Harry Gladwin, The Buying Solution Partner and Head of the Cotswolds Region, speaks to Sarah Rappaport at Bloomberg about the Cotswolds’ appeal for US buyers, and the surge in his American clients in the past year.
Read the article on Bloomberg here.
As the prices of waterfront property start to waver over rising concern for flooding, our Partner in the Southern Counties, Jake Civardi, talked to Anna White of The Telegraph about the importance of thorough flooding checks.
Read the full article in The Telegraph here.
With news of Ellen DeGeneres’ rumoured move, Harry Gladwin, The Buying Solution Partner and Head of the Cotswolds Region, speaks to Guy Kelly of The Telegraph about how Trump’s victory has prompted wealthy Democrats to consider relocating to the Cotswolds.
Read the article in The Telegraph here.
From refined shopping destinations to stately country retreats, discover our guide to the finest festive events and destinations across our country regions…
Resident guests and Friends of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, the lovingly restored five-star Georgian estate, can enjoy a beautiful selection of experiences throughout the season. Highlights include wreathmaking and willow-weaving workshops, festive films in the screening room and a grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony with carolers in the grounds.
Resident guests will be treated to a Christmas Eve sleigh ride, feasting and live music on Christmas Day and Boxing Day duck herding, followed by family tree hunts and wine tastings between Christmas and New Year. While it may be too late to book for this year, why not plan ahead for next?
Ascot’s final race meeting of the year – the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – is always hugely popular and, as ever, it promises a great day on the track as well as plenty of festivities off it. Family entertainment on the Saturday includes candle-lit carol singing with the Ascot Brass Band and an appearance by Father Christmas himself.
Nearby Windsor Castle pays homage to 1,000 years of royal history this Christmas with a number of special events. At the centre of the beautifully decorated State Apartments each year stands the 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall, which is felled from Windsor Great Park and dressed with thousands of lights.
Whether you choose to stay at the Hotel over Christmas or simply visit, with twinkling lights strung up on the hundreds of trees across the 11,000-acre Goodwood Estate in West Sussex it’s a magical setting. Culinary masterclasses, late-night shopping events, festive afternoon teas and the ultimate Après Ski Party; the Estate has a hugely varied programme of events throughout December and into the New Year. Their candlelit carol service in the resplendent Front Hall of the House is always a memorable event.
Travelling north to the magnificent 17th-century National Trust-owned Petworth House, visitors can marvel at the beautifully adorned historic rooms and enjoy late-night openings, choir performances, a makers’ market and wreathmaking workshops.
The bucolic country retreat of Thyme, a ‘village within a village’ in the Cotswolds, is leaning in to the slow and intentional side of Christmas with cookery classes, wreathmaking and wellness events. This is a place to unwind and recharge before the festive excess takes over. A half-an-hour drive north to Daylesford Farm and there are still spaces left on a number of their wreathmaking workshops, or take the children to meet Dancer and Blitzen while you wander the farm shop in search of gifts.
Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, guests at Estelle Manor near Witney can enjoy all manner of special events, inspired by festive folklore. The centrepiece is an ice rink for up to 60 skaters on the north lawn lit by pretty festoon lights which is open until 5th January.
The great Rothschild estate of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire always goes to town with their festive celebrations and, this year, visitors can enjoy winter cellar tours and wine tastings and festive afternoon teas in the house. But the real magic takes place in the grounds which will be transformed with light projections on the Manor façade, a light trail through the gardens and artwork installations, all inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Waddesdon’s ever-popular Christmas fair and late-night openings also return this year.
Meet our specialist Country team of buying agents here and get in touch to find out more about how they can assist with your next property search.
London conjures up the magic of Christmas like few other cities, with all manner of memorable events and destinations for all ages. Discover our pick of this year’s finest…
Few places do Christmas better than Fortnum & Mason; a master of enchanting festive experiences since Victorian times. Indeed, Charles Dickens described it as ‘a perfect fairy palace’ in December 1845. They supplied woodcock pies to Edward VII and George V at Christmas for many years and the Queen Mother would insist on wrapping her own presents in the store. Its fairytale window displays and festive demonstrations, masterclasses and performances continue to captivate this season.
The English National Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker at London Coliseum has also become a much-loved tradition since first delighting audiences in 1950. Set to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score, this year’s production is a new re-telling of the classic, brought to life by over 100 dancers and musicians.
