Property in Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone

We want the properties we market to look spotless and wonderful.

However, the sellers eventually find that keeping their house in prime showing condition begins to wear thin after a few weeks for even the most impeccable housekeepers.

It is a lot of work to keep the beds perpetually made, the kitchen and bathrooms spotless and rooms neat. Is it worth it? It is–if you want to sell your house in a reasonable amount of time.

Buyers often see normal clutter, and what registers is “this house hasn’t been maintained.”
They see bathtub rings and think “plumber’s bills.”

Dirt under the radiators causes them to imagine having to replace the entire heating and air conditioning system.

People are often functioning more on emotion than logic when selecting a house.

You can help us by minimizing the amount of imagination that buyers will need in order to fall in love with your home

West End Properties and the Home Information Packs

MDA a Canadian firm who have cornered much of the Home Information Pack (HIP) supply chain have announced that “More than 50% of the buyer’s solicitors are continuing to replace the searches in the HIP, and adding extra searches as standard, such as environmental and chancel searches to maintain due diligence for their client.”

This follows an announcement earlier this month by the Government that the 1st day marketing of HIPS will be moved from June 1st to 31st December 2008.

London West End estate agents LDG comment that it is not just the solicitors who don’t find HIPS useful. So far they have had only one purchaser ask to see the a copy of a HIP since their mandatory introduction in December.

Ben Everest of LDG says that “First day marketing will make no difference as buyers are still primarily concerned about space and price rather than how energy efficient a flat is. LDG sell flats in Soho, Covent Garden and Fitzrovia and most of our stock tends to be flats. When you only have a few outside walls to a property it is difficult to see how you can make a property more efficient.”

One other change to the property market involving energy reports will be affecting the letting market from the autumn.

Javier Carillo of LDG’s central London lettings department says that “due to new Regulations from October 2008 any residential property when a landlord rents out a property they will have to provide the tenant with an Energy Performance Certificate.

Again, we expect that as the sales department have experienced applicants who are looking to rent out a property in central London will be more interested in finding the right space than an energy efficiency home. Especially as the average tenancy is between 12-24 months. The real motivation for these energy reports is for the eventual banding of council tax to have a direct relationship with energy efficiency certificates. ”

Soho and Covent Garden West End Focus

In the 17th century they were worlds apart: one a hunting ground for London’s aristocracy; the other a farmers market. Times haven’t changed a lot in almost 400 years. Even now you’re bound to pass the odd queen in Soho; while Covent Garden’s Italian-style piazza has long been a hive of activity.

These two eclectic districts of the capital still draw a diverse populous to their pulsating pavements. Soho’s narrow mosaic of streets and hidden alleyways are the epitome of London cool, where artists, tailors, media workers and musicians collide, allured by the area’s creative, edgy nature.

And while soulful Soho is synonymous with style, Covent Garden’s leafy quarter is a cosmopolitan village of culture and colour. Crowds of tourists, theatre-goers, caffeine junkies and market traders pack themselves into ‘Theatreland’ each day, where the area prides itself on being the nurturer of the newly renovated Royal Opera House and a string of prestigious theatres.

These vibrant neighbourhoods, however, have never lost their hardy residential community.

Property is at a premium and everything is within an easy stroll of the sights. Those that can afford to live in Soho and Covent Garden have the West End and all that it offers right on their doorstep, including über-trendy clothing stores, funky jazz clubs, cutting-edge production houses and a throng of bars, pubs, open-air cafés, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and art galleries.

Well-served by public transport, Soho has set the trend for London loft living. A large cross-section of potential tenants, from celebrities to city high-flyers, are moving into prominent locations (such as Wardour Street’s Soho Lofts and above the Soho Theatre) as well as the quieter back streets.

Hidden away in Covent Garden are fabulous innovative penthouses with roof terraces and converted period buildings in quaint streets. Easy to navigate and with a consistently strong rental market, the area is within close proximity to The City offering convenient access to London’s financial district.

