What will happen to house prices in 2021
It’s hard to believe now, but this time last year, all the talk was about how resilient the housing market had been in the face of Brexit uncertainty. And, with Boris Johnson’s election and his unexpected success in renegotiating terms with the EU, it all ended with a rising sense of optimism. Commentators were even promising ‘a far brighter, smoother year in 2020’. Little did they know.
By January, the market was beginning to feel the effects of the much anticipated ‘Boris Bounce’. Rightmove reported asking prices had risen by 2.3%, their biggest ever rise for the month. In February, asking prices rose again, this time by 0.8% and, according to Rightmove’s Miles Shipside:
“Owners coming to market this spring face their best selling prospects for several years.”
Even London’s market, which had been lagging behind the rest of the country, was showing signs of improvement. In February, prices in inner London rose by 3.5% and by 3.1% annually.
And then in March we had lockdown and house sales fell off a cliff. In an effort to prevent the market from crashing, the government slashed the base rate to 0.1% and introduced mortgage holidays for cash-strapped homeowners. Even so, many were predicting house prices could fall by as much as 15%.
Unable to buy or sell, the housing market was forced to tread water until May, when it unexpectedly reopened. After months of being confined to our homes, many were desperate for some extra space, especially those living in flats. With the weather improving, we also wanted gardens and easy access to open spaces.
All that pent-up demand meant, just two days after the reopening, there were 5.2 million visits to Rightmove’s property portal. It was a different story for first-time buyers, though. The crisis had made lenders wary of exposing themselves to those with smaller deposits and a huge number of high loan-to-value mortgages were withdrawn from the market. As a result, demand was far higher for houses than for starter flats, especially for those in less urban areas, as we sought refuge in the country.
In July the Stamp Duty holiday was announced and things really took off. Buyer inquiries rose by an astonishing 75% compared to July 2019. Activity didn’t even quieten down for Christmas. With delays in many parts of the sales process, buyers and sellers rushed to get deals tied up before the Stamp Duty holiday ends on 31st March 2021. In the midst of it all, our Brexit deal was finally signed off, although it no longer grabbed the headlines like it once did. By the time the year ended, prices were up by an impressive 7.3% (Nationwide).
So, what about 2021? After 2020, only the very brave would claim any real certainty, but the general consensus is that, despite the latest lockdown, the rush to beat the Stamp Duty will keep agents busy until the end of March. New sales activity, however, may be reduced from February, as deals agreed beyond January would be very unlikely to make the cut. As has happened with previous changes to Stamp Duty, there is then likely to be a significant lull.
What comes next is not yet clear but, by late spring, large numbers of people will have been vaccinated, which should bring about a feel-good factor. If we then see a rapid economic recovery then house prices will rise with it. If, on the other hand, the economy fails to recover quickly enough or unemployment rises more than expected, prices could come down. The uncertainty means experts’ predictions for 2021 are even more wide-ranging than usual, varying from -5% to +4%. Even if the most pessimistic of predictions came true (-5%), it would still not wipe off the spectacular and unexpected gains made in 2020.
2020: The facts
Nationwide: Dec 19 to Dec 20: National £230,920 +7.3%. London £486,562 +6.2%
Halifax: Dec 19 to Dec 20: National £253,374 +6.0%.
Land registry: Oct 19 to Oct 20: National £245,443 +5.4%. London £490,936 +3.9%
Hometrack: Nov 19 to Nov 20: Top 20 cities £259,900 +3.5%. London £485,100 +2.8%
Rightmove: Dec 19 to Dec 20: National £319,945 +6.6%. London £620,986 +3.5% (asking prices).
The predictions:
Please note – where possible, comparative figures for 2020 are from the commentator’s own indices.
Nationwide
Nationwide’s indices recorded growth of 7.3% in 2020. Last year, they predicted prices would remain flat. This time around, they haven’t given a precise figure but say:
”The outlook remains highly uncertain. Much will depend on how the pandemic and the measures to contain it evolve as well as the efficacy of policy measures implemented to limit the damage to the wider economy.”
Halifax
Halifax didn’t give an exact figure for 2020 but expected prices and transaction volumes to rise. In the event, they did, but – but by an unexpectedly high margin – 6%. This year, with unemployment likely to be on the increase, they expect prices to fall between 2% to 5%
Hometrack
They were one of the few to get things just about spot on with their prediction of +3% against a final figure of 2.8%. This year, they expect house price growth to slow to +1%
Rightmove
Rightmove are another who underestimated growth in 2020. Their 2% prediction was some way below the 3.5% reality. They are one of the more optimistic about 2021, forecasting growth of 4%, with housing remaining a priority on people’s life agendas.
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
RICS predicted prices would rise by 2% in 2020, which was some way short of the average 6%-7% reported by the larger lenders. They are yet to make a prediction for 2021.
