Chandlers Ford – Letting of Offices and Industrial Units
Private Investor - June 2023

We instructed Newton Scott to market both first floor offices and an adjacent small industrial unit. The offices proved challenging, partly as a result of the pandemic with most working from home, but the suite was leased to a group of journalist on terms close to asking. The industrial unit was snapped up almost immediately and leased to a gymnasium at asking terms.

Chandlers Ford – Unit 1, 1 School Lane – Car Showroom Letting
Private Investor - May 2023

Instructed by long standing clients, James Scott of Newton Scott marketed these prominent former car showroom premises and were swiftly leased to an established car sales firm from Romsey. A new lease was granted and terms agreed back in April 2023. A swift and decisive transaction, one I have come to expect of James!

Southampton – 173 Shirley Road – Freehold Sale
Private Client - May 2023

Newton Scott were appointed in October to secure the sale of these two storey premises (office/retail plus residential above). James inspected, measured and quickly introduced a purchaser very close to the asking terms. I was frustrated by the purchaser’s delayed completion tactics - but all was finally settled in April.

Bristol – Acquisition of Drive-Thru Investment        
Investment Company - April 2023

We instructed Newton Scott to keep an eye open for opportunities to purchase solid, well-let Convenience Store or Drive-Thru investments in the South, and after putting several projects to us we settled on acquiring this one. Leased to Costa Coffee for 15 years, on Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Purchase terms agreed and solicitors appointed in February. On to the next one, please James!

Chandlers Ford – Agreement of Lease Renewal Terms
Private Investor - March 2023

An imminent lease renewal was handled swiftly by Newton Scott who always cover the day-to-day challenges facing an investor. Lease renewal due this April and agreed at asking terms. Delighted once more at the result.

Southampton – 302 Shirley Road – Freehold Sale
Private Client - January 2023

We have known James of Newton Scott for years and so instructed him to find a purchaser for our freehold shop with flat above. We had problems with a previous tenant who was holding over but James still managed to introduce a good number of interested parties. Finally, we agreed terms and just before Christmas contracts were exchanged followed by completion in early January, this year. James said what price he’d get for us, and despite the economic downturn he didn’t fail us. I guess his many years in the saddle helps!

Southampton – 321 Shirley Road – Take-Away Letting
Private Client - December 2022

James Scott of Newton Scott is certainly involved with a number of projects running on the Shirley Road in Southampton, and so after several discussions we decided to appoint him to find a new occupier.  A number of potential tenants expressed interest for this large unit, and I believe he may have secured a record rent for us, linked to a substantial premium for the contents, plus the usual rent deposit. We’ll keep in touch with James, who despite his years, is a good listener and an excellent negotiator.

Christchurch – 2 Silver Business Park – Investment Sale
Private Investor - June 2022

James Scott of Newton Scott bought this freehold unit for us about three years ago, so we contacted him to find a tenant, the intention being to sell once an investment had been created. As soon as the lease was signed, he introduced several potential purchasers, the successful candidate being a London based private investor. The price achieved was close to the asking price (£375,000). I imposed a deadline on the sale, and we achieved that (within 24 hours, to be honest). James’s regular contact with all parties involved avoided the inevitable delays that may have so easily been witnessed. James, my thanks again!

Southampton – Shirley Road – Sale of Freehold Interest
Private Investor - June 2022

I had been in touch with James Scott of Newton Scott for about ten years as he always proved helpful whenever I called. He offered to market our premises but another firm suggested an higher figure so they were appointed. To cut to the quick, when I decided to instruct his firm he stuck to his first figure and secured it within a matter of weeks! I was delighted with his straight talking, honest approach, added to which he kept onto the solicitors regularly to ensure no unnecessary delays ensued. A true, experienced agent – one to have on your side.

Southampton – 6 Shirley High Street – Letting
Managing Agents - May 2022

We re-instructed James Scott of Newton Scott to market our client’s ground floor retail premises as the last occupiers failed due to the problems of the pandemic. A corner property fronting the busy Shirley High Street is generally very popular with most tenants but this one took time and patience due to a high number of wildly optimistic approaches bids that all took time to “sift”. Finally, James got there - agreed excellent terms, and within a few weeks of the new tenant’s first enquiry all was completed.

