Opinion: What to look out for when you’re buying a new build property in London February 18, 2017 As property advisors, we are often asked what is the best kind of investment in London – a new build property or an older style or period property? New build developments certainly have a natural appeal in that everything is brand new, which means buyers can put their own stamp on the property and maintenance [...]
Property Legal Q&A: I own a flat that has 87 years left to run on the lease. Should I extend the lease? February 18, 2017 A: A longer lease has the advantage of being both more mortgageable and more attractive in the market. A leasehold flat whose term has significantly reduced (say to below 50 years) is a wasting asset, and extending its lease term is essential to preserve the value. The Government in the recent Housing White Paper states [...]
Kelly Hoppen interview: The interior design entrepreneur tells us why she’s gone all retro February 18, 2017 Kelly Hoppen tells me that she’s gone all retro: basketry chairs, bold fabrics, colour, leaf. Does this mean that the queen of taupe, corkscrew– curled Hoppen is turning hippie? “Homes are becoming much more loose,” she says, citing the OTT banana–leaf wallpaper, as seen in the Beverly Hills Hotel, that she says is coming back. [...]
RIBA’s new exhibition examines the story behind the 30-year fight for Bank junction February 17, 2017 In a city where buildings are always rising, architectural taboos are quickly digested; and nowhere is this more true than in Canada. Since the Big Bang, it has been impossible to preserve the City’s original layout, but conservationists have still been active in trying to maintain the Square Mile. In an upcoming [...]
New homes: Spanking new property going on sale this weekend in Greenwich, Blackwall, Southfields, Hendon and Old Isleworth February 17, 2017 Kidbrooke Village, Greenwich From £850,000 Buy a home that you can grow into over time by snapping up an adaptable Urban House. Berkeley Homes has designed these three to four bedroom houses on its development in Greenwich so you can upgrade them over time, depending on your living situation. The ground floor, for instance, can [...]
British homeowners think they’re sitting on a good investment as Brexit effect recedes February 17, 2017 UK homeowners are the most positive on the value of their biggest asset since before the EU referendum, according to a survey. An index of perceived current value of house prices rose to 57.5, according to research by Knight Frank and IHS Markit, its highest point since the Brexit vote led homeowners to think prices [...]
The boss of this FTSE 250-listed housebuilder just made one of the largest ever charitable donations by a UK businessman February 17, 2017 Steve Morgan, the boss of FTSE 250-listed housebuilder Redrow, has donated £200m to charity – thought to be one of the largest donations ever made by a UK business person. A regulatory filing showed Morgan has donated 42m of shares in the housebuilder to his family's charitable foundation, The Morgan Foundation, which he founded in 2001 to [...]
First time buyers, close your eyes – in 1996, you could buy a house in Hackney for £75,000 February 17, 2017 House prices in the London borough of Hackney have rocketed 700 per cent in the last 20 years. It may seem hard to believe now, but in 1996 the average house price in Hackney was just £75,569. Now, the average price is £606,269 – a jump of 702 per cent. Read more: This tiny house [...]
Business groups have joined forces to fight the government’s business rates plans February 16, 2017 Thirteen business groups and industry associations including the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce and British Retail Consortium have formed a united front to fight the government's proposed changes to business rates. Commercial property taxes have been re-evaluated for the first time in seven years and are set to soar for many firms [...]
This tiny house in Chelsea has gone on sale at £600,000 February 16, 2017 If you're a fan of Miss Honey and her doll's house-style home in Roald Dahl's Matilda, this might resonate with you: a tiny house in Chelsea, dubbed one of London's smallest houses, has been put up for sale – with a price tag of £600,000. Described as a "proper Chelsea gem" by estate agent Douglas & [...]