Main image: Jess Simpson
Demand for 'new & immaculate' grand country houses blossoms
New-build and newly-refurbished grand country houses are selling under competition, writes buying agent Jess Simpson, as more buyers hunt for a country house in immaculate order. But don't expect to get your money back on a renovation project...
What buyers want now: Top town & country buying agents compare notes on post-lockdown demand trends
Two top buying agents - one focused on prime London, and one on prime country houses - reveal what is on their clients' most-wanted lists.
How the rise of the ‘digital commuter’ is redrawing the property market map
“The Covid crisis has pushed the property market into a hard reset," says Jonathan Hopper of Garrington Property Finders.
The ‘escape to the country’ trend has ‘evolved to a more urban focus’
“The search for space is far from over but the trend has a more urban flavour now,” says Knight Frank research chief Tom Bill.
Most read
In Pictures: $400mn LA mansion becomes world’s most expensive open-market property listing
Agents describe the eight-acre estate as the 'Crown Jewel of Los Angeles'.
In Pictures: Soho House founder’s private Scottish island hits the market with £10mn eco-lodge plans
Inchconnachan has been listed for sale at £3mn as-is, or at £10mn for a turn-key luxury retreat delivered under the 'direction & vision' of hospitality maven Nick Jones.
US buyers drive £16mn of deals at luxury Mayfair scheme
Penthouse at REDD’s 6 Charles Street changes hands amid a flurry of American-led activity.
Lai among senior hires as UK Sotheby’s bolsters PCL line-up
Brokerage's recruitment drive continues as top-end operators join from firms including YOUhome and Chestertons.
Knight Frank notches up £173mn of prime country sales in Q1
Correctly priced homes are still attracting competitive interest despite an uncertain backdrop, says agency.
A buying agent’s view: On holding positions, spring optimism & a market in search of stability
Jamie Freeman discusses fragile confidence, lifestyle-led demand and why off-market deals are on the rise.
‘Last man standing’ London set for H2 inflection, predicts agency
The capital's prime resi market is overdue a resurgence in 2026, suggests one bullish property firm - citing a 'structural decline of every serious global alternative'.
Jo Eccles: Overconfidence is costing buyers in the core market
Eccord's MD runs through three key themes in the PCL market this month, including a disconnect between buyer expectations and reality - and why it's becoming harder to correctly interpret pricing.
Savills appoints two new heads of lettings in south west London
Aaliyah Joumana & Morgan Frewin will lead departments in Bishops Park & Richmond respectively.
Interview: Knight Frank’s Peter Mayo on the changing role of auctions in the prime market
Agency's auctioneer and partner discusses outdated misconceptions, unusual lots and why more discretionary sellers are turning to the gavel.
LATEST ARTICLES
Tom Bill: Mixed signals from housing market as political & monetary uncertainty drags
Buyers and sellers face Bank of England caution and questions about the government’s direction of travel, explains Knight Frank's head of UK residential research.
Revealed: How much the new ‘mansion tax’ will cost before implementation
The incoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge is likely to cost 'almost £400mn before a penny is collected' - then generate around £1.4bn for the national coffers in its first three years of operation.
‘Absolutely brutal pricing’ now the only way to get activity, says top PCL agent
Winkworth flags 'major reset' as market adjusts to a new reality.
Lai among senior hires as UK Sotheby’s bolsters PCL line-up
Brokerage's recruitment drive continues as top-end operators join from firms including YOUhome and Chestertons.
International demand for UK homes has dropped 10% in the last year
American interest has climbed as European demand dwindled and Middle Eastern buyer numbers dropped sharply.