St Johns Wood Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent

North West London Property News; Property Sellers in Driving Seat

2012-02-03T01:53:00.000-08:00

60% of home-movers believe that it is currently a buyers’ market and only 13% believe the odd are in favour of sellers, a ‘market balance ratio’ in excess of 5:1 in favour of buyers

Proportion of home-movers forecasting prices to be same or higher in 12 months’ time rises from 62% to 66% year-on-year, providing evidence of marginally more positive price outlook

However, more granular analysis reveals that the national picture masks significant variations at town and city level - the effects of local micro-markets operating very differently

Analysis of price forecast and ‘market balance ratio’ data highlights acute north-south divide:

• 19 of the top 20 ‘price optimist hotspots’ are in the south
• 17 of the top 20 ‘price-pessimist blackspots’ are in the north
• North West London strongest area for ‘seller power’, whilst strongest ‘buyers-market’ is in Huddersfield

St Johns Wood Exhibition

2012-01-31T02:57:00.000-08:00

Do you know which pub first housed the St John’s Wood Arts Club?

Or can you say where in St John’s Wood the famous Victorian French chef Alexis Soyer died?

A new exhibition at the Queen’s Terrace Café aims to educate St John’s Wood residents about the area’s rich cultural history while showcasing some of the talent the area currently has to offer.

Café owner Mireille Galinou says St John’s Wood owes much of its identity to its creative residents of yesteryear.

“It started with the development of St John’s Wood as an area, which was at the beginning of the 19th century,” she said.

“There were artists there from the outset and many of them started to build massive studios and hold parties at them. There was an artists’ school and an arts club but gradually the whole thing unravelled.

“The artists didn’t move out but the focus moved elsewhere.

“Most of the studios have been converted into people’s bedrooms or drawing rooms. From the outside you can still spot the characteristics, like the large windows, but there’s no longer a studio scene – that has completely disappeared.”

But through exhibiting the work of seven St John’s Wood and Hampstead residents, Ms Galinou aims to show that this artistic tradition is still “alive and kicking”.

“I was interested to find out if St John’s Wood was still active as an artists’ quarter and I came to the conclusion that yes it is,” she said.

“The exhibition is just a tiny bit of the art being produced in the area.”

Painter Charlotte Halliday, 75, has lived in St John’s Wood since 1946 and has her work exhibited at the café.

She says while there used to be a “thriving” art community in the neighbourhood, the exhibition shows that the arts are not dead yet.

As well as viewing the exhibition, visitors to the café can take part in a competition to find the 24 “cultural hot spots” of St John’s Wood.

Armed with a series of clues and a map, people can take to the streets to revisit the history of the St John’s Wood artists’ quarter.

n A private view talk by Dr Cathy Ross, Museum of London director of collections and learning, on London’s Creative Quarters: The topography of art in London, will be held tonight (Thursday) at 6.30pm. Tickets, £6, are still available.

The Ham and High

1 in 5 Landlords Bought Additional Rental Property in 2011

2012-01-26T02:20:00.000-08:00

Each quarter,Young Index research gauges market sentiment within the residential property sector, polling Young Group's client base of around 500 active landlords who hold UK property assets.The latest Young Index report of Private Rented Sector sentiment shows that 19.1% of landlords added additional residential property assets to their portfolios during 2011.

The activity was driven by strong positive expectations for both capital growth and income returns for the year ahead.

London clearly leads the way with 85.1% of respondents expecting rents in the capital to continue to rise throughout 2012 and a full 100% of landlords predict that property values in London will be at current levels or higher by the end of the year.

Interest rates are widely expected to remain low. 58.3% of landlords expect the Bank of England base rate to remain static throughout 2012.

Of those who do see a rise on the horizon, their average prediction for Q4 2012 is less than half a percentage point higher than the current all time low of 0.5%, at 0.78%.

Undoubtedly, current low costs of finance represent a short term fillip but landlords clearly see the Private Rented Sector as a long term investment class.

Data from Young Index Q4 2011 show that 36.9% of landlords intend to hold their property until 2031. The average future hold period across all respondents was 15.4 years.

Neil Young, CEO of Private Rented Sector specialists, Young Group, who carry out the quarterly research comments:

"Without a doubt, the appetite from private investors in the PRS for additional investments is extremely strong.

"The London rental market is particularly strong and demand from tenants seeking quality PRS accommodation shows no sign of abating, buoyed by a population that is spending longer than ever living in rented homes and increasingly living in solo households."

Apartment for Sale, Grove End Road, St Johns Wood

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Grove End Gardens, Grove End Road, St John's Wood, London, NW8

One double bedroom ground floor apartment set in a prestigious portered block in St. John's Wood. The property is located within minutes' walk of St. John's Wood station (Jubilee Line) and its' very fashionable High Street. The Bakerloo Line at Maida Vale is also within easy access to the property, allowing residents to commute easily into the City and Canary Wharf.

This flat is ideally located for professionals commuting to the City whilst having access to all the luxurious amenities of St. John's Wood and Regent's Park. It makes for a perfect investment for owner occupation or an investor.

The property has been recently redecorated and is ready to move in with no upper chain.

North West London Apartment for Sale, St Johns Wood

Queens Park Garden Flat for Sale

2012-01-03T01:59:00.000-08:00

Brondesbury Villas, Queens Park, London, NW6

A spacious (826 sq ft) well presented two double bedroom two bathroom garden flat set within an attractive four storey semi-detached period property on one of the most desirable tree lined streets in Queens Park. The property is situated a short walk from Queens Park underground station (Bakerloo Line) and the variety of shops, gastro pubs and deli's along Salusbury Road.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with wood floors and a fitted storage cupboard; a modern family bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite with fully tiled walls/floors; an 18' front facing reception room with wood floors and a gas fireplace with wood surround; guest cloakroom and a separate fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.

Further benefits include a 15' master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and direct access to the private rear garden, an ensuite shower room with extractor fan, the second double bedroom with direct access to the private rear garden, side access to the 53' mature rear garden and a private front garden. The property also has potential for a single storey rear extension (Subject To Planning).

Queens Park Garden Flat for Sale

Mortgage Rate & Home Loan News: New First Time Buyer Opportunities

2012-01-01T02:19:00.000-08:00

While borrowing for a property purchase is far from an easy thing, one mortgage broker believes that first-time buyers are now seeing a host of new opportunities becoming available to them.

Andy Pratt, chief operating officer at London-based Alexander Hall, says that there are some positive signs for those looking to make the first move onto the property ladder with more and more lenders now offering mortgages at high loan to values (LTVs).

However, he is keen to point out that the best interest rates on the market are still those available to people with the ability to put down a larger deposit.

“It is still a 20 per cent deposit to get a good mortgage,” Mr Pratt stated. “[But] there are positive signs in terms of high street lenders coming to the market with higher LTV products.

“There was one good sign when we saw the high street lender Woolwich come to market with a 90 per cent loan to value, although the rate is a bit higher."

He added that there are some bargain properties around for those prepared to look around carefully and potential first-time buyers should do all they can to ensure that the cost of Christmas does not knock back their ability to save a deposit.

And it’s a good time to have a mortgage for many as data released this month by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) shows that monthly mortgage payments are now on average at their lowest levels for almost eight years.

Due to a sustained period of low interest rates, with many people benefiting from long term trackers following the Bank of England base rate, the proportion of household income spent each month on funding a mortgage is 12.3 per cent, the lowest it has been since the beginning of 2004.

Mortgage Rate & Home Loan News

Housing Market Recovery Expected in 2012

2011-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

The UK housing market will see a gradual recovery during 2012, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King said 2012 believes that some people have been quick to be overly gloomy about the housing sector’s prospects in the next 12 months but was also keen to stress that, in contrast, things won’t blossom overnight either.Indeed, he feels that home purchases will be at similar levels to this year but house values will increase on a gradual basis.However, he feels that lenders need to do more to drive the market for first time buyers as currently a lack of available finance means that people are finding it increasingly difficult to get a foot on the property ladder."Next year will see a continued lending barrier facing those entering the housing market for the first time, with major lenders sticking to tight mortgage policies,” Mr Bolton King stated.“Clearly, when the Stamp Duty holiday disappears in the second quarter of 2012 it will become even more difficult for first time buyers to access the market."He also believes that regional variations will lead to what he terms ‘micro-markets’ across the country. This is where demand for property in some districts maintains a healthy market but creates a division from lesser desirable areas, which are left behind.He added: "Pressure for housing will increase in London and the South East throughout 2012. The top end of this market will also remain very resilient, and we believe that purchases from overseas investors will continue apace."Confidence in 2012 will be a key factor and this, to some extent, will be driven by the media." David Warren, senior sales negotiator at Paramount commented: “The West Hampstead housing market has been consistent since 2009 after the slow down at the end 2007/2008 and prices recovered fully in 2010. We have now seen prices raise by a further five per cent from the peak prices in August 2007."The local area is only affected slightly by the first time buyer Stamp Duty holiday as only studios and the odd one bedroom flat will get into this bracket but we can definitely see where the rest of the UK will suffer with no stamp duty holiday and FTB finding it hard to get deposits together and mortgages agreed”Recently, the Building Societies Association (BSA) stated that consumer confidence is returning to the housing market and more people will be looking to purchase a property in next year than in 2011.NAEA News

North West London Property Maintenance Service

2011-12-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Paramount Maintenance Services are based in West End Lane, West Hampstead, North West London, providing a complete in-house letting, property maintenance and property management service to accidental landlords, investment companies, property developers, buy to let investors and corporate property portfolio owners.

Paramount Maintenance take on all sorts of renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, handyman work, tiling, painting, plastering, carpentry, landscape gardening and roofing. They also specialise in the upgrading, renovating, refurbishing and repair of tired or run down rental properties to obtain the maximum benefit to the landlord, property owner or investor in the most cost effective manner.

'Running a professional property management business for professional landlords and professional tenants is a 24-hour a day responsibility, 365 days a year. Once a property is let it is only the beginning of the story and the obligations of a landlord must be executed in the most efficient way possible. Although good professional tenants are hard to find they are often quite demanding. They are looking for trouble free occupation in return for their hard earned cash.' explained Spencer Lawrence of Paramount Lettings based in West Hampstead.

Spencer continued, 'Breakdowns and breakages don’t happen nine to five and so Paramount’s management team doesn’t just happen nine to five either. Central heating boilers tend not to break down in the summer. They wait until the middle of the coldest night of the year. Window locks don’t just break. they wait until their owner or tenant is about to leave for a long weekend in Prague.'

'We not only value our tenants but also our landlords. We provide a property maintenance service second to none in North West London, ensuring that our landlords properties are maintained to the highest standard by arranging independent check-in and check-out. We also ensure rents are collected efficiently and on time and provide monthly statements confirming all income and expenditure. '

Here’s what some of our tenants say:

“Could you please forward my gratitude to your plumber who arrived at m y my property at 10am on Christmas day and fixed my boiler and saved the day as l had a house full with twelve for dinner.”

“Thank you for your swift response, l look forward to coming home to a warm flat.It has been a real pleasure dealing with Paramount. The professionalism they have show during and on completion of my tenancy has been superb, l look forward to renting from you again on my return from Australia.”

