What an interesting market is provided by the South Coast with such distinct sectors in each large city or town.
There is a contrast, for example, between Southampton and Portsmouth in the office market. It would appear there is a greater readiness to convert offices to residential use in Southampton, whereas Portsmouth and its occupiers are more concerned about the loss of space.
One point of agreement throughout the region, however, is that there is a shortage of new stock, whether offices or, more importantly, industrial.
The industrial market has been one of the best performing in the UK throughout the recession.
Another aspect of the difference is how Bournemouth and Poole seem to have a healthier office situation and noticeably at the airport there has been the major development of industrial space.
One of the most interesting aspects of the market will be what will happen with the shipbuilding site at Portsmouth.
It has so much potential in a world of expanding sea trade.
It is, of course, a shame that the MoD is not building ships there anymore, but a far sighted company must be tempted by the facilities, whether for shipbuilding or ship repair.
Not to be forgotten are the wide range of skills of the dockyard employees at a time when UK industry is complaining about the skills shortage. It was this pool of skills that attracted Rolls Royce to build a car factory at Goodwood.