Mortgage approvals fall to six-month low in September as experts warn of ‘fragile’ housing market October 24, 2018 Mortgage approvals fell to their lowest value in half a year in September, according to the latest data from UK Finance, meaning every month of 2018 so far has dropped against 2017 approval numbers. Lending amounted to £21.5bn for the month, the lowest since the £20.6bn recorded in April and a drop of 1.2 per [...]
The power of choice: Why May must back flexible right to buy October 23, 2018 He may not be well-known now, but former MP Noel Skelton probably had one of the most profound impacts on the guiding philosophy of the Conservative party. His series of pamphlets in the aftermath of the First World War explained clearly how the expansion of education and political rights, without the same expansion of economic [...]
Europe ramps up property investment in central London October 22, 2018 London's appeal as a major hub for overseas investors was underlined by fresh figures today, which showed that the proportion of foreign money being injected into the capital’s commercial property market has hit an all-time high. A resurgence in demand from European buyers has helped drive central London’s booming office space market in the last [...]
British household savings declined in October October 22, 2018 British household savings declined this month as salary growth slowed to the weakest rate in eight months, according to a survey of household finances. The IHS Markit Household Finance Index declined to 45.1 in October from 45.7 the previous month, signalling increased pessimism by UK households towards their financial situations. Read more: Goldman Sachs enters British savings [...]
FTSE round up: Unilever boosts index as Easyjet sinks October 19, 2018 The FTSE 100 closed up 0.8 per cent for the week on after climbing to 7,051.41 today on the back of strong performances from consumer goods companies Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever. Unilever’s shares were up 3.11 per cent, reversing yesterday’s losses which followed it delivering a solid, but slightly underwhelming set of third quarter results. [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
Intu considers UK-Saudi takeover offer October 19, 2018 Shopping centre chain Intu is considering a takeover offer from a consortium including British billionaire John Whittakar, Saudi investment group Olayan, and Brookfield Property Group. Shares in Intu were up more than 14 per cent on the news that the company was mulling the offer to go private. Read more: Intu shares soar nearly 30 [...]
City Moves for 19 October – who’s switching jobs at SYZYGY, Equity Development and Relendex? October 18, 2018 Here’s who’s moving jobs today at SYZYGY, Equity Development and Relendex. SYZYGY Digital agency group SYZYGY (WPP) today announces the appointment of Ita Murphy as UK chief executive to drive growth of its UK business operations. Ita will report directly to group chief executive Lars Lehne. The new Management Board of SYZYGY UK also includes [...]
TfL is building tiny, affordable one-bed flats around London for priced-out first-time buyers October 18, 2018 A series of “genuinely affordable” but tiny one-bedroom homes are set to pop up around the capital, marketed at buyers priced out of the housing market. Single people or couples buying one of the 125 flats would own the entire property from day one, said Transport for London (TfL), which has partnered with private developer [...]