Jo Webster Properties Ltd

3 Bedroom Apartment, 100 Battersea Church Road £2,100,000.00

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:59:50 GMT

Fully renovated 3 bedroom property with exceptional views in one of the best riverside developments.The apartment benefits from SECURE PARKING, all weather tennis court, RESIDENT ONLY GYM, sauna/steam room, 24/7 SECURITY and CONCIERGE services. Located close to Battersea Park and Battersea Square.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £2,150,000.00

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:20:31 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £1,820,000.00

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:50:41 GMT

3 Bedroom Penthouse, 100 Battersea Church Road £4,850,000.00

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:12:28 GMT

1 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £725,000.00

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:32:02 GMT

A wonderful one bedroom apartment located on the second floor within Mathison House, Kings Chelsea. The property benefits from an open reception room with upgraded kitchen, located in a gated development with 24 hour security, swimming pool, gym, tennis court, car parking and landscaped gardens.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £2,150,000.00

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:47:22 GMT

3 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £1,395.00

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:46:22 GMT

1 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £685,000.00

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:55:51 GMT

3 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £4,950,000.00

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:54:19 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £1,850,000.00

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:32:27 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £1,850,000.00

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:03:44 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £1,175,000.00

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:17:12 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, 100-112 Battersea Church Road £1,500,000.00

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 01:46:09 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £1,750,000.00

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:08:51 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £2,600,000.00

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:46:31 GMT

0 Bedroom Car Space, London £50,000.00

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:52:44 GMT

We are pleased to announce that there is an *UNDERGROUND CAR PARKING SPACE* for sale in the Observatory Gardens development. Please note, this space can only be sold to existing leaseholders in Observatory Gardens.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £775,000.00

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:18:23 GMT

A spacious two bedroom apartment on the second floor of this iconic riverside development. The property comprises 943 sq.ft. (87 sq.m.) and has two double bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en-suite) with an open plan kitchen incorporating a breakfast bar and adjoining reception room.

3 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £2,495,000.00

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 01:17:37 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £1,300,000.00

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 04:27:59 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £1,350,000.00

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:00:04 GMT

This DOUBLE ASPECT 2 BEDROOM ground floor apartment located within the highly sought after Kensington Green development, which benefits from 24-HOUR SECURITY AND CONCIERGE.

3 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £2,000,000.00

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:24:55 GMT

A wonderful sixth floor apartment located in the popular development of Kensington Green. The apartment benefits from being south and west facing, benefitting from patio doors on to a balcony and fabulous views,

2 Bedroom Apartment, 100 Battersea Church Road £2,750,000.00

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:06:42 GMT

3 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £2,575,000.00

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:06:59 GMT

6 Bedroom House, London £7,350,000.00

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:17:05 GMT

An exceptional 6 bedroom town house | Set across four floors | 24-hour security | Gym | Award-winning landscaped gardens

0 Bedroom Car Space, London £110,000.00

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:12:06 GMT

We are pleased to announce that there is an *UNDERGROUND CAR PARKING SPACE* for sale in the Kensington Green development. Please note, this space can only be sold to existing leaseholders in Kensington Green.

0 Bedroom Car Space, London £80,000.00

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:16:44 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £1,850,000.00

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:38:13 GMT

A sixth floor two bed apartment that has been upgraded to an exceptional standard with new fittings throughout. Comprising 1,377 sq ft the apartment benefits from river views from the reception room and both bedrooms.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £975,000.00

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 02:21:26 GMT

An immaculate and generously proportioned two bedroom apartment | 24-hour security | Gym | Indoor swimming pool | Car parking space

0 Bedroom House, Chelsea £4,000.00

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:04:29 GMT

Fully furnished | Fully Equipped Kitchen | Three-bedroom | Three carefully considered floors | Private Balcony

0 Bedroom House, Chelsea £5,500.00

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:55:36 GMT

Fully furnished three-bedroom | Three carefully considered floors | Fully equipped kitchen | Balcony

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington Green £2,000,000.00

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:27:25 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Coleridge Gardens £1,400,000.00

Wed, 14 May 2025 03:42:51 GMT

4 Bedroom House, London £4,195,000.00

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:39:02 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington Green £2,250,000.00

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:43:28 GMT

A beautifully presented two bedroom ground floor apartment | Double-aspect reception room | 24-hour security | Beautifully maintained communal gardens

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £2,250,000.00

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:21:30 GMT

A rare opportunity to acquire an elegant and generously proportioned two-bedroom apartment located within the prestigious Stone Hall, in the heart of Kensington. Occupying the first floor of this grand period building.

3 Bedroom Apartment, London £1,050,000.00

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:45:28 GMT

An exceptional three-bedroom riverside apartment set within the iconic Montevetro Building, one of Battersea`s most prestigious developments. This stylish first-floor residence offers approximately 1,085 sq ft of contemporary living space, designed to maximise natural light and showcase stunning vie

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £695,000.00

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:45:55 GMT

3 Bedroom Apartment, 100-112 Battersea Church Road £2,850,000.00

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:59:59 GMT

Exceptional three bedroom lateral apartment | Expansive living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows | 24-hour concierge and security | Gym | Tennis

3 Bedroom Apartment, London £6,250.00

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:30:07 GMT

Unique newly refurbished interior designed duplex Penthouse apartment | Three spacious double bedrooms | Two en-suite bathrooms | Family bathroom | Under floor heating

4 Bedroom House, London £3,900,000.00

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:57:24 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, 8 Hester Road £1,550,000.00

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:27:53 GMT

3 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £1,750.00

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:30:03 GMT

1 Bedroom Apartment, 8 Hester Road £575,000.00

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:09:01 GMT

1 Bedroom Apartment, London £5,500.00

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:19:42 GMT

An exceptional one bedroom duplex apartment | Split across two floors in the iconic One Hyde Park Development | Splendid south facing city views | Fully-furnished.