Follow the link for more on Paramount's managed property maintenance services in Brondesbury, Cricklewood, Hampstead, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St Johns Wood, South Hampstead, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

St Johns Wood Apartment for Sale, Grove Road

2011-12-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

Grove End Gardens, Grove End Road, St John's Wood, London, NW8

A stunning one double bedroom ground floor apartment set in a prestigious portered block in St. Johnn's Wood. The property is located within minutesâ' walk of St. Johnn's Wood station (Jubilee Line) and itsâ' very fashionable High Street. The Bakerloo Line at Maida Vale is also within easy access to the property, allowing residents to commute easily into the City and Canary Wharf.

This flat is ideally located for professionals commuting to the City whilst having access to all the luxurious amenities of St. Johnâ's Wood and Regentâ's Park. It makes for a perfect investment for owner occupation or an investor.

The property has been recently redecorated and is ready to move in with no upper chain.

North West London Apartment for Sale NW8

London Property Market News: Prime London property values rose by 13 per cent this year

2011-12-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

The value of prime property in central London shot up by 13 per cent in 2011.This is according to the latest Knight Frank Prime London Sales Index, which states that homes in the area are now at the their highest ever levels.Properties priced between £2.5 million and £5 million saw the largest growth, increasing by 16 per cent on average, while those valued over £10 million increased by 12 per cent.The average prime property in central London is now worth around £3.19 million and has seen a value increase equivalent to £1,202 each day over the past 12 months.Sales numbers have increased by 17 per cent year-on-year, but this is largely due to high take up of properties at £5 million or less, which are up by an incredible 20 per cent.It is widely believed that funds from cash-rich investors from overseas is helping to drive up the luxury homes market in the capital.London Property Market News

Property Improvements; Small Improvements Add Value

2011-12-20T01:52:00.000-08:00

When looking to get the best possible return on your property it is best to complement its existing features with small changes rather than embark on a huge regeneration project.

Elizabeth Weintraub, who writes for About.com's Home Buying Guide, believes that adding value to a home is in all the smaller details rather than the costly and time consuming improvements many people take on.

"In terms of adding value - don't renovate," she said. "If you wouldn't make a renovation when you were planning to stay in the home, don't do it when you plan to move."

She said that adding some pounds to your property's value could be as simple as giving the place a lick of paint or buying new rugs and towels for the bathroom.

However, she said that if you do need to take on one large-scale project then it should be adding an extra bath or shower area to the house as another washing space always reflects well to potential purchasers.

Last month the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) said that installing cavity wall insulation is a good way of adding to your home's value.

London House Price News

Christmas and New Year Events in Westminster

2011-12-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

As temperatures drop and the holiday season is upon us, the City of Westminster is set to be transformed into a festive landscape of entertainment, music, and exclusive shopping experiences to see you through the colder months. Check out our calendar of free and budget events:
Music and caroling:

Festive shopping to gospel tunes
Where: St. Martin's Courtyard, near Covent Garden

When: Thursday 15th December, 5-7pm

What to expect: Free roasted chestnuts and warm Pimm's whilst listening to the London Community Gospel Choir.

Christmas Carols by Candlelight
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JH

When: Thursday 15th December, 7.30pm

What to expect: Christmas carols by candlelight with the Vivamus Choir.

Shopping:
Christmas food market and reindeer
Where: Covent Garden

When: Saturdays, 12 noon - 5pm

What to expect: Make friends with reindeer and visit a festive Christmas food market.

Entertainment:
London theatre - Top shows from £10
Where: All over Theatreland

When:Sunday 1st January to Friday 10th February – booking open now!

What to expect: More than 50 shows are taking part including Les Miserables, Singin’ In The Rain, The Wizard of Oz, The Ladykillers, Noises Off, The Gruffalo, The Snowman, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker and Tosca at the London Coliseum.

Ice skating
Where: Somerset House, Aldwych South

When: Daily from 10am to 10.30pm

What to expect: Skate on one of London's most atmospheric rinks. Free storytelling sessions for little ones by the Christmas tree. From £7.50 plus booking fee.

For little ones:
Children’s Christmas crafts and stories
Where: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, London W9 2QT

When: Wednesday 21st December, 2.30-4pm

What to expect: Christmas stories for Westminster’s little residents, crafts and the opportunity to make your own tree decorations and greeting cards. Age: 5+

Puppet workshop
Where: Education Centre Foyer, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

When: 29th December, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm

What to expect: Join in and learn how to make shadow puppets, make your own and take it home!

New Year’s Eve:
New Years Eve Fireworks Display
Where: Best views to be had from Victoria Embankment!

When: Saturday 31st December, midnight

What to expect: Ring in the year of the London Olympics in style.

New Year's Day Parade and festival
Where: The Parade starts on Piccadilly outside The Ritz hotel. It then goes to Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent St, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street.

When: 1st January 2012, 11.45am to 3pm

What to expect: The first official event of London's Olympic year has an Olympic and Diamond Jubilee theme. Watch 10,000 performers from 20 countries plus marching bands, acrobats, cheerleaders and much more.

Westminster Council

North London Property Review 2011

2011-12-15T02:29:00.000-08:00

This year’s property sales market has been healthy from start to finish with the average property going under offer in 4-6 weeks. Properties in great condition, property in need of refurbishment or with outside space are often going under offer within days and on the odd occasion going over the asking price. Agreed prices went up by 5% early in the year and have held all year so far.

2011 has been the year of the cash buyer with Paramount agreeing over 50% of its sales to cash buyers. These buyers have often been Parents from the UK, mainland Europe and Asia buying for their children who are based or will be based in London. These properties are going on the rental market for the interim periods.

We have also seen some buy to let investors return to the market, with the rental market’s being so strong they have achieved some great rents and are generally renting their flats within days of taking ownership.

With the lack of properties currently on the market and the amount of good quality buyers currently looking, 2012 looks like it is going to be a great year to sell your property in our local area.

What's been happening in 2011 in West Hampstead and surrounding areas for Paramount lettings?

In 2011, Paramount has seen unprecedented demand from applicants looking to rent in North West London. The cost of market entry for first time owner/occupiers is preventing many people from buying and so is boosting demand for rental property. A dearth of rental stock is pushing up rents and future prospects for rental growth are very strong indeed; the average rental income are up by 12% in the NW6 area. Landlords can “cherry pick” their ideal tenant with no worries of a void period whatsoever.

Given that yields have steadily increased this year, it has also meant the introduction of first time buy-to-let investors into the property market as well as existing landlords expanding their portfolios. There is no reason to suggest that in 2012 the rental sector will show any signs of waning.

Paramount Property News

London Property Market Slows for Christmas

2011-12-12T01:50:00.000-08:00

Rightmove reports that buyers in London looking for fresh choice of property may find their options more limited than usual at this time of year, with a 16% drop in the number of new sellers compared to the same period in 2010. This is the largest drop off seen in any of the regions of England. Average asking prices in the capital also dropped over the past month, down -1.2%, although prices are 6.6% up year-on-year.

Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove comments:

“London’s sellers seem to have finished early for Christmas this year, and decided to postpone their moving plans until 2012. Lack of choice to tempt them to trade up and high price gaps to the next rung up the ladder are more likely reasons, though the uncertainty in the Eurozone will be influencing some too”.

Markets like certainty, and so do people who are deciding whether to trade up in the property market and make a big financial decision. Agents report that many would-be sellers are postponing their marketing until the new year, influenced by the current wall-to-wall media coverage of the economic crises in Greece and Italy.

The current weekly run-rate of new listings is also down 11% compared to the previous month, highlighting the lack of suitable property to buy and consequent near record prices being asked. Following the setting of a new all-time high in asking prices in October, this month sees a fall from that peak of 1.2% (£5,486).

With the approach of the slower winter selling season, it is usual for there to be a drop in new sellers’ asking prices at this time of year. Last November saw a fall of just 0.4%. However, this November’s 1.2% fall is more muted than the rest of the regions in England, where the average reverse this month is 3.9%.

Shipside comments:

“Yet again the buoyancy of the London market leads the rest of the country. Whilst international buyers have helped pull prices up in the more select areas, the net effect has been that new sellers can ask prices on average 6.6% higher than a year ago. Given the unsettled nature of the Eurozone, and the off-putting uncertainty that it causes, bricks and mortar in the capital are proving to be one of the few inflation-busting investments around.

While the uncertainty in the economy will be putting off some Londoners from trading up, estate agents are filling their places by chasing buyers from Greece and Italy who see the capital as a safe haven”.

Luxury Lettings Market Under Pressure From Overseas Students

2011-12-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

Cash rich students from overseas are increasingly looking at the more luxurious end of the rental market.

Jonathan Moore, director of EasyRoomMate.com, said that while student homes still often have the reputation of being far from grandiose, students are becoming more choosy and those from overseas in particular are looking for properties in more affluent districts.

"With the increase of demand from international students with bigger budgets, we are seeing a niche luxury lettings market emerge in many university towns, with investors targeting higher rents - albeit from a bigger investment," he said.He added that, despite this, changes in the HMO [house in multiple occupation] licensing requirements mean that all property let to students is now of a decent standard.

Research conducted last month by specialist mortgage provider Paragon found that student lets still offer a landlord the highest possible yield, with an average of 7.62 per cent.Properties let on a shared basis by professionals was the second best performer at 7.56 per cent.

Landlord and Tenant News

Council of Mortgage Lenders Buy to Let Market News

2011-11-27T02:06:00.000-08:00

Figures released today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the buy to let market is still strong.According to the body, mortgage loans to landlords increased by 16 per cent in the third quarter of this year.

Over the same three-month period, the amount of money loaned by financial institutions for property investment rose by 19 per cent, showing that banks and building societies are regaining their confidence in the buy to let sector.

A total of 34,500 buy to let mortgage advances were made in the quarter totalling an incredible £3.2 billion. It is the highest buy to let lending as stood since the onset of the credit crunch in 2008.

CML director general, Paul Smee, stated: "With tenant demand remaining strong in the rental sector, some existing buy-to-let landlords have been expanding their portfolios and the growth that returned to the sector in the preceding quarter has continued.”

Mark Durban, senior lettings agent at Paramount, said recently that at present the demand for rental property is so high that it exceeds the number of homes available.

Buy to Let Investment News

St Johns Wood Basement Excavations

2011-11-22T05:40:00.000-08:00

St John’s Wood is well known for its grand villas and impressive architecture, reports the Ham and High.

But a trend for homeowners to enlarge their properties by expanding beneath them has seen the usually tranquil neighbourhood become increasingly blighted for many residents.

In the past year alone, the St John’s Wood Society has been asked to review 86 basement applications including 13 in one road – Hamilton Terrace.

Other streets have been affected almost as severely with nine basement applications in Acacia Road and seven in Carlton Hill.

Such is the extent of the problem that last week saw North Westminster MP Karen Buck lead a parliamentary debate on the issue in the House of Commons.

Speaking during the debate, Ms Buck said it was only when she looked at one of the larger basements in St John’s Wood last month that “it really came home to me just what an extraordinary change we are seeing”.

Calling for tighter regulations, Ms Buck says she has an issue with basement developments that “stretch not just under the footprint of the house” but “through an entire garden” to provide luxuries such as underground cinemas, swimming pools, gymnasiums and gun rooms.

A Westminster Council spokesman said all basement developments must comply with planning legislation and council guidelines.

“While such development is often largely concealed from public view, it is important that it is carefully designed to ensure it causes no harm to the amenity of adjoining occupiers, to biodiversity, heritage assets or the character of the area and that it does not result in drainage, flooding or structural problems.”

Refurbished Swiss Cottage Flat for Sale

2011-11-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

New College Court, Finchley Road, Swiss Cottage, London, NW3

A spacious (602 sq ft) one double bedroom flat set on the fourth floor of this purpose built mansion block in Swiss Cottage.

