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Country Matters: On the increasing trend for rural diversification
Country buying agent Jess Simpson reports on an upsurge in demand for farms and land with the opportunity for diversification, and explains the impact of the Agricultural Bill’s new system to reward farmers and landowners for 'public goods' - including better air and water quality, improved soil health, higher animal welfare standards, and public access to the countryside...

Jess Simpson is a qualified chartered surveyor with nearly two decades of experience in the prime country market. Having worked for two of the national agencies in this sector for many years, and latterly running an associated buying consultancy business, she left to set up a truly independent offering, completely dedicated to the needs and interests of her clients. Her track record in the Rural Estates and Country House sector is unrivalled, specialising in the acquisition of Country Houses, Estates, and Commercial Farmland in England.
What happened at the very top-end of the country house market in 2020?
The super-prime country estate market saw a resurgence of UK property buyers this year, and renewed appetite for the traditional residential estate, reports Jess Simpson...
By Jess Simpson
Half of UK home-buyers who bought during pandemic regret how much they paid, claims survey
A survey by Aviva suggests that fewer than half of property buyers in last year saw their new home in person before making an offer - and that 92% of these buyers discovered problems with the property…
By PrimeResi
A Tale of Two Cities: Why savvy HNWIs are looking to West London
Lawyer Charles Miéville explains why Notting Hill continues to be a popular choice for high net worth clients looking to buy in London, and observes how the wider PCL market appears to have split into…
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Strutt & Parker strengthens super-prime lettings team
Long-established estate agency brings in lettings specialist Minnie Stainrod from UK Sotheby’s International Realty as part of new growth phase.
Interview: New UK Sotheby’s International Realty MD Alex Isidro on what’s next for the luxury brokerage
PrimeResi quizzes the high-profile real estate agency's recently-appointed boss about bumper sales figures, brand-building, and why this business is 'all about people, not property'.
£22mn penthouse sold in £50mn deal spree at top-end Kensington scheme
Lodha confirms launch date for next sales phase at Holland Park Gate following another run of big-ticket transactions.
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
By PrimeResi
Paperwork, penalties & PRS pain: What can we expect from Westminster’s new selective licensing regime?
As applications open, lawyers Emma Chadwick & Stephen Burke run through the background, practicalities & implications of the borough's latest policy - and what landlords & agents need to be actioning now.
London Square gears up to launch sales at landmark heritage conversion project
Ambitious transformation of former Surrey County Council HQ is to deliver 264 new homes, with completion set for 2027.
Developer secures financing for Marylebone townhouse transformation
Consented plans allow the former HMO to be reinstated as a single grand residence.
By PrimeResi
Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Country house guru Sweeting joins high-end valuation firm
Longstanding Knight Frank figure has taken up a consultant role at James Wyatt's Parthenia.
Ex-Cushman & Wakefield partners launch real estate advisory firm
Rufus Morgan, Lewis Smith & James Woolley have teamed up on the new venture, Medbourne, which will specialise in the UK Living Markets.
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