0 Bedroom Apartment, Chelsea £1,700,000.00

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:47:12 GMT

Discover an exceptional collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments within the iconic Powerhouse at Chelsea Waterfront

2 Bedroom Apartment, 100-112 Battersea Church Road £1,150,000.00

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:54:25 GMT

Set within the iconic Montevetro Building, this beautifully upgraded two-bedroom apartment offers 1,006 sq ft (93.5 sq m) of bright, contemporary living space. The floor-to-ceiling windows framing tranquil west facing views of the River Thames and surrounding greenery.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Kensington £3,300.00

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:43:03 GMT

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £1,950,000.00

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:28:48 GMT

A unique and beautifully renovated two-bedroom riverside apartment, set on the fifth floor of the prestigious Albion Riverside development,

2 Bedroom Apartment, Nine Elms £1,000,000.00

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:29:11 GMT

A well-presented riverside apartment set within the sought-after Elm Quay Court development, offering bright and spacious accommodation with direct river views and a private balcony.

4 Bedroom Apartment, London £3,900,000.00

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:44:20 GMT

An exceptional four-bedroom riverside apartment that offers expansive lateral living, spectacular views and excellent facilities in one of the most sought-after developments along the Thames.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £1,725,000.00

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:54:57 GMT

A bright and well-presented fourth floor, two-bedroom apartment with glorious views of the River Thames and Albert Bridge.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Battersea £1,100,000.00

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:02:30 GMT

An immaculate and generously proportioned two-bedroom apartment spanning 986 sq ft is positioned on the eighth floor of the iconic Albion Riverside development.

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £995,000.00

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:40:24 GMT

A bright and spacious two bedroom apartment available on the 3rd floor of this prestigious Albion Riverside development. The apartment comprises of a generously sized reception room with an open plan kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom ( en-suite), separate shower room and secure underground parking.

2 Bedroom Apartment, London £1,795,000.00

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:37:45 GMT

We are delighted to present this excellent two-bedroom apartment, extending to approximately 1,453 sq ft of well-proportioned living space located on the seventh floor within the iconic Montevetro Building.

Facebook gives another signal that it may soon carry property listings

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT

It looks likely that Facebook will soon be able to list homes for sale in the US, in the style of a portal, and allowing agencies to advertise their inventories. Property Portal Watch, an industry website, says interviews in US publications suggest that Facebook`s Marketplace function, which allows people to sell items within their own neighbourhood, may be extended to larger items including cars and homes. PPW says Facebook recently appointed new senior staff for Marketplace with the aim of working more closely with companies rather than just individuals: this is likely to include realtors. Facebook says Marketplace is keen to see what listings are popular and what consumers engage with specifically in order to further develop the product, with the suggestion that it may partner with one or more firms to list homes. Reference: Acquaint

The 20 biggest global property tycoons operating in Britain

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Commercial real estate website Bisnow recently published a rundown of the richest 100 players in global property. 20 of the 100 – including an inventor, a Duke, a President, and a felon – hold direct property investments in the UK worth a combined £438bn… Here`s who they are, ranked by how deep they`ve gone with UK property investments (according to Bisnow`s research): 1. Amancio Ortega • NET WORTH: $82.5bn • The Spanish Inditex (Zara) co-founder has built a portfolio of more than £1b of prime assets in London, including the £600m home of Primark on Oxford Street 2. Li Ka-shing • NET WORTH: $30.5bn • The man behind Hutchison Whampoa is Hong Kong`s richest man. His UK projects include the development of the Lots Road Power Station into Chelsea Waterfront. 3. Wang Jianlin • NET WORTH: $30.5bn • China-based Dalian Wanda Group, run by Jianlin, is making vast moves in the UK, including developing swathes of Nine Elms (despite recently – and dramatically – backing out of an acquisition of the New Covent Garden resi development site). Forbes ranked Jianlin as the world`s No.1 real estate billionaire this year. 4. Stefan Persson • NET WORTH: $19.9bn • The Swedish retail magnate (founder of H&M) acquired the Debenhams store on Oxford Street for c.£400m last year (via his Ramsbury Invest real estate operation), and also owns a chunky block on Regent Street. 5. Thomas & Raymond Kwok • NET WORTH: $18.2B • Hong Kong`s Kwok family have JVs in London and European projects, including with Capco and M7. 6. Simon & David Reuben • NET WORTH: $18bn • The Reuben brothers are the biggest UK-based players on this list. Their portfolio includes hefty schemes in Paddington, Millbank Tower, the resi development of Mayfair`s Carrington Street carpark, and the old In & Out Club on Piccadilly. 7. The Waltons • NET WORTH: $130bn • The Walton family owns an awful lot of property via their supermarket business, Walmart – which owns Asda. 8. Philip Anschutz • NET WORTH: $12.6bn • Philip Anschutz is the 22nd-biggest landowner in the USA. He runs entertainment giant AEG – and as such owns the O2 Arena in London. 9. Stephen Schwarzman • NET WORTH: $12.4bn • Stephen Schwarzman started private equity giant Blackstone Group with $400,000 capital. It`s now the world`s biggest property investor, owning stakes in an awful lot of London property. 10. Peter Woo • NET WORTH: $12.3bn • Woo`s family runs Hong Kong-based real estate business Wheelock, which has been pretty active in London since the Brexit vote, acquiring 23 King Street for £120m last Summer, and the Hilton Doubletree in Ealing this July for £40m. 11. Donald Trump • NET WORTH: $3.5bn • The American President still owns golf courses in Scotland. 12. Stephen Ross • NET WORTH: $7.4bn • Ross`s Related Cos owns sports team the Miami Dolphins and lots of New York property. In Britain, it`s working with Argent on a big resi-led project in Tottenham, and is also pitching for the redevelopment of Euston Station. 13. Charles Cadogan, The 8th Earl of Cadogan • NET WORTH: $6.2bn • The Cadogan family own much of Chelsea and Knightsbridge. The Cadogan Estate is the second biggest great estate in London, after the Duke of Westminster`s patch. 14. David & Frederick Barclay • NET WORTH: $6.2bn • The Barclay Brothers own the Ritz and have dabbled in many household name media and hotel holdings. They also own Brecqhou, in the Channel Islands. 15. Frank Lowy • NET WORTH: $5.4bn • Australian owner of Westfield shopping centres 16. Hugh Grosvenor, The 7th Duke of Westminster • NET WORTH: $12.2bn • The 7th Duke of Westminster is the ultimate owner of much of Mayfair and Belgravia, operated by the family business. 17. Jerry Speyer & Katherine Farley • NET WORTH: $3.9bn • The husband-and-wife team run US-based firm Tishman Speyer, which holds a London portfolio including Sainsbury`s Holborn HQ and the Verde building in Victoria. 18. Sir James Dyson • NET WORTH: $4.5bn • The Gloucestershire-based vacuum cleaner inventor is now the largest landowner in Britain, according to Bisnow, owning more than 25,000 acres. 19. Joseph Lau • NET WORTH: $15.2bn • Macau-based Lau, with his former partner Yvonne Lui Lau, have invested in trophy London office blocks including Goldman Sachs` Fleet Street HQ (bought for £280m in 2010) and 14 George Street in Mayfair (acquired for £120m). 20. Leon Black • NET WORTH: $6.3bn • Black co-founded private equity firm Apollo, which is a big commercial property player in both Britain and Ireland. Reference: Prime Resi

