Residential Sales, Lettings and Property Management in North West London
ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 30 YEARS, Parkheath has consistently sold and let every type of property, on every local road, in every type of market condition.
We have four linked offices located in Belsize Park, West Hampstead and South Hampstead, from where we sell, let and manage property across North West London, including:
Belsize Park - Brondesbury - Camden - Cannon Hill - Chalk Farm - Cricklewood - Fitzrovia - Hampstead Village - Hampstead Garden Suburb - Islington - Kentish Town - Kilburn - Maida Vale - Mapesbury - Marylebone - Parliament Hill - Queens Park - South Hampstead - South End Green - St John's Wood - Swiss Cottage -West Hampstead - Willesden Green
Parkheath Support Cancerkin at the 10K Hyde Park Walk
OVER 200 PEOPLE took part in the 10K Hyde Park Walk on Sunday June 9th, raising money for The Cancerkin Centre based at the Royal Free Hospital in NW3.
Our team from the NW6 office walked the course in a matter of hours, and so far Cancerkin has raised £14,700 overall, with sponsorship money still coming in. Final total raised won't be known until mid-August - we'll keep you posted.
For more information about Cancerkin visit www.cancerkin.org.uk
Property Spotlight: NW3
PARKHILL WALK IS A GATED ENCLAVE of modern houses, equidistant to both Belsize Park’s transport and shops, and to Hampstead Heath. This bright, contemporary house with patio garden benefits from private parking. £1,525,000
For full details and viewings contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234
Viewings to Follow Channel 4 Filming
VIEWINGS ON A SUPERB 3 BEDROOM GARDEN APARTMENT in West Hampstead are available from Saturday 22 June. New to market, the apartment is currently being filmed for Channel 4's Relocation Relocation Relocation. With it's private entrance, south-facing garden and spacious accommodation it has lots for Phil and Kirsty to recommend...
Book your viewing now by contacting Parkheath West Hampstead on 020 7794 7111
Why Choose Parkheath?
BECAUSE we move you faster...
"I'd heard you were good, but an asking price offer in 24 hours? Impressive"
Recent client quote
If you are considering letting or selling your property, contact us:
Belsize Park NW3 - 020 7431 1234
West Hampstead NW6 - 020 7794 7111
South Hampstead NW6 - 020 7625 4567
Property Spotlight: NW6
HILLFIELD ROAD NW6 is a popular residential street, convenient for Fortune Green and all of the many facilities of West Hampstead. This substantial period family house is new to the market, and its spacious accommodation includes a 30’9 double reception, a 27’ kitchen/breakfast room, a 19’ master bedroom plus four further bedrooms. There are private front and rear gardens, plus a superb storage area in the 30’ cellar. Asking price £1,650,000.
Contact Parkheath West Hampstead on 020 7794 7111 for further details
Why Choose Parkheath?
BECAUSE, when surveyed, 99% of our clients said that they would recommend us and use us again in the future.
If you are considering letting or selling your property, contact us:
Belsize Park NW3 - 020 7431 1234
West Hampstead NW6 - 020 7794 7111
South Hampstead NW6 - 020 7625 4567
Property Spotlight: NW3
PRIMROSE GARDENS NW3 has always attracted those looking to buy a home with easy access to both Belsize Park and Primrose Hill. This stunning garden maisonette, set over the raised ground and first floors of one of the Victorians in the street, offers plenty of period charm and space, with an 18' reception, 18' kitchen/dining room, 18' master bedroom plus a second bedroom. A large summerhouse in the pretty, shaded garden gives additional space. On the market at £1,250,000 with share of freehold.
Contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234 for further details and viewings
Walking for Cancerkin this Weekend: Hyde Park Sunday June 9th
WE'RE SUPPORTING 'CANCERKIN' by taking part in this Sunday's 10K Hyde Park Walk. Cancerkin is based at the Royal Free, the renowned teaching hospital which is right in the heart of our community. The Cancerkin Centre is a special place, designed to help patients and their families enhance their wellbeing and meet the challenges brought about by breast cancer and its treatment.
Anyone can come and take part in the Walk, and entrants can just turn up at 10.15am this Sunday at the Band Stand in Hyde Park, where actor David Pendlebury will cut the ribbon and set us on our way. Entry is £15 or free for under-16s, and refreshments are provided along the way.
We hope to see you there!
Tom Conti cutting the ribbon at the 2012 Cancerkin Hyde Park Walk
For more information about Cancerkin visit www.cancerkin.org.uk
Property Spotlight: NW3
THE FAMILY HOUSES OF GLENMORE ROAD are rich in Edwardian detail, including beautiful stained glass and Art Nouveau fretwork. New to the market, this distinguished 6-bedroom period house offers nearly 3000 sq ft of flexible space, and is perfectly positioned for the tube station and facilities of Belsize Park. The property is being marketed at £3,000,000.
Contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234 for full details
Why Choose Parkheath?
BECAUSE on average we agree tenancies for our landlords at an average of 97.5% of the asking prices, despite the current highly competitive climate.
If you are considering letting or selling your property, contact us:
Belsize Park NW3 - 020 7431 1234
West Hampstead NW6 - 020 7794 7111
South Hampstead NW6 - 020 7625 4567
High Levels of Instructions
WITH RECENT NATIONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE focusing on lack of stock for sale, Parkheath are certainly bucking the trend in NW3. In recent weeks we have taken on a higher than average number of properties in the £1m+ range, including a 3 bedroom garden maisonette in Glenloch Road (£1.3m), a 6 bedroom house in central Belsize Park (£3m), a very pretty 2 bedroom maisonette in Primrose Gardens (£1.35m), a garden flat in the appropriately named Lawn Road (£1m), a garden maisonette with terrace on Haverstock Hill (£1.395m), a quirky 3 bedroom garden maisonette on Glenmore Road (£1.395m), and a contemporary 4 bedroom house in Parkhill Walk (£1.525m).
If you are looking to buy or sell in Belsize Park contact David Stern or Andy Michael on 020 7431 1234
Why Choose Parkheath?
BECAUSE last year over one-third of properties for sale in Belsize Park and South Hampstead were sold by Parkheath.
Source: Zoopla 2012
If you are considering selling your property, contact us:
Belsize Park NW3 - 020 7431 1234
West Hampstead NW6 - 020 7794 7111
South Hampstead NW6 - 020 7625 4567
Financial Advice: Getting a Buy-To-Let Mortgage
READ MORTGAGE ADVISOR Colin Payne's report on the latest figures from The Council of Mortgage Lenders here:
http://www.everyinvestor.co.uk/analysis/2013/05/20/getting-a-buy-to-let-mortgage-2987/
Colin Payne is mortgage advisor at Chapelgate, a specialist agency which deals exclusively with Parkheath.
DD: 020 7317 7311
E: colin@chapelgateassociates.com
Open Day Success
Last Saturday's Open Day at a two bedroom garden flat in Goldhurst Terrace resulted in four offers, three at or above the asking price.
Parkheath. Sold on marketing.
If you have a property to sell or rent in NW6 call us on 020 7625 4567 or 020 7794 7111
Why Choose Parkheath?
BECAUSE last year we attained an average of 98.9% of the asking price for all sales.
Source: Zoopla 2012
If you are considering selling your property, contact us:
Belsize Park NW3 - 020 7431 1234
West Hampstead NW6 - 020 7794 7111
South Hampstead NW6 - 020 7625 4567
Property Spotlight: NW6
AN EXCEPTIONALLY BRIGHT 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom flat in an attractive semi-detached property in the highly sought after South Hampstead Conservation Area. £750,000 with share of freehold.
Call 020 7625 4567 for further details and viewing appointments
Rightmove report: Monday 20 May
NEW RECORDS have been set in sellers’ asking prices according to a report today from Rightmove. The average asking price of a property new on the market in London has passed the half a million pound mark for the first time. In Greater London, new asking prices have jumped 3.3% over the last month to £509,860 – more than double the national average. The annual rise across Greater London is 8.6%. The fifth consecutive monthly rise means that overall, national average asking prices are now 5.1% higher than at the start of the year nationally.
Property Spotlight: NW3
MOMENTS FROM HAMPSTEAD HEATH and forming part of an attractive period house, a spacious triplex apartment of considerable style. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two receptions and a double-tiered patio. Multiple nearby facilities in Hampstead Village, Belsize Park and South End Green. Asking price £1,695,000.
Contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234 for more information
Local Area News: NW6
WEST HAMPSTEAD IS RIGHTLY KNOWN as a vibrant and cosmopolitan area. With plenty to offer in terms of shops and cafes, we're pleased to see that there have been some more additions - with something for everyone - in recent weeks. These run from the child-pleasing re-opening of the sweet shop next to West End Lane Cars, to a relaxed new tea shop on Mill Lane called Curled Leaf and, for those without time to linger, a branch of Minkies - whose renowned NW10 branch was feted in Vogue Magazine as 'the coolest deli in North London' - perfectly placed for the busy commuter. Also worth mentioning, Tiger Stores - a kind of Danish Muji - has opened in the O2 Centre.
Property Spotlight: NW2
THOSE LOOKING FOR A FABULOUS FAMILY HOME with great outside space should view this substantial detached house of nearly 3,500 sq ft with 112 ft south-west facing garden.
Positioned on
the border road of the Mapesbury Estate near excellent transport
links, and within the Malorees school catchment area, the house also
offers private parking plus a garage. On the market at £1,999,950.
