Belsize Park Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent

London Property's Vulnerable?

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

How long can London's property market defy gravity asks the online Wall Street Journal? House prices in the capital rose in December, even as prices elsewhere stayed flat or fell, says the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices in prime central London are around 16% higher than their September 2007 precrisis peak. Some forecasters predict a further 25% jump by 2016, as foreign investors continue to seek havens for their cash. But downward pressures are likely to intensify this year.

Foreign buyers account for more than half of the sales of London's most desirable residences, helping shield the market from a domestic downturn. Many have large chunks of equity to invest, so are less affected by the mortgage-lending squeeze. Recent sterling weakness against many currencies—down 20% against the dollar since the start of the crisis—has added to London's allure, while ultralow interest rates have kept a lid on distressed sales.

So long as the economic uncertainty continues, the torrent of foreign cash flowing into London property—an estimated £6 billion, or roughly $9 billion, in the 18 months through mid-2011—will likely be sustained. But the top end of the market is sensitive to the global picture. If the euro crisis is resolved or the world economic outlook improves, overseas investors might turn to riskier, higher-return assets. A rise in sterling or a fall in commodity prices are other possible factors.

London property isn't cheap by any measure. Yields are low—at 3.9%, compared with 5% in the wider U.K. housing market and up to 7% for prime offices in most European capitals. Soaring prime central London rents, up 25% since mid-2009, have provided some support to valuations, but an estimated 55% of "prime" tenants work in financial services, where heavy job losses are on tap. Yields are likely to remain flat into 2016, estate agent Savills says.

Meanwhile, the average house price in London is equivalent to 7.8 times earnings for a typical first-time buyer, compared with an average of 4.8 times across the country, website Findaproperty.com estimates. Such a disparity looks unsustainable, and provides a strong incentive for capital-dwellers to relocate and investors to seek better value elsewhere.

Accidental Landlords May Be Able to Sell in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

The new year could bring the kind of market that many accidental landlords have been waiting for.

With home values estimated to rise further in 2012, Alan Ward, chairman at the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), believes that the time to sell up as originally planned will have finally come.

An accidental landlord is someone who has opted to rent out their existing home when looking to move because trying to sell it would hold back their journey up the property ladder (officially termed let-to-buy in the mortgage industry).

"There is a sector of the market that is likely to come to sell as property values begin to increase - these are the accidental landlords who have been forced to rent because they can't sell for whatever reason," he said."Some people say there are 100,000 properties in that sector and, if that comes back on the market, then that is quite a big change."

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents recently advised anyone considering a move into the rental market to consider the benefits of using a professional letting agent.

Landlord and Tenant News

London Prime Property Market Continues To Rise

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:23:00 +0000

The value of prime property in central London shot up by 13 per cent in 2011.This is according to the latest Knight Frank Prime London Sales Index, which states that homes in the area are now at the their highest ever levels. Properties priced between £2.5 million and £5 million saw the largest growth, increasing by 16 per cent on average, while those valued over £10 million increased by 12 per cent.The average prime property in central London is now worth around £3.19 million and has seen a value increase equivalent to £1,202 each day over the past 12 months. Sales numbers have increased by 17 per cent year-on-year, but this is largely due to high take up of properties at £5 million or less, which are up by an incredible 20 per cent.It is widely believed that funds from cash-rich investors from overseas is helping to drive up the luxury homes market in the capital. London Property Market News

North West London Estate Agents Positive for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:43:00 +0000

This year’s property sales market has been healthy from start to finish with the average property going under offer in 4-6 weeks. Properties in great condition, property in need of refurbishment or with outside space are often going under offer within days and on the odd occasion going over the asking price. Agreed prices went up by 5% early in the year and have held all year so far.

2011 has been the year of the cash buyer with Paramount agreeing over 50% of its sales to cash buyers. These buyers have often been Parents from the UK, mainland Europe and Asiaia buying for their children who are based or will be based in London. These properties are going on the rental market for the interim periods.

We have also seen some buy to let investors return to the market, with the rental market’s being so strong they have achieved some great rents and are generally renting their flats within days of taking ownership.

With the lack of properties currently on the market and the amount of good quality buyers currently looking, 2012 looks like it is going to be a great year to sell your property in our local area.

What's been happening in 2011 in West Hampstead and surrounding areas for Paramount lettings?