Christchurch – 2 Silver Business Park – Industrial Letting
Private Investor - April 2022

James Scott of Newton Scott acquired the freehold interest of this unit for us about three years ago, so when we decided to relocate we contacted him to find a tenant. James got the premises on the market without delay, carried out numerous viewings, and finally agreed terms with a local gymnasium who took a new lease for 10 years at the asking rent of £27,500 pa. We asked for a tenant, James provided! – how could we be dissatisfied?

Eastleigh – 2D High Street – Receivership Freehold Sale
Managing Agents - April 2022

We have employed the services of Newton Scott before, so it was obvious that we’d consider doing the same here. In this case the premises were in very poor condition (an under-statement!). We decided to take the premises to auction but it failed to reach the level the Receivers required. Accordingly, we contacted James and he got the premises on the market without delay, carried out numerous viewings, and went to Best & Final bids. This resulted in his agreeing terms with a well-known local firm of developers. Furthermore, they completed in double quick time. Our thanks again, James. You’ll be first to hear when the next challenge emerges!

Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh – School Lane – Rent Review Negotiations
Private Investor - March 2022

James Scott of Newton Scott helped us resolve a rent review due on these modern industrial premises. James’s in-depth knowledge and experience of the commercial property market resulted in a swift agreement. A great result – what more could I expect?

Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh – School Lane – Lease Surrender/Disposal
Private Investors - January 2022

We needed to surrender our lease on these premises, so appointed James Scott of Newton Scott to market our industrial unit on the popular Chandlers Ford Industrial Estate. Several potential occupiers materialised via James’s active marketing, one proved ideal following a stream of timewasters! Lease surrender terms were agreed with the superior landlords, a new lease granted to the tenants, and they moved in early in the New Year. James was great communicator and kept in regular contact with us, all three solicitors, in addition to the proposed tenants to ensure that all went smoothly to the desired completion.

Southampton – Letting of 14 Shirley High Street
Private Investors - September 2021

James Scott of Newton Scott was instructed to market our ground floor retail premises being party of a redevelopment project recently acquired at auction. No sooner had the To Let boards been erected and James was busy showing potential tenants around. He didn’t take long to find a new occupier and terms were agreed at a record-breaking level - £15,000 pa for a small 350 sf unit. More than happy to engage James’s firm when the next project emerges.

Southampton – Acquisition of freehold Investment in London Road
Private Investor - September 2021

James called me offering this project which he said could be bought for £320,000, a reduction from the recently reduced figure of £350,000. There were many discussions on price and eventually I agreed to press ahead at £300,000, which against a rental income of £34,500 for a further four years, seemed more than just appealing. Next one please!”

Bournemouth – Freehold sale Castle Lane West
Private Client - September 2021

We appointed James Scott of Southampton based Newton Scott to market the freehold interest held in our former offices on Castle Lane West. We had planned to relocate to larger premises but ended up merging with TC Group, a national group of Accountants, although we will be based in the BCP Conurbation. Once the marketing commenced, James identified several strong parties but it came down to three serious contenders. In the end, developers MHH Poole Ltd (William Burke) bought the buildings for a figure comfortably in excess of the asking price. Great result, thanks James for your diligence, expertise and patience.

Romsey – Victoria Place – Dilapidations and leasing
Private Investor - April 2021

James handles most of our commercial property work and in this case negotiated acceptable terms for a lease surrender / dilapidations. Whilst that was going on he successfully agreed terms for a new lease and rent on the building once fully refurbished. Great outcome, as expected!

Southampton – Test Valley Business Park, Nursling – Letting
Private Investor - March 2021

I contacted a number of agents but James appeared to tick most of my boxes! To sell or lease – once established what to expect I went for leasing. Marketing resulted in a number of optimistic time-wasters, but finally we agreed terms with Abbey Grab Bag of Romsey, who took the unit at the asking terms.

Basingstoke – Acquisition for Gateway Church
Martin Flood - February 2021

James and I go back many moons, so when I opened negotiations to acquire new premises, admittedly in appalling condition, I recruited his help. He lost a lot of his full hairline during these discussions due to the Receivers being exceptionally challenging! However, we had the last laugh though once they’d appointed an auctioneer to sell the premises. We saved £65,000 as a result – a totally blessed outcome!

