A WINCHESTER estate agent is celebrating a successful year back in the commercial property market.

Carter Jonas completed a number of deals including finding a base for a language school in Southgate Street and helping Moss Bros move to a larger store in the High Street.

Paul Russell, chartered surveyor and manager of the Jewry Street office, said: “We are very active in lease renewals and rent reviews but there is less consistency than there used to be.

“It takes years of skill and experience to interpret limited comparable evidence when setting or agreeing terms, but my many years in the area before joining Carter Jonas has given me a good library of knowledge.”

Assistant surveyor Keith Enters added: “When compared with other urban centres, Winchester has a far lower ratio of empty retail premises – good for landlords and owners wishing to sell, but harder to negotiate strong terms in favour of tenants when the boot is on the other foot.”