Something we have all learned over the last two years, and most recently with the election result, is that nothing is ever certain. The mantra ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ is now perhaps more relevant than ever, particularly where money matters are concerned.
The question of what makes the best kind of investment is one that we are regularly asked by our clients – both domestic and overseas. In general our clients are inclined to favour new build on the basis that this is a style they are both familiar and comfortable with.
Looking back over 2009, despite the huge economic downturn, it was an unusually strong year for property prices. Prices rose substantially across the UK and recent Nationwide figures show the annual rate of growth has now risen to 8.6 per cent, up from 5.9 per cent in December — the highest rate of growth for two years.
Most homes are bought and sold on the open market, using an estate agent whose job it is to get as many serious viewers as possible through the door. Sellers put up with a stream of strangers – scrutinising the plaster, opening the cupboards and making comments about the decor – because they know they have to in order to achieve a sale, hopefully at a decent price.
The election could bring house sales to a halt at what is traditionally the busiest time of year. Graham Norwood offers tips for sellers and finds bargains for buyers.
Supremely wealthy, an Arab businessman is being shown round a mansion on The Bishops Avenue, the famous billionaire’s row in north London. It is an eye-watering property: it offers the ultimate in bespoke, knee-deep luxury, from the latest in security to lavish leisure facilities, intelligent domestic systems and, of course, a trophy location.
As a professional consultancy, our role is to guide our clients and managing expectations is an important part of this process. Some of our investment clients have a clear focus and vision of what they are trying to achieve; others are happy to be led and guided by us.
LONDON — A three-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot apartment recently went on the market in London’s fashionable Eaton Square and an Italian buyer immediately snapped it up for £5.65 million — a surprisingly quick sale in what has been a flat market.
Sit tight: prices aren’t likely to rise any time soon, although not all of us will fare badly. Graham Norwood predicts the winners and losers of the year ahead.
A large proportion of the client base of Black Brick Property Solutions, one of London’s leading independent buying agents, comes from the Middle East, and one issue the company regularly comes across is the fact that these buyers tend to have a total aversion to buying property with a short-lease, and will usually only consider properties that are freehold or a share of freehold.
Purchasing a property from a developer is never an easy thing. Jeremy Hazlehurst asks three experts for their buying advice…
Most people want the dust to have settled on their new home by Christmas. And this year there’s even more incentive to complete a move before December 25.