Southampton – Pirelli Way – Letting
Private Investor - February 2021

I have known James for many years and we’ve worked together on various projects. When I came to appoint an agent he was top of the list. He introduced a number of possible tenants, but got terms agreed and the deal done swiftly, as I had expected.

Southampton – Shirley Road – Freehold Sale
Private Client - December 2020

I contacted Newton Scott if only because they had successfully let the retail unit directly opposite and they had a number of To Let and For Sale boards up locally James Scott met me, advised on values and he started marketing. That was swiftly followed by Lock Down 1 and then Lock Down 2, frustratingly! However in November, terms were finally agreed and just before Christmas the sale went through. All fairly straightforward, but the number of “interested parties” that inspected - never to be seen / heard of again amazed me. I was pleased with the final outcome, but I should add - you have far more patience than me, James.

Southampton – Restaurant Letting
Mitchell Brooks - November 2020

A client of ours had recently acquired the investment held in the former Prezzo unit in Southampton’s busy Oxford Street and six months later they closed – 94 in total, nationwide. I approached a number of local agents but noted that James Scott of Newton Scott had recently agreed terms on the adjoining property. I appointed him as my joint agent, back in April 2018. This has proved to be one of the lengthiest and most challenging of transactions I have been involved, what with market conditions, Brexit and more recently Covid 19. I have to say that James went beyond the usual, guiding potential tenants (twice) through the rigours of planning, and even carrying out inspections on a Sunday. My thanks James, I was glad of your help – let’s hope the next one proves far easier !

Eastleigh – Office Letting
Private Investor - September 2020

“We instructed James Scott of Newton Scott as he had been active in Pirelli Way, Eastleigh, always having a suite or two changing hands. Not the quickest transaction - but the market was hardly on our side what with the Election, Brexit and more recently Lock Down. James also suffered from parties proceeding then having second thoughts, or attempting to be just too pushy! Then, all of a sudden terms were agreed and James was handing over the keys! Good outcome - but who’d be an Agent, I ask?”

Southampton – Another Retail Letting
Private Landlord - September 2020

“We contacted James Scott of Newton Scott as he seemed among the busier agents in Shirley. No sooner had we agreed to place our instructions with him than the (first) Lock Down started! Despite the challenges of viewings and the general uncertainty in the market, James showed over a number of potential tenants and we finally settled on a French inspired delicatessen / sandwich bar. We were pleased with the terms achieved, and importantly the regular up-dates and good communication throughout the transaction.”

Southampton – Retail letting
Developer – July 2020 - August 2020

We started the redevelopment of this predominantly residential building in Shirley but with a small shop unit at ground level. James introduced several interested parties but thankfully terms were no sooner agreed than the lease was signed. In this market that’s a positive result in my book!

Romsey – Industrial/Office letting
Private investor – June 2020 - August 2020

We’ve known James for many years and he’s helped us on numerous occasions with our property on Abbey Park Industrial Estate. In this instance, our tenants were due to vacate so we needed a new occupier by the summer to avoid a break in the rental income. We instructed James in February, and despite the awful Lock-Down he found a new tenant, agreed new lease terms, and they moved in at the end of June. Again, my thanks, James.

Chandlers Ford – Industrial Letting
Private Investor - July 2020 - August 2020

Chandlers Ford – Industrial letting: Another letting agreed by our agent, James Scott of Newton Scott. It took him longer than hoped for but with Lockdown hindering matters, all was completed in July.

Romsey – Industrial Letting
Landswood de Coy LLP, Managing Agents, London. - May 2020

We appointed James Scott of Newton Scott to help find tenants for an industrial estate we manage on behalf of clients in Romsey. Never the easiest of tasks but we always get where we’d hope to be - and with the problems of the Pandemic it added a good few issues! All done and dusted now – so, thanks James – again!

Romsey – Sale of Investment
March 2020

James helps and advises us on most matters relating to commercial property and in this case we wanted to release some capital from a long-standing investment held on the Premier Centre on Abbey Park Industrial Estate. A small, 3,400 sf end terraced unit which James sold for 10% above asking. It was the attention to detail, especially towards the final negotiations, that got the sale over the line - and just before Lock Down, too!

