Market Insights March 2024
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights February 2024
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights January 2024
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights December 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights September 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights August 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights July 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights June 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights April 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights March 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights February 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights January 2023
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights November 2022
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights October 2022
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights September 2022
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights August 2022
Here is our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights July 2022
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights June 2022
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights April 2022
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights March 2022
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights January 2022
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights November 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights October 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights September 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights August 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights July 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights June 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights May 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights April 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights March 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights February 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights January 2021
Here's our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London property market this month.
Market Insights October 2020
Please see below our round up of the activity we have seen in the central London...
Market Insights September 2020
Please see below our latest insight into the central London property market. One of our...
Market Insights August 2020
Please see below our latest insight into the themes and trends we are seeing in the...
Domestic buyers leading the buying market & enjoying certain advantages
Please see below our insights into the key prime London property trends we have seen...
Demand from Buyers, Prices remain stable and Rental property over supply
We are nearly seven weeks since physical property viewings resumed and our Property...
How to choose a solicitor when buying a property
When buying a property in London, you need to be aware of how quickly the market moves...
Understanding why a seller is selling
When buying a property, finding it can be the easy part and agreeing a sensible price...
Going beyond the call of duty
Big Yellow Self Storage recently did a study to find out the lengths that estate...
Why planning permission is never a given
When searching for a property, buyers are often attracted to those with planning...
Making the most out of estate agency relationships
A friend of mine is currently tearing his hair out; he’s found a property he wants to...
First Impressions
First impressions are hugely important when it comes to selling a property. If you’re...
Online vs High Street
There were waves made in the property market last week when a seller opted to put his...
The London luxury property market
With the luxury fashion goods sector in the doldrums, many are questioning whether...
Property developers not giving UK buyers a chance
The new build market in London has once again attracted attention as Galliard Homes,...
Holding firm in the rental market
With so many people renting these days, it’s often a hot topic. Approximately half of...
The Weird and Wonderful World of Property
One of the things I absolutely love about my job is looking around hundreds of...
Negotiating discounts
No one likes overpaying for anything, and property is no different; when negotiating on...
Furnished vs unfurnished
If you’re a landlord, it’s always difficult to know whether to offer your property...
Property Viewing Tips
A recent survey of 4,000 home owners found that the average person spent only 33...
Making the most of outside space
With summer in full swing, more and more home owners are maximising every inch of...
Purchases taking longer
I recently talked about the fact that we are seeing purchases taking longer due to more...
Mortgages for the next generation
A new building society has launched in the UK for the first time in three decades, and...
Down Valuations
We’ve seen mortgage down valuations returning to the market in recent weeks, which is...
Sale Delays
Over recent months we’ve seen a lot of our client purchases taking much longer,...
Labour’s mansion tax proposals
The Labour party has recently released further details on how they would implement a...
Can you print a house?
Unbelievably, 3D printing has been around since the 1980s when it was first...
London on the rise
Thirty years ago high rise living was associated with council blocks and undesirable...
Paying a fair asking price
Q: How can I make sure I’m paying a fair asking price?A: First of all, what is an...
Stamp duty changes
Chancellor George Osborne grabbed the attention of the property market last week, as...
Off-market properties demystified
Q: What does it mean when a property is off market? Is it a good way to purchase...
Buying together – how to ensure it’s a good investment
Q: There’s always a risk when buying with someone else, what can I do to ensure I’m...
Buying with someone else
Q: I’m thinking about buying a property with someone else to make it more affordable,...
What if I have to rent rather than buy?
Q: I’d love to buy a property but I can’t afford to so renting seems to be my only...
Paying a fair asking price
Q: I’m currently renting and want to get onto the London property ladder but I can’t...
Open Garden Squares
Summer has finally arrived and with it brings the annual ‘Open Garden Squares Weekend’...
Non-refundable deposit
Q: I’ve offered on a property to buy and am desperate to secure it. Should I offer to...
