News & Insight
Bringing you the latest news and views from across the UK property market.
Gatwick Regional Industrial Market Update: Winter 2024
VW Insider report reveals confidence returning to Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey markets
High demand as work starts on Magna Park units
News
Commercial law firm expands office space in heart of Bournemouth town centre
Commercial law firm Steele Raymond has signed an additional 3,125 sq ft on the first floor of Grade II-listed Granville Chambers on Richmond Hill in Bournemouth town centre, increasing occupation to three floors within the building. Property consultancy Vail Williams acted on behalf of Steele Raymond.
Prime trade park acquired
A prime trade park on the South Coast has been acquired by a private property company, advised by property consultancy Vail Williams.
Scale-up business Agratas leases laboratory space in Oxfordshire’s ‘Science Vale UK’
Agratas, a subsidiary of Tata Group, India’s largest business conglomerate, has leased nearly 23,000 sq ft of laboratory space at Milton Park, south of Oxford, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community.
Game-changing updates announced for National Planning Policy Framework
The UK Government has this week (Thursday 12th December) unveiled significant reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to address housing challenges and encourage more sustainable development.
Vail Williams takes on two as business grows
Vail Williams’ two new London hires Freddie Worth, second left, and Sophia Piatto, centre, are flanked by James Lacey, London regional managing partner, left, and partners Varun Dev Gudka and Sarah Isherwood.
Indoor centre for trending racquet sports served up in Christchurch
Unit 1-2, Priory Industrial Park in Christchurch, Dorset, is being turned into an indoor centre for the world’s fastest-growing racquet sports, padel and pickleball. Smeda Sports signed a 10-year lease on the 15,418 sq ft premises. Property consultancy Vail Williams acted for the landlord.
Autumn Budget delivers damaging business rates blow
Expectations from businesses on the UK high street were high following the promises made in the Labour manifesto to overhaul the outdated business rates system to create an ‘even playing field’ for them with their online counterparts
HQ building in Wimborne to become dental care practice
mydentist, the UK’s leading provider of affordable dental care, has signed a 15-year lease on the 10,778 sq ft premises at 10 Wimborne Road, Wimborne, East Dorset. Property consultancy Vail Williams was instructed by the private landlord to find a new occupier for the detached building, which has the highest energy efficiency rating of EPC A. The building is pictured before mydentist refurbishment.
Property firm reduces emissions by 42 per cent
Matthew Samuel-Camps, Managing Partner, says property consultancy Vail Williams’ journey to net zero by 2030 remains on course as the firm voluntarily publishes its annual Carbon Reduction Statement.
New hire as Vail Williams’ business grows
Jake Collins has joined the Gatwick agency team in Crawley from Worthing-based estate agent Michael Jones, where he held a senior negotiating role.
NPPF reform and the unintended consequences on housing supply
Following on from the “disruptive” changes made in December 2023 to the NPPF which were dubbed by the new Labour Government as “detrimental to housing supply”, consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has now closed (24 September).
VW Insider report reveals confidence returning to Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey markets
Office market confidence is returning across the Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey but a lack of new industrial supply remains a core issue for the commercial market.
Market Insight
Residential property investment market set to improve in 2025 as Build-to-Rent thrives
Over the past 15 years, the UK’s residential investment market or Private Rented Sector (PRS) has shifted significantly, moving from net acquisition to net disposal of residential investment stock.
2025: The great office space reset for the South East
The South East office market stands at a fascinating crossroads as we enter 2025. After a period dominated by tenant-favourable conditions, we're approaching what many industry experts identify as a ‘watershed moment’.
What does 2025 hold for the Woking property market?
As we look ahead to 2025, Woking’s commercial property market, much like elsewhere, continues to be shaped by economic trends, sustainability targets, and shifting occupier demands.
Game-changing updates announced for National Planning Policy Framework
The UK Government has this week (Thursday 12th December) unveiled significant reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to address housing challenges and encourage more sustainable development.
Gatwick Regional Industrial Market Update: Winter 2024
There has been reduced take up of industrial space so far this year across the Gatwick region as businesses put their relocations on hold. This has been reflected in the transactional data for 2024.
Balancing the town centre apartment development equation
As urban living continues to appeal to professionals, students and downsizers, the development of town centre apartments remains an attractive proposition.
Investor Briefing: Renters' Rights Bill 2024
The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 is a transformative piece of legislation aimed at reshaping the private rented sector (PRS) in England.
