Q and A July 25, 2013 Director, Douglas & Gordon Q I’m very confused about the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Does the fact that I have owned a property before affect my eligibility? A You do not need to be a first time buyer to take advantage of the Help to Buy scheme, merely unable to afford to buy (they [...]
London barometer July 25, 2013 Director of Douglas & Gordon Compared to the same time last year, in July supply was down by 30 per cent, offers received and accepted were up 10 per cent, fall throughs almost halved and buyer levels remained steady. Political interference at the top end of the market seems to be having a dampening effect [...]
Invest in the new Canning Town February 22, 2013 New development Vermillion is helping Canning Town become a thriving new area, says Naomi Mdudu CHARLES DICKENS may not have spoken favourably about the area in the mid-nineteenth century, but Canning Town is undergoing considerable changes. This month saw the launch of two new penthouse apartments in the luxury block, which span the top two [...]
Period features meet contemporary luxury living at Aldford House February 22, 2013 ALDFORD HOUSE £8M KNOWN FOR being the residential location of choice for many of the capital’s most prominent figures, Park Lane is one of the most prestigious residential roads in London (it isn’t the second most expensive street on the London edition of Monopoly for nothing). The road, which was once little more than a [...]
A good broker might be the best solution against gazumping February 22, 2013 Q and A Q I’m BUYING a flat and am worried that someone is going to gazump me. What can I do to stop this happening? A Trouble here is that the law says that any offer put up, and this could come from someone who’s seen the flat before, has to be reported to [...]
Top schools fuel house price hike January 24, 2013 AGOOD education can cost parents more than just tuition fees. Trends show that top performing schools drive house prices in their local neighbourhoods by nearly a third more than the national average. Little wonder, then, that developers are constructing luxury schemes in these sought-after areas. Wimbledon Hill Park is going down well with parents keen [...]
Focus On: Blackheath January 24, 2013 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT Named after the grassland that separates it from Greenwich and Lewisham, Blackheath is often described as one of the few remaining villages in the heart of London. Many refer to it as south east London’s answer to Hampstead because of its charming, green surroundings and bustling village. While it [...]
Take in the views at this Surrey manor January 24, 2013 LOCATED IN the picturesque Surrey countryside is this unique property tucked away behind the private gates of the highly sought after Wentworth Estate. The location is known for being the home of the internationally renowned Wentworth Club with its exclusive facilities and world famous golf course, and the property is equally impressive. Set on approximately [...]
London Barometer January 24, 2013 Having correctly called the market last year, we are sticking our neck out again this year. Despite the general consensus that there will be little growth in London in 2013, we are of the opinion that the lack of supply and continued demand for property from abroad and at home are even more pronounced, so [...]
The must have items for 2013 January 24, 2013 Key Trend 1: Pioneer Just like with fashion, the world of interiors is going global by tapping into the explorer trend that has been doing the rounds for a while. “At John Lewis our inspiration is rooted in our pioneering ancestors,” says Rickwood. “We’re interested in the meeting point between different ideas and cultures, and [...]