It came as no surprise to switched on Brighton Property Search Agents that Caroline Lucas won the Pavilion seat in Brighton at the general election in 2010 and became the first Green Party Member of Parliament. This success was further underlined at the recent local elections where the Green party gained an overall majority of councillors. So how does this affect the quality of life and property in the City?

In 2008 Brighton and Hove Council opted into the Sustainable Communities Act, which enabled the local authority to adopt an environmental strategy as part of its core policy. Citizens of Brighton and the local council have already implemented some strategies; increased energy efficiency measures in all planning applications for private and public housing; the Council has already achieved an enhanced environmental management system; there are training plans in place to educate Council tenants in energy efficiency. The Big Lemon bus burning used cooking oil as fuel has been running between the city centre and the universities for several years in certain parts of the city. THere is a 20mph traffic limit to cut both carbon emissions and accidents. In addition the Council has set challenging carbon reduction targets for public transport, increased cycle lanes and installed charging points in the centre of the city for electric vehicles. The people of Brighton are forward looking in aspiration and deeds and strive to make Brighton a beacon of sustainable living. We are doing our bit at Manse & Garret Property Search in London, with the use of electric cars and we are looking to roll out the scheme to our Brighton Property Search Agents.

I hear you say, ‘but this is very political and I am not a supporter of the Green Party’. However few people are uninterested in the future of the planet; Brighton will be a healthier place to live with fewer toxic traffic fumes and prudent planning with ensure that the City is ahead in the race for sustainability. It is also a place where people’s opinions count and opportunities are aplenty for involvement in city matters, from gardening in the city parks to sharing one’s experience in almost any field from healthy eating, health walks and tourism, which is why Brighton’s premier property search agents have so many clients interested in relocating to this great city.

Come and see for yourself; the range of houses will not disappoint you or your budget and if you need any assistance – Manse & Garret Property Search will be delighted to help.

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Brighton Property, Brighton Property Search Agents, Electric Vehicles, Green Party, Manse & Garret, Planning, Sustainability

Tags: Brighton, Brighton Property, Brighton Property Search Agents, Electric Vehicles, Green Party, Manse & Garret, Planning, Sustainability

All Sunday Times readers will be aware that the property market in Brighton is not stagnant and forecasters, pundits and Property Search Agents like us are confident that it will remain in demand. The reason for this lies much deeper than the beach, vibrant night life and proximity to London. Brighton has some wonderful property: traditional Victorian and Edwardian terraces, bold examples of modern architecture and quaint mews as well as niche areas near the town centre which are affordable, have a real sense of community and offer charming small family homes. But as any good property search agent will tell you, it is much more than that. Modern lifestyle demands great flexibility and many people are reluctant to invest in property in times of shifting employment.

No longer are loans there for the asking and if employment ceases then having to service a mortgage is yet another hurdle to ‘getting on with life’. One solution is to have the flexibility to own a pad that can also be an investment. This is even more attractive if there are facilities to hand to entertain clients, to relax, have a refreshing spa treatment, or a swim and have within reach full hotel services. If business takes you abroad, or to a different part of the country, your investment will be secure as it will be an attractive short or long-term rental property offering the very amenities that attracted you, to prospective tenants. Brighton is a conference centre, a holiday destination, boasts two universities and has a thriving media industry. Add to this the annual Brighton Festival in May, now second only to the world renowned Edinburgh Festival, and it is easy to see why its attractions offer something for everyone.

What are you doing this weekend? Why not come down to Brighton and sample the festival, the sea breezes and round it off with a meal in one of the unique eating houses in the Lanes – yes two very different Lanes, Dukes Lanes of Edwardian times or the North Lanes representing Brighton’s modern lifestyle. Take a bus tour and see for yourself the variety and splendour of Brighton and its property! And of course if we’ve tempted you to find your perfect family home, rental investment or pied a terre, contact the best Property Search Agents in Brighton, Manse and Garret Property Search on 0845 459 1703.

Technorati Tags: Brighton Buyers Agents, Brighton house prices, Brighton Property Agents, Brighton Property Finder, Brighton Property Search Agents, Brighton Relocation Agents, Sussex Propert Finders, Sussex Property Aquistion Agents, Sussex Property Finders

Tags: Brighton Buyers Agents, Brighton house prices, Brighton Property Agents, Brighton Property Finder, Brighton Property Search Agents, Brighton Relocation Agents, Sussex Propert Finders, Sussex Property Aquistion Agents, Sussex Property Finders

Musings of a London Property Search Agent

London and Brighton property search agents like us with investment Clients and the odd buyer with less than a million have been turning up to the auctions with great glee in recent months, as better quality property has trickled onto the market, yet the bargains persist.

Regular readers will know we are not keen on new build flats and Clients and contacts will remember the sceptiscism with which we greeted pricing at Brighton’s New England Quarter development.  In fact we were watching the development with a very keen interest, as my sister was considering buying there, in view of it’s proximity to the station and other friends who live near by.

Those who missed out or refused to pay the inflated prices and opted for a period conversion instead, may have noticed that pricing in the development has plunged and Barratt have had to offer more part-buy part-rent than was initially anticipated, presumably due to poor take up.  But values have crept to new depths since Allsops last auction, when a 2 bed 2 bathroom flat in Sharpethorn Court failed to sell. 

According to property price website ourproperty.co.uk, the flat in question was sold for £320,000 in January 2007.  It is now available to bargain hunters at £180,000 and we are sure that with a little negotiation, a 50% discount could be achieved.  The timing of the auction was particularly poor from the vendor’s point of view.  About the time the auction catalogue was released, an article appeared in the Argos publicising yet again residents horror at fellow tenants.  Many flats were bought by buy-to-let investors who have rented their new flats to a variety of undesirable tenants.  The article highlighted the case of a flat in Sheffield Court which had been turned into a drug den.  Residents complained of shouting at all hours of the day and night, urinating in the stairwells and outside and persistent bell-ringing, again frequently in the middle of the night.

So it’s not all good news, but it will settle down.  Sharpethorn Court is almost adjacent to Sheffield Court, but in a development such as this, the problem could happen anywhere.  At £180,000 for a flat though, presuming it is still in good condition, without any dubious former tenants or neighbours, we think it is now fairly good value and my sister is considering buying there again.  For the city-phile who hates DIY and wants a 7 minute door to door trip to the station, good pubs and the nearest corner shop, it’s definitely a development to consider – at the right price, of course!  This London Property Search Agent  will only advise to buy while the price is right.

Technorati Tags: brighton first-time buyer, brighton flats, brighton flats near the station, London Property Search Agent

Tags: brighton first-time buyer, brighton flats, brighton flats near the station, London Property Search Agent