Property Sales: Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone

When you are involved in the process of buying a home, it is safe to assume that you will probably find one that you like, make an offer, and purchase it.

There are many steps along the way, and more and more buyers in the market today want guarantees.

Inspections by structural engineers and environmental specialists often turn up something wrong with the property you want to buy.

Many sales have been halted or delayed because asbestos or lead was found on the property.

If a problem has been found with the property you want to buy, ask yourself two questions:
1) Can the problem be fixed?
2) If so, what will it cost to repair it?

Other problems could keep you from purchasing a property, such as the house is located under electro-magnetic power lines.or a Night Club is to be built next door.

We can also give you any information you need about nearby public transportation, schools, shopping, and recreational facilities.

Flats and apartments for sale in Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone

To take much of the guesswork out of your consideration about whether a particular property is a good investment, you can check on the actual selling price of similar homes in the neighborhood.

Some sales information, such as the selling price, the financing terms, and the transaction dates, is public information.

We have record of all recent sales.

You can find out how properties have been appreciating, based on actual sales, rather than from the neighbours (they could be wrong!).

Driving by comparable homes can give you an idea about how they compare with the property you are considering.

We can give you additional information to help you make a decision.

Property Sales: Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone

Your offer has just been accepted. Congratulations–you are about to become a homeowner!
Your initial euphoria may be short-lived, however, as you begin to have second thoughts about the purchase.

First, it’s the mortgage. It seems like so much money, and it will take twenty five years to pay off. You look over the cash you will need for the closing and feel like you will never be able to afford another holiday.

Finally, you stare at the Home Buyers Survey and convince yourself that the roof will blow off and the boiler will blow up the day after you move in.

You’re in a frenzy. You ask yourself, “What have I done?” The best thing to do if you begin having “second” thoughts is just relax!

These feelings are so common that they have even been given a name–”Buyer’s Remorse.”
“Buyer’s Remorse” is almost always a temporary malady, but call us if you are having an extreme attack.

We have experience in helping our clients through the home-buying jitters.
Seller’s Remorse

After just a week on the market, We find you a terrific offer to purchase your house–it is less than the asking price, but more than you expected.

The buyers were reasonable and well qualified. After talking with your agent, you decide to accept the offer.

After the agent leaves, you start thinking about what you have just done and feel terrible.

You wonder if you acted too quickly–maybe you should have waited for a better offer.

You fear that the buyers will let your garden go to seed or pull down all the beautiful wallpaper that you just put up.

These fears are such a common phenomena that they have been given a name–”seller’s remorse”!

It is perfectly normal to feel this way, especially if you are selling a home where you have lived for many years and which holds many memories.

“Seller’s remorse” is almost always temporary. It is quickly replaced by the excitement of moving into your new home

Soho:Meard Street, London W1F

Boasting beautiful Queen Anne houses, shops and York flag stones, Meard Street is one of Soho’s most sought after real estates. Connecting Wardour Street to Dean Street this paved semi-pedestrianised thoroughfare is perhaps the best place in Soho to admire Georgian architecture.

There is ongoing debate over the origins of the street’s name, with some suggesting the passageway was once a sewer, while others claiming it was named after John Meard, a carpenter responsible for building and developing the area. LDG has, over the past 20 years, sold more properties here than any other local agent and is continually achieving record sale prices.
Silver Place, W1F

This lesser-known little cutting will take you from Soho’s Lexington Street to Ingestre Place and is characterised by boutique shops and residential apartments. It’s a rather anonymous alleyway which seems to evade the attentions of the usual reference books. To the south-east corner stands Pargiter Court: a residential block now used as retirement flats.

There is no documented reason why it’s called Silver Place, but the street it leads off, Beak Street, was once named Silver Street, which incidentally runs parallel to Golden Square. A one bedroom flat 3 years ago on market for £375,000.

So you wanna live in… Soho

Slick and seedy, Soho ­remains the beating heart of the capital, with tourists and Londoners still flocking to its narrow streets in search a ­little light relief.