Contact James Clark on 020 7794 7111 for details and viewings
Property Spotlight: NW6 - Same house, different apartment
AN APARTMENT ON THE FIRST FLOOR of the Conservation Area property featured below is also now available. With high ceilings, large sash windows, 2 double bedrooms -including a 16' master with en suite - the property also offers a beautifully proportioned 17'6 reception. Asking price is £800,000 with share of freehold.
Call Parkheath South Hampstead on 020 7625 4567 for further details and viewings
Property Spotlight: NW6
ON THE TOP FLOOR of a handsome period property on Priory Road, a very spacious one bedroom apartment with 20' reception, separate kitchen and 17' bedroom plus plenty of under eaves storage. Buyer will also have use of a large, established communal garden. On the market at £565,000 with share of freehold.
Call Parkheath South Hampstead on 020 7625 4567 for further details and viewings
London Marathon: Target Surpassed
ANDY MICHAEL, associate director of Parkheath, completed Sunday's London Marathon raising nearly £4000 for the National Autistic Society - almost a thousand pounds over his target. Huge congratulations are due. Let's try and get the figure to £4000 and beyond - visit his fundraising page here:
Andy Michael post-race, with Annette Ross of Parkheath's Lettings division
Property Spotlight: NW3
ON A TREE-LINED HAMPSTEAD STREET a rarely available raised and lower ground floor maisonette forming part of a double-fronted detached property. With living accommodation of 3,600 sq ft the maisonette offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 receptions, a 33’4 kitchen/conservatory and a magnificent 90’ garden. £3,650,000
Contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234 for more information
London Marathon: Help raise money for autistic children
JUST ONE WEEK LEFT before Andy Michael, from Parkheath's Belsize Park office, takes on the 26 mile challenge that is the London Marathon.
Running to raise funds for the National Autistic Society, Andy wants to support their work in helping people with autism to communicate and to achieve:
"With every thousand pounds I raise this might help one toddler have the speech and language therapy he needs or extra help at school which will help him break down the barriers that autism creates. If a child can have this support at an early age then it might help him to learn to play and communicate with his peers."
To visit Andy's fundraising page, please click on the link below. Thank you for your support
To find out more information about the National Autistic Society visit www.autism.org.uk
Property Spotlight: NW3
A LARGE GARDEN FLAT within a handsome detached period house on Lancaster Grove NW3, offering spacious rooms including a 19ft reception, a 16ft kitchen/diner and an 18ft master bedroom plus two further double bedrooms. The flat has it's own private entrance and a secluded patio garden. £1,495,000 with share of freehold.
Contact Parkheath Belsize Park on 020 7431 1234 for more information
Property Spotlight: NW6
THIS SPLIT-LEVEL APARTMENT is in a sought-after central West Hampstead location and has some wonderful period features, including a fireplace in the kitchen as well as in the reception. Beautifully presented, and with 3 double bedrooms and a secluded west-facing garden. £775,000.
Contact Parkheath West Hampstead on 020 7794 7111 for further details
Fundraising for the National Autistic Society
ANDY MICHAEL, Associate Director at Parkheath, is running the London Marathon on April 21 on behalf of the National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity for people with autism.
"To prepare for the Marathon I've covered over 400km running in 60 days, been boxing 3 days a week since December 20th and am training from 5.30-8am 7 days a week. It sounds like a lot, but it's nothing compared to all the hard work parents and families put in when they have a child with autism; they work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, giving their children love and helping them break down the barriers that autism creates. The money I raise will go towards providing therapy and support for children with autism. Please sponsor me."
To visit Andy's fundraising page, please click on the link below. Thank you for your support
To find out more information about the National Autistic Society visit www.autism.org.uk
Property Spotlight: NW3
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE The Chapel House, located on Fellows Road close to Primrose Hill.
This five bedroom property with spacious galleried reception has unique focal points including vaulted wooden beams and a floor to ceiling arched window.
Externally there is a large rear garden and front courtyard plus a 23ft roof terrace. The Chapel House is being marketed at £2,495,000.
For further details and viewings contact Parkheath's Belsize Park office on 020 7431 1234
Property Spotlight: NW6
ARRANGED OVER FOUR FLOORS, this exceptional five double bedroom family home is located on a quiet West Hampstead road.
Entertaining areas include a double reception, kitchen/diner and a day room. There is a rear garden with sun deck and play area. Available to rent at £1,495 per week.
For further details and viewings contact Parkheath's West Hampstead office on 020 7794 7111
Mansion Flat in Conservation Area Comes to Market
HERE IS THE FACADE of a highly desirable mansion block in the South Hampstead Conservation Area:
And here is what's behind the building:
Access to a three acre communal garden is just one of the many attractions of this three double bedroom flat. South-facing accommodation and a 26ft double aspect reception means that the flat is exceptionally bright. Available at £1,250,000 with share of freehold.
For further details and viewings contact Parkheath's South Hampstead office on 020 7625 4567.
