Monthly Archives: June 2016

Investing in areas with growing house prices

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the latest edition of its House Price Index for April 2016 earlier in June. The report uses the latest data to determine the monthly inflation in prices in the property sector. The report is a useful read, especially for people looking for investment properties. It gives them an insight into which areas to target.

The top five local authorities in terms of annual growth to April 2016 are all in London. The City scored the highest with price growth of 27.3%. It was followed by Slough, Waltham Forest, Thurrock, and Barking and Dagenham.

The most interesting thing about the latest statistics is that they show how impressive the growth is in some of the most affordable Boroughs in London. Thurrock stands out because the average house price was below £250,000 during the period. Barking and Dagenham was slightly ahead and Slough even more so, but both of these destinations also had prices below an average of £300,000.

The document shows that investors are increasing looking at areas where their money can go far and they can stand to make a good return if growth continues. It also reveals that people are continuing to invest in areas that will benefit from Crossrail when it is finished in 2018. Barking and Dagenham is one such destination and will enjoy better connectivity with the rest of London when the project is finished. It has also been the subject of extensive regeneration projects over recent years.

At Finefair we are committed to supporting investors looking for the perfect properties. We keep a close eye on the latest data so we can offer up to date advice on which areas offer good opportunities. Our clients appreciate the attention to detail we offer and our ability to take their criteria and help them to find a property that suits their needs.

If you would like to arrange a consultation please contact us. Our team are supportive and deliver personalised services for each client searching for investment properties. You can rely on us whether it is your first foray into investing or you already have a portfolio.

London dominates the top 20 most attractive areas for young professionals

Lloyds Bank recently released their list of the top 20 best places for young professionals to live in the UK. They conduct the research each year, tracking the areas that prove to be the most attractive for 25 to 44 year olds. The report is an interesting read, particularly when it comes to highlighting what attracts this group of people to specific areas.

One look at the list and you can tell that young professionals in the age bracket tend to be drawn to areas that offer a good combination of urban and suburban features. They want to have the amenities and infrastructure of a built up area alongside the space and freedom that comes from living away from the hustle and bustle.

For the second year in a row the most attractive area in the UK for young professionals is Hove. The location is favoured because it is on the south coast whilst still being within a 70 minute journey to central London. Its popular neighbour Brighton came seventh on the list.

The top 20 is dominated by destinations in the capital though, with 16 areas finding their way on to the list. Of these, 10 have an SW postcode. Wandsworth was the most highly regarded, coming second to Hove.

Wandsworth has a lot to offer to young professionals, including a fantastic infrastructure, close proximity to the prime areas to the north of the Thames such as Chelsea and Fulham, and an impressive number of green open spaces. The prices in the area are also good, particularly when you note the impressive location. There are good savings to be found in comparison to nearby Battersea.

At Finefair we are always looking for information about attractive areas so we can share it with our clients. We work with a number of landlords targeting young professionals so it is important that we have this knowledge in particular. It helps us to ensure we provide the right services, whether it is our estate management, lettings, or guaranteed rent.

The forest of culture

Originally formed in 1965 from the Boroughs of Chingford, Leyton and Walthamstow, the London Borough of Waltham Forest offers two distinct parts separated by the North Circular Road. The areas are polar opposites; the south is comprised of high-rise apartment blocks with busy inner-city living whilst the north offers stately homes, extensive parks, gardens and a quieter dose of life.

The restaurants and bars in Waltham Forest are overflowing with diversity and culture. If you are a fan of Scandinavian culture or just like a good cafe, Bygga Bo offers excellent refreshments that are made in house with local ingredients. If you are after something a bit more on the Portuguese side, The Windmill restaurant offers a tapas style menu and full main courses. The excellent value lunch deals are also worth checking out. For cuisine from a bit closer to home, the East London Sausage Company’s products can be found all over the capital.

In addition to its culinary features, Waltham Forest is home to a number of amazing sites and things to keep you busy. Epping Forrest offers the ideal weekend spot for families as it is one of the best ecological sites in the UK with a vast amount of wildlife. This site is also known as the filming location of one of the most iconic scenes from one of the greatest films of all time, the Black Knight scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

For all of you avid shoppers, the Wood Street indoor market offers over 25 stores selling clothes, jewellery and antiques. The Mall not only offers shopping opportunities but also hosts various events throughout the year.

Finefair is proud to work as a lettings agent in this attractive part of London. We go the extra mile to ensure that you find the right property, finding one that suits your needs in terms of type, size, and cost. With our years of experience and dedication to our clients, we are very confident that you will be satisfied with the service we provide.

Tower Bridge Repairs To Disrupt London Properties

When considering the challenges of property management in an area such of London as Tower Hamlets it would be fair to say that the building itself is the priority. Ultimately the purpose of what we do is, after all, to make sure that this is in the prime, prestige conditions which the owners have appointed us to ensure. There are times, however, when external factors and conditions have a significant bearing on being able to do this. A very significant example of this kind of external factor is going to be happening in October.

