The Property Exchange

It’s clear the government’s housebuilding targets are nowhere near being met, with many developments stuck in a sclerotic planning system while housebuilders complain there are simply not enough incentives for them to put spades in the ground.  There’s also the issue of landlords pulling out of the rental market in the wake of the Renters Rights Act, leading to a shortage of rental property.  So what needs to be done?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth continues her conversation with Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride and Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace.

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride is spearheading the Tories’ campaign to abolish stamp duty, which has risen greatly in recent years.  So what’s driving the policy, what impact would it have on the property market and how would it be paid for?  Sir Mel joins property commentator Anne Ashworth to discuss, along with Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace.

The Renters’ Rights Act takes effect on the first of May – the biggest reform to lettings for forty years.  ‘No fault’ evictions will be abolished and tenants’ rights strengthened.  Many landlords still don’t realise the full extent of their responsibilities, while others have already exited the market.  So how will the sector be affected?  To find out, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Katie Roughley, Winkworth’s knowledge, regulation and learning manager and Aaron Priscott from Winkworth’s Kensal Rise office. Further information: https://www.winkworth.co.uk/articles/a-guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

Towns like Petersfield in Hampshire were the favoured destinations for people moving out of London during the Covid lockdown, and five years later many rural markets are now regaining that allure.  Are the Cotswolds still the top destination, if not which other areas are becoming more favoured?  Can the countryside now rival London for good coffee and superior wi-fi?  To find out, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Harry Wilde of  Winkworth’s office in Petersfield and Will Hosie, lifestyle editor of Country Life magazine.  

There’s been no shortage of despondency in the prime central London markets such as Belgravia, Mayfair and Chelsea, where prices have dipped by a fifth over the past decade.  So can the mood recover amid the gloom of non-dom tax changes and plans for a mansion tax?Many deals are indeed going ahead, with recent buyers including Elon Musk's co-founder of xAI.  So, what are the new occupants typically looking for to refurbish their properties in the latest styles?  To find out about the current trends, property commentator Anne Ashworth turned to Christian Lock-Necrews of Winkworth’s Knightsbridge office and Freya Godwin-Brown from the architectural and interior design business Palladian.

In Spring, people’s thoughts traditionally turn to moving house, but in 2026, will confidence be in short supply?  Many buyers have been feeling the pinch from higher taxes, and the possibility of more increases to come.  Against this background, a mortgage price war is raging as lenders compete for business, so what are the best deals on offer?  For the latest, property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Dominic Agace, CEO of Winkworth, and Anthony Emmerson from mortgage brokers Trinity Financial. 

There’s been increased interest in properties in what are fast becoming London’s super-suburbs – those desirable areas with strong village atmosphere, beautiful houses and good transport links.  Barnes in south-west London and Blackheath in the south-east are prime examples which also display strong community sprit.  This is particularly strong at this time of the year, as property commentator Anne Ashworth discovers from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, Mark Epps from Winkworth Blackheath and Greenwich, and Donovan Kelly from Winkworth Barnes.

The property market in London’s most expensive postcodes has taken a beating over the past few years, and pre-budget speculation about further tax rises hasn’t helped.  But  according to new Winkworth research, there is currently a lot more activity in what’s known as Prime Central London than might be thought.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth finds out more from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Josh Grinling from Winkworth Kensington.

It’s still possible to buy a family house in several parts of London for under half a million pounds, according to new Winkworth research.  In other parts of the country you can pick up something very substantial with this budget.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks through some of the key findings with Winkworth’s Charles Erwin, while Jake Strubel of Winkworth Haringey and Nick Martiny Roberts of Winkworth Royal Leamington Spa talk about the contrasting types of properties available at the price in their areas.

What’s going on in the London lettings market?  Rents have risen much more sharply than house prices over the past few years, and threatened tax increases could force more buy-to-let landlords to leave the market, leading to even tighter supply.  We look at the impacts on exclusive Notting Hill, and its more affordable west London neighbour Shepherds Bush.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth’s Charles Erwin, Lucinda Richardson from the Notting Hill office and Rupal Patel of Winkworth Shepherds Bush.

