This week the MD of Estate Agency Corrie & Co, David Corrie, gave us an insight into exactly why new announcements in the Spending Review could help thousands of Cumbrians.

Mr Corrie spoke about housing announcements, and also explained why this has been the best year ever for his business.

Housing 

This looks to have been a very balanced Autumn Statement. The market for young and first time buyers has been stimulated.

So far this year the average age of first time buyers has been 34, and the market in the north west has seen a shortage of first time buyers.

£2.3 billion has been made available for 200,000 starter homes, and first time buyers will be able to get a 20 per cent discount on these. Stamp duty is being raised for second home and buy-to-let buyers. This means investors will bear the burden not first time buyers. A very balanced measure.

Best year ever 

This has been our best year since we started six years ago. We are opening a new branch office in Millom, and have plans for another closer to the M6.

We have had excellent growth, helped because we are in partnership with Holker Group, owned by Lord Cavendish.

They have significant resources, over 300 staff, and are very divers, so we can be guided by them. We regularly talk to other local businesses like BAE and GSK.

Trident and the local economy The MoD is tough and will ensure we are getting value for money on Trident. Trident has a positive impact right through Cumbria.

You can see that the A590 and M6 corridor have been busier with more people coming to the area, very good for the local economy.

About David

David Corrie has been one of South Cumbria’s leading estate agents for the past twenty years, and the Holker Estate group is a collection of businesses owned by Lord Cavendish and family. “The Holker Estate group employs 250 people within its six businesses, including Cartmel Race Course and Burlington Slate.