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Leasehold Reform 2025 – What Every London Flat Owner Needs to Know

The Government’s much-anticipated Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is expected to become law by the end of 2025. For London flat owners, investors, and buyers, it marks the most substantial shift in residential property law in a generation. This guide outlines the key legislative changes, their implications for the London leasehold market, and what you […]

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Row of traditional British townhouses with white trim and brick facades.

Why the Empty Homes Tax Has Failed – and How We Can Actually Fix England’s Housing Crisis

By Elliot Rainbow, CEO of Ernest Brooks International The empty homes tax was meant to be a deterrent. It’s turned out to be little more than background noise. Since 2013, owners of long-term vacant homes have faced sliding council tax penalties of up to 300%. But over a decade later, the number of empty homes

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Staging for Sale – The Investment That Pays Off

Staging for Sale – The Investment That Pays Off In the fiercely competitive London property market, how your flat is presented can make all the difference between a quick sale at the right price or months of stagnation. Professional staging is no longer a luxury but a proven investment that delivers tangible returns.Ernest Brooks International

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2025 Design Trends: What Buyers and Tenants Want Now

Property aesthetics are no longer an afterthought-they’re a deal-maker. Whether buying, selling, or letting, interior presentation can dramatically influence perception, price, and pace of transaction. In 2025, buyers and tenants alike are leaning towards design schemes that blend wellness and functionality. Natural materials, biophilic elements (such as living walls or planters), and soft neutrals with

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Prime Central London: A Sales Market Revival?

After several muted years, Prime Central London is once again making headlines-this time for positive reasons. Increased activity in Mayfair, Marylebone, Kensington and Belgravia suggests the ultra-prime sector is recovering from prolonged political and economic uncertainty. Buyers from the US, Middle East and Southeast Asia have re-entered the market with confidence, driven by favourable exchange

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What the General Election Means for London Property

With a general election expected later this year – London property market policy is back on the agenda. From capital gains tax to planning reform and overseas buyer levies – all eyes are on party manifestos. At Ernest-Brooks International, we are already preparing clients for potential changes in landlord regulation, stamp duty and development incentives.

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The 2024 Rental Boom: What’s Driving Demand?

London’s rental market witnessed unprecedented growth throughout 2024, with surging demand pushing average rents to record highs across multiple zones. Several factors contributed to this trend, including tightened mortgage lending criteria, slower sales in certain micro-markets, and a growing population of international tenants seeking premium homes in prime postcodes. At EBI, we experienced a 23%

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2024 First Time Buyer Trends – What’s Changed?

First time buyers remain a crucial force in the London market – yet their behaviour has shifted significantly post Covid and amidst higher interest rates. Buyers are now favouring new build flats with energy efficiency, security and minimal maintenance. Zones 3 and 4 have grown in popularity – with key hotspots including Colindale, Woolwich, Southall

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Selling in Summer – Why Timing Still Matters

Despite talk of year round activity – seasonality still influences buyer behaviour. Summer remains a peak viewing period – especially for family buyers wanting to move before the new school term. Properties with outdoor space – terraces, balconies, gardens – command a premium during the warmer months. Ernest-Brooks International advises clients to prepare listings by

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Interior Design for Maximum Rental Return – What Works in 2024

Well designed interiors have a direct impact on rental yield. In 2024 – Ernest-Brooks International is seeing highest returns on properties with a neutral palette, smart lighting, practical storage and hotel style finishes. Renters want space efficiency and visual calm – so we advise against bold colours or over personalised decor. Instead – opt for

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2024 Rental Trends – What Landlords Need to Know

Rental growth in London slowed slightly in early 2024 – but demand continues to outpace supply. Ernest-Brooks International data shows particular resilience in 1 and 2 bed properties in well connected locations – with Canary Wharf, White City and Stratford remaining top performers. Tenants have become more cost conscious, with budgets under pressure from inflation

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East London Regeneration – Where the Smart Money is Headed Next

East London continues to transform – and savvy investors are watching closely. Stratford, Barking, Canning Town and Poplar are now firmly on the radar thanks to multi-billion pound regeneration pipelines, new transport infrastructure and improving local amenities. At Ernest-Brooks International, we’re actively tracking developments like Poplar Riverside, Barking Riverside and the Thameside West masterplan. These

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What Overseas Buyers Need to Know About the London Market in 2024

With the pound remaining weak and London house prices stabilising – 2024 presents a key opportunity for overseas investors. Ernest-Brooks International has seen renewed interest from Asia and the Middle East – especially from clients looking for trophy assets or stable rental income. Key considerations for foreign buyers include changes in non-dom tax treatment, stamp

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Navigating the Prime Central London Market Post-Interest Rate Hikes

The start of 2024 saw continued recalibration in Prime Central London following the Bank of England’s interest rate increases in 2023. While some buyers initially paused, Ernest-Brooks International has noted a resurgence in strategic acquisitions, particularly among international investors seeking stability in London’s core postcodes. SW1, W1 and NW8 remain top performing areas, underpinned by

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Post COVID-19. Demand props up price growth. June 20

March 2020 update: Once the lockdown restrictions ease, activity levels will likely rise, possibly to levels in line with the usual busier seasonal periods in Q3 and Q4. Sales agreed are currently 4% higher than pre-COVID-19 levels – despite prolonged market closures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Increased levels of demand, and a reduced availability

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