Kensingtons Residential Resurgence

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Taking in some of London`s most highly-prized and established addresses, including The Phillimores and The Boltons. W8 isn`t traditionally known for its new-build stock, but a new report has flagged up that around 830 units have been completed in the Kensington area over the 3½ years to Q2 2017, with more than 500 currently under construction. Most of the new residential development action is happening on that western fringe, with Berkeley`s St Edward arm delivering several sites forming part of the 375 Kensington High Street scheme. But it`s Capco`s well-documented mega-scheme (formally Earls Court Exhibition Center) to the south that`s doing most of the heavy lifting, creating 6,500 homes (5,200 private) – albeit with many of those falling under the banner of Hammersmith & Fulham. Adding to the general buzz are some other notable new high-end developments to the west, including Chelsfield`s 62-unit Holland Green and Redrow`s 41-unit scheme at 205 Holland Park Avenue – both now complete – while Native Land`s super-prime Holland Park Villas is currently under construction. Grainger is also working on 53 private units at 21 Young Street. Around High Street Ken – the `spine` of Kensington – there`s 44 private residential units planned at Allen House on Allen Street, while Minerva is working on turning the Odeon cinema into a mixed-use scheme with new cinema and 43 private residential units. Bellworth`s Lancer Square is also one to watch; the Malaysian firm has consent for 36 private units on this peach of a site just behind Kensington Palace. During the last two and a half years to Q2 2017, nine Kensington schemes have had units for sale, with just over 300 sold (most of which were at 375 Kensington High Street, Kensington Row and Lillie Square). Reference: Prime Resi

Jo Websters New Website

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Jo Webster are delighted to annouce our new and revamped Website. We hope you find it user friendly, informative and packed with great properties and information.

Jo Webster starts property acquisitions for clients

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Jo Webster Properties now offers a bespoke service for our clients, specializing in property acquisition. Buying a property is both time consuming and stressful. We appreciate that many of our clients simply do not have the time to thoroughly research a purchase and would benefit from specialist advice in this field. By using an expert to work on your behalf can actually save you money. We will be able to find the best property to suit your requirements and negotiate the best price for you. We will source a short list of potential properties, negotiate the price, oversee the selling process and assist upon completion of the sale, reading meters, collecting keys and checking the property. If you are looking for your own property, a rental investment or an off plan purchase we can advise you on the best way forward. We can also help advise on interiors, lettings, lawyers, accountants, schools, universities and many more aspects that you might need assistance with. With our comprehensive knowledge of the market, we can provide you with access to the very best properties both on and off market. Please call us for a confidential conversation and we can talk through how we can help you find your next home.

Recent testimonial from a client in The Montevetro

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMT

I wanted to share this amazing testimonial that we recently received from a client who bought and sold through us in the Montevetro Building. Its really lovely to have such a happy client.

The Happiest places to live in Britain

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMT

A survey by property portal Rightmove has revealed the 10 happiest places to live in the UK. Over 17,000 people across the UK took part in the survey which asked residents how happy they are where they live, and asked them to rate 12 happiness factors, including friendly neighbours to how good the local services are. Richmond Upon Thames came 8th on the list. The affluent borough of Richmond upon Thames is home to large open spaces including Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and Bushy Park. The vast green spaces are part of the reason why typical property prices are 3x the UK average. Richmond upon Thames is the only London city to make the top 10 list. Source: The Telegraph - Money and Property section 11/10/17

Can a scent really help you sell a home?

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Marcel Proust knew about the power of the senses to evoke happy memories. Cues in everyday life, in his case, the smell of a madeleine dipped in tea can spark a sense of security or joy. Retailers and hoteliers have exploited our involuntary responses to certain smells for many years, and estate agent folklore says that aromas of freshly brewed coffee or baking bread can help sell a home. But does scent really make us buy a house? The secret is to make people think ‘what a wonderful place` without realising it`s the smell. Fragrances improve your mood and you want people to relax as they walk around and feel that it is a refuge, a safe haven. The secret is to make people think ‘what a wonderful place` without realising it`s the smell. Subtlety is key, whilst overpowering smells can be a turn-off. Scent plays a part in creating a narrative or a back story to a property something that is increasingly important in helping to sell homes in high-end new schemes. For the luxury apartments of Chelsea Island, where prices start from £935,000, chandler Rachel Vosper created an uplifting petitgrain and bergamot scent to complement the soft grey and lemon decor. She suggests taking the long view when concocting a homely scent: `Rather than use a specific scent that is in fashion and will date, go for something with longevity.` To read the full article please goto: The Telegraph online - 26 October 2017

RIBA House of the Year 2017

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMT

A quite remarkable creation inspired by the traditional oast houses of Kent has been named RIBA House of the Year 2017. Caring Wood by James Macdonald Wright and Niall Maxwell fought off competition from six other shortlisted entries to scoop the annual prize awarded to the best new house or house extension designed by an architect in the UK. According to the judges, the striking, sprawling country pile `speaks of its time and place: with a contemporary design that has clear links to the rural vernacular`. Local building crafts and traditions were used throughout the project, including handmade peg clay tiles, locally quarried ragstone and coppiced chestnut cladding. The result, said the panel, `re-imagines the English country house`, with `interlinking roofs like markers in the landscape, echoing other oast houses in the distance`.

