Commercial property rentals in one of the most rural district's of Norfolk are bucking the national downturn. Data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) suggests that demand in the third quarter of 2008 fell in all the three commercial sectors - office, retail and industrial - and that this fall was fastest in a decade.

Commercial property rentals in one of the most rural district's of Norfolk are bucking the national downturn.

Data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) suggests that demand in the third quarter of 2008 fell in all the three commercial sectors - office, retail and industrial - and that this fall was fastest in a decade.

But Breckland Council's portfolio of industrial and office properties are currently 95pc let, they say.

Their premises are throughout the district, including in the market towns of Dereham, Thetford, Attleborough, Swaffham and Watton, and range from 600 to 5,000 sq ft, from factory units to office accommodation.

William Nunn, Breckland Council leader said: “Our commercial properties represent a large proportion of our investments providing returns which enable us to deliver high quality services whilst maintaining the lowest district council tax in the country.

“It is very encouraging that in this economic climate these investments continue to perform well.”