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Prime property market shifts to Notting Hill and Chelsea

December 4, 2009 Lifestyle No Comments
Prime property for sale

Prime property for sale

Kensington, Knightsbridge and property for sale in Soho may still be considered prime property in London, but one of the biggest advantages of the recession, at least as far as central London estate agents are concerned, is that the boundaries of prime property locations have shifted to include Notting Hill, Wandsworth Common and Battersea Park.

In 2007, Savills created a property league table that showed the extended prime property areas and top of the list was Notting Hill, and while many in the property industry thought that its position on the table would be temporary, two years on and it looks more promising than ever.

One of the reasons for the burgeoning popularity of previously ‘sub-prime’ property is that buyers are looking for more value for money and this includes proximity to work, schools and open spaces as well as transport links.  Basically, priorities have changed and according to Yolande Barnes, Savills director of research, people don’t want to buy property simply because it’s near to family or friends.

Savills’ findings are borne out by the Knight Frank Prime Central London Index, which shows that prime residential properties in key central London locations, such as Chelsea, Kensington and Notting Hill have continued their upward trend. According to the Index, property prices in these areas have risen by nearly 6% in the last six months (especially those in the £2 million and above price bracket) and by 2.1% in October alone.

One of the reasons for the recovery is interest from overseas buyers but City workers have also started eying the new prime property areas more favourably, creating increased demand for limited supply and driving up prices. This phenomenon is most evident in Chelsea, Kensington and Notting Hill which over the last six months have seen prices rise by around £1,340 per day.

It seems as though there has never been a better time to invest in prime property in central London.

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Italians and Company Descend on London Property Market

March 8, 2012

The Italians are heading to the UK. A latest London property report reveals that Italians have replaced Russians as the biggest financial investor group, something that hasn’t occurred in several years.

The data shows that despite the 11% rise in London property prices over the last year, sale volumes are at an astounding 85%. With all the recent real-estate developments around the UK, researchers have expressed surprise that supply has not been able to keep up with demand. It is clear however, that Central London has captivated real-estate investors. The sustained growth that has occurred since 2009 hasn’t showed any intentions of flatlining.

Regents Park estate agents have commented on the recent boom and its effect on house-owner’s attitudes and their desire to profit from the recent price hike. Prime Marylebone property has recently become available, with surges of house-owners putting their houses on the market. They are increasingly finding security in foreign cash flow, with overseas clientele flocking to the streets of London to buy real-estate. Considered a secure asset, the purchases being made by the Italians and the Russians showcase the health of the London property market.

The forecasts from last year, concerning the 5% price increase of Central London property,  appear accurate; current Central London property prices and sales figures are indicative of an upward climb. With the Olympics coming up, as well as the London Sundance Film Festival and the recent influx of booking enquiries, the positive market data promises real-estate owners further growth. Celebratory parties hosted by London property agents are predicted if markets continue to flourish in this manner.

Taiwan Buyers Have Their Eye on Luxury London Residential Property

February 21, 2012

Purchasing power in its scarcity is a very lucrative commodity in 2012. Spotting the potential in Taiwanese consumers, real-estate agents have taken to dangling Luxury London residential property in the Taiwan market.

Labelling a London residential property as luxurious is not determined by the properties size but by its location, overall design and the reputability of the developer. The London residential property market services are currently catering luxury apartments specifically for expatriates who are looking to spend their time and money in London.

With buying power in a similar range to that of Hong Kong and Singapore, Taiwan markets are receiving international attention. The allure of the Asian consumer and their demand for affluent real estate recently enticed British brokers to Tapei on a travelling exhibition that started on the 20th of February. Focal point at the exhibition was given to apartments in a 24-floor tower in London’s South Bank area, close to Regents park property. The assembly of the pavilion is currently in motion, with 40 units already sold. Construction is set to be finished before the commencement of the Olympic Games in the summer.  Clever management of London residential property is being well coordinated by real estate agents who have spotted the gap in the property market.

In terms of the global property market, the growing tendency to put money overseas will ensure that the demand for London residential property will continue to rise; making the UK an international financial centre for property patrons. Investors who are looking to diversify their assets are increasingly being drawn to central London property, while interest is also being garnered by parents who are looking to rent property for their children studying in the UK.

The reality is that the British pound has weakened by 30% against the Taiwan dollar since 2007. This explains why London residential property has become increasingly attractive to Taiwanese buyers. Real-estate agents are making the most of their opportunities by promoting profitable rentals to Asian investors and will continue to do so in the build up to the Olympics.