Open Day on West Hampstead Apartment Brings Multiple Offers
MULTIPLE OFFERS on a two bedroom flat in Fortune Green proves that there are plenty of serious buyers out there. At the recent Open Day event at the Fortune Green flat, twenty-seven viewings resulted in five offers - almost one in five who saw it wanted it.
If you have a property in NW6 and surrounding areas to sell, contact our West Hampstead office on 020 7794 7111 for expert guidance.
Feature Property: Coach House, Hemstal Road NW6
COACH HOUSE TO A FORMER GRAND SUMMER HOUSE in this particularly quiet part of West Hampstead, this superb four bedroom property offers grand period features and a high specification contemporary finish throughout. In the 19th century Hemstal Road was one of a number of roads collectively known as the West End Park Estate, and this is reflected in the interesting architectural features of many of the houses in the street. The property is on the market at £1,200,000.
For further details or to arrange viewings, contact James Clark at Parkheath's West Hampstead office on 020 7794 7111
Feature Address: Upper Park Road, NW3
PARKHEATH IS CURRENTLY MARKETING two magnificent properties on this quiet, tree-lined turning. The Coach House offers the rare opportunity to purchase a 2-storey stucco-fronted house with private rear garden and off street parking in central Belsize Park. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two receptions, the asking price is £1,350,000.
On the same street, within an impressive period house formerly the home of Stella Gibbons, author of 'Cold Comfort Farm', a three double bedroom upper maisonette with a 35ft entertaining space, meticulously refurbished throughout with the latest technology. Asking price £1,345,000.
For further details or to arrange viewings, contact David Stern at Parkheath's Belsize Park office 020 7431 1234
Tom Gladwin, Parkheath's Managing Director, Talks Sales, Sport and Stamp Duty
IN A RECENT INTERVIEW with Vantage Magazine, Tom Gladwin gave his view on the year ahead in property.
As 2012 has come to a close how would you reflect on the year that's been?
2012 was an exciting year all round for Parkheath. Despite the many
distractions we saw an increase in the number of transactions across
sales and lettings departments. Due to the success of our property
management division we were able to open our first dedicated property management office.
We’ve also had a bit of a facelift. Parkheath is an exciting and modern
place to work with the traditional values of a well-established
company. We refreshed our brand at the end of last year to better
reflect our company style and our ‘Sold on Service’ philosophy. We’ve
been thrilled by the compliments we received so far from long term
clients and new clients alike.
How much do you think the great 'Summer of Sport' we enjoyed has affected the property market?
Demand is so high at the moment for properties in Parkheath’s area that
we saw no negative impact, and as I have said earlier, we have sold
more properties in 2012 than we did in 2011. A few less properties came
to the market perhaps, but Parkheath seamed to gain a higher market
share of these. Our lettings team did see a slow down, as the hype of
London coming to a standstill dissuaded corporate tenants and their
relocation agents from looking. However, as soon as the last medal had
been presented, the market surged, to finish 2012 with another record
year for Parkheath. We saw a renewed and increased level of sales
enquiries from foreign buyers, as the effect of London ’s biggest ever
advertisement was felt. I think that the legacy of the games and the
summer in general for the property market will be very positive. London
certainly vies for the gold medal for world cities, and more and more
people want to live and work here.
And in the same way, how has a challenging economy and dismal weather throughout the year also affected it?
The prime London property market, as it has shown over the past 4
years, is incredibly resilient, and continues to be so, in spite of the
economy. London is a fantastic place to live and work, and demand has
continued to outstrip supply, and in addition, property has proved to be
one of the safest investments available. Low interest rates have
strengthened returns from rental income. As for the weather, I think
we’re used to a bit of rain, and in true London spirit, have just got on
with it.
What does 2013 hold? Challenges and opportunities?
2013 is a very special year for Parkheath. It is our 30th anniversary,
and we expect it to be a year worth celebrating. I am always
cautious about long-term predictions in the current climate but the
Eurozone appears a little more stable and London’s reputation globally
is on a high so we are expecting a strong year for sales and lettings. I
think we will see more properties coming to the market for sale, but
again demand will continue to out-strip supply. This will however
ensure that the lettings market remains very strong. Parkheath
continues to see more and more repeat clients. These clients are
extremely important to everyone who works at Parkheath. Every returning
client strengthens our belief that service is at the heart of our
success and why Parkheath continues to increase its market share. At
Parkheath, we work hard for our clients…….
What changes have
you seen since the new SDLT came into effect and how do you think
additional measures being imposed in 2013, such as an annual charge on
corporate vehicles and capital gains tax on disposals of properties held
indirectly, will affect the market?
It’s difficult to tell really.
I think at the time this measure was announced, the £2m + market had
slowed already. Buyers at this level were already feeling the squeeze,
and so were watching and waiting anyway. Obviously it didn’t help, and
perhaps meant that slowing lasted longer. But, as when SDLT had been
increased before the market caught up pretty quickly and absorbed the
added cost. I don’t believe that the measures being introduced in 2013
will make much difference to the market. Most buy to let portfolios in
this area are not made up of properties with a value in excess of £2m.
