Tag: Will Watson

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.

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.

Identifying Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Homes

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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.

The Rebirth of Iconic Notting Hill

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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 Essential Ingredients of a Forever Family Home

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

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).

In the Press: The Buying Solution recommended in Spear’s

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Head of the Buying Solution, Will Watson, and our Partner in London, Philip Eastwood, are both named in Spear’s list of best buying agents for (super) prime property for 2025. While our Partner in the Southern Home Counties, Katherine Watters, is named in the 2025 Spear’s list of best country property specialists in the UK.

Headshots of two men and one woman from The Buying Solution dressed in work attire

“The best prime property buying agents begin by understanding a client’s specific objectives, whether that means securing a trophy home, a discreet off-market gem or a strategic investment,” writes Spear’s.

“Using their extensive experience and network, they search and assess most suitable options – many of which never even reach the open market. Buying agents don’t just facilitate transactions; they provide strategic counsel, ensuring their clients make informed and advantageous decisions.”

Read the article on best country property specialists here and best buying agents here.

In the Press: The Buying Solution in The Spectator

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Head of The Buying Solution, Will Watson, spoke to Ruth Bloomfield at The Spectator about how Trump is fuelling London’s prime property boom and what is driving many American clients to look for a permanent or second home in prime London.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article here.