Taking an unknown step onto the property ladder or have a question you really need answering? Every month our ‘Property Doctor’ Martin Somers, divisional director of Chandler Garvey Ltd, gives his advice on the market’s hot topics.

Question:

We are looking for new High Wycombe offices. What offers best value, an out of town office or town centre?

Answer:

The range of office rents in High Wycombe is very wide, ranging from a refurbished office in Thame House in the town centre with starting rents of £7.50 per sqft, through to Loudwater offices, where Oakingham House is quoting £28.50 per sqft.

Cressex Business Park has been popular for companies wanting good value rent combining good access to junction 4 of the M40. Rents are mainly in the £11 - £14 per sqft range for refurbished accommodation.

For the best Grade A offices in Wycombe, most are located in the Loudwater area of High Wycombe.

Rents range from £18.50 - £28.50 per sqft for refurbished fully air-conditioned office space.

Finding offices within the town centre is becoming more and more difficult for companies such as accountants and solicitors who want easy public access.

Many town centre offices are being converted to residential homes under the governments permitted development order, leaving a shortage of supply.

Parking is often a key issue when making a property move decision. Parking in the town centre can often have a parking ratio of 1 space per 500 sqft of office space.

In out of town positions, that ratio can improve to circa 1 space per 250 sqft of office space. With so many staff typically driving to work, an out of town office may give you twice the number of parking spaces.

So best value can be measured in not just the rent but matching other company requirements such as the parking ratio, the lease terms and the building / estate image among many other individual requirements.

For more information, or to ask a question, visit www.chandlergarvey.com