London Property Digest, by Longrad

In a bold move to address Spain’s escalating housing crisis, the government has proposed a 100% tax on homes bought by non-EU foreigners. This measure is part of a broader strategy to combat soaring property prices, curb foreign investment, and increase housing affordability. The plan includes additional taxes on short-term rentals and initiatives for public housing. While some argue that the tax could fail to address the root caus...

Manchester is emerging as a prime real estate investment destination, offering impressive rental yields of 6-7%, an £80 billion economy, and projected property value increases of 28.8% by 2028. This episode highlights Manchester’s economic growth, large student population, and affordable housing compared to London, making it an attractive investment option. We also cover the comprehensive investment process, expert support, and pro...

Step inside some of London's most luxurious properties with prices ranging from £35 million to £175 million. This episode explores five of the city’s most expensive homes, highlighting their unique features like private spas, pools, and home theaters, along with their historical significance or celebrity connections. With an increase in prime central London property transactions, partly driven by cash buyers taking advantage o...

Experts are forecasting a buyer’s market for UK housing in 2025, offering increased negotiating power for buyers thanks to a rise in property availability. While optimism remains high due to lower mortgage rates and modest house price growth, concerns over the end of stamp duty relief and potential interest rate hikes linger. Predictions suggest that London may outperform other regions in terms of price growth. Tune in to explore h...

The shift back to in-office work is having a major impact on Britain’s housing market. The demand for large homes in suburban and rural areas has decreased, with sales slowing and prices falling for detached properties outside of London. On the flip side, homes closer to the capital are seeing a price surge as people prioritise proximity to work. Developers are responding by scaling back on large house builds, adapting to this new ...

In 2024, over 500 London lawyer partner moves were recorded, driven by aggressive recruitment from US law firms capitalising on a booming private equity market. This surge has intensified competition, leading to significant pay increases and a reshaping of compensation structures among London-based firms. The "magic circle" UK firms, in particular, have suffered major partner losses to US firms, prompting some to adjust s...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we examine the growing trend of private equity and pension fund investment in the UK’s single-family rental market, which has surpassed £1.5 billion by September 2024. This shift toward single-family homes, led by major players like Blackstone and Aviva Investors, reflects a preference for stable, long-term tenants and easier construction compared to multi-family units. While critics see t...

British billionaire developer Nick Candy is putting his lavish £175 million penthouse at One Hyde Park on the market. Despite boasting extravagant features like a private cinema and pool, Candy cites the sky-high £161,000 annual service charge as a key reason for selling, especially since he rarely uses the property. Spanning 18,000 square feet, this penthouse could become the most expensive apartment ever sold in the UK. Candy, wh...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we delve into the severe affordable housing crisis gripping London. High inflation, rising interest rates, and soaring building safety costs have drastically reduced the supply of affordable homes, leaving low-income residents struggling. Despite increased government funding and support for housing associations, the crisis highlights long-term underinvestment and structural issues that sim...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we explore the 22% rise in UK residents admitting to unpaid taxes on foreign assets during 2023-24. Discover how HMRC’s enhanced efforts—ranging from increased warning letters to data sharing with 120 countries under the Common Reporting Standard—are driving voluntary disclosures. We discuss the role of advanced data analysis, improved global data exchange, and public awareness in tackling...

This episode dives into the current UK housing market, exploring the key factors influencing house prices. We examine the challenges posed by high interest rates and limited supply, while also noting the ongoing demand driven by employment and inherited wealth. The episode looks at predictions for future house price trends, acknowledging the uncertainty involved, and offers expert advice on navigating the market. Discover why the b...

In 2025, London's prime property market is set to see increased demand for turnkey properties and family-friendly layouts, with a resurgence in refurbishment projects. Popular areas such as Bayswater, Fitzrovia, and South Belgravia are attracting attention, thanks to new developments and excellent schools. This episode also explores historically significant homes on the market and discusses the ongoing impact of regeneration p...

2025 UK property market forecast predicts a 4% rise in average asking prices, driven by lower mortgage rates and a surge in first-time buyer activity. Despite higher stamp duty, the market is set for more transactions, thanks to an increase in housing supply. London's property market is expected to experience a resurgence, as returning workers and international buyers fuel demand. The forecast also highlights the remortgaging ...

The UK government has unveiled significant changes to its planning system, impacting affordable housing targets on greenbelt land. Under the new reforms, the previous promise of 50% affordable homes on certain greenbelt sites has been dropped, sparking debates on the future of housing delivery. The government now classifies lower-grade greenbelt land as "grey belt," opening it up for redevelopment. While this move aims to...

Discover the elegance of Abell & Cleland House, a luxury residential development located in the heart of Westminster, London. Featuring 275 sophisticated apartments across two stunning buildings, this prestigious development offers first-class amenities such as a health spa, swimming pool, and concierge service. Developed by Berkeley Homes and designed by DSDHA, the design blends modern aesthetics with historical charm, referen...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we explore the latest Nationwide Building Society survey, revealing a 3.7% annual rise in UK house prices for November—the fastest growth in two years. What’s behind this surge? We discuss how low unemployment and rising wages outpacing inflation are pushing average prices near record highs, despite concerns about affordability. We also delve into the impact of April’s upcoming stamp duty ...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we dive into the growing influence of the "Bank of Mum and Dad" on the UK housing market and its broader economic and social implications. As rising house prices and stagnant wages widen the wealth gap, homeownership is becoming increasingly reliant on parental financial support or inherited wealth. We discuss how this trend exacerbates inequalities in education, life opportuniti...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we discuss a groundbreaking report by Colliers that reveals Manchester has overtaken London as the top city in England for property investment. Factors such as house price growth, business relocations, and government investments have propelled Manchester into the spotlight. Edinburgh retains its position as the top investment city in the UK, followed by Glasgow, with Manchester ranking thi...

In this episode of London Property Digest, we explore how Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone has overtaken London’s New Bond Street and New York’s Fifth Avenue to become the world’s most expensive shopping street, with annual rents reaching €20,000 per square meter. We discuss the role of fierce competition among luxury brands, affluent tourism fueled by Italy’s tax incentives, and Milan’s transformation into a global luxury hub. Learn ho...