The central London market performed well as a property investment location in 2012 as international money continued to pour into the market. The consensus is that prices rose between 8% and 9% over the year. The market has certainly recovered since the crisis in 2008. It is now over 10% higher than the peak in the first quarter of that year.
Asian based buyers, principally from Hong Kong and Singapore, dominated the ‘off plan’ market with some agents commenting that up to 40% of such transactions came from these locations. The market for £1m plus properties was much more evenly spread. Russia led the way, supported by India, Hong Kong, Italy and the USA in this sector.
According to one leading agent, overseas buyers purchased new build properties worth over £2.2 billion in 2012. Foreign buyers now account for more than 50% of sales in central London and there are no signs of this slowing.
The upwards push in values over the year impacted on rental yields and these fell marginally. Whilst yields vary from between 4% and 6% depending on the location, some prime properties are struggling to show even 4%. Importantly, good quality, well located properties continue to be in demand. As with sales, over 50% of prime properties are now being rented by international tenants. In the year ahead London will continue to enjoy a strong inflow of expatriate workers and we can expect the rental market to remain strong.
From an investment perspective, London is continuing to be seen as a ‘safe haven’. Importantly, its residential market is also being viewed as a very profitable sector. Problems with the Euro and political unrest in areas such as the middle east only adds to its appeal and with its favourable tax regime for overseas investors it is not difficult to see why it will continue to attract international investors.
As we head into 2013, the general UK market for housing will see little if any growth. Although sectors like student accommodation will perform well, growth in the rest of the country will be in isolated locations. Fortunately for investors, central London has become a totally different market to the rest of the UK. Whilst we should see real growth in this location, this is unlikely to be spectacular. Some analysts and agents are forecasting growth of between 3% and 5%. Although some are more bullish than this, there are ‘bears’ out there who feel there will be little if any growth. The good news is that the consensus appears to be that prices should not drop so there should be little downside. Prices should continue to go in one direction and many investors will take the view that now is as good a time as any to buy in one of the world’s safest and most profitable property markets. It is hard to disagree with that.