Tower Bridge is to be closed to vehicle traffic for three months as of October 2016. This is happening to allow for vital repair and reinforcement work to take place, and it is not a decision which the authorities have taken lightly. There is an awareness of the negative impact the move will have on London in general, with the Boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets being most directly affected.

Whilst there’s an understanding that this short term inconvenience is vital to the long term stability and use of Tower Bridge, this in itself does not make the conditions for the last three months of the year any easier. However our position as a leading name for property management in the capital means we have the experience and understanding of how to work with disruptions like this. Our team are well prepared and completely ready to ensure that the comprehensive property management services we deliver will be provided as normal despite the disruptions.

Our close working relationship with the authorities of the London Borough of Tower Bridge has enabled us to plan ahead for how our services can be delivered in the area during these unfortunate yet understandable delays. We are in prime position to make absolutely certain that our client portfolios are managed to the expected standard, and we have the capacity to welcome new owners to experience the benefits of our professional services.

We all know that delays to life in London are as inevitable as they are unwelcome. They are something we all need to work with, and our comprehensive services are focused on doing exactly that.

Why should I live in London?

Most of us will be aware of the increasing levels of demand for living space in London. It’s rare that a news report on the city doesn’t make mention of it. As one of the leading names in the property market in the capital we are acutely aware of the situation. One aspect of this which sometimes gets lost, we feel, is understanding why there’s so much demand to be in the city. We thought it would be timely to take a look at some of the factors which make our city such a great and wonderful place to live.

London was not always the bustling city that it is today; it started as a group of individual villages that were eventually absorbed into the city. As a result of this, each area of London offers its own unique styles and atmosphere. There are a number of different housing options available in each of these areas, from simple accommodations to luxury housing.

If you are a creative soul London offers you a vast number of opportunities to express yourself. If you are part of a band then you are certain to find an excellent venue to perform in. With over 300 venues putting on a massive 17,000 performances a year, there are many chances of you making your mark. If you are looking for nightlife there is an excellent selection of clubs including Fabric, Heaven and Ministry of Sound. Aside from music, you can break into industries such as acting, photography and design in the city.

London is an incredibly welcoming place, so don’t feel as if you won’t fit in. The city draws eccentric, creative people from all around the world. This has led to the creation of an array of unusual events including the Christmas Day serpentine swim, goat races, and the Pearly Kings and Queens Festival. With the wide array of festivals, both normal and out of the ordinary, you are guaranteed to never get stuck for something to do.

The community is vast and diverse with at least 37% of the population born outside the UK. These communities represent a myriad of cultures, giving London one of the most internationally diverse and rich atmospheres in the world. The culture is enhanced due to London being the home to three the greatest museums in the world. You are guaranteed to be endlessly entertained by the exquisite art, theatres and galleries that are on offer.

At Finefair our services are fully at your disposal if you are looking for a house in the capital. We will support you in every way we can to ensure you find your ideal property, whether you’re searching for a home or an investment property.

Sutton’s incredible regeneration

The redevelopment of Sutton town centre got the green light in 2014 with the aim to transform the area into a unique destination that would be different to any other in the South of London. It was believed that the work would revitalise the area and help it to stand out from competitors across the region. The move for regeneration came after several years of decline in the area, with a noticeable dip between 2005 and 2012.

Two years on and the work is very much underway to make the idea a reality. All along the high street there is construction work under way. This kind of development has not been seen in the area for decades. Around £400 million has already been spent on the regeneration and even more investment is expected to follow in the next six months.

The work in Sutton will benefit both the domestic and commercial sectors. A £4.4 million investment has been made to redevelop Times Square Shopping Centre. Alongside this there is the creation of new offices to attract further businesses to the area.

One of the most interesting projects is taking place at the former site of a gasworks and a Burger King. The site is being developed to create a new Sainsbury’s supermarket as well as residential flats. The project includes a £50 million investment. It is hoped this will help to transform the area and attitudes towards it.

Sutton is benefitting greatly from the property investment and continues to attract further investors to the area. The future certainly looks bright for the town and the wider Borough too.

At Finefair we provide a wide range of services for investors working all across the capital. We can offer advice about buying properties to rent out, transform them into HMOs, and expanding portfolios. We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients and delivering the very best value we can with every single service.

If you would like advice about Sutton we can share our knowledge of the area.

An artistic hotspot in London

Camberwell was formerly one of the best hidden gems in London. The area has a bigger profile now thanks to interest from investors and development projects but it still offers a wide array of attractions to residents. The town is located in the Borough of Southwark to the south of the Thames. It is a short distance from both Kennington and Brixton.

For many people the idea of living in London and not being close to a Tube station would be a nightmare. Residents in Camberwell love the fact that they don’t have one though. This contributes to the quiet, peaceful environment across the town. There are still good transport links though, with Denmark Hill rail station and the Tube stop at Kennington.