In 2011, Paramount has seen unprecedented demand from applicants looking to rent in North West London. The cost of market entry for first time owner/occupiers is preventing many people from buying and so is boosting demand for rental property. A dearth of rental stock is pushing up rents and future prospects for rental growth are very strong indeed; the average rental income are up by 12% in the NW6 area. Landlords can “cherry pick” their ideal tenant with no worries of a void period whatsoever.

Given that yields have steadily increased this year, it has also meant the introduction of first time buy-to-let investors into the property market as well as existing landlords expanding their portfolios. There is no reason to suggest that in 2012 the rental sector will show any signs of waning.

Paramount Property News

London Property Market Slows for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:53:00 +0000

St Johns Wood Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: London Property Market Slows for Christmas: Rightmove reports that buyers in London looking for fresh choice of property may find their options more limited than usual at this time of ...

North West London Property Maintenance Service for Pre and Post Tenancy

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Paramount Maintenance Services are based in West End Lane, West Hampstead, North West London, providing a complete in-house letting, property maintenance and property management service to accidental landlords, investment companies, property developers, buy to let investors and corporate property portfolio owners.

Paramount Maintenance take on all sorts of renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, handyman work, tiling, painting, plastering, carpentry, landscape gardening and roofing. They also specialise in the upgrading, renovating, refurbishing and repair of tired or run down rental properties to obtain the maximum benefit to the landlord, property owner or investor in the most cost effective manner.

'Running a professional property management business for professional landlords and professional tenants is a 24-hour a day responsibility, 365 days a year. Once a property is let it is only the beginning of the story and the obligations of a landlord must be executed in the most efficient way possible. Although good professional tenants are hard to find they are often quite demanding. They are looking for trouble free occupation in return for their hard earned cash.' explained Spencer Lawrence of Paramount Lettings based in West Hampstead.

Spencer continued, 'Breakdowns and breakages don’t happen nine to five and so Paramount’s management team doesn’t just happen nine to five either. Central heating boilers tend not to break down in the summer. They wait until the middle of the coldest night of the year. Window locks don’t just break. they wait until their owner or tenant is about to leave for a long weekend in Prague.'

'We not only value our tenants but also our landlords. We provide a property maintenance service second to none in North West London, ensuring that our landlords properties are maintained to the highest standard by arranging independent check-in and check-out. We also ensure rents are collected efficiently and on time and provide monthly statements confirming all income and expenditure. '

Here’s what some of our tenants say:

“Could you please forward my gratitude to your plumber who arrived at m y my property at 10am on Christmas day and fixed my boiler and saved the day as l had a house full with twelve for dinner.”

“Thank you for your swift response, l look forward to coming home to a warm flat.It has been a real pleasure dealing with Paramount. The professionalism they have show during and on completion of my tenancy has been superb, l look forward to renting from you again on my return from Australia.”

Follow the link for more on Paramount's managed property maintenance services in Brondesbury, Cricklewood, Hampstead, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St Johns Wood, South Hampstead, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Energy Efficient Homes With Kerb Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:14:00 +0000

People looking to add few pounds to their property value should make it warmer and more energy efficient, says the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).

Andrew Leech, executive director of the body, says that loft and cavity wall insulation will not only help to keep your energy bills down it will also bump up the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential purchasers.

He also stated that the house has to have what he calls "kerb appeal", meaning it looks good from the outside and suggested that ideally the windows should be double glazed and secure.

"If you're talking about looking at selling a house on then you have got to make it look as normal as possible, you don't want any garish paintings, decorations or [colour] schemes running throughout the house. You want to make it a very neutral environment because people can relate to that more," Mr Leech added.

Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location, said last year that painting the outside of the house may cost between £100 and £1,000 but could add around £5,000 to its value.

London Property Market News

UK Property Prices Forecasts To 2016

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:38:00 +0000

UK house prices are set to fall for another 11% in the next 5 years, according to property experts.

British broker firms believe that house prices in the UK will fall by more than 10% in the next 5 years back to the level seen a decade ago.

In the opinion of property experts, those are not only difficulties accessing mortgage finance and weak economic growth that will keep house prices down. Increased cost of living, especially in big cities like London will also negatively affect house prices growth.

According to brokers' estimates, house prices will fall to 170,000 in 2016, down from 184,000 in 2007.

Meanwhile, rent rates are expected to rise dramatically as many Brits will be unable to buy a property of their own.

Buy to Let Landlords are Expanding Their Portfolios

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:07:00 +0000

Figures released today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the buy to let market is still strong.According to the body, mortgage loans to landlords increased by 16 per cent in the third quarter of this year.

