The green belt cannot remain sacred if we are to solve London’s housing crisis December 13, 2019 With the General Election over and the nation reflecting on the result, the focus on politics in the capital is far from over, as 2020 sees Londoners turn their attention to the race to be the next mayor. Among many key issues for discussion ahead of May’s election will be housing shortages, particularly the thorny [...]
Inside ‘co-living’: the flats where millennials trade living space for free craft workshops and yoga December 12, 2019 My alarm goes off at 6.30am, which means it’s time for yoga. As I wipe the sleep from my eyes, I glance around the unfamiliar apartment I’ve just spent the night in, which doesn’t take long because it’s barely bigger than a walk-in wardrobe. I get dressed and stumble out the door, traipsing down the [...]
Rics: Political chaos pushes London house prices down in November December 12, 2019 Political uncertainty held back London house prices in November, a new survey has shown, with gauges of demand and sales stuck in negative territory. Property company owners are hoping that today’s General Election will provide a clearer political and economic picture that could boost the struggling market. Falling prices have lessened London’s affordability problems, however. [...]
Aberdeen Standard offloads largest property fund asset December 11, 2019 Aberdeen Standard Investments has offloaded the biggest asset in its property fund following a spike in investor redemptions. The asset management giant has sold The Moor shopping centre in Sheffield to New River real estate investment trust, after putting it on the market with an £89.4m price tag. Read more: Debate: Should illiquid assets be [...]
From Woodford to the leasehold scandal, here are the big personal finance stories of 2019 December 11, 2019 December is usually the season to be jolly and reflect on the past year — though perhaps it doesn’t feel that way as we head to the polls tomorrow. Nonetheless, as the year comes to a close, let’s look at the big personal finance stories of 2019, which may give us some clues about what’s [...]
Chinese property firms in plans to upgrade eastern end of City December 10, 2019 Chinese firms that own swathes of the City are leading a drive to transform the area into a 24/7 leisure destination while maintaining its status as a leading global financial centre. The owners of the skyscrapers known commonly as the Cheesegrater and the Walkie Talkie are working with other landlords in an initiative to create [...]
Second Home co-founder to step down after US costs overrun December 10, 2019 The co-founder of shared office start-up Second Home is stepping down after costs over ran at the company’s first US site in Hollywood. Sam Aldenton, who established the business in 2014 with Rohan Silva – a former advisor to David Cameron – is leaving the firm, Sky News reported. Read more: The big business invasion [...]
Private equity tycoon Guy Hands looks to buy struggling Kier Living December 9, 2019 Private equity tycoon Guy Hands has reportedly made a bid for the housebuilding arm of struggling construction firm Kier. Hands’ private equity firm – Terra Firma Capital Partners – is one of the last remaining bidders for Kier Living. Read more: Kier’s COO leaves with immediate effect Analysts told Sky News that the company could be [...]
Housebuilder Berkeley sees profit slump nearly a third in first half December 6, 2019 UK housebuilder Berkeley Group saw its profit for the first half of 2019 fall over 30 per cent as Brexit-based uncertainty continued to hit the housing market. Read more: Berkeley Homes founder Tony Pidgley backs reforms to end land hoarding The figures Profit at the company fell from £401.2m in 2018 to £276.7m this year, [...]
Property of the Week: A quirky Georgian terrace in Bow – complete with pool December 6, 2019 Bow, the formerly industrial district of East London, isn’t renowned for its grand period properties – so there is considerable excitement among buyers when one does come on to the market. Such is the case with this five-bedroom property on Bow Road, which is not only an example of a beautifully-preserved Georgian period house, but [...]