Why you should take economic statistics with a bucket of salt January 25, 2013 TODAY is GDP day, when the Office for National Statistics releases its first, early and ultra-preliminary estimate of the growth of the UK economy. As ever, the media, the markets and the political classes will massively over-react to whatever gross domestic product (GDP) number is released, good or bad. I would urge everybody not to [...]
Top schools fuel house price hike January 24, 2013 AGOOD education can cost parents more than just tuition fees. Trends show that top performing schools drive house prices in their local neighbourhoods by nearly a third more than the national average. Little wonder, then, that developers are constructing luxury schemes in these sought-after areas. Wimbledon Hill Park is going down well with parents keen [...]
Focus On: Blackheath January 24, 2013 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT Named after the grassland that separates it from Greenwich and Lewisham, Blackheath is often described as one of the few remaining villages in the heart of London. Many refer to it as south east London’s answer to Hampstead because of its charming, green surroundings and bustling village. While it [...]
Take in the views at this Surrey manor January 24, 2013 LOCATED IN the picturesque Surrey countryside is this unique property tucked away behind the private gates of the highly sought after Wentworth Estate. The location is known for being the home of the internationally renowned Wentworth Club with its exclusive facilities and world famous golf course, and the property is equally impressive. Set on approximately [...]
London Barometer January 24, 2013 Having correctly called the market last year, we are sticking our neck out again this year. Despite the general consensus that there will be little growth in London in 2013, we are of the opinion that the lack of supply and continued demand for property from abroad and at home are even more pronounced, so [...]
The must have items for 2013 January 24, 2013 Key Trend 1: Pioneer Just like with fashion, the world of interiors is going global by tapping into the explorer trend that has been doing the rounds for a while. “At John Lewis our inspiration is rooted in our pioneering ancestors,” says Rickwood. “We’re interested in the meeting point between different ideas and cultures, and [...]
Kingsland Wharves offers waterside living near the City January 24, 2013 After THE success of its one-bedroom apartments, Kingsland Wharves is now entering into the final stages of completing the development by launching a series of two and three bedroom homes. The prestigious new development is comprised of exclusive apartments overlooking the banks of the historic Kingsland Basin and is already going down well with City [...]
19th century gothic architecture at its best January 24, 2013 ACHARMING Grade II listed Victorian gothic lodge, located at the entrance of a 24-acre north London park and cemetery, has become available to rent this week. East Lodge, which was built in 1855 on Willesden Lane at the entrance of Paddington Old Cemetery, was sold at auction by Brent Council in July and acquired by [...]
Daft planning rules are pushing up the price of food in shops January 8, 2013 IF you travelled abroad over Christmas, you will have noticed that goods in shops are often cheaper than in the UK. A uSwitch survey cited by the Institute of Economic Affairs shows that a food basket costs roughly a fifth more in the UK than it does in Germany, France and the Netherlands. Once again, [...]
What the autumn statement means for property players December 20, 2012 Chancellor OF the exchequer George Osborne’s autumn statement, released last month, included a £5.5bn infrastructure package, bringing infrastructure investment to £33bn a year. The funding includes support for long-term private investment in new roads, science, free schools and academies. Osborne also opted to keep property taxes and the rate of stamp duty unchanged, something some [...]