Over the same three-month period, the amount of money loaned by financial institutions for property investment rose by 19 per cent, showing that banks and building societies are regaining their confidence in the buy to let sector.

A total of 34,500 buy to let mortgage advances were made in the quarter totalling an incredible £3.2 billion. It is the highest buy to let lending as stood since the onset of the credit crunch in 2008.

CML director general, Paul Smee, stated: "With tenant demand remaining strong in the rental sector, some existing buy-to-let landlords have been expanding their portfolios and the growth that returned to the sector in the preceding quarter has continued.”

Mark Durban, senior lettings agent at Paramount, said recently that at present the demand for rental property is so high that it exceeds the number of homes available.

Buy to Let Investment News

North London Estate Agents Team up With Nandos

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:40:00 +0000

If you're thinking of moving to West Hampstead or the NW6 area, there is now another advantage. Not only have you got lovely shops, great community activities for adults as well as children and fantastic transport links, now you can get a delicious Nando’s for free!

West Hampstead’s West End Lane branch of Nando's are offering a free whole chicken meal to residents who have recently moved to the local area through Paramount Properties, either renting or purchased. We at Paramount have been given vouchers to hand out to new tenants and home owners in the area until January 2012 which entitles you to your free meal.

Nando's is a Portuguese restaurant, serving predominantly chicken dishes. The specialise in flame-grilled Peri Peri chicken which is served in quarters, halves, wholes and butterfly breasts. Nando's also serves burgers, pitas, salads, wings and wraps along with some vegetarian meals and the odd meal with beef.

The Peri-Peri flavour comes form the African Birds Eye Chillies once called Pili Pili meaning Pepper Pepper by the indigenous Africans. The restaurant began in 1987 when Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte bought a restaurant in Johannesburg, they named the restaurant Nando's after Duarte. - a couple of little Nando’s fact for you!

The West End Lane Nando's takes pride in serving it's customers and cannot wait to welcome you to their restaurant and hopefully become their local regulars. For more information on the history and menu please visit the official Nando's website.

Please also contact Paramout directly of you are looking to rent or buy a property in the North West London, NW6 / West Hampsead area, call 020 7372 0202.

Primrose Hill Townhouse for Rent Available Now

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Harley Road, Primrose Hill, London, NW3

4 Bedrooms
2 Reception Rooms
2 Bathrooms

A spacious four bedroom townhouse located close to Swiss Cottage tube and Primrose Hill. Further benefits include a double volume reception room, fully fitted kitchen/diner with all appliances including dishwasher, utility room, private rear garden and off street parking, available NOW, unfurnished.

London Townhouse for Rent

Belsize Park Apartment Available December 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:05:00 +0000

Belsize Park, London, NW3 £450 pw

A two double bedroom apartment in this stylish purpose built block. The accommodation comprises a spacious 19' reception room/dining area, separate fully fitted kitchen with generous storage space and integrated appliances, 12' master bedroom with built-in wardrobes and a second 12' double bedroom also with built-in wardrobes, white tiled bathroom with separate wc. Further benefits include wood floors in the reception and hallway, entryphone and communal gardens. Belsize Park is ideally located offering easy access to the shops, bars, restaurants and transport links that both Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage have to offer, available 3rd December, part furnished.

North London Apartment for Rent

Landlords Report Property Falling Under Lowest EPC Categories

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0000

More than one in six landlords (17%) say that their properties fall into the lowest two categories of energy efficiency – meaning that they could be banned from the rental market.

From 2018 under the Government’s Green Deal proposals, properties with F and G EPC ratings will not be allowed to be let.

The finding emerges in the latest poll by the Association of Residential Letting Agents, which also discovered that over one-third of landlords (35%) do not know how their properties score with EPCs.

ARLA called for the Government to help landlords to achieve minimum standards, asking for the Landlords Energy Savings Allowance to be extended.

Ian Potter, operations manager of ARLA, said: “The clock is ticking for the private rented sector to improve its environmental performance but the investment just isn’t there to ensure that this change takes place in the Government’s timeframe.

“ARLA has campaigned for the Government to incentivise – through tax relief – the improvement of rental properties. Otherwise it is going to be exceedingly difficult for the majority of landlords to find the funds to improve stock.”

While the Green Deal will offer landlords upfront access to funds, it is tenants, as users of the properties, who will have to repay the loan.

The survey questioned more than 1,500 landlords.

UK House Prices Rose Between September and October...

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:53:00 +0000

Maida Vale Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: UK House Prices Rose Between September and October...: The average house price across the UK rose by 1.2 per cent between September and October, in a further sign of the high degree of resilience...