PCL Market Snapshot: ‘Recovery mode` continues as sales prices bottom out

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Price declines are bottoming out as transaction numbers pick up, says Knight Frank – and there`s even been some price growth in the £5m-£10m bracket… The average property price in Prime Central London is now 2.2% lower than it was a year ago, but the latest from Knight Frank indicates that there`s been a slight rise in the £5m-£10m bracket – it`s the first positive annual number since 2015. Whats more, the three months to November delivered flat price inflation across the board; it`s the first non-negative quarter since April 2016, meaning that the annual -2.2% is the least-dramatic rate of decline since August 2016. SALES • Annual price change: -2.2% • Quarterly (3 months to November) price change: 0% • Sales volume: +10% in the six months to November Overall, the PCL sales market `is moving towards recovery mode`, says the agency, with continued signs that price declines are bottoming out as asking prices align with what buyers are willing to pay. It looks as though the top-end is leading any recovery in price performance: Average prices for homes worth between £5 and £10 million were 0.4% higher this November, while average values for £10m+ homes were -2.1% on the year, a more modest rate of decline than the -3.1% fall for homes worth between £1m and £2m. 10% more deals were done in PCL in the six months to November, according to LonRes data, although Knight Frank says that it `doesn`t expect sales volumes to improve in a meaningful way until the market adjusts fully to higher transaction costs`. PCL`s `recovery mode` has seen `a cautious re-emergence of buyers in the market`. KF reports a 2.8% rise in the number of new prospective buyers registering between January and October 2017 compared to the same period last year, while viewing levels were up 8%. But prime stock levels are slipping; the number of Rightmove listings above £2m in PCL between January and October 2017 was down by about 17% compared to the same period in 2016… Source: Prime Resi 6th December 2017

3 of Londons Best New Launches 2018

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Stealthily notching up sales while being kept under wraps, some of London`s most luxurious developments will reveal all in 2018. Native Land`s Holland Park Villas sits among woodland overlooking the West London park and has two bedroom apartments from £3.75m. It is one of the first scheme to offer a fusion of residential and premium hotel-style services and amenities on the north side of Kensington High Street. Clarges Mayfair, which completes in summer 2018. It`s the first new mixed-use Mayfair development in years – and it`s set on Ashburton Place, the first new street to open in Mayfair in 15 years. Many of the 34 residences overlooking Green Park broke price records for the area when they went on sale in 2014 achieving more than £5,000 per square foot. One of the penthouses just sold for a staggering eight-figure sum. Staying in Mayfair, next year sees the launch of Clivedale London`s Hanover Bond, the area`s last big office to residential conversion. The 80 residences cost from £1.99m and will benefit from the services of a five-star Mandarin Oriental.

Survey Results 2017

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Results of our 2017 Property Survey We polled over 400 buyers and sellers to get their opinion on the state of the market and their predictions for 2018 Of those polled, 72% of respondents live in London, while 73% want to buy in Kensington and Chelsea and 57% of these buyers are looking to buy an apartment as opposed to a house. We asked, what is the most important thing they were looking for in their purchase. 38% want to buy in a gated development , 85% want secure allocated parking, while 75% felt security and concierge were the most important things. The main reason for people to sell this year is to downsize from their existing property, whilst 52% of respondents said they would buy this year if there was flexibility on asking prices, and 36% said they would definitely buy in 2018. Which is an incredibly encouraging statistic. When asked for their predictions for 2018, 58% of respondents felt that prices might still come down, whilst 35% felt the market would stabilize throughout the year. If you have any thoughts about the above or if you would like to share any insight, then please feel free to contact us.

2018: London`s 50 Best Boutique Estate Agencies

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Jo Webster Properties remains one of London`s top 50 best Boutique estate agencies in London. Offering something completely different to the big-brand chain operations that characterise the capital`s high streets – and, increasingly, the Internet – boutique estate agencies are less prominent by their very nature, and must make a name for themselves with sheer hard work, deal after deal; client after client. PrimeResi Prime Movers index profiles 50 estate agencies that represent the very best the industry has to offer, brokering the finest and most interesting high-value properties, whilst providing exceptional levels of service with a genuinely personal touch at every turn. This isn`t about who has the flashiest office, or who tucks away the biggest deals; these firms have built highly-valued presences in their local communities – and demonstrate that value with every happy home mover.

Spring Statement 13th March 2018

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The UK economy continues to grow, continues to create jobs and continues to beat expectations The economy has grown for the last five consecutive years, and has exceeded expectations since the 2017 forecast. The OBR (office for budget responsibility) has increased their forecast for growth this year, and manufacturing has had the longest period of expansion in 50 years. Employment has increased by 3 million since 2010, which is the equivalent of 1,000 people finding work every day. The unemployment rate is close to a 40-year low. There is also a joint record number of women in work – 15.1 million. The OBR predict there will be over 500,000 more people in work by 2022. The OBR expect inflation to fall over the next 12 months, and wages to rise faster than prices over the next five years. In the Autumn Budget of 2017, the government announced an investment programme of £44bn over the next 5 years to supply 300,000 homes a year on average by the mid-2020s. The Spring Statement 2018 confirmed that this was well underway. To help people getting onto the housing ladder, stamp duty for first-time buyers of homes under £300,000 was abolished at Autumn Budget 2017, with buyers of properties up to £500,000 benefitting from the change. An estimated 60,000 first-time buyers have benefitted so far.

The 10 wealthiest house builders in The UK (2018 Sunday Times Rich List)

Mon, 14 May 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The publication of the 2018 Sunday Times Rich List offers an insight into the roller coaster fortunes of the UK`s wealthiest property developers As a taster, the paper has revealed the ten richest house builders in this year`s rundown, with John Bloor of Bloor Homes (and Triumph) topping the table after another mega successful year that saw his eponymous firm churn out another 3,000 homes at an average selling price of £300k. The former plasterer is apparently now worth £1.858bn, nearly double that of second placed Steve Morgan, the Redrow chairman (who gave over £200m to his foundation last year in what`s thought to be the biggest single charity donation ever made in the UK). Retirement housing specialists Clinton, Spencer and John McCarthy make up the top three, and all but one on the list posted significant gains during the 12 month period. Ranked: 1: John Bloor, Bloor Homes, Triumph motorcycles, £1.858bn ▲ £404m (on 2017) 2: Steve Morgan, Redrow, £942m ▲ £111m 3: Clinton, Spencer and John McCarthy, Churchill Retirement Living, McCarthy & Stone, £635m ▲ £30m 4: David Wilson and family, Davidsons Developments, £603m ▲ £63m 5: Michael Shanly, Shanly Group, £512m ▲ £47m 6: Charles Gallagher and family, Abbey, Matthew Homes, £472m ▲ £60m 7: Tony Pidgley, Berkeley Group, £310m ▲ £25m 8: Stephen Conway and family, Galliard Homes, £300m ▲ £30m 9: James Wates and family, Wates Group, £265m ▲ £30m 10: Paul and Johnny Caddick and family, Caddick Group, £250m; no change.

