Format: News

The joint venture behind the transformation of the ginormous New Covent Garden Market site in Nine Elms has just gone unconditional, meaning that work could begin on site as soon as this summer.

Turns out it's not all about tube stops, schools and Waitroses any more; potential buyers are increasingly keen to find out about proximity to a Boris Bike docking station, according to one London agent.

A monster deal from last year has just come to light, topping the scales at £51.7m.

The transformation of Earls Court took another step forward yesterday with news of the completion of the Earls Court Partnership Limited, the investment vehicle set up by Capco and TfL.

Investment firm London Central Portfolio seems to be going big this year, hiring a third new recruit in just a few weeks and promoting another.

There are at least 179 estate agency branches in the City of Westminster alone, with 2,600 vying for business across the capital.

Labour has pledged to abolish non-domicile tax status if it wins the general election next month.

Candy & Candy director Simon Stone has left the hyper-prime firm to set up his own development and asset management business, Stone Real Estate. Sugar Quay, one of Stone's projects

Knight Frank has promoted Robert Adams to Salary Partner within the Prime New Homes team.

One of the most controversial projects in the capital - the proposed transformation of a massive Royal Mail site in Clerkenwell - has bagged final approval.

A local Waitrose adds 12% to neighbouring house prices, claims Lloyds, while a handy Sainsbury's is worth an extra 10%. Lidl and Aldi, on the other hand, apparently push prices down by 2% and 3% respectively.

An unnamed Chinese buyer has shelled out $70m for an apartment at the Sherry Netherland building in New York. It's thought to be the highest price paid in the city so far this year.