The property is located close to all the local amenities and transport links on Finchley Road and the huge array of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities at the O2 centre. West Hampstead and Swiss Cottage is also easily accessible.

The accommodation comprises a front facing 14' reception room; an inner hallway with fitted storage cupboards; a separate kitchen; a rear facing 13' bedroom and a bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite.

Further benefits include a lift in block, an extended lease, heating and hot water included in the service charge and no upper chain.

The external common parts are currently being refurbished.

Finchley Road Flat for Sale

Westminster Gyms and Leisure Facilities Free This Weekend

2011-11-18T04:01:00.000-08:00

Leisure centres and sport venues across Westminster will host more than 220 hours of free activities this weekend (Nov 19/20).

Swimming, football, badminton, martial arts and table tennis are among the sports on offer across seven venues.

Visitors will be encouraged to try something new, from latin and ballroom dancing classes – to supervised climbing sessions and yoga.

They will also have the chance to have a 'mini' fitness MOT at the gym, try out activities such as street dance and cheerleading or take the opportunity to improve their swimming technique.

Cllr Steve Summers, Westminster Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and the Olympics, said:
“The Active weekend is a great opportunity for residents to get out into the local community and find out what leisure services are on offer.

"Westminster's gyms and leisure facilities provide excellent value for money, and we are proud to have some of the best facilities in the capital, within easy access of all our residents and visitors."

“I’d encourage residents to get involved this weekend, to see for themselves what’s on offer and maybe try something new.”

The 'Active Westminster Weekend' is being run in partnership with a range of organisations across the city including NHS Westminster.

For full listings Click Here

Residential Letting Market and Agents Coming Under More Scrutiny

2011-11-17T01:32:00.000-08:00

Increased demand for rental property is sparking a renewed interest in the PRS from landlords in some parts of the UK.

Achievable rent levels on residential property have risen in the last six months, according to 60% of ARLA member agents, and have outperformed other investment classes consistently for the past two years.

The average period for which a rental property is empty in between lets is just 2.7 weeks per year, down from an average four weeks two years ago.

Ian Potter, Operations Manager at ARLA, said: "Three quarters of our members are reporting that demand for rental property is outstripping supply and, with rental returns currently at 5%, anyone thinking about investing a property to rent could be well-placed to consider their options in the coming months."

Our research shows that prudent landlords are moving quickly to expand their portfolios, with almost a quarter (23%) reporting that they have bought properties in the last year. The most popular regions for investment are the North West, Midlands and Central London. In contrast the Rest of London saw the fewest landlords buying property.

We advise anyone considering investing in a rental property or portfolio, to first seek advice from a professional, licensed lettings agent.

Mr Potter continued: "The rental market is, rightly, coming under increasing scrutiny to ensure that consumers are not mistreated. Currently, anyone can become a letting agent. To protect your rights either as a landlord or tenant, it is critical therefore to check that there are measures - like Client Money Protection - in place with your chosen agent should things go wrong."

London Housing Market Could Be Affected By Drop in City Bonuses

2011-11-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Job cuts and falling bonuses in the City could cause house prices to drop in London, according to a report, London Loves Business writes.

Bonuses in the Square Mile are expected to fall by around 40 per cent year-on-year while approximately 27,000 jobs could go in 2011, the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) found recently. This could impact on houses prices in the capital and other areas in the South because it is believed a third of bonus money is spent on investing in property.

London is the only area of the country where house prices were higher last month than in October 2010, estate agent Chesterton Humberts and the CEBR’s House Price Poll of Polls found. Public sector cuts that have hit house prices in the rest of the country have not had such a large impact in London.

Chesterton Humberts CEO Robert Bartlett said: “London has been relatively unscathed by the recession and its aftermath. International buyers seeking a safe haven of value still equate prime London property with other secure portfolio investments such as gold. But the continuing economic turmoil in Europe and the perceived threat to the financial services sector will dampen traditional bonus purchases.

“London’s relative stability has masked the increasing divergence of prices between London and the rest of the country. Over the year to date prices have risen by 3.6 per cent in the most expensive fifth of property areas, all in London, and fallen by minus 4.5 per cent in the least expensive fifth.”

London Rental Market Expected to Continue to Grow

2011-11-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

There have been significant increases in London rents over the past two years, with Knight Frank figures indicating that since 2009, the price of renting a home in the capital has increased by 27 per cent. According to Gary Hall, partner at the organisation, these rises are showing no signs of abating. "It's looking pretty healthy as a landlord - the rental market will continue to grow and the rental prices are going to head up," he stated. Mr Hall explained that a lack of new properties coming on to the market is likely to help boost rents further, particularly at the middle and bottom ends of the sector.

He also suggested that the Olympic Games in 2012 could affect the rental sector in different ways, noting that some landlords may terminate long-term contracts in favour of the money they can generate through short-term lets during the sporting event. If this happens, "there could be a flood of new properties coming on once the Olympics finish in September", Mr Hall added. Last month, Liam Bailey, head of research at Knight Frank, predicted that rental growth in London will begin to slow by the end of 2011.

Mr Bailey commented that there remains "scope for future ongoing rental growth", although estimated that more moderate rises of between four and five per cent per year are more likely in the medium to long term. Mr Hall agreed with this assessment, noting that steady growth is anticipated, with "a bit of a conservative figure" throughout the coming 12 months. He added that an increase of five per cent annually is probable until 2015. With rents in London now above their pre-recession levels and price rises showing no sign of stopping, investors may be attracted to the city by the prospect of healthy returns on residential real estate assets.

Apartment for Rent, St Edmunds Terrace, St Johns Wood

2011-11-01T03:27:00.000-07:00

St. Edmunds Terrace, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

4 Bedrooms
2 Reception Rooms
3 Bathrooms

We are pleased to offer this brand new four bedroom house which further comprises three ensuite bathrooms, living room, fully fitted kitchen, two balconies and an integral garage, available unfurnished, NOW!

St Johns Wood Apartment for Rent

London Rental Property Yields Outperformed by West Midlands

2011-10-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

London isn't the UK's only hotbed of buy-to-let activity.According to new research by specialist mortgage provider Paragon, the West Midlands is outperforming the capital in terms of rental income.

A survey of almost 600 landlords found that rental properties around Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Worcester generate an average yield of 7.35 per cent, compared to 7.32 per cent in outer London and 7.07 per cent in the South-West.
The research also found that student lets are still delivering the best yield with an average yield of 7.62 per cent.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are still performing well with the average returning 7.56 per cent, while private family lets brought in 6.57 per cent, followed by migrant workers at 6.53 per cent.

Nigel Terrington, chief executive of Paragon, believes the rise in rental income for West Midlands-based landlords is due to the regeneration of Birmingham city centre bringing many workers into the area.
He stated: “The area is a hub for manufacturing, has a strong professional services sector, is home to several large universities and is undergoing significant redevelopment, so therefore attracts a healthy mix of tenant types.

"The yield a rental property generates is a hugely important part of a landlord's business plan, as they give a good indication of how well the property is performing and the level of income it is providing."

The latest buy-to-let index from LSL Property Services recently revealed that landlords in all areas of England and Wales saw an increase in their rental income in September.

The figures are the largest since records began with the average rent rising by 0.7 per cent to reach £718, exceeding the previous high of £713 set in August
Overall this represents a 4.3 per cent increase on the same period last year.

And Greg Kinnear of Landlord Assist has estimated that ongoing rises in living expenses will prohibit people's ability to buy property, driving the rental market up further.

London Rental Property News

Rental Income Up In September for UK Landlords

2011-10-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

Increasing rents isn't just a phenomenon exclusive to the property market in London.
The latest buy-to-let index from LSL Property Services reveals that landlords in all areas of England and Wales saw an increase in their rental income in September.

The figures were the largest since records began with the average rent rising by 0.7 per cent to reach £718, exceeding August's previous record high of £713.This represents a 4.3 per cent increase on the same period last year.The south-east and the East Midlands saw the biggest rises, with 1.8 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively compared to August.

In the past 12 months as a whole, rents in London have risen at the faster rate, increasing by 5.8 per cent.

David Brown, commercial director at LSL Property Services, said: “In areas of the highest demand, such as the capital, competition is driving up rents at a faster rate than elsewhere, but no region has been immune to the growing demand for rental homes from frustrated buyers."

The figures follow comments made by Greg Kinnear of Landlord Assist, who estimated that a rise in living costs would prohibit people's ability to buy property and further drive the rental market.

Landlord and Tenant News

Mapesbury Conservation Area Flat for Sale,Teignmouth Road

2011-10-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Teignmouth Road, Mapesbury Conservation Area, London, NW2

A spacious ground floor three bedroom two bathroom conversion situated on the ever popular Mapesbury Conservation Estate within reach of Willesden Green zone 2 Jubilee underground station, 98 bus route into Central London and local shops and amenities along Walm Lane. Cricklewood and Kilburn train stations on the Thames link, London Overground and Jubilee lines are also available.

The flat is within a large imposing house and comprises a rear aspect reception room with door to the rear garden and an intercommunicating kitchen/diner/breakfast room.

In addition the flat offers two en-suite bathrooms, a guest cloakroom and a large private section of the rear garden with a detached garage via a very long driveway providing off road parking for multiple vehicles.

Viewing is highly recommended and this home is chain free so immediate occupation is possible

North London Flat for Sale, Mapesbury Conservation Area

Tenant Demand Out strips Property Available In North London

2011-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

The number of new tenancies has been at record levels for the past year but the PRS may finally be running out of space to cater for tenant demand, reports ARLA.

The number of agents from ARLA's 6,000 members across the UK stating that there are more tenants than properties has reached the highest level since records began.

74 per cent of respondents believe that demand is outstripping supply, as has been the case for the past four quarters. The increase in demand is particularly acute in London and the south east and suggests that there is insufficient supply of property to meet tenant demand.

The survey also demonstrates that the periods in which tenants are staying in their properties has increased to a record high of 19 months, as tenants are wary of trying to find a new property in such a competitive market.

The number of new tenancies signed up by agents has risen rapidly in a consistently upward trend since 2001. But this figure has remained consistent at 34 new tenants every month per branch throughout 2011 after record numbers of new renters entered the market in 2010.

ARLA's member agents believe that this may be because there is simply a lack of desirable property on the market to entice new renters as the PRS finally feels the strain of supporting the UK's housing slump.

Tim Hyatt, president of ARLA, said: "The UK cannot rely on the rental sector to support the housing market in perpetuity. The reality is that there is a finite amount of rental property and unless both housing supply and mortgage availability improves then renters will find that their options in the market are reduced."

"The Government is doing little to encourage landlords to invest in new properties therefore we are running out of quality stock to offer to tenants. This is reflected in rent increases and a lack of choice for consumers.

"Within such an intensely competitive market, we would advise tenants and landlords to seek the best possible advice from agents as there will be those that seek to exploit this situation. Engaging with an ARLA-licensed letting agent is one way to protect your assets guard against this and guard against unethical operators."

Brondesbury Flat for Sale, Christchurch Avenue

2011-10-18T02:32:00.000-07:00

Christchurch Avenue, Brondesbury, London, NW6

A well presented two bedroom flat, set on the lower ground floor of a substantial red brick detached building.

The property is situated on one of Brondesbury's most popular tree lined roads and is only minutes walk from Kilburn Jubilee Line station and is also walking distance of West Hampstead and Queens Park.