Selling etiquette
Q: I’m about to move in to my new property, how should I expect the current owners to...
Speeding up the buying process
Q: I’m buying a property but the purchase process is taking longer than expected – is...
Viewing etiquette
Q: I’m looking for a property to buy, do you have any tips on things I should and...
Refurbish before selling?
Q: I’m thinking of selling my home and it’s looking quite tired. Should I spend money...
A new portal – Onthemarket.com
On January 26th a new property portal called OnTheMarket.com is being launched. It has...
Top tenant tips
Q: I’m looking to find a rental property but struggling as there seems to be very...
Buy to let
Q: I’m considering investing in a buy-to-let property, what should I be thinking...
Slow conveyancing
Q: My conveyancing solicitor is slow and appears to be delaying the process. What can...
Short leases
Q: I’ve managed to find a property that seems a bargain; the catch is that it has a...
Mortgage survey revaluation
Q: Our mortgage lender has surveyed the flat we’re buying and has valued it lower than...
Choosing a solicitor
Q: I am buying a property and have been recommended two solicitors. Cost is a factor,...
Offering on a property that needs work
Q: I’d like to offer on a property but it needs work. What’s the best way to approach...
Is it normal for a letting agent to charge a renewal fee?
Q: My tenant has just asked to renew their lease for a second year but my letting agent...
Period property vs new build
Q: I’m buying a property with my boyfriend. He wants a new build, I want a period...
Home Technology
Technology in the home has come a long way over the past few years. I remember one...
Amateur Developers
With house prices on the rise in central London, we’ve seen an increase in the number...
Inflated prices
With property prices holding firm across many parts of London, we’re seeing a number...
Is Help to Buy really that helpful?
The Chancellor’s Help to Buy mortgage scheme has been a controversial offering by the...
Past owners
Buying and selling a property can be a really emotional time, especially if the house...
How to win sealed bids
Sealed bids are back in full swing unfortunately, with nearly half of all properties...
Competition in the market
If any readers are searching for a property right now in central London, no doubt they...
Negotiating with developers
When buying off plan, buyers often focus too heavily on price alone, and forget the...
Letting fees
If you’ve ever rented a property, you’re likely to be familiar with the situation...
Open House London
As part of my job I see around 400 different properties per year, ranging from tiny...
Starting a career in property
In a drive to increase the diversity of the property sector, a new initiative has been...
Should I avoid leasehold properties?
The concept of owning a leasehold property concerns a lot of buyers, and it’s certainly...
A new way of selling houses
A new estate agency has launched a pay-per-viewing service whereby the agency gets...
Contractors
I see many unmodernised properties sold for a premium because a lot of buyers want to...
The rental market needs to change
With home ownership in steady decline since 2006, according to the Government’s...
Buying at auction
Q: I’m thinking of buying my next property at auction – what do I need to be aware...
Making price per square foot meaningful
A Metro reader recently emailed me asking if I had a table showing what price per...
Forgotten spaces in London
London is world renowned for its spectacular architecture – and my tip for anyone...
Buying for the next generation
With Londoners’ hopes of owning a home diminishing, we are seeing a lot of parents...
Buyers, be on your best behaviour
If you’re viewing a property and the vendor is present, it’s important to remember...
Make the most of your outdoor space
Last weekend I had tickets to the Open Garden Squares Weekend, which is a two day...
A new online portal on the way
Could the way we search for property online be about to change? Most people will be...
Assembling your buying team
When buying a property, the team you have working for you is critical, so make sure...
Asking prices
There’s been a lot of recent press with sensationalist headlines saying that asking...
Hidden problems with your property
Research by a home insurance provider has shown that new homeowners are spending an...
Renting with a pet
We’ve seen an increase in tenants with pets and it can be a major sticking point if...
Billionaires – are they good or bad for the London property market?
There has been a lot of press recently about the number of billioniares living in...
Buying an investment property
As well as owner occupiers, many of our buyers are also purchasing as an investment....
