London’s affordable housing comes with a high quotient of style. In the next few months, first-time buyers could move into a boutique apartment in Fulham or join the Primrose Hill set in a landmark development near Camden Town.
“Affordability” doesn’t come cheap, however housing associations consider only those buyers with an income below £60,000. But with monthly costs in Central London hovering between £700 and £1,000, you are likely to need every penny of that.
One of the most controversial schemes, Peel House, in Pimlico, is due to be launched next month. The 14 shared-ownership flats have been created by the property developers Nick and Christian Candy.
The multimillionaire brothers were obliged to fund some affordable housing as part of the deal to build the One Hyde Park development in Knightsbridge, where apartments cost an average of £20 million. Rather than include it on site, they built it two miles away in a former police training centre. Critics accused them of creating a “billionaire’s ghetto”, but the developer promises a high-spec finish. The development, which includes 56 flats and houses for rent, is five minutes’ walk from Victoria.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Friday, 11 September 2009
Pimlico Traffic Safety Trial
Pimlico property residents who regularly use busy Westminster roads may be set to benefit from a new traffic safety trial.
A number of traffic lights positioned in areas of the Westminster borough will be turned off as part of an experiment to see how London's traffic flow can be improved.
It is hoped drivers approaching junctions will have to show more care at junctions where traffic signals have been disabled, making eye contact with other car users and pedestrians.
Westminster City Council's director of transportation Martin Low believes that by creating indecision in the minds of road users, a safer environment could well be created.
He said: "When lights are out we have noticed that drivers are far more considerate and show more care and attention than they do when they have the reassurance of traffic lights."
Last month the council encouraged more people living in Pimlico and Westminster properties to shop locally, to help out small businesses during the recession.
A number of traffic lights positioned in areas of the Westminster borough will be turned off as part of an experiment to see how London's traffic flow can be improved.
It is hoped drivers approaching junctions will have to show more care at junctions where traffic signals have been disabled, making eye contact with other car users and pedestrians.
Westminster City Council's director of transportation Martin Low believes that by creating indecision in the minds of road users, a safer environment could well be created.
He said: "When lights are out we have noticed that drivers are far more considerate and show more care and attention than they do when they have the reassurance of traffic lights."
Last month the council encouraged more people living in Pimlico and Westminster properties to shop locally, to help out small businesses during the recession.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Family Free Fun Days in Pimlico
Families living in London properties in Pimlico are being invited to take part in a number of free fun days this August.
Launched by Westminster City Council in association with Westminster Boating Base, kayaking, sailing and canoeing activities are being made available to people living in the region.
Councillor Lee Rowley, cabinet member for customer service and communities, commented that it is important members of the local community can be brought closer together.
He said: "Hosting these free activities through the summer holiday provides an opportunity for families to spend valuable time together, without having to worry about the costs involved."
This month will also enable children in the borough to take part in things like cricket, rounders and football activities in Pimlico Gardens.
Established in 1975, Westminster Boating Base is a charitable trust that helps both adults and youngsters to enjoy sailing, kayaking and canoeing activities on the Thames.
Ed Mead, a director at London estate agents Douglas & Gordon, commented: "The river is a much underutilised resource and anything that draws attention to it and shows how much cleaner it is has to be welcomed.
"It would be nice though if these were to take place on green areas and river frontages that are made available permanently in order to help young people feel invested in the area in which they live."
Launched by Westminster City Council in association with Westminster Boating Base, kayaking, sailing and canoeing activities are being made available to people living in the region.
Councillor Lee Rowley, cabinet member for customer service and communities, commented that it is important members of the local community can be brought closer together.
He said: "Hosting these free activities through the summer holiday provides an opportunity for families to spend valuable time together, without having to worry about the costs involved."
This month will also enable children in the borough to take part in things like cricket, rounders and football activities in Pimlico Gardens.
Established in 1975, Westminster Boating Base is a charitable trust that helps both adults and youngsters to enjoy sailing, kayaking and canoeing activities on the Thames.
