Why the new SDLT regime isn’t working
12% has crippled the South East, prevented inward investment (even with a cheaper pound) and is damaging businesses, says Charles Curran
Prior to setting up Conster Capital Ventures, the parent company of Maskells Estate Agents, Charles held senior positions at Bear Stearns, Bank of Scotland and Societe Generale where he specialized in Mortgage Backed Securities (Residential and Commercial), Asset Backed Securities and Structured Credit. Charles assists the teams with market data analysis, asset valuations and deals with the company’s financial institution clients. Charles also looks after White Circle Collection (www.whitecirclecollection.com), the multi-family office sister company to Maskells. Charles is bilingual French.
Downing St & Out: Our economy needs a decision and someone to make it
As PM May officially steps down as Tory leader and candidates jostle for position, former financier turned agency boss Charles Curran explains the impact that current political events are having on…
Heavy Duty: How the new SDLT system stuffed both ends of the market
The new SDLT regime is creating a boom and a bust at one end of the scale whilst raising less money for the government at the other; not such a clever move, says Trevor Abrahmsohn...
By Prime Resi
In Suspense: Weighing up the positives and negatives of a hung parliament
The election result may have delivered yet more unwelcome uncertainty, but the prospect of a 'Soft Brexit' could be good news for both the economy and the housing market, says Charles Curran...
Companies in this article
MaskellsMost read
Former CEO brings ‘significant whistleblowing case’ against Battersea Power Station owners
Lawyers say Don O’Sullivan's case 'raises very important questions about the integrity of financial reporting at Battersea', allegations that the company strongly denies.
By PrimeResi
DDRE reports £89mn in sales so far in 2026; boosts headcount to 55
Expanding PCL brokerage chalks up big-ticket deals and lands first resi development instruction.
Buyer swoops on £19.95mn apartment at The OWO
Deal agreed in just seven days for Raffles-serviced residence at landmark Whitehall scheme.
In Conversation: Lucie Hirst on prime market misconceptions and the new rules of buying
Buying agent Lucie Hirst discusses pricing realism, off-market networks and shifting demand across London and the Cotswolds.
Ranked: The UK’s ‘best places to live’ in 2026
The Sunday Times unveils its influential annual rundown, with Norwich crowned the overall winner and Richmond taking the top spot in London.
On Leasehold Reform: What the big shake-up could mean for prime property investors
Following publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill earlier this year, lawyers Kate Stockdale & Michael Ellis assess the likely impact on ground rents, ownership structures and investor…
Knight Frank toasts £1bn sales milestone at King’s Cross
Agency closes out long-running sales programme at 'transformational' 67-acre regen scheme.
Bidder bags Belgravia duplex for under £1,000 psf
Three-bed apartment between Eaton and Sloane Square sold at auction last week.
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
MIPIM Debrief: A prime resi specialist’s key takeaways from Cannes in 2026
Design & project delivery boss Shona Patel reviews crucial trends from one of the world's leading real estate industry get-togethers - including some interesting insights about the luxury sector.
By Shona Patel
LATEST ARTICLES
Where next for Europe’s branded residential sector?
Scheme numbers set to more than double by 2032 as brands ramp up expansion - but growth is being outpaced globally, new analysis shows.
Sims Hilditch recruits former Linley interior design head
Tom Carpenter joins to lead the high-end firm’s London studio.
‘State of the art’ Kensington townhouse with high-level heritage seeks £16.75mn
This Victorian home raised the game with one of the world's first hydraulic passenger lifts.
By PrimeResi
Top-end developer tackles buyer uncertainty with pre-purchase advisory service
New offering from Landmass aims to help buyers make 'informed decisions' and accelerate transactions.
Buying agency reports ‘deals being agreed at levels that would have been simply dismissed six months ago’
Garrington says it is seeing 'sellers recalibrate as the realities of a more competitive landscape set in.'
By PrimeResi