The Curate’s Egg: Why the housing market headlines are well off the mark
What is happening at ground level is far too complex to be covered in a newspaper by-line, writes Saul Empson
Saul Empson is an independent property buying agent, offering a personal, bespoke service to a small group of private clients. He has been involved in the central London property market since 1985 and spent his first fifteen years as a selling agent selling residential property and running sales offices for some of the big high street names. In 1999 he made the switch to finding and buying property on behalf of clients instead of selling houses and has never looked back.
What to read next
A perfect storm: Three reasons why the country market is red-hot right now
A number of unconnected components have all conspired to create a wild hive of activity, writes Saul Empson
By Saul Empson
‘Que Sera, Sera…’: The future of the property market’s not ours to see
The entire property industry held its breath when the market reopened in March, but what happened next surprised even the most seasoned of agents, writes Saul Empson...
By Saul Empson
The London property market continues to tick along relatively robustly – and here’s why…
An awful lot of buyers who, having expected prices to fall like an anvil out of a window in a Tom and Jerry cartoon, are finding the choice of houses disappointing and prices far firmer than they had hoped,…
By Saul Empson
Companies in this article
HaringtonsMost read
Government confirms 100% ‘mansion tax’ premium for empty homes
Latest Measures & Industry Reactions: More details of the incoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge bills have been revealed, with first bills due to arrive in March 2028.
By PrimeResi
Boutique London agency snaps up another lettings portfolio
Around 50 managed properties join the firm’s books as it continues its expansion across PCL & SW London.
Italy’s exit tax plan raises eyebrows in Britain
'Perhaps we don’t look so bad after all?' quips top London buying agent as Rome pitches a departure charge for wealthy residents.
Top-end Kensington scheme racks up over £70mn in sales
Developer unveils resident amenities and reports latest sales progress at Squire & Partners-designed project.
Talking Heads: Prime resi industry insiders respond to the Budget 2026
'Doing no harm isn't quite the same as doing some good,' comments one estate agency chief.
Knight Frank puts heavyweight duo at helm of London Private Office
Specialist division brings together the firm's 'most accomplished advisers' for UHNWIs.
Super-prime St John’s Wood project goes for above guide
'Buyers will move decisively for exceptional homes in the best locations,' says agency after sealing £10.1mn deal.
Sale agreed on final Knightsbridge Gate apartment
The last of the PCL scheme’s 15 residences has found a buyer, rounding off a sales campaign that saw guide prices hit £25mn.
Native Land teams up with Singaporean investor for PCL acquisition drive
Kensington block changes hands as new venture targets the capital’s prime rental market.
PCL agency bolsters team after high-end deal run
Former Aston Chase ops manager joins alongside two agents as the Mayfair-based firm sets its sights on further expansion.
LATEST ARTICLES
High-profile agency reopens SW3 sales operation
Chestertons has a dedicated Chelsea sales team for the first time in nine years.
By PrimeResi
Buyer swoops on ‘one of London’s most celebrated historic houses’
Architecture wins out over postcode as a purchaser searching in Westminster exchanges on landmark mansion south of the river.
Savills pushes housing market recovery back to 2028
New forecasts: Mainstream UK prices are tipped to fall 1.5% next year, with London in for a 3.5% drop as top agency downgrades expectations again.
By PrimeResi
Raffles unveils standalone resi debut
Luxury hospitality marque picks exclusive US enclave for collection of 35 ‘generational residences’.
Six months on: How has the Renters’ Rights Act played out in practice?
Savills’ Amelia Greene reports from the lettings front line, where several of landlords’ biggest fears have yet to materialise.