Identifying Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Homes

Knowing your architectural styles, the signifiers you should look for and – most importantly – why they matter is incredibly useful when searching for a home. Head of The Buying Solution, Will Watson, shares his expert insight on what buyers should know about period homes in The View from Knight Frank.

Victorian-red-brick-house-in-Kensington,-London,-UK

“I remember a client telling me years ago that owning an old house is like owning a classic car – you’re always tinkering with it,” he says. “Do your research and carry out proper due diligence. If you fall in love with an older property – especially one that’s listed – be prepared: any work will likely take longer and cost more than you expect.”

Read the article here.

Prime Property Insiders React to Non-Dom U-Turn Rumours

As reports suggest that chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering changes to the inheritance tax rules for non-doms, Head of The Buying Solution Will Watson shares his reaction with PrimeResi.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

“The changes have had a hugely negative impact in the short to medium term with a significant exodus from the London market,” says Will. “Reeves announcement gives a renewed optimism to the prime London market. This coupled with the feeling of unrest elsewhere such as the Middle East, and feeling that many other cities just cannot offer what London has are likely to halt decisions to relocate entirely while they wait and see.

“There is no assurance which way this will go, but for us this signals a window of opportunity ahead of the Autumn budget as a great window to buy well. As if non-dom taxes are then reduced at the October budget the buyers will return back quickly and with confidence.”

Read the article here.

What to Consider when Buying an Equestrian Property

Purchasing an equestrian property is not just an investment in financial terms, but in the lifestyle it brings. In the latest issue of The View by Knight Frank, our Partner Katherine Watters shares her insight into what to consider when searching for the ideal home for you and your horse.

“Different equestrian sports and disciplines require differing types of facilities and land,” advises Kat, an equestrian specialist with vast experience both as a lifelong rider and a buying agent. “Understanding the difference is absolutely vital to providing the best solution for our clients.”

Read more here.

Why Americans are Flocking to the ‘Hamptons of England’

Our Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, talks to Laura Parnaby at the Mail Online about the noticeable rise in interest from American buyers in the region in recent years.

One of the most experienced and well-regarded specialists in the Cotswolds, Harry, spoke about why the beautiful Cotswolds stone houses, privacy and space continues to resonate so strongly with our American friends and clients.

Read the article here.

The Growing ‘Try Before You Buy’ Trend

Mark Lawson spoke to Cathy Hawker at the Financial Times about the upsides and potential pitfalls of the growing super-prime property trend to ‘try before you buy’.

This means that some sellers are allowing potential buyers to temporarily move in before committing to buying and Mark comments that it is “an excellent idea for a prospective buyer but requires a leap of faith for vendors.”

He adds: “The buyer gets to live in the house, see how it works, listen to any noises and learn about the area and the neighbours. It gives them excellent insight — while they check out all the negatives. The only upside for the seller, however, is that if the buyer likes it, they tend to commit fully to the purchase.”

Read the article here.

Trump Sends Wealthy Americans Fleeing to the Cotswolds

Our Head of the Cotswolds Harry Gladwin spoke to Lauren Almeida from The Guardian about why a significant proportion of his clients are now Americans looking to settle in this idyllic pocket of the English Countryside.

period home with trailing greenery in the Cotswolds
Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

“There are multiple draws: it is a safe place to hold properties; young families often want to have a holiday home with a view to spending more time here in the long term; and older couples who want to spend more time in the UK use it as a stepping stone into Europe,” says Harry.

Read article here.

The Rebirth of Iconic Notting Hill

As the owners of esteemed Cotswolds members’ club Estelle Manor announce more details about Celeste, its new Notting Hill hotspot planned to open in late 2025, Will Watson spoke to Nicky Rampley-Clarke at The Standard about the rebirth of this iconic postcode.

Unsplash

“We’ve seen firsthand that our clients searching for large family homes at the super-prime level – above £10million – consistently prioritise Notting Hill,” says Will, Head of The Buying Solution. He goes on to talk about the most sought-after streets in the neighbourhood and those that offer greater value.

Read the article here.

The True Value of a Beautiful Country Garden

Our Partner Mark Lawson spoke to Daisy Dawnay for the Financial Times about the country house market and why a beautiful garden could potentially add up to 20% to the value of a home. He also talks about the growing trend in importing mature trees towering yew hedges, even fully formed parterre gardens. Read the article here.

Swimming pool, sun loungers and sun shade surrounded by flowers
Moor Hatches in Wiltshire, for sale through Blue Book

Why ‘Healing’ your House is now an Open Secret

Our Head of the Cotswolds region Harry Gladwin spoke to Rebecca Newman at the Financial Times about the rising trend in ‘energy cleansers’ in the housing market, particularly among clients in their thirties and forties buying older houses.

Cotswolds stone house with sage green front door and evergreen hedges
Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article here.

The Essential Ingredients of a Forever Family Home

Head of The Buying Solution, Will Watson, speaks to Arabella Youens at The London Magazine about the essential ingredients of a forever family home in London. He discusses our clients’ priorities when looking for a home that will adapt to growing children and shifting priorities for years to come.

Dean Hearne / OWN London

Read the article here (page 45).