Walker Singleton who were established in Sowerby Bridge in 1889 report continuing demand for freehold property in all sectors of the market and particularly from owner occupiers.
A limited supply of freehold stock has helped to sustain the market and quality well located buildings are still sought after.
While those who are able to, may choose to wait and see how the economy develops over the coming months, business decisions are often driven by other timescale factors.
They require flexibility and there has been a trend towards shorter occupational leases, particularly in the office and industrial sectors.
Companies seeking to rent property will undoubtedly have more choice than their counterparts seeking to own property.
The Government's change to Empty Business Rates will no doubt impact on the commercial property market.
From April 1 most property that has been empty for more than three months or, in the case of industrial property, for more than six months, will no longer receive relief from rates and will be liable for 100 per cent of the basic occupied business rate.
There are limited exemptions and anti-avoidance legislation is expected.
But despite these changes Calderdale is still looking forward to significant investment.
Detailed plans for the long-awaited Broad Street Plaza have been submitted to Calderdale Council and this is likely to be considered by the council's planning committee early in the spring.
The scheme is to include a multi-screen cinema operated by Vue Entertainments, a 10-pin bowling alley for Ten Pin Ltd, 106 flats, a bingo hall, shops, offices and a 429 space multi-storey car park.
PPG Land has submitted plans for a 30,000 sq ft five storey office building on King Street in Halifax.
This would be the first speculative new build office in Halifax since the 1970s and construction is expected to start in spring.
Developers Hanson Partners and St James Securities obtained planning approval subject to a legal agreement for their £80 million urban village proposal at Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax on Tues- day.
This is an ambitious proposal to refurbish the listed mill with complementary new build development to provide business space, a hotel, 300 residential units and a village centre with retail and restaurant units.
St James Securities has specialist expertise in delivering this sort of development which will revitalise this area of Halifax. Nearby, Calderdale Council has applied for planning permission for the Shay Stadium development which, in addition to completing the unfinished East Stand, will provide retail, catering and function facilities.
All in all, despite the "doom and gloom" that is being reported, the outlook for the commercial property market in Calderdale remains positive with significant investment and development from both private and public sectors.