News
Snow Pics
On the 5th of February, our photographer braved the elements to take some wonderful "snow" photographs for us. Click on the "view photos" button below to see them.
Specialists in Mews and other Hidden Gems
Writing any kind of article or market comments early in the year is always a challenge as readers generally expect a prediction for the coming year.The last few years have confused my crystal ball, but nonetheless, here are my predictions for 2012. January seems to have started even more slowly than in previous years but I am confident that the pent up demand of the “buyers of necessity” will shortly be keeping us very busy. Combine this with the acute shortage of quality stock that we witnessed in the last quarter of 2011, and I think the spring market will be quite buoyant. For buyers trying to move into prime central London, this will be a challenge as I suspect that we will see prices rise steadily until the summer.
If my above predictions come to pass, I suspect that the buoyant spring market will continue into the summer months and then slow down as people catch their breaths and try to rationalise the state of the market.
At Lurot Brand, we are very fortunate to be the specialist in the very desirable arena of mews houses. Due to our position in this market, there are many discerning vendors who seek our services and advice (this is not to say that at times we are not also at the mercy of market conditions). To complement this niche, we have also recently added “Hidden Gems” to our portfolio of properties to sell and let. Mews houses are of course also hidden gems but there are thousands of other houses and cottages in central London that share many of the same qualities and appeal to the same kind of buyers as the mews houses we sell and let. We are not claiming to be specialists in flats or megamansions but when it comes to attractive houses in quiet backwaters of London, we know that we could teach our competitors a thing or two.
Oliver Lurot | Sales Director
Keep on moving in February!
Coming back to work after the holidays is traditionally a busy time for prospective tenants. Both private and corporate tenants are making plans to relocate to London or simply upgrade from their current property. January has proven busy after a slow start around New Year. What is perplexing and needs to be considered by tenants during their search is that the number of properties coming to the market in central London is not keeping up with demand. As Lettings Manager, I ensure that I keep an eye on trends in the market and indeed other agents’ instructions. What is clear is that Lurot Brand is marketing the majority of the mews and small houses currently available both north and south of Hyde Park. If it is a house you are looking for, whatever your budget you have come to the right agency!
As our Sales Director Oliver Lurot discusses in his article, Lurot Brand spotted a niche in the market last year to widen our market share by exploring the ‘Hidden Gems’ of London – cottages and townhouses with a unique appeal that would compliment the mews specialisation and bring you more choice. This campaign – although in its infancy – is proving successful and we expect to increase our instructions as a result in Spring 2012.
In Lettings, Lurot Brand prides itself on building long relationships with Landlords. Many of these Landlords own portfolios of properties ranging from mews in W2, flats in W8 and townhouses in Marylebone with a lot more besides. They trust us to offer them a competitive and reliable service so if lateral space is more important to you, you must talk to us.
Given that demand is high and supply is low when you find a property you like be prepared to offer and proceed quickly. Our ARLA trained Team of Lettings’ negotiators are ready to help you so please drop by one of our offices, call or email us. We have many properties for you!
Lajla Turner | Lettings Manager
What a Relo-xing evening...
Our fifth annual party that we hold for our favourite relocation agents took place on Wednesday 23rd November at Julie’s in Holland Park. It was a magical evening with plenty of food, wine, laughter and an invaluable opportunity for everyone to catch up. The first of the party season!
Here at Lurot Brand, we value the successful working relationship we have built with the relocation agents as they always introduce excellent blue chip corporate tenants. In 2010, corporate tenancies accounted for 50% of our new business!
Lajla Turner | Lettings Manager
Lurot Brand Mobile Application
Lurot Brand has launched the ultimate Augmented Reality mobile application that actually helps you find mews and other properties for sale or to rent with Lurot Brand all around you and as you move!
The application offers real answers to the property Augmented Reality experience by accurately showing properties currently on the market around you. This has been done by using cutting edge technology to combine your handsets camera, GPS and touch screen functions with detailed longitude and latitude coordinates to give unprecedented accuracy.
The Lurot Brand application does not present a gimmicky usage of Augmented Reality but delivers the truly amazing potential of this technology.
How does it work?
The application shows you the nearest properties for sale or to rent on a conventional map and as you raise your phone and turn to face different directions you can see the available properties around you. A quick superimposed description will help you decide if you want to know more, access the full details, walk to see the outside of the property and contact Lurot Brand to arrange a viewing or for more details. You can also refine your requirements, save your searches and even look further afield using the comprehensive search facility.
Available for
iPhone 3GS & 4, download on the Apple Application Store
Android Mobile Phones, download on the android marketplace
Please note
Accuracy and performance of the application will depend on the GPS & Compass functions ability of the mobile phone used and on mobile provider connection.
