Alternative-use pub trend to continue

The trend for selling pubs for alternative use will continue for another year, according to two of the country's largest licensed property agents.

Simon Hall, director at Fleurets, said demand for pubs for alternative use would continue "for at least another 12 months". The firm recently launched a new section on its website dedicated to development sites and alternative use.

Currently one third of the firm's bottom-end pubs are selling for alternative use — although demand has softened compared to nine months ago when they made up almost 50% of sales.

Neil Morgan, head of pubs at Christie+Co, said the "small but steady" rise in house prices and growing confidence in the housing market, was stimulating activity.

"The location of many pubs, coupled with ample car parking and the ease with which change of use can be gained is proving attractive to retail buyers, with a number of pubs having already been acquired for retail use over the summer. We believe this trend will continue into 2010."