ARLA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents)
Last year, more than a quarter of member agents (28 %) were expecting house prices to fall against 56% who expect them to remain the same. Only 25% got it right, expecting prices to rise. They have yet to make their predictions for 2021
A selection of other predictions
CEBR expects house prices to fall by 3% in 2021
EYITEM expects a fall of 5%
Capital Economics is also predicting a fall of 5%
What will happen to the rental market in 2021?
At the start of 2020, supplies of rental property were plunging and rents were rising. In January, Homelet’s Rental Index showed average rents were up by 2.3% and by 4.4% in London. Despite a raft of upcoming tax and legislative changes, landlords’ confidence remained surprisingly high - 25% were expecting rents to increase, and 32% were expecting property prices to rise (source: Paragon Mortgages). Then, just as with the sales market, March came and everything ground to a halt. Afraid of mass evictions and tenant hardship, the government allowed tenants to take a three month rental holiday and banned evictions.
Pent up demand ensured there was plenty of activity when the market re-opened in May, although COVID restrictions made viewings more complicated than previously. Just like the sales market, demand for inner city properties was markedly lower than for other areas, with tenants searching for more open spaces, resulting in a market that was operating at two different speeds.
As we moved into summer, landlords, unable to evict tenants, were becoming increasingly concerned about tenants’ arrears, although rents continued to rise - up by 2.1% between July and August. In the autumn, there was a brief window of opportunity for landlords to evict problem tenants, but with such large backlogs, only the most serious cases were heard. The extension of the furlough scheme until April 2021 did offer some comfort, providing vital financial support for both companies and their employees.
By the time the year ended, rents had risen by 2.7% across the country but had fallen by 4.5% in London. The average rent (excluding London) is now £838 and £1,556 in the capital (source: Homelet).
Commenting on the outlook for 2021, Andy Halstead, chief executive at HomeLet & Let Alliance, said:
“Whilst overarching optimism remains strong for 2021, with vaccines being rolled out for COVID, we can still expect a year that will be disrupted by the impact of the virus. With the new national lockdown and the prospect of additional restrictions to help curb the impact of the virus and new variants, we can expect the demand for certain property types and locations to grow, pushing rents up further.”
Our eventual return to commuting may also lead to increased demand for properties in city centres, especially if, as expected, the cost of commuting rises substantially as transport companies try to make up for their substantial losses.
As ever, there are some legislative changes to watch out for this year - electrical safety tests will be required for all existing tenanted properties by April 1st, although, the government is being lobbied to extend the deadline for another 12 months. The eviction ban has just been extended for another 6 weeks and may well be extended again. And, finally, the Right to Rent checks on EU citizens will change from 30th June 2021 to take into account the new Points Based Immigration System.
Renewable energy for your home in Notting Hill
Renewable energy for your home in Notting Hill
With gas boilers increasingly in the crosshairs in our fight to reduce carbon emissions, we thought it might be a good time to take a look at some more eco-friendly options for heating and powering our homes.
There are five main categories of renewable energy sources and these are wind turbines, solar power, micro-hydro power, ground source heat pumps and biomass fuels. Each one has a different set of requirements and the location or orientation of your property has a serious bearing on which of them are suitable for you.
We’ll start with solar power and the first thing to note is that there are actually two different types of solar power systems. Some generate electricity and some just heat water. In basic terms, both devices use the power of the sun to generate either heat or electricity. The latest generation of panels don’t need constant sunshine in order for them to work but, ideally, you need a south facing roof. It is sometimes possible with an east of west facing one, but not if it’s north facing. In England, most solar power systems don't need planning permission, but your roof will need to be able to support the weight of the panels. Additionally, a water tank is required for the water system and a battery is recommended in order to store excess power from the electricity generating systems.
Installing a solar hot water system in your home will cost between £4,000-£5,000, depending on the size of the property and the energy requirements. They do not tend to produce dramatic savings, but you can expect to reduce your annual bill by around £60 per year compared to a gas system (Energy Saving Trust - https://energysavingtrust.org.uk).
The good news is the price of electricity generating (photovoltaic) solar panels has fallen dramatically in recent years – down 82% since 2010. The cost of installing the average 3.5kW system is now around £4,800 and will reduce your household’s carbon emissions by over a tonne a year. It will save you money, too. If you’re home all day you and are selling any excess capacity back to the grid, you could save around £300/year, or £220 for nine to fivers. At those levels, it will take between 16 and 23 years to recoup the installation cost.