Brondesbury Flat for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Elstow Grange, 40-42 Brondesbury Park, Brondesbury Park, London, NW6

A three double bedroom flat, set on the first floor of this attractive purpose built block.

The block is situated within easy walking distance to Willesden Green Jubilee Line Station.

The property offers a spacious hall way, reception room , kitchen/diner with a full range of wall and base units, master bedroom , two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Further benefits include great storage cupboards in the hall way, double glazing and communal gardens. The owner is currently in the process of extending the lease at no cost to the incoming purchaser.

Flat for Sale, Brondesbury Park

London House Prices Rose By 0.3% in September

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Outside of London house prices continued to fall while London again saw prices increase due to demand for housing in the Olympic host city according to data from the Land Registry. September house prices in London rose by 0.3 per cent when compared to August and 2.7 per cent when compared with September 2010.

House prices in the northeast area of England experienced a 3.9 per cent fall in prices while the annual decline fell to 8.2 per cent.

The average home in England and Wales fell to £162,109. The demand for homes in London failed to lift house prices above the decline level as the average in England and Wales fell slightly at 0.3 per cent for September when compared to the previous month and 2.6 per cent when compared to last year.

Primrose Hill Apartment for Rent

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:54:00 +0000

Wadham Gardens, Primrose Hill, London, NW3

A beautifully presented one bedroom apartment set on the second floor of this period conversion. The property benefits from an eat-in fitted kitchen and access to a private terrace and communal garden area, available 14th November, unfurnished.

Apartment for Rent Primrose Hill

London Residential Property Investors Led By Greeks

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:01:00 +0000

With their own economy continuing to flatline, growing numbers of Greek nationals are opting to put their money into London property investments, it has been reported.

Over the past couple of years, property industry experts have noted a marked rise in the number of cash-rich foreigners snapping up assets in the capital, for example UAE residents purchasing flats and houses for sale in Maida Vale and Belsize Park.

Now, the Evening Standard has revealed that Greeks are the latest group to join in the rush for homes in the city, citing Knight Frank figures that show they have invested a collective £250 million in the residential property sector over the last 12 months alone.

Furthermore, this trend is set to continue as wealthy Greeks look to move their money so as to avoid ongoing efforts to boost the national coffers through higher taxes.

Meanwhile, Australian action man Hugh Jackman has become the latest big-name celebrity to be linked with a new London home after he told the website findaproperty.com that he regrets giving up the property he once owned in Pimlico.

London Property Market News

ARLA Reports on Tenant Demand

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:52:00 +0000

The number of new tenancies has been at record levels for the past year but the PRS may finally be running out of space to cater for tenant demand, reports ARLA.

The number of agents from ARLA's 6,000 members across the UK stating that there are more tenants than properties has reached the highest level since records began.

74 per cent of respondents believe that demand is outstripping supply, as has been the case for the past four quarters. The increase in demand is particularly acute in London and the south east and suggests that there is insufficient supply of property to meet tenant demand.

The survey also demonstrates that the periods in which tenants are staying in their properties has increased to a record high of 19 months, as tenants are wary of trying to find a new property in such a competitive market.

The number of new tenancies signed up by agents has risen rapidly in a consistently upward trend since 2001. But this figure has remained consistent at 34 new tenants every month per branch throughout 2011 after record numbers of new renters entered the market in 2010.

ARLA's member agents believe that this may be because there is simply a lack of desirable property on the market to entice new renters as the PRS finally feels the strain of supporting the UK's housing slump.

Tim Hyatt, president of ARLA, said: "The UK cannot rely on the rental sector to support the housing market in perpetuity. The reality is that there is a finite amount of rental property and unless both housing supply and mortgage availability improves then renters will find that their options in the market are reduced."

"The Government is doing little to encourage landlords to invest in new properties therefore we are running out of quality stock to offer to tenants. This is reflected in rent increases and a lack of choice for consumers.

"Within such an intensely competitive market, we would advise tenants and landlords to seek the best possible advice from agents as there will be those that seek to exploit this situation. Engaging with an ARLA-licensed letting agent is one way to protect your assets guard against this and guard against unethical operators."

Older People Should be Encouraged to Move into Smaller Homes to Help Tackle the "Housing Crisis"

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Older people should be encouraged to move into smaller homes to help tackle the "housing crisis", a charity says,reports the BBC

The Intergenerational Foundation calls for tax breaks to encourage downsizing and help free up some of the estimated 25 million unused bedrooms in England.More than half of over-65s are in homes with two or more spare bedrooms, which could be used by families, says its report based on government figures.

