Format: Views
Letter from MIPIM #1: A selfie with Boris
As this year's French frenzy gets into full swing, we hear from Nicky Richmond as she dons her lucky gold pumps and heads into the fray...
I did a selfie with Boris. I'm not sure what made me do it.
EU calls for UK tax on empty homes
The European Commission has given the UK government more than a friendly nudge to start tackling the country's housing shortage, by penalising the owners of empty homes and making better use of development…
Good Works: Why charity is good for business
Estate agency is, despite much public opinion, one of the most philanthropic industries around, says Chairman of Agents Giving Peter Knight.
Kensington Focus (and why breaking records still takes time)
Despite limited supply and consistent demand, top values can’t be achieved overnight, says Bella Tellwright of Crayson...
W8 is one of the most expensive and sought-after postcodes in London.
How many prime square metres will US$1m buy you around the world?
Monaco, where US$1m buys you a paltry 15 square metres
City
$1m buys X sq m
Monaco
15.0
Hong Kong
20.6
London
25.2
Singapore
32.6
Geneva
34.7
New York
40.2
Required Reading: Understanding the proposed changes to Investor Visas
Radical new proposals to change Investor Visas could have far-reaching and direct consequences for the UK's prime property market, including a relaxation of residence requirements.
Westminster “crisis” as empty homes cause voter shortage – Labour
It's an "Empty Homes Crisis" as overseas property investors reduce the number of voters in Westminster. So claims the borough's Labour Group.
Should we restrict overseas investors buying up UK homes?
Last week, a leading think tank pitched the idea of setting up a “non-resident housing investment agency” to limit property purchases by wealthy foreign buyers and keep a lid on the capital’s house…
The Doer Upper’s Gossip Column #1
We're not sure if there's nothing to report or just so, so much, but Alan Page has taken to beating six drums at once.
What Wealth Wants: Exploring the HNW client experience (FutureWealth 2014, #1)
Advising the rich is often as much about personal relationships as about professional expertise, especially when it comes to an asset as emotive as a new home.
Should we be applying punitive taxes to empty homes?
Rather than complaining and propagating the confiscation of empty homes, commentators should be applying their energies to making the planning process efficient, less political and more productive, says…
Goodbye “hotel chic” and other trends for 2014
There'll probably be fewer foreign buyers, dull design schemes and 60s mansards this year, says James Bailey...