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Latest Property Magazine & Market Insights

February 19, 2024 by John Holden

We are please to create our latest edition of In The Country & Town, providing an opportunity to provide our readers with market insights and also showcase some great properties to buy or to rent for those starting their 2024 property search this month.

In January and early February 2024 the house market has moved quickly with positive buyer activity turning into a healthy amount of new property sales, confirming in our view that house buyers believe that the best in house buying opportunities will be during the first six months of 2024.

For market insight and our advice to buyers and sellers, just click on the image below.

There are many fine properties to see within the pages of our magazine and you will see the wonderful interiors of some of the finest properties on the Berkshire / Hampshire borders, including a preview of the property shown below which is not yet on the open market. If you click on the image you will see more details and a video tour embedded in the magazine.

And here is another magazine preview exclusive, Situated within the sought after village of Herriard.

This exquisite three bedroom detached family home built in 2020 by Forays Homes, is located within an exclusive development of just three detached properties.

Benefits to this property include a detached double garage with ample driveway parking, air source heat pump, dressing room, underfloor heating, and wonderful countryside views.

Click on them image below for more details.

Why not indulge in looking at our 90 pages magazine and see the wonderful interiors of some of the finest properties on the Berkshire / Hampshire borders.

We also hope you will enjoy reading some of the editorial features, including recipes from new chef Big Zuu, Caroline Quentin on her gardening experience, Paloma Faith: Becoming a mum, why going plant-based could transform your health, Michael Sheen on why he hopes The Way ‘gives voice’ to Port Talbot, TV & Film on One Love star Kingsley, how to renovate your kitchen sustainably, and motoring.

Click image below for a full read.

Mini though the ages – the evolution of a motoring icon

September 10, 2023 by John Holden

The word ‘icon’ is overused in the automotive world, but it’s most certainly suitable to describe the Mini. It’s been a true trailblazer in the small car class for decades, successfully evolving with the times as well.

From dinky ‘60s car to a modern electric hatchback, the Mini has done it all, while never losing its focus as being an affordable and fun car in the process.

(Motoring feature by By Ted Welford, PA Motoring Reporter)

With the British firm just revealing its new Mini Cooper, it’s time to take a walk back down memory lane and look back at the history of the Mini.

1959 – The original Mini

In the late 1950s, fuel prices skyrocketed as a result of the Suez Crisis, and that meant that suddenly the idea of a gas-guzzling large car fell out of fashion. It prompted the Morris Motor Company to challenge its top engineer, Alec Issigonis, to create a small, fuel-efficient car capable of carrying four adults but at a low price that many could afford.

The result was the aptly named Mini – a true marvel in engineering and packaging. With the wheels pushed out to the far corners, the engine was put in the car sideways, helping to improve stability and free up more interior space. It was British through and through, being built at Longbridge, Birmingham, and also at Cowley, Oxford.

1961 – Racing success

The public was a little baffled by the Mini at first, but it quickly grew a fanbase, and by 1962 the British Motor Corporation (BMC) had manufactured 200,000 examples.

Its popularity also came down to Mini’s success in racing. Its lightweight and agility made it a prime candidate for modifications, not least with John Cooper, a British racing legend. This led to the introduction of the Cooper, featuring a more powerful engine and other tweaks. An even hotter Cooper S would follow, with the Mini chalking up some impressive racing victories, not least three wins at the prestigious Monte Carlo rally. By 1965 the millionth Mini had been produced.

1970s and 1980s – the Mini would just keep plodding on

It’s a testament to just how brilliant the original Mini’s engineering was that the firm just kept producing them as the years rolled on.

Helped by rising inflation and increasing petrol prices, demand for the small Mini was relatively sustained, with cumulative Mini sales passing three million and four million in 1972 and 1976 respectively, helped by the addition of new versions such as the Clubman estate and a pick-up.

1994 – BMW buys Mini and the final Classic Minis are produced

Mini came under the Rover Group in 1986, and in 1994, BMW acquired the firm. Though it would also own Land Rover as part of the deal, this was sold to Ford in 2000, but BMW retained Mini and continues to do so to this day.

The original Mini would continue to soldier on, helped by lots of special editions, until 2000, when it was finally discontinued. More than 5.3 million classic Minis were produced.

2001 – The New Mini

Reinventing a car like the Mini, especially when it was in production for more than 40 years, was always going to be challenging. But Mini presented its ‘New Mini’ at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, with production at the firm’s Oxford factory and sales beginning in 2001.

It was quite a lot bigger than the original, which proved controversial, but it sold well, with the 100,000th model being made just a year later. A Convertible version followed, as did sportier Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. A special edition ‘GP’ also arrived in 2006, with the rear seats removed and power increased to 218bhp, making it the most powerful Mini ever.

