Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021

Property Focus Winter 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN A CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM THE SOUTHSEA DELI LIFE AFTER THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY EFFICIENCY IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND LETTINGS Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 1

Welcome W

ith interest rate rises looming, it’s raising questions from many of our clients as to what is next for the housing market given that we have seen a high level of activity over the last eighteen months which couldn’t last forever or could it?

I apologise if I sound like a cracked record, but the reality of the housing market is that there are still very few properties coming onto the market; hence we’ve seen no real sign of any price drops aside from the houses that were over ambitious to start with.

If you take the period between 1971 and 2021, interest rates, on average were 7.4% per annum so we are still

in a period of historically low rates which even if they hit 2% would still be remarkably low in comparison and for those of us with long enough memories, a far cry from 15/17% of the late 1970’s!

For those with sums of capital to invest, the ‘Buy to Let’ market is still proving popular and believe it or not, we recently sold a property to a client in his eighties who is still expanding his property portfolio with a mortgage!

The rent we are achieving on one and two bedroom apartments is starting to creep up with demand out stripping supply by quite some

Christmas Competition!!

Win a Christmas Hamper from The Southsea Deli!

How to enter: • Count how many Reindeers are hiding amongst our pages - here is one for starters!

• Like and Follow us and The Southsea Deli on our Facebook or Instagram @Fryandkent @the_southsea_deli • DM us on Facebook or Instagram with the number of reindeers you counted.

Alternatively email us at sales@fryandkent.com with your answer. Entries close on Monday 13th December 2021 at 12pm and winners will be announced later that day. Good Luck!

Terms & Conditions Apply. For all terms and conditions please see our Facebook page or email us at sales@fryandkent.com to find out more.

2 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | www.fryandkent.com

measure, offering a good return on capital invested no matter what your age group!

So, gazing in 2022, it is my opinion that we will continue to see a stable trading environment with demand at the very least equalling supply, unless there is a dramatic economic upset which has yet to surface.

Whilst writing; I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy festive period! With thanks to all of those who have used us for Sales and Lettings this year, and we look forward to assisting you in the future.

Neil Maxwell & Gary Bird - Directors

Featured Property

Woodville Drive, Old Portsmouth

F

ry & Kent has the pleasure of marketing for sale this stunning four bedroom townhouse situated in the highly requested private gated estate of Pembroke Park in the cathedral City of Old Portsmouth. This former Garrison Barracks is situated a short stroll to Southsea seafront, Southsea common, Palmerston Road, the marina complex of Gunwharf Quays with its many bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and designer shops, as well as being in close proximity to fantastic schools.

With high quality modern fittings and decor throughout, this family home boasts over 1600 Sq.ft (152.9 Sq.m) and is spacious, bright and airy throughout. The property consists of a lobby, entrance hall, downstairs shower/cloak room, utility room, garden room leading to garden and a garage on the ground floor. The first floor presents a large open plan lounge/kitchen diner with balcony and a very useful study (or bedroom 4). The top floor exhibits 3 double bedrooms, one of which benefits from a balcony looking out to the communal gardens and fishpond, as well as a four piece modern family bathroom. With off road parking on the private driveway, as well as the garage, and high spec improvements throughout, viewing at your earliest convenience is recommended! £620,000 | EPC - C

Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 3

Life After the Stamp Duty Holiday

Albert Zarb-Cousin, Branch Manager of Fry & Kent in Southsea, explores the after affects of the Stamp Duty holiday at the end of September and how the property market is likely to react?

It is fair to say, one of the most important questions being asked at the moment is whether this additional expense is likely to have a negative effect on property prices and house sales following an unprecedented property market.

Certainly, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak must be delighted the scheme achieved its objective of stimulating housing demand following the first lockdown in 2020 when there was a real risk of a market collapse during the Pandemic. In addition, even though there was employment uncertainty, the Furlough Scheme compounded the need for housing as factors such as additional space for ‘hybrid home offices’ or ‘home-schooling’ rooms became a priority.

