Page 2 - KPRM 2019

Cover:
Chapel Down Winery opened its new state-of-the art brewery and visitor
centre, Curious Brewery in Ashford town
centre in May 2019. The brewery includes
a shop, tasting area, bar and restaurant.
Photo: Curious Brewery / Ashley Gendek Photography Limited
Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
04
Caxtons’ Property Market Outlook
While the UK economy has succeeded in withstanding a significant level of Brexit related uncertainty over recent years, recent intensification is taking its toll on activity.
06
Business Park Performance
Despite the uncertain political and economic backdrop, the business park market in the south east has proved relatively buoyant over the last year, contrasting with a more subdued previous 12 month period.
08
Office Performance
The ongoing expansion of agile working and freelancing has brought further serviced office space provision to the county.
16
Rural Performance
It is remarkable how resilient the farmland market has been this year, report Savills.
20
Residential Performance
According to analysis for this report by Hometrack, Kent markets have generally outperformed the south east average with price growth of 0.18% over the 12 months to end of July. This compares with growth of 2.1% for the UK as a whole.
10
Industrial and Distribution Performance
The weakness of sterling driven by
Brexit uncertainty has assisted exporting manufacturing companies to an extent, but confidence and business investment remains weak. This has not been reflected in the industrial and logistics sectors which continue to deliver robust returns.
12
Retail Performance
Vacant units are gradually being absorbed and independent retailers and restaurants are expanding their presence on the county’s high streets, facilitated by the nationwide rent rebase of recent years. Leisure uses are
also seeing growth across the county, again mirroring a nationwide trend reported by Local Data Company.
02
Welcome
An introduction to the 28th edition of the Kent Property Market Report, produced by Kent County Council’s Economic Development Division, Caxtons and Locate in Kent.
07 The HUB at Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, opened this Spring. Photo: Kent Science Park
04 Ashford Designer Outlet: The expansion brings 500 jobs and 50 new fashion, food and homeware brands, a new food piazza and a redesigned, interactive children’s play area. Photo: Ashford Designer Outlet