Beirut and Beyond
Dear friends,
Beirut is where my roots are, and the events of recent weeks in particular have been heartbreaking to watch.
I carry it with me, and I know many of you do too.
The wider picture across the region has been one of profound uncertainty.
But there are tentative signs that parts of the Gulf are beginning to stabilise, and however cautiously one says it, that can only be a good thing.
When the world feels less fragile, people begin to think again about the future. About where they want to build roots.
And increasingly, the answer to that question is London.
London is a safe haven. We have seen it clearly over the past quarter.
Enquiries from across the Middle East, Lebanon, and the UAE, have picked up.
Enquiries from Americans and domestic buyers have also increased.
For high-net-worth families navigating uncertainty, prime central London retains an almost unshakeable logic: political stability, legal clarity, world-class schools, and an asset class that has weathered every storm thrown at it.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea continues to draw those who want both security and quality of life.
The Prime London Market
The data, as ever, tells a nuanced story.
According to the latest weekly figures from PrimeResi (Week 22, 2026), sales in prime London came in at 73, down 6.4% week-on-week and 14.1% year-on-year, with year-to-date sales running 12.8% behind 2025.
New instructions have surged to 242 this week, the highest comparable figure in five years of PrimeResi data, well ahead of 188 this time last year.
Price reductions have also climbed to 222, up from 200 in 2025, which tells you that vendors are adjusting.
Whilst sobering for sellers and estate agents, this marks opportunity for long-term buyers looking for a London asset.
My read is that we are at (or very close) to the bottom.
Rising supply, motivated vendors, and renewed buyer interest: these are the hallmarks of a market that is preparing to move.
I would expect the next set of data to show a meaningful pickup in exchanges. The window between "the bottom" and "everyone realising it was the bottom" will be shorter than people think.
Those who have been considering a purchase in the near future should act now.
I’m pleased to have been included in the Spear’s Property Index 2026 as a recommended buying agent.
The Spear’s Index recognises advisers working with high-net-worth and international clients across luxury markets, and it’s an honour to be listed among so many respected peers in the industry.
Thank you to the clients and industry professionals who place their trust in me.
Recent Transactions
Little Venice
We recently exchanged on a 1,900 sq ft mansion block apartment overlooking the canal in Little Venice, with incredible views from the upper floors.
We secured it at a 20% discount to the original asking price, at just over £1,000 per sq ft.
For that amount of space, outlook and location in central London, that is very hard to find.
I have always felt that living near water changes the experience of a city.
Little Venice has that effect and I know my client will love this home.
Kensington
Last week we also exchanged on a beautiful flat on one of my favourite streets in Kensington, off Kensington Church Street.
This one was challenging and took a long time to reach the point of exchange, but we made it.
Property transactions are rarely straightforward, even for cash buyers.
There are usually moments where patience is tested, but it’s always worth it.
Kensal Rise
We had three exchanges in the past month in total, including one in Kensal Rise, and we have another imminent in Belgravia.
Search activity across my active clients remains strong. Viewings are up, conversations are serious, and the quality of what is coming to market, particularly off-market, has improved considerably.
If you have been watching and waiting, this is the moment to sharpen your brief and get back in front of the right opportunities.
I’ve been sharing a lot on Instagram, with both ‘behind the scenes’ content of my work, and insights into my favourite parts of London.
One video about where I would buy if I had a £10 million budget even went somewhat viral, with around 150,000 views at the time of writing.
If you’d like to take a look, my account is @homesoneltd.
For those of you with ties to Lebanon and the region: I think of you, and I hope for better days ahead.
Warm regards,
Karim Bazzi
Director, Homes One
+44 20 7199 3680 | enquiries@homes-one.com