Property firm reduces emissions by 42 per cent
Matthew Samuel-Camps, Managing Partner, says property consultancy Vail Williams’ journey to net zero by 2030 remains on course as the firm voluntarily publishes its annual Carbon Reduction Statement.
Residential Property Market Winter Update 2024
In October, Halifax announced that house prices had reached record highs. With buyer enquiries up by 14% according to the RICS Residential Market Survey, and the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the second time this year, there are positive green shoots for the residential market, as Head of Residential Property Gary Jeffries, explores.
NPPF reform and the unintended consequences on housing supply
Following on from the “disruptive” changes made in December 2023 to the NPPF which were dubbed by the new Labour Government as “detrimental to housing supply”, consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has now closed (24 September).
Surrey industrial property: Build it or invest in it, and they will come
As we move through 2024, we have seen a good level of industrial activity in Surrey and a transition towards more quality premises, with the delivery of some much-needed Grade A industrial and logistics stock to meet occupier needs.
VW Insider report reveals confidence returning to Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey markets
Office market confidence is returning across the Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey but a lack of new industrial supply remains a core issue for the commercial market.
Resources
Which land disposal method is best for Local Authorities?
Since 2021, six Local Authorities in England have been declared bankrupt and, with one in four councils expected to apply for bailout agreements to stave off bankruptcy in the next two financial years, Local Authority purse strings have never been tighter.
What should we expect from the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Reform?
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the 1954 Act) is a piece of legislation governing the relationship between landlords and business tenants in England and Wales. It has been in place for 70 years and, although tweaked over the years, has not been significantly reviewed since 2002.
Understanding ESOS: What to do and how to respond to enforcement letters
ESOS is an Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme which is a mandatory energy efficiency assessment programme for large organisations in the UK.
Gatwick Regional Industrial Market Update: Winter 2024
There has been reduced take up of industrial space so far this year across the Gatwick region as businesses put their relocations on hold. This has been reflected in the transactional data for 2024.
Autumn Budget delivers damaging business rates blow
Expectations from businesses on the UK high street were high following the promises made in the Labour manifesto to overhaul the outdated business rates system to create an ‘even playing field’ for them with their online counterparts
Residential Property Market Winter Update 2024
In October, Halifax announced that house prices had reached record highs. With buyer enquiries up by 14% according to the RICS Residential Market Survey, and the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the second time this year, there are positive green shoots for the residential market, as Head of Residential Property Gary Jeffries, explores.
Understanding Financial Viability Assessments (FVAs): A Guide for Housing Developers
Developers In property development, financial viability is a cornerstone concept, influencing decisions across every stage of a project.
VW Insider report reveals confidence returning to Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey markets
Office market confidence is returning across the Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey but a lack of new industrial supply remains a core issue for the commercial market.
Historic buildings face perfect storm as landlords face crippling maintenance costs
The UK is home to a vast array of historic buildings, many of which are still occupied and in use today. In fact, we have one of the oldest building stocks in Europe, with 32% of all non-domestic buildings built prior to 1919.
Pre-acquisition surveys: Failure to prepare, prepare to fail
A property survey or pre-acquisition survey provides a prospective occupier or buyer of commercial premises with an in-depth analysis of the building that they are proposing to lease or purchase.
Gatwick Industrial Property Update: H1
Overall, we have seen a good level of demand and take-up in most areas across the South East, despite the pace of industrial activity slowing from the highs of the Covid peak.
The modern portfolio: Integrating sustainability into property asset management
According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment contributes around 40% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions.
Trending Stories
Bournemouth – dressed up for business but nowhere to go
Bournemouth’s reputation as a Dorset tourist destination is irrefutable, boasting miles of golden sandy beaches, breath-taking views and cliff-top walks, together with a good range of restaurant and bars.
Historic buildings face perfect storm as landlords face crippling maintenance costs
The UK is home to a vast array of historic buildings, many of which are still occupied and in use today. In fact, we have one of the oldest building stocks in Europe, with 32% of all non-domestic buildings built prior to 1919.
Residential Property Market Winter Update 2024
In October, Halifax announced that house prices had reached record highs. With buyer enquiries up by 14% according to the RICS Residential Market Survey, and the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the second time this year, there are positive green shoots for the residential market, as Head of Residential Property Gary Jeffries, explores.
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