Elsewhere, The Royal Opera House stages an enchanting production of Cinderella; a co-production between The Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. While the Royal Albert Hall’s programme of festive events includes performances by Jamie Cullum, Katherine Jenkins, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Community Gospel Choir, as well their much-loved sing-along carols.
Claridge’s spectacular Christmas tree becomes a Mayfair landmark each winter. Since it was designed by John Galliano for Dior in 2009, it has become tradition that each year it is brought to life by a different eminent designer. This year, the 19ft tree is the creation of Sir Paul Smith who has filled its branches with 100 bespoke birdhouses, each with a playful twist in his signature style.
London’s hotels – from The Corinthia to The Ned – are hosting all manner of festive afternoon teas to mark the season. We recommend a visit to Harrods stalwart The Georgian, where you can enjoy an exquisite menu overseen by executive pastry chef Markus Bohr. It’s also an opportunity to admire the recent extensive refurbishment and restoration of this grand, historic venue – which first opened within the department store to much fanfare in 1911.
Nearby Grosvenor Square hosts Anya Hindmarch’s spectacular Ever After Garden which is open until mid-December. This incredible carpet of over 30,000 illuminated white roses first lit up the square in 2019 in memory of the late production designer Michael Howells. It has since served as an annual garden of remembrance in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and visitors are encouraged to dedicate a rose in exchange for a charity donation.
Meet our specialist London team of buying agents here and get in touch to find out more about how they can assist with your next property search.
Jemma Scott, The Buying Solution Partner and specialist agent in the Northern Home Counties, talks to Alexandra Goss of the Financial Times about ‘the downsizing shake-up’ and the biggest challenges for downsizers in the current market.
Read the article in the Financial Times here.
Will Watson, Head of The Buying Solution, talks to Melissa Lawford of The Telegraph about the rise in enquiries from wealthy American Democrats seeking a ‘safety net’ second home in London after Trump’s re-election.
Read the article in The Telegraph here
As British property experts, we see global events shape our market in unexpected ways. With Donald Trump’s return as the 47th US President, Will Watson, Head of The Buying Solution, considers how this could drive renewed American interest in UK property.
It is, by anyone’s measure, an extraordinary comeback. Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris in the US election will have implications across the globe. As British buying agents, we are closely watching how this shift in American leadership may impact the prime UK property market.
A second Trump presidency could indeed drive increased American interest in UK property, with motivations extending well beyond politics. For many high-net-worth American families, growing divisions within the US and pressing concerns about safety are becoming decisive factors in exploring relocation. The tragic statistics are stark: there have been 58 school shootings in the United States so far in 2024. Each day, 12 children in America lose their lives to gun violence, while another 32 are shot and injured, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
At least 29 states allow individuals other than police or security officials to carry guns on school grounds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Trump’s strong alignment with the National Rifle Association and his unwavering support for gun rights add to the unease among parents who increasingly see gun violence as an unavoidable risk in American life. This concern for safety has prompted numerous families from the West Coast and New York to consider the UK – not for tax breaks, educational benefits, or the allure of the British climate – but for the peace of mind that stricter gun laws can bring. While crime rates in the UK have increased, they are modest in comparison to those in the US. For families weary of active-shooter drills and the spectre of gun violence in schools and kindergartens, the UK’s lower rates of violent crime and strong gun control offer a compelling appeal.
Beyond safety, the “special relationship” between the UK and the US holds its own appeal. For many Americans, the UK offers an accessible transition – a shared language, an internationally well-regarded education system and a thriving cultural scene. It’s a natural choice for families considering relocation. And with some of the UK’s best schools and universities in and around London, the appeal is even stronger for parents interested in long-term residency for their children’s education.
Financially, there is potential for increased American investment as well. The dollar’s strength against a relatively weaker pound creates an attractive buying opportunity. For Americans, UK property has always held a certain cachet and when combined with favourable exchange rates, the value becomes hard to ignore. London property prices have softened recently and, while this might seem like a negative indicator, for those looking to buy and hold it’s actually an ideal scenario – an opportunity to invest in a market that is likely to appreciate in the long term.
However, it’s not a straightforward choice for every family. Moving across the Atlantic is no small feat, and many of our American clients have business interests that tie them to the US. While we might see an increase in families relocating to the UK, it’s likely that many will opt to keep their businesses stateside, creating what we might call “transatlantic households,” with families based here and professional commitments remaining in the US. Meanwhile, the recent UK budget and its potential impact on non-doms could well be another consideration affecting plans to relocate.
