August 13, 2026 - Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Odiham McCarthy Holden Estate Agents

The residential lettings business of McCarthy Holden has just appointed another senior director, adding even more experience to our trusted and long established lettings team.

Richard Hibbert is an ARLA-qualified Lettings Director with over 15 years of experience in
residential lettings and property management, until recently working Pimlico, London where he has demonstrated exceptional service growth over a 13-year tenure.

Richard possesses in-depth knowledge of lettings legislation and compliance, ensuring best practice across all aspects of the business, while maintaining a strong emphasis on client care and long-term landlord relationships. Richard is highly experienced in working with landlords, developers, and investors and is regarded as a trusted advisor.

Richard lives locally and an added bonus of working for McCarthy Holden at their Fleet branch is the fact he no longer has to get a 5.30am train to London!

Teaming up with fellow director Nicola Bremner and working with a vastly experienced team, the residential letting team at McCarthy Holden is responding to growth in the number of landlords by investing in the best people and preparing for the future growth of this sector within the McCarthy Holden business.

As part of the residential lettings expansion, McCarthy Holden has recently doubled the size of its presence in Fleet town centre by acquiring additional premises on the corner of Church Road / Fleet Road.

There was a time when the property wish list was relatively predictable: the right number of bedrooms, a good-sized garden, parking and, ideally, a decent commute.

Those things certainly haven’t disappeared. But in 2026, the way people judge whether a house feels like the one has become much more interesting.

At McCarthy Holden, we speak to buyers every day across Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Odiham and the surrounding Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey villages. And while every search is different, there are some themes that come up time and time again.

Location – but not necessarily the one they started with

One of the most interesting parts of a property search is how often the eventual purchase differs from the original brief.

A buyer may start convinced they want to live in a particular town, only to discover a nearby village that offers more space, a better setting or simply a house they fall in love with.

That is particularly true in our area, where moving just a few miles can take you from a bustling town centre to a village High Street, open countryside or a quiet rural lane.

For many buyers, the search has become less about a postcode and more about how they want to live.

A kitchen that does more than cook

The kitchen remains one of the biggest influences on how buyers react to a property, but expectations have changed.

It is increasingly the room where people cook, eat, entertain, supervise homework, work from a laptop and congregate at the end of the day.

A beautiful kitchen is always appealing, but size isn’t everything. Buyers also notice natural light, storage, where the dining table will go and whether the space connects naturally with the garden.

Shapley Grange, Hartley Wintney – not currently on the open market, call Hartley Wintney on 01252 842100

The return of separate rooms

For years, knocking rooms together seemed to be the answer to almost every renovation question.

Now, we’re seeing buyers appreciate a little separation again.

Open-plan kitchen and dining spaces remain enormously popular, but a separate sitting room, snug, study or playroom can be a real advantage.

With homes having to accommodate work, family life and entertaining, sometimes being able to close a door is a luxury in itself.

Wychwood Lodge, Fitzroy Road – VIEW HERE

Gardens still matter

The garden remains high on many buyers’ lists, particularly for families and those moving out from more urban locations.

But it isn’t necessarily acres of immaculate lawn they’re searching for.

A manageable garden with space for children to play, somewhere to entertain and a sunny spot for a table and chairs can be every bit as appealing.

And, unsurprisingly, buyers notice which way it faces!

20 Waverley Close, Odiham – VIEW HERE

Somewhere to work

Home working may no longer dominate property searches in quite the way it did a few years ago, but the need for a practical workspace hasn’t disappeared.

A dedicated study is a bonus, but buyers are equally good at spotting potential: a generous landing, garden room, spare bedroom or quiet corner can all work.

The important thing is helping people see how the space could work for them.

Holt Farm, Holt Lane – VIEW HERE

Storage – the unglamorous deal-maker

It may not make the front page of the brochure, but good storage can make a surprisingly big difference.

Utility rooms, boot rooms, garages, built-in cupboards and decent loft space all score points.

For families in particular, somewhere to hide the coats, school bags, muddy boots, bicycles and general clutter of everyday life can be just as valuable as a beautifully decorated reception room.

Oakley Drive, Fleet – VIEW HERE

Energy costs are part of the conversation

Buyers are also increasingly interested in how much a property will cost to run.

Double glazing, modern heating systems, insulation, solar panels and EV charging can all add to a home’s appeal.

An attractive period property will always have its audience, but buyers are much more likely today to ask practical questions about running costs alongside questions about character and location.

Alanbrooke Close, Hartley Wintney – VIEW HERE

And finally… the feeling

This is the one thing that property portals can never quite replicate.

You can compare floorplans, calculate price per square foot and save dozens of properties online, but buying a home is still an emotional decision.

Sometimes a buyer walks through the front door and simply knows.

It might be the view from the kitchen window, the sound of the village church bells, a sunny garden, the proportions of a hallway or something they can’t quite put into words.

That’s why presenting a property properly – and understanding what makes it special – remains so important.

Thinking of moving?

If you’re considering selling, it is worth looking at your home through a buyer’s eyes. You may be surprised by which features are most valuable.

At McCarthy Holden, our teams in Fleet, Hartley Wintney and Odiham combine detailed local knowledge with an understanding of what today’s buyers are actually looking for.

Whether you’re planning a move now or simply curious about the current value and appeal of your property, we’d be delighted to have a conversation.

Residential Lettings Growth Investment

What Are Homebuyers Really Looking for in 2026?

Location – but not necessarily the one they started with

A kitchen that does more than cook

The return of separate rooms

Gardens still matter

Somewhere to work

Storage – the unglamorous deal-maker

Energy costs are part of the conversation

And finally… the feeling

Thinking of moving?

Sales

Lettings

Estate Agents

Testimonials

Location – but not necessarily the one they started with

A kitchen that does more than cook

The return of separate rooms

Gardens still matter

Somewhere to work

Storage – the unglamorous deal-maker

Energy costs are part of the conversation

And finally… the feeling

Thinking of moving?

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