Labour’s rental policy
Labour have just announced plans on how they will tackle issues within the rental...
What is an asking price?
When purchasing a property, many buyers become fixated on the asking price and this is...
Choosing a property management company
If you’re a landlord and thinking of appointing someone to manage your property on...
Making a decision
It’s always difficult when searching for a property and finding the one you love early...
House in mulitiple occupation (HMO) rules
The rental market is currently softening, and as a result, many landlords are having...
Dealing with bad odours
The smell of your home can make a big difference to how quickly it sells and at what...
Selling yourself to estate agents
I recently had a panicked call from a friend of mine, she and her husband had decided...
Renting – know your rights
With the number of people in the UK in rented accommodation increasing, I’m always...
Neighbourly disputes
Living in a city means you’re in close quarters with your neighbours, and occasional...
Relocating to London
London is such a multicultural city, and as a result, attracts residents from all over...
Interest Rates
Anyone buying a property with a mortgage should be paying close attention to interest...
How to vet a managing agent
I was recently asked by a previous client of ours whether we could recommend a good...
How to beat the overseas buyers
Q: What is the best approach to deal with estate agents? I’m finding them...
London’s new build market
A recently published report showed that prime central London has over 20,000 new...
Why now is a good time to find a rental property
The new year is often a time when people reassess their current situation and, for...
What does 2014 hold for the property market?
It’s that time of year when people start trying to look into a crystal ball and...
Buying in chain
We’re seeing more of our buying clients caught in property chains, which means that...
What to consider when hiring a buying agent
Using a buying agent was previously only associated with the rich or the very time...
Buy-to-let tax relief implications
Q: I’m a landlord – how will the changes to the buy-to-let tax relief announced in the...
How do I go about buying a flat off plan?
Q. I’m considering buying a property off plan. Is there anything I should be aware...
Negotiating a rent increase
Q: I’m a tenant about to renew my contract, however my landlord wants to increase the...
Building more homes won’t solve the housing crisis
Q: What impact will the Housing White Paper have?A: The Housing White Paper...
April 2017
Please see below our April property market observations. With best wishesThe...
Buying a flat with a friend
Q: I’m buying a flat with a friend of mine. What do we need to consider before we go...
Should I increase my tenant’s rent or renovate?
Q: I have a two bedroom flat that I rent out (£975 per month). The current tenant has...
Price per Sq Ft
Q: I am trying to buy a flat in London – what’s the best way of knowing I am getting...
March 2017
Please see below our March property market observations and some of our recent press...
Noisy neighbours
Q: I have lived in my flat for eight years. The owner upstairs recently refurbished...
Buying a house on a new development
Q: We are currently trying to buy a house on a new development; the one we really...
My property won’t sell, what can you suggest?
Q: My property has been on the market for two months now and it’s not selling. Do you...
Tenancy break clauses
Q: What is the best approach to deal with estate agents? I’m finding them...
February 2017
Please see below our February market update with comment on the trends we have seen...
How can I present myself as a good buyer?
Q: How can I best present myself as a good buyer? A: Presenting yourself as a good...
Should I offer my rental property furnished or unfurnished?
Q: I am moving in with my boyfriend and want to rent out my property. Should I rent it...
January 2017
Please see below our January property market observations and some of our recent press...
Will the ban on letting fees push up rental prices?
Q: Will the introduction of the agent fee ban lead to higher rents?A: In...
December 2016
2016 has been an eventful year and we have enjoyed the challenge of advising and...
November 2016
Please see below our November Market Update. We have included our reaction to the...
Should I make myself scarce for property viewings?
Q: I’m selling my property. Should I be present during viewings or make myself...
Should I buy a new build or a period property?
Q: As a first time buyer, am I better off buying a new build property or a flat in a...
October 2016
It has been a busy month for us, informing clients and related industry professionals...
I have two offers on my property, which should I choose?
Q: My property is on the market and I’ve received two offers: one is for the asking...
Buying a property to renovate
Q: I want to buy a property to renovate and sell on. What are the key considerations?A:...
