Mortgage lending falls November 18, 2011 Gross mortgage lending decreased four per cent from September, down to an estimated £13.1bn in October, said the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) today. Though there was a 13 per cent increase from October 2010, up from £11.6bn, housing market activity is still low compared to long term averages, industry experts said. Housing prices are [...]
Savills buoyed by London and Asia amid Euro crisis November 17, 2011 PROPERTY agent Savills said it was on track to meet full-year expectations as its prime London residential and Asia Pacific businesses help offset its poorer performance in continental Europe. The group is cutting its presence in non-core markets as “macro economic issues have curtailed activity in many countries” and is instead focusing on stronger-performing France, [...]
South African billionaire in talks to take over Tower 42 November 17, 2011 SOUTH African billionaire Nathan Kirsh could soon be making a comeback to the City as the new owner of the Tower 42 skyscraper. Kirsh’s family office is understood to be in advanced talks to buy Natwest’s former headquarters on Old Broad Street, which would mark Kirsch’s first deal since selling a 29 per cent stake [...]
Rent rises start slowing but still exceed incomes November 17, 2011 RENTS hit a new high in October, according to LSL Property Services’ monthly buy-to-let index, published today, though the rate of increase fell to its lowest since February. The average rent in England and Wales rose by 0.2 per cent in October to £720 per month, the index showed. The increase compares with a jump [...]
Tis the season to get yourself a fabulous ski chalet in one of Europe’s prime locations November 17, 2011 CHAMPEX-LAC, VERBIER Price: CHF1,390,000 A beautiful, expansive, 7-bedroom chalet, nestled in the valley by Verbier. It’s fully renovated, with a ski room, games room and wine cellar, and a brilliant location close to the slopes. Contact: Chesterton Humberts International 020 3040 8210, www.chestertonhumberts.com LES BALCONS DE LA CHAPELLE, MÉRIBEL Price: From €720,000 for a 2-bed [...]
No justice for Cage or Twilight stars November 17, 2011 Film JUSTICE Cert: 15 Nicolas Cage stars in this latest action thriller as school teacher Will Gerard, not only plunged into a world where morality blurs, but also plunged into a highly questionable wig. When Cage’s wife Laura (an unremarkable January Jones) is raped and ends up in hospital, a mysterious man named Simon (Guy [...]
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND November 17, 2011 Have you had enough Hamlet yet? If you’re not taken by the fascinating and absorbing production at the Young Vic starring Michael Sheen, give the German auteur Thomas Ostermeier’s seriously audacious, violent Hamlet a go at the Barbican – this is the Bard’s most cerebral play, with a Berlin twist, so expect serious darkness. Otherwise, [...]
Glad rags for partying in style November 17, 2011 CHRISTMAS party season and all its fashion opportunities, work-sanctioned bouts of alcohol consumption, and colleagues letting their hair down, is on hand. Whether all this is a cause for celebration or dread, one thing you can be sure of is that looking like a festive fashionista will only improve matters. Even if you’re not feeling [...]
HOW TO GET DRESSED November 17, 2011 FOUNDERS OF ROUS ILAND MEMBERS’BOUTIQUE Q.I am always cold but find wool knits unflattering on my petite frame. What are the alternatives? A.Oversized chunky winter knits look great on the runway but unless you are tall, they require stacked heels to balance your proportions. The secret to staying elegant but still warm and comfortable at [...]
ST ALBANS November 17, 2011 MEADOW LODGE, HAMMONDS LANE Price: £2.5m This property, encompassing grounds of 8.5 acres, includes a swimming pool, tennis court, stabling and a garaging area. The property itself has five bedrooms, five reception rooms and two bedrooms. Contact: Savills on 01582 465 000 or go to www.savills.co.uk ST STEPHENS HOUSE Price: £1.295m This grade-II listed Georgian [...]