Southampton – Shirley Road – Retail Letting
Private Investor - February 2020

We have instructed Newton Scott to help in the past and on this occasion, he was truly taken to task – one of the most challenging markets and difficult / poor tenant demand. James got it done but oh dear I’m surprised he still has as much hair as he clearly does! Good result though.

Guildford – Office Acquisition:
Janice Moores of Tilney Ltd. - September 2019

We met James a few years ago when looking for offices in Fareham. Since then, we had a need for space in Guildford and therefore we briefed him on our requirements and time-frame. A short list was drawn up, we inspected a few, opened negotiations but could not get our space planners to fit us into the suite. So, James started all over again, and finally we settled on an open-plan suite in Cathedral Square, and being a new development it met all our requirements including parking. This was not the quickest transaction but we reached a conclusion in April, for which we are enormously grateful for James’s determination and attention to detail during the lengthy negotiations. I may have another project for you shortly.

Southampton – Small Office Lettings, Hamble Point Marina:
August 2019

We leased four adjoining office suites on Hamble Point Marina with James Scott’s help. He was positive and diligent and always there at the end of a phone, pretty much day or night. I can hardly say more than he got all four suites away but the last one took the longest – often the way. I was pleased with the final outcome.

Successful Sale of Offices in Christchurch
Private Investor - July 2019

I instructed James Scott of Southampton based Newton Scott to sell our two storey office premises on the Silver Business Park. The unit was extensively upgraded throughout and until recently had been used as a Call Centre. Marketing got underway and an acceptable offer was shortly agreed, but we were to be led a merry dance by an over optimistic purchaser. To help solve an impasse James went the extra mile by paying for both the EPC and Asbestos Surveys – to no avail, as it turned out. The purchasers pulled out and James had to start the marketing all over again! In fairness to James, he then found a cash purchaser in double quick time and a conclusion was reached within six weeks, this July. All in all, a lengthier process than expected – but I was glad I had James on my side!

Bedford Place Letting
Private Investor - June 2019

I have instructed James Scott of Newton Scott in the past and having bought a retail and residential building in ever-popular Bedford Place I contacted James to see if he could help. We agreed the quoting terms and marketing campaign, and within short time had several viewings and a number of offers - some cheeky, some far more realistic! James recommended I proceed with a Micro-Brewery as he’d dealt with them before in Shirley (they also successfully trade from Jewry Street, in Winchester). Their offer was at the asking terms subject only to planning which they secured in July. Finally, just to add, I always appreciate good and prompt communication from yourself. You have provided me 2 good tenants so far! So, thank you James, again.

Chandlers Ford – Office Lease Renewal
Private Investor - May 2019

I asked James to handle this as he originally let the space to the tenants. They wanted to stay put, agreed to take a new lease, we conceded to the usual break clause at the end of the third year, but importantly accepted a more up-to-date rent at £12.75 per square foot. So, all in all, a good result reflecting a 27.5% increase.

Rent Review Negotiations
London based management company - May 2019

Clients of mine recently acquired at auction a corner building in Hedge End, a prosperous suburb of Southampton, where the retail tenant was Barclays Bank. I contacted several agents locally but was persuaded that Newton Scott would be a wise choice. Negotiations started just before Christmas (2018) and an agreement was finally reached in April - not a bad outcome in both time and rental uplift terms (just under 10% in 3 years). The principal, James Scott, is diligent and terrier-like (he has got one!), and was good at keeping me briefed, too. Pleased with the results.

Retail Letting – Shirley
Private Investor - April 2019

We have owned this shop for many years and indeed James let it to the last occupiers, a butcher. When we needed a new tenant we turned to James again. We had a few possible occupiers but needed to assess who was our best bet. The marketing campaign was launched, several inspections carried out, and a decision reached. The lawyers made life a bit tortuous but finally we had a new tenant and a new income stream which is what we bought the building for. James is not the youngest in the “beauty parade” - but his local knowledge, experience and importantly his ability to see a deal through to completion is why we go to him.

