Journal
All the latest news, industry insights and updates from Team AB.
Why use a commercial letting agent?
We frequently come across commercial property owners who let their property themselves. They perhaps own a small industrial estate or a few workshops and rely on attracting tenants through word of mouth, or by putting a ‘To Let’ board up at the property. For small workshops or other commercial spaces, this can be a perfectly […]
SIPP & SSAS Commercial Property Valuations: What We’re Seeing in the Lancashire Market
One area of commercial valuation work that has been growing noticeably for us at Armitstead Barnett is SIPP and SSAS pension fund valuations. Over recent years, we have seen increasing numbers of local business owners and investors using pension arrangements to invest in commercial property. In Lancashire in particular, this is a familiar feature of […]
Is a snag really a snag?
The latest report from the New Homes Ombudsmen Service (NHOS) shows a worrying trend of increasing complaints from buyers of new homes across the country, specifically a 204% increase of complaints in 2025/26 (1,802) compared to the same period in the previous year (593). Whilst complaints will range from minor cosmetic snags to more fundamental […]
Well Done Emma!
I’m delighted to have successfully achieved my Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents. Since joining Armitstead Barnett, I’ve been able to progress quickly thanks to the support and training provided by the team. Gaining this qualification has strengthened my knowledge of the property industry, current legislation, and best practice, allowing me to offer […]
What happens when almost 100 homes open their doors?
Last weekend, we held our latest Open Home Event, bringing together motivated buyers with some of the very best homes across Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Over the weekend, almost 100 properties took part, opening their doors to buyers actively looking for their next home. Activity was incredibly strong throughout the event, with an impressive […]
Simon Ainsworth Steps Into a New Role as New Build Agent
Armitstead Barnett is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Ainsworth, who has taken on a new role with us as a New Build Agent. Qualifying as a solicitor in 1995, Simon specialised in residential property, with a particular focus on high-value and complex transactions. He has extensive experience in dealing with new-build sites and […]
A very warm welcome to Thomas Bretherton!
Armitstead Barnett is delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Bretherton, who has joined the South Lancashire office as a Senior Property Agent. Thomas’s appointment further strengthens the firm’s presence across South Lancashire and surrounding areas. With almost 20 years’ experience in the property industry, Thomas is a highly experienced Senior Estate Agent with extensive […]
What Happens During an RICS Valuation for Secured Lending Purposes?
If you are buying, selling or re-mortgaging a property, more than likely the bank or building society will require an RICS valuation, often referred to as a Red Book Valuation. This is nothing to worry about or anything clandestine, Red Book Valuation refers to the rules and requirements set down by the RICS to ensure […]
Join us at our next Open Home Event
The property market doesn’t stand still and neither do we. Did you know that September is one of our busiest months? We believe the best results come from being proactive, which is why we’re already planning our next Open Home Event, taking place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September. An Open Home Event isn’t […]
Home Energy Model: What the New EPC Changes Mean for Rental Properties
From 1st October 2029, the current Energy Performance Certificate assessment system will begin to be replaced by the new Home Energy Model (HEM), providing a more detailed picture of a property’s energy performance. For landlords, the changes are linked to new legal minimum energy efficiency standards. From 1st October 2030, privately rented properties in England and Wales will […]
How’s the Market? North West Property Market Update – August 2026
One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “How’s the market?” The answer is – While the summer has been a little quieter than many anticipated, that’s not unusual for this time of year and the fundamentals of the market remain very encouraging. A combination of factors have probably played a part. The spell […]
Find More Than a House – Find Your Lifestyle
When people begin searching for a new home, it’s easy to focus on the number of bedrooms, the size of the garden or whether there’s enough parking. While those features are important, the truth is that buying a home is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about finding a place that suits […]
