Chancerygate have recorded their strongest month of viewings across their portfolio of small and mid sized industrial properties since March 2005.

Viewings since April 2009 have increased significantly following slower than usual occupier interest due to the slow down in the UK economy since mid 2008. However it would appear that small and medium businesses are back out in the property market and considering their options.

The demand profile has also changed. From seeing a majority of companies looking for leasehold deals, we are back up again to c. 80% of interested parties looking to secure a freehold. This is positive news and reflects the increased availability of finance on more competitive terms, and the re-emergence of the SIPPS market as companies look to purchase property through their pension fund with a lease in place with their company/companies providing a secure income.

Chancerygate adjusted their pricing and rental levels earlier in the year to realign them with the challenging market conditions, and this has proven the right move as viewing levels and completed deals in turn have been bolstered with in excess of 30 deals completing since the summer.

Further innovative offers such as leases with options to purchase at a fixed price set at the outset of the term have also encouraged the more cautious occupier to see the benefit of expanding their business’s into a brand new unit, whilst benefiting from the lower pricing levels offered in today’s market.The run into the end of 2009 is looking to be a busy one with a further 40 deals in the pipeline across the Chancerygate portfolio of schemes located all across the UK from Southampton up to Aberdeen.