Press & media coverage

In a city as expensive as London, you’d be forgiven for assuming that affordable housing requirements are fixed rules. But as Benham and Reeves’ director, Marc von Grundherr, explains, this actually isn’t the case. He says the benchmark is generally 35% for affordable housing, and 50% on public land. Despite this, he believes the decision to allow the Canada Water plans to proceed is ‘understandable.’

The boss of a lettings agency claims landlords are upping their investment in Buy To Let despite greater regulation and rising taxes. And to prove the point, he’s just become the landlord of a property in central London.

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves: “The latest figures for January show that whilst it may be a new year, the UK property market has remained predictably consistent. House prices are holding firm and have continued to edge up on both an annual basis despite some month to month fluctuation. This more measured rate of growth suggests a market that is building momentum on a far stronger foundation when compared to the sharp rates of inflation seen in previous years. London has also shown one of the strongest rates of monthly growth, suggesting that whilst the market may be more subdued than the wider national picture, the tide could be now turning".

The boss of a lettings agency claims landlords are upping their investment in Buy To Let despite greater regulation and rising taxes. Marc von Grundherr, director of London agency Benham and Reeves, says despite the likes of Making Tax Digital and the Renters Rights Act, landlords are still buying up property assets at an increased rate.

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, observed that London has shown “one of the strongest rates of monthly growth, suggesting that whilst the market may be more subdued than the wider national picture, the tide could be now turning.”

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “The latest figures for January show that, whilst it may be a new year, the UK property market has remained predictably consistent. House prices are holding firm and have continued to edge up on both an annual basis despite some month-to-month fluctuation. This more measured rate of growth suggests a market that is building momentum on a far stronger foundation when compared to the sharp rates of inflation seen in previous years".

Marc von Grundherr, director at Benham and Reeves, said: “The buy-to-let sector has shown remarkable resilience in the face of sustained regulatory pressure, and the latest lending figures highlight that confidence in property investment remains strong, something I’ve reflected in my own approach having recently agreed to purchase a one-bedroom flat in Kensington as a buy-to-let investment.

Rental supply in London is at critically low levels, with fewer than 3% of private rental homes currently available, according to research by Benham and Reeves. The findings highlight severe constraints on the capital’s rental market at a time when upcoming legislation could place further strain on supply.

Marc von Grundherr, director of estate agency Benham and Reeves, said: “What sellers should avoid is embarking on expensive projects purely to try to increase the sale price in the short term. Major extensions, loft conversions or structural layout changes rarely make financial sense if the only goal is to sell the property immediately afterwards.”

The research was carried out by estate agents Benham and Reeves which describes itself as “London property specialists” with 21 branches across the capital and 13 international offices.