Property Guides - Black Brick | Property Buying Agent

Market Guides

London’s property market is one of the busiest and most complex in the world, and Black Brick is expertly placed to help you navigate it. Read our market guides to better understand London’s dynamic property sector.

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The 2025 Guide to Buying Prime Property in London

London’s Resilience Amid Global Challenges It has been a challenging few years for Prime Central London (PCL). But despite a barrage of global and national headwinds putting the brakes on price growth, London retains its status as one of the most desirable cities to live in in the world. The British capital was named the […]

How to Protect a Vacant Property

Without taking steps to protect your property during periods of vacancy you could be susceptible to burglary and malicious damage, as well as natural damage due to damp or leaks. In this guide we give tips on how to protect your vacant property from such instances.

ATED Tax Guide

Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) is a complex area of taxation which can be often overlooked or misunderstood. In this guide we answer the most commonly asked questions on ATED.

Leasehold property explained

The choice between leasehold and freehold property may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes leasehold is the only option. Here’s what you need to know.

Hand holds a model house above paperwork and a calculator

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Capital Gains Tax is a significant concern for anyone who invests in property as an asset, rather than as a primary residence. Read our guide to learn more.

Understanding the London Property Market

The London Property Market is complex and attracts some of the highest valuations in the UK across rental, owner-occupied and commercial property alike.

Buyers’ Guides

Buying a property is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life – and it can also be the most frustrating and time-consuming. Master the buying process with top tips, insights and advice from our property specialists.

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The 2025 Guide to Buying Prime Property in London

London’s Resilience Amid Global Challenges It has been a challenging few years for Prime Central London (PCL). But despite a barrage of global and national headwinds putting the brakes on price growth, London retains its status as one of the most desirable cities to live in in the world. The British capital was named the […]

Stamp Duty in 2025: What You Need to Know about SDLT

When you’re eyeing a UK property – especially something high-value – Stamp Duty is often one of your biggest extra costs. Buyers pay it up front when purchasing a property – whether it’s a first home, a second home, or a buy-to-let investment. You may also come across other taxes further down the line – […]

riverside view of canary wharf apartments in london

The Best Prime Riverside Areas to live in London

The allure of a riverside property in London In a frenetic global city there are many buyers who dream of a home overlooking the River Thames – a view of water and of boats is a calming antidote to the stresses of built-up urban life. A busy building pipeline and plenty of investment to come […]

London’s Historic Homes vs New Build Luxury: A Comparison for Buyers and Investors.

Distinguishing between new and old – what are there key differences? When considering whether to buy a box fresh modern home or a period property, there are three main considerations: cost, character, and convenience. New build homes tend to be more expensive than resale properties – just like new cars, you pay extra to be […]

How are London’s Prime Green Spaces Impacting Property Demand?

With 3,000 parks and 35,000 acres of public open space the British capital stakes a persuasive claim to be one of the leafiest cities in the world. Indeed a recent survey by Time Out found that 87 per cent of its residents were happy with London’s green space and access to nature – only […]

Must-have Family Home Amenities in London

Hero image credit Hamilford Design The anatomy of a perfect family home Selecting the right space to raise your family is a deeply personal journey which goes far beyond neighbourhood and square footage. You need to find a place which meets the practical needs of every single family member right now, and is future-proofed to […]

Investors’ Guides

London’s property market can be an attractive, reliable and highly profitable investment, but it’s also intimidating to even the most seasoned investors. Read our Investors’ Guides for expert insight into when, where and in what to invest.

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The 2025 Guide to Buying Prime Property in London

London’s Resilience Amid Global Challenges It has been a challenging few years for Prime Central London (PCL). But despite a barrage of global and national headwinds putting the brakes on price growth, London retains its status as one of the most desirable cities to live in in the world. The British capital was named the […]

How do London Schools Impact the Local Prime Property Market?

Why schools matter in prime London property decisions For a certain breed of property buyer, there are three words that define their hunt for a home: education, education, education. Whilst London schools have a limited impact on the apartment market, when it comes to family homes proximity to a good school – state or independent […]

The Rise of Middle Eastern Investment in Prime London Property

Why Middle Eastern Investors Are Targeting Prime London Real Estate Each spring and summer, buyers from the Middle East descend on London, eager to find themselves a bolthole in the British capital. This annual migration began in the 1970s when the first oil-rich buyers from gulf states began to explore real estate investment in London, […]

A Guide to Buying Property in London as an International Buyer

London’s prime property market continues to attract high-net-worth buyers from across the globe. With its stable economy, global reputation and strong track record of long-term growth, London remains a top destination for international buyers from the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. In the last five years alone, property investment volumes in London […]

Relocating from U.S. to London in 2025: Everything you need to know

In a city which attracts buyers from around the world, the fact that one in 22 homes in London are currently being snapped up by Americans is highly significant. And, according to the latest research from Knight Frank, the number of stateside buyers has increased threefold in the past decade. Americans love London for its […]

Your Guide to UK Property Compliance in 2024

UK property compliance rules cover everything from residential to commercial property, new-builds to refurbished and extended properties, and include owner-occupied and landlord-tenant residences. In this Property Management and Compliance Guide, we’ll take a look at some of the key issues affecting UK property compliance in 2024, so that you can avoid incurring penalties when buying, […]

Area Guides

Choosing the right location is just as important as finding the right property. Our in-depth property area guides walk you through everything from schools and amenities to transport, with expert advice on everything you need to weigh up the perfect move.

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The 2025 Guide to Buying Prime Property in London

London’s Resilience Amid Global Challenges It has been a challenging few years for Prime Central London (PCL). But despite a barrage of global and national headwinds putting the brakes on price growth, London retains its status as one of the most desirable cities to live in in the world. The British capital was named the […]

The Best Prime Riverside Areas to live in London

The allure of a riverside property in London In a frenetic global city there are many buyers who dream of a home overlooking the River Thames – a view of water and of boats is a calming antidote to the stresses of built-up urban life. A busy building pipeline and plenty of investment to come […]

How London’s Luxury Property Market Compares to New York & Dubai

The elegant jewel of the old world, the beating heart of the new, and the young pretender; there are compelling reasons to invest in property in London, New York, and Dubai. If buying in all three is not an option then your choice of prime real estate investment will require thorough consideration of many factors […]

London vs. Monaco: Which is the Better Prime Real Estate Market?

Two global prime real estate hubs They are two of the most prestigious swathes of real estate in the world, and each offers high-net-worth real estate buyers unique lifestyle and investment opportunities. London is seen by many as the capital of Europe, and one which offers an enviable combination of political stability, relative safety, outstanding […]

street in Notting Hill London with colourful houses

Prime London Living: Notting Hill is Prime Central London’s Party Capital

From grimy industrial backwater to cosmopolitan melting pot, Notting Hill is an area with a talent for reinvention. Home buyers love this neighbourhood for its grand crescents, the pretty garden squares made world-famous by the eponymous 1999 rom com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, and its adorable streets of pastel-painted cottages. Notting Hill is […]

Relocating from U.S. to London in 2025: Everything you need to know

In a city which attracts buyers from around the world, the fact that one in 22 homes in London are currently being snapped up by Americans is highly significant. And, according to the latest research from Knight Frank, the number of stateside buyers has increased threefold in the past decade. Americans love London for its […]