For many Londoners, being near a good park or heath is now seen as even more important than being close to the tube, which was once the top requirement in the capital.  So does this mean that the ‘green space premium’ – the extra price you have to pay for a property overlooking, or at least very close to, the park - is even bigger than it used to be?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth finds out more from Dominic Agace, CEO of Winkworth, while Neil Sloam, owner of Winkworth's new Belsize Park office, talks about the attractions for homebuyers of being close to the wide open spaces of Hampstead Heath and Regents Park.

As some of the super-wealthy non-doms leave London for tax reasons, who’s moving in to take their place?  We look at new Winkworth research which lifts the lid on who’s now sniffing a bargain after years of static or declining prices in the capital’s top neighbourhoods, with a particular focus on Pimlico and Westminster.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Rob Oatley who runs the Pimlico and Westminster office.

The imposition of Value Added Tax on private school fees at the beginning of this year is having a noticeable impact on the property market, in both expected and unexpected ways.  Some parents are spending less on housing to be able to afford the fees, while others are trying to move near the best state primary and secondary schools.  Joining property commentator Anne Ashworth to look in more detail at the trends, through their effect on the town of Reading in Berkshire and more broadly, are Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace, Good Schools Guide managing editor Melanie Sanderson, and Michael Foldvari of Winkworth Reading.

Economists are agreed that further interest rate cuts are on the way, but how far and how fast?  Lenders are already engaged in a mini-mortgage price war, meanwhile the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ looks set to trickle record amounts into the market, as pension tax reforms bite.  Joining property commentator Anne Ashworth to discuss the impact of these trends are Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace and Anthony Emmerson of mortgage brokers Trinity Financial.

People who want to move out of London for a different pace of life and more space can now look further afield, thanks to the rise of flexible working.  The hotspots for London leavers used to be Hampshire and Surrey. But now counties like Wiltshire are becoming increasingly popular, and realistic for a 2-3 days a week commute.  Property commentator Anne Ashworth finds out more from Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace and Simon Jacobs, who runs Winkworth’s Marlborough and Salisbury offices.

The Prime Central London property market has been subdued to say the least over the past few years, but lower prices and a strong dollar are now providing a strong incentive for US buyers to take the plunge.  The Knightsbridge area is attracting particular interest after a makeover by the area’s biggest landlord.  Property Commentator Anne Ashworth hears the latest about what’s going on in London’s smartest districts from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and Christian Lock-Necrews, newly installed as head of Winkworth Knightsbridge.  

This time we look at the changing profile of who’s now buying in the property market, with a particular focus on first-time buyers and the popular Tooting market in south London. The Bank of Mum and Dad is currently very active as more empty-nesters decide to downsize, but buy-to-let investors are few and far between.  To find out more about the impact of these trends, property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Nicky Upton of Winkworth Tooting.

What lies ahead for the property market in 2025?  There has been a lot of negativity about slower UK growth post-Budget, along with concern that interest rates could remain high for longer than originally expected.  But under the bonnet, are things rather more positive?   Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and Head of Developments and Commercial Investments Adam Stackhouse.

Most London  neighbourhoods try hard to put on a good show at Christmas, but we look at two that particularly stand out with Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace, Bella Roupell from the South Kensington office and Charles Erwin of Winkworth Notting Hill.  And with suggestions for the best Christmas shopping streets and things to see, property commentator Anne Ashworth also talks to Carla Passino, Arts Editor of Country Life magazine. 

The budget turned out to be tough on businesses, but perhaps slightly less damaging to the property market than had been feared.  However interest rates are now expected to come down more slowly and there’s another stamp duty shocker for buy-to-let landlords.  So how’s the market reacting and what’s the advice for homebuyers?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth seeks answers from Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace, and Anthony Emmerson of mortgage brokers Trinity Financial.