Some funds and companies may sell any larger properties which will be
affected by the taxation changes, but generally I think the impact will
be small.
What message would you like to give to the government on this matter?
I would urge the government not to kill its golden goose at the top of
the property market. So far the market seems to have taken these
increases in taxation in its stride. However, any further increases in
taxes could deter people from moving house above a certain level, and
hence slow the rest of the market down.
Contact Tom Gladwin for further thoughts and views on the property market on 020 7794 7111
Market Know-How
SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE and you'll find that back in January 2012 Parkheath's Managing Director, Tom Gladwin, in his State of the Market blog commented:
"Prime areas will continue to outperform the rest of the capital. I would not be surprised if the figure for growth in 2012 was approaching 10%"
In it's latest House Price Index, Miles Shipside, director and housing market analyst at Rightmove, talking about annual growth in 2012, states:
“Within the annual rate of increase...there’s a two-speed market, with sellers in the capital seeing near double-digit price growth in a year"
With nearly thirty years experience in the north-west London housing market, Parkheath know property.
It's All in the Detail
JUST COMPLETED on this unusual apartment in the NW6 Conservation Area. Always a joy to take on a property with really interesting architectural/interior features. This one didn't stay on the market long - the reception has a lantern roof and the south-facing windows feature original stained glass. Rooms like this don't come along very often...
Further details on Conservation Area properties in NW6 from James Clark at our West Hampstead office on 020 7794 7111 or Abby Norman at our South Hampstead office on 020 7625 4567
Sought-after Rental in Prime NW3
THIS HANDSOME HOUSE with sweeping driveway on
As well as the imposing façade, the 2 bedroom flat also offers a magnificent 23ft reception and sunny 21ft kitchen/diner. Outside there’s a private garden, and off-street parking. A stunning property set on a prime road, so no surprises that there was a high level of interest on marketing and that the flat was let almost immediately.
Further details on this and other rental properties in NW3 from Annette Ross, Lettings Director at our Belsize Park office on 020 7431 3104
Bringing the Outside In
SUPERBLY RENOVATED THROUGHOUT and with sliding glass doors connecting the kitchen/diner to the 60ft garden, Parkheath presents an outstanding, bright and contemporary living space in prime Belsize Park.
Well positioned and with easy access to Primrose Hill and the Heath, this beautifully modelled three double bedroom garden apartment with private entrance is set on the ground level of a handsome Victorian house. Asking price of £2,195,000
To arrange a viewing contact David Stern on 020 7317 7317 or call our Belsize Park office on 020 7431 1234
Open Day Brings Flurry of Offers
WITH A SOUTH-FACING TERRACE AND OFF-STREET PARKING, this 2/3 bedroom first floor flat in the South Hampstead Conservation Area generated plenty of interest at a recent Open Day viewing. Four offers followed the viewing, and a sale was agreed above the asking price of £825,000.
If you have a property to sell in NW6 you can contact one of our two local offices: West Hampstead on 020 7794 7111 or South Hampstead on 020 7625 4567. We look forward to helping you.
Feature Property: Garden Maisonette, Belsize Park Gardens NW3
AT THIS EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS a magnificent garden maisonette of 3,000 sq ft, occupying the entire raised and lower ground floors of a distinguished semi-detached white stucco-fronted villa.
This family-orientated home exudes style and character, and successfully blends contemporary finishes with period detail.
Internally there is a 31’8 reception/kitchen opening to the garden, 30’8 2nd reception, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. To the rear is a landscaped patio garden. Asking price £3,650,000 with share of freehold.
To arrange a viewing contact David Stern on 020 7317 7317 or call our Belsize Park office on 020 7431 1234
Top Property Website Confirms Parkheath Success
Kate O’Neill
Lettings Manager, Parkheath
20.07.12
LEADING UK PROPERTY WEBSITE Rightmove has placed Parkheath 1st out of over 400 agents in the local and surrounding area for winning instructions during June and July this year.
Rightmove, who claim more views-per-page than all of the other property websites put together, and who earlier this summer were ranking higher than Yahoo in terms of page impressions, released the placings last week in statistics which record competition between property agencies.
Reflecting our commitment to the highest level of service, the Rightmove figures underline Parkheath's success in taking properties to market. Homeowners in NW3 and NW6 who are looking to instruct an agency in the sale of their home should contact Parkheath now on 020 7431 1234 (NW3) and 020 7794 7111 or 020 7625 4567 (NW6)
Will the 2012 Olympics Ignite a Mini Boom?
Tom Gladwin
Managing Director, Parkheath
25.06.12
THERE COULD BE MORE THAN OLYMPIC RECORDS BROKEN THIS YEAR. The prime north London property market has had an astonishing start to 2012 and I wouldn’t be surprised if after an unprecedented summer of celebrations we could see a mini property boom.