The flat offers a 19ft bay fronted reception room with views over the garden, modern fitted kitchen with stainless steel oven and hob, great size bay fronted master bedroom, second double bedroom and a bathroom comprising a white three piece suite.
Further benefits include direct access to the communal gardens, off street parking on a first come first serve basis and wooden flooring in the reception room.

The owner is currently in the process of extending the lease, this will be at no cost to the incoming purchaser.

North London Property for Sale

London Property Maintenance and Management

2011-10-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Pre Sale or End of Tenancy Property Maintenance & Makeovers

Paramount Maintenance Sevices offers a pre sale or end of tenancy maintenance and makeover service with specialists covering all trades. Whether it is your own home or a number of properties you manage, our professional multi-skilled maintenance team can save you time, money and the need to hire a range of different building and maintenance contractors.

As our client, you will receive professional, yet friendly & courteous service. Your perception of our performance is always the reality and we will communicate with you frequently to meet your expectations. We believe first and last impressions count. This means we’ll turn up on time and clean up on the way out.

Follow the link for more information on Paramount's Property Maintenance Services

London Olympic Concern Over Illegal Adverts

2011-10-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

London risks being over-run with illegal adverts during the Olympics unless local authorities are given greater powers to tackle opportunistic product placement, it was warned today.

The call comes from Westminster council which this week has written to Bob Neil, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, as well as Lord Coe, urging for a shake-up of existing laws. It follows a spate of ambush advertisement campaigns in the city, and at major sporting events, in recent years.
Currently councils have limited powers for seeking the immediate removal of illegal adverts and councils are often left with no option other than to apply for an injunction from the High Court. This delays removal and incurs significant cost and wastes officer time.

While advertisers who flaunt planning rules can be fined, the maximum £2,500 fine is not sufficient as a deterrent, particularly when compared to the revenue generated by prominent adverts at global sporting events.

The council has called for an extension of new powers, introduced to tackle these issues in designated areas around Olympic venues, to be extended across all of London – this includes being able to immediately remove advertising that does not have the relevant consent.

Westminster has seen a number of incidents of ambush advertising in recent years, notably when Cricket Australia projected an image of two of their players onto Big Ben in the lead-up to the 2010 Ashes series. Other major sporting events have also been targeted by the trend, with two people being arrested at the 2010 Football World Cup after 36 women wore bright orange outfits to promote a Dutch brewery during a match between Holland and Denmark.

“We pride ourselves on London’s appearance. Never will this be as important than during the Olympics, when the eyes of the world will be on us. We must have real powers to prevent the city’s streets being daubed in product placement by opportunistic advertisers.”

Under existing laws public outdoor advertising must be granted consent by the local planning authority.The council recently had success in changing a legal loophole that means consent is now needed for adverts displayed inside phone kiosks located in conservation areas.

North London Estate Agents Short listed for Property Award

2011-10-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Leading estate agents from across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom have been notified that they have become shortlisted in the region’s most prestigious property competition in association with Google and Bloomberg Television. Paramount Lettings Limited is delighted to learn that it is one of the finalists that may win a highly commended or five-star award.

The gala awards presentation will take place on October 28th at the London Lancaster hotel near Hyde Park. The event is part of the International Property Awards, which is now in its 17th year and has become recognised as the highest standard of excellence throughout the global industry. Attaining one of these coveted awards is evidence that Paramount Lettings Limited is capable of excelling over some very strong contenders within the highly competitive UK property arena.

Later this year, the highest scoring winners from the UK Property Awards will compete against other winning companies from Asia Pacific, Africa, Arabia, the Americas and Europe to determine the ultimate World’s Best in each category.

The judging panel consists of more than 80 professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is unsurpassed by any other property awards. This year’s judges include James Bacon, UK account manager of Google; Peter Bolton King, group chief executive of the National Federation of Property professionals; David Dalby of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); and Mike McNamara of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Spencer Lawrence, Lettings Director of Paramount Lettings Limited said of the award, “We are very proud to be short listed for this prestigious award; I believe this is testament to our work ethic and our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.”

London Landlords Would Benefit from New Approach to Tenants

2011-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Landlords who have property to rent in London, will find their lives are a lot easier if they treat their tenants like paying customers.

The advice comes from David Lawrenson, private rented sector expert at LettingFocus.com, who noted: "It is about a close attention to detail, being able to respond quickly and getting things done as quickly as they can - that is what tenants really want.

"You are running a business and you need to respond quickly and effectively [to any problems]," he pointed out.

By failing to engage with tenants as customers, landlords run the risk of having empty homes sitting there and having to spend time and money finding new people to pay the rent.

"Because of the costs of setting up a new tenancy, you ideally want your tenants to stay a long time, so looking after them well is critical," Mr Lawrenson added.
His comments came after mydeposits revealed that it has seen a 15 per cent yearly rise in deposit protections in August.

London Rental Property News

Maida Vale Unfurnished Property for Rent

2011-09-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

Maida Vale Property for Rent

A stunning three bedroom two storey low built family home conveniently located close to the transport and leisure facilities of both St. John's Wood and Maida Vale and filled with contemporary finishes and delightful character. The house has a stunning double volume reception room and features wood floors and wood finishes, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower and wc, two further bedrooms (one with ensuite shower room with wc), large entrance/dining hall, luxury fitted kitchen/breakfast room, 70' private rear patio and lawned garden, OSP for 2 cars, available NOW, unfurnished!

Greville Place, Maida Vale, London, NW6

Have A Trip To Your Local Car Boot Sale In North West London

2011-09-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday between 11am and 3pm, hundreds of shoppers arrive in their droves at Kilburn's St. Augustine's School, keen to get their hands on one of the many fabulous bargains to be snatched at The London Car Boot Co's weekly car boot sale.

From vintage clothes to furniture, musical intsruments to kids' toys and lots of quirky and unusual second-hand gems, there is something to catch everyone's eye at this well-established and famous car boot sale. Unlike most other car boot sales, you don't have to drag yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn to get there on time! Early bird entry is £3 per person before 11am and 50p per person thereafter.

If you find that you're not ready for your bargain quest to end after rooting around through the vast array of bits and bobs at St. Augustine's, round the corner on Quex road is St. Mary's Church of England primary school where another London Car Boot Sale Co is also held on Saturdays. Here you can find anything from textiles, vintage magazines and this particular car boot sale has been described as a mecca for budding interior designers, with vintage and modern decorative objects for the home such as kitschy light fittings and unique furnishings at a fraction of the original price.

Early bird entry to the St. Mary's car boot sale is £3 before 10am and 50p thereafter.

London Property Magazine

Buy to Let Mortgages Celebrate 15 Years

2011-09-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

The private rental sector in the UK has been revived by the buy to let mortgage which has enabled property landlords to blossom, it is claimed.

Buy to let was officially launched by the Association of Residential Letting Agents on 24 September 1996 at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, London.

The launch was an industry wide initiative and included several founder lenders, including Paragon Mortgages and Mortgage Trust, and industry bodies, including the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Now 15 years on, Paragon is one of the UK’s leading buy to let lenders and has £8.5 billion of buy to let assets under management.

‘Buy to let has galvanised the rental market over the past 15 years, whilst providing an attractive asset class for property investors. Buy to let finance was the catalyst for the revitalisation of the modern private rented sector,’ said Nigel Terrington, Paragon Group chief executive.

‘The flow of fresh capital modernised a tired and decaying sector, driving up standards of accommodation and choice for tenants. Many argue that the PRS would have died without buy to let as it had fallen to around 7% of all housing by the early nineties and there was a lack of finance going into the sector,’ he explained.

Out-of-city Residential Property 'can pay off for London workers'

2011-09-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

People who work in the city have been advised of the financial sense it makes to target residential property some distance from their office, reports UK Business Property.

New research by Halifax has found that those who catch the train to London each day will pay 60 per cent less for their home than they would if they lived in the capital.

Venturing an hour out of the city will save about £375,000 on a property – meaning it is well worth doing so, as the average train fare is £4,400 a year.

Towns to be recommended by the financial organisation include the likes of Peterborough, Swindon and Rochester.

In these spots, residential property is worth an average of £245,000, compared to £620,000 in London.

Nitesh Patel, housing economist at Halifax, commented: "Commuters to London tend to get a lot more for their money than in central London; bigger houses for lower prices."

London Commercial Property News: Town centre retail space 'harder to let'

2011-09-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

Landlords who have retail property in London are likely to be better off than their counterparts in town centres.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company, explained that landlords are finding it tougher to let their town centre retail spaces for a number of reasons.
He explained: "There are lots of aspects about town centres which make it much harder [to let].

"There are a number of dynamics, and those dynamics vary depending on where you are in the country and the type of shop and population that you are serving."
Mr Hopkinson added that infrastructure issues, such as parking and the size of the retail space, are causing problems for landlords.

He claims many retailers want a space that has ease of access and parking that supports their business.

However, landlords who have retail property in London may not need to be too concerned, as Iain Smith, spokesman for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recently said that London is the "best business city in the world".

London Commercial Property News

St Johns Wood Shops, Boutiques & Retail Stores

2011-09-14T02:49:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for Shops, Boutiques & Retail Stores in North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you own or run a Shop, Boutique or any Retail Store, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search our listings for North London our listings of antique shops, bakers, butchers, banks, building societies, beauty salons, book shops, card, novelty, gift and party shops, chemists and shops selling, beauty products, cosmetics and toiletries. clothes shops and fashion boutiques, confectioners, sweet and chocolate shops. corner shops, local shops delis, delicatessens, department stores, fishmongers, florist and flower shops green grocers, fruit and vegetable shops. habadashers, fabrics and craft material shops. hairdressers, jewellers, watch and jewellery shops. laundrettes, newsagents, off licences, selling alcoholic drinks, like spirits, beer and wine. pet shops, sandwich shops, shoe shops, sports, sportwear and sports equipment shops .stationers and stationery shops, supermarkets. food and drink.shops, and tobacconists.

St Johns Wood Apartment for Rent, Langtry Road

2011-09-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Flat for Rent St Johns Wood

An amazing one double bedroom first floor apartment set within a period conversion and located close to the Bakerloo line at Kilburn Park. Benefits include a spacious reception room with high ceilings and LCD TV, double bedroom with wardrobes, fully fitchen kitchen with new appliances including dishwasher, wine cooler and further kitchen gadgets, luxury shower room, storage cupboard, secondary glazing, unofficial roof terrace off the landing, available 19th October, fully furnished.

Langtry Road, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

North West Londons Green Alternatives to Car Ownership

2011-09-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re new to the area or lived in North West London for years, Streetcar offers a green, economical and stylish alternative to car ownership.

Their members have access to over 1,400 cars and more than 230 vans right across London. Whether you want a BMW for an hour, a Golf for the day, or a van to move home, Streetcars live right round the corner from your home and workplace and are available whenever you want them, for as long as little or as long as you need.

Joining and then booking vehicles couldn’t be simpler - Just go online!

To reserve a vehicle, go online, call, or use the free Streetcar app for your iPhone to select and a book a car, unlock it with your membership smartcard and drive away (keys are in the vehicle). All they ask of their members is that they put the vehicle back where they found it when they’ve finished their booking.

Even better news, the cost of booking includes insurance, fuel and the Congestion Charge.

To join or find out more, visit www.streetcar.com or call 0845 644 8475.

Paramount London Property Magazine

St Johns Wood Traffic Calming Measures Petition

2011-09-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

A petition signed by 33 residents was presented to the council by Abbey Road councillor Cyril Nemeth earlier this year, calling for measures to be put in place to calm St Ann’s Terrace, reports the Ham and High.

