The Property Exchange

2023 saw house prices in many areas holding up much better than many predicted.  But what does that tell us about the likely outlook for 2024?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and hears about London’s overheated rental market from Lucinda Richardson, lettings director at Winkworth Notting Hill – are things finally cooling down?

The pandemic has hastened the demise of many high streets, but others have evolved into thriving new neighbourhood spots, with independent shops, artisan bakeries and cafés.  Around Christmastime these vibrant districts usually make a real effort to bring festive cheer with attractive decorations and lights.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears about what others can learn from two such areas, from Adam Stackhouse, managing director developments and commercial investments at Winkworth, James Wilkinson of Winkworth Highgate and Doug Moss of Winkworth Southfields. 

With some signs of prices stabilising in the property market, what is the outlook for 2024?  And what, if anything, should Chancellor Jeremy Hunt be saying in his autumn statement?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth looks at the prospects with Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Adam Stackhouse, managing director developments and commercial investments.

The private rentals market is broken – especially in London where demand is highest, rents have risen fastest and there can be 20 applicants for every available property.  So what measures at a national and local level could ease the pressure?  And what’s it like on the ground - what happens to would-be renters who are squeezed out, and are rising rents finally attracting a new generation of landlords?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth gets some answers from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, Shilpa Bathija of Winkworth Kingsbury and Tom Street, Lettings Director for Shoreditch, Hackney, Highbury and Islington.

With the Autumn Statement looming, and a General Election expected next year, what does the government need to do to reinvigorate the property market?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and head of Developments and Commercial Investments Adam Stackhouse, with their own manifesto – some realistic proposals that could make a real difference to buyers, renters and landlords – if the government acts quickly!

London’s top schools have always been a big factor behind the appeal of the city’s prime residential areas, not just for locals but for international buyers too.  So, which are seen as the schools with the biggest allure, and do you need to move nearby to do the best for your children?  What are the other factors to consider?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Dominic Agace, CEO of Winkworth, Melanie Sanderson of the Good Schools Guide and Donovan Kelly who runs Winkworth’s Barnes office, close to one of the UK’s best-rated schools, St Paul’s.  

Properties in Britain’s seaside towns and villages were much in demand during the pandemic, but does that remain the case?  With increasing concern about the environmental impact of overseas holidays, some argue UK resorts could be set for a big revival.  To look at the pros and cons for homebuyers, property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and Simon Barnes of Winkworth Mudeford and Highcliffe, who tells us about the appeal of his part of the Dorset coast, near Christchurch Bay and Bournemouth .

Why home-buyers are flocking to the so-called one-stop cities – where there are plenty of good opportunities to both live and work, thus avoiding the big commute.  We focus on Exeter and Norwich, which both have historic city centres, and nearby seaside.  These cities are within reach of London if needbe, but with a good range of jobs so you can work close to home.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Matthew Ewings of Winkworth Exeter, and James Colbeck-Rowe, from Winkworth Norwich.

We look at the offices, shops and other commercial sites that developers are eyeing up to turn into homes, to meet the demand for new housing.  What are the new trends that are emerging and what are the obstacles from central and local government?  From Queensway to Canada Water and from Wood Green to Battersea Power Station, there are projects of all shapes and sizes, so what are the opportunities for homebuyers and investors?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth head of Developments and Commercial Investments Adam Stackhouse, and Charles Jordan who heads Winkworth’s new homes team.

Some of London’s most attractive suburbs are now unaffordable for the majority of buyers.  So what are the alternatives?   In this episode we look at the areas which offer equally attractive properties, but are much more affordable than their neighbours.  We focus a particular spotlight on Queen’s Park in the north-west of the capital, where there’s been an influx of buyers from Notting Hill, and Tooting in south London, where you get a lot more for your money than in neighbouring Clapham.  What are the sideways chess moves that savvy Londoners are now making?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, Charlie Mitchell of Winkworth Tooting, and Stewart Boyd of Winkworth Kensal Rise to find out more.