PRICEY PROPERTY INVESTMENT ON THE RISE

Expensive property investment in the UK market is continuing to increase, as the world’s richest people hold London assets worth more than £300 billion.

The data was released by industry publication Estate Gazette, which reports that 60 billionaires own property in the capital, compared with just ten in 2009.

Top of the list is Amancio Ortega, the Spanish

billionaire boss of Zara, who owns £47.7 billion

worth of property in London.

Traditional investment spots, such as the West End and Knightsbridge,

are continuing to witness foreign

investment, due to extremely strong

returns and a steady flow of opportunity.

One example of this is Lord Sugar’s firm Amsprop, which

recently sold Burberry’s old flagship store for £65m – more than double the £31m it

bought it for in 2013.

However, smart investors are seeking opportunities in areas beyond zone 1. These ultra-rich individuals

are not just looking in Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair anymore, but also at the lower end

of the market. Boroughs such as

Croydon are attracting attention due to

current regeneration projects and excellent

transport links.

Research indicates a geographic shift that is resulting in much more investment opportunities in commuter towns.

CBRE’s house price growth forecast expects London prices to rise by 30% by 2019, as a lack of supply pushes prices up and ensures steady

demand.Which parts of the capital are you looking to invest in?