Everyone knows that the forthcoming budget is going to be tough, with speculation chancellor Rachel Reeves will make changes to Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.  She could also tighten up pensions relief and non-dom legislation amongst others.  So how is it all going to affect the property market?   Property commentator Anne Ashworth puts the questions to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Anthony Emmerson from mortgage brokers Trinity Financial.  

In 1974 the London property market was in the doldrums, with draconian rent controls holding back investment. The average house price was £9787.  In this special episode, property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth Chairman Simon Agace and his son Dominic, CEO.  They reflect on how and why the housing market, and the way estate agencies operate, have been transformed so dramatically over that period – and what could come next.  

There was a time when most people commuting into London were looking for somewhere no more than an hour away, door to door – but no more.  With the rise of hybrid working post-pandemic, many will now contemplate a journey of up to two hours, if they only have to travel in three or four days a week.  So what does this mean for homebuyers and local property markets in the affected towns and cities, such as Bath?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, and Matthew Leonard of Winkworth’s Bath office.

The new Labour government wants to get Britain building again by unblocking the planning system, creating new towns and allowing development on parts of the green belt. But can the inevitable opposition be overcome? Property commentator Anne Ashworth asks the questions, Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and managing director, developments and commercial investments Adam Stackhouse give some answers.

The presence of a good school has always had an impact on an area’s housing market – but with Labour pledging to impose 20% VAT on private school fees if it wins the election, the effect could become even greater.  In this episode Winkworth Chief Executive Dominic Agace talks to property commentator Anne Ashworth about the concerns now being raised by homebuyers, and the impact on house prices in favoured locations.  Some streets are now selling at a substantial premium - as an example, Henry Griffin from Winkworth Farnham tells us about the impact the schools debate is having on the market in his part of Surrey.  We get the bigger picture and some smart tips for parents from Melanie Sanderson, Managing Editor of the Good Schools Guide.  

For many homebuyers, this month’s Chelsea Flower Show has once again turned the spotlight on the garden – do we still want paving and formality, or is the natural look back?  Are artificial lawns a huge convenience, or a complete no-no?  The pandemic heightened the British passion for gardens and the trend has continued.  In this episode, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Dominic Agace, Chief Executive of Winkworth to see what’s changed in buyers’ preferences.  Charles Erwin of Winkworth Notting Hill tells us about the impact the area’s famous garden squares have had on the local market, and Joanna Archer of Joanna Archer Garden Design gives us an insight into the latest trends in design and planting.

The pandemic sparked a flight out of town for the green space of the countryside – but is this trend continuing or has it gone into reverse?   Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Anthony Beecheno from Winkworth Petersfield. They’re joined by special guest Mark Hedges, the editor of Country Life, who has some interesting insights on what to do, and what not to do, if you’re a townie who makes the move to a country village …

General elections often impact property market activity, but not always in the way you might expect.  Sometimes the Tories are good for the market, sometimes Labour.  So, what should we expect in this General Election year?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, who reveals the results of some specially-commissioned research, while Aaron Strutt from Trinity Financial updates us on the latest mortgage rate trends and market insights.

In this episode, we focus on the areas offering great value compared to their posher neighbours close by.  Pimlico and Crystal Palace are very different districts of London, but what they have in common is that they offer many properties similar to those in neighbouring Belgravia and Dulwich respectively - but at much more affordable prices. Property commentator Anne Ashworth asks the questions, and gets answers from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, Jake Woolford from Winkworth Crystal Palace and Rob Oatley from Winkworth Pimlico. 

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.

Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Anthony Emmerson of mortgage brokers Trinity Financial ahead of Jeremy Hunt’s March budget.  In the current more subdued property market, there are some signs of improvement with mortgage costs coming down from their peaks.  But what are the steps the housing sector needs from the government to get housebuilders to build more and make it easier for first-time buyers, as well as stopping buy-to-let landlords leaving the sector, making it even tougher for renters?