High Global Demand for Commercial Property in London

September 23, 2011

London is the location of choice for multinational corporations looking to establish a presence in the European market. In fact, the British Council for Offices reports that many large international companies will only look at commercial property options in central London. Executives at BCO say that a growing number of business leaders feel that only commercial properties in the UK capital can meet their specific requirements.

This is great news for central London estate agents, and hardly surprising considering the quality of commercial properties in the city of London. New developments in the capital, such as the Heron tower and The Shard at London Bridge, have become some of the most sought-after commercial London buildings. Despite its reputation as the most expensive place in the world to lease commercial property, London’s West End continues to attract businesses from all over the globe.

According to the British Council for Offices, most international firms are currently looking to buy or rent commercial property surrounding London’s Circle line tube transport route. Businesses are also choosing to occupy properties in previously neglected areas, such as the districts between the central city and the West End. Rental prices in this are typically lower, and there are plenty of opportunities for new commercial property developments.

The most popular up-and-coming areas for commercial property rentals in London are Holborn and Bloomsbury, and the BCO predicts that as the market improves, central London properties will continue to see growing interest from international tenants. Estate agents Bayswater will tell you that the prices of London’s prime commercial properties are also expected to rise before the end of 2011, despite the fact that they have already reached a record high.

With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, the city of London is likely to see some exciting new commercial property developments – and a boost in demand – during the coming months.

International Investment in London Property Surprises Experts

March 29, 2011

Investing in London property has always been a safe bet for both domestic and international buyers. While the property market in the rest of the UK, and indeed the world, experienced a noticeable decline in the number of sales, central London property remained popular amongst buyers. Its growth continues to exceed expectations with values having risen by 2.8% since the beginning of the year.

The first quarter of the year is over, which means that London property agents are able to see how sales have fared. The sales of central London properties, which include Chelsea, Mayfair, Holland Park and Belgravia property, were expected to slow down this year. This was forecasted after a significant slow down last quarter, as well as an increase in the number of London properties for sale.

However, considerable international interest and investment in London property has resulted in the boost in sales and prices. There has been particular interest from buyers in the Middle East and Russia who, due to the strong oil price, have been able to buy London property for their own use.

However, international interest has been high since 2008 when a weaker pound sterling caused London property prices to be more favourable to overseas buyers. London property, such as Holland Park houses, has always been a good and stable investment even when the market is bleak, which is why many people choose to invest here. While London property management companies are not yet certain whether the price rise will continue if the markets stabilise, a shortage of stock may help the markets continue with this momentum.

Another influencer is the London Olympics which is encouraging visitors to buy London property instead of staying hotel accommodation. Capital gains for the 2012 Olympics are projected at 30% by the end of 2015. We can expect the London property market to continue its upward swing for at least the coming months.

Top Predictions for London’s Property Market in 2011

March 9, 2011

The spring and summer seasons are usually the busiest for London’s property market with the activity during this time setting the trend for the year ahead. In the spring of 2010 the UK property market saw a 15% increase in transactions concluded than in the previous quarter. So what is forecast for the UK property market this year?

1. The London property market provides a “safe” investment for overseas buyers.

The very wealthy will always find central London property in prestigious areas to be desirable, as well as the city being a major global business hub and offering a selection of outstanding schools and universities. Many overseas investors purchase property in the city for their children to stay in while they attend university. This is one of the property market trends that estate agents see year after year.

2. Marylebone is fast becoming a prime area

Estate agents Marylebone are thrilled to announce that this fine suburb is being talked about with the same prestige as Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill, with more and more buyers purchasing property in the area. Estate agents forecast that this section of the property market will see an increase in property values.

3. Investors will return to the market

While the UK property market news has declared there to be a shortage of stock, residential property is predicted to become one of the most valuable investments in London and may see a price increase of at least 5%.

4. Access to communal gardens will become imperative

Spring is a beautiful time of year so many people will want to be surrounded by nature. One of the property market predictions is that residential blocks will require access to communal gardens.

5. Buyers will want property that provides a parking area

The residential property market is expected to place greater focus on security with one aspect of this being secure parking. Buyers with expensive cars do not want to park them on the street.

There you have the forecast and analysis of the property market. As we move from the first into the second quarter, we will see whether the property market follows these predictions or not.