The petition claimed that the speed of traffic reduced residents’ quality of life while an existing 7.5-tonne vehicle weight limit is ignored by goods vehicles.

Campaigners called for the entrance to the road from St John’s Wood Terrace to be made “no entry”, the entrances to be narrowed so only one vehicle could enter at one time and an increased use of speed cameras.

But council officers have recommended that the measures should not be introduced. A speed survey carried out by police found that the average speed on the road was 22mph northbound and 20mph southbound.The council says that the figures show “no justification for the introduction of any speed reducing measures”.

It also says that making the road one-way could divert traffic “to equally unsuitable parallel roads such as Kingsmill Terrace or Ordnance Hill” while it “could result in increased vehicle speeds”.But officers do recommend that police carry out an enforcement exercise to ensure vehicles more than 7.5 tonnes adhere to existing weight restrictions.

Westminster’s traffic boss Martin Low said: “After giving careful consideration to residents’ concerns and the flow of traffic in this street, officers have recommended that the introduction of traffic calming measures would not be appropriate and may, in fact, result in adverse effects in the surrounding area.

“We recognise that there are still some issues around heavy goods vehicles using this road and have therefore recommended that the police are asked to carry out enforcement activity to help combat this problem.”

North West London Directory of Property and Accommodation

2011-09-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for accommodation or property companies in North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are an estate or property agent, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London property management companies, estate agents, letting agents, commercial property agents, housing associations, hotels, guest houses, hostels and B&Bs

North London Driving Instructors, Car Dealers, Spares and Accessories

2011-08-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for a driving instructor, car dealer or for spares and accessories in North West London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are a driving instructor, car dealer or your business supplies spares and accessories, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London driving instructors, car dealers or for spares and accessories

North London Schools and Colleges

2011-08-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for information on nursery, primary and secondary schools, sixth form colleges, language, art and music schools, adult education, careers guidance, school reunions, alumni organisations and specialist training courses available in North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are an educational establishment, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London information on nursery, primary and secondary schools, sixth form colleges, language, art and music schools, adult education, careers guidance, school reunions, alumni organisations and specialist training courses.

Media Services in North London

2011-08-12T01:33:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for a event planning, graphical design, guides & directories, magazines, maps & views, news, newspapers, photography, printers, publishers and translation services in North West London. The Directory will provide you with contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are in news, media or run a publishing company, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London event planning, graphical design, guides & directories, magazines, maps & views, news, newspapers, photography, printers, publishers and translation services

London First Time Buyers Wait til 43 to Get on the Housing Ladder

2011-08-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

Nearly a third of potential first-time buyers say they have given up on the idea of buying a home, according to research from Moneysupermarket.com.

Those who were still hopeful of getting a foot on the housing ladder said they didn’t expect to be in a position to secure a mortgage until they were 38, rising to 43 in London.

The study found that first-time buyers are currently putting down an average deposit of 23%, which works out to £36,800 for a property worth £160,000.The majority of first-time buyers are struggling to save this without help from their families.

Government figures released earlier in the week showed that average prices rose to £205,565 in March.

St Johns Wood Legal Services; North London lawyers, solicitors, law firms, legal services and, legal advice

2011-08-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for lawyers, solicitors, law firms, legal services and, legal advice in North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are a financial services business, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London lawyers, solicitors, law firms, legal services and, legal advice.

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London,to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are a lawyer, solicitor, law firm, if you offer legal services and advice, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Find contact details, websites, email addresses and more for North West London solicitors involved in property comveyancing, divorce, business, tax, criminal, imigration, litigation, personal injury, etc

North West London Investment Opportunities

2011-08-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

London Property Investment Hot Spots - Best Buy To Let Investments

Paramount Investments advise professional and first time property investors buying, selling, renting, letting or investing in potential freehold, investment property opportunities in Central and North West London.

Paramount Investments offer disused, dilapidated, derelict, un-modernised or neglected commercial properties such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, car showrooms, petrol stations, factories, pubs, banks, churches, hospitals, post offices and other former Government, NHS and public utility land and buildings for sale as renovation investments or for new build development subject to receiving local authority planning permission and change of use being granted.

For the latest London property investment opportunities such as licensed, industrial, leisure, office, retail, residential, healthcare and student freehold properties, property suitable for redevelopment, change of use, planning applications, brownfield sites click on the links below;

Shops, offices & commercial property investments for sale in London

Freeholds & ground rents for sale in London

HMOs, hostels & care homes for sale in London

Freehold pubs, restaurants & hotels for sale in London

Flats, houses & buy to let residential properties for sale in London

Derelict & run down properties for sale suitable for refurbishment in London

Properties & building land for sale with planning permission in London

Properties & development sites requiring planning permission for sale in London

North London Sports Facilities

2011-07-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for local sports & recreation facilities for North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you run a local sports & recreation facility, club, association organisation adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search our listings for North London local sports & recreation facilities, clubs, associations and organisation.

Live Music and Entertainment In North London

2011-07-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for an event, a live band, local choir, live music venue or a childrens entertainer in North West London. The Directory will provide you with contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are in the business, adding an event, a venue, a live band or even your childrens party entertainer site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for an event, a live band, local choir, live music venue or a childrens entertainer

St Johns Wood Business Directory; restaurants, pubs, cafes, caterers

2011-07-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for a restaurants, pubs, cafes, caterers or suppliers in North West London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you own or run a restaurant, pub, cafe, or provide catering services or if you are a supplier to such businesses, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London restaurant, pubs, cafes, caterers or suppliers

Camden Council Crackdown On London Olympic Short Lets

2011-07-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Planning officers in Camden and Westminster will crackdown on illegal short-term letting of residential property between now and the London 2012 Olympics. The demand for cheap, short-stay accommodation in London is anticipated to rise due to an expected increase in tourism as London is promoted on the international stage as a city to visit. The initiative follows similar moves by Paris and New York City officials in their attempt to stamp out the unlawful short-letting trade.

The introduction of many inexpensive and tourist-friendly environmental measures like the Mayor’s bicycle hire scheme and the promotion of walking and sightseeing has made London a more attractive place to visit. Young budget travellers are increasingly attracted to London as the city becomes more cyclist and pedestrian-friendly, but these same young travellers are often put off by London’s notoriously expensive hotel accommodation.

The availability of cheap online-booking software has allowed landlords to set themselves up as hoteliers and link in to the many networks of hotel-booking which proliferate on the internet.

St Johns Wood Industrial Supplies

2011-07-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for industrial supplies in North West London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are a business, adding your industrial supplies site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search North London directory for your industrial suppliers

London Prime Property Redefined

2011-07-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

London property is not restricted to the big five of Kensington,Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair.'Prime'also relates to areas of London where property is much sort after on the basis of the community, culture and nationality.

The Americans live in St Johns Wood because that’s where The American School is. The super-rich Russians want to live in Knightsbridge, preferably within walking distance of Harrods and the French always want to buy in south Kensington near the Lycee Francais School.

This phenomena isn’t confined to Central London; There is a huge Jewish community in and around Golders Green in north London and not far away is where Greeks and Turks have settled.

A walk through Stockwell in South London will take you into an area known locally as Little Portugal because London’s Portuguese population lives there. Similarly, the biggest concentration of Koreans outside Korea is in, of all places, New Malden - again in south London.

St Johns Wood Employment Agencies

2011-07-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

Do you represent an employment agency or recruitment consultancy in North West London?

Adding your employment agency, recruitment consultants or job site to this North West London business directory is completely free to employment agencies offering entry level graduate, student, trainee jobs, work experience, work placements and careers advice and recruitment consultancies with executive, office, professional & management jobs available in the North West London area

Search jobs, employment agencies or recruitment consultancies in North London

Search our lists for jobs employment agencies or recruitment consultants in North London - find entry level graduate, student, trainee jobs, work experience, work placements and careers advice, recruitment consultant & agency contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

Search and apply for part time, full time and temporary jobs available in North London. Find skilled, semi skilled and non skilled job vacancies and listings of recruitment consultants & employment agencies offering jobs in Accounting and Finance, Banking and Finncial, Building, Construction, Consultancy, Customer Service, Dental, Engineering, Health and Safety, Health, Human Resources, Information Technology, Management and Executive, Manufacture and Production, Marketing, Project Management, Public Sector, Retail, Sales, Business Development, Secretarial and Administration, Travel and Hospitality.

St Johns Wood Travel and Tourism Directory

2011-07-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for travel and tourism information for North London and find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are involved in travel and tourism Industry, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search our listings for North London Travel and Tourism Information.

New Build Homes In North London; London and Quadrant and Barratt Developments

2011-06-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

Reuters reports that British homebuilder Barratt Developments has secured a 128 million pound ($207 million) deal with partner London& Quadrant to build 375 new homes near the Arsenal football stadium in north London.

The country's largest housebuilder by volume said the site would comprise three residential towers, and would expand Barratt's position in the lucrative London market.

The site is part of a redevelopment around the 390 million pound Emirates Stadium project which opened in July 2006. It is Barratt's second major deal with housing association London & Quadrant in the past six months.

Apartment for Rent, St Johns Wood Park, NW8

2011-06-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

St John's Wood Park, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

A beautifully refurbished four bedroom two bathroom apartment set on the first floor of this prestigious block within close proximity to Swiss Cottage and St. John's Wood. The apartment comprises a bright and spacious reception room, master bedroom, three further bedrooms, family bathroom, beautifully furnished, 24 hour concierge, lift, Central heating and hot water inclusive. Available 22nd June 2011.

Refurbished St Johns Wood Apartment for Rent

North London Local Directory

2011-06-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for local blogs,local history, Schemes, organisations, Hampstead charities, local government or local issues for North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you write a local blogs, run a local government initiative or want to raise a local issue, adding your site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search our listings for North London local blogs, local government, local history or local issues.

St Johns Wood Consultants Business Directory

2011-06-13T02:04:00.001-07:00

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for a consultant or consultancy in North London to find contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are a business, adding your site to this North London Consultant or consultancy organisation directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for North London Consultant or consultancy organisation

St Johns Wood Barracks Sale

2011-06-10T01:16:00.000-07:00

St John’s Wood Barracks, owned by the Eyre Estate, a private family trust, will be put on sale next week seeking offers of more than 225 million pounds, the Financial Times reported.

There are plans for 117 new homes on the 5.5-acre site that could have a total value of more than 1 billion pounds.

Free Swimming and Leisure With Active Westminster Passport

2011-06-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

Free swimming and big discounts on sport and leisure activities are on offer to young people in Westminster, council chiefs announced.

Under Westminster Council’s ActiveWestminster Passport programme, children and young people aged 0 to 19 years old can take advantage of free swimming across the city as well many discounted sports including badminton, squash, netball, basketball, cricket and tennis.

The scheme also allows participants to claim 20% off DVD and CD rentals at the borough’s libraries.The passport can be used for free swimming at Jubilee Sports Centre, Marshall Street Leisure Centre, The Porchester Centre, Queen Mother Sports Centre and Seymour Leisure Centre.

Discounts on other activities will also be available at these centres as well as at Paddington Recreation Ground, Academy Sport, Moberly Sports Centre and Little Venice Sports Centre with more to follow.

Cllr Steve Summers, Deputy Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Westminster’s young people to get more involved with sport and take full advantage of Westminster’s excellent leisure facilities.

“With the Olympics coming to London, there is no better time for Westminster’s children and young people to take up a new sport and have fun.”

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/activepassport or call 020 7641 2012 for the latest offers and discounts and a list of participating sport and leisure centres and venues.