Ed Mead, a director at London estate agents Douglas & Gordon, commented: "The river is a much underutilised resource and anything that draws attention to it and shows how much cleaner it is has to be welcomed.
"It would be nice though if these were to take place on green areas and river frontages that are made available permanently in order to help young people feel invested in the area in which they live."
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
London Property Keeps Value
The recently released Halifax house price index has confirmed that valuations are coming down.
According to the index, house prices are now 4.26 times the average UK wage - the lowest ratio since 2002 and a drop of 27 per cent from the peak of 5.84 in July 2007. Mortgage rate cuts are thought to have been a key factor in boosting affordability, although mortgage approvals remain at historically low levels. But potential buyers are being advised to hold off for just a short while longer as the ratio falls further.
Rising unemployment, low consumer confidence and the reduced availability of credit are all expected to exert downward pressure on the housing market over the next few months.As a result, further house price declines are likely. House prices declined by 1.7 per cent in April, slightly less than the 1.9 per cent fall in March.
The UK average price of £154,716 has returned to where it was five years ago in April 2004 (£154,511). The Government's pledge to raise the Stamp Duty threshold from £125,000 to £175,000 has helped more than 45,000 homebuyers since last September.
But its effect has been less substantial in London where only 18 per cent of total sales were below £175,000 between September 2008 and January 2009, compared with 79 per cent in the north.
According to the index, house prices are now 4.26 times the average UK wage - the lowest ratio since 2002 and a drop of 27 per cent from the peak of 5.84 in July 2007. Mortgage rate cuts are thought to have been a key factor in boosting affordability, although mortgage approvals remain at historically low levels. But potential buyers are being advised to hold off for just a short while longer as the ratio falls further.
Rising unemployment, low consumer confidence and the reduced availability of credit are all expected to exert downward pressure on the housing market over the next few months.As a result, further house price declines are likely. House prices declined by 1.7 per cent in April, slightly less than the 1.9 per cent fall in March.
The UK average price of £154,716 has returned to where it was five years ago in April 2004 (£154,511). The Government's pledge to raise the Stamp Duty threshold from £125,000 to £175,000 has helped more than 45,000 homebuyers since last September.
But its effect has been less substantial in London where only 18 per cent of total sales were below £175,000 between September 2008 and January 2009, compared with 79 per cent in the north.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Residential Investment Property in Pimlico
River LodgeGrosvenor Road
London
SW1V
Net Saleable: 10820 sq/ft*
£ 11,000,000 Leasehold
River Lodge is a residential block set over ground and upper floors with direct frontage on the River Thames.
The accommodation comprises 10 apartments (of 12 within the building), set over ground and three upper floors. The property is currently configured to provide 4 one bedroom flats, 2 two bedroom flats and 4 three bedroom flats. The building also benefits from a lift, porters station and six underground parking spaces are included in the sale. Six of the apartments benefit from balconies directly overlooking the river and one has a large patio garden.
The property is well served with public transport with Pimlico underground station (Victoria Line) under eight minutes walk away and Victoria Station, a mainline station serving Dover, Brighton and the Gatwick Express only 1.15km to the North.
Paramount Investments
150 West End Lane
West Hampstead
London NW6 1SD
DDI: 020 7644 2307
Fax: 020 7604 3457
Mob: 07949 175 280
Web: http://www.paramount-investments.co.uk
Blog: http://uk-pubs-for-sale.blogspot.com/
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Pimlico Lettings Agents: Lettings in London SW1
The district of Pimlico runs south of Victoria down by the River Thames and is bordered to the west by Chelsea and to the east by Westminster.
A popular residential choice with a prevalence of white stucco-fronted houses, Pimlico is much quieter than its busy neighbour Victoria.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Lettings in Pimlico SW1
Pimlico offers a stylish, central location for those who don't wish to pay Belgravia prices. Flats and apartments dominate with family homes. Tall white stucco buildings offer grand accommodation. Ex-council blocks line the river next to Dolphin Square, which are rapidly changing to plush new portered developments.
A few streets are busy through-routes, yet a vigorously enforced traffic scheme ensures that the majority enjoy a quiet life.
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