Wind power also comes in two different forms, building-mounted or, the more powerful, mast mounted turbines. Clearly, one of the key issues is whether you have enough wind to power it. You can do this by going to http://www.renew-reuse-recycle.com/noabl.pl?n=503 and entering your postcode. Turbines work much better in more exposed areas with consistent wind. You will almost certainly need planning permission and it is recommended that you also store excess electricity from a windy day in a battery linked to the system. Mast mounted versions are more expensive and require considerably more space. For a 6kW pole, the average installation cost is between £23,000- £34,000. It would typically generate savings of about £250/year and cut carbon emissions by 2.5 tonnes. In addition, you could earn up to £440 per year in Smart Export Gurantee payments (https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/smart-export-guarantee/).
Haunted Houses
With Halloween on its way, we thought we'd take a peek at some of the country’s most haunted houses. Britain is positively overflowing with ghosts and ghouls.
There’s even a haunted village – Pluckley in Kent, where there are almost as many ghosts as there are inhabitants. As you’d imagine, there's also plenty of haunted castles and palaces. At Hampton Court, for example, a ghostly medieval figure was recently caught on CCTV (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sjzjyfPJqA). However, we’re going to concentrate on more domestic dwellings, where the bumps in the night and the weird goings on are happening in the kinds of places some of us call home!
1) Wymering Manor, Hampshire
Like all good haunted houses, Wymering Manor is old and comes with a rich and colourful history. As Portsmouth’s oldest house, it was mentioned in the Domesday book (http://www.domesdaybook.co.uk/) of 1042 and was originally owned by King Edward the Confessor. In latter years, it became a youth hostel but was recently gifted to the Wymering Manor Trust (http://www.heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk/our-members/wymering-manor-trust/) after its fame as a haunted house made it unsaleable. There are a number of different ghosts associated with the house, the most famous of which is the brilliantly named Reckless Roddy. According to legend, in medieval times, Reckless Roddy rode to the manor to have his wicked way with a new bride after her husband had been called away on an emergency.
Unfortunately for Roddy, the husband returned just in time to run him through with a sword. Now it’s said Reckless Roddy makes an appearance every time there’s a new bride in the house. Another famous resident is the bloody nun. There are rumours the attic was once used for illegal abortions, allegedly the result of illicit unions between nuns and monks. Now a nun often appears at the top of the stairs, with her hands covered in blood.
Many visitors also report the cries of children, sudden changes in temperature and unseen hands that reach out and touch passers by.
2) Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire
Woodchester Mansion is a vast Victorian gothic pile, built in place of a much older building, Spring Park. Unusually for a haunted house, Woodchester was never occupied because, owing to financial problems, its original owner died before it was completed. With its missing floors, stairs that lead nowhere and large community of bats, it’s certainly spooky. However, it seems it’s the ground it sits on that is the source of its many manifestations. From the very beginning the house seemed cursed - during its construction, it is said 6 people died and one man was murdered. After the workers had downed tools, the house was then abandoned for many years, until, just before the war it came close to becoming an insane asylum. Instead, at the last minute, it was requisitioned as a base for American soldiers.
Whilst training for the D Day landings at a nearby lake, twenty of those soldiers were killed when a pontoon bridge collapsed and the tank they were in sank into the freezing waters. Their ghosts are just some of the many apparitions that inhabit the house. The cellar is reputed to be the most haunted area, although there are plenty of reports of ghosts in the chapel, where satanic rites are said to have taken place in the 80s. There is also a young girl who is regularly spotted running up and down the stairs, a woman singing soulful Irish songs in the scullery and a clock that, although not used, often chimes unexpectedly. Over the years, the house has been the subject of a number of TV programmes, including Most Haunted (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b4gaEGoM8w).
3) The Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire
Reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, The Ancient Ram Inn was built in 1145. Originally the property of the nearby St Mary’s Church, it is now owned by John Humphries, who runs it as a place of pilgrimage for ghost hunters and spiritualists. Not only is the house on the intersection of two ley lines, it is also directly above an ancient pagan burial ground. And, to add to its many myths, children’s bones and sacrificial daggers were recently discovered buried at the bottom of the stairs. It is therefore no surprise to find the place is home to a whole host of malevolent spirits. One of the best known is the ghost of a witch who hid in the house before being caught and burned at the stake in the 1500s. She even has her own room – the aptly named Witch’s Room.
