Regional sales are on the rise
Regions receive a boost from recent shift in tourism
Property agents believe a shift in tourism away from Britain's major cities is helping the regional market.
Areas such as East Anglia, the West Country and parts of Scotland are continuing to boom despite, or even because of, the terrorist attacks of September 11, according to Christie & Co.
While numbers of US tourists in London have dropped by 45 per cent since the attacks, the regions have remained largely unaffected.
The optimistic are predicting more visitors caused by Brits staying at home and travelling to UK resorts instead of exotic locations.
Agents say the regions' property markets have been booming for some time boosted by low interest rates and it seems that so far the terrorist attacks have not harmed the market in the regions.
The North East is one area that is enjoying a buoyant market. Sixteen pubs and hotels have been sold by Christie & Co's Newcastle office since July.
"We've had a pretty decent couple of months and the regions are remaining strong. I'd say the terrorism has had no adverse effects and the shift to the regions is helping the market," said David Lee, associate director of Christie & Co's Newcastle office.
"The North East is proving a fertile selling ground for licensed businesses and we are delighted with the number of sales that have gone through. This spate of completions is proof of the strong licensed property market in the region. I hope it's going to continue."
One of the more unusual properties for sale in the North East is the Crown and Anchor Hotel in Holy Island, Northumberland (pictured).
Holy Island has been a place of pilgrimage for 12 centuries and its tiny 160 population is swelled each year by visitors coming to visit its 11th century priory, 16th century castle and sandy beaches.
The hotel has a bar, restaurant and four letting rooms and is bound to attract interest.
Selling agent Robert Barry & Co is inviting offers over £285,000 for the freehold of the Crown and Anchor.
Devon is also enjoying a good year, and the eastern part of the county in particular currently has a very strong market.
"Freehouses for sale in East Devon are attracting more enquiries than in any other area," said Gary Roberts, head of the pubs department in Christie & Co's Exeter office.
"We attribute this to the proximity of the coastal resorts of Beer and Lyme Regis, the easy accessibility to the motorway, the beautiful scenery of the region and the attractive lifestyle on offer."
One example of a recent sale in the area was that of the Old Inn, a listed building in the village of Kilmington.
The large detached, thatched, whitewashed pub, generated lots of interest and was sold off an asking price of £295,000.