No one really expected the incredible demand we experienced here in Portsmouth and Southsea with often several buyers scrambling for the same property and offers surpassing the asking price. Originally scheduled to end on 31 March, the decision to extend the stamp duty holiday to 30 June tapering to 30 September

Fry & Kent

7-9 Stanley Street Southsea PO5 2DS T: 02392 815221 fryandkent.com

was welcomed, enabling the many for outside space, garden rooms home buyers to take advantage of and to escape from busy urban a £15,000 saving on a purchase of environments. In fact, a recent £500,000. It also enabled the many Nationwide survey found seven in transactions potentially missing the ten homeowners (68%) would still deadline to complete given many be moving, or considering a move, solicitors were struggling to cope if the stamp duty holiday had not with the volume of been extended. sales.

“No one really expected Interestingly, the the incredible demand Surprisingly, rental market is we experienced here in the September also booming with Portsmouth and Southsea deadline had very demand at incredible with often several buyers little effect with levels, perhaps an scrambling for the same many buyers still indication that property and offers willing to press some homeowners surpassing the asking price” took the step to ahead, with or without the tax sell up and break break incentive. So, how will the the chain while achieving a good market fare in this transitional price for their property. This will period and beyond? There is no provide time to find the right doubt there are signs of normality property knowing they are now returning to the market and unencumbered. It is also the perfect property prices appear more way to ‘test’ the location before buoyant. For those looking to buy buying if you are new to the area. and sell, this is probably the best In summary, there is little doubt equation and brings with it a clear the stamp duty holiday significantly indication a more sustainable boosted the housing market when period lays ahead. it needed it most but as the dust Other factors are also so much settles, optimism remains high, more important, namely, low demand strong and the supply, low interest rates, demand market resilient.

Double baked spinach and cheddar souffle Ingredients: • • • • • •

90g Flour 90g Butter 384 ml Milk 6 Eggs (Separated) Cheddar Cheese to taste 2 Bags of cooked spinach

Method: 1) Butter and flour 4 ramekins 2) Cook the spinach 3) Melt the butter and add flour, then add boiling milk and stir 4) Add grated cheese to taste, season with salt and pepper 5) Separate egg yolks into a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites 6) Fold in the egg whites and cooked spinach 7) Pour into the ramekins, place into a Bain-marie (or equivalent) and cook for 15 minutes at 200°c 8)Take out ramekins and cool 9)To reheat: Place the ramekin into a dish and add double cream and cheese, bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Marmion House, 89 Marmion Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 2AX Tel: 02392 796920

Buckwells of Southsea, Southsea’s only craft butcher. Delivering a quality of service with over a century of butchering knowledge and skill.

Top tips for the perfect Buckwell’s turkey 1) Always allow your bird to come up to a cool room temperature before cooking 2) Cover the whole bird in butter, try a flavoured butter like truffle for a little extra indulgence!

3) Try a festive stuffing like Cranberry & Spiced Apple or Blueberry & black pepper

To order your Christmas Turkey or for any other enquiries give us a call Tel: 023 9282 7053 70 Osbourne Road, Southsea, PO5 8LU www.buckwells.co.uk

Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 5

Sales Livingstone Road, Southsea £775,000 |

Substantial semi-detached family residence with unique self-contained annexe/apartment offering ‘Home & Income’ opportunity or accommodation for the In-Laws.

Just a short stroll from the fashionable Albert Road district of Southsea with its eclectic range of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and the renowned Kings Theatre. At over 2,750 sq.ft in total, the layout spans four floors. EPD - D

Richmond Terrace, Southsea £650,000 |

Stunning period family home situated in the highly requested Owens Conservation Area and ideally located near a number of excellent schools. Just a stroll from Southsea seafront, Southsea Common and Palmerston Road precinct with its many fashionable restaurants, cafes and bars. At over 1,700 sq.ft this house spans four floors.

EPC - D

Selbourne Mews, Southsea £450,000 |

An extremely rare opportunity to purchase a semidetached house within a secure gated ‘mews style’ courtyard in Central Southsea. Originally built in 1871, access is via a cobbled driveway with double electric gates leading to communal parking, an allocated parking bay plus two cycle stores and is around 1,100 sq.ft. EPC - C

Essex Road, Southsea £400,000 |

Spacious ‘corner’ end of terrace house in Southsea just across from local shops, schools and recreational parkland.

