How is the Marlborough Property Market Faring? I asked the experts...

To find out how the property market in Marlborough is faring at the moment I spoke to the experts- Marlborough’s estate agents.

Jonathan Conning, Henry George

Listen to the press or talk to agents towards the end of August and you will normally hear tales of doom and gloom. But after 25 years in the business, I know that this is a normal part of the ebb and flow of the property market. Contrary to what you may have heard houses have sold in August and since the beginning of September we have seen a tremendous increase in people who want to live in the Marlborough area. They are being attracted by excellent schooling, a diverse range of quality shopping, outstanding historic countryside and great road and rail communications.

The property market in the area has always been strong with both buyers and sellers taking into their stride the numerous changes we have all seen over the last few years. Prices in the country could well alter, but thankfully we should be somewhat insulated from some of the worst peaks and troughs due to high private sector employment in the immediate area. Change is inevitable, indeed plans are advanced for an out of town supermarket to be built. Let us all hope that unlike other towns up and down the country, our beautiful High Street is not destroyed by the want of the few to buy cheap multipacks of crisps and fizzy drinks to add to the tide of obesity overrunning this country.

Simon Jacobs, Chesterton Humberts

The Marlborough market is an uncertain one at the moment. It has softened in the last couple of months, driven by the spending review which is due in October. I think things will firm up, but inevitably things drop off as you get nearer to Christmas.

We are not seeing a slump, but a stabilisation. Prices had been gradually rising since last April/May, but in the last two months things have flattened out, demand has fallen away.

However Marlborough’s location, around 60 miles from central London and 8 miles from the M4, means there is a huge demand for land stock, so prices will be maintained.

With most public sector workers located in the Midlands and the North the percentage here is relatively low. This means that we should be fairly well cushioned from the effects of the spending cuts in Marlborough.

Jacky Hurt, Hamptons

In Marlborough our sales are up on the previous year. Marlborough is not so affected by market conditions as other places. Lots of people commute to London and Swindon- we have a very great location. Yes, prices drop, but as long as you are realistic about price you will sell your house.

St. John’s is very important to local people. I would say 50% of those registering with us say that the house they buy must be in the St. John’s catchment area.

Richard Nocton, Woolley and Wallis

The housing market has been much stronger over the summer, but there are indications that things may start to go a bit quieter. I think this is probably due to a lack of confidence starting to creep in with inflation rising and VAT set to rise. There is also still a lack of stock in Marlborough, which is frustrating buyers.

Julie Fellows, Carter Jonas

The market in this area is generally good, there are a limited amount of houses and if they are sensibly priced then they will sell. We have a good stock of houses but applicant enquiries are down – however we are still selling and are busy with viewings. 

You can search for the average house prices for different types of home in Marlborough according to findaproperty.com here.