Author: Rosalind Sack

The New Hybrid Commuter Hotspots You Should Know

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Free from the shackles of a five-day-a-week commute, it’s possible to enjoy all the benefits of truly rural living while remaining within reach of London. Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset offer an outstanding lifestyle and excellent value for money, and there has never been a better time to buy, writes Mark Lawson, our Partner in the Southern Counties and specialist in High Value Residential and Rural Estates.

Summer view from the South Downs.

The traditional commuter belt is evolving. With around 28% of working adults in Great Britain now working in a hybrid pattern between their homes and offices, a fresh assessment of where you want to live versus where you need to live is in order.

When the London commute is required only two or three days a week, buyers seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle can look well beyond the traditional commuter belts. In Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset, it is possible to enjoy peace, space and excellent value for money, while still being able to reach London for work with relative ease – and this is precisely the time of year to start your search.

I live near Marlborough in Wiltshire, and people commute from here into London every day. Wiltshire was recently described by The Times as ‘England’s most underrated county’, praised for its ‘astonishing countryside’ and strong ‘feelgood factor’. I couldn’t agree more. It feels markedly different from the traditional commuter belt, which can be increasingly busy and noisy – and that difference is precisely its appeal.

Venture a little further west into Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset and you’ll find vast stretches of unspoilt countryside, secluded villages, wonderful long walks and a noticeably slower weekend pace. For me, as both a buying agent and a Wiltshire local, the appeal of this region is the peaceful, relaxed way of life that it offers. People are more rural at heart here; it is less transient and international, and far more rooted in community and permanence.

For hybrid workers, typically based at home on Mondays and Fridays, the dreaded Friday commute has largely disappeared. Here, you can close your laptop at six o’clock and be in the local pub, out riding across open countryside, or on your way to the coast within half an hour. Equally, there’s no need to begin the week with a ghastly 6am Monday alarm to catch the commuter train; a slightly longer journey on a Tuesday feels altogether more manageable.

Is 2026 a good time to consider a move to Hampshire, Wiltshire or Somerset?

When commuting only two or three days a week, extending journey times to an hour and a half – or even two hours – feels more comfortable. Naturally, the further you travel from London, the more property you get for your money.

This is also the time of year when we begin to hear about new opportunities, and we aim to get our clients in to see these as early as possible, often before anyone else. Around 70% of what we buy is secured off-market or pre-market, making expert representation an excellent return on investment.

Interestingly, this year we are seeing a significant amount of stock that we were aware of last year now being prepared for launch at lower price points. As a result, these properties are likely to come to market earlier than entirely new stock.

Given that very little sold above £3 million last year in Dorset, South Wiltshire and South Somerset, there are certainly good opportunities to be found – provided you can identify a sensible vendor and, most importantly, the right location to suit your lifestyle.

The appeal of Cranbourne Chase and surrounding areas

The area surrounding the Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, which spans Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, offers some of the most beautiful unspoiled rural countryside in the region. Characterised by rolling chalk downs, ancient woodland and peaceful landscapes, it is ideal for walking, cycling, riding and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. The beautiful Dorset coast is just an hour away.

The charming village of Tollard Royal is home to an equestrian centre, the recently refurbished King John pub, the well-regarded independent day and boarding prep school Sandroyd School, and the Grade II-listed Victorian pleasure grounds at Larmer Tree Gardens. Nearby Tisbury has its own railway station with direct services to London Waterloo, typically running hourly and taking between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours.

The nearby town of Shaftesbury known for its notable cobbled hill and independent shops and the highly regarded Port Regis Prep School, is also a popular choice. Bryanston School in Blandford Forum, along with Hanford Prep and Clayesmore School also provide excellent independent education options for families in the area.

The countryside around Salisbury is equally attractive and Salisbury station offers strong commuting links to central London, with frequent direct trains to London Waterloo taking between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes.

A farmhouse that has been extended or expanded with around 20 acres of land, a pool, a court and a cottage would typically be priced in the region of £3-4 million. There is a good mix of properties that have already been developed and those that remain untouched, so we’re always trying to find the gem with potential that aligns with how much work a buyer is willing to undertake.

The sustained popularity of Bruton and Frome

North west of Cranborne Chase, the area around Bruton and Frome continues to rival the Cotswolds in terms of popularity, yet retains a distinctly more understated character, which I believe is a key part of its appeal.