The first quarter of the year has seen a surge in buyers and against a backdrop of stamp duty rises and economic uncertainty, sales have continued to increase and properties are attracting multiple buyers. Soon the country will have the world’s attention with the Queens Diamond Jubilee followed by the 2012 Olympic Games, and London will be centre stage.
I predict the celebrations this summer will attract further investors and boost buyers’ confidence further. The later part of 2011 saw a stagnation of buyers in the £5-7m bracket but confidence seems to have returned and so the market beneath has moved with more freedom. High-end buyers are selling to upgrade and so the chains fall into place behind them.
The market has been incredibly competitive as, more often than not, multiple offers are received. The increasingly unstable situation in Europe has heightened the demand for the security of prime London property as investors sell stocks to buy yielding assets. The more traditional owner occupiers are growing in confidence as they watch those more senior to themselves moving and up-sizing. The economy will strengthen over the next five years and with it the demand for, and price of property. If you are in a stable, secure job, or have cash available to invest, now is a great time to buy.
Much of the property market depends on confidence and mood. We have seen confidence increase as buyers see their friends and colleagues moving house. The ‘mood’ in the property market has been self made over recent times, and juxtaposed to the economic climate and nation’s general confidence. But now we approach what will be the biggest ‘pick-me-up’ the capital has seen in a long time. In typical London fashion, no one currently seems overly excited by the prospect of the Greatest Show on Earth coming to town. But, as with the Royal Wedding last year, we will all be swept along with the tide of excitement and interest and I am sure will all enjoy the events.
The eyes of the world will be on London from early June until the Closing Ceremony on 12th August. A six week advert for London will be beamed around the globe. Interest from overseas investors worried by the Euro-crisis or the slow down in China will be drawn to the London property market. All we need now is a bit of sunshine!
Feature Property: Garden Apartment, Aberdare Gardens NW6
ENJOY SUMMERTIME in this beautifully refurbished garden apartment, enviably situated on a premier road in the heart of the South Hampstead Conservation Area.
Set over the raised and recently created lower ground floor, a central feature of the property is the impressive 31’ kitchen/dining room which opens through wall-to-ceiling glass doors to a landscaped 76’ garden.
With an elegant 24’ reception on the raised ground floor, four double bedrooms and four bathrooms this is a home of distinction. New to market at £2,400,000 with share of freehold.
To arrange a viewing contact James Clark on 020 7433 6105 or call our South Hampstead office on 020 7625 4567
Competition in the Conservation Area
James Clark
Sales Manager, Parkheath
23.04.12
Recently marketed by Parkheath, this one bedroom apartment in Broadhurst Gardens NW6 with large reception and southerly views has received ten offers,
more than half of which
are at asking price or above.
If you own or let a similar
property in
Call James Clark on 020 7433 6105 if you would like Parkheath to value your property for sale.
Property Management: New Dedicated Office
Annette Ross
Lettings Director, Parkheath
05.04.12
Due to an increase in demand from landlords for property management, Parkheath has opened a dedicated office in Belsize Park. Our London-wide property management includes the following services:
- Arrange regular rental payments made on the client's behalf, including any necessary tax deductions
- Dedicated telephone and email contact for tenants
- Transfer utilities and arrange settlement of final accounts
- Arrange annual gas safety checks
- Carry out periodic inspections of the property and report on its general condition
- Settlement of regular outgoings such as ground rent, service charges, maintenance charges with your agreement
- Arrange any cleaning or garden maintenance necessary to put the property in order before or after the tenancy
- Arrange all repairs and maintenance to the property
- Arrange an independent inventory and schedule of your property
- Provide a key-holding service
- Arrange to re-negotiate a further rental period or end a tenancy
- Manage the check-out and deposit negotiation process
The new office can be found at 155 Haverstock Hill NW3 opposite Belsize Park tube station, or telephone our property management team there on 020 7722 6777
Property Focus: Garden Flats in the NW6 Conservation Area
James Clark
Sales Manager, Parkheath
19.03.12
Parkheath’s South Hampstead office has just sold it’s third garden flat in Canfield Gardens NW6 in six weeks.
Having sold two garden flats on the north-facing side of the road, on the market at £1.3m each, Parkheath took on a similar garden flat in the same street, which had the additional bonus of a south-facing garden. Fierce competition immediately ensued, resulting in multiple bids and six offers at and above the asking price of £1.4m.
Property in South Hampstead's Conservation Area is always sought-after, and Parkheath's long-standing presence in the area means that their experience there is second to none.
Contact James Clark direct on 020 7433 6105 if you would like Parkheath to value your property for sale
State of the Market
Tom Gladwin
Managing Director, Parkheath
20.01.12
IT'S AGREED THAT 2011was undoubtedly a tough one for Great Britain, and forecasters predict this will continue into 2012. But how was it for the property market in prime North West London?
