News, Press, Advice & Awards

Here is Chiltern Relocation’s top riverside walks in the area.
We are lucky to live within easy reach of the river from right here in the Chilterns. Whether it is walking near The Thames at Marlow or Henley or near some of the lesser-known towns such as Medmenham or Bourne End there are a huge range of spots to enjoy the riverside vibe. When the sun is out nothing beats being by the water watching people kayak, paddleboard or sail past. With a range of local pubs riverside, it makes for a perfect day out.

Moving from London to the Home Counties is a significant change, and several common worries may arise during this transition. Here are some of the primary concerns:

With the election just weeks away and the polls in overdrive, it is no surprise that house hunters are feeling somewhat uncertain. With mortgage rates remaining high across the country and rents still on the up, the housing market is a central battleground in the party’s manifestos. Indeed, a YouGov poll conducted earlier this month, said that 10% of voters stated that housing policy would primarily inform their vote.
The election comes at a time when homeowners and prospective buyers could face higher mortgage rates for longer as the election looks set to delay interest rate cuts. This is also set against the backdrop of a housing supply crisis – an issue banks say needs to be prioritised when Parliament returns in mid-July.
So where does the housing market feature in the promised manifestos of the top three parties?

Royal Ascot: Tuesday 18th June – Saturday 22nd June
This annual event is THE date in the horse racing calendar and The Royal Enclosure is the toast of the racecourse hosting royals, celebrities and Royal Ascot members. However, there is a wide range of tickets available to buy at all prices points offering different enclosures for eager racing enthusiasts. Different areas will be offering live music from ABBA the show in the Village Enclosure to well-known DJs in the Windsor Enclosure.
The racing is as exhilarating as the crowd spectating – with the finest fashion and millinery on display there is so much to see.

It’s nearly half term already and this one includes another May Bank Holiday. So why not get out and about in the Chilterns and enjoy some local events on offer.
One of our all-time favourite events on the May Bank Holiday has to be the Gladiator Battles at the Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles. Visitors are invited to step back in time and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient Rome and cheer for their favourite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. Marvel at the strategies, strength, and agility displayed by these skilled warriors bit know that the fate of the gladiators lies in your hands. Will you choose to spare a life or seal their fate? With each cheer or jeer, you have the power to decide who will live and who will die.

Chiltern Relocation had some particularly interesting viewings at The Elite Show on Friday at Wycombe Air Park. Billed as ‘London’s combined Lifestyle showcase’ the show is a collection of five show sections featuring 220+ lifestyle related products and services. It was a fabulous opportunity to indulge in viewing and experiencing all things elite.
Chiltern Relocation caters to a wide range of clients and budgets and it is always interesting to network at local events which cater to a wider audience. The show provided the opportunity to see first hand the quality and range of products available in the upper price bracket.

As a previous winner of Theo Paphitis’ #SBS small business initiative, Chiltern Relocation was invited to join their London Business Boot Camp this week. #SBS is one of the leading small business networks in the UK with over 4,000 active members. Household name Theo Paphitis is best known for appearing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and is Chairman of Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas.
These sessions are always very rewarding and informative and a fantastic opportunity to network with other small business leaders. Chiltern Relocation enjoyed sessions from NatWest on understanding your customer audience, Google on understanding and using Google Analytics and a surprise appearance from the #SBS founder Theo.

Did you know the Chilterns is an AONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
Today, 22 April, is Earth Day so what better way to celebrate this day than to share what makes this area so special. With quintessential English countryside and historic market towns, the Chilterns has it all. The Chilterns is one of 46 AONB’s in the UK covering 324 square miles of countryside stretching across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Sitting on London’s doorstep it extends 70 km from Henley-on-Thames to Berkhamsted.

10am: It has been a privilege this week to see a handful of exceptional properties in Beaconsfield and Penn. Having worked as a Relocation Agent in the Chilterns for the last 19 years I have seen a huge variety of homes coming to the market (including windmills) but I never tire of seeing unique properties. This week I was fortunate to visit the blue plaque home of English author and poet GK Chesterton. The author lived out his final days at the property in central Beaconsfield which is bursting with period features.

UK house prices are on track to beat forecasts of a decline in 2024, according to leading estate agent Knight Frank. This turn around is mainly due to a mortgage pricing war and expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates which will rekindle the property market.
At the start of the year Knight Frank estimated that UK house prices would drop by 4%. However, after a year of sustained price falls in 2023, the global property consultancy said it was updating its forecast for UK house prices to rise by 3% in 2024.

If you are looking to move you want all the facts to make the right choice. So what better way than to consult the national research provided by The Sunday Times. The annual list of 72 winning locations is drawn up following in-depth research talking to locals, examining the local community and debating the merits of one location over another. However, the main deciding factors when choosing the selected winners were: transport, schools, wi-fi speeds and house prices.

The initial Viewing Day with clients is one we always look forward to following in depth research.
Before the Viewing Day
Before the Viewing Day takes place a lot of background work is undertaken. We initially send clients a detailed questionnaire to fully understand the drivers for their move. The questionnaire explores their preferences in terms of location, housing style and size of garden amongst many other factors and any special requirements for the move.
Following the questionnaire, we travel to meet clients in person (where possible) or arrange a video call at a time to suit. During this meeting we discuss the answers to the questionnaire and provide examples of different housing styles and different areas to get a feel for the client’s reaction. Some clients are keen to take on a project whereas others prefer a house that is ‘ready to go’. During the meeting Chiltern Relocation will also discuss various commuting options and catchment areas with detailed maps.

How do you know if you are making the ‘right’ purchase?
When deciding if a property is for you there are so many elements to consider. Not least the floorplan, garden size, schooling choices, commuting options and the social amenities. Addressing all these areas is the first major step when buying a house but how do you know if this particular house is the ‘right’ one in terms of additional factors that are outside of your control, such as environmental issues and local planning?

TV icon Stacey Solomon steals the show

Television presenter, author and entrepreneur Stacey Solomon was a huge hit during her ‘Fireside Chat’ with Theo Paphitis. Stacey shared her experiences and insights on personal branding and delved into the realm of business investment, particularly focusing on how entrepreneurs can leverage the power of social media to boost their ventures.