Your Shout: Gary Cleverdon, Westcountry Commercial

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In the West Country the licensed property market is historically seasonally driven, and usually the surge of new instructions comes in April. But the start of 2004 saw many more freehouses, inns and hotels come on to the market. If a new business person wants to achieve the maximum yearly income, the purchase should be achieved in the first part of the year. Instructions in April are flourishing, and the quintessential Devon pub with thatched roofs and village location is still one of the most desirable types of property requested by applicants. In addition, hotels with 20-40 bedrooms in rural or coastline locations seem to be as popular as ever. TV programmes outlining our style of life here in Devon have helped to push prices along, but there are still good freehold businesses available for as little as £250,000 if you're quick off the mark. The strongest progressive market is the entry-level leasehold market, with a lot of properties being sold in a matter of days. For "privateers" looking to come into the market, there are fewer properties available now than there were three or four years ago because of the arrival of the large corporates, which historically haven't been that interested in the area. And prices are more expensive than people realise. Being critical about the market, there are a number of businesses in the area that are being marketed at very strong prices, although properties in north Cornwall and north Devon are always very keenly priced. I would always advise applicants to seek local, knowledgeable advice before committing to buying a licensed property. And remember that selling a high-value residential property in the Home Counties is one thing, but overpaying because of your heart is another. [www.westcountrycommercial.com