With classic red brick elevations, this impressive double fronted Edwardian home is located within the tree-lined Essex Road Conservation Area. At over 1,700 sq.ft, you will be pleasantly surprised with the space on offer. EPC - D

Clarence Parade, Southsea £375,000 |

Seafront apartment - fabulous views across Southsea Common, The Solent and Isle of Wight plus private parking to the rear. Benefitting from direct lift access leading into this luxuriously appointed apartment where you will find over 1,000 sq.ft of accommodation featuring; an impressive 23ft x 21ft open plan living/dining room with lovely southerly views. EPC - C 6 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | sales@fryandkent.com | www.fryandkent.com

Sales Spinnaker Quay, Old Portsmouth £375,000 |

Fabulous ground floor waterside apartment situated in a gated complex on Spice Island, Old Portsmouth.

Only a stroll away including the historic Hotwalls and Gunwharf Quays. At over 700 sq.ft, this apartment enjoys wonderful views over The Camber Marina from both the living room and kitchen plus enclosed balcony with glass screening. EPC - C

South Parade, Southsea £325,000 |

Impressive apartment on the lower ground floor of this elegant Victorian Residence just across the road from Southsea seafront and Rock Gardens. Exceptionally spacious interior of over 1,300 sq.ft which features; a 32ft hallway, a 20ft x 12ft south facing living room with door to a private courtyard, 20ft dining room as well as a 15ft x 13ft master bedroom. EPC - C

Empshott Road, Southsea £300,000 |

Turn of the century Southsea home, retaining original character features such as fireplaces, cornicing and ceiling roses. The accommodation boasts two separate reception rooms with bay windows and a modern kitchen. There is also a downstairs cloakroom and three good size bedrooms. Externally there is a lawned rear garden with raised decked patio area. EPC - D

Eldon Street, Southsea £279,995 |

Two bedroom cottage in ‘show room’ condition. Spanning three floors at over 800 sq.ft, the accommodation features; a lovely fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe plus a very spacious bathroom with rain shower; on the second floor there is a store room and the living room leading onto a westerly facing balcony. EPC - C

Fountain Court, Old Portsmouth £219,000 |

One bedroom first floor apartment in a fabulous location within the conservation city of Old Portsmouth.

Overlooking Portsmouth Cathedral from the front facing living/dining room, this gas centrally heated and double glazed apartment boasts a gated entrance leading to a secure allocated parking bay. With a share of the freehold and long lease. EPC - C Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 7

Fry & Kent’s

Top 4 Local Roast Dinners for the Festive Season!

Our favourite places to go for a yummy roast dinner now that the colder days are upon us

Brewhouse and Kitchen

51 Southsea Terrace, Southsea | Tel: 02392 818979 Microbrewery and pub where brews are brewed in-house with delicious food to match

The Eastney Tavern

100 Cromwell Rd, Southsea | Tel: 02392 826246 A relaxed Pub in the heart of Southsea offering a friendly welcome and good hearty food

8 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | sales@fryandkent.com

The King Street Tavern

70 King St, Southsea | Tel: 02393 073568 A traditional town pub offering a warm welcome to all, these roast dinners are famous locally

The Still & West

Bath Square, Old Portsmouth | Tel: 02392 821567 A stunning grade II listed pub where smart modern style mingles with traditional nautical charm

Are you thinking of selling or letting?

We have many potential buyers and tenants actively seeking their next home… … could it be yours?

With demand still seasonally high and outnumbering supply, we urgently require more homes to sell and rent.

To find out how much you might receive for your property book your FREE market valuation today!

Lettings LET STC

Beaconsfield Avenue, Cosham £1,650 | • • • • •

Beautiful Four Bedroom Family Home Off Road Parking And Garage Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room Rear Garden with Home Office EPC - D

Parade View Mansions, Royal Gate £1,200 | • • • • •

Ground Floor : Seafront Location Two Double Bedrooms, one with En-Suite Enclosed Patio & Communal Grounds Gas Heating, Security Entrance System.