Leasing of Office Space in Christchurch
James Pike, Cookes Furniture - April 2019

We sold our adjoining industrial units (3&4 Silver Business Park) via Hughes Ellard and Newton Scott a couple of years ago, although it was James at Newton Scott who introduced the purchaser. We remained in partial occupation, resulting in there being some surplus office space to lease. We turned to James who, in challenging market conditions, introduced new tenants for two separate suites, the last being handled from start to finish within three months! We aim to keep in touch as he’s been a useful contact in a demanding climate!

Sale of Substantial Industrial Unit in Romsey
James Cooper, Albert Jagger Ltd. - November 2018

Newton Scott acquired these premises on Budds Lane in Romsey for us several years ago and when it was decided to sell we contacted James to help. We subsequently gave him instructions to market the freehold, and can only thank him for the time and effort put into the challenge. It was not an easy project but we secured a good level of interest and an excellent price – I couldn’t ask for more!

Southampton – 24 Oxford Street
Agents acting on behalf of Receivers - October 2018

Many many thanks for your hard work on this one, as without your determination I very much doubt we would have got anywhere on the sale.

Southampton – 11 College Place – Office Lettings
Treasurer, The Samaritans in Southampton - October 2018

I contacted James as one of several local agents to help us find new occupiers for offices in central Southampton. We hadn’t dealt with James before but he inspected, reported and in a few weeks had occupiers for both suites. If only it was as easy as that in all cases ...........!

Southampton – Leisure Investment Acquisition
Private Investor - September 2018

Knowing that an established Pub in Shirley was going to come to the market, I asked James to assist and advise in the acquisition process. The outcome took far longer than any of us expected, least of all James, but he kept at it and finally we reached a conclusion. Delighted with the result, too.

Chandlers Ford – New Letting
Private Investor - August 2018

I have known James for years and he always helps with my property matters. In this case I had a tenant who wanted to relocate so called James in to fill the shortly to be vacated unit. James found a new occupier, did the required checks and balances, and agreed terms better than I had expected – but that’s what I pay him for!

Winchester – Office Investment Acquisition
Private Investor - June 2018

Delighted with the outcome. Cannot believe how long it took but without your “terrier instincts” I doubt we’d have reached a conclusion – many thanks, James.

Romsey – Small Industrial Unit Leased
London Based Agents for Management Company - May 2018

Newton Scott was appointed by clients of London based management company to find a new occupier for this 2,365 sf unit. It had all the usual facilities but was fairly basic, and as such we were pleased with the outcome, securing ￡11,000 pa on a new lease. We will keep in touch.

Eastleigh – Office Letting
Existing tenant - August 2017

I forget how I came across Newton Scott but they had been involved with a few lettings on Pirelli Way so gave them a call. Agreed the marketing program and in pretty quick time a new occupier was identified, terms agreed and they’d moved in. Couldn’t ask for more – and his fee terms were the best offered, too!

Romsey – Office Letting: Love Lane, Romsey
Private investor - June 2017

We acquired this modern, two-storey office building from James several years ago, and despite first letting it the tenants merged with another organisation, resulting in them not needing their space any further. James got on with the marketing and identified a local firm of Accountants to take a new lease on the entire building. Thanks James - good result.

Leasing Of Romsey Office/Warehouse Building
Private investor - June 2017

We appointed James to find a new occupier for this unit on the popular Premier Centre, Abbey Park Industrial Estate in Romsey. The first possible tenants decided not to proceed but James’s second runner was far keener and swiftly completed a new five-year lease, paying a market rent. Great outcome and transacted rapidly.

Basingstoke – Multi–Let Industrial Investment Acquisition
Petchey Industrial Properties Ltd. - June 2017

James introduced this multi-let industrial investment and we acquired it, having previously done business with the vendor. Petchey Industrial Properties Ltd.

Poole – Freehold Industrial Unit Acquisition
Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust - February 2017

We approached a number of commercial property agents but James ultimately did a great job! He was patient, a good listener, and knowledgeable of his market. We were offered a selection of possibilities but at the end of the day, we settled on a freehold unit on the Nuffield Industrial Estate, in Poole. We completed in February 2017.

Office Letting In Woolston, Southampton
Private Investor - February 2017

We have known James for many years and he often comes to our aid. On this occasion, we needed a new occupier for a ground floor office unit in Bridge Road, Woolston. James found a long established firm of florists who took a new six-year lease. We were prepared to go the Residential route but James proved that wasn’t necessary!