2006 – The Second New Mini

Following the success of the New Mini, the firm didn’t deviate far from its proven formula with this second-generation model, which looked quite similar.

But it was larger, better equipped and featured new engines as well. This new model would also serve as the basis for the reincarnated Mini Clubman, introduced in 2007. This generation of model is also noteworthy as providing the setup for the ‘Mini E’ in 2009 – an electric Mini trialled for 12 months to evaluate the user-friendliness of EVs. Though it would be another decade before buyers could choose an electric production Mini, these prototypes helped pave the way for BMW to introduce its electric i3 in 2013.

2014 – The third innings

In 2014, a brand-new Mini was launched. Though sharing a clear lineage with its predecessors, it was based around a new platform and was noticeably more modern to look at. A broad range of new engines were available, while it was also available with a range of new features, including a head-up display and LED headlights – both fairly advanced technology at the time.

Though revealed in a three-door guise, Mini would introduce its first five-door Hatch shortly after, helping to improve interior space further. In 2020 we saw the launch of the Mini Electric as its first EV, boasting a range of around 145 miles. In the same year, Mini also pulled the wraps off its latest John Cooper Works GP – an aggressive-looking 302bhp hot hatch that remains by far the most powerful Mini hatchback ever made.

2023 – A simplified, digital Mini

Mini has just revealed its new Cooper, as it will now be known, rather than Hatch. Offered in just a three-door guide, it gets a modern, simplified design that makes it look quite different to the outgoing model.

The plastic wheelarch trim is gone, as are the questionable Union Jack rear lights, and in place is a modern-looking Mini that will exist for many years to come. Inside there’s a new circular touchscreen display and a simplified layout. Only revealed in eclectic guise so far – petrol versions will join the line-up at a later date – the Mini Cooper can now travel up to a claimed 250 miles on a charge, considerably more than its predecessor.

April Property & Lifestyle Magazine Out Now

April 12, 2023 by John Holden

Spring House Moving Activity On The Up!

In our March magazine we said that many home owners decided to tap into the early new year buyer demand, resulting in new properties coming to the market at a good level.

So, levels of supply have recovered and buyers and sellers are not miles apart on where they see pricing and this means house sales are being agreed at an increasing rate.

In this magazine edition we are pleased to show a selection of some of the new to the market properties so we hope you will enjoy exploring the pages which showcase some of the finest properties available on the open market.

You can see the full 68 page magazine by clicking this link or the image below.

2023 First Quarter Property Trading

As indicated earlier, levels of supply have recovered and house sales are being agreed at an increasing rate. This is supported by the fact that our first quarters trading results show a 6.75 increase on the house sales front and a 7% on the house lettings front when contrasted to the same period last year.

The resilience in the residential house market continues. House prices have levelled off, but because the market is more balanced with buyers and sellers more aligned on where they see pricing, then house sales productivity is actually up on the previous year in our area of operation on the Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire borders.

Editorial Features & Property For Sale

We hope you will enjoy reading some of the editorial features we have pulled together for our readers, including recipes from cookery writer Kim-Joy, an interview with Alex Jones, some interesting insight keeping chickens and Su Scott’s thoughts and recipes on Korean cuisine.

For the super car enthusiast there is a first drive review of Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica by motoring correspondent Jack Evans.

A few samples of our property and editorial content is shown below – just click on an image to read the article / see the property details.

First Drive: Volkswagen ID.Buzz√

January 16, 2023 by Sam Holden

The ID. Buzz is probably one of the most exciting EVs of 2022, but what’s it like from behind the wheel? Jack Evans finds out.

What is it?

How do you go about channelling some of the spirit of the iconic Volkswagen bus into a modern-day EV? Well, you create something called the ID.Buzz. It’s a fully electric bus built with some of the character of the classic, though underpinned by some of the latest battery technology.

But aside from its eye-catching looks, what does the ID. Buzz have to offer and how does it separate itself from the rest of the pack in what is becoming a very crowded EV segment? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

You might expect the ID.Buzz to be underpinned by a platform sourced from a conventional van, but no. The platform that this retro-infused model is sitting atop is the same that you’ll find underneath other Volkswagen Group EVs like the VW ID.3, Cupra Born and Skoda Enyaq iV. The idea behind this is to make the ID. Buzz more car-like in the way it drives, yet this scalable platform means there’s plenty of space on offer too.

For now, the ID. Buzz is a strict five-seater, too, though it’s expected that a long-wheelbase version with space for seven is on the horizon – so hold out a little longer if you’re after a more people carrier-focused option.

What’s under the bonnet?

Though you can get cars like the ID.3 and Enyaq with a variety of battery and motor options, there’s just one available with the ID.Buzz. Like other Volkswagen Group EVs the Buzz is rear-wheel-drive only for now, with a 201bhp electric motor sending power to the back wheels.