However, the most haunted room of all is said to be the Bishop’s Room. There you might be confronted by the sight of a previous innkeeper’s daughter hanging by a noose from the ceiling, a shepherd, several ghostly nuns, or, if you are really unlucky, an incubus (male sex demon) and a succubus (female sex demon). There are countless stories of hardened spook hunters running screaming from the house, but what is perhaps most unnerving of all are the physical aspects of some of the hauntings. Furniture is said to regularly fly around and the owner, John, and a number of visitors also describe having been dragged around by unseen forces. During the making of Most Haunted, one of the crew was filmed as he was attacked in the barn. And it seems those spirits are there for keeps, as a few years back, the Bishop of Gloucester tried and failed to do an exorcism, describing the Inn as “the most evil place I have ever had the misfortune to visit.” The Ancient Ram Inn on Most Haunted (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3iQgGEcvc)
4) The Cage, St Osyth, Essex
The Cage was originally a small prison. Notorious witch, Ursula Kemp (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_Kemp) and six others were kept there prior to their trial and execution in 1582. It was later used to house the victims of the plague, after which there was a steady stream of drunks and petty thieves until it was finally decommissioned in 1908. It has now passed into private hands, but it seems it has retained many echoes of its dark past and has rarely been owned by anyone for more than four years at a time. One of its longest standing custodians is Vanessa Mitchell, who bought the place back in 2004, unaware of its history.
There have been a whole host of unexplained incidents, including frequent poltergeist activity. The house is also blamed for producing feelings of suicide and despair among those who live there. Whilst pregnant, Vanessa says she was pushed to the floor by some unseen force and, another time, was beaten on the backside. When she saw a ghostly figure bent over her child’s cot and blood splatters on the floor she decided she'd had enough.
She initially turned to a series of spiritualists and paranormal investigators in an attempt to get rid of her unwanted guests, but without success. She then rented it out, but, unsurprisingly, the tenants never stayed long. In 2016, after a CCTV camera captured an image of a satanic goat’s head, she put the house on the market for £180,000. With buyers thin on the ground, she started giving tours to ghost hunters, as well as the morbidly curious.
Notting Hill, is full of history and plenty of it spooky, too, If you have a ghost story you’d like to share, or just want to buy, sell or rent a home in any of the following areas – just let us know:
Notting Hill, Bayswater, Kensington, Holland Park
Legislation 2020 – Are You A Landlord In Notting Hill Or Bayswater?
Did you know during the course of the last 2 years, there have been 19 new legislative changes that effect Landlords and Letting Agents for tenancies in England and Wales, and the penalties and fines imposed for non-compliance have been on the rise.
How many of the below are you familiar with as a landlord?
Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 4) (Coronavirus) Rules 2020
The new rules will require a landlord seeking possession of their property to set out in their claim any relevant information about a tenant’s circumstances, including information on the effect of COVID-19 on a tenant’s vulnerability or whether they are claiming benefits. Information should also be provided on how the pandemic has affected a tenant’s dependents if any.
Evictions under the Coronavirus Act 2020
Emergency legislation passed in the Houses of Parliament means that from Saturday 29th August 2020 tenants have to be given six months’ notice if you wish to regain possession of your property. (new forms 3 and 6A have been updated and will be published tomorrow). This includes possession of tenancies under the Rent Act 1977, the Housing Act 1985, the Housing Act 1996 and the Housing Act 1988.
The Deregulation Act 2015 Preventing Retaliatory Evictions – All tenancies from October 2018
This Act introduces new rules designed to prevent retaliatory evictions whereby a landlord evicts a tenant by the use of the Section 21 procedure simply because they have made a legitimate complaint about the condition of the property.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 provide new flexibility in the timing of landlords’ annual gas safety checks and the date when the next safety check is due.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/139/introduction/made
Home and Planning Act 2016 – Banning Orders – Applies to all Landlords from April 2018
Banning Orders are part of a range of measures introduced in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to tackle rogue landlords and letting agents. The Banning Orders will force the most serious and prolific offenders to either drastically improve the standard of the accommodation they rent out, or to leave the sector altogether.
The Tenant Fees Act 2019
The act enforces a ban on landlords, letting agents, or anyone acting on the tenant’s behalf in England to charge fees on top of the rent, except for a capped refundable Tenancy Deposit, a capped refundable Holding Deposit and tenant default fees.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tenant-fees-act-2019-guidance
Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s)
Mandatory licensing will no longer be limited to certain HMOs that are three or more storeys but will also include buildings with one or two floors. Any landlord who lets a property to five or more people, from two or more separate households, must be licensed by their local authority.
The rules also introduce new mandatory conditions for national minimum sleeping room sizes and waste disposal facility requirements.
https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence
Additional HMO Licensing
If the local authority believes there are problems such that there is a need to license certain HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing (such as section 257 HMOs or purpose-built flats situated in a block comprising three or more self-contained flats) it can designate a specific area as subject to additional HMO licensing.
The Deregulation Act 2015 Changes to Section 21 Notices – All Assured Shorthold tenancies from October 2018
There are new restrictions on serving Section 21 Notices early and a new template Section 21 form. The new rules also remove the need for a landlord to specify that a tenancy must end on the last day of a rental period; unless the tenancy started on a periodic basis without any initial fixed term where a longer notice period may be required depending on how often the tenant is required to pay rent (for example, if the tenant pays rent quarterly, they must be given at least three months’ notice, or, if they have a periodic tenancy which is half yearly or annual, they must be given at least six months’ notice.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
Landlords must not grant a new tenancy of a property (including an extension or renewal), nor continue to let the property (on an existing tenancy) after 1 April 2020, where the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is below the minimum level of energy efficiency for private rented properties of band E.
Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act 2018
Landlords and letting agents acting on their behalf must ensure properties, including common parts where they have an estate or interest, are fit for human habitation at the beginning and throughout the duration of a tenancy. Tenants will now be able to take direct legal action if their agent or landlord does not comply with the Act.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018
The Electrical safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Landlords must ensure:
• Electrical safety standards are met when the property is occupied
during a tenancy.
• Every fixed electrical installation at the property is inspected and
tested at least every five years by a qualified person.
• The first inspection and testing is carried out before new
tenancies commence on or after 1 July 2020 and by 1 April 2021
for existing tenancies.
Here at Homesite, as members of ARLA Propertymark and the Property Ombudsman, we understand the implications and repercussions of such pivotal change within the industry, and our experienced team are prepared for what lies ahead – so let us take the headache away and enable you to focus your time, on the things you like doing best.
Please get in touch with our Team if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above.
House Prices Notting Hill, Holland Park & Kensington Feature High On House Value List : The most exclusive London postcodes where houses sell for £23 million
It's no secret that buying a property in London can ring up a huge bill.
The average London house price stands at £653,965 in September 2020, according to Zoopla. For most of us, this is way too expensive, but for others this is a mere drop in the ocean.
For the wealthy among us, their price range is higher than most - way higher.
While we can all guess some of the luxury areas that the rich and famous like to call home, it's interesting to note exactly where is the most expensive.
Postcodes SW6 in Fulham and NW3 that covers Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, are prime London’s top spots for £1 million plus property sales so far this year.
When it comes to the absolute pinnacle of prime London property, Chelsea’s SW3 postcode has seen the most transactions so far this year, with nine other postcodes seeing property sales complete over this price threshold.
Houses went for a whopping £15 million.
But again, this pales in comparison to the N2 postcode which saw sales of £23,500,000. The postcode covers Hampstead, Highgate, Barnet and Haringey.
Take a look at the full breakdown below.
The most exclusive London postcodes
1. N2 - Hampstead, Highgate, Barnet and Haringey - £23,500,000
2. W11 - Kensington, Notting Hill and Holland Park - £20,000,000
3. SW1W - Knightsbridge and Belgravia - £18,400,000
4. W1K - Mayfair and St James's - £17,500,000
5. NW8 - St John's Wood, Regents Park and Primrose Hill - £15,396,500
6. SW3 - Chelsea - £15,000,000
7. W2 - Bayswater and Maida Vale - £13,000,000
8. W8 - Kensington, Notting Hill and Holland Park - £12,750,000
Sell Your Property At 1% With Homesite
Here at Homesite we only charge a sales commission of 1% to sell homes for which will save you £1000’s compared to other local Estate Agents.
We offer a great service and always here to answer any question. You can read more about selling with us HERE
OUR CHANGING PRIORITIES WHEN LOOKING FOR PROPERTIES IN BAYSWATER & NOTTING HILL
Our changing priorities when looking for properties in Bayswater & Notting Hill
Lockdown has put a renewed focus on where and how we live. Some have emerged happier, some have made improvements. Others have decided it’s time to move on. According to a survey by Rightmove, it has changed the priorities for nearly half of renters (49%) and over a third of buyers (39%) currently looking for new homes.
One of the key issues is space. We want as much as we can get, but at the very least, a spare room that can be used as an office. It means there has been a substantial reduction in interest in flats. Before lockdown, the top 5 most sought after properties included both two bed (ranked No.5) and three bed flats (ranked No.3). Now there are only houses in the top five.
1) 3 bed house
2) 2 bed house
3) 1 bed house
4) 4 bed house
5) 6 bed house
For renters, the changes are even more pronounced. Studio flats used to be the most sought after. Now everyone wants small houses and bungalows.
We don’t just want bigger internal spaces, we want more outside space, too. Searches for homes with gardens on Rightmove were up 42% when compared to last year and by 84% for renters. The full list of our priorities is as follows:
63% - a bigger garden (or access to one)
43% - a bigger home
36% - access to parking space or garage
36% - a better home workspace
31% - to live closer to parks and green spaces
30% - to live in a more rural area
24% - to live closer to friends and family
22% - to live in a pet friendly home
15% - to live closer to non-essential amenities
13% - to live closer to essential local services
8% - to live closer to work
Renters have very similar priorities, although they rank ‘living in a pet friendly home’ higher, at No.3 (29%) rather than No.8.
