October Newsletter - London property: an empty petrol station!
Dear friends
London property is turning into a metaphorical BP station... there's nothing on the forecourt!
But whisper it quietly - there is a way through :)Lately I've heard reports of neighbourhood WhatsApp groups bursting into life whenever some sought-after fuel is available in the local garages.
Think of me as a similar early-warning system - just for the best properties in town!
You instruct me, and then I let you know when the fuel is on the forecourt, before anyone else gets wind of it...
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But I don't just do this for OPEC-style profits. Part of my upbringing saw me moving between war-torn Lebanon and London, and I never really had a sense of place. So I understand the longing and passion involved in finding someone their perfect home, and in helping them feel comfortable here in London.
After 20 years of working in this industry I've realised that it's the thrill of this chase and unearthing the goods (rather than building a large team) that I love about my work.
Because that's who I am - a homefinder.
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New website:
Connecting these dots is behind my new website, and my shift to a more personal strategy. In the post-pandemic era I want to be authentic rather than strategic, so I'm putting my story and personal, hands-on approach at the forefront of my new website and brand - which is now live.
I would love to know your thoughts!
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Market summary:
- In case you hadn't realised by now - the post pandemic demand has not ceased and supply has not kept pace. The industry was expecting September to see a flurry of new instructions but this has not yet happened - but it may do so in October.
- Prices have risen over the last 18 months in central neighbourhoods, particularly for houses with green space... and the fact that foreign buyers are returning means flats should now get a surge too. I see the market being strong and rising for the next couple of years if no new legislation or lockdowns occur.
- In terms of value driven purchases my sense is that Notting Hill and Kensington have been so popular over the last 18 n=months that some of the more traditional areas such as Belgravia and Knightsbridge might actually start to seem decent value. Watch this space.
- In times like these I provide an advantage by getting in first and knowing how to present an offer and secure a property for my clients at the right price. I am on the phone constantly to agents and colleagues about what is coming up and what we can get into off-market. This takes time and contacts which relate directly to the bottom-line.
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On Insta:
- I've been extolling the virtues of the Wim Hoff method - where you start taking cold showers to acclimatise to discomfort and unfamiliar actions. An icy blast at the start of my day is now part of the routine!
- Spring at Somerset House has beautiful interiors and amazing food. It's a must visit restaurant.
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I'm back at The Pavilion in Kensington High Street for much of the working week - and we now have a Knightsbridge branch with a terrace and views over the park. Call me to catch up - and I'd be delighted to see you if you are in either of these areas.
I hope the re-opening process is going well for you and send my warmest wishes for a great autumn period.
Karim