Postcard from LA: Gordon MacGeachy on the mansion tax, pyjama lounges & off-market records
In the latest in a series of international dispatches for PrimeResi, Hilton & Hyland's Estates Director - a member of Luxury Portfolio International - shares insights into the Californian luxury property market.
LA’s mansion tax is now in play
Los Angeles saw a marked increase in high-value property sales in March, as brokers rushed to close deals before a new transaction tax was introduced on 1st April.
Los Angeles Times: L.A.’s rich are already scheming ways to avoid new ‘mansion tax’
'Rich people are very clever,' says a real estate broker in California. 'They know how to manage cash, and they have time to look for loopholes.'
LA to implement ‘mansion tax’ of up to 5.5%
58% of Los Angeles residents voted for a new levy on property transactions above $5mn.
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New agency Draper London targets five-office PCL rollout
Founded by ex-Knight Frank and Aston Chase agent Craig Draper, the high-end firm is backed by former Greene & Co MD David Pollock.
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'.
UK Sotheby’s shrugs off market slowdown as Q1 sales hit £598mn
Top-end brokerage reports 'strong' start to 2026 with £1bn of property under offer, £4.15bn of stock on the market and 3,500 new registered buyers over £2mn.
Knight Frank cuts UK house price forecasts again
The outlook is not rosy for either prime or mainstream markets this year, but the property consultancy senses a 'change in political direction' before 2030.
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.
Nuhu-designed penthouse at Stirling’s Carlton Gardens scheme hits the market
Boutique agency lists 'showstopping' proposition just off the Mall for £13.9mn.
Chestertons & Aston Chase owner buys another London agency
Campions Group confirms second business acquisition in the capital this month.
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.
Mapped: How prices & rents have shifted across London’s top neighbourhoods so far this year
Latest data shows sales values falling across most PCL areas, with sharper drops in some of the most exclusive markets.
Agency lands trio of north London penthouse rental deals
High-end apartments in St John's Wood, Maida Vale and Regent's Park all went for full asking amid strong HNW demand.
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Landlord exodus ‘overestimated’ says property portal as major rental reforms come into play
Yet data from both OnTheMarket and Savills confirm a clear rise in sales of former rental homes.
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.
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.
‘Luxury assets may be about to turn a corner’ – Knight Frank
The global luxury investment market appears to be stabilising after a 'volatile decade' for art, wine, jewels and the like.
Industry Reactions: Mortgage lending is running above the six-month average
Fresh Bank of England data shows increases in both new approvals and total lending in March, which one pundit says demonstrates 'an underlying resilience to the housing market.'