With around half of the people Rightmove surveyed saying they were currently working from home (49%), it’s no surprise to find good internet speeds were also a priority. On the other hand, proximity to transport links and commute times were less so. That’s part of a more general desire to live in more suburban and rural areas, although it’s far more pronounced amongst buyers (30%) than renters (13%).
It will be interesting to see how many of these priorities change when the pandemic is finally over. There’s no doubt, as life returns to our cities, flats’ popularity will be restored. Some things, though, look set to remain. Many have enjoyed the experience of working from home and 21% said they’d like to continue doing so and 55% saying they’d like to mix home and office working.
Whatever your new priorities might be, we at Homesite can help you find your perfect home in any one of the following areas:
OUR PICK OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND FURNITURE SHOPS IN NOTTING HILL
When buying a new home in central London, you might want to create that special feeling of coming home. Notting Hill, Queensway, and Kensington are full of beautiful boutiques and shops to add the finishing touches to your home. Whether you are looking for something pretty to decorate your home or whether you want a total style revamp, we selected some of our favourite interior designers and furniture specialists in the area.
Jimmie Martin
What can we say! We love Jimmie Martin! If you want something truly exceptional, a piece of art wrapped up in antique furniture, there is no other place to go. Yes, its avant-guard, definitely at the edge of creative interior design, and these truly unique pieces will make you smile every day.
Not only do they sell one-off pieces and soft furnishings. Jimmie Martin’s approach to interior design is to create a space which makes you feel glamorous, warm and vibrant, inside and out. They have a wide portfolio of work in some fantastic homes, including a sumptuous townhouse in Notting Hill, and put their creative stamp on a beautiful property in Bayswater.
With hints of their signature theme to add a touch of colourful fun to a neutral backdrop, making this home feel spacious yet homely and warm, with, of course, that feeling of opulent comfort which comes with Jimmie Martin’s style.
Find more about Jimmie Martin
Katrina Philips
Walking into this shop on Portobello is a wonderful, soothing experience. This style is timeless, serene, and cosy. With an eclectic mix of simple yet elegant furnishings, you can find pieces of furniture and soft furnishings to fit your home's décor. From gorgeous ch
unky pieces wrapped in classic style, items which draw the eye such as demur oversized vases, tabletop decorations and large clusters of crystals to bring a sense of wellbeing into your home.
Katrina Philips is known for styling homes, with a portfolio of work in London and Ibiza, bringing this bohemian chic influence to her style. As you walk through the shop, you can imagine the feeling of the sea breeze as the drapes flutter softly, sipping coffee and checking your morning emails. All, after morning meditation, which feels like an easy task in the peaceful environment created by Katrina Philips design.
Find out more about Katrina Philips
The Cloth Shop
A local favourite, this shop has been situated on Portobello road since 1992 when it relocated from Soho. Walking into their shop is like a trip back in time, it has an earthy, natural feel and is a delight for any fabric lover, filled with rolls of fabric of various designs and soothing tones, trimmings of all styles and colours.
Their ethos is only to buy products that they love themselves, and this is very much felt as you walk through the rolls of fabric. The shop sells a wide range of natural materials from linen, velvet, cotton, muslin, and vintage fabrics.
They are incredibly knowledgeable about their products and have lots of friendly advice about using fabrics. The cloth shop is well known for the quality of its materials and is a popular choice among interior designs and individual customers alike.
Find out more about the cloth shop
Graham & Green
Colourful, mindful design Graham and Green design their own furniture. It all started in 1974, when they opened their first shop on Elgin Crescent, in the heart Notting hill gate, bringing a range of eclectic finds from their travels around the world. Forty-five years later and they have evolved into a much-loved brand, known for their colourful and stylish designs, adding a touch a chic to any urban home.
The influence of travel is felt in the design of their furniture, which brings antique and retro styles into unique yet practical pieces that are perfect for London living. From clean-cut lines to more unusual designs, their designs are classic, functional, and made with lots of love.
Their love of interior design is evident through their attention to detail in marrying their larger pieces to their soft furnishings to create a beautifully warm cosy space that you can transport into your own home. Graham and green is a perfect choice to add a touch of fresh colour, bringing some character and that cosy feel into your home.
Find out more about Graham & Green
Between the eclectic style of Notting Hill, the antique history of Kensington Church Street and Portobello Road, and the furniture stores of Westbourne Grove, there is a wide variety of styles and furnishings to choose from in Notting hill and surrounds. You can enjoy meandering and become inspired by the creativity that goes into designing that perfect property, from the inside out.
