• Firstly, think about exactly what you want in a new home before you begin your search. Research some different areas of the city to see what they have to offer in terms of local shops, schools, parks, bus stops, Underground stations and other facilities you may need. This will help you to narrow down the choices.
• Set a budget. Research the average prices in your chosen areas and determine how much you can afford, not forgetting extra costs such as agency fees and upfront rental deposits.
• Be flexible. You may have your heart set on a certain area, but you may be able to save significant amounts by living further outside the city centre and travelling in.
• Be organised. Keep lists of the properties you are viewing and keep track of phone numbers and contact details. Write down any questions you have about the property so you don’t forget to ask during your viewing.
• If you want to save some money on rent, consider sharing. Renting a room in a house or a flat with other people is likely to be much cheaper than renting an entire place to yourself, and you’ll also be meeting people, which makes this a popular option for students and professionals who are just starting out in London.
• Make sure your deposit will be placed into a suitable tenancy deposit protection scheme and that all rental payments are being recorded. There should also be a detailed inventory of the house or flat, and you should be able to record any problems that existed before you moved in so you won’t be charged for them when you move out.

In 2015 Islington Council re-evaluated its rules on HMO (houses of multiple occupancy) license requirements on Caledonian and Holloway Roads in the Borough. A survey had previously been conducted in the areas to determine the standards of management. It found that there were concerns with a surprising 68% of the 200 homes on the two roads. As a result, new stricter rules were introduced. Continue reading →

As the price of living in major cities like London continues to rise, an interesting new trend has been emerging. Tiny apartments, many of them consisting of just a single room offering less than 500 square feet of space, are being created and promoted by developers in cities throughout the world. They are often marketed as a more affordable way of getting a foot in the door of competitive housing markets, or as an alternative rental option to pricier large homes. Continue reading →

Over the last decade or so, Battersea has been completely transformed from a run-down area of Wandsworth into one of the most exciting and contemporary areas of the capital. The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station has been a key to this, bringing one of London’s most iconic structures bang up to date for the needs of a modern, fast-paced city. Continue reading →

It is not uncommon for reports of the growth in value of London properties to include concerns about how this might leave buyers priced out of the market. These are concerns which we certainly do not ignore, but if we take a closer look at current activity in the London property market, it becomes clear that at this time the concerns are far from being a reality. The biggest driver of London property prices is the demand for homes and business premises in the city, and the increasing prices can be seen as a sign that the demand levels are not falling. Continue reading →

Greenwich is renowned for having some of the most stunning views in London. From the area you can see the rolling greenery of the 180 acre Park and the skyscrapers and notable buildings in Canary Wharf and the city centre. This incredible juxtaposition is a sight that commands a great deal of value for property buyers. Continue reading →

Richmond Upon Thames is home to some of the most iconic attractions London has to offer. Some of its most famous spots include Kew Gardens, Twickenham Stadium and Hampton Court Palace. The borough also happens to be one of the most sought after places for residential property. Many people are not aware of this fact, as the high demand for property within Richmond tends not to make the same kind of headlines as is the case with the more well known of London boroughs. If you’re thinking about making a purchase here, we’re always happy to discuss your options at length. Continue reading →

As the name suggests, the City of London was the starting point for the area which we refer to as London today. This fascinating region is often referred to as the Square Mile because of its size, and it is still home to some of the biggest and most well known companies and corporations from around the world. Until recently, however, it was not known as a residential area. Continue reading →

Camden is one of the most popular inner Boroughs in London, with higher property prices to prove it. Demand for properties in the area is huge, outnumbering supply. There are currently constraints on the number of new properties that can be built due to a lack of space in the borough, but there are possible solutions to ease the issue. Continue reading →

If you are a first-time property investor with minimal experience of property management and the London market, or if you are a busy investor with concerns about managing punctual rent payments every month, you should consider participating in a guaranteed rent scheme. This is an extremely popular option for landlords who want to enjoy all the advantages of a buy to let property without the stress, hassle and financial uncertainty. Unreliable tenants are one of the main worries for landlords of all experience levels, but with guaranteed rent these concerns will be completely eliminated and you will receive rent every month no matter what. Continue reading →