Soho House opened its first rural retreat, Babington House, in Frome in 1998, paving the way for a wave of luxury openings in the years that followed. Hauser & Wirth launched their Somerset gallery in 2014, followed by the arrival of The Newt luxury hotel and estate in 2019. That same year saw the opening of Bruton’s Osip restaurant, which went on to receive a Michelin star in 2021, and last year marked the launch of Osip 2.0, its new farm-to-table restaurant. Bruton was recently described by Condé Nast Traveller as “the coolest town in the UK.”

Despite this, these pockets of quiet luxury remain firmly rooted in beautiful countryside, with slower paced villages and market towns, proper local pubs and the reassuring presence of mucky tractors and weathered barns.

There are some direct train services to London Waterloo from Bruton, although most people tend to drive or connect via stations such as Westbury or Castle Cary. Trains from Frome to London Paddington take from 1 hour 30 minutes. The A303 is also easily accessible, providing a convenient route east to London and west towards Devon.

The area is well served by a number of highly-regarded independent day and boarding schools, including Kings’ Bruton and Springmead School near Frome.

Why Sherborne and Templecombe offer both fantastic properties and lifestyle

I particularly love the countryside south of Bruton around Sherborne and Templecombe with its gentle rolling hills and attractive villages. London commuters are well served by both Sherborne and Templecombe stations with offer direct train services to London Waterloo, while families are drawn to Sherborne’s highly regarded prep, girls’ and boys’ schools.

A particular appeal of this area is its strong selection of high-quality properties. Almost every village features a farmhouse or manor house, along with an excellent Georgian house or rectory.

Navigating the current property market in South West England

There is currently limited stock in the South West within the £2–10 million bracket, while a significant volume of off-market property exists above £10 million. A particularly attractive house with 50-100 acres would typically be priced at £7-10 million.

We maintain close relationships with local selling agents, as well as our extensive network of professional contacts who are aware of which properties are likely to come to market and can secure early introductions.

Sellers at this level are often highly discretionary and it’s not unusual for them to seek prices well above true market value. This is why engaging a buying agent offers the best chance of securing an exceptional property at a fair price; we are able to advise on value and negotiate on your behalf.

Most importantly, we’re not selling anything. We guide our clients not only to exceptional properties but to the dream lifestyles that accompany them.

Mark Lawson The Buying Solution

Mark Lawson MRICS is our Partner in the Southern Counties and a specialist in High Value Residential and Rural Estates.

How London’s Wealthiest Home Buyers are Rethinking Security

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Despite reports that Tom Cruise has left his London home over security fears, Spear’s magazine suggests that rising crime in the capital is not prompting a mass exodus. Instead, it is influencing how buyers in London’s wealthiest postcodes assess both property and personal security when choosing a home. Featuring insight from our London Partner, Philip Eastwood.

Exclusive Central London homes close to Regent’s Park.

Whether prioritising homes on secure streets or collectively funding private security, crime levels in London are influencing high-value property searches, reports Christian Maddock in Spear’s magazine. Featuring insight from our highly experienced Partner and London specialist, Philip Eastwood, the report explores why rising crime rates in the capital are prompting HNWs to seek enhanced security options rather than leave the city altogether.

Read the article here.

The Key Equestrian Property Market Trends in 2026

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Equestrian sport is on the rise. Participation in riding in the UK has risen to 3.2 million in the last 12 months, while the equestrian industry generates £1.2 billion in annual social value, according to new research by British Equestrian. Nonetheless, it’s a sector that isn’t immune to wider economic factors which impact the whole market; from families looking for a home with paddocks, to professional riders searching for specialist facilities. Katherine Watters, our equestrian specialist and Partner in the Southern Home Counties, identifies the dominant trends she expects to see influencing the UK’s equestrian property market in 2026.

Katherine Watters in The Buying Solution equestrian kit sat on steps of horsebox

Higher livery costs will continue to impact demand

As the cost of livery has risen sharply so, too, has the demand for equestrian properties and I expect to see that continue throughout 2026.

You can now expect to pay anything up to £1,500 a month for full competition livery on a yard with comprehensive facilities; a significant cost, particularly if you have more than one horse. Many yards have stopped offering DIY or assisted DIY/part livery as they have found that it is simply not viable from a cost perspective.

The reason for this price rise is two-fold. The industry has long relied on low-paid, often cash-in-hand labour, but new rules ensuring proper contracts, benefits and working conditions have significantly increased staffing costs. The cost of hay this year has also gone through the roof, as a result of drought conditions earlier in the year reducing crop yields, and increasing production costs.