Ministers said they did not believe in "bullying" people out of their homes.The foundation (IF) is a new group set up to campaign on financial issues, particularly those affecting younger people, such as affordable housing and job prospects.

It says that while many people are living longer and staying in what was once their family home, younger families are being squeezed into smaller properties."The 'housing crisis' is increasingly an issue of how our housing stock is shared between younger and older generations," said IF co-founder Angus Hanton.

"The divide between the housing 'haves' and 'have nots' has moved from being one dominated by wealth or class to one dominated by age."

Apartment for Rent, Rosslyn Hill, Belsize Park, NW3

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Rosslyn Hill, Belsize Park, London, NW3

A split level three bedroom two bathroom ground and lower ground floor apartment located close to Belsize Park. The property also features two reception rooms, fully fitted kitchen with modern appliances, balcony, large rear garden, ensuite facilities to master bedroom, family bathroom, available from 11th December, unfurnished or part furnished.

Ground Floor Apartment for Rent, Belsize Park

End of Tenancy Maintenance; London Property Management

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:22:00 +0000

Pre Sale or End of Tenancy Property Maintenance & Makeovers

Paramount Maintenance Sevices offers a pre sale or end of tenancy maintenance and makeover service with specialists covering all trades. Whether it is your own home or a number of properties you manage, our professional multi-skilled maintenance team can save you time, money and the need to hire a range of different building and maintenance contractors.

As our client, you will receive professional, yet friendly & courteous service. Your perception of our performance is always the reality and we will communicate with you frequently to meet your expectations. We believe first and last impressions count. This means we’ll turn up on time and clean up on the way out.

Follow the link for more information on Paramount's Property Maintenance Services

Belsize Park Free School Rejected

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:04:00 +0000

Parents campaigning to establish a free school in former hostels in Belsize Park were told by the government on Monday, that their bid has not been successful. The Belsize Free School group, made up of parents in the area with school age children, are still waiting for the reasons behind Education Secretary Michael Gove's decision.

The Department of Education had received a detailed proposal to set up the one form entry primary in a pair of former Town Hall-owned hostels in Maresfield Gardens and Fitzjohns Avenue by campaigners who say there are not enough classroom places for under-11's in the Belsize Park area. They had hoped to open by September 2012, although the bid has been mired in controversy after the ruling Labour group at the Town Hall failed to back the project and began marketing the buildings on the private market.

Belsize Lib Dem councillor Tom Simon said "This is extremely disappointing. The campaigners worked very hard and put together a strong bid and should be congratulated for getting as far as they did. I think the Conservative Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has made a poor decision and children are left without the school they so badly need. Camden Lib Dems will continue to do everything we can to push the Labour council to finally find a solution to the problem".

Camden News Journal

Unite Student Accommodation Developer Announces 0....

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:01:00 +0000

Camden Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: Unite Student Accommodation Developer Announces 0....: Student accommodation developer Unite has reported a 0.6% increase in net asset value in its UK Student Accommodation Fund for the third qua...

North London Estate Agents, Paramount Lettings, Shortlisted for Property Agent Award

noreply@blogger.com (London Estate Agents) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:24:00 +0000

Leading estate agents from across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom have been notified that they have become shortlisted in the region’s most prestigious property competition in association with Google and Bloomberg Television. Paramount Lettings Limited is delighted to learn that it is one of the finalists that may win a highly commended or five-star award.

The gala awards presentation will take place on October 28th at the London Lancaster hotel near Hyde Park. The event is part of the International Property Awards, which is now in its 17th year and has become recognised as the highest standard of excellence throughout the global industry. Attaining one of these coveted awards is evidence that Paramount Lettings Limited is capable of excelling over some very strong contenders within the highly competitive UK property arena.

Later this year, the highest scoring winners from the UK Property Awards will compete against other winning companies from Asia Pacific, Africa, Arabia, the Americas and Europe to determine the ultimate World’s Best in each category.

The judging panel consists of more than 80 professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is unsurpassed by any other property awards. This year’s judges include James Bacon, UK account manager of Google; Peter Bolton King, group chief executive of the National Federation of Property professionals; David Dalby of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); and Mike McNamara of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Spencer Lawrence, Lettings Director of Paramount Lettings Limited said of the award, “We are very proud to be short listed for this prestigious award; I believe this is testament to our work ethic and our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.”