INVESTORS KEY TO MARKET GROWTH
The traditional tinder to spark the property market into life are first-time buyers. As finance continues to be tricky to secure, and rising rental prices hinder the chance of saving a larger deposits, true first-timers are few and far between. However they have been replaced in greater and greater numbers by investors seizing the chance to make far greater returns than are possible keeping money on deposit, and with far less risk than is currently normal in the stock market. With interest rates low and rents high, returns are good. This year we have also seen a fresh influx of foreign money. The Arab spring and uncertainty in other Middle Eastern countries, and the instability of the European banking system has led to safe harbours being sought: one of the most popular being Prime London Property. We have responded to the increase in this sector by expanding our rental department and by opening a dedicated Property Management office close to our existing office in Belsize Park. Just as pension holders have used fund managers to grow and administer their investments, they are now using professional management services to protect their new property investments. This has led to an increase of 22 per cent in the number of properties which Parkheath manage.
LONDON VS NATIONAL
What has been clearly highlighted is that the property market does not operate as a single entity. Not only is the London market vastly separate from the rest of the UK, but within the London market, certain, highly desirable areas have outperformed lesser ones. And even within those areas, certain streets or types of property have increased in value more than others
INTEREST RATES AND CONFIDENCE
Recent reports from the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England do not paint a rosy picture for the next few years. The positive to be drawn from this is that interest rates are unlikely to rise in the foreseeable future which means that money held on deposit will remain unproductive and people will continue to search for better performing investments. So long as this is the case, there will be a greater number of investors looking for property, which creates extra demand, putting a strain on the supply of available properties and leading to an increase in confidence as people compete for properties. As this is reported to buyers and sellers alike, prices are pushed higher.
LONDON 2012
Over the course of 2011 in the prime areas of North West London prices rose by around 8%. This year London is, of course, hosting the Olympics, and so will be the focus of the world's attention. Historically, after the closing ceremonies have ended, property in Olympic cities has enjoyed strong and immediate growth, and I believe that London will be no different. Perhaps there will not be the dramatic change that was seen in Barcelona, but I still think that the buzz created by the greatest show on Earth will reflect kindly on the market. Early in the year canny buyers will be keen to buy, before any surge in interest caused by the Games pushes prices higher in the autumn. The regeneration of the areas most local to the Olympic Village and the new housing created will quickly be snapped up as more and more people are drawn to our wonderful city.
Prime areas will continue to outperform the rest of the capital. The best properties in Belsize Park and South Hampstead are already regularly breaking £1000 per square foot and the demand for them will only push this higher. I would not be surprised if the figure for growth in 2012 was approaching 10%.
Property Provides Safe Harbour
Tom Gladwin
Managing Director, Parkheath
29.09.11
THE SWELL IN PROPERTY DEMAND in prime North West London is continuing as investors look for ‘safe harbours’ to ride out the current financial storm. In prime residential areas such as Belsize Park, South and West Hampstead we are seeing a rise in both sales and property prices despite the gloomy financial outlook.
The current volatility in the world’s stock markets and the ever present threat of Southern European Countries defaulting on their loans, combined with the impending Public Sector government cuts, has lead to a pretty bleak outlook for the nationwide property market. However for us, the market could not be more different. In uncertain times large-scale investors often seek the safe harbours provided by gold and cash. For the private investor, property in prime North West London is increasingly seen as a ‘safe haven’. With the cash rich getting little or no return on their money in the bank, property is still promising excellent, inflation proof, long term capital gain, with immediate returns from rising rental incomes.
This influx of new investors has once again increased the level of competition within a market where demand already outstrips supply. This has made other buyers more confident about the long-term sustainability of the local property market. People have become more comfortable with moving within the market. The result has been a reduction in stalemates, where buyers are waiting while sellers struggle to buy which has often meant chains of sales and purchases remained incomplete.
To conclude, we are looking at an exciting property market with more properties to sell, and more buyers keen to purchase. More transactions have been completed; more people are buying property and more people want to buy property. Prime London is still promising a buoyant future.
Top Property Website Confirms Parkheath Success
David Stern
Director, Parkheath
23.08.11
LEADING UK PROPERTY WEBSITE Rightmove has placed Parkheath 2nd out of 81 agents in the local area for winning instructions during July and August this year.
Rightmove, who claim more views-per-page than all of the other property websites put together, and who earlier this summer were ranking higher than Yahoo in terms of page impressions, released the placings last week in statistics which record competition between property agencies.
Reflecting our commitment to the highest level of service, the Rightmove figures underline Parkheath's success in taking properties to market. Homeowners in NW3 and NW6 who are looking to instruct an agency in the sale of their home should contact Parkheath now on 020 7431 1234 (NW3) and 020 7794 7111 or 020 7625 4567 (NW6)
Do You Own a Property in Belsize Park?
