A hedge too far: On the risky business of shorting the housing market
The path to hedged riches is littered with the corpses of those who were unable to remain solvent while markets remained irrational, writes buying agent Ollie Marshall.

Ollie joined Prime Purchase in September 2021, after more than 20 years working in the prime central London market. During that time, he co-founded Brooks Marshall, which he ran for nine years before turning his hand from selling to buying.
House of the Rising Sun: Why Prime Central London property is out of sync with global market cycles
Various factors have led to an unusual disparity between PCL values and those of major financial hubs around the world, writes Ollie Marshall; it's no surprise that overseas buyers are making their move...
‘We wanted to see more’ Vs. ‘Thank goodness the Chancellor decided to leave the property market well alone’: Housing industry reactions to the 2023 Spring Budget
A 'missed opportunity' or is 'no action the best stance'? Here's what the property industry makes of Jeremy Hunt's latest round fiscal policy updates...
London’s £5mn+ market is back in business – Savills
Latest indices 'underscore the remarkable resilience' of the capital's top-end property market.
By PrimeResi
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‘About 50% of what I do is off-market’: Alex Christian of Savills Private Office on navigating London’s luxury property stratosphere
Discussing landmark deals, world-class developments & the vital role of discretion with one of the key players in super-prime real estate.
Manchester penthouse sets new price record
UK buyer shells out £3mn for marquee unit at Salboy's Viadux scheme in 'landmark' deal.
Rise of the Broker: How the business of prime London agency has changed since 2000
Alexandra Goss charts the changing face of luxury property agency over the last 25 years, from the mainstreaming of buying agents & the introduction of private offices, to the rise of independent brokers.
In Pictures: ‘One of the finest homes in South West London’ hits the market at £25mn
Agents expect 17,000+ sq ft trophy home in Fulham to attract strong interest from PCL-based buyers seeking scale & seclusion.
Strutt & Parker installs new Managing Director & Head of Marketing
Gary Higgins & Tamerah Couchman have been recruited to lead the BNP Paribas-owned property firm through its 'next phase of growth'.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Revamped Regent’s Park townhouse ‘redefines what it means to live in a period property’
Super-prime design firm Elicyon has transformed an historic Grade II listed building into a 'deeply personal' modern home for an international family.
Former embassy sold in Mayfair’s biggest house deal of 2025
‘Landmark’ sale of £22mn Park Street mansion shows resilience of PCL market, say agents.
‘A subtle but important shift’: How the South Bank became London’s prime new-build hub
Knight Frank's Head of Residential Development Research explores how a disruptive period of resi development activity has reshaped London's luxury property map.
Charles Curran: Forget the hype, this is reality
Boutique estate agency boss (and former private equity banker) rails against misplaced optimism - calling for honesty, realism and tough love in today’s Prime Central London market.
Domestic buyers seizing unprecedented opportunities in Prime London, says agency
British purchasers now make up over 40% of Black Brick's client base, up from 25% last year.
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