Two recent clients took a long-term view and combined their home with private facilities, employing their own staff rather than paying escalating livery bills. One had dreamed of seeing her horses from the kitchen window – now she finds it genuinely more cost-effective to keep her own yard.

More property decisions will hinge on geography and planning

2026 will see no change in the enduring core geographical hotspots for each discipline. A lot of event riders, professionals and owners choose the M40 corridor as a geographical base for its access around the country. While the polo fraternity often focus their attentions around Ascot and Windsor in Berkshire for Guards Polo Club, or the Midhurst area in West Sussex for the annual Gold Cup season held at Cowdray Park.

The areas around Lambourn in Berkshire and Newmarket in Suffolk remain the heart of UK racing, where many trainers favour the topography for both training facilities and stud farms.

Dressage riders are more geographically dispersed and I am seeing them increasingly follow the European norm of requiring an indoor school with full facilities. Yet exceptional houses with equally strong equestrian facilities are extremely rare. So as more people consider building their own, I expect that in 2026 we will see search priorities shifting from location to planning feasibility.

It’s important to remember, however, that equestrian planning is complex and local councils – especially those with a National Park – rarely favour large-scale development. This is why it’s vital to work with a specialised planning expert who can assess existing facilities, outbuildings, agricultural ties and land use, to fully understand long-term potential. I work with an excellent independent planning consultant who can identify required changes of use and plan facilities that meet Local Policy Frameworks.

Access to UK ports has long been important to professional riders and in 2026 we will see this becoming increasingly significant for serious amateurs, with all disciplines benefiting from strong European circuits and prize money.

Katherine Watters - a woman in blue outfit riding a black horse in a competition

We will continue to see cyclical demand, particularly in the rental market

The British Eventing circuit runs from March through to the end of October and is considered one of the best in the world, thanks to our renowned Badminton and Burghley 5-star events.

I am often contacted by riders or their Federations seeking a UK base to buy or rent for three- to four-year cycles while campaigning for Olympic or World Equestrian Games selection, and I expect to see this cyclical demand continuing throughout 2026.

The polo fraternity also used to be quite cyclical. Yet with rising travel costs, many patrons now seek permanent UK bases and winter their ponies here, rather than moving teams of up to 100 horses and 25 grooms between tours. I expect to see this becoming ever-more popular in areas like Sussex and Surrey where it can be a significant six-month income stream for landowners.

Rising investment in the equestrian sector will filter down

Investment in equestrian competition in the UK is increasing and I expect that it will only continue to climb throughout 2026. We are seeing evermore significant sponsorship deals of the most prestigious showgrounds and events filtering through the sector. The BBC has started to put equestrian sports back on their mainstream schedule now, too; proof of increasing popularity and interest. If you ask any equestrian enthusiast, it was never Christmas until Olympia was on the television!

I also expect to see a continued rise in interest in UK breeding, building on the record-breaking sport horse auction sales and growing demand from wealthy global investors, particularly in the high-end market.

The Brilliance Auction, Breen Equestrian and the Billy Stud auctions have secured Britain’s place on the global sport horse auction map.

We will see a growing demand for legacy properties

Equestrian property continues to be a smart long-term investment and throughout 2026 I expect to see more buyers creating legacy establishments, especially in breeding.

The key factors in legacy value are those you cannot change: location and access. Even horsebox size can determine viability – country lanes, overhanging trees, gate widths and turning circles all matter. The tiniest details have to be carefully considered.

Land quality, facilities, infrastructure, potential for expansion and adaptability, as well as legal and financial due diligence also remain key.

Katherine Watters smiling after competing on a brown horse

There will be even greater need for specialist guidance

With ever more complexities in the market and a limited supply of best-in-class opportunities, having impartial, expert guidance for buyers will be more important than ever in 2026.

For many, equestrian terminology can feel like a foreign language, which is why it’s vital to have a specialist who can decipher the nuances of each discipline and the distinctly different facilities that it requires.

It’s also important to be aware that many of the finest equestrian properties are sold off market, or at least access is private. In close-knit areas, properties often change hands behind closed doors, making it crucial to have specialist representation to help you to infiltrate those circles.

