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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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,...

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...