This motor is hooked up to a 77kWh battery which helps to deliver a claimed range of up to 258 miles between charges. Plus, because it can be charged at speeds of up to 170kW, a five to 80 per cent top-up could take as little as half an hour if you’re hooked up to a rapid charger. Plus, the ID.Buzz has been future-proofed through bi-directional charging, which allows it to store energy and then send it back to the grid during times of high demand.

What’s it like to drive?

Sitting in the cabin will prove familiar to anyone who has driven any of Volkswagen’s recent EVs. The switchgear, steering wheel and key touchpoints are all like-for-like, so it’s easy to get accustomed pretty quickly. On the move, the ID.Buzz is quiet and refined, though at slower speeds, its weight does come to the fore, as it tends to get upset by larger potholes or more distinct bumps in the road.

However, despite its on-paper 0-60mph time of 10.2 seconds, the Buzz feels a lot sprightlier to drive. The steering is pretty light but accurate, while loads of glass and relatively slim pillars mean that visibility is good in all directions. The raised seating position gives you a good view of the road ahead, too, and does make the whole experience more ‘bus like’.

How does it look?

It’s hard to stop and park in the ID. Buzz without someone coming over to ask questions about it, which goes to show just how eye-catching this electric model is. You could park it next to pretty much any current supercar and there’s a good chance that people will naturally gravitate towards the Buzz, simply because it looks like nothing else on the road today.

The split-colour design is particularly striking, but it’s all tied together in a package which takes some cues from the past, but blends them well with current proportions.

What’s it like inside?

Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform has been used to its fullest in the ID. Buzz, as there’s loads of space inside and plenty of storage options. There’s a completely flat floor, too, which means there’s no penalty for the person sitting in the middle seat in the back. Having said that, given how exciting the exterior is, we might’ve wanted a little more flair in the cabin of the ID.Buzz. It’s far from badly made, but the interior is a little bland compared with the superb outside.

But there’s loads of space on offer, with 1,121 litres of boot room available behind the second row of seats. Fold them down and this increases to 2,205 litres. Remember too, that if outright storage capacity is what you’re after, Volkswagen offers a more van-like ID. Buzz Cargo.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the ID. Buzz kickstart from £57,115 in entry-level Life trim, which brings 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-colour interior ambient lighting and a full navigation system with a 10-inch screen. As we’ve found in other Volkswagen models, this infotainment screen isn’t the easiest to navigate, but it’s definitely at its best in the Buzz. Other standard features include a reversing camera, heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

You could step up to the £61,915 ‘Style’ to gain 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate and upgraded matrix LED headlights, but in truth, the regular specification is more than well-equipped for most. Since there’s no change in battery size or range in the more expensive specification, there’s not too much reason to opt for it, other than some choice extras.

Verdict

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is here to show that electric cars needn’t be sterile or boring. Sure, the interior could do with jazzing up a touch, but the way this bus combines practicality, a decent range and plenty of standard equipment is impressive.

The only real snag is the lack of a seven-seater option, which is likely to be a put-off for many would-be Buzz drivers. However, if outright people capacity isn’t what you’re after, the Buzz makes for a very exciting and well-executed option.

Facts at a glance
Model: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Starting price: £57,115
Engine: Single electric motor
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 310Nm
0-60mph: 10.2 seconds
Top speed: 90mph (limited)
Range: 258 miles

December Magazine With Market Insight

December 24, 2022 by John Holden

What an extraordinary year, defined on a global level with Mr Putin’s destruction and misery when he decided to invade Ukraine in February, introducing unimaginable suffering to the Ukrainian people and also introducing a backdrop of uncertainty across economic activities from stock markets to property markets around the world.

In the first few months the prospect of a stock market and property market downturn had to be considered, but this didn’t happen in the UK and………. You can read the 2022 review by clicking the image below which will take you through to our online digital Magazine In The Country & Town.

Browsing through our property and lifestyle magazine you will be able to see some of the finest property in the area, available to buy or rent as well as read some engaging editorial content.

Some articles are shown below and a click will take you through.

We wish all of our clients / customers / suppliers and magazine readers a very happy Christmas and an uplifting 2023

UK Drive: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

August 16, 2022 by admin

Porche post from McCarthy Holden estate agents

By Jack Evans, PA Motoring Reporter.

Only Porsche’s most focused, performance-oriented models get the RS treatment. There’s been longstanding thought that the Cayman has been kept at such a level so as not to interfere with its 911 big-brother – but with the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the gloves are off.

This is a Cayman dialled right the way up. Acting as a flagship for the range, it gets the same engine as the larger 911 GT3 but in a more compact, lightweight body. And of course, as with any RS model, it’s got a host of aerodynamic touches that not only keep it as sticky in the bends as possible, but ensure nobody misses it. We’ve been behind the wheel…

WHAT’S NEW?