David Stern
Director, Parkheath
27.07.11
WITH THE OPENING of the new French school in Kentish Town this September we are experiencing a huge surge of demand for properties from French families wanting to buy and rent in Belsize Park, a desirable area with easy access to NW5. The school, sponsored by the French government, will take 700 pupils and will have links to the French Lycee in Kensington. Contact us now on 020 7431 1234 if you have a property to sell, or 020 7431 3104 if you have a property to rent.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
Tom Gladwin
Managing Director, Parkheath
28.06.11
AT PARKHEATH we like to find out what people who have used us think of our service. A post-completion follow-up call to our vendors and buyers is ideal for reviewing people's opinions and helping us to improve what we do, and we're delighted to say that in 98% of cases - when asked - people say that they would recommend our service to others.
We also get valuable feedback on a daily basis from vendors, buyers, landlords and tenants who e-mail us with their comments and thoughts. You can find more of these on our Testimonials page under 'About Us' on this website, but this one came in on the e-mail this morning and is very representative:
David,
Again, thanks for your help - I really think your call on holding out for the higher figure was inspired. I was ready to accept the lower offer so definitely added value!
When we were looking for an estate agent to sell our Belsize Park flat, we wanted a company with a strong local presence and specific knowledge of the area. Parkheath, as sole agent, quickly brought us in over 30 viewings and in just a few weeks we accepted an offer very close to the asking price. In the current difficult market, Parkheath's advice on marketing and price and their consistent professionalism made all the difference, and we would recommend them to anyone looking to sell their flat both quickly and for a good price.
Thanks again.
Felix
Word-of-mouth recommendations such as the above speak volumes, and we hope these will help anyone who is currently in the position of choosing an agent to sell or rent their home in NW3, NW6 and the surrounding areas.
Parkheath Rental Market Patterns
Annette Ross
Lettings Director, Parkheath
24.06.11
OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS Parkheath has seen the rental market in NW3 and NW6 falter, recover and then go from strength to strength. Despite a dip towards the end of the first quarter, demand has risen again pushing rental prices upwards. With both NW3 and NW6 enviably positioned for access to the City, these are areas which are extremely sought-after by high profile tenants and, with job vacancies in the City up by a quarter over last year, the numbers of such tenants seeking to live here are on the increase.
January was very fast-paced, with many new applicants registering and new properties to process. During February and March demand was sustained and the new applicants list continued to increase, but the number of available properties dipped. Towards the end of April however available properties were on the increase, and rental values - particularly for one and two bedroom apartments - began to rise. Demand for rental properties throughout May was extremely high, both from individuals and from relocation companies who, in seeking to position their clients, were consistently coming in with asking price offers, an indication that the budgets of blue chip companies had increased.
We will see a buoyant summer market throughout June/July/August as these are traditionally the changeover months for ex-pats and also for those wanting to be situated for the start of the academic year. Now is an ideal time to talk to us if you have a house or flat to rent in Belsize Park, West Hampstead, South Hampstead and the surrounding areas.
Annette Ross, Belsize Park Office 020 7431 3104
Kate O'Neill, West Hampstead and South Hampstead Offices 020 7794 7111 or 020 7625 4567
Prices Rise to 15% Higher Than the 'Peak'
Tom Gladwin
Managing Director, Parkheath
09.06.11
RECENT NEWS of yet another drop in the national average house price figures and claims that prices may well drop by a further 10% have the economic doom-mongers rubbing their hands with joy.
'Don't buy now, you could save thousands' is the reported advice.
And this may well be useful guidance for those living in many areas of the United Kingdom; however it could not be further from the case in the prime areas of North West London in which Parkheath specialize. As with many things, one prescription doesn't suit all.
If you want expert advice, surely you talk to an expert in the specific area you want to know about. You wouldn't consult an orthopaedic surgeon if you had a problem with your kidneys. So national figures and predictions should also be taken as such. You need to look much closer to home for useful advice on the area you want to live in.
Parkheath would advise you that the property market in Belsize Park, South Hampstead and West Hampstead is busier than ever. An increase in the number of properties coming to the market has been outstripped by an even greater number of buyers registering with our offices. These buyers are more often than not in fantastic buying positions. With large deposits and low 'Loan to Value' mortgages or even entirely cash purchasers, issues with the constricted finance market are largely overcome. Investors looking for greater returns than those given by the banks or stock market are also underpinning the market.
As a result, we are busier than ever. We are seeing prices at 15% higher than the 'peak' of 2007. On most sales, we are receiving multiple bids as savvy buyers see through the negativity portrayed by the media. So, if you are unsure about the market, swayed by stories you have read, please don't be. If you wait for five years to save the 10%, as many 'experts' are quoting, I think it likely that the property you wish to purchase in Parkheath's prime areas will be 30% more expensive than it is today.
