The last decade has transformed Hackney

Hackney has transformed beyond recognition in the last decade. In 2007 it had a bad reputation and was avoided by the majority of investors. This left prices affordable, lagging behind the London average. The affordability attracted a huge number of artists and other creative types looking for cheap homes and studio spaces in the late 80s, throughout the 90s, and following the turn of the Millennium. This influx was the catalyst for the big change. Continue reading →

Anticipating a boost for Plumstead

Plumstead is becoming one of the most popular areas in Greenwich. It is enjoying new developments with Crossrail arriving and a potential development that will create 900 new homes. On top of this there are two popular Commons and more open spaces at Shrewsbury Park. The local schools are highly rated, making the location excellent for families. Continue reading →

Enfield’s favourite super suburb

Hadley Wood in Enfield, North London is situated just a short distance to the south of the Hertfordshire border and the beautiful countryside. It has grown into a super suburb that combines the best elements of town and country. The area is home to a tennis club and celebrated golf course, both very popular with residents. Trent Country Park is fantastic for walking and is home to plenty of wildlife. The two local primary schools are good and most private schools provide bus services. Continue reading →

Hanwell retains excellent potential

When Crossrail was announced investors started looking at areas along the route where they could invest in properties and stand a great chance of making a healthy return. Transport links can add some of the highest premiums to homes so this was a sound strategy. The anticipated rise in prices has occurred in many areas but there are others that retain plenty of potential. Continue reading →

Croydon has plenty of wonderful things to offer

Croydon was recently ranked amongst the five best hotspots that investors should consider investing in. Joining it on the list are popular North West areas Liverpool and Salford, both of which have seen a big increase in investment, Basingstoke, and Wood Green in North London. All five areas have two important things in common; they are the focus of extensive regeneration and have excellent transport links. Continue reading →

Higher taxes could be charged on vacant homes owned by investors

Last year a study by the London School of Economics and University of York was released, revealing the contribution overseas investors made to the housing supply. Perhaps more importantly though, the research looked into the number of properties investors purchased and left vacant. Although the data found this to only be a small percentage of homes in total, it is worse in high value areas including the City of Westminster. Continue reading →

City of London commercial property trading was strong in July

July showed that property in the City of London is still very highly regarded as an investment opportunity. The month saw the strongest commercial property trading in over a decade according to Savills, totalling £2.35 billion. In March 2007 £2.1 billion of properties were sold, including the iconic 20 Fenchurch Street. This puts the current performance into perspective. Continue reading →

Camden has enjoyed house price rises since April

Camden remains a popular area for property investment according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the middle of August. Between January and April prices decreased with some fearing this was evidence that the property market bubble was about to burst. Since April though, values have begun to rise again. In June the growth was an impressive 4%. Continue reading →