14 years of returns: history’s lesson for investors March 29, 2019 The temptation among investors is to stick to what you know. That is no bad thing. It is a strategy championed by successful investment pioneers such as Warren Buffett, a famous devotee of stocks. It can work, when the market is rising and you have picked the right asset. However, it’s also important for investors [...]
Worst London house price drop in 10 years drags down UK house prices growth March 29, 2019 UK house price growth stayed soft in March as London's worst house price drop in a decade dragged down the market. Prices rose 0.7 per cent in March compared to the year before, according to Nationwide’s latest house price index, a modest 0.2 per cent higher than February. Read more: UK house prices: Brexit means prices [...]
It’s not about copyright – the EU is trying to destroy the internet March 29, 2019 One of the feistiest debates in the classically liberal community revolves around the concept of property rights, especially in the digital age. I realise that, for many, this may not seem the sexiest topic, but at least this column isn’t about Brexit, so stay with me. Those who broadly share a similar, free-market worldview can take [...]
London house prices start to stabilise after three-year dip March 27, 2019 Signs that London’s house prices could be starting to stabilise emerged this morning, with a new study showing that values picked up slightly in February. According to Zoopla, househunters that have previously held off on deals are seeking out buying opportunities in the capital following weaker house price growth amid the Brexit uncertainty. Read more: [...]
City watchdog says it could amend rules to rescue ‘mortgage prisoners’ March 26, 2019 City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said today it could change its lending rules to help so-called mortgage prisoners switch to more affordable deals. Mortgage prisoners are homeowners, often paying expensive rates, who are unable to switch deals despite being up-to-date with their mortgage payments. The regulator is proposing to amend its responsible lending [...]
City Moves for 26 March – who’s switching jobs at Applause, Amino Technologies and Flexible Office Space? March 26, 2019 Who’s on the move today? Applause Applause, the worldwide leader in digital quality and crowdsourced testing, has announced that Lisa Landa will join the company as chief marketing officer. Her success in building strong brands, generating demand and leading worldwide teams will be instrumental as Applause extends its market leadership across the globe. She comes [...]
Mortgage finance firm Lendinvest taps three banks for £500m London float March 25, 2019 Online property finance marketplace Lendinvest has chosen three banks to lead its planned £500m float on the London Stock Exchange this year. It is understood Lendinvest, which provides funding for property investors, developers and landlords, has tapped Goldman Sachs and Barclays as joint global coordinators. Read more: Mortgage finance hub Lendinvest targets £500m London listing [...]
Housing demand slumps to near six-year low as first-time buyers pounce on ‘cautious market’ March 25, 2019 Demand for housing has slumped to its lowest level in almost six years, according to new figures that underline fears of waning activity across parts of Britain’s housing market. The number of house hunters registered per estate agent branch slumped by 15 per cent to 252 in February, marking the lowest since since July 2013. [...]
Just Group completes £375m fundraising to meet new regulations March 25, 2019 Retirement services firm Just Group shares fell again this morning as it announced it had completed a £375m fundraise to comply with new capital requirement rules. The firm, which unveiled heavy 2018 pre-tax losses earlier this month, said it had issued £300m worth of bonds and raised an extra £75m via an equity placing. Read [...]
Non-EU investment in London commercial property rose 75 per cent in 2018 March 25, 2019 Purchases of London commercial property by non-EU investors soared last year, rising 75 per cent on 2017. But investment from within the EU dropped sharply, according to figures from real estate research company Datscha. Read more: Retail property value set to plunge as online shopping rises Non-EU investors racked up £8bn in purchases in 2018. That [...]