Queens Park Property for Sale

2011-06-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Maida Vale Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: Queens Park Property for Sale: "Queens Park Loft Room for Sale A one bedroom top floor flat with an unofficial loft room and a balcony set in an ex local..."

A New Farmers Market in St Johns Wood

2011-06-01T02:55:00.000-07:00

As of Saturday 14th May 2011 there has been a new Farmer's Market in town. It is based at Barrow Hill Junior School in Bridgeman Street, NW8 and open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

The aim of this Farmers Market is to provide local residents with the opportunity to purchase fresh and exotic produce on a Saturday. Currently the farmers markets are only open Monday to Friday leaving the weekend with the dread of visiting a busy supermarket.

They are aiming to have approximately 25 stalls selling various different foods which will hopefully entice local residents to not only pick up their usual fruit and veg but also to try other different types of food. Please visit www.lfm.org.uk for a list of the producers that are going to be selling in this market.

Parking is limited so they are encouraging people to travel there by public transport.

Whether it is for the daily essentials or wanting to try something different, we hope you enjoy the experience of a weekend local market!

St Johns Wood Local News

First Time Buyers Giving Up Hope of Gaining Foot on The Property Ladder

2011-05-31T02:33:00.000-07:00

Nearly a third of potential first-time buyers say they have given up on the idea of buying a home, according to research from Moneysupermarket.com.

Those who were still hopeful of getting a foot on the housing ladder said they didn’t expect to be in a position to secure a mortgage until they were 38, rising to 43 in London.

The study found that first-time buyers are currently putting down an average deposit of 23%, which works out to £36,800 for a property worth £160,000.

The majority of first-time buyers are struggling to save this without help from their families.

Government figures released earlier in the week showed that average prices rose to £205,565 in March.

Property Repossession News: Empty home plans welcomed

2011-05-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

Government plans to bring more empty properties back into use have been welcomed by a charity, those with properties suitable for redevelopment might have heard.David Ireland, chief executive of Empty Homes, said communities minister Andrew Stunell's comments about the number of long-term empty homes being "a scandal" are encouraging.

"More encouraging than that is that they are actually doing things [about the number of empty homes], which is great," he noted.Initiatives such as the new homes bonus, which incentivises councils to build more new properties, have been extended to include rewards for local authorities which manage to bring unoccupied homes back into use.

"There is a real incentive for councils to get this done because it not only provides homes; it actually provides an income stream for them as well. These are very encouraging times," Mr Ireland added.

Mr Stunell this week (May 16th) said around 700,000 more people could have a home of their own if the 300,000 empty properties in the country were filled with average sized families.

Property Repossession News

St Johns Wood House for Rent, NW8

2011-05-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

St John's Wood Park, St. John's Wood, London, NW8 £2,350 pw

We are pleased to offer this five bedroom two bathroom house located in this prestigious block within close proximity to Swiss Cottage and St. John's Wood. The apartment comprises a bright and spacious reception room, master bedroom with roof terrace, four further bedrooms, shower rooms, beautifully furnished, 24 hour concierge, lift, available 21st June.

House for Rent, North London NW8

London Property News; Surge In Demand

2011-05-25T02:44:00.000-07:00

The London property market will continue to look healthy for the next couple of months.

According to Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, the spring months tend to show strong demand because this is when many people start looking for new homes, but this year may not see the beginning of any surge in demand.

"I don't think the economic conditions are right at the moment for a big up-tick in sales volume."Mr Bailey also noted that the property market is unlikely to record price falls in the coming months.

"House prices in the UK are still not far off their peak level. They are at a fairly high level at the current time, so I think it is unlikely to see an increase in demand translating into big price growth," he added.

Meanwhile, research from Rightmove revealed that the proportion of people expecting London house prices and those in other parts of the country to fall over the next year has fallen from a third to 24.9 per cent this quarter.

London Property Market News

St Johns Wood Refurbished Apartment for Rent, Hamilton Terrace

2011-05-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

St Johns Wood Apartment for Rent

A newly refurbished one bedroom apartment on the ground floor of this converted period house located on this popular street in St John's Wood. The property benefits from a shared garden and is situated within equal distance of both Maida Vale and St John's Wood local amenities and underground stations, available end of May.

Hamilton Terrace, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

St Johns Wood Housing Market Saw 10% Growth in the Last 12 Months

2011-05-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Average house prices in central London have risen £767 every day over the last year, reveal Knight Frank. The latest Prime Central London Index, April 2011 reveals:

Capital values rose 1% in April, contributing to an annual rate of growth of 8.3%

Typical prime central London properties saw prices rise by £767 every day over the past 12 months

Average values for prime residential property in central London have now risen by 31.2% since March 2009, the post-credit crunch market trough

The market is being led by properties in the £1m to £5m price bracket, which have seen prices rise by nearly 4% in the past 3 months. The strongest geographical markets are: Mayfair, Marylebone, St John’s Wood and Kensington – all with more than 10% growth over the past 12 months.

St Johns Wood Residential Rental Values 15% Above 2007 Peak

2011-05-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

Residential property rents are growing faster than sales prices in London with the private rented sector likely to account for one in five households by the end of 2016, reports Property Wire.

In Greater London average residential rents increased by 16% in 2010 and demand from overseas corporate clients is on the increase, the research found. It also shows that rents in East London have already risen by 4.3% in the first three months of this year and by 3.6% in North London.

These increases mean that rental values in St Johns Wood and Regents Park are now 15% above the peak prices of 2007.

The report points out that the cost of entering the property ladder in London for first time buyers is preventing many doing so and they are opting to rent instead. On top of this a dearth of rental stock is pushing up rents and the future prospects for rental growth are very strong.

Central London rents are traditionally driven by demand from corporate tenants from overseas which focuses on the high value prime areas and which has been on the increase since the recovery in the financial and business services sector in 2009, the report also shows.

Price growth has been particularly pronounced in locations where renewed City confidence has translated into boosted demand for good rental property, both from domestic and international tenants.

Westminster’s roads cleaned in just an hour following Royal Wedding

2011-05-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

Westminster Council’s street cleaners have taken just an hour to clean and return to normal the streets around Westminster Abbey, Whitehall and Parliament Square following the Royal Wedding.

As soon as the council’s cleaning staff were allowed into the road by the Metropolitan Police they set straight to work at 12.45pm and finished at about 1.50pm.

Westminster’s street cleaners had already been working throughout the night to make sure the city was at its best for the hundreds of thousands of visitors, and of course the Royal Family and their guests.

Council bosses estimate that around 140 tonnes of rubbish will be collected over the course of the weekend by 130 cleaning staff.

Central London Parking Policy Findings And Recommendations

2011-05-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

New research into parking in Westminster has revealed that a majority of people find it difficult to find a space in the city for their vehicle during the day and night.
Increases in traffic, population and visitors to central London over the last ten years have placed unprecedented demands on parking in the city with some streets struggling to cope with the sheer amount of congestion, according to the research by Westminster Council.

The last major review of parking in Westminster was 10 years ago and transport chiefs said they were now looking at a number of options on how to better manage the borough’s kerbside space including the possibility of extending hours of control in very busy areas such as the West End.

Published by the council today (28th April), the research revealed that over 70% of residents’ parking permit holders experienced parking difficulties on at least a monthly basis, with nearly 60% finding it difficult to park on at least a weekly basis during the day and night.

Residents’ visitors also find it hard to park - over a third of respondents (37%) believed that their visitors experienced difficulty finding an on-street parking space on at least a weekly basis.

Elsewhere, 72% of residents said they supported the need to limit or cap the number of resident parking permits issued to each household while 70% believed there was a case for second permits and subsequent permits issued per household to be charged at a higher rate.

Other findings include:
• More than 90% of respondents said they now received deliveries at their home address following the growth in online shopping.

• More than 20% of people believed there was a need for more dedicated car club parking pays while 28% disagreed.

• A significant number of respondents (70%) said they walked or cycled on a week day compared to 25% who used cars – although this figure increases on the weekend

• Eight percent of respondents felt that parking for ‘environmentally friendly’ vehicles should be a priority in Westminster, while 4% believed that the council should do more to encourage the use of electric and other ‘green’ vehicles.

The survey ran between 22nd November 2010 to 7th January 2011 and attracted responses from 905 people made up of Westminster residents, businesses and visitors.
Around 90% of respondents live in London, over half (58%) are Westminster residents while around 40% are resident parking permit holders.

As part of the council’s investigation into parking, it has also carried out an automated traffic count survey and an occupancy heat map survey of traffic. It has held multiple meetings with local business and resident groups to ensure their views are taken on board.

The council’s cabinet will meet on May 9th to debate the parking proposals.
There will then be a period of further consultation before the final parking policy recommendations are decided by the council’s cabinet in July

London Relocation Services; Local Knowledge is Priceless

2011-04-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

When marketing property, most estate agents provide information about the property they are selling should cover more than the number of bedrooms and the dimensions of the kitchen diner. Agents provide photos, a local map, sometimes offer information on schools in the area, transport system, and you will definitely know if the area is ‘much sought after’.

Anybody with even limited internet skills can research the local amenities; DircetGov provides crime maps and Ofsted reports; you can check out the local newspaper online, and even walk along the street using Google street view.

However, when relocating to a completely new city, what a homebuyer really needs is a truthful account of the area, the makeup of residents, how it is viewed by local people. Knowing the average price of homes can be a sorting device for the new home buyer, as is the number of bedrooms and size of garden, but on the ground, local knowledge is priceless.

Mark Grieg, Managing director of London Estate Agents, Paramount Properties described the wealth of resources available to clients in search of a property in North London “At Paramount we have sought to provide as much information to the potential homebuyer/tenant through our property database website, blogs, local business directory and our London Property magazine.”

The Paramount Properties website has a general description about areas of North West London the West Hampstead Office deals with. Each area has a bespoke blog for local property/transport/council/events, general news and the latest property for sale or rent. The London Property Magazine provides up to date news on issues ranging from the London housing market, landlord and tenant legislation, mortgage and interest rate news, and the all important local area sections.

Paramount Properties also host a north London Business Directory to enable research both before and after the move. And if you are moving your business to north West London adding your site to the Paramount Properties West Hampstead Business Directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to living and working in North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

“We could bombard the potential homebuyer with property details which fit their price bracket over quite a large area of North West London. But we prefer to cut out a lot of wasted viewings and wasted time on the part of buyer, sellers and agents we prefer to give as much information as possible in the first instance” continued Mr Greig.

London Relocation News

Bucklebury Property Boom? What Impact Does Celebrity have On Property Market

2011-04-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

Recent property blogs and articles have focussed on the impact celebrity connections may have on and business and the price of property. There has been a boost to Anglesey tourist industry since Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the local Spar and started having pub lunches, while the Prince is based in North Wales.

While Royal attendance and future support for St Andrews University will have greatly increased the interest in that establishment, it can be argued that interest would have reached its peak the year that Prince William applied to study there.

Conjecture has been rife about the impact on Berkshires tourist industry since the announcement of the Royal wedding since this is the county which produced the next Princess of Wales; a Hampshire-based coach company Mortons is making the most of Berkshire's future princess. It has organised a Kate Middleton Country tour, taking in previous homes, schools and the church where she was christened.

The BBC reported that the average cost of a three-bedroom detached home in Bucklebury is £600,000, and it is not expected that house prices will be affected by the royal connection. Likewise the price of property in celebrity rich Hampstead is unlikely to be affected by the fact that Keats lived nearby. However, local business and service industries do.

