found here 

We have further auctions already arranged for the 15 July and 21 October. If you have a property, either residential, development or agricultural, and are interested in, please contact us and we will give you the very best advice on how to achieve the best sale.