EPC - C

LET STC

Isabelle Court, Southsea £1,000 | • • • • •

Modern Top Floor Apartment Two Double Bedrooms, En-Suite Spacious Living Dining Room Kitchen with Built-In Appliances EPC - C

LET STC

Francis Avenue, Southsea £1,600 | • • • • •

Immaculately Presented Family Home Three Reception Rooms, Conservatory Wealth of Period Features Throughout Enclosed Rear Garden EPC - D

Percy Road, Southsea £900 | • • • • •

Well Presented End of Terraced House Two Reception Rooms, Modern Kitchen Enclosed Southerly Facing Rear Garden Close to Train Station and Amenities EPC - D

10 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | lettings@fryandkent.com | www.fryandkent.com

LET STC

Peacock Lane, Old Portsmouth £1,200 | • • • • •

Period Three Bedroom Townhouse Requested Old Portsmouth Location Fitted Kitchen With Integral Appliances Three Bedrooms & Family Bathroom EPC - D

Lennox Road South, Southsea £1,200 | • • • • •

LET STC

The Dolphin Apartments £1,500 | • • • • •

Central Southsea, Close to the Common Modern Fitted Kitchen & Bathroom Spacious Living/Dining Room Two Double Bedrooms: Hall Floor EPC - D

Contemporary Duplex Apartment Sea Views & Sought after Location 23ft Living Room: Feature Bay Window Modern Fitted Kitchen EPC - C

LET STC

Jupiter Court, Gunwharf Quays £1,250 | • • • • •

Two Bedroom Second Floor Apartment Parking, Secure Entrance & Lift Fitted Kitchen with Appliances Dual Aspect living Room: Balcony EPC - B

St Ronans Road, Southsea £650 | • • • • •

One Bedroom Apartment with Garden Double Bedroom: Storage Cupboard Living Room, Kitchen and Dining Room Close to Southsea Seafront EPC - E Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 11

Efficiency in Property Management and Lettings

begins with everything in the same place The key motivation behind our desire to change our software product is a commitment to making people’s lives better. As a company who like to plan and look to the future there’s no point in doing what you have always done as this will cause a bigger problem tomorrow. Take OpenView our new software which is a cloud-based property management solution this is now enabling our team to work anywhere in the world whilst providing the same service from our long-established team. This we believe will revolutionise our tenant and landlord experience.

One platform, All people, All processes The idea is that our new software will enable all our processes to happen in one place and that everyone has access to the information they need to make the right decisions. You might think that this is obvious. However, just think of all the times when you have called a company and because the system does not provide all the information a whole new sequence of communication has to open.

Only some of the information you need is available, or you must rely on a call back …chasing multiple

times and yet no response. This is where we intend to influence customer service ensuring we are the most efficient team in town.

It’s not that we are criticising our competitors It’s more that some systems are designed to focus on quick wins. The gains that are favoured are about push back rather than a genuine transformation; where information about all the relevant processes is available to whoever needs it for the entire lifecycle of a rental property.

What does that mean for Fry & Kent? Here are some real-life examples: • Tenants will be able to report issues through the tenant portal 24/7 cutting back on time spent chasing or making appointments as the system will automatically update all parties • A landlord gets in touch.

He’s been selected for a tax audit. He needs several years’ worth of records for his rental portfolio. The landlord will be provided with direct access to his statements and will no longer have to call the office • Contractors can see their job instructions from Fry & Kent 24/7 and can either accept or reject the offer of work without us having to chase Having a handle on work streams might not seem like the most exciting thing in the world. But it should be. Great technology is an essential to our growth. There are two key points we have taken into consideration.

12 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | sales@fryandkent.com | www.fryandkent.com

Firstly, in a service business, moving information around can take up a lot of time. Just think about the tenant onboarding process, for starters. The landlord, agent and prospective tenant all have information to add to the process.

With a platform like Openview, all those people can ‘do their bit’ digitally, with no-one else having to re-enter their information or send it elsewhere for additional processing. The system gets the right information, from the right person who is closest to the facts, in a time-saving fashion. Think of the chaos that can ensue when a property manager reports the issue incorrectly to the contractor or takes down someone’s name, or email address, or phone number incorrectly on the phone. That situation is rare when someone is inputting their own details.