“We are not quite in the realms of Hollywood tours of the homes of the stars, but there is a tourist industry of sorts” said Paramount Properties Managing Director Mark Grieg;” The blue plaques of English heritage marking where Keats, Constable or Betchemin lived are of interest, and of course film locations; the borough of Camden has a rich cinematic history and is one of the busiest film boroughs in London. Hampstead Heath and the view from over London from Parliament Hill have been used nearly as often as Big Ben in recent movies.”

Pick up any magazine with a celebrity spotting section, and Hampstead is sure to be pictured. Whether it be Kate Moss and Sadie Frost going for lunch, Jamie Oliver pushing a buggy or James Corden having a picnic, Hampstead or its immediate neighbours will be the location. Snappy Snaps in West Hampstead experienced the best free advertising campaign when George Michael mounted the curb and smashed into the front door.

Hampstead is a long established choice of residence for those who can afford to live there; the intelligentsia, writers and artists live side by side with a healthy smattering of young, upwardly mobiles and enough celebrities’ faces to keep Hampstead firmly at the fore front of fashionable addresses. Local delicatessen, bars and restaurants may prosper from the celebrity connection but property prices will not feel the impact.

The fact that Alexa Chung and Alex Turner live in Bethnal Green, and that Keira Knightley has made a new property purchase in Shoreditch simply reinforces what we already knew; these areas of East London have long been known recognised as trendy, up and coming areas of London.

London Property News

Buy to Let Mortgages Availability Up In First Quarter

2011-04-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Buy to let funding has become more widely available to prospective landlords, according to research from Paragon Mortgages.

The company's survey of mortgage intermediaries found nearly half (46 per cent) noted an increase in buy to let business in the first quarter of 2011, with 18 per cent saying there had been a rise of more than ten per cent compared with the fourth quarter of last year.

Some 13 per cent of intermediaries reported growth in businesses levels of between six and ten per cent, while 45 per cent said there had been no change in the level of buy to let business since the previous quarter.

John Heron, managing director of Paragon, commented: "These figures demonstrate intermediaries' growing confidence in buy to let.

"Landlord demand is clearly strong and buy to let finance is becoming more readily available to meet that demand. Although we are obviously not operating at 'normal' market levels, buy to let is on the road to recovery," he added.

Buy to Let Investment News

London House Market Surveys Predict a Plateau

2011-04-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

There is no sign yet of the UK property market pulling out of the doldrums, says the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), reports the BBC.

Its latest monthly survey for March shows sales and prices were generally flat, while interest from would-be buyers was declining.

The survey results chime with those of other recent property surveys.

However, Rics said there were big regional differences, with London very different to the rest of the UK.

"The rather negative outlook for property prices across the UK seems to better reflect the general economy than the micro climate of London," said Rics housing spokesperson, Ian Perry.

"The low level of buyer interest in many parts of the UK continues to impact on the market, resulting in some downward pressure on prices.

"With the prospect of forthcoming interest rate rises and continued shortage of mortgage funding, it seems that overall recovery for the national housing market is still some way off," he added.

Capital gains
Although the Rics survey was based on answers from just 259 surveyors who work as estate agents, the survey has traditionally had its finger on the pulse of the market.

The survey found last month that nearly 60% of surveyors reported no change at all in the prices of the properties they had sold.

Where prices had fallen, they were normally just 0%-2% lower than before.

"Within England and Wales, a clear North South divide is emerging, with London being the only region recording rising prices, demonstrating that the capital is still operating under different market conditions to the rest of the country," Rics said.

The generally stagnant nature of the property market was highlighted by the fact that completed sales per surveyor fell to their lowest level for 21 months, at just 14.4 sales in the past three months.

Meanwhile the number of homes for sale also dropped, to 64.6 per surveyor.

Falling slowly
The Department for Communities and Local Government says that in February, UK house prices rose by 0.3% during the month.

That left them 0.7% higher than a year ago with the average price put at £204,164.

However, the government's survey suggests that house prices have in fact been falling recently, though only very slowly.

Once seasonal factors are taken into account, in the three months to February house prices were 0.3% lower than in the previous three months.

Heating Bills Rise for Westminster Tenants

2011-04-12T03:03:00.000-07:00

Tenants and leaseholders in Westminster will see increases in their heating and hot water bills of around a five pounds a week, council bosses have confirmed.

This is because energy costs are rising substantially, spikes in global demand and ongoing political instability in the Middle East.

Around 5,000 households with communal heating systems will be affected. The council and CityWest have written to all affected residents.

Over the past few years Westminster Council and CityWest Homes have sought to protect residents from rises in energy prices and to cushion them from price hikes with the expectation that prices would fall back from historic highs.

But the council today said it could not subsidise energy bills indefinitely as money spent on this area means less cash for estate improvements while it was likely that energy prices would continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

For more on the council plans click here

NW Easter Holiday Events

2011-04-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

As Easter is nearly here, how about an Easter Egg Trail? Cadbury's is supporting the Easter Egg Hunt taking place at Fenton House in Hampstead Village over four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday. You must follow the trail and find the hidden pictures of eggs in the gardens to win a chocolate egg. Starting time is 11am and the site closes at 5pm. The price is £2.50 per child and accompanying adults have free admission to the garden. As well as the trail there will be a face painter to keep the kids entertained.

Fenton House is also known for the collection of keyboard instruments, porcelain and paintings added to this luxury home by Lady Katherine Binning who bought it in 1939. Admission prices into Fenton House are: Adults £6.50, Child £3, Family £16. Garden only: adult £2. Gardens season ticket: adult £10 and of course National Trust members get in for free. For more information call The Property Office on 020 7435 3471 or email fentonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.

There are many events for families happening locally for the kids over the Easter Break. For those children with dramatic interests there is a course including a mini performance of Wind in the Willows. Children aged between 4 and 8 could take part in the three day course at Mansergh Club in St Johns Wood, NW8 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm Monday 18th - Wed 20th April. Prices at £90 for the three days. The children will be encouraged to be creative by a team of professionals, with a wealth of experience in the theatre while hopefully gaining confidence and communication skills along with having fun and making new friends.

Hampstead Local News

London Pub for Sale,

2011-04-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Marylebone Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: London Pub for Sale, Close to Paddington and Edgew...: "Freehold Pub for Sale Sir Alexander Fleming Bouverie Place London Greater London W2 GIA: 5000 sq/ft* £ 2,000,000 Freeho..."

St Johns Wood Bin Collection, Council Tax, Parking Permits, Recycling Centres,Electoral Roll Registration and Schools

2011-04-03T08:34:00.001-07:00

When moving into an area there are a number of local services you need to know about. Below you can access local authority information and services; we have chosen the most frequently asked information. Just put in your postcode and find out information on;

Bin Collection, Council Tax, Parking Permits, Recycling centres,Electoral roll registration, School and Term Dates and your local councillor for your new area.

London Property News

Planning Permission for London Underground Stations Conversion and Refurbishment

2011-04-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

A London entrepreneur is attempting to secure funds to reopen disused underground stations for a variety of businesses including pubs and bars.Ajit Chambers, the businessman behind the scheme, believes the forgotten stations and tunnels can be revitalised by opening up new businesses.

Chambers, who has set up The Old London Underground Company, is confident of raising the money for the refurbishment of 26 disused stations.

The idea also has the blessing of Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who said: “This guy has a brilliant plan to open up disused underground stations. My pledge to you is that we will do it if it doesn’t cost a penny of tax payers’ money.”

Stations that could be reopened for businesses include Aldwych, which opened in 1907 and is commonly used for filming; South Kentish Town, which has been closed since 1924 and already hosts a sauna and massage parlour; and Euston, which is still a working station, but with a network of closed off tunnels, platforms and a ticket hall deep underground.

To Let Boards are Still Effective in Letting

2011-03-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

People looking for property to rent in London or other parts of the UK still find To Let boards useful.

According to Ian Potter, operations manager at the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the signs erected outside homes that have been put on the market serve a useful purpose.

"Boards are still an effective means of raising brand awareness for an agent," he noted.

"An agent with boards in an area, then being able to demonstrate success is likely to be able to gain new instructions."

And while many prospective tenants and buyers use the internet to find their perfect property, they will still want to see the area and the available residence, so To Let and For Sale boards work as a "signpost", Mr Potter added.

His remarks come after the Lincolnshire Echo reported that police in Lincoln have asked estate agents not to put up signs next to their properties after burglars targeted premises and stole copper boilers and pipes.

London Property to Rent

UK Mortgage Advice; Increase Payments While Interest Rates are Low

2011-03-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

Homeowners who are paying off a UK mortgage debt would be "very sensible" to increase their payments in the current economic circumstances.

According to Catherine Hearnden, director at MyMortgageDirect, if borrowers can afford to, they should.

"The [interest] rates are at an all time low. The way that a lot of people have overpaid is they have just kept their standing order or direct debit the same and, as a result of that, they have overpaid," she pointed out.

"I think they should carry on for a while because even if rates go up, it is still going to be very low. Unless their circumstances have changed considerably, they should really try and be paying what they were paying at the beginning," she added.

Ms Hearnden's comments come after research from Moneybasics found almost one in three (29 per cent) mortgage holders paid more than their minimum required payments in the last year.

Mortgage Rate & Home Loan News

Lords Tavern Refurbished Pub Re-Opening

2011-03-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

For almost a century and a half, the Lord’s Tavern has sat next to the Home of Cricket providing St John’s Wood residents and cricket fans with a place to reflect on the day’s sporting endeavours reports the Ham and High.

After experimenting with fine dining and remarketing itself as a bar and brasserie six years ago, a newly refurbished Tavern is set to open later this month which will go back to its public house roots and reflect the culinary history of Lord’s.

Working on the theme of a history of food and drink at Lord’s, the new Tavern is aiming to attract local residents by bringing 144 years of dining back to St John’s Wood.

Jon Robinson, Marylebone Cricket Club assistant secretary for marketing and catering, said: “The Lord’s Tavern has picked up a bad reputation over the last five or six years.

West Hampstead Red Nose Day Events

2011-03-16T02:23:00.000-07:00

Hampstead Flats & Houses For Sale & Rent: West Hampstead Red Nose Day Events: "Red Nose day is on Friday 18th March so if you want to do something funny and in the process raise some money, here are some ideas of how yo..."

Launch of Radical New School Sports Programme at Lord’s Cricket Ground

2011-03-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Keith Bradshaw, an ex-Australian cricketer and Chief Executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club will be joined by dozens of school children to unveil proposals that will see school groups train and receive expert coaching at the historic Lords Cricket Ground as part of their school curriculum.

It is hoped the Westminster Council scheme will also see leading football clubs and rugby teams join the programme by opening up their doors to the city’s youngsters and inviting them in for regular sessions at their first class facilities.

The school sports programme will also look to galvanise an army of volunteers from local businesses, parents and community groups to help support and run extra-curricular sports clubs and sessions across central London

The scheme is one of ten Big Society projects set to be launched by the council this year.

London's Unfashionable Post Code

2011-03-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

The Irish Independent has reported that Kate Moss is due to lose £1million when selling her Maida Vale home because the house does not have a fashoinable post code!

The report calims;

Model Kate Moss has become the latest victim of the property crash.The model (37) is desperate to sell her five-bed London mansion (inset), even at a £1m (€1.16m) loss.

She bought the Victorian home in Maida Vale for £8m (€9.3m) in 2007 and completely revamped it, but now she has cut the asking price to £7m (€8.14m) and she still has got no offers.

