Suffolk

Written by Alex Leader.

In his monthly column, Alex Leader, head of Savills’Suffolkand Essex new homes team offers a glimpse into the life and times ofIpswich’s stunning residential and commercial quarter at the waterfront. Following the re-launch of the landmark Regatta Quay, Alex talked to Lynne Stringer from Savills’ waterfront office.

Lynne, you were ‘on deck’ at the re-launch of Regatta Quay while the Maritime Festival was in full swing. What was the atmosphere like down there?

“The atmosphere was amazing, there was a real buzz in the air and so much going on from historical re-enactments to a firework display; its not often you get over 40,000 people onIpswichwaterfront!”

How long have you been working on the waterfront and what’s the most enjoyable thing about being there?

“I’ve worked in and around the waterfront now for six years so I have a great understanding of the area and its residents. The residents are what make my job so much fun.”

What has been your most memorable day so far?

“I think the re-launch of Regatta Quay on the Maritime festival weekend. We made nine sales over the weekend which is fantastic and demonstrates that if property is priced correctly there’s a market out there.”

How much of an influence does the commercial aspect of the quarter – the restaurants, cafés and bars – have on the residential appeal?

“The commercial aspect is very important as it provides residents with the whole lifestyle. The restaurants, cafes and bars that we have here, combined with the stunning view of the harbour provide a continental feel which residents love.”

Is there a common theme in terms of what buyers are looking for or are you seeing people with lots of different requirements?

“Buyers usually want an apartment with a waterfront view which is understandable, but not all budgets stretch that far though we can usually find something to suit everyone.”

Can you describe the range of new homes available?

“We have such a varied mix of apartments from conversion to new build, studios, two and three bedroom and duplex apartments.”

Do buyers have any concerns about the site? And what can we do to reassure them?

“Buyers have been worried about the two developments being in administration, however, now Baker Tilly have control of the two sites there is activity again.”

You can contact Savills New homes on 01473 225290 or visit www.savills.co.uk

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Written by Torquil Macleod.

This week sees a new monthly column by Fine & Country’s colourful manager in the Diss office, dealing in properties in North Suffolk and the Suffolk/Norfolk border, Torquil Macleod.

 This year has been an interesting year in the property market.

Some vendors, and indeed agents, have cited the jubilee celebrations and the Olympics followed by the Paralympics as a reason for not selling.

The truth of the matter is that serious buyers have not been distracted by the jubilee celebrations or indeed the Olympics.

So I wonder what excuses those agents will come up with for not selling in the next three months!

Whilst I am well aware that prices are about 10pc lower than they were in July 2007, there is still plenty of activity in the cottage, farm house and country house market.

For those people moving up market it is a very good time to buy, whilst they might be getting 10pc less for their smaller property than they would have achieved in 2007, they are of course paying 10pc less for the larger property they are moving to.

Add to this the fact that the Bank of England have kept the interest rates at an all time low of 0.5pc and it is clearly a good time to move up the property ladder.

September, October and November are historically good selling months in the country house market and, with the correct advice, those wishing to move will be able to do so. Accurate pricing is vital in the current market – if your property is marketed at an unrealistic figure, you may fall into the trap of reducing the price down behind the market. You must, therefore, employ an experienced agent. As you can see from my photo, I am considerably older and fatter than I used to be!

I am, however, much more experienced than I used to be and therefore better placed to give you sound advice.

Add to this the fact that Fine & Country is now one of the largest and most successful exclusive, city, town and country house agent locally, regionally and nationally and I am sure you will agree it will be worth talking to us.

If you are considering selling this year, I suggest you launch your property sooner rather than later so as not to miss out on this busy autumn selling period.

For further advice on selling houses in north Suffolk and the Suffolk/Norfolk border, contact Torquil Macleod at Fine & Country in Diss office on 01379 646020.

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Written by Alex Leader.

In their new column, Alex Leader, head of Savills Suffolk and Essex new homes team, and Lynne Stringer from Savills Ipswich Waterfront office will be offering a glimpse into the life and times of the town’s stunning residential and commercial quarter. Here Alex sets the scene…

 Ipswich’s property market has certainly been through some turbulent times over the past five years, especially its waterfront quarter. Once the biggest wet dock inEurope, the area became a shining example of urban regeneration in the booming market of the early naughties, combining historic industrial buildings with new design and a vibrant café lifestyle.

 Developers flocked there after the success of the first residential development in 1999 – Bellway Homes’ Neptune Quay. From there investment poured into the waterfront asIpswichwas tipped to be the next biggest property hotspot. Then in November 2007, signs started to appear that the market was weakening. Developers became unable to sustain a constant sales rate and achieve the necessary values in order to help fund the build and the result was that in 2009 the two key landmark developments on the waterfront, The Mill and Regatta Quay, went into administration. The towering ‘wine rack’ became a striking symbol of the recession.

 However, I am delighted to say that the future is now bright once more as the administrator Baker Tilly is focused on bringing forward completion of both developments.  After coming back to the market in late 2010, The Mill will soon reach its 150th completion with a mixture of purchasers from investors to first time buyers coming from both the local area and as far afield asSouth Africa. The Mill development consists of a range of studio, one and two bedroom properties with prices starting from £82,500.

Regatta Quay will be the next development to be re-launched coinciding with the popular Maritime Festival on August 18^th & 19^th, with a mixture of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The Regatta Quay scheme incorporates the converted maltings structure which houses some very impressive duplex style apartments, some with retained existing features and stunning waterfront views.

The waterfront quarter has both character and charm and we look forward to bringing you monthly updates on its continued growth.

For more information on the new homes on Ipswich Waterfront and across Suffolk and Essex contact Alex Leader on 01473 225 290, aleader@savills.com, www.savills.co.uk

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