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.
Prior to setting up Conster Capital Ventures, the parent company of Maskells Estate Agents, Charles held senior positions at Bear Stearns, Bank of Scotland and Societe Generale where he specialized in Mortgage Backed Securities (Residential and Commercial), Asset Backed Securities and Structured Credit. Charles assists the teams with market data analysis, asset valuations and deals with the company’s financial institution clients. Charles also looks after White Circle Collection (www.whitecirclecollection.com), the multi-family office sister company to Maskells. Charles is bilingual French.
What to read next
‘Change’: Charles Curran on what a Burnham premiership could mean for London’s prime property market
'We see Mr Burnham as a negative for the Prime Central London property market for second home owners, foreign owners and landlords,' writes estate agency boss.
Charles Curran on the Mansion Tax: Litigation, valuations & unintended consequences
Former financier-turned-agency boss explains how ONS model-based valuations for £2mn-plus homes could spark legal challenges, affect mortgages, and ripple across the property market.
London Super-Prime Market Survey: What changed in 2025 – and what lies ahead in 2026
Non-dom exits, international bargain hunters and a raft of trophy listings reshaped the £15m-plus sector over the last 12 months, reports Beauchamp Estates,
Companies in this article
MaskellsMost read
PCL heavyweight Willis joins Forbes-backed brokerage
EXCLUSIVE: Former Strutt & Parker board member signed up as Founder Partner and MD as Martin Bikhit builds out new UK luxury agency.
Arts & Crafts gem on Kensington Palace Gardens reborn as six ‘world-class’ residences
Luxury developer REDD unveils set of super-prime homes following ambitious five-year restoration of Philip Webb-designed landmark.
Alex Michelin: How driverless cars will reshape the property market
Luxury development chief says driverless revolution could redraw the prime London map.
£12.25mn Chester Square townhouse finds buyer after agency switch
Boutique firm seals super-prime Belgravia deal after two previous agents had marketed the property.
Boutique London agency names new MD; opens Fulham office
Landstones has moved into the former Draker space on Fulham Road.
By PrimeResi
‘New strategy’ drawn up for 15,000 sq ft Belgravia trophy
Three-building spread could be transformed into one of PCL’s most valuable private residences.
Savills makes key resi hire in Dubai
Greg Stockton is on board to link UK developers with investors, wealth managers and adviser in the Middle East.
By PrimeResi
Green light for £2bn Vauxhall Square mega-scheme
Pilbrow & Partners' 69-storey Vauxhall regen project squeaked through Lambeth's Planning Committee.
By PrimeResi
Harding Green recruits another top Foxtons agent
Sloane Square ops director makes move to self-employed broker model after nearly 17 years with former firm.
London Square picked for 133-home Waterloo scheme
Aldar-owned developer takes on resi element of major new health and life sciences quarter.
LATEST ARTICLES
Berkeley calls for stamp duty overhaul as cautious buyers hold fire
London development giant wants 1% SDLT cap for first-time buyers and downsizers - and the investor surcharge scrapped altogether.
‘New strategy’ drawn up for 15,000 sq ft Belgravia trophy
Three-building spread could be transformed into one of PCL’s most valuable private residences.
Agency reports biggest month for country house exchanges since 2022
After a dry few years, Strutt & Parker heralds 'a return of confidence in decision making for both buyers and sellers.'
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
Chartwell Noble recruits former Fisher German partner
Independent agency continues to build its network of country house brokers.
By PrimeResi