Main image: One of the earliest examples of an asset price bubble was the frenzy in the market for Dutch tulip bulbs in the seventeenth century — the so-called “Tulipmania”.
What economics has to say about housing bubbles
'Intuitively, a bubble (and this applies to any asset, not just real estate) exists when the price of an asset is over-inflated relative to some benchmark. And here’s the rub: no one can agree on what that benchmark should be'

‘Drastic changes’ needed ‘to fix Britain’s broken housing market’ – NAEA & ARLA
"The news is bleak" says the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) as it forecasts that home ownership will fall by 7% in the coming decade…
By Prime Resi
Total UK housing value jumped by nearly £500bn in 2016, but the landscape is shifting
The UK's £6.8tr housing stock is now worth 3.65 times Britain's GDP, says Savills
By Prime Resi
The Homes Front: Problems & policies of the UK housing market
Charging Capital Gains Tax on homes would be a significant improvement on the current stamp duty regime, argues the National Institute of Economic & Social Research's Dr Angus Armstrong in a thorough…
By Prime Resi
Most read
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
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.
‘About 50% of what I do is off-market’: Alex Christian of Savills Private Office on navigating London’s luxury property stratosphere
Discussing landmark deals, world-class developments & the vital role of discretion with one of the key players in super-prime real estate.
Manchester penthouse sets new price record
UK buyer shells out £3mn for marquee unit at Salboy's Viadux scheme in 'landmark' deal.
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
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.
In Pictures: Revamped Regent’s Park townhouse ‘redefines what it means to live in a period property’
Super-prime design firm Elicyon has transformed an historic Grade II listed building into a 'deeply personal' modern home for an international family.
Savills flags ‘historic value’ across prime London & regional markets
Some wealthy buyers 'seize opportunity' as property prices fall.
By PrimeResi
Domestic buyers seizing unprecedented opportunities in Prime London, says agency
British purchasers now make up over 40% of Black Brick's client base, up from 25% last year.
Savills swoops on central London heritage planning consultancy
Real estate giant bolsters heritage-led planning and design capabilities with Citydesigner acquisition.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
‘A subtle but important shift’: How the South Bank became London’s prime new-build hub
Knight Frank's Head of Residential Development Research explores how a disruptive period of resi development activity has reshaped London's luxury property map.
First Look: Debut show flat unveiled at heritage-led scheme on Mayfair’s Hertford Street
The first completed unit at 36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences pairs restored Georgian architecture with layered interiors by A.London
OnTheMarket owner CoStar names new Europe chief
Alexa-Maria Rathbone Barker is now in charge of operations in the UK & leading a 'strategic growth plan' across Europe.
By PrimeResi
Fine & Country expands into Poundbury
Shay McNulty is leading an eight-strong team in South Dorset.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.