And Other Villains: Why stamp duty is only part of the problem for prime London
Non-Dom taxation, Brexit, tightened mortgage lending, blustering rhetoric... A realm of factors - in addition to high SDLT rates - are pushing "footloose capital" out of the prime London property market, says Charlie Ellingworth.

Charlie Ellingworth started acquisition firm Property Vision over thirty years ago. He is on the board of the Cadogan Estate and a trustee there, as well as a director of other smaller property companies. He writes novels, plays and regular articles for the FT and other magazines.
A delicate balancing act: Lucian Cook presents the case for Stamp Duty reform
There's been a lot of talk about Stamp Duty switches and tinkering in recent weeks - amped-up by some mixed-messaging from the Chancellor over the weekend.
By Lucian Cook
Cutting Stamp Duty ‘could boost transactions by 40% and tax revenues by £9.8bn’
According to buying agency Ludgrove's workings, a 36% reduction in Stamp Duty rates across the board would likely lead to 40% additional transactions in England per annum, in turn generating an extra £1.
How prime London’s property market is staging its latest comeback
Lucian Cook examines the historical and global factors that have defined the Prime Central London property market, the current conditions that are transforming the landscape, and what a post-Coronavirus…
By Lucian Cook
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Boutique private office appoints Beauchamp’s Finch to lead property division
Paul Finch has joined Liberty Rock after nearly 20 years with super-prime agency Beauchamp Estates.
By PrimeResi
In Memoriam: London estate agency legend Tim Maskell, 1938-2025
'Tim’s legacy in the property market continues,' says Maskells' MD.
By PrimeResi
Rise of the Broker: How the business of prime London agency has changed since 2000
Alexandra Goss charts the changing face of luxury property agency over the last 25 years, from the mainstreaming of buying agents & the introduction of private offices, to the rise of independent brokers.
Knight Frank announces new Henley office head
Nick Warner will hand the reins to Matt Davies next month.
By PrimeResi
London Square readies new boutique scheme in Brook Green
The developer picked up the former school site as part of its major acquisition spree last year.
Savills flags ‘historic value’ across prime London & regional markets
Some wealthy buyers 'seize opportunity' as property prices fall.
By PrimeResi
Strutt & Parker installs new Managing Director & Head of Marketing
Gary Higgins & Tamerah Couchman have been recruited to lead the BNP Paribas-owned property firm through its 'next phase of growth'.
By PrimeResi
Savills swoops on central London heritage planning consultancy
Real estate giant bolsters heritage-led planning and design capabilities with Citydesigner acquisition.
By PrimeResi
Starboard! Ollie Marshall on wealth, Reform & what’s next for Prime Central London
The political tide is turning & savvy buyers may only have a limited window to capitalise on a heavily discounted market, explains Prime Purchase director Ollie Marshall.
Jo Eccles: Competitive bidding is taking buyers by surprise
Purchasers may think they hold all the cards right now, but heavily reduced prices are sparking bidding wars across PCL, reports top acquisition specialist.
By Jo Eccles
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