My seller has pulled out of the sale. Is there anything I can do?
Q: I’ve bought a property but the seller has just decided to pull out of the sale, what...
Buying activity increases as clarity for a March Brexit looks less likely. Eccord...
We hope you have had a positive start to 2019. We have outlined outline some of the...
Lockdown for the property market is lifted, Deciding whether to sell and buy, stay put...
Once again the London property scene has radically changed since I compiled this market...
Are buyers getting ready for lockdown restrictions to ease? Rentals – what’s happening...
This month, as always, we include our insight into what we’re seeing ‘on the ground’ in...
Completion timescales and complexities Buyers under offer but not yet exchanged What...
There has been a complete u-turn in market conditions since our last market update just...
Which buyers are active and what are they buying? And the current rental market and...
The year of 2020 is now well underway and the start has been just as busy as the end of...
London retains it’s crown and Eccord ranked as one of the UK’s Top Buying Residential...
In terms of the uncertain weeks ahead, our clients are divided – some are seeing the...
Increased summer buying activity and the appeal of large scale refurbishments is waning
It has been a busy summer season so far, with the increased buying activity we...
Market Update May 2019
The phrase ‘life goes on’ seems to most aptly sum up the market this month. Contrary to...
Eccord appointed to manage handsome Chelsea mansion block and are fears of uncertainty...
This month we have focused on some of the sentiments from new clients, which provide...
2019 Property Guide and Eccord named Top 2 Buying Agency in London
This month I was invited by Barclays Bank to record a 2019 Property Guide podcast...
Eccord Announces New Block Management Client & Spear’s 500 Listing
As we approach the end of 2018 we are very pleased to launch our new website,...
Maximising your outside space
Q: I have a terrace, how can I utilise the space to maximise the property value?A: With...
The rise of try before you buy tenants and Eccord’s team expansion
Over the past 6 months our business has grown to establish a 50:50 split between...
Buyers upsizing in the softer market & how to maximise your rental yield
This month we have addressed the following questions: “If you are upsizing, why is now...
Softer sales and lettings market putting Block Management under the spotlight
This month we were delighted to be named as one of the top Property Advisors by the...
Stamp duty here to stay & new regulations for landlords
Please see below our January market update with comment on the trends we have seen over...
My chain has fallen through, what are my options?
Q: I am in a chain but my buyer has just fallen through. What should I do?A: I am sorry...
How can I get the most out of estate agents?
Q: What is the best approach to deal with estate agents? I’m finding them...
December 2017
2017 has been an exciting year for Eccord and I outline some of my personal highlights...
October 2017
Please see below our October market update.We comment on the interest rate rise and...
September 2017
Please see below our September Market Update.August was surprisingly active on the...
Can I rent a property with pets?
Q: I’m looking to rent a property but have a dog, will this limit my options?A: We’ve...
What is happening in the London market post Brexit?
Q: Three months on from Brexit, what’s happening in the London property...
What makes a good tenancy agreement
Q: I’m renting out my property and the letting agent is drawing up the tenancy...
Should I enlist the help of a buying agent?
Q: I am starting my property search – should I consider a buying agent?A: Using a...
How to choose a mortgage broker
Q. I’m looking to buy a property and want to make sure I get a good mortgage deal, but...
March 2016
This month we’re excited to announce Eccord’s expansion into block management. This is...
How to spot a good tenant
Q. I am a landlord and a tenant has made an offer on my property. How can I ensure that...
How will I ever get on the ladder?
Q. I am in my dream job, but it pays very little and I don’t think I will ever be able...
I’ve had an offer accepted – what’s next?
Q. I’ve just had an offer accepted on a property. What should I do next?A: I...
Is leasehold or share of freehold better?
Q. I am looking to buy a flat and have been told that share of freehold is better. Is...
I don’t know whether to renew my tenancy
Q. I’m looking to buy a property but my tenancy has come to an end and my landlord is...
How can I get my child on to the ladder?
Q: I’m thinking of giving my grown up child financial help to get onto the property...