The area has a long history of attracting artists and creative people. This can be traced back to John Ruskin, the leading art critic in the Victorian era. He spent his childhood in Herne Hill to the south of Camberwell but moved to Denmark Hill in the 1840s. Today the art crowd in the area is huge, with students attending the colleges, artists occupying studios across the area, and all manner of exhibitions of their work.

There has been a lot of investment in Camberwell over the last few years but the area still retains its charm and attractions. Artists and families alike love the quiet. The latter appreciate the beautiful tree lined streets too.

At Finefair we offer services for property owners all across Southwark. If you are looking to rent your property we can provide a number of options for you. One service we are very proud to offer is guaranteed rent. With this owners are assured they will receive a set rental fee every month without fail for a set duration. The service offers many advantages, including freeing the owner from having to search for tenants and worry about periods of where properties stand unoccupied.

Why choose to live in Richmond Upon Thames?

Richmond upon Thames, situated in South West London is considered by many to be an incredibly beautiful town and offers some of the finest dinning, shopping, opportunities for children and places to visit in the UK.

Richmond’s restaurants are among the best in the capital and include a wide array of cuisines, including French, Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Persian and Croatian dishes. Due to the high popularity, it is wise to book a table in advance if you are going out for a special occasion at one of the leading establishments.

The Borough is not short of places to visit and has some of the best sights in the UK. Richmond Park is one of the most highly regarded with its astounding views, red and fallow deer, and the immaculately beautiful Pembroke Lodge which is ideal for weddings and family occasions. For everyone who loves exotic sights, the Kew Gardens offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country and attract over one million visitors every year.

With a wide array of historic houses, Richmond prospers with culture. Such establishments include Marble Hill House, Hampton Court Palace and Ham House. If you are a rugby fan or are a huge concert buff, you are in luck because Richmond is home to the largest rugby stadium in the country, Twickenham.

The town centre is renowned for its shopping potential but the wider Borough has an even larger list of high quality establishments. Children will also benefit from living in Richmond as there is an array of activities including clothing shops, party venues, drama activities and soft plays.

At Finefair we have a lot of experience working in Richmond. We serve a wide array of clients, including the local Council, landlords, and prospective buyers too. With our range of services available, our team will work with you extensively to ensure your needs are met. Whether you’re looking to buy, find an investment property, explore council leasing or want to have properties managed professionally you can rely on us.

Understanding The Requirements Of Newham Property Owners

With the demand levels for property in London remaining high, there is an equal level of pressure in place to make use of buildings which stand empty. On a superficial level the easiest solution to the housing problem seems to be to just somehow force owners of the buildings not occupied to allow them to be used. Whilst we would assume that most would understand the sentiment behind this view, we would place emphasis on understanding that the rights of a building owner must at all times be respected.

The approach we take is to work with property owners in a constructive way. We don’t view the increasing demand levels as a reason to try and somehow force them to let their buildings be used. For us it is far better to emphasise the benefits which they can get from letting their investment properties be rented out, in particular through the use of our comprehensive property services. By this we mean it is better to gain an understanding of why they are vacant, and work towards an amicable solution in respect of getting them into use.

One of the key problems property owners face is the cost of allowing their building to be used. This cost is measured in terms of money and resources such as time. It is not that owners want to leave their buildings vacant, in most cases it’s just that they cannot provide what is required to ensure their building is let in a way that protects their investment. Our management services combined with arrangements such as guaranteed rent and council leasing address this. With our services managing a property, owners are assured of their assets are being well maintained and earning a fixed, fair return.

At present the London Borough of Newham has been identified as having a substantial number of vacant properties within it. Research has indicated that over 1,000 buildings are presently empty. If you own a property in the area and are looking for the ideal way to earn a return on investment from it, our comprehensive services are designed to give it to you.

A strategy to boost housing supplies

Redbridge Council has taken a special approach to boost the number of homes that are available in the Borough in order to cater for the needs of the people on their housing list. The area has one of the lowest numbers of housing supplies in the capital, creating a tough situation for the people waiting for homes. Their strategy is to purchase derelict properties on the open market and invest in renovating them so that tenants can move in.

The plan allows the Council to purchase buildings across the Borough, including in areas where they are needed the most. This strategy provides more freedom than purchasing new builds and also offers opportunities to make the money they invest go further. There are economic benefits too because the work to renovate the properties can be given to businesses in the area.

The Council will ensure that all of the properties they invest in are suitable and can be renovated to a very high standard. This is important to ensure that the needs of the tenants are satisfied. Good workmanship also means the properties will serve the needs of the housing authority for a very long period of time.

All of the properties that Redbridge Council purchases will be bought under the right to buy scheme. This will cover 30% of the price. The remaining money comes from revenue generated by the authority. The strategy is sustainable and means there will be fewer run down and derelict buildings in the Borough that could be turned into great homes.

At Finefair we have a fantastic relationship with Redbridge Council. As part of our services we can help landlords in the Borough looking to lease their properties with the local housing authority. We play our part in helping to boost the amount of homes they have to offer. On top of this we can also offer block management services for each landlords, helping them to ensure their assets are well cared for.