While there are some excellent selling agents specialising in equestrian properties, there remain very few buying agents with the required depth or breadth of knowledge. I’ve been around horses all my life – from Pony Club to owning horses competing at the World Equestrian Games, Badminton and Burghley, and time based in professional yards with Olympic riders. Having worked with and helped many riders, owners and patrons, as well as national federations, I have a comprehensive understanding of both private and commercial set-ups and the nuances of each.

Ultimately, equestrian purchases are about more than facilities: they are about the quiet solitude of time with horses. As Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

Woman in blue suit jacket with long brown hair looking at camera

Katherine Watters is our equestrian expert and specialist Partner for the Southern Home Counties

For news, expert commentary and invaluable property insight, subscribe to The Insider, our quarterly newsletter, here.

Is the ‘Forever Home’ a Thing of the Past?

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

As a new report suggests that the typical life aspiration of a forever home is losing its relevance, our Partner and Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, speaks to Annabel Dixon at Country Life about what’s causing this shift among younger generations.

Detached Cotswolds stone house in the snow

As broader economic factors have made it harder then ever to secure a dream family home, new research from Zoopla suggests that growing numbers of young homeowners prioritise flexibility and renovation potential over permanence. In this feature in Country Life magazine, Harry shares his insight on people reassessing their ‘forever home’ earlier in life and why buyers value the option to move.

Read the article here.

Budget 2025: Hopes, Fears and Expectations

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Amid mounting speculation on potential property tax rises, Head of The Buying Solution Will Watson spoke to PrimeResi about his hopes, fears and expectations ahead of the Budget announcement on 26th November 2025.

People in street outside Houses of Parliament. Westminster, London, UK.

With all manner of potential property tax rises rumoured in recent months – including a so-called ‘mansion tax’ on homes worth more than £2 million, capital gains tax on primary residences and replacing stamp duty with an annual levy – there has been much uncertainty in the market.

Will was one of 50 industry leaders, including estate agency owners, sales brokers, luxury developers and financiers, to share his views on the upcoming Budget in PrimeResi and why he believes that modernising council tax would be the most practical reform.

Read the article here.

Where to Find a Village Way of Life in South-West London

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

With its vast green parks and commons, lively communities and historic charm, south-west London provides a village feel alongside plenty of luxury amenities – and its popularity is booming. Our Partner James Burridge explains more.

Wider houses, larger gardens, high-performing schools, off-street parking and fast connections into both central London and Heathrow make south-west London’s ‘villages’ highly desirable neighbourhoods.

Considering the steep rise in stamp duty, those searching for a generational family home should be looking for a space that they can grow into, not out of – where they can stay for the next decade plus. Gardens being more important than ever. Value-wise, the south-west pocket is becoming a lot more interesting and offers breathing space from the fast pace of central London.

Richmond

Richmond offers both stately riverside elegance and more tranquil countryside calm, thanks to Richmond Park – one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Its Georgian townhouses, smart period villas and grand detached homes attract families looking for space and community.

The celebrated view of the tree-lined Thames from Richmond Hill – the most desirable enclave of Richmond, popular with everyone from rock stars to playwrights – wouldn’t look out of place in the Chilterns. Yet its fast rail links and Elizabeth Line connections via Twickenham make it an easy commute into central London.

Pedestrianised streets such as Paved Court and the smaller lanes leading past Wisteria-clad Georgian houses to the Green offer a village feel. While the likes of Petersham Nurseries with its Michelin Green Star restaurant, Scott’s Richmond seafood restaurant on the riverside and nearby Ham Polo Club ensure an air of luxury.

I worked with a lovely couple over the Summer who were moving to London from America. They didn’t know the prime South-West London villages well, but knew they wanted to immerse themselves in a strong sense of community. We looked at a few different areas, landing on Richmond. We secured them a beautiful home there with amazing green space all around them.

Barnes

Further east, tucked into a bend in the river, Barnes is another favourite with its duck pond, farmers’ market, handsome period streets and riverside walks – it feels very akin to a Sussex village. Venture into the heart of Barnes Common Nature Reserve or the London Wetland Centre and you feel far removed from the busy city, yet access to central London is quicker than many expect – just 25 minutes to Waterloo.

Lots of people own dogs here and there are many scenic walks to enjoy with them, together with thriving independent shops including a butcher, cheese shop, wine merchants and bookshop. Barnes is also very well served by high performing state and independent schools, such as the Harrodian, St Paul’s School and the international Swedish School and which serve as a huge draw to the area.

