As we move towards the end of lockdown with normal working life on the horizon, more and more questions are being asked about what lies ahead for London’s property market. On Wednesday 17th March at 6pm, Barratt London hosted an ‘Investing in London’ webinar, to discuss and answer some of the most pressing questions, hosted by Alice Norman, Barratt’s Group Communications Manager.

Current market trends were discussed by a panel of property experts, as well as the effects of Covid-19 and top tips for investors looking to make the most of what the capital has to offer. There was a real tone of hope for the economy, as well as for investors, buyers, and renters, amongst the panel. The topics discussed covered the benefits of buying new build properties, and of buying off-plan. The webinar also explored current London investment opportunities at some of Barratt London’s leading developments, including High Street Quarter in Hounslow, New Market Place in East Ham, and No. 10 Watkin Road in Wembley.

Those who tuned into the session heard from industry experts including Jennet Siebrits (Executive Director & Head of Research, CBRE), Anne Ashworth (former award-winning Editor of The Times: Bricks & Mortar and The Times Money), Marc von Grundherr (Director, Benham & Reeves), Rachel Geddes (Business Principle, Mortgage Advice Bureau) and Barratt London’s very own Sales Director, Ed McCoy. Attendees also benefitted from an exclusive incentive of a guaranteed 5% rental return for the first year after purchasing.

Mortgages:

The speakers discussed how surveyors and lenders are working together to enable speedier desktop valuations, adding further agility to the sales process at a time when much of our industry is operating online.

Regeneration zones:

Regeneration was a topic that kept popping up, highlighting how up-and-coming areas naturally lend themselves as ideal places for early investment. Along with regeneration, commutability remained a key driver for both new and experienced investors. Ed McCoy said: “Many of our Barratt London developments are situated in areas which have huge potential for future uplift. For example, our Hendon Waterside development has experienced a 110% capital growth increase in the seven-year period from 2012 to 2019, compared to the London average of 64% over the same timeframe.[1] We also have bespoke packages available for investors to help make the purchasing process as hassle-free as possible, from furnishings to finding tenants.”

The future of the economy:

Jennet Siebrits and Marc von Grundherr highlighted how this is a recession unlike any other, which means that property prices are up and there is plenty of demand. They are expecting a spending boost in the hospitality sector which will help to rejuvenate the economy, and even predict that many will spend more on property than ever before, as the nation realises the importance of our homes since lockdown.

Top thoughts from the webinar:

  • ‘London is bulletproof as an investment’
  • Many London villages have been reborn during this period
  • Expect a big surge in demand in the London rental market

Check out the webinar here: https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/london/events/webinar/

If you’re wondering about investing for the first time, you are a long-term investor looking to expand, or have any questions about running your own webinar, the team at Building Relations will be happy to discuss suitable steps for the future of your business. Please get in touch at pr@building-relations.co.uk

[1] Source: CBRE 2020. London prices from the ONS from December of that year