Barratt has taken “pricing action” on high-end homes in London as weak demand begins to bite November 16, 2016 Not long ago, housebuilders were all clamouring to get a slice of London's high-end property market. Not any more: today Barratt said although sales have been strong, demand in the capital has weakened. The figures First, the good news: in a trading update ahead of its shareholder meeting today, the housebuilder said total forward sales [...]
Wembley Park project secures financial backing from three institutional heavy-hitters November 15, 2016 The firm behind the multi-billion pound redevelopment of the land surrounding Wembley Stadium has announced a vital £800m refinancing, which paves the way for its "new masterplan" for the area. Quintain, which was last year taken private in a £745m deal by US private equity firm Lone Star, announced it would replace its £425m loan from Wells Fargo with [...]
UK property prices went up in September as new buyer enquiries rose – but new sales listings went into decline November 15, 2016 Property prices continued to rise in September, as new buyer enquiries increased modestly – but the number of new homes being listed for sale dropped. The average price of a property in the UK was £217,888 in September, with official statistics showing prices went up 7.7 per cent on an annual basis. Property prices rose 0.2 [...]
Land Securities posts £95m pre-tax loss but hikes dividend by almost 10 per cent November 15, 2016 Property developer Land Securities swung to a loss in the first half of 2016 – but the group still hiked its dividend by almost 10 per cent. The figures The company reported a £95m loss in the six months to 30 September, from a pre-tax profit of £707.9m in the first half of last year. [...]
London office spaces are changing, here’s a look at what your workspace could look like in the future November 14, 2016 Does your office have a green space? Does it feature high ceilings? No? Sounds it onto the list of the most forward thinking workspaces built in the city… An exhibition which is part of New London Architecture’s WRK/LDN Insight study has looked at how and where Londoners will work in the future. The exhibition showcases [...]
New Builds: Help to Buy homes in Stanmore and Canning Town and luxury in west London November 14, 2016 Stanmore Place, Stanmore From £495,000 A new show apartment has opened in north west London to showcase the most luxe homes to go on sale at the Stanmore Place development yet. Despite this, there are still 21 of the new one to three bedroom apartments in the Royal Crescent collection that are available to purchase [...]
Affordable housing could be about to become an asset class in its own right November 14, 2016 Affordable housing could become an asset class in its own right, new research has suggested. A report published today by management consultancy CIL has suggested that, despite having historically been regarded as a challenging area for the construction industry, affordable housing now represents a significant area of opportunity for the sector and for investors. The [...]
Opinion: Many criticise London’s rapid regeneration but there’s lots to admire, too November 14, 2016 The changing residential landscape across London is sometimes met with disapproval and resentment. Gentrification can be a symbol for negativity, with many arguing that neighbourhoods lose their character and soul as a result. However, what I have seen as a long-term resident in Hackney, a borough that’s often held up an example of gentrification, is [...]
London house prices fell in October and are growing at their slowest annual rate since 2012 November 12, 2016 Average London house prices fell in October and are growing at their slowest annual rate in four years, according to a new report out today. Across England and Wales as a whole the average price of a home increased 0.4 per cent between September and October, or three per cent on October 2015, to £294,351. [...]
Interiors: We ask the experts how to snazz up your dinner table before the Christmas hordes arrive November 11, 2016 Staying in is the new going out; we want to bring friends home to warmth and hospitality. Being able to light intimate candles for dinner is one of the overlooked joys of shorter days. However, with the trend for simplicity, and sharing, we need to be careful not to make boring choices when it comes [...]