GETTING FIT IN NOTTING HILL- AN INTERVIEW WITH ELISSA FROM FORM STUDIOS
At the end of last year, I had the pleasure of speaking with the lovely Elissa from Form Studio, a vibrant fitness studio in Notting Hill. Elissa and her Partner run this fresh and funky space, located on the corner of Portobello and Lonsdale Road. I wanted to find out more about the lady behind the classes and the upbeat vibe that pumps out of the door as we walk past when carrying out viewings.
Over a coffee at Gail's on Portobello Road, I got to meet Elissa and have a chat so that I could find out more her passion for fitness at Form.
Elissa's background is in dance and Pilates, something she has done her whole life. As a little girl, she watched her mum dance as a professional ballerina. Since then, copying her mum and incorporating it in her world, it has always been part of her life. As a natural progression from her career as a professional dancer and athlete, she began to share and impart her knowledge and experience, becoming a fitness instructor. Nowadays, Elissa brings her balanced approach to health and fitness, and as the founder of Form, she creates her own programs which you can find at this unique fitness studio.
What classes do you do at Form?
We offer nine different types of classes which include TRX, HIIT, BOX FIT, Yoga. We are also one of the very few studios in west London offering Ariel yoga which is a hugely popular class. We cater to all levels and welcome anyone motivated to get fit.
We talk about how Form Studios began.
The studio started with my Pilates-hybrid workout, which I created and has become my signature class, recalls Elissa. I designed this dynamic Pilates workout to target the core areas, giving you a complete and balanced workout. We started with these in 2015, and have grown so much.
It's all about balance, Elissa explains. We are all about diversifying your workout so that your body is always evolving and not getting stale or stagnant by repetitive movement, whilst continually keeping the mind active and engaged. No class is ever the same, which keeps it new and exciting, and from a fitness point of view also avoids causing repetitive strain injuries.
The repertoire in each class is varied, and our instructors are trained to the Form method, maintaining the high standards of alignment and Form, hence the name! This is really part of what we stand for, ensuring a solid foundation, that everyone is doing each exercise correctly and safely, and that teaching is of the highest level.
How do you get people motivated in your classes?
Music is a strong component in a lot of our classes; it can serve to motivate and relax. Our fitness classes are fun, vibrant, with upbeat music and a great vibe to get pumped up for a powerful workout. With small class numbers, we can mix it up, keeping it fresh and giving our members the attention they deserve to achieve their fitness goals.
For those who want to push that extra mile- We also offer specialist fitness programmes which include personal training for specific sporting activities such as marathons, rowing and sporting competitions. We have some pro-athletes who come in and give specific one-to-one training.”
It sounds great! I'm starting to feel like I need to pay more attention to my fitness! What would you say to an absolute beginner?
Just come down and get training! Everyone is a beginner at some point. We are here to foster your passion for your fitness and wellbeing. We will help you create a programme to get the best results for your body.
We always explain why we are doing each exercise and the benefits so that, even at beginner level, members can understand and integrate their workout with the knowledge that they are working towards achieving the best results.
Elissa is also passionate about motivating people away from their desks too!
"People spend so much time sitting at their desks, hunched over computers. With constant information and research, we know how detrimental it can be to the body and mind. Keeping mentally and physically fit and agile is important. But going from sitting 7/8 hours per day and then going to an intensive workout and killing it in the gym is not the right way to do it. That's why balance is an essential component, it’s integral to our work at Form so that you are giving your body and mind diversity to stimulate and balance both inside and out.
Form Studio has won the Tatler Gym Award 3 years running, even in your first year of opening, that must have been a great feeling?!
Yes, it really was! We have a fab piece of equipment, similar to a Pilates reformer but this requires more core engagement, so it works you harder than most apparatus. It is challenging, but it really strengthens the core. We are the only studio offering these pieces of tech, and we have designed classes to get the best out of you.
We run two different classes using this apparatus, pure core and sweat core. They are both performed on this equipment and both Pilates-inspired. Sweat Core is more focused on cardio while Pure Core is a highly effective session, engaging and working all the ab-muscles.
These are our award-winning classes, and it was a really exciting time for us and has added to the personality of the studio.
Why did you choose to set up your fitness studio in Notting Hill?
I have always had a connection with Notting Hill and have lived in the area for over 15 years, so it was a natural progression to open a studio locally. However, the studio doesn't just welcome local residents, we have members who come from across the borough and beyond to take part in our classes at Form.
What's your favourite place to eat in Notting Hill?
I love Farmacy and their fresh take on plant-based food. We also just love having all these lovely eateries on our doorstep with so much variety.”
We end our interview on my favourite subject, food, which Elissa lightly and naturally turns back to health and wellbeing. It is clear that she is passionate about fitness, and a healthy & full lifestyle which comes through in her in-depth knowledge on this topic. She creates inspired classes and programmes to motivate and push the boundaries, keeping it light, balanced and high vibe! She loves jumping into classes as she is always inspired by other ways of doing things and being a lifelong student.
