The Property Exchange

The current mood in the prime central London property market, encompassing the capital’s most ritzy areas such as Knightsbridge, St John’s Wood and Notting Hill, is far from upbeat.  New Winkworth research suggests that in some areas values are 20 to 30 percent lower than the price owners originally paid.  So where does the market go from here?  There is still activity, as property commentator Anne Ashworth has been finding out from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and Charles Erwin from Winkworth Notting Hill.

It’s clear the government’s housebuilding targets are nowhere near being met, with many developments stuck in a sclerotic planning system while housebuilders complain there are simply not enough incentives for them to put spades in the ground.  There’s also the issue of landlords pulling out of the rental market in the wake of the Renters Rights Act, leading to a shortage of rental property.  So what needs to be done?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth continues her conversation with Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride and Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace.

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride is spearheading the Tories’ campaign to abolish stamp duty, which has risen greatly in recent years.  So what’s driving the policy, what impact would it have on the property market and how would it be paid for?  Sir Mel joins property commentator Anne Ashworth to discuss, along with Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace.

The Renters’ Rights Act takes effect on the first of May – the biggest reform to lettings for forty years.  ‘No fault’ evictions will be abolished and tenants’ rights strengthened.  Many landlords still don’t realise the full extent of their responsibilities, while others have already exited the market.  So how will the sector be affected?  To find out, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Katie Roughley, Winkworth’s knowledge, regulation and learning manager and Aaron Priscott from Winkworth’s Kensal Rise office. Further information: https://www.winkworth.co.uk/articles/a-guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

Towns like Petersfield in Hampshire were the favoured destinations for people moving out of London during the Covid lockdown, and five years later many rural markets are now regaining that allure.  Are the Cotswolds still the top destination, if not which other areas are becoming more favoured?  Can the countryside now rival London for good coffee and superior wi-fi?  To find out, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Harry Wilde of  Winkworth’s office in Petersfield and Will Hosie, lifestyle editor of Country Life magazine.  

There’s been no shortage of despondency in the prime central London markets such as Belgravia, Mayfair and Chelsea, where prices have dipped by a fifth over the past decade.  So can the mood recover amid the gloom of non-dom tax changes and plans for a mansion tax?Many deals are indeed going ahead, with recent buyers including Elon Musk's co-founder of xAI.  So, what are the new occupants typically looking for to refurbish their properties in the latest styles?  To find out about the current trends, property commentator Anne Ashworth turned to Christian Lock-Necrews of Winkworth’s Knightsbridge office and Freya Godwin-Brown from the architectural and interior design business Palladian.

In Spring, people’s thoughts traditionally turn to moving house, but in 2026, will confidence be in short supply?  Many buyers have been feeling the pinch from higher taxes, and the possibility of more increases to come.  Against this background, a mortgage price war is raging as lenders compete for business, so what are the best deals on offer?  For the latest, property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Dominic Agace, CEO of Winkworth, and Anthony Emmerson from mortgage brokers Trinity Financial. 

There’s been increased interest in properties in what are fast becoming London’s super-suburbs – those desirable areas with strong village atmosphere, beautiful houses and good transport links.  Barnes in south-west London and Blackheath in the south-east are prime examples which also display strong community sprit.  This is particularly strong at this time of the year, as property commentator Anne Ashworth discovers from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, Mark Epps from Winkworth Blackheath and Greenwich, and Donovan Kelly from Winkworth Barnes.

The property market in London’s most expensive postcodes has taken a beating over the past few years, and pre-budget speculation about further tax rises hasn’t helped.  But  according to new Winkworth research, there is currently a lot more activity in what’s known as Prime Central London than might be thought.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth finds out more from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Josh Grinling from Winkworth Kensington.

It’s still possible to buy a family house in several parts of London for under half a million pounds, according to new Winkworth research.  In other parts of the country you can pick up something very substantial with this budget.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks through some of the key findings with Winkworth’s Charles Erwin, while Jake Strubel of Winkworth Haringey and Nick Martiny Roberts of Winkworth Royal Leamington Spa talk about the contrasting types of properties available at the price in their areas.