But if you scratch its fun-loving surface, Soho also has plenty of desirable residential properties. Ben Everest from London estate agents LDG says: “There are so many ­people who love Soho and wouldn’t live anywhere else. They want that urban feel, and come from all walks of life from city lawyers to people in the arts.”

From its aristocratic origins as a hunting ground to its later incarnation as a bohemian enclave and magnet for vice, Soho is now a commercial and creative melting pot. While some strip joints may have survived the clean-up in the early 80s, they are now likely to be located between a film production company and an artisan bakery.

For more on living in Soho in the West End of London vist the West End Local

The property stock in Soho is a mix of late 18th and early 19th century housing with modern buildings squeezed in between. Studios start at around £330,000 and one-bedroom apartments can go for over £1 million.

One and two-bedroom flats form the bulk of the stock and many of these are above commercial premises, especially around the Old Compton Street area. Prices of converted warehouse apartments range from £600,000 to over £2 million.

There are also a few ex-local authority blocks, such as ­Ingestre Court and Kemp House. One-bedroom flats in these high-rise ­buildings ­often sell for over £400,000.

Houses are few and far ­between, but can reach up to £1,000 per square foot when they come up for sale.

• What’s good about it? It’s vibrant, in the centre of town and has all the shops you could wish for.
• What’s bad about it? It’s expensive, noisy and crime is high.
• Your neighbours Vibrant gay and Chinese ­communities mix with arts and media professionals.
• Famous Soho ­residents Karl Marx and Wolfgang ­Amadeus Mozart.
• You know you’re a ­local when…You’re woken by the hum of street cleaners.
• Transport Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations all surround Soho and are within walking distance.
• Crime Rates of burglary, robbery, ­assault and drugs-r­elated ­offences are more than double the London average.
• Schools Soho Parish Primary School is the only school in the area and achieves above average results in key stage tests.
• House price average1-bed flat £480,0004-bed house £3,500,000
• Rental average (monthly) 1-bed flat £2,0004-bed house £8,000
• Council Tax average1-bed flat £682 (Band D) 4-bed house £1,364 (Band H)
• Cost of a cab from Oxford Circus That’s just lazy!

For more on flats and apartments for sale and to rent in Soho, London W1

The cost of living in Soho, London W1

Struggling artists who fancy a foothold on Soho’s creative streets must think again. Whether you want a loft on Wardour a studio or an ex-local authority block, properties do not come cheap. As for renting, don’t expect to pay less than £450 a week for a one bed flat.

One bedroom flat in Soho: Sandringham Court, Dufours Place, W1. £439,950, 96 year lease. This 552 sq ft flat on the second floor of a private block comes complete with lift, a double bedroom, separate reception and bathroom a short distance from Carnaby Street.
Tower block flat in Soho: Dufours Place, W1. £329,000, 101 year lease. This eighth floor studio in an ex-local authority building is bright and spacious, boasting fantastic views from its private balcony. Just around the corner from Soho’s best shops, including Liberty.
Studio flat in Soho: Phoenix House, Charing Cross Road, WC2, £310,000 This 335 sq ft studio on the fifth floor has one large room for sleeping and sitting, complete with storage areas, bathroom and kitchen.

and if you are thinking of renting in Soho

Two bedroom flat in Soho: Goldbeater House, Manette Street, W1. £615 per week This two double bedroom, two bathroom flat above Foyles Bookshop was formerly rented by Danny La Rue. Newly refurbished and complete with its own decked roof terrace and small conservatory.

Studios for sale in Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone

You have probably figured out how much you will need for your deposit, but don’t forget about the closing costs. These additional costs can add up to a significant amount.

Closing costs will vary, depending upon the financing costs and the time of the month that you close.

We will be able to give you an estimate of all these costs, Local Search fees, Stamp Duty, Land Registration Fees, Land Charges Search Fees, Solicitors Costs, Office copy entries.

There will also be insurance costs for the Building, Contents and Mortgage Loan itself.

We can advise on the best cash-back deals and how to make major savings on these conveyancing costs.