Wimbledon Village

Further south, Wimbledon Village next to the charmingly rural Common is home to low-ceilinged traditional pubs, horse riding stables, a nature reserve and a weekly farmers’ market – as well as some of the most desirable homes in south-west London.

The streets leading off the Common are among its most coveted, with everything within an easy distance – from muddy wooded trails and bridleways in one direction, to designer shops in the other.

Wimbledon offers fantastic schools, such as Kings’ College School Wimbledon, open green spaces and community all within striking distance of the City. There’s no shortage of luxury here either, with The Ivy Café, the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, a Third Space health club and, of course, the world-renowned All England Lawn Tennis Club. 

Horse crossing the road in Wimbledon Village, South-West London

Fulham and Parsons Green

Across the Thames, Fulham and Parsons Green have seen a quiet transformation in recent years. Once considered a more affordable alternative to Chelsea, these areas now command significant premiums, especially around the Green itself and Peterborough Estate.

The housing stock here – a mix of Victorian terraces and large family houses – has become particularly attractive to young families moving out of more central areas. Doria Road and St Dionis Road, leading towards the leafy green, are very pretty and popular addresses.

Fulham’s Alphabet Streets that form a grid running between Fulham Palace Road and the river offer beautiful Victorian houses with larger gardens and wide proportions. The green space of Bishops Park and the Thames Path is on your doorstep – ideal for walking, running and cycling. There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes and traditional pubs in the area – Tinto Coffee on Fulham Palace Road is a favourite.

Dulwich Village

Strictly south-east London, Dulwich Village offers a slightly more off-the-radar option, but one that punches well above its weight with its Georgian architecture, strong community spirit, even local riding stables.

The renowned Dulwich Picture Gallery houses works by Gainsborough and Rembrandt and hosts a weekly farmers’ market in its grounds. There are top schools on its doorstep, including Dulwich College and James Allen’s Girls’ School – the oldest independent girls’ school in London – and it is also very well connected.

Areas like Dulwich Village have increased in demand with clients of ours over the past decade. I recently acted for a young family moving out of East London looking for a family home with a good garden, so the search was very much house led. We looked at Barnes, Richmond and Wimbledon before settling in Dulwich. We bought a house within walking distance of Dulwich Village because they fell for its village-like charm.

James Burridge is our specialist Partner in Central and South-West London. Read more from James on the rise of south-west London’s prime market here.

For news, expert commentary and invaluable property insight, subscribe to The Insider, our quarterly newsletter, here.

Where to Find a Village Way of Life in North-West London

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

The North London areas of Hampstead, Highgate and Belsize Park offer that highly coveted blend of village charm and urban convenience. Our team shares the hidden pockets that make these neighbourhoods so special

North-west London is arguably home to the city’s most authentic villages that long predate the capital and still preserve their sense of separation.

Here you will find a strong sense of community and of place, thriving high streets and a feeling of peace – despite being so well connected to central London.

Still rural retreats well into the 18th century, Hampstead and Highgate are London’s real historical centres and they retain a real eclectic mix of architecture, shops and green spaces.

Hampstead

With its cobbled streets, winding lanes and ancient pubs, Hampstead is the archetypal London ‘village’. Many of its significant historic houses – from Georgian townhouses and Rectories, to Arts and Crafts masterpieces and award-winning modern builds – are among some of the finest in London, often tucked down meandering roads and leafy lanes.

While the iconic 800-acre wild green space of Hampstead Heath – with its woodland, meadows and ponds – has attracted Londoners wishing to escape the noise and pollution of the city for almost 200 years. You have everything here, from woodland to manicured lawns, swimming ponds to children’s playgrounds.

The area has long attracted writers, artists and thinkers, and is also a prime spot for families, thanks to its high-performing schools. The average price for a detached house in Hampstead now well exceeds £6 million.

Picturesque Church Row, with its splendid Georgian townhouses, and adjoining Holly Walk, with its hidden lane of Georgian cottages tucked alongside the cemetery, are just moments from Hampstead Underground and the Village shops, yet they feel almost rural.

On the other side of the village, the leafy roads around the edge of the Heath, including historic Well Walk, East Heath Road and the winding Vale of Health that cuts into the Heath itself and sits beside one of its Ponds, has long been popular for its countryside feel. Its many blue plaques a reminder of its fnotable residents through the centuries.

During driving tours of the area, we often take them to see Judges Walk on the Heath, once a fashionable place for promenading which was painted by John Constable. Nearby is a huge web of fascinating little lanes and cottages – it really doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of London here.