Rents for houses and flats in London have risen to record levels, as landlords pull out of the market following a loss of tax relief and tightening regulation.  There are stories of dozens of disappointed applicants for every property in some areas.  How long can this continue before tenants are simply unable to afford to pay more?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace about the broader trends, and for some tales from the front line we hear from Rupal Patel, director of Winkworth Shepherds Bush, and Adam Stone, lettings manager at Winkworth City and Clerkenwell.

In this episode, the Winkworth team questions whether some of the doom-laden forecasts for house prices in 2023 are justified.  CEO Dominic Agace and Development and Commercial Director Adam Stackhouse join property commentator Anne Ashworth to chew over the various trends, with insights into what’s really going on at grassroots level.  Will the continuing shortage of stock in the market help counterbalance the effects of the weaker economy, leading to steadier prices than many expect?

Seven seconds is apparently the average amount of time it takes for a potential buyer to either fall in love with a property – or want to walk away.  So is it worth ‘staging’ your property like they do in America to get a better price?  Property commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Charles Erwin of Winkworth’s Notting Hill office about what some of the UK’s most demanding buyers are now looking for, while Ollie Gershfield of Flyp, the business that works with Winkworth offices and clients to add value before a sale, gives his top tips on the smartest moves to get a quick sale at a higher price, even if your budget doesn’t stretch to thousands 

The disastrous Truss/Kwarteng mini-budget in late September sent shockwaves through the economy, with interest rates rising sharply and many mortgage offers being withdrawn by the banks.  In this episode, property commentator Anne Ashworth is joined by Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Head of Developments and Commercial Investments Adam Stackhouse, to look at what is emerging from the gloom, after most of the measures were quickly reversed.  What is the state of the property market now, have things settled down or will we see further price falls in 2023?

This time, we focus on the impact on the property market of The Elizabeth Line, the new east-west London rail link, and in particular for Reading – right at the line’s west end.  Property Commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and James Hathaway, who heads up Winkworth's Reading office.  Post-pandemic, do good transport links still play such an important part in the home-buying decision? 

London’s most desirable villages are located close to the heart of the city, and boast green spaces, lively high streets and strong communities as well as gorgeous homes.  What are the latest trends, and what are buyers looking for when they gravitate towards areas like Maida Vale, Fitzrovia and Covent Garden?  Property Commentator Anne Ashworth gets an in-depth guide from Rod Heffernan of Winkworth West End, and Neil Soam from Winkworth St John’s Wood and Maida Vale.

Is a renaissance taking place in the High Streets and commercial districts of London and other cities, or will rising interest rates wreak havoc? Property Commentator Anne Ashworth hears from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace and Adam Stackhouse, Head of Developments and Commercial Investments about the outlook for offices, shops, warehouses and mixed-use schemes. What types of commercial property are experiencing strong demand, where is the market headed - and what are the opportunities for private investors, as an alternative to buy-to-let?

More and more of us seem to want to live beside the seaside. Coastal towns have always been popular, but as property commentator Anne Ashworth finds out from Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace, the mental health and wellbeing benefits are now coming increasingly to the fore. Richard Blake from Winkworth’s Dartmouth office takes us on a virtual tour of his area, and explains why Brixham is the new cool spot (or hot-spot). 

Living near one of London’s green spaces has become more popular than ever before. Property Commentator Anne Ashworth speaks to Winkworth CEO Dominic Agace about what’s driving the increasing price premiums post-pandemic. They are joined by Steve Brown, head of Winkworth Blackheath, to take an in-depth look at the area’s appeal - as we hear about some unexpected sporting and historical facts.

Demand is returning to the market, but is this because of a post-pandemic return to work, or are there other factors at play? Property commentator Anne Ashworth talks to Harriet Darlow, lettings manager for Winkworth West End, and discovers that new hotspots are emerging. At the same time, tenants are demanding more in the way of green space, and landlords are having to respond.