Tag: press

A New Chapter for London’s St James’s

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Long associated with aristocratic tradition, St James’s is entering a new chapter as major redevelopment projects transform a historic corner of central London. Head of The Buying Solution Will Watson discusses the appeal of the area with journalist Paul Carey at UAE newspaper The National

While known for its royal palaces and gentlemen’s clubs, St James’s has a more low-key history of innovation, including housing what is considered London’s first skyscraper. That building, the Grade I-listed 55 Broadway above St James’s Park station, is now being redeveloped by Blue Orchid Hotels into a luxury hotel designed by the architects behind The Ned and The Old War Office.

The project forms part of a trio of nearby redevelopments – alongside The Broadway and 102 Petty France – that are revitalising the district between Victoria and Westminster and helping it emerge from the shadow of neighbouring Mayfair. Will Watson explains more about St James’s appeal and the property prices it commands.

Read the article here.

IWD 2026: The Moments That Changed Everything

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026, our Partner Toto Lambert joined senior women across the property sector to reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers – for this article in PrimeResi

A young woman with dark bobbed hair wearing a white shirt leaning against a white wall

Rather than offering platitudes, female industry leaders shared the messy, uncertain decisions, risks and unexpected opportunities that influenced their paths. Our London specialist Toto joined contributors from agency, development, design, finance and advisory as they described inflection points ranging from dramatic turning moments to subtle shifts.

“The moment that truly transformed my career was, paradoxically, the moment I chose to step back… That pause ultimately led me into buying agency and where I am today,” explains Toto, adding: “I’m now part of a team that not only champions individuality but actively celebrates it.”

Read the article here.

How Celebrity Neighbours Can Impact a Country Village

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

The Cotswolds has become almost as well known for its famous residents as for its beautiful honey-stoned buildings and bucolic countryside. The arrival of a celebrity in a village – here and elsewhere – and the added security and heightened media interest that inevitably follows, often causes a stir, reports Arabella Youens in The Telegraph. Yet, a famous neighbour can bring far more to an area than just designer wellies, shares our Head of the Cotswolds Harry Gladwin.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

From Jeremy Clarkson to DJ Calvin Harris, the rumoured arrival of Beyonce and Jay Z, even the recent visit by US Vice President JD Vance; the Cotswolds has become a magnet for the rich and famous. Yet our Partner and Cotswolds Buying Agent, Harry Gladwin, explains in this report in The Telegraph that the long-established culture of discretion among locals has made this a very welcoming place for famous residents and visitors, and their positive impact shouldn’t be ignored.

Read the article here.

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 Challenges of Being an Ex-Expat

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

As an estimated third of people who move abroad return to the UK within three years, our Partner in the North Home Counties, Jemma Scott, talks to Alexandra Goss at The Telegraph about the realities of readjusting to British life again.

In this feature which talks about ‘reverse culture shock’, Jemma – who specialises in international relocations – discusses the emotional shift associated with such a move. She also talks about why the perks that often come with an expat lifestyle can be one of the most difficult things to leave behind when returning to the UK.

Read the article here.

Downsizing: Look Before You Leap

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

According to a new study, downsizers are now moving 40% further than average buyers. Our Cotswolds Partner Harry Gladwin talks to Alexandra Goss at The Telegraph about why research is critical before downsizing to an unknown area.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Downsizing later in life inevitably means that the once crucial factors of school catchment areas and commuting times are no longer important. As such, growing numbers of downsizers are seeking a completely new way of life in a new area, often influenced by where their children and grandchildren are located. Yet it pays to ensure that a potential new neighbourhood is thoroughly researched before taking the leap, says Harry Gladwin in The Telegraph.

Read the article here and read more on The Joy of Downsizing: Why Planning Ahead Matters in our Insights blog here.

Could a New Property Levy Replace Stamp Duty?

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

As speculation continues that the Treasury is considering major property tax reforms ahead of the Autumn budget, one option on the table is replacing stamp duty with a new levy on homes sold for more than £500k. Our Partner and Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, shares his reaction in PrimeResi.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

While a new ‘proportional’ national property tax would aim to provide a steadier revenue stream, it’s thought that it could have a significant impact on liquidity, pricing and transactions across the UK market. Talking to the luxury property journal PrimeResi, our Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, comments on the impact of such a tax on his region and how it could reinforce the value gap in the market.

Read the article here.

Why the Cotswolds’ ‘Golden Triangle’ Is Losing its Edge

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Wealthy buyers in the Cotswolds are setting their sights beyond the typically popular socialite scene, according to a recent article in Bloomberg, featuring expert comment from our Partner Harry Gladwin.

view of Cotswolds stone houses down the hill in Burford. Image: Getty

Talking to journalist Sarah Rappaport, our Head of the Cotswolds region, Harry, says: “For those seeking true privacy, the celebrity ecosystem around Soho Farmhouse is starting to feel a bit crowded—or worse, performative.” He adds: “Areas around Snowshill, Cold Aston, Whichford or the Coln Valley offer more space, less scrutiny and just as much charm.”

Read the article here.

Why Americans are Flocking to the ‘Hamptons of England’

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in Fieldsports Journal

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

One of the most experienced buying agents in the country, our Partner Mark Lawson specialises in high value residential and rural estates, and has bought some of the most expensive and complex properties during the 30 years he has worked in the industry. A recent feature in Fieldsports Journal highlighted the immeasurable benefit that Mark – as with our entire team of buying agents – brings to his clients…

  • Mark provides clients with access to the whole market, ensuring they don’t miss that one unique opportunity. Over 80% of the properties he has bought in the last three years have not been openly advertised.
  • Mark saves busy clients time by previewing every property and advising whether a visit is worthwhile.
  • If a property is suitable, Mark produces a detailed pre-purchase report so buyers know everything – warts and all – before they commit.
  • Mark handles all negotiations, organises the necessary surveys and assists with day-to-day communications to ease the purchase process.

For expert guidance with your next property search, contact our specialist team here.