Blog

More than a decade of low interest rates may have lulled some of us into a sense of false security, but current mortgage lenders are starting to ask some tough questions. Following on from guidelines set by the Financial Conduct Authority, borrowers will have to prove that they not only have the resources necessary to …

Continue reading “10 steps you need to take when considering a mortgage”

Renting a property in London needn’t be a shot in the dark. You have rights and it pays to familiarise yourself with them as much as possible. Here are 10 legal stepping stones to a happy outcome.

We’ve all seen those lifestyle TV programmes where design geeks create jaw-dropping eco-palaces from scratch, using an “innovative mix of natural products and space-age technology”. Unlimited budgets and design expertise aside, there are a number of less drastic changes that we mere mortals can make in order create a greener home and a safer future.

Landlords have faced some major issues over the last few years – new lettings regulations and property taxes as well as the impact of Brexit. And 2020 is likely to deliver more challenges, from a proposed increase in Stamp Duty for overseas buyers to changes to Capital Gains Tax. It’s certainly not an easy time …

Continue reading “Top 10 things to watch out for in London property in 2020”

After several years of subdued house price growth, we have at last seen some positive news for the London property market. The recent General Election win by the Conservatives (and so the greater clarity over Brexit) means that we now hope to see a period of increasing political stability and therefore greater confidence amongst property …

Continue reading “The London sales market – January 2020”

Nearly all of our London lettings branches had a hectic December, with rental demand from applicants remaining high at what is usually a quiet time of year. This strong market has continued into 2020, with enquiry levels quickly picking up again in early January. With demand strengthening already, most our branches continue to see lower …

Continue reading “The London rental market – January 2020”

With a New Year come new beginnings and for many investors it’s the time to start planning their investment strategy. There’s no denying that it has been a turbulent few years for the London property sector, however the fundamentals continue to remain strong and our outlook continues to be bullish. Despite Brexit, property prices have …

Continue reading “New Year New Build”

Lighting up the Capital’s night sky isn’t just for festive ocasions and with the fog clearing around Brexit, there’s plenty to feel optimistic about. From Chiswick to Chinatown, you’ll find plenty of artistic uses of technology as London gives space to innovative installations and dazzling displays. It’s also a time to get out and about, …

Continue reading “What’s on in London – January 2020”

There is no doubt about it: demand for rental properties in London has been incredible this year! At the beginning of 2019 we could not have imagined how strong demand would be. This is clearly good news for our landlords, the majority of whom are experiencing only the very shortest voids. This will be helping …

Continue reading “The London property market 2019 – a year in review”

Maintaining and strengthening relationships are as important as success and prosperity. And in a large metropolis Like London, this can get overlooked during busy times. That’s why old Yuletide traditions like candlelit vigils and Christmas carol singing should go hand in hand with hi-tech secular alternatives. It’s also why London, with its history and innovations, …

Continue reading “What’s on in London – December 2019”

Overseas trips to visit our clients are a regular part of the diary for myself and fellow Benham & Reeves directors Anita Mehra and Vidhur Mehra. This autumn has seen a particularly busy schedule, so far involving visits to Mumbai, Bangalore and Nairobi. Anita and I will also be visiting Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong …

Continue reading “Sales success in India”

Demand for rental accommodation in London remains quite literally, phenomenal! Many of our London lettings branches have completely run out of rental property stock recently and this has presented us with quite a challenge as try to keep up with demand from good quality, professional applicants. And while there are several new residential developments completing …

Continue reading “The London rental market – November 2019”