Tag: Property

Highlights from The Buying Solution in 2024

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

As 2024 draws to a close, Will Watson, Head of The Buying Solution, reflects on a year of change, growth and opportunity.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

As I reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a transformative year for The Buying Solution and for me personally. Taking on the role of Head of The Buying Solution in May was a great privilege and offered me an opportunity to reinvigorate the business. My goal was to inject fresh energy into the firm and create a culture that reflects our ambition and expertise. Now, as the year comes to a close, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made together as a team.

One of the most exciting developments has been strengthening our team with three exceptional hires: Toto Lambert as Partner in our London office, Katherine Watters as Partner covering the Southern Home Counties, and Georgina Neil as a Buying Agent covering the Cotswolds. Each of them brings unique perspectives and expertise that have already made a significant impact on our business and brought a new dimension to it. As female Partners, Katherine and Toto have not only enhanced our reach but also broadened our professional and personal networks in London and the country. Watching their contributions complement our existing strengths has been a real highlight for me.

Fostering a collaborative and unified culture at The Buying Solution has been another key priority. Seeing this camaraderie between colleagues and mutual support take shape has been hugely rewarding.
One of the most gratifying trends has been the surge in client referrals. This year, more than ever, we’ve had past clients recommending our services to friends and family, which is a testament to the trust we’ve built. It’s this reputation that enables us to unlock opportunities that others simply can’t access. In fact, over 60% of the properties we’ve secured for clients this year have been off-market – a true reflection of our ability to deliver beyond the ordinary.

From a market perspective, 2024 has certainly had its uncertainties. Yet, we’ve seen a marked resilience, especially in London. The capital remains a focal point for global wealth, despite the political and economic noise. While some headlines might suggest an exodus, the reality is different. Clients have explored alternatives – Milan, Dubai, the US – but time and again, they return to London, drawn by its unparalleled lifestyle, culture, and connectivity. Yes, it’s always been an expensive city, and it’s becoming more so, but for those who understand its value, there’s simply no substitute.

Looking beyond London, the well-trodden path from city to countryside has continued to appeal, with clients seeking more space and a change of pace. One of my colleagues shared a story about a family moving to a rural spot in the Home Counties. Initially, they had reservations about leaving London, but with guidance and support, they made the leap – and haven’t looked back. These moments, where we help clients find not just a house but a true home, are what make this work so fulfilling.

Of course, our role is not just to facilitate; it’s to advise. There have been times this year when we’ve had to counsel clients against properties they initially thought they wanted. In one instance, a family fell for a house that, while charming, was in the wrong location and would have been a financial and emotional burden. After detailed discussions, they trusted our advice, held off, and ultimately secured a property far better suited to their needs. These are the decisions that define our commitment to our clients’ best interests.

Our reach continues to expand as well. This year, we’ve worked with clients from across the globe, including Japan and Finland, navigating language barriers and cultural differences to deliver exceptional results. Building long-term relationships is at the heart of what we do, and there’s no greater compliment than a returning client.

As we head into 2025, I remain cautiously optimistic. While uncertainties persist –whether around government policies or the broader economy – London and the UK’s enduring appeal will undoubtedly prevail.

What’s particularly intriguing right now is that we’re navigating what I believe is the bottom of the market. There are some excellent buying opportunities for those ready to act. Nervous sellers who’ve been waiting to move on are now willing to negotiate, making December and early 2025 an ideal time to buy. I anticipate that as sentiment improves – perhaps as early as next year – we’ll see confidence return which could harden seller’s positions within the market, so this current window is one to seize.

At The Buying Solution, we are proud to stand beside our clients, offering trusted advice, unrivalled access, and a deep understanding of the market. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the current climate or securing a dream home, we are here to ensure our clients are always one step ahead.

Will Watson, Head of The Buying Solution

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.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in The Telegraph

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Our Partner Harry Gladwin talks to Anna White at The Telegraph about the UK’s most sought-after neighbourhoods and, more specifically, the growing popularity of affluent Park Town in North Central Oxford, just outside the centre of the historic city.

Aerial view of Central Oxford University buildings

Read the article here.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in Bloomberg

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

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.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article on Bloomberg here.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in The Telegraph

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in the Financial Times

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article in the Financial Times here.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in The Telegraph

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

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.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article in The Telegraph here

Will a Second Trump Presidency Drive American Buyers to the UK?

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

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, Head of The Buying Solution

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.

The Budget’s Impact on the Prime Central London Property Market

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

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, Head of The Buying Solution

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

In the Press: The Buying Solution in PrimeResi

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

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.

Toto Lambert, The Buying Solution Partner, London
Katherine Watters The Buying Solution Partner Southern Home Counties

Read the article on PrimeResi here.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in The View from Knight Frank

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Our specialist Country agents Jake Civardi, Harry Gladwin, Mark Lawson MRICS and Jemma Scott talk to Lisa Freedman of The View from Knight Frank about the five country postcodes to watch in the next five years.

Autumnal view of trees and field leading to stately house
The Newt in Somerset/Dave Watts

Read the article in The View from Knight Frank here.