Moss has her eye on a new home in Highgate, North London, and wants to move in before her summer wedding to guitarist Jamie Hince of The Kills.

But first she needs to shift her current house.

Property experts say the problem is that the model's house does not have a fashionable enough postcode.

Rental Property Demand Continues to Outstrip Supply

2011-03-12T02:38:00.000-08:00

The next couple of years will see strong demand for property to rent in London and other places, which will continue to outstrip supply.

This is the opinion of Chris Horne, editor at Property Hawk, who said: "Ultimately, first time buyers are still struggling to get finance and also because of the economy. There is quite a lot of uncertainty in terms of people's jobs so people tend to rent when they are not absolutely certain about the future, rather than committing to buying."

He explained: "With mortgage finance still quite difficult to get, I would imagine there is still strong rental demand," adding there is no surprise that the Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) is forecasting an increase.

Arla's research concluded that four in ten of its offices believe more private landlords will enter the market in the next 12 months, which will help tackle the short supply of rental properties.

London Property to Rent

Landlord and Tenant News: Energy Performance Certificates 'have little influence on homebuyers'

2011-03-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are having little impact on prospective homeowners, research by Consumer Focus has found.

A survey by the watchdog found 80 per cent of those looking for new homes to buy or rent would not be influenced by a property's EPC, despite one in seven people stating that their new home's energy efficiency is the most important aspect to them.

Landlords and homeowners are legally required to provide an EPC when letting or selling a home.

Spencer Lawrence, director of lettings at Paramount, pointed out: "Tenants select rental properties based on various factors including proposed rent, location and condition.

"The information contained within an EPC does not in our experience have any bearing on a tenant's decision to take one apartment over another - it doesn't seem to be part of their thought process, so its place in the market is unclear," he added.

Meanwhile, the government has announced that accredited Green Deal providers will be able to approach properties with EPCs to offer tailored advice.

Landlord and Tenant News

St Johns Wood Park Apartment for Rent

2011-03-08T03:14:00.000-08:00

Refurbished 4 bedroom Apartment for Rent St Johns Wood

A beautifully refurbished four bedroom two bathroom apartment set on the third floor of this prestigious block within close proximity to Swiss Cottage and St. John's Wood. The apartment comprises a bright and spacious reception room, master bedroom, three further bedrooms, family bathroom, beautifully furnished, 24 hour concierge, lift, Available Now.

St John's Wood Park, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

Jubilee Line Closures; Alternative Routes

2011-03-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

As you may already be aware, large sections of the Jubilee Line will be closed for nine out of the next 14 weekends so we wanted to inform you about the alternative routes in order to get into West Hampstead.
Thameslink Station
This is an overground train which is located to the right of the West Hampstead tube station. Please visit their website for the timetables. Accepts Oyster Cards. www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk
West Hampstead Overground
This is a National Rail station on the North London Line located on West End Lane and is Travelcard Zone 2. The trains normally run every 15 minutes. Please visit their website for the timetables. Accepts Oyster Cards.
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/whd/details
Bus Routes
There are a number of buses around West Hampstead and all routes can be found by clicking on the following link. This also details 24 hour routes. www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/westhampstead-10906.pdf
Parking in West Hampstead
Struggling to find somewhere to park? Not sure what the parking restrictions are?
Visit Camden's website an maps.camden.gov.uk/parkingbays/ put in the street or postcode of your destination and it provides you with complete details of the type, how many spaces,controlled parking zone and hours in order to make planning your journey much easier.

If all the engineering work goes to plan, all normal procedure should resume at the end of Spring this year.

London Property News

Westminster Council Tackles Central London Congestion

2011-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Dozens of traffic lights are to be ripped out and one-way streets removed to help ease congestion in central London, Westminster Council announced.Clamping and towing will also be reintroduced to tackle the hardcore of motorists – including many foreign drivers - who run up hundreds of pounds worth of parking fines, the council said.

The announcements come as Westminster was due to set its budget priorities for 2011/12 at a full council meeting this evening (2 March) with a commitment to protect core services for the city’s most vulnerable people.

Over the next two years, the council is set to make savings of around £60 million – the majority of which will come from the back office with a focus on reducing unnecessary process, bureaucracy and red tape. This includes the savings the council has generated to date from its ongoing restructure.

Around 450 jobs are also set to go, many from middle and senior management, but despite the tough economic climate, Westminster - unlike a number of other local authorities - will not close a single children’s centre or cut any leisure or sporting facilities.

The council has also frozen council tax with a band D charge of £687.62 – the second lowest rate in the country.

Jubilee Line Corridor Property Prices

2011-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

North West London property prices on the "Jubilee line corridor" have risen faster than other areas of London.

Property prices on the "Jubilee line corridor" of north west London have recovered faster since the crash than in any other part of London, according to research. from Zoopla. St John's Wood NW8 tops the list of London postcodes where property prices have now passed their 2007 peaks. The average St John's Wood home is valued at £888,840, almost seven per cent above property prices in September 2007, according to a new house price survey.

London property prices fell 20 per cent or more in the wake of the credit crunch. Property prices are now above their peaks of September 2007 in 22 of the capital's 154 postcodes according to a London property price survey conducted by UK property website, Zoopla.

Of the top 12 London postcodes, five property price hot spots are on the Jubilee line which runs through North West London to the West End, The City and Docklands.- St John's Wood; NW2 (served by Dollis Hill and Neasden stations), NW3 (Swiss Cottage), NW6 (Kilburn and West Hampstead), and NW10 (Willesden Green).
London Property Investment Hot Spots - Best Buy To Let Investments

Paramount Investments advise professional and first time property investors buying, selling, renting, letting or investing in potential freehold, investment property opportunities in Central and North West London.

Paramount Investments offer disused, dilapidated, derelict, un-modernised or neglected commercial properties such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, car showrooms, petrol stations, factories, pubs, banks, churches, hospitals, post offices and other former Government, NHS and public utility land and buildings for sale as renovation investments or for new build development subject to receiving local authority planning permission and change of use being granted.

For the latest London property investment opportunities such as licensed, industrial, leisure, office, retail, residential, healthcare and student freehold properties, property suitable for redevelopment, change of use, planning applications, brownfield sites click on the links below;

Shops, offices & commercial property investments for sale in London

Freeholds & ground rents for sale in London

HMOs, hostels & care homes for sale in London

Freehold pubs, restaurants & hotels for sale in London

Flats, houses & buy to let residential properties for sale in London

Derelict & run down properties for sale suitable for refurbishment in London

Properties & building land for sale with planning permission in London

Properties & development sites requiring planning permission for sale in London

London Housing Market; 2010 Low Transaction Levels Becoming the 'Norm'

2011-03-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

London house prices have risen by an average of 4.2 per cent in the last month, according to research from Rightmove.

The property website's House Price Index reveals that potential homeowners hunting for properties in the capital will be part of a three-tier market consisting of the low loan to value 'elite', the 'bargain-hunting bottom feeders' and the average buyer in the middle.

The middle tier is suffering from "paralysis" because of a lack of UK mortgage offers and "insufficient equity to trade up", the website said.

Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove, commented: "With lenders stating that they expect mortgage lending to remain static at around 2010 levels throughout 2011 and new seller numbers practically unchanged year-on-year, what might have been seen as a passing phase of low transaction levels in the housing market now looks set to be the norm for the foreseeable future."

London House Price News

Outer London Cycling Boroughs Boosted By £4m

2011-02-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) have announced £4m funding for Biking Boroughs to create cycle hubs and cycling communities in Outer London.

The funding will help boroughs engage the local community in cycling, create better cycle infrastructure and parking as well as making cycling safer.

The key themes and areas of development that emerged from the 13 individual Biking Borough strategies were:

Cycle hubs - Town centre locations with a high density of potential cyclists and trips where boroughs should invest in cycle infrastructure
Cycling communities - Residential areas of high cycling potential where investment should be focused on breaking down the barriers to cycling
Promotional activities - Events to raise the profile of cycling across the borough

Royal Wedding Street Party Organisation

2011-02-21T05:28:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking of planning a street party or event to celebrate the Royal Wedding, Westminster Council Offers some help;

We know that not everyone will be experienced in event planning, and that many of you will be volunteers working hard to put a party on for your community.

To help you put on a successful event, once you have let us know what you want to do, we will make sure you have an experienced event planning officer to help you through the process of planning and holding an event. The sooner you can tell us about what you want to do by applying using our online service, the better. Follow the link below to apply.

We want to support local communities with the minimum of fuss and official intervention to ensure that everybody enjoys celebrating the Royal Wedding safely.

Please visit Westminster Council Street Party web site for more information.

Useful links

How to hold a Street Party: Streets Alive

Road Closure and Party/Fete information: The Department for Communities

Residential Landlords News; Fixed Rate Mortgages for the Buy to Let Landlord

2011-02-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

Many people, including buy to let landlords, are looking at fixed rate mortgages in anticipation of an interest rate rise, a property expert has stated.

According to Malcolm Harrison, this type of UK mortgage offer is becoming popular with lots of individuals.

"It used to be that a lot of buy to let landlords in particular used to be on fixed rates. They then switched to tracker rates as interest rates fell," he explained."But obviously [these] may well go up by two or three per cent on top of the base rate."

This will not have a "significant impact" on buy to let landlords, but other kinds, such as reluctant or accidental landlords in London and other parts of the UK, may be more affected by a rise dependent on the type of mortgage they have.

"Overall, there shouldn't be a great effect because we're starting from such a low base rate. We haven't got these vast jumps that we used to have," added Mr Harrison.

Residential Landlords News

North London Property Crime Maps

2011-02-16T03:44:00.000-08:00

The new Home Office Crime Maps website was launched last week with the suggestion that the information would make the police more accountable to local communities. The launch obviously caused a stir as the website had crashed by late morning.

One of the arguments against the virtue of making such information freely available was the use that may be made of it by Estate Agents or Insurance Companies. House prices might be artificially hiked on the basis of the property being located in a 'no crime area', and premiums might go up in high crime streets. The fear is, the information will be used to the disadvantage of the potential home buyer/renter and home insurer.Would this in turn mean that lower crime areas insurance premiums would go down, or that higher crime rate areas rental value will suddenly decrease?

Paramount Properties Director Mark Grieg said “While School catchment areas have had a significant impact on the price of property in areas of North West London it seems unlikely that the crime maps will have much impact. Home buyers and Renters have usually done their research on which area of the city they want to live in. The information provided by this website will not be a surprise to most. A neighbourhood watch scheme has never really been a selling point.”

At the top of most home buyers want lists will be number of bedrooms, good schools, green spaces, future planning and development of the area and council tax bands. Crime statistics will simply be added to the list of information and the house will be bought or rented on consideration of all factors. The more information a home buyer can gain before buying a house, the better.

"An area with no crime will be extremely difficult to find; burglars don’t mind which postcode they steal a flat screen TV from." said Mr Grieg."We have all looked at our homes on Google Street View, and we will probably all take a look at crime rates on ours and our friend’s neighbourhoods. It will be interesting to see whether the site continues to be so popular.”

London Property News

Apartment for Rent, Grove End Road, St Johns Wood

2011-02-07T11:21:00.001-08:00

Grove End Road, St. John's Wood, London, NW8

We offer a compact and quirky one double bedroom apartment on the first floor of a beautiful mansion block moments from Lord's Cricket Ground and St.John's Wood tube. The property benefits from a fully fitted kitchen and fully tiled bathroom with shower attachment and access to communal gardens, part furnished.

St Johns Wood Apartment for Rent