A Few Famous (and not so famous) Quotes.

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT

We shape our buildings thereafter they shape us. Winston Churchill (politician 1874 – 1965 My mother said to me, `If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.` Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso. Pablo Picasso (Artist, 1881-1973) In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. Albert Einstein, PhD (Genius, Physicist, 1879-1955) Many of life`s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Thomas Edison (Inventor, 1847-1931) Keep away from people who try to belittle your dreams. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great. Mark Twain (Writer, lecturer, 1935-1910) There are seven things that will destroy us: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Religion without sacrifice; Politics without principle; Science without humanity; Business without ethics. Gandhi (1869-1948) When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy." They told me I didn`t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn`t understand life. John Lennon (Singer, songwriter, 1940-1980) A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over. Benjamin Franklin (Founding father, 1706-1790) People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don`t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and, if they can`t find them, make them. George Bernard Shaw (Playwright, critic, 1856-1950) The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Buddha (Founder of Buddhism, circa 563 BCE-483 BCE) The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything. Oscar Wilde (Writer, 1854-1900)

A Potted History of the Worlds Largest Sporting Event - England`s Journey

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The World Cup which begun in 1930 has become the world`s largest sporting event. It has been staged every four years since then with the exception of 1942 and 1946, when the Second World War forced its suspension. England did not enter the first three competitions of 1930, 1934 and 1938. Although FIFA sought England`s participation, but the Football Association declined all invitations. Not until the fourth tournament in 1950 did England take part. England have entered all 16 post war competitions. They have reached the final tournament 13 times. They qualified through play in the preliminary competition on 11 occasions (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010), as host country once (1966) and as reigning champions once (1970). They failed to qualify for the final tournaments on three occasions (1974, 1978 and 1994). England have had only moderate success in the World Cup, and that is perhaps a fair indication of their standing in the world game. They won the tournament once, in 1966, when it was held on their own soil and they played all their matches at their home ground, Wembley Stadium, an advantage extended to no other team in World Cup history. Their 4-2 extra time victory against West Germany in the only final match they have reached has remained clouded by the controversy over whether their third goal, the first of extra time, actually crossed the goal line. England reached the semi-finals on only one other occasion, in1990 against Italy, where, following extra time victories over Belgium and Cameroon, they went down to West Germany on penalty kicks after a 1-1 extra time draw. They then lost the third place match to the host nation, 2-1. England have reached the quarter finals on six other occasions, at the 1954, 1962, 1970, 1986, 2002 and 2006 tournaments. At the 1982 competition in Spain, England finished the second group stage unbeaten but were eliminated anyway. Their second place finish in the second-round group was tantamount to a quarter final appearance. England have been eliminated at the first round group stage on two occasions 1950 and 1958, when they finished level in group play with the USSR but lost a playoff match. The World Cup has been a frustrating odyssey for England, particularly since 1966. At several tournaments, their performances have filled their fans with justified hope, but in the end, they have just not had enough to overcome the world`s most powerful teams in crucial knockout matches. Three times they have been eliminated in penalty kick shootouts, in the 1990 semi final against West Germany. In 1998 against Argentina following a 2-2 extra time draw, and in the 2006 quarter finals against Portugal following a 0-0 draw. The 2018 tournament in Russia looks like a far more exciting affair, and is set to get fans hearts racing, as England march into a quarter final game against Sweden, this Saturday at 3pm. 1950 Group stage 8th 1954 Quarter finals 7th 1958 Group stage 11th 1962 Quarter finals 8th 1966 Champions 1st 1970 Quarter finals 8th 1974 Did not qualify 1978 Did not qualify 1982 Group stage 6th 1986 Quarter finals 8th 1990 Fourth place 4th 1994 Did not qualify 1998 Round of 16 9th 2002 Quarter finals 6th 2006 Quarter finals 7th 2010 Round of 16 13th 2014 Group stage 26th 2018 Qualified for Quarter finals

2018 RIBA Stirling Shortlist

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The six buildings to be shortlisted for the 2018 Riba Stirling prize have been announced. Those nominated for the UK`s best new building include a nursery school and cemetery, as well as student accommodation and an office building. The Royal Institute for British Architects will announce the winner of it`s highest accolade in October. Hastings Pier won last year`s award, after it was devastated by fire in 2010. RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: "This shortlist illustrates why UK architects and architecture are held in such high regard around the world. "Years of thoughtful design, collaborative working and a desire to nurture the human spirit has resulted in six buildings of real integrity and purpose. I am sure they will continue to inspire those who experience them, for decades to come." • Bloomberg, London by Foster + Partners The Norman Foster-designed offices were opened last October and provide Bloomberg with a £1bn European headquarters • Bushey Cemetery, Hertfordshire by Waugh Thistleton Architects Bushey Cemetery forms part of the United Synagogue and provides 17,000 more burial spaces for the Jewish community of north-west London • Chadwick Hall, University of Roehampton, London by Henley Halebrown The architect`s brief was to design halls that would provide 210 en-suite rooms for the students of Roehampton University, in the leafy surrounds of the Grade II-listed Georgian Downshire House • New Tate St Ives, Cornwall by Jamie Fobert Architects with Evans & Shalev The reconfiguration and extension of the Tate St Ives art gallery doubles the exhibition space and creates a new public walkway connecting the town to the beach • Storey`s Field Community Centre and Nursery, Cambridge by MUMA This nursery and community centre was commissioned by Cambridge University and inspired by the college cloisters and courts of the city • The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, Worcester College, Oxford by Niall McLaughlin Architects This Oxford University lecture theatre consists of a floating auditorium crafted from classic Oxford stone and natural oak to blend into the existing landscape

Bank of England finally raises interest rates by 0.25% to 0.75%. But why?

