1. An Overview of buying, selling, renting and investing in
2014 from North West London estate agents Sandfords
The North West London Property Market in 2014

2. The property market in 2014 is one that is
new to everyone - home movers,
investors and property professionals alike.
The trough of 2007 is in the past and true
to its cyclic nature, the market is buoyant
once again. However, the economic
climate is unique and it's wise to
understand all the facets of the current
market to get the home moving
advantage. Many initiatives are in place to
aid people moving to a home of their own,
while others are in place to control the
'heat' of the market, to recoup tax and to
boost house building.
What's new in property this year?
Sandfords North West London estate agents present an overview of buying, selling, renting and investing
in property this year.

3. The Government's Help to Buy Initiative
The Government's Help to Buy initiative is probably the most radical introduction. Split into two strands,
each is designed to make homeownership more affordable.
Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme - this is open to all home movers buying any type of
property, subject to a few conditions.* An agreement between the Government and selected mortgage
lenders has paved the way for a new set of mortgages, available with a deposit of just 5%. The
mortgage repayment is the only debt the purchaser has to pay, with the Government providing lenders
with financial assurances. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is set to run until 2017, although the Bank
of England is closely monitoring the initiative and how it affects the housing market.
Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme - most buyers* of brand new homes qualify for the Equity Loan
initiative. The home buyer puts forward a 5% deposit and the Government loans the buyer a 20%
deposit. The remaining 75% of the purchase price must be funded by a mortgage, and the Government
loan will need to be paid back. The Chancellor extended this part of Help to Buy to 2020 in his March
2014 Budget.
* To qualify for either part of Help to Buy, the purchase price must be under £600,000; the property
must be the only home the buyer owns; the property being purchased should be the primary residence
and not let out, and the buyer should expect a mortgage 'stress test' to assess future ability to repay
the mortgage/loan.

4. Increase in stamp duty on homes worth £500,000 or
more, bought through companies
The Chancellor's move to claim more stamp duty
land tax will affect many buyers of flats and houses
for sale in North West London, as the new tax
bracket now starts at just £500,000 - well below the
average asking price of many properties for sale in
North West London.
The new tax only applies to property bought
through companies but as this is a common practice
among international buyers and the wealthiest of UK
residents, our North West London estate agents
predict many transactions in our catchment areas,
like Marylebone, Regent's Park, Hyde Park, Primrose
Hill, St John's Wood, Hampstead, Camden and
Belsize Park, will be affected.

5. Build to Rent: Good for a trio of reasons
There should be an increase in property to
rent in North West London if the Build to
Rent plan gains momentum.
The Government has laid down £1 billion
worth of loans to be applied for by
developers and house builders. It is hoped
thousands of homes, specifically for rent in
the private and affordable sectors, will be
built over the coming years now that
finance packages are in place. Build to rent
should provide work for builders, ease the
shortage of 'to let' properties and hopefully
reduce the cost of flats and houses to rent
in North West London and beyond.

6. Change in tenancy agreement length
A recent report into the private rental sector by
charity Shelter highlighted the need for more
stability among the long-term tenant population.
Property to rent in North West London used to be
offered on fixed-length tenancies of one year or
less. However, this has recently altered due to a
change of heart by one leading mortgage lender.
Sandfords North London estate agents previously
helped landlords secure buy-to-let mortgages
with a 12-month tenancy agreement cap.
However, the Nationwide is now offering buy-to-
let mortgages where landlords can offer
tenancies of up to three years. This is great news
for tenant families looking for a secure home
environment and long-term renters looking to
commit to a particular property.

7. North West London Property for Sale
Want to make 2014 the year you become a homeowner?
Here are some of our top featured properties for Sale in North West London:
For an updated and complete list of properties for sale in North West London, please visit www.
sandfords.com
4 bedroom flat for sale in Neville Court, Abbey
Road, St Johns Wood, London, NW8
3 bedroom house for sale in Park Village West,
Regents Park, London, NW1

8. North West London Property to Rent
Looking for a new rented property?
Here are some of our top featured properties to Rent in North West London:
For an updated and complete list of properties to rent in North West London, please visit www.
sandfords.com
4 bedroom flat to rent in Harley House,
Marylebone Road, London, NW1
3 bedroom flat to rent in Baker Street,
Marylebone, London, NW1

9. Contact Us
If you decide to consider North West London when searching for a property to rent
closer to the City, don’t hesitate to contact one of our estate agents offices.
We specialise in property sales and lettings in North West London and the surrounding areas of
Central and West London.
Regents Park Estate
Agents
213-215 Gloucester Place
London NW1 6BU
T +44 (0)20 7723 9988
rpsales@sandfords.com
rplettings@sandfords.com
Marylebone Estate
Agents
6 Paddington Street
London W1U 5QG
T +44 (0)20 7224 4994
mvsales@sandfords.com
mvlettings@sandfords.com
Primrose Hill Estate
Agents
107 Regent’s Park Road
London NW1 8UR
T +44 (0)20 7722 7997
phsales@sandfords.com
phlettings@sandfords.com