'We can see the first green shoots of a recovery': Mishcon's James Liffen on the current state of the property market
"We can see the first green shoots of a recovery," writes James Liffen of Mishcon de Reya as he takes stock of the property sector's current situation, "but think it may be some time before the prime and super prime markets show the levels of activity that we saw in January and February of this year."

James is a Partner and Head of Mishcon de Reya's Residential Property team specialising in residential conveyancing. He is experienced in dealing with complex deals involving shared ownership, auction sales, portfolio purchases, tenancy and planning issues. That said, his comprehensive background means that he is an expert in handling straightforward sale transactions and purchase and refinancing transactions. James also has a lot of experience working with lenders on joint venture schemes and completing high value loans on residential properties. James' clients are predominantly high net worth individuals. For this reason he often deals with other Private client teams across the firm such Tax and Family, as well as Corporate.
Tom Bill on what 2021 could bring for the UK property market
Tax changes and the withdrawal of support measures mean the post-Covid ‘normal’ will only begin to emerge later next year, writes Knight Frank's Head of UK Residential Research.
By Tom Bill
Volatile property market to calm, says OBR as it upgrades house price forecast
"House prices have risen significantly faster since the start of the pandemic than we had expected, says the Office of Budget Responsibility.
By PrimeResi
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
Companies in this article
Mishcon de ReyaMost read
£28mn Knightsbridge mansion sale sets 2025 benchmark
Recent mega-deal on Princes Gate 'reaffirms London’s appeal as a global property destination,' say agents.
Surrey mansion that ‘rivals the world’s most prestigious addresses’ pitched at £50mn
In Pictures: Inside one of the most significant super-prime listings of 2025 so far, the palatial Wentworth Place.
The Times: Who’s buying London’s most expensive new flats?
Investigation lifts the lid on £600mn worth of apartment sales at some of PCL's most prestigious new-build schemes.
Savills expands super-prime lettings operation; recruits new North London chief
Isabella Birch Reynardson's specialist division is expanding into high-value regional rental markets, while Stevie Walmesley has moved from DDRE to lead the team in North London.
By PrimeResi
‘Game-changing’ fast-track service launches for luxury property projects
RedBook Agency says its new offering – limited to a select number of large-scale, high-value schemes each year – can cut delivery timelines by up to 30%.
Property marketing in the AI age: Savills & Rightmove ‘dominate’ chatbot search performance
How ChatGPT & its ilk are ripping-up the SEO rulebook for estate agencies & portals - and which brands are winning the Artificial Intelligence race.
By PrimeResi
‘Incredibly rare’ unmod villa backing onto Primrose Hill seeks £10.85mn
An incoming buyer could create one of the most 'beautiful and significant' family homes in NW London, say agents.
Grosvenor names new CEO & CFO as profits jump
UK chief James Raynor to succeed Mark Preston as property empire's CEO.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
Waldorf Astoria-branded scheme in Abu Dhabi sells out on launch day
All 133 luxury new homes at Aldar's Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas were snapped up in less than 24 hours.
LATEST ARTICLES
Industry Reactions: Mortgage lending slumps after Stamp Duty deadline
The latest Bank of England release also shows a continued decline in new mortgage approvals.
By PrimeResi
Global buyers drive $115mn bidding at luxury property auction in London
High-value villas, ranches and vineyards were among the offerings at the latest Concierge Auctions event, held last week at Sotheby's London.
‘Extraordinary’ Norman & Dawbarn-designed house in SW London seeks £7.5mn
In Pictures: Former torpedo testing site was reimagined as a family home by the original architects of BBC Television Centre.
Survey finds ‘sharp rise in optimism’ across the property industry
UKREiiF attendees are feeling a lot better about the real estate sector's prospects - but the planning system is still causing headaches.
By PrimeResi
Ambitious proptech firm buys another top mortgage broker
Babek Ismayil's OneDome wants its tech to be 'facilitating 10% of all UK housing transactions' within five years.
By PrimeResi