Don’t rely on downsizing to make up for your insufficient pension October 27, 2016 After years of runaway house prices, few will be surprised that a sizeable proportion of the UK’s net wealth is tied up in property. The latest ONS statistics show that dwellings make up a massive 62 per cent, or £5.5 trillion, of the country’s £8.8 trillion total. So it is also unsurprising that many see [...]
Land of Beds: Running a family business isn’t always bed-lam October 27, 2016 With any family business, when fresh blood comes along, they need to make their mark,” says Mike Murray, managing director of Land of Beds. In 2008, that’s exactly what he did when he joined the family business, embarking on the process of taking the reins from his father, Michael Murray (Senior) – who 30 years [...]
Brexit worries over – Axa ploughs ahead with building the City’s tallest tower October 26, 2016 The construction of the City's tallest building is back on after developers halted progress before the EU referendum. Axa Investment Managers said today that it is committing to the construction of 22 Bishopsgate because London remains "one of the leading global centres for international business, notwithstanding the current uncertainties created by the EU referendum". 22 Bishopsgate will [...]
The economics of iceberg homes: Are mega-basements just a sunk cost? October 26, 2016 Even if you’re rich, London’s above-ground space limitations and conservation rules can put the kibosh on building your dream home. If you have a vision of putting a swimming pool, cinema or bowling alley in your Georgian terrace, you’ll probably have to think vertically to realise it. Over the last decade, iceberg basements have become [...]
How Theresa May can achieve a truly radical housebuilding revolution October 25, 2016 Today, so many leaders are judged on how much they achieve in their first 100 days in office, a concept first associated with US President Franklin D Roosevelt. But as this milestone passes for Theresa May, what can we expect from the government when it comes to its promise of a radical approach to housing? [...]
Paddington Cube development to boost local economy by £350m a year October 25, 2016 The redevelopment around the Paddington Cube building from developer Irvine Sellar is set to add £350m to the local economy each year. The £775m scheme will create 4,500 jobs in Paddington, according to analysis by Volterra Partners, which will increase the annual spend in the vicinity of the project by £5.8m. Read more: Developer Irvine [...]
This is how the third runway at Heathrow will hit London house prices October 25, 2016 The government has given the go-ahead for the third runway, and if there's one group of people who won't be happy about it, it's the people living nearby. Estate agents eMoov think the decision could lead to a 20 per cent drop in house prices in the area due the noise and air pollution that the [...]
Britain’s cities compared: How long does it take to sell your house? October 25, 2016 While London may be an extremely popular choice for Britons to live, for anyone looking to sell their property quick-sharp, it is one of the worst. On average London is the fourth slowest city to shift a property in the UK according to a survey by Post Office Money. Furthermore, it takes almost double the length of time [...]
Hammerson and Standard Life partner for £1.4bn overhaul of Brent Cross October 24, 2016 Hammerson and Standard Life Investments have embarked on a public consultation on a £1.4bn redevelopment of Brent Cross shopping centre. Brent Cross opened 40 years ago and Hammerson plan to revamp it with the addition of 200 new shops, 40 restaurants, a hotel, a cinema and around 6,700 homes. The shopping centre is set to [...]
Silvertown development in London’s Royal Docks gets planning permission October 24, 2016 Planning permission has been granted for the transformation of a 62-acre industrial site in the Royal Docks. The Silvertown Quays project is expected to deliver 3,000 new homes and 50 commercial buildings. It is thought the £3.5bn scheme will also create 21,000 new jobs. The Greater London Authority owns the site in Newham and is working [...]