Secondly, the best decisions are made based on fact. Anything else is just a guess. As a result, the quality of information is key. Clearly, giving the person closest to the relevant issue control over how it is added to the system is hugely beneficial in terms of maintaining high levels of integrity. In OpenView every person’s action and transaction notes are recorded, forever. The platform keeps a complete history, but also looks to the future to help us build a working knowledge of our rental portfolio.

COVID-19 has undoubtedly accelerated the pace of change within the lettings industry. Having access to key information remotely has swiftly become critical for us that need to come back fighting.

Being able to count on swiftly gathered, high-quality information to make the right decisions is unquestionably an essential ingredient for growth. Automating as many processes as possible, cutting down on unnecessary admin time and allowing our staff to build strong relationships with landlords and tenants in the months and years ahead makes perfect sense. And in truth, it always did.

Featured Lettings Lowcay Road, Southsea £2,000pcm | Fry & Kent are delighted to offer for rent this stunning period bay & forecourt home situated on Lowcay Road, a requested residential area being close to all amenities, the train station, Albert Road, excellent independent and public schools, and easy walking distance to Southsea seafront. This beautifully presented home is approached via a front forecourt with the internal accommodation comprising of an entrance hall with feature archway corbels, wooden floors, access to the basement and doors opening to; living room to the front aspect with bay window, plantation shutters and feature fireplace, second reception room which is currently being utilised as a study, shower room, dining room and separate modern fitted kitchen with built-in appliances. To the first floor, the large master bedroom can be found to the front aspect with plantation shutters and feature fireplace, a family bathroom with separate cloakroom and a further three double bedrooms. Externally, there is an enclosed rear garden with mature boarders, a grassed area and patio. This family home is offered unfurnished. EPC - E

Nelson Road, Southsea £2,500pcm | Fry & Kent are delighted to offer for rent this substantial four-storey, semi-detached family home situated on Nelson Road, a highly sought after tree-lined road within Owen's Southsea Conservation Area. Located in the heart of Central Southsea, this impressive home is just a short walk to the shopping precinct and seafront with numerous bars and restaurants, along with excellent private schools. Set back from the road, this immaculately presented house is approached via a paved drive with electric wrought iron gates opening to a large front forecourt with mature shrub borders, a double garage and steps up to the front door. Internally, the accommodation comprises an entrance hall, living room, study, cloakroom and WC to the ground floor, dining room with archway leading to a stunning, bespoke fitted kitchen to the lower ground floor, master bedroom with en-suite, second bedroom and family bathroom to the first floor and two further double bedrooms with on en-suite shower room to the second floor. Externally, there is a low maintenance, southerly facing rear patio garden. This home offers an exciting mix of period and contemporary features throughout, provides gas central heating and is unfurnished. EPC - C

Fry & Kent Property Focus - Winter 2021 | 13

Featured Property

Nelson House, Old Portsmouth Fry & Kent has pleasure in marketing for sale this Grade ll Listed Georgian townhouse situated in this highly requested Conservation area in the heart of Old Portsmouth perfectly located just a stroll to excellent private schooling, historic Spice Island, the waterfronts of The Hot Walls and Camber Dock plus the Marina complex of Gunwharf Quays. Believed to be around 250 years old with later Victorian additions, Nelson House offers a wealth of period features throughout including wood panelling and original exposed beams and floors plus a layout spanning almost 2,900 sq.ft (265 sq.m) over four floors comprising; reception hall with spiral staircase, living room with open fireplace, dining room with feature Inglenook style fireplace and door leading to the basement, kitchen with integrated oven and hob and separate utility room. There are two large bedrooms and family four-piece bathroom leading to an outside terrace on the first floor together with the master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite shower on the second floor. The fourth bedroom and presumably a former maids room will be found in the lofted attic. Externally, there is a walled courtyard garden. Our clients renewed the whole roof and replaced the gas boiler in 2020.

- £695,000 – 4 Bedrooms - EPC Exempt as Grade II listed

16 | Fry & Kent| Tel: 02392 815221 | sales@fryandkent.com | www.fryandkent.com