Discover more about Hampstead’s hidden gems here.

Highgate

Just across the Heath, Highgate offers a slightly quieter feel, with a strong sense of community centred around Highgate Village, Kenwood, the Heath and its historic buildings, pubs and community groups. It is also home to the renowned Highgate School. The High Street, with its pre-Georgian, Georgian and Victorian shopfronts and ancient inn yards, is home to many independent businesses, including bookshops and bakeries.

The top of Swain’s Lane, which borders Highgate Cemetery, is narrow and lined with trees and feels as much like a country lane as you will find in London. Then, as you reach the bottom of the Lane, there’s not quite a butcher, baker and candlestick maker, but there is a fantastic fishmonger, a great butcher, a really good greengrocer, a great convenience store – there’s a really well-chosen collection of good independents here.

We recently worked with an American family who were moving from Kensington because their children were at school in Highgate. We secured them an amazing house in Hampstead which we won in part because of our strong relationship with the agent. They loved the house because of its large garden, proximity to the Heath and to different types of shops – not just the high street – and good access to the tube.

Belsize Village

Nearby Belsize Park and, in particular, Belsize Village offer something slightly more low-key and tucked away. Wide tree-lined streets, pretty cafés and discreet mews houses make it a favourite among creatives and professionals who want proximity to the West End.

We recently secured an apartment in a concierge building with underground parking and outside space in Belsize Park for a client in her mid 70s who needed completely level access due to mobility issues. She was living in Islington but was getting fed up with how busy it was.

Within Belsize Park is lesser-known Belsize Village itself. We recently on a driving tour some international clients who had lived in Hampstead for six months but had never been to Belsize Village, and they thought it was absolutely charming. There is a pedestrianised triangle where the pavement is set up with bistro tables, so there is plenty of outdoor seating. On sunny days it feels like you’re in a little piazza in any village in Italy.

There’s a bakery, a deli, a 100-year-old greengrocer and florist, a buzzy little Lebanese restaurant, Bourne’s Fishmongers with four or five little tables inside. And nearby you’ll find Belsize Court Garages – a pretty little mews with Victorian stable houses and contemporary new builds, with a smattering of late Georgian cottages/coach houses close by.

Get in touch with our London team here. For news, expert commentary and invaluable property insight, subscribe to The Insider, our quarterly newsletter, here.

Grammar School Rush Fuels House Price Rise

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Rising house prices in popular grammar school towns are bucking wider trends, thanks to VAT on private school fees driving demand towards selective secondary schools, reports The Telegraph. Our Partner in the Northern Home Counties, Jemma Scott, speaks to journalist Ruth Bloomfield about the impact in Buckinghamshire.

Church spire and rooftops in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

Buckinghamshire, which has one of England’s highest concentrations of grammar schools with 13 in total, is one such area where prices are growing. It’s a trend that comes as little surprise to Jemma, who explains that the high-performing grammar schools in the county are seen as a first-choice option.

Read the article here.

Is the Government Destroying the Housing Market?

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

With endless ‘kite-flying’ speculation concerning rising property taxes ahead of the Autumn Budget, some are suggesting that the government have already done more harm than good. Head of the Buying Solution, Will Watson, speaks to The Times and our Partner in the Northern Home Counties, Jemma Scott, speaks to The Telegraph about the impact they are witnessing on the ground

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London.

Unnerved by the prevailing uncertainty, some nervous owners of best-in-class properties are already considering selling ahead of the Budget on 26th November, Will Watson tells David Byers at The Times. “Particularly those who’ve held their properties for over 20 years and seen significant price growth,” adds Will. Read the article here.

Speaking to Maya Wilson Autzen at The Telegraph, Jemma Scott says that despite carrying more stock than she has had in recent memory, the market is heading towards stasis, thanks to the curveballs being thrown by the government ahead of the Budget. Read the article here.

The Lure of the Cotswolds for Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

As music A-listers Beyoncé and Jay-Z are rumoured to be building a modern barn-style home on a vast 58-acre plot near Wigginton in the Cotswolds, our Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, talks to Ruth Bloomfield at The Standard about the area’s transatlantic appeal.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Harry has seen a 30% increase in US-based buyers in the Cotswolds since the start of the pandemic. “This region ticks every box of what they dream the English countryside should be – rolling hills, honey-coloured stone, cricket on the green, cosy pubs and villages that look unchanged for centuries,” Harry told The Standard.

Read the article here.