Vanessa Penn, Managing Director of Penn Commercial, looks back on the past six months in our latest ‘Property Focus’ newsletter...
“It has been a challenging six months in the commercial property market, not least because of geopolitical events and now a change of Prime Minister, which will undoubtedly cause more uncertainty in the markets.
“In 2025, the Penn team transacted 83 deals, across over £20 million of commercial property – but the UK economy is predicted to show much weaker growth in 2026.
“The pre-let market in the region has been difficult, and development viability is unlikely to improve.
“However, in spite of all this, Penn Commercial continues to sell and let properties across industrial, office, land and retail sectors, including to Sizewell C suppliers and contractors.
“Freehold instructions have increased, and we are marketing several smaller investments, ideal for those considering SIPP / SSAS purchases.
“A large central multi-let office building is under offer freehold, along with an 80,000 sq ft industrial complex.
“Penn has also attracted a number of interested parties in the former St Clements Congregational Church in Ipswich, which is being sold on behalf of the University of Suffolk.
“Penn is actively promoting the sale of a landmark HQ building close to Woodbridge, and has been appointed to let the Felaw Maltings – nearly 60,000 sq ft of part-refurbished offices in Ipswich town centre.
“Other instructions include: a former Baptist Chapel and Church just outside Ipswich; the last remaining 52,000 sq ft new warehouse at Hillwood UK’s Access @ Eastern Gateway; open storage land at Associated British Ports’ Port of Ipswich; the former WH Smith retail premises in Westgate Street, Ipswich; town centre offices at Chalfont Square; and fully-serviced offices at Framlingham Technology Centre Ltd.
“Recent retail successes include Barclays UK moving to 29-31 Westgate Street in Ipswich, Crema Coffee Shop occupying adjoining No. 33, and some positive news on the Great White Horse Hotel.
“We welcome Stephen Nash and Andrew Knights FCA BFP to the team, and we are celebrating a recent CoStar Awards win.
“We wish you an enjoyable and successful Summer, and look forward to hearing from you with any commercial property requirements that you may have.”
You can read the full Summer 2026 edition of the Penn Commercial 'Property Focus' newsletter at:
https://www.penncommercial.co.uk/images/pdfs/newsletters/summer-2026.pdf