Our Client
British clients wanting to give their daughters their first step on the property ladder.
The Challenge
Our client instructed us to find her daughters their first London property. They were unsure whether to buy two separate or just one property, and whether to buy modernised or unmodernised. We showed them a number of options to help educate them on the market and what would work best. It was critical that the property be on a quiet residential street whilst still being close to shops and restaurants as well as being very close to the tube. It was also crucial that the property had two roughly equal sized bedrooms. We ended up securing a 4 bedroom terraced house on a prime residential road in Balham. The property was in excellent condition and the vendors were motivated.
The Perfect Conclusion
Using our network of agents and our knowledge of the area we were able to preview a prime house before it was officially launched to the market that matched our clients criteria perfectly. This gave our client an opportunity to act quickly in a very competitive domestic market. We were able to secure the house below the asking price on the condition that no further viewings go ahead and it was removed from the market. We ended up securing the property for £724 per sq. foot whilst the going rate on this road for similar properties can be in excess of £800 per sq. foot.
Our Client
Northern Irish ex-pat clients looking for a London pied-a-terre.
The Challenge
As a second home, our clients wanted something in a central location, with easy access to amenities and transport. The property was also required to provide good value for money as a long term investment.
The Perfect Conclusion
Black Brick successfully sourced this spacious two bedroom apartment measuring over 1,000 sq ft with lift access and a porter. The flat is located on the best garden square address in South Kensington, and was bought for £1,600 per sq ft, with properties selling on the same square for as much as £2,800 per sq ft in the last 12 months. We have introduced the client to a trusted building contractor to assist with renovation works. The apartment had over 15 viewings within the first week of marketing and we successfully secured it against competitive bidding from another party.
Our Client
Swiss clients looking for a London pied-a-terre.
The Challenge
As their second home, our clients were looking for something with a wow factor for the family to enjoy, in a safe area that was also close to amenities and transport.
The Perfect Conclusion
We successfully sourced this special and rare third floor floor flat, benefiting from direct lift access and with triple aspect views directly overlooking communal gardens. The flat has a near perfect layout and is situated in one of the best run buildings in South Kensington. Importantly, we saved the clients a substantial £255,000 from the asking price, paying just £2,242 per square foot.
Our Client
A previous Black Brick client.
The Challenge
In 2009 we sourced this stunning freehold house located in a prestigious Kensington development for £5,440,775 or £1752 per square foot. In 2014 our clients bought a larger, unmodernised property in Belgravia through Black Brick which, once completed, would become their primary residence. With the new home ready for occupation we were instructed to sell the Kensington house.
The Perfect Conclusion
In a very challenging sales market we agreed terms with an Italian buyer at £6,5000,000 or £2093 per square foot which equated to a 20% increase in capital value for our client during the period of his ownership. The transaction was very complicated and eventually took over 9 months to reach a conclusion during which time the buyer sought to renegotiate the price which had been agreed. We successfully managed to avoid the price renegotiation and contracts were exchanged at the agreed level.
Our Client
IBV International Vaults, a global Swiss vault company.
The Challenge
Our client operates IBV vaults, a market leading safety deposit box company across several locations including Switzerland and South Africa, but was keen to expand into London, where he could offer his VIP service to the world’s elite. There are very few bank vaults still in operation, and even fewer that are willing to sub-lease or sell their space to a third party. Many banks no longer offer safe deposit box facilities, but demand for such facilities is high as storing valuables in secure safety deposit boxes can avoid soaring insurance premiums.
The Perfect Conclusion
As a residential buying agency, this was a very unusual deal for us, made possible by our excellent connections as the vault was only available off-