Clifford House, Market Square, Petworth, GU28 0AH

Description

A long leasehold commercial investment comprising a well-presented ground floor retail unit extending to approximately 1,676 sq ft. The property is let on a 15-year lease from June 2018, benefiting from upwards-only open market rent reviews every five years. The accommodation includes a bright, fully glazed retail frontage with ancillary office, storage, kitchenette and WC facilities as well as a basement used for storage. Situated in the affluent and highly sought-after market town of Petworth, the property offers an attractive income-producing investment opportunity.

Accommodation

Shop across ground and basement, approximately 1,676 sq ft, including a bright fully glazed retail frontage, ancillary office, storage, kitchenette, WC facilities and basement storage.

Location

Clifford House occupies a prominent position in the heart of Petworth, an affluent and highly desirable West Sussex market town renowned for its historic character, independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and antique shops. The property is situated within Market Square, the town's principal commercial centre, benefiting from strong pedestrian footfall and close proximity to a range of local amenities. The A283 provides direct links to Pulborough, Haslemere and the wider regional road network. Pulborough Railway Station is approximately 4.5 miles to the south east and Haslemere Railway Station approximately 10 miles to the north west.

Tenure / Property Information

Investment Analysis

The £275,000 guide is below the recorded £380,000 sale of T G Wilkinson Antiques in the same market square in 2017 and above the £240,000 recorded sale of Clifford House in 2017. However, the comparables are dated or not sufficiently specific, and no passing rent or reliable rental evidence is provided. A current market value/GDV cannot therefore be established reliably from the supplied evidence.

Investment Snapshot

Strategy Recommendation

Consider only as a commercial income investment after confirming the passing rent, rent-review history, tenant covenant, lease liabilities, VAT position and all auction costs. Do not rely on the guide price alone to set a bid.

Works Required

No refurbishment works are evidenced. The unit is described as well presented, with retail, office, storage, kitchenette, WC and basement accommodation. Allow for normal inspection, legal and building-survey due diligence rather than assuming a refurbishment budget.

Rental & Market Context

Sold Comparables

The following completed sales were identified within approximately 5 miles:

Potential BRRR Position

A refinance assessment cannot be completed because no reliable current GDV, rent, project cost or finance costs are supplied. The long leasehold interest and existing tenancy may support an income-investment refinance, but this requires valuation and lender review of the commercial lease and tenant.

Buy-to-Let Analysis

The property is let to Augustus Brandt Antiques International Limited on a lease stated to run from June 2018 to 2033, with upwards-only open-market rent reviews every fifth year. No passing rent, reviewed rent or auctioneer rent estimate is supplied, so rental income, yield and affordability cannot be calculated. The investment case depends on verifying the current rent, review position, tenant covenant and lease terms.

Flip Analysis

A flip analysis is not supported by the evidence. The property is a tenanted commercial unit with a lease stated to 2033, no current GDV and no supported selling-cost allowance. The recorded sales provide context only and are insufficient to establish a resale surplus.

Investor Risks & Due Diligence

• Passing rent and rent-review outcome are not provided, preventing yield analysis.

• The tenant covenant and ability to pay are not evidenced beyond the named tenant and lease provisions.

• The lease is stated to revert in 2033, with future vacant-possession and re-letting considerations.

• Buyer fees, seller charges and possible VAT are unspecified and may materially increase the acquisition cost.

• The available sold comparables are historic or not sufficiently specific to establish current market value.

Recommendation

Consider only as a commercial income investment after confirming the passing rent, rent-review history, tenant covenant, lease liabilities, VAT position and all auction costs. Do not rely on the guide price alone to set a bid.

Strategy Rating

Analysis Confidence

The property description, lease summary, occupancy and some historic sales evidence are supplied, but passing rent, rental comparables, current valuation, buyer/admin charges, VAT treatment and detailed lease/title cost information are missing.