Focus On Borough: Huge change is coming to the ancient part of central London. Is it time to buy? October 19, 2018 In many ways, Borough is typical of London. Some parts of it are eye-wateringly old, like foodie haven Borough Market, which celebrated its 1,000th birthday this year. Other parts are tediously touristy, like London Dungeons. Other parts are so recharged, they’re unrecognisable, like Hays Galleria or anything within 100m of The Shard. It’s a muddle, [...]
Interiors: We learn about Ikea’s new retail strategy behind the scenes of its first store on the UK high street October 19, 2018 What, no meatballs? The opening of Ikea’s first foray into the UK high street, which has just opened on Tottenham Court Road, is a new concept for the uber retailer. The Swedish brand’s familiar blue and yellow sign now reigns over the former Multiyork site just along from Goodge Street station. It’s Ikea, but not [...]
Legal Q&A: I want to extend the lease on my flat, and have been reading about changes to leasehold legislation. Will the changes benefit my situation or should I wait? October 19, 2018 The Law Commission has recently published a Consultation Paper on proposals for a major overhaul of the existing leasehold regime, where people who own property on a long lease may extend their lease or buy the freehold. Among the proposals are several which could benefit you as a leaseholder looking to extend your lease, including: [...]
Opinion: Would a People’s Vote inspire investors to take a punt on London or would it just cause more uncertainty? October 19, 2018 This weekend sees the People’s March come to London, with thousands of people set to take to the streets to demand a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal. As a buying, I’m often asked about the impact of Brexit what the prospect of a People’s Vote could have on the prime London property market [...]
Holiday Homes: We visit a resort in Greece that lets you design a villa, grow your own olives and make a boutique wine October 19, 2018 They say it’s location, location, location, but who caresif you’re out in the sticks if you can grow and harvest your own olive oil? Brits have long harboured a Mediterranean dream but it’s no longer enough to buy an identikit white villa – it’s all about lifestyle when you get there. These bespoke villas in [...]
Property of the Week: Fleetwood Mac star’s penthouse, designed by Foster & Partners, is on sale in Battersea October 19, 2018 If you’ve got Dreams of owning a penthouse apartment by the river, now may be your chance – thanks to a former member of Fleetwood Mac. Christine McVie, one of three main vocalists and the keyboardist in the legendary band, is selling her £3.45m penthouse in Battersea, south London. Riverside One, Battersea, £3.45m Riverside One [...]
New homes: Our pick of the new builds going on sale in London this weekend October 19, 2018 New developments on the market this week South Quay Plaza, Isle of Dogs From £999,500 Five skyscraping apartments go on sale today at a landmark tower close to South Dock DLR station. The Midnight Collection comprises five new build apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms on the 64th floor, the highest residences before the [...]
Focus On Maida Vale: Communal gardens are key to understanding this area’s desirability October 19, 2018 Home to a delightful canalside community known as Little Venice, Maida Vale is right up there with Hampstead as one of the most exclusive and visually attractive places to live in west London. Houses on roads close to the canal go for between £20-25m, accounting for three of the top 100 most expensive property sales [...]
Persimmon boss Jeff Fairburn walks off in interview about £75m bonus October 19, 2018 The chief executive of housebuilder Persimmon Jeff Fairburn refused to answer questions about his massive £75m bonus in an awkward interview with the BBC yesterday. Fairburn was in line for a bonus of over £100m last year before agreeing to donate £25m to charity to take his bonus to £75m. Read more: Help-to-Buy fuels rise in [...]
UK house prices: Growth slows again, falling to a six-year low in September as London sees prices plummet October 19, 2018 UK house price growth slowed again in September, down to its lowest annual rate in six and a half years at 0.9 per cent. The south east became the first region to report negative annual growth, with house prices dropping a modest 0.1 per cent year on year, according to Your Move’s House Price Index. [...]