Of course, it’s difficult to predict exactly how a second Trump term would unfold and the direct impact it might have. But from our vantage point, we are already seeing an increase in enquiries and interest from American buyers, and we believe this could very well grow in the coming years. For now, American buyers are actively exploring their options, assessing the UK market and weighing the appeal of London’s property landscape amid its current buyer-friendly conditions.
Ultimately, whether or not we see a surge in American buyers will depend on how events play out in both the US and UK. But for families looking to combine safety, cultural familiarity and long-term investment potential, the UK remains an appealing choice – and with a strong dollar, the opportunity has perhaps never been more attractive.
Will Watson is Head of The Buying Solution
If you wish to discuss your property requirements, we’d be delighted to assist you. Contact the team here.
With the dust settling after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ delivery of the first Labour budget in 14 years, Will Watson, Head of The Buying Solution, assesses how prevailing uncertainty could create exceptional opportunities.
As buying agents operating in the prime property market, the recent UK budget has left many in our industry with mixed feelings. In the immediate aftermath, there was a collective sigh of relief – things could have been worse. But as we’ve had more time to comb through the details, it feels as though there is “small print within the small print.” This lingering uncertainty has put the market in a cautious holding pattern, and while this isn’t ideal, it has created unique buying opportunities for those who can see beyond the headlines.
The non-domicile (non-dom) status proposals, in particular, are keeping high-net-worth foreign individuals on edge. While the government hasn’t taken direct action yet, the signal is clear: more changes are likely coming. London remains a magnet for ultra-wealthy buyers from around the world, and I believe this budget cycle could amplify that. If overseas buyers feel the UK’s tax landscape could stabilise in their favour – through a simplified flat fee for non-doms of £200,000-£300,000, akin to Italy’s approach – we could see renewed international interest. Until then, however, many buyers are maintaining a wait-and-see approach, postponing significant moves until they feel the market is on more predictable ground.
Inheritance tax is another point of friction. With unused pensions now being moved into that scope and heirs being taxed 20% for anything over £1million, the potential tax bill on assets will be so steep – potentially nearly 70% once inheritance and income tax are factored in – that many are reconsidering how to structure their investments. Property has long been a stable asset to pass down to the next generation, and London real estate remains uniquely appealing – a tangible, culturally rich asset that no financial portfolio can replicate.
The high end of the market is ripe with good properties, but they aren’t all immaculate, turnkey homes. In fact, much of the super-prime stock requires significant work, which puts off many buyers seeking to move quickly. Renovation costs have soared by 30-40% in recent years, and planning permission is also more complex than it used to be. However, clients who are willing to take on these projects could see strong returns as the market recovers. Ironically, many buyers now want a “finished” home, but the reality is that most people end up making changes even when they buy something new. Taking on a project can mean a property truly designed to your taste, and in a quiet market you might secure it at a favourable price.
So, what does this all mean for buyers right now? In short, opportunity. The uncertainty around inheritance tax and non-dom status has slowed the market, giving buyers who are open-minded and flexible a distinct advantage. London remains a global city, highly desirable and underpinned by wealth and cultural appeal. And while prices are softer now, there’s no sense of panic. Those who own these properties often have the financial resilience to wait things out rather than sell at a discount. So, while the market may be stagnant for now, it is poised for a resurgence if economic or political conditions – both in the UK and overseas – shift favourably. London is very reactive, the market could turn around quickly, and those who bought in the current lull will look very prescient.
For now, the best advice for buyers is to stay flexible, think long-term and be ready to seize opportunity. London is, and will likely remain, one of the most desirable property markets globally. While it’s easy to get caught up in tax worries and policy shifts, prime property here isn’t just about financials – it’s about lifestyle, legacy and the enduring appeal of London itself. For those prepared to take a long view, this could be an exceptional time to buy into a city with a remarkable track record of resilience and growth.
Will Watson is Head of The Buying Solution
If you wish to discuss your property requirements, we’d be delighted to assist you. Contact the team here
PrimeResi reports on The Buying Solution’s boost to both our London and Country teams with two senior hires, our new partners Toto Lambert in London and Katherine Watters in the Southern Home Counties.
Read the article on PrimeResi here.