Letting Of Former Florists In St Denys, Southampton
Private Investor - June 2016

We secured a successful aquatics (freshwater fish) operator to lease our former florist premises. The new occupiers took a 10-year lease at an averaged rent of £11,400 pa. Good result.

Sale Of Long Leasehold Investments – Brunel Gate, Andover
Private Investor - April 2016

We instructed James to find a purchaser for these four units in Andover. Every challenge possible arose but with James’s help we finally saw completion to a London based investor.

Marketing Of Small Retail Unit In Bitterne, Southampton
Private Investor - March 2016

Newton Scott let a small retail unit for us but it was not the easiest or quickest due to market conditions. We ended up with a new six-year lease to a Vape retailer paying £16,000 pa., but with incentives initially.

Romsey – Sale Of Car Park
Private Investor - February 2016

We instructed Newton Scott to value our freehold car parking land and then to carry out a sale. We secured £75,000 for the site - which became a car sales compound having secured prior planning approval.

Office Relocation: Auckland Rd., So’ton
Threshold Mortgages Ltd. - November 2015

We asked James to keep an eye out for suitable offices in and around central Southampton – about 2,500 / 3,000 square feet. We inspected several but ended up agreeing to terms on new, fully refurbished space in Millbrook having good on-site parking. Pleased with the outcome which was handled efficiently, professionally and in good time.

Gosport – 8/16 & 17a & 17b High Street
Max Hunter – Maritime Capital. - April 2015

This project was also introduced to us via James Scott of Newton Scott. It comprised 13 different well-located retail units with vacant offices above and future development potential. The rental income totalled £255,382 pa. We acquired the freehold interest in May 2015 for £2.4 million in this “Off Market” transaction. Nice one, James! Onto the next, please.

Romsey – The Hundred – Retail Letting
Private Investor - October 2014

A full marketing campaign produced an excellent tenant and a good lease/ rent. The premises were located on the first and second floors and I secured a new six-year lease and a rent of just under £9,000 pa., plus deposit. I was pleased with the outcome and excellent, regular marketing updates, a subject I hate having to chase – so no complaints there!

Salisbury – Milford House, Milford Street – Acquisition For Development
Ross Moyler, Store Properties Ltd. - October 2014

The premises were introduced to us by James and within the short time we had inspected, agreed to terms and exchanged contracts. This was primarily an "Off Market" transaction but we had access to the vendor's managing agents which generally helped speed the DD process. More please, James.

Winchester Road, Bassett, Southampton – Two Retail Units
Bassett Homes & Accessories - June 2014

James managed to find new tenants for both our former retail units in Bassett and the timing was excellent. The entire exercise was handled well, and he provided regular marketing updates. He kept in regular contact with both side's solicitors to ensure all went smoothly and without the usual delays and communication hold-ups.

Romsey – Sale Of Vacant Freehold Offices
Sozo Ministries International. - May 2014

We commissioned James to sell our well-appointed office building in Romsey, jointly with Goadsby. We achieved an excellent price and were more than pleased with the outcome.

Southampton – Sale Of Office Investment With PD Rights, Kilgraston House
London based Investor - May 2014

James was appointed to act jointly with BNP Paribas and was instrumental in ensuring the transaction reached its desired conclusion. A good price was achieved, so a successful outcome.

Southampton – Middle Road, Park Gate
Private Investor - April 2014

After a challenging marketing period, James agreed on terms with local A3 User to lease our retail unit for a term of ten years at an initial rent of £16,000 pa. Delighted with the eventual outcome.

Solicitors Based In Southampton And Romsey, Appointed Us To Advise Them On A Rent Review Due In December 2005
Ken Flookes, Partner of Footners, Southampton - November 2005

We inspected the accommodation, measured it, assembled comparable local rental evidence to support our views, and advised our clients accordingly. The outcome was that our clients agreed to acceptable terms that reflected a double-figure percentage reduction. “James’s long-standing and intimate knowledge of the office rental market in central Southampton, added to his excellent contacts, resulted in a swift and satisfactory conclusion to these negotiations.