January 2016
Now that we’re a one month into 2016, below are our observations across our three...
Do I need planning permission before I buy?
Q: I am buying a property and I want to move the kitchen, do I need to obtain planning...
Whose responsibility is the garden?
Q. I’m renting a property with outside space. Is the upkeep my responsibility, or is it...
Get a move on if you want a second home
Q: What should we expect to see happening in the London property market in...
Is a penthouse always the priciest unit?
Q: I thought the penthouse was always the most expensive property in a building, but...
Will Osborne’s housing pledges have the desired effect?
Last week, the Chancellor, George Osborne, announced this year’s Autumn Statement – or...
Renting out your own property
Q: I own a property but am being relocated abroad for work; I’d like to rent it out,...
What is a property really worth?
Q: I’ve found a property to buy but how do I know what it’s really worth?A: In central...
Buying at auction
Q: I’m thinking of buying my next property at auction – what do I need to be aware...
Renting through a private landlord
Q: I want to rent a flat, but I’m not sure whether to go through an agent – what are...
Chains – patience is a virtue
Q: I’ve agreed a purchase but I’m waiting for my seller to find somewhere else to buy,...
Tenancy deposits – fair deductions
Q: I’ve moved out of my rental property and my landlord has said she wants to make big...
Agents who keep their options open
Q. I have had an offer accepted on a property but the estate agent is insisting on...
April 2016
Please see below our April Market Update.If you would like to discuss any aspect of the...
How should I prepare my property to sell it this Autumn?
Q: I’m preparing to put my flat on the market for autumn, how do I maximise its...
I want to buy the flat above the one I own
Q. The flat above me has come up for sale and I’m thinking of buying it as I need more...
My landlord wants to increase my rent, what are my options?
Q: My tenancy is up for renewal and my landlord wants to increase the rent, can she do...
I can’t find my perfect home, what should I compromise on?
Q: I’m looking for my dream property but am having trouble finding something that ticks...
How to make the most of selling via an open house
Q: I’m trying to sell my property – should I hold an open house? What are the benefits...
I’m in a chain, how can I speed up my purchase?
Q: I’ve been under offer on a flat for two months now and the seller still hasn’t found...
I’m having last minute doubts about my purchase
Q: I am about to exchange contracts on a purchase and am having a last minute wobble....
How to make a good rental offer
Q. I have found a great rental property and would like to make an offer. What should I...
Negotiating a price reduction
Q. I want to buy and I’ve heard that a lot of sellers are accepting price reductions...
Should I be buying a new build property in the current market?
Q. I am looking to buy a new build property but, in light of Brexit, I am not sure...
My property isn’t renting out, what can I do?
Q. My rental property has been on the market for two months and we still don’t...
I’m dealing with a bad solicitor, what can I do?
Q. I’m selling my flat and my estate agent and solicitor have been fantastic but my...
Sourcing Property’s thoughts on Brexit
They say that the 3Ds – death, divorce, and debt – fuel a lot of property market...
Happy 10th anniversary Eccord!
Eccord was founded ten years ago this month, back in June 2006. Eighteen months later,...
What to do if your seller hasn’t moved out on completion day
Q. I completed on a property last week, but the previous owner was still moving his...
Why virtual viewings will never replace face to face
Q. I am looking for a rental property but don’t have much time to view in person – can...
My landlord won’t do works, what can I do?
Q. We’re currently renting and our landlord is taking forever to fix the broken loo (we...
How do I choose a surveyor?
Q. I bought a house six months ago and have experienced some issues with the property...
Should I be paying attention to service charges?
Q. I’m searching for a property and have noticed that a lot of brochures don’t confirm...
What’s really happening with house prices
Q. I’ve heard that property prices are softening but I see conflicting reports. How can...
What impact have the stamp duty changes had?
Q. There has been a lot of talk of the stamp duty changes. Now that they’re in force,...
The importance of being organised
As a buying agent, I am here to fight my client’s corner throughout every step of the...