Every part of the regular Cayman GT4 has been tweaked, sharpened and – in most places – made lighter in its evolution to RS specification. It weighs in at 1,415kg with fuel, some 35kg less than the regular GT4. This has been achieved through the widespread use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in areas such as the bonnet and wings, while even the carpets have been made thinner and lighter.

A new Weissach package – fitted to our test car – takes these measures even further and adds a titanium roll cage, titanium exhaust pipes and a number of panels that are given a carbon-weave finish for an even sportier look.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The GT4 RS makes use of the same 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that you’ll find in the larger 911 GT3. That means an extra 79bhp over the standard GT4, with total power coming in at 493bhp. Torque has been lifted too, rising from 430Nm to 450Nm. All cars get Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic gearbox – there’s no manual option here, unlike the GT4.

What that equates to in terms of performance is a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds while flat-out it’ll manage 195mph, edging the standard GT4’s top speed of 187mph. Though fuel economy isn’t, of course, the real goal for a car like this Porsche claims that the RS will still return up to 22.8mpg, though these figures have come through the older NEDC testing cycle.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

There’s no need to dance around it – the Cayman 718 GT4 RS drives like few other cars available today. This is a car that takes the performance and brawniness of the larger GT3 and throws it into an even sharper and more compact package. The steering is spot-on, while the gear shifts from the PDK gearbox fire into place with scarcely believable crispness.

Then there’s the noise of the thing. The GT4 RS features air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows, so when you’re accelerating hard you get this glorious blend of intake noise and outright savagery from the engine. The engine, since we’re here, feels even more capable within the Cayman package, while the ride – though firm – is remarkably pliant. We even spent one or two hours on the motorway and the Cayman managed it without a quibble.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Porsche’s RS models aren’t known for their shy and retiring looks, and the GT4 RS is no different. Our car’s Weissach package included a carbon-fibre weave bonnet and a huge rear wing, meaning everywhere it went, it attracted a crowd. But these types of cars aren’t designed to fly under the radar, so we can’t fault it for a bit of flamboyance.

The whole car is designed to go fast, after all, which is why it incorporates all manner of aerodynamic touches. The underneath of the car has been optimised to lower drag and it ties in with the rear diffuser, too. As a result of these changes – and others – the RS generates 25% more downforce than the regular GT4, in fact.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The cabin is definitely stripped back, but it hasn’t been left devoid of creature comforts either. Our car came with air conditioning (something that is usually taken away from lightweight models), and this does help to make the RS more agreeable as an everyday road car. The bucket seats – which can be adjusted for height – are hugely supportive, while the general driving position is absolutely spot-on.

Plus, because it’s still a Cayman, the GT4 RS has a usable front boot section in the nose which has 125 litres, while a rear storage area adds an extra 136 litres, so there’s more than enough space for a few bags.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices for the Cayman GT4 RS start from £108,370 and though that represents a huge premium over the regular Cayman’s £47,700 starting price, it feels worth every single penny. Of course, the majority of that cost is going into mechanical upgrades, with all of Porsche’s motorsport learnings poured into this pint-sized performance car.

Features such as an adjustable chassis for race track use and ball-jointed suspension mountings – which help to give more direct handling – show that the upgrades to this car are all about making it go as quickly and drive as sharply as possible. You can – as with any Porsche – bump the price up considerably by going near to the options list, with our test car coming in at just over £133,000 after all of its extras had been applied.

VERDICT

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is undeniably one of motoring’s all-time greats. This is a car to remind you just why driving is so special and, through its almost nerve-like link between driver and machine, ensures that each drive is just as memorable as the last.

Though it might be angled towards track use this is still a hugely competent road car and one that should be celebrated wholeheartedly. Its combination of pace and outright agility is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a sports car for the ages.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Price: £108,370

Model as tested: Cayman GT4 RS

Price as tested: £133,549

Engine: 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six

Power: 493bhp

Torque: 450Nm

0-60mph: 3.2 seconds

Top speed: 195mph

Economy: 22.8mpg

Emissions: 299g/km CO2

Footnote – If you are looking for the perfect property to go with this car, why not consider this fine home

Latest Property Magazine & Market Insights

Mini though the ages – the evolution of a motoring icon

April Property & Lifestyle Magazine Out Now

Spring House Moving Activity On The Up!

2023 First Quarter Property Trading

Editorial Features & Property For Sale

First Drive: Volkswagen ID.Buzz√

The ID. Buzz is probably one of the most exciting EVs of 2022, but what’s it like from behind the wheel? Jack Evans finds out.

December Magazine With Market Insight

UK Drive: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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Spring House Moving Activity On The Up!

2023 First Quarter Property Trading

Editorial Features & Property For Sale

The ID. Buzz is probably one of the most exciting EVs of 2022, but what’s it like from behind the wheel? Jack Evans finds out.

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