Her bubbly, light energy has rubbed off on me during our conversation and would love to feel as fit as she describes! Well, it's January, and it's a great time to start those new year's resolutions to get down to the gym and work it out!!
You can find out more about Elissa's work, and Form Studios classes, as well as their introductory offers here!
FIND SOME OF THE MOST PET-FRIENDLY PLACES IN NOTTING HILL
It’s not always easy looking for a place to live that allows pets in London. If you are looking for a pet-friendly property to rent, we are here to help. At Homesite, we have furry friends of our own, so we know how hard it can be finding accommodation that accepts animals. We are a pet-friendly estate agent in Notting Hill. We liaise with our landlords so that we can help you find a suitable home for you and your pooch.
Notting Hill has a community of dog-loving humans, both at home and at work. It’s quite common to walk into a shop or office and find a pouch curled up under the desk or popping out to greet you. Our pooches come to work with us too and on our walks about the area. They get enjoy the many dog-friendly cafes and welcoming water bowls outside some of the local shops and eateries.
Are there any dog-friendly cafes in Notting Hill?
There are quite a few dog-friendly cafes in the area. Spots that are well known for welcoming our furry friends include Farm Girl Café, for example. Situated behind St Peters Church on Portobello Road, not only do they dish up a range of holistic brunches, lunches and juices, but they are also known for being dog- friendly. Some of the local pubs, such as the cock and bottle and the Grand Union also allow your doggie to come inside as long as they are well behaved. It means Sunday pub lunch is still possible in central London without having to leave your dog at home.
If you are feeling fancy, you can head to The Pet Boutique & Café on Westbourne Grove. One of the trendiest pouch friendly places, this spot is doggie heaven. You can let them be their true furry self, all while you sip on a glass of wine. This is the ultimate pet café where dogs are as welcome as humans. They also offer grooming and a dog sitting service, in case you need a couple of hours to do things while leaving your pouch in the most capable hands.
Daylesford Organic Foods on Westbourne Grove leaves a large water bowl outside their shop, as does Gail’s bakery. There are many places which have outside seating and blankets to wrap up in on cold days so that you can sit with your furry friend. Notting Hill is a great area and a welcoming environment for man’s best friend.
Where can you walk your dog around Notting Hill and Bayswater?
You can take a stroll through Kensington Gardens which is within easy walking distance from both Notting Hill Gate and Bayswater. It’s a great inner-city spot as it has a large dog-friendly area. They can run in the long grass, chase the squirrels and meet other furry friends. You can grab a bite to eat from one of the nearby cafes or supermarkets in Queensway and have a picnic while your dog is getting some fresh air and a runaround.
Little Scrubs is a large green park at the end of Dalgarno Gardens. It’s a dog walking park so you can let them off the lead for a run around as there’s lots of space and it’s securely fenced. If you want a vast space for your dog to stretch his paws, you can go a bit further to Wormwood scrubs which is a wide open space that feels a bit like being in the countryside. A lovely walk here will definitely tire out your four-legged friend.
If you don’t have a lot of time, Avondale Park and Powis square have dog-friendly areas and are good spots for a quick exercise. These parks get busy after school hours and at the weekend when the playgrounds are busy children, so morning and early afternoon seem the best times for walkies.
You can also walk along the canal, as long as your dog is not a bird chaser! They have been known to jump in to try to catch the ducks! But it’s a lovely, peaceful walk with no traffic, and lots of natural sights and smells for doggies to sniff out.
Where can you buy doggie food, treats and toys in Notting Hill?
The Mutz Nutz, situated on Westbourne Park road, this is treat and toy heaven for pets and their owners. With a large selection of pet foods, accessories and fluffy toys, it’s hard not to furnish your home with doggie toys from this shop! The resident cat is friendly too and comes out to greet friendly doggies who pop in for packets of treats.
Portobello Pet shop on Portobello Road is one of the longest standing shops in Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove. It’s certainly the oldest local pet shop. They are a traditional style shop selling everything you need for your pets. They have all the good stuff that doggies want, rubber rings, strings of sausages, bones and chewy toys to suit all types of breeds.
Purplebone on Notting Hill is a cute colourful pet shop specialising in dogs in the city. They provide a nice selection of items for our furry friends. As well as offering a dog grooming service in-store, they have a lively attitude and provide lots of useful doggie care tips and info on their website.
We love our dogs, and so do some of our landlords. If you are looking for a home for you and your four-legged friend, get in touch to see how we can help you find a suitable pet-friendly property in Notting Hill, Bayswater, Kensington & Holland Park.
For more information about moving to the area, see our area guide for Notting Hill and Bayswater.
You can find out more about our office doggies in our meet the team section.