February 2013

The social and financial aspects of real estate are inextricably linked. The surge of overseas money into London’s residential market has had a dramatic impact. House prices have risen significantly, making the residential market an increasingly appealing investment and as a result many property developments have been driven further out...

These days almost any newsworthy statistics seem to be bandied about in billions: Greek debt, National Health Service budget, the cost of new aircraft carriers and the like. But actually how much is a billion pounds? Can we imagine it? A million pounds stacked in £20 notes is 5.56 metres...

In the present economic situation it is extremely important to ensure you have a well-balanced and risk-free portfolio. 

The heightened value of residential property in comparison to that of commercial space in the City has been evidenced by the Barratt purchase of the Department of Transport’s former offices.  The builder purchased the property, 76 Marsham Street in West London, with the intention of converting it into 60 luxury...

This month saw the opening of the Shard to the public; London’s latest distinctive landmark. The building appears to have made such an impression that it has formed the inspiration for a similar building to be constructed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This isn’t a kind of ‘Shard franchise’, however, that...

Reports focusing on 2012 statistics emphasised the noticeable influx of foreign investment into the London real estate sector, bringing the city into the top five in Europe in terms of real estate investment. It was a trend which could not have been predicted a few years ago, the capital’s popularity...

One of the largest real estate investment companies has just made an enormous £184-million investment to expand its portfolio. This investment was primarily retail focused with a 300,000-square-foot shopping centre in Ealing Broadway being purchased from Wereldhave for £142.5 million.  The Dutch real estate investment company, Wereldhave, originally purchased the...

"I must get some sea air" is an expression frequently heard by those of us living and working in London. It is different, invigorating, makes one feel healthy. Research carried out by Exeter University based upon the National Census 2001 did indeed reveal that the nearer people lived to the...

London continues to welcome new businesses as international companies see the capital as a vital step in their expansion plans. One such company is Skelia, which has recently acquired a London office whose focus will be on sales, development and project management. Skelia, while not a household name, is internationally...

Since the recession in 2007 the number of businesses which have filed for insolvency has gone through the roof; this has led to a huge number of vacant properties. At present landlords are so worried about potential business tenants going bust, a six-month rent deposit has become the norm and...