January 2015

Qatari Investment authority has just successfully won a bid for Canary Wharf, a renowned business district in London. The area is distinct for its congregation of banks and massive floor plates. Many were surprised that the bid of 350p per share was accepted as Songbird has previously demanded at least...

The city of Dubai, fuelled by major glass-fronted development over the past 40 years, appears to have realised that its residents may appreciate more than shopping and gyms. A new design-led area is being purpose-built in the desert, aimed at attracting start-ups and ‘creatives’. While this sounds like the antipathy...

One of the largest ever portfolio developments is close to beginning with TFL looking to secure Joint Venture partners for its proposed 75 site developments around Central London. Old Street Roundabout, Kidbrooke railway and Bermondsey + South Kensington tube stations have been mooted as potential sites for the vast development...

The deputy leader of Westminster Council has voiced his concerns over the number of office-to-residential conversions taking place in the borough. Robert Davis, in a recent speech, emphasised that losing valuable office space in favour of residential developments and conversion will change the face of the area for ever, interfering...

The most recent report by the global real estate adviser Cushman and Wakefield shows that £20.5 billion was invested into the UK commercial property market last year. The previous high peak was £20.6 billion in 2007, before the financial crash. In the final quarter of 2014, the investment in the...

Once, the days of a workplace pet extended only to the ‘Blue Peter dog’, Shep – or perhaps Goldie, depending on your generation.  Even then, the presence of the animal brought a little something to the show – allowing children with no hope of owning their own pet an insight...

As congestion in London increases, with rents being pushed to an all-time high and travel links improving many businesses are looking outside of central London for offices. Croydon is becoming increasingly popular destination for businesses to relocate to; for grade A space rents in the City are averaging £55 -...

The presence of overseas investors is already noticeable 20 days into the New Year. 2014 reached record levels in terms of international investment into London’s prime office market, with Middle Eastern, Asian, American and European investors all acting as key players on nearly 75% of high end transactions in the...

A deal has been agreed in respect of the Smithfield site 23-38 Charterhouse Square, Central London, whereby Helical Bar will purchase a 155-year lease from the Governors of Sutton’s Hospital in Charterhouse, known as ‘Charterhouse’, for £16 million. 

As availability in the Victoria area of the West End continues to be squeezed, an offer has been made by Threadneedle Investments for the building at 1 Neathouse Place, near Victoria station. The building is currently the headquarters of the global mining company BHP Billiton, with part of its 117,000...