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Bank of England finally raises interest rates by 0.25% to 0.75%, their highest level in nearly a decade - but why have rates gone up now? The Bank of England has raised interest rates from 0.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent on the 02/08/18, despite continued concerns over the economy and Brexit. The move, which the monetary policy committee voted for unanimously, has put interest rates at their highest level since March 2009, Rates have never managed to climb above the level of that emergency cut and, in fact, went lower when they were slashed to 0.25 per cent after the Brexit vote - before rising back to 0.5 per cent last November. Why have rates gone up? Economists and investors had expected the Bank to raise rates, because there were no signals that it would hold fire, unlike before the May MPC meeting and inflation report when Governor Mark Carney reined in expectations in the weeks before. The monetary policy committee`s chief remit is to target inflation of 2 per cent, with interest rate rises used as a brake on the economy. By raising the cost of borrowing, an interest rate rise reduces demand and leads to banks creating less money when they issue loans. A lower level of money creation is seen as reducing inflationary pressures from wage rises and spending. With unemployment at record lows and slack in the economy dissipating, economists suggest inflation may overshoot without a rate rise. There is also an argument that the Bank should raise rates while the going is good, to give itself wriggle room when a recession hits in future. How is the economy doing? Over the last few months, statistics providing an insight into the state of the economy have been mixed. GDP growth has picked up recently but on Wednesday, it was revealed that growth in the manufacturing was its weakest for a year and a half last month. There are also still major concerns over the UK consumer and the retail sector, in addition to the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. But the property market remains strong across the UK, with Nationwide`s house price index showing that the cost of a home increased by 2.5 per cent in the year to July, up from 2 per cent in the year to June. Will this have an immediate effect? The decision to raise rates will come as a blow to some borrowers on variable rate mortgages, but offer relief to savers who have seen paltry returns on deposits since the financial crisis rate cuts. Savers have been warned not to expect a dramatic increase in their returns. Mortgage borrowers with tracker rates linked to the Bank of England base rate will see their monthly repayments automatically rise, but banks and building societies can choose by how much they raise their own standard variable rates. Borrowers will have to wait and see on this. Rising rates are typically seen as posing a threat to the housing market. However, many believe that with mortgage rates near record lows any slow and steady shift up will be absorbed. What about Brexit? On Wednesday, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research warned that the Bank of England could be forced into an embarrassing reversal on a rate hike because of the potential deleterious effects a `no-deal` Brexit would have on the UK economy. A hard Brexit would take £800 out of the pockets of each UK citizen and put a brake on the UK`s already weak economic growth, the forecasting group`s research suggested. That could force the Bank of England`s policymakers to reverse any rate rises that they execute in the coming months. And the stock market? The London stock market fell today though it is hard to pin this on the rate rise as one was probably priced in by most traders. Rising interest rates can be a good sign for investors in the sense that the backdrop to hikes is usually an economy doing well. source: This is Money.co.uk 02/08/18

Which home improvements yield the best (& worst) returns for property values?

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Over a quarter of home improvements are carried out `specifically to add value to a property`, according to some research by GoCompare, with redecorating, new kitchens and new floors topping the list of popular jobs. But many of these projects end up costing more than the value they add. So GoCompare teamed up with property pundit Henry Pryor to try to put some numbers behind home-owners` decision. Pryor and GoCompare have devised a `property investment calculator` which spits out an estimated uplift in a property`s value from a variety of home improvements – and flags any potential profit. Installing a new boiler, improving energy efficiency and implementing home security measures emerge as the most profitable jobs for the average UK home, while bigger jobs – including new floors, kitchens or bathrooms – are not likely to yield a profit for most UK homes-owners. Bigger ticket lifestyle add-ons look like pretty poor investments for nearly all properties, according to Pryor and GoCompare: the averagely-priced swimming pool, tennis court, home cinema or wine cellar are all likely to cost more to install than the value they will add to a £1m home. Fitting solar panels is likely to actually reduce the value of any property by 2%, says the team. Research by GoCompare Home Insurance recently found that 26% of home improvements are undertaken `specifically to add value to a property`. Most popular renovations include: interior redecoration (53%), fitting a new kitchen (42%), replacing flooring (38%), installing a new bathroom (36%), a garden makeover (36%), installing new double glazing (29%), installing new central heating or boiler (28%). Other works undertaken were: improving insulation (16%), knocking through rooms to create an open-plan space (16%), fitting solar panels (9%) and adding a conservatory (8%). Henry Pryor: `It`s essential that you think carefully why you are spending extra money and who will benefit. My advice is usually spend money on the things that you want and leave other improvements to the next person who may not share your taste.` `Most buyers prefer to pay for the opportunity to be able to add an attic conversion, kitchen extension or convert a basement. Getting planning permission to do the work is frequently the best investment you can make leaving the actual choice of layout, decoration and equipment to the next owner` Source: Prime Resi August 2018

London`s housing market `entering uncharted waters` as homeowners stay put, buyer activity slumps and prices fall

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Re mortgaging activity in London surged to a nine-year high in the second quarter of this year, as buyer activity and house prices continued to fall. With homeowners rushing to re mortgage before this month`s interest rate increase, the £4.8billion worth of re mortgaging in the second quarter was 23.2 per cent higher than a year ago, UK Finance`s latest figures show. `After decades of boom, the lack of home-buyer activity and month-on-month decline of house prices in London marks uncharted waters for the capital`s property market`, Shaun Church, director of Private Finance said. There were 15,200 new homeowner remortgages in London completed in the second quarter, the data reveals. By comparison, there were 6,800 new mortgages completed in London between April and June, marking an 8.1 per cent decline since the same point a year ago. Homeowners had been battling to secure decent remortgaging rates ahead of the Bank of England`s decision to increase interest rates from 0.5 to 0.75 per cent on 2 August. While many banks and building societies have been quick to announce mortgage rate hikes in light of the Bank`s increase, they have been less hasty when it comes to upping rates for consumers with saving accounts dishing out dismal rates. Commenting on the state of London`s housing market, Jackie Bennett, director of mortgages at UK Finance, said: `Remortgaging in London reached its highest level in nine years in the second quarter of this year, as homeowners locked into competitive deals amid anticipation of the recent base rate rise. `House purchase activity has slowed slightly, with affordability remaining a challenge for many would-be borrowers." Mr Church of Private Finance said: `Even first-time-buyer activity, which has performed encouragingly throughout 2018, has now declined. `This suggests that despite easing house price growth, stamp duty exemptions and Help to Buy, affordability remains out of reach for London`s Generation Rent. `This may translate to greater activity in the commuter belt as would-be buyers seek more affordable properties within reaching distance of the capital.` Across the UK, the number of first-time buyers making successful home purchases fell 3.6 per cent from the previous year to 34,900. By value, there was £5.8billion of new lending to first-time buyers in the month, down 1.7 per cent down year-on-year. In its last set of data published earlier this month, the Office for National Statistics said the average cost of a home in London stands at £477,000, which is the highest of any region in the UK. But, what these figures didn`t reveal was how the top of the market in London has been struggling, with prices plummeting well below 10 per cent in notoriously expensive areas like Kensington and Chelsea. Source: `Thisismoney.co.uk` (29/08/18)

Easing the Stamp Duty Pain

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) has become increasingly more complicated following the introduction of a 3% surcharge on additional residential properties, as well as a far larger financial liability at the top end of the market (broadly speaking above £937,500). It is worthwhile exploring various possibilities available to residential property buyers to minimise SDLT and I have set out a few options below. Multiple Dwelling Relief (MDR) Where you are acquiring two or more dwellings in a single transaction you may be eligible for MDR. If it applies, the purchase price is divided by the number of dwellings, and SDLT charged on the average price of the dwellings, before being multiplied by the total number of dwellings. If you are buying 6 or more residential dwellings in one transaction you could save money paying the commercial rates of SDLT as an alternative. Do note that MDR is not available on commercial SDLT but it is always worth running the two calculations to determine which produces the cheaper alternative. One scenario that may apply is where a property has an annex or subsidiary dwelling in the grounds. The applicable test is that the annex or subsidiary dwelling is suitable for use as an independent dwelling. This will enable you to use MDR without incurring any SDLT additional rates, so long as the total value of the subsidiary dwellings is less than one third of the total consideration payable. MDR would on this basis be available for a basement level in a terraced house, where the main family living and sleeping accommodation is on the upper floors, so long as the basement has independent external access and is suitable for use independently even if it is connected internally to the upper floors and even if it is not fully kitted out and used independently at the point of purchase. Various factors will help support its independent nature, such as its access points, whether the annex has ever been separately rented out, or if it is separately rated for council tax. If a main house and ancillary dwelling are merged within 3 years of purchase, MDR is disapplied and you would be liable to pay the additional SDLT chargeable. Care should be taken if this is a replacement of a main residence or first time purchase – if the value of the annex or ancillary accommodation is worth more than one third of the total consideration, the entire consideration will be charged to SDLT at the higher rates although MDR will still apply at the additional rates. Chattels If you have agreed with a seller to include furniture and fittings in the price of the property, so long as there is a fair and reasonable apportionment of the consideration payable for them, this amount can be deducted from the total consideration chargeable to SDLT. It is advisable to agree this approach with the seller before exchange of contracts so that there is no dispute as to amounts being allocated to any such items. The HM Revenue and Customs website has clear guidance as to what can/cannot be included as a deduction. Commercially rated buildings. Some transactions which may be marketed as residential opportunities may be eligible for commercial SDLT. For example, a nursing home or hotel in a converted residential building which has planning permission for reinstatement of a residential use may still be liable to SDLT at commercial rates, so long as at the completion date the planning permission has not been implemented. If the permission is subsequently implemented post completion, this will not affect the basis on which SDLT was paid. Mixed Use Consider whether you are buying a wholly residential building or whether mixed use of the building might lead to commercial SDLT rates applying. It is worth noting that, just because a part of a property is used for commercial purposes, it does not necessarily mean that it is viewed as `mixed use` for SDLT calculations. For example, a terraced house with a dentist`s surgery on the raised ground floor and residential on all other floors was held to be fully residential and therefore commercial rates of SDLT were not applicable. In contrast, a country house set up as a bed and breakfast business, despite visually appearing to be a residential house, was viewed to be mixed use and therefore subject to commercial rates of SDLT. HM Revenue and Customs has said that each case will be reviewed on its own merits. Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) Care should particularly be taken in relation to ATED. This arises where residential properties are held through companies and where no exemptions are applicable and an annual charge is therefore payable. The most common exemption to ATED is renting out a property on an arm`s length basis to a third party, or for property development purposes. If you buy a property in a company, not intending to rent it out on arm`s length terms, but to rent it to connected parties (a very wide definition) or to occupy it yourself, you will be liable to SDLT of 15% on the entire purchase price (for properties costing more than £500,000), as well as ATED, which can vary from £3,600 per annum (for properties worth between £500,000 and £1m) up to £226,000 per annum for properties worth more than £20m, so advice should be taken. The benefit of anonymity often cited as a reason for buying in a company, has been removed, with a current obligation to disclose the ultimate beneficial owner of UK companies, and a bill for the same to apply to foreign companies. Analysis of each purchase on its own merits should be carried out initially by the instructed lawyer, but potentially with tax advice as well, to ensure that every option is considered to minimise SDLT and to avoid any potential recourse should the calculation be incorrect or founded on a misunderstanding of this complex area of law. Source: Lonres Blog 31st August 2018 - author Charles Mieville

Residential SDLT (Stamp duty) receipts up 8% annually

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The Treasury raked in a whopping £9,275m in SDLT receipts on 1.1 million resi transactions across the UK in 2017-18, according to the latest annual update from HMRC. While transactions nudged upwards by 1% on the previous year, resi SDLT receipts rose 8%, with the increase put down to a higher proportion of transactions paying the higher rates. Here`s some of the other key take-homes… • Resi properties in the sub-£1m range accounted for 68% of resi property receipts and 98% of resi transactions. • The mean amount of SDLT per resi transaction increased by 7% to £8,400. • Westminster was the local authority with the highest SDLT receipts from resi transactions (£594m), contributing 6% of the national total. • The amount of SDLT from non-natural persons (companies, partnerships and collective investment schemes) paying the 15% rate of SDLT on resi transactions increased by over 300% in the past year, from £25m in 2016-17 to £105m in 2017-18. • There were 252,000 additional dwellings transactions in 2017-18, an increase of 19% from 2016-17. • HRAD (higher rates on additional dwellings) receipts were £4,060m in 2017-18, an increase of 21% from 2016-17. Of this total, £1,895m came from the 3% element. • Additional dwellings transactions accounted for 23% of resi transactions (up 4%) and 44% of resi receipts (up 5%) in 2017-18. • The region with the highest proportion of transactions which were additional dwellings was London, with 27%. The South East had the lowest, at 20%. • 3% of additional dwellings transactions were valued above £1m in 2017-18, accounting for 37% of resi transactions and 50% of resi receipts within this price band. • London saw the biggest annual decrease in the number of resi transactions in 2017-18, with most other regions growing. • 69,100 transactions claimed the new SDLT first time buyers` relief in 2017-18, with an estimated £160m relieved in total. Source: Prime Resi (September 2018)

