PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS MEET IN SURREY
Surrey property professionals gathered at the West Surrey Golf Club, where glorious spring sunshine set the tone for an engaging and insightful afternoon.
Host and Penningtons Manches Cooper senior consultant, David Graham-Smith, welcomed regulars and newcomers with his trademark warmth and humour, easing attendees into a wide-ranging discussion on the current property landscape.
Charlie Collins, Head of Savills’ Guildford office and South East Planning, provided an overview of market sentiment. Though transaction data has yet to catch up, demand remains resilient: large industrial sheds continue to perform strongly, retail is steady, and data centre and infrastructure-related opportunities are in hot demand. He noted that during past geopolitical tensions, like after the Iraq conflict, high‑net‑worth activity often increased, and today’s uncertainty could see some expatriates returning to the UK, giving certain markets a lift. However, with rising oil prices and mortgage rates no longer falling, Charlie stressed it’s still too early to make firm predictions.
On planning, he highlighted the New National Policy Framework’s drive for streamlined processes and an increased emphasis on biodiversity. Locally, developments such as Guildford’s North Street scheme and the release of “grey belt” land across Surrey could provide welcome momentum – though May’s council elections may influence the direction of travel.
Next, Steve Pozerskis, Director at Strutt & Parker, addressed residential markets. Prime London and upper-tier segments are showing growth, but nationally, activity remains subdued. He stressed that stamp duty reform and a successor to Help to Buy are essential to revitalising the market. He also warned that proposed NPPF changes risk making schemes less viable at a time when rising build costs, building safety requirements and higher interest rates already strain developers.
Representing Chantries & Pewleys, associates Pippa Barnes and Iwan Hall reported that while Guildford’s top end shows resilience and activity, the mid-market is facing increasing pressure from higher borrowing costs. This has led to more cautious buyer behaviour and longer decision-making periods in that segment. Nevertheless, overall levels of business remain steady, with sustained interest and transactions continuing across the board. With hopes that global tensions ease, attendees look forward to reconvening in June under calmer conditions.
For more information about the event, please contact business development manager Caroline Barry, caroline.barry@penningtonslaw.com
Photography credit: David Hogg, Director at Horizon Imaging Ltd, a company that specialises in drone, architectural and time-lapse photography and filming services for the property and construction industries, kindly supplied the photographs of the event. Please visit David’s website for more information on the range of services his innovative company provides at www.horizonimaging.co.uk, or you can email him david@horizonimaging.co.uk.
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