With the UK going through major changes on what seems like a weekly basis, it’s getting more challenging to understand what is happening to the markets. In a span of a few weeks, tax cuts announced and soon after reversed, the chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng resigned and was replaced by Jeremy Hunt, then prime minister Lizz Truss resigned.
Read MoreIt’s been a very interesting month for property in London. A mini budget was announced last Friday which didn’t have a huge impact on stamp duty tax unless you are considered as a first time buyer. The pound continues to fall, dropping to $1.03 on the morning of the 26th of September, before recovering to $1.07 that same afternoon. One can argue that until now, there never has been a better time for a buyer with USD currency.
Read MoreThe end of summer is traditionally a relatively quiet period for London real estate and this year is no different. As holidays come to an end and things come back to normal in September, many are wondering what will happen to the London property market as inflation/interest rates continue to rise. This newsletter will look into what the experts are saying.
Read MoreLike many other countries around the world, the summer period in London tends to be the quietest of the year. Fewer properties come on the market and fewer house hunters are on the move as people are focused on planning/going on holidays.
Read MoreIf you’ve following the news, you would have seen that the potential of a global recession is looming. There is already a lot of talk about what will happen to the UK real estate market, which has been setting price growth records and performing strongly for the last two years. Mortgage rates are increasing as well as the cost of living, will this have an inevitable effect on the market?
Read MoreBelgravia has always been one of London’s most desirable places to live. It’s summarised perfectly on the Grosvenor Estate (the area’s biggest landlord) website – “it is a place of graceful Regency-style streets, smooth sweeping crescents and verdant garden squares, where cream-stucco mansions mingle with picturesque mews houses, and embassy buildings with independent, one-off shops and art galleries”.
Read MoreIt’s been a busy start to the year – probably the busiest first quarter for IGL since starting over two years ago! As covid restrictions and isolations continue to ease (soon to be non-existent in the UK), there is a definite feel that the demand from foreign buyers is starting to return, with central London apartments still being great value in comparison to the height of the market in 2014 (although I believe this will change in 2022).
Read MoreNotting Hill has always been a London hotspot and the one of the few areas in central London that did well during the midst of the Pandemic. Loved by many for being bohemian, colourful and quirky. Notting Hill is great fit for so many kinds of people – families, professionals and students. Those who want a typical London home will be spoilt for choice here, with most of the homes being historic townhouses that have now been converted into flats.
Read MoreI’m often asked where I believe is a good place to invest in London property. There are multiple areas that could make good investments; however, Bayswater is always one that is at the top of my recommended list. It’s very central, has beautiful period housing stock, and is the last area around Hyde Park to go prime (although this is quickly changing).
Read MoreWhat a year for the UK property market it’s been – starting with the longest lockdown period and a very damp outlook for the real estate market to one of the busiest years yet, with values increasing by 3% countrywide.
Read MoreThere have been price increases in both the sales and rental market. Demand remains very high with very little quality stock.
Read MoreFor the first time since the start of COVID-19, London feels like it’s coming back to life. Walking down Oxford Street 6 months ago was a ghost town. If you take a trip down Oxford Street today, you are back to bumping shoulders with fellow shoppers and tourists. As covid restrictions ease, more and more tourists are coming to London.
Read MoreProperty of the moment: Investment opportunity in Kensington Gardens Square
£525,000 asking price
34 square meters
A one bedroom flat has recently come onto the market that would potentially be a fantastic investment opportunity.
Read MoreAs the summer ends and the world hopefully continues to normalise after the pandemic, a study by Knight Frank shows that more buyers and tenants could be ready to enter the UK housing market. Nearly a quarter of their web traffic looking at properties to rent or buy were based outside the UK, the highest figure since January 2020. This is probably due to the return of overseas corporate tenants/buyers as well as overseas students coming for the academic year.
Read MoreIn the UK, there are leasehold properties and freehold properties. This is something foreign buyers are usually not initially aware of; however, it is a relatively simple explanation. When you buy a leasehold property, you buy the right to live in the property for a certain number of years that is specified by the lease. The freeholder owns the building and the land.
Read MoreA fantastic two bedroom duplex penthouse with a lift and a roof terrace that boasts panoramic views across South Kensington. The building has been renovated a few years ago and is Grade II listed.
There is a porter in the building as well as immaculate contemporary communal areas. It’s only moments away from Hyde Park and the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Read MoreIn most real estate markets in the world, air conditioning is a standard feature when looking for a home. In London, it is a luxury. When it comes to AC in London, you’ll hear many agents say “London is only hot two weeks a year, it really isn’t needed”. While this may have been true many years ago, it certainly isn’t the case now.
Read MoreThis is a question I get asked a lot. Just like with every choice, there are positives and negative attributes to both. Period properties ooze charm – high ceilings, sash windows, and grand proportions. They also require more maintenance, aren’t as energy efficient and don’t offer as many modern amenities. New builds are super practical – climate control, modern fixtures, and ease of mind.
Read MoreIt’s been a busy month at IGL – the biggest challenge has been finding quality stock for both rental and sale clients in prime central London. As soon as a good home hits the market that is well priced, the offers come flying in and it sells/rents very quickly.
Read MoreIt’s been fascinating to see how the pandemic has changed what people prioritise when buying a home. The garden square is more popular than ever – also more expensive. For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, a garden square is a communal green space in residential areas for the homes in the direct vicinity. They provide a semi-private garden without the upkeep as they are maintained on behalf of the residents.
Read More