Jo Webster Properties now offer a full lettings service

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

I am delighted to announce that Jo Webster Properties can offer a full lettings service to our clients. We currently have 17 properties to let on our books, and with-in a week of setting this up we are in the process of agreeing our first let. To view our complete lettings register please view our web site. www.jowebster.com If you would like to discuss our services further, then please feel free to call us on 020 7349 7055 or email lettings@jowebster.com We look forward to hearing form you

‘Urban Wellbeing Zones` could deliver a £15bn boost to the UK economy

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Putting a greater emphasis on wellbeing in urban design could yield dividends for everybody, says British Land, improving the nation`s mental health and giving the economy a £15.3bn boost by 2050. A study commissioned by the real estate giant and co-authored by a former Treasury economist argues that design for wellbeing on a large scale `could have significant and positive impacts in several ways, including boosting productivity in the workplace, reducing absenteeism and bringing down the NHS and welfare bills.` The `Design for Life` report cites figures from the Centre for Urban Design & Mental Health which shine a light on the particular mental health challenge in our cities: Urban dwellers – who account for two-thirds of the UK population – have an almost 40% higher risk of depression, over 20% more anxiety, and double the risk of schizophrenia, in addition to more loneliness, isolation and stress. `Well designed environments have a material positive impact on mental health,` claim researchers. And there are some practical steps that planners, policy-makers and property developers can take to make cities better places to live and work in. Incentivising local areas to put good design at the heart of their regeneration plans – such as the inclusion of outdoor gyms, urban parks, and building design – could `dramatically improve peoples` physical health, wellbeing and mental health`. British Land has attempted to put a sterling value on wellbeing and good urban design, resulting in that £15.3bn headline figure. Broken down, report authors believe that the introduction of their Urban Wellbeing Zones could lead to: £3.6bn of savings from less reliance on the NHS and welfare bills; a £5.4bn productivity increase due to less people taking time off work for stress related issues, and a £6.3bn boost in economic output from more people being in employment. Source: Prime Resi - September 2018

Seasons Greetings from Jo Webster Properties

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Jo Webster Properties would like to wish you all a happy and festive holiday season. Our offices will be closed from the 21st December to the 2nd January, but we will be available for viewings on Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Monday 31st. We very much look forward to speaking to you again in 2019. ** Happy Holidays **

London`s home market rallies as world`s wealthy shop for bargains

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Savills recorded a 43% surge in the number of £15m+ deals across PCL last year; price cuts and currency fluctuations have made the capital`s trophy homes look ‘relatively good value in an international context`, says agency Brexit-based gloom may have dominated market chatter, but new analysis by Savills shows that £4bn worth of £5m+ sales went through over the 12-month period, which was 10% more than in 2017. The big difference, it turns out, was the performance of the very top-end. 2018`s tally of 73 deals above £15m represented a 43% year-on-year rise (2017: 51), with their combined value of £2bn (2017: 1.4bn) marking the highest total seen since 2014. Both new-build and second-hand transactions were counted, and the average price paid was around £3,375 per square foot, according to the report. London`s super-prime homes have been looking like good value to wealthy international buyers of late, said the agency, following price cuts triggered by the game-changing SDLT reforms of 2014, and taking recent currency fluctuations into account. The research team has recorded a 19.4% fall in average PCL values since the peak in June 2014 (with a drop of 4.1% in 2018), while the decline in the £15m+ market has been even greater – at 22.6% – attracting the attentions of HNW bargain hunters from all over the world. Source: Prime Resi 24th Jan 2019

Jo Webster have again been listed in Prime Resi`s top 50 Boutique estate agents in 2019

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Offering something completely different to the big-brand chain operations that characterise our high streets – boutique estate agencies are less prominent by their very nature, and must make a name for themselves with sheer hard work, deal after deal; client after client. However, those firms which add real value will survive, and even prosper, when times are hard; being nimble in these kind of situations can often be a big advantage. To make sense of the bewildering array of options available in the capital, PrimeResi`s Prime Movers index, updated for 2019, profiles 50 small firms that represent the very best the industry has to offer, brokering the finest and most interesting high-value properties, whilst providing exceptional levels of service with a genuinely personal touch at every turn. This isn`t about who has the flashiest office, or who tucks away the biggest deals; these firms have built highly-valued presences in their local communities – and demonstrate their value with every happy homemover. CRITERIA Companies in this index should be: • A firm with half-a-dozen or fewer branches or offices in the UK; • which is not part of a global real estate behemoth; • which represents vendors and/or landlords (i.e. which operates in sales and/ or lettings); • within Greater London, • and is active at the upper-end of the market. Source: Prime resi February 2019

Boris Johnson`s Stamp Duty plans could revive Prime Property Market reports Connor Shilling of Estate Agents Today

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Conservative leadership frontrunner Boris Johnson`s plans to reverse stamp duty changes could help to kickstart the prime property market.
Prior to December 2014 any property priced between £1 million and £2 million was charged stamp duty at a rate of 5% with anything over £2 million taxed at 7%. However, George Osborne`s reform of the stamp duty system system introduced tax rates of 10% on any property costing over £1.5 million.
It has been well documented that the changes have had a significant impact on transactions and average prices in the prime property market particularly in London.
Talking about his plans for a first budget should he become Prime Minister, Johnson described stamp duty as a `problem` and said tax cuts would get the `locked up` market moving.
As well as cuts to high-end stamp duty, Johnson also mooted cutting tax further at the lower end of the market with the aim of helping first-time buyers.
"I think particularly in London there is clearly a problem with stamp duty and it needs to be addressed," Johnson told the Telegraph.
"I`m not going to put a figure on how much we`re going to cut but we will certainly be looking to do that because I think actually you can do that in such a way as to increase revenues if you get it right because the market is locked up at the moment."
A stamp duty reprieve at the top of the market could see an uplift in prices and would certainly benefit the residential buyers.
Although the market has adjusted and price growth stabilised there is still an air of hesitation across the market due to the political landscape, so a reversal of stamp duty changes could provide the adrenaline shot that is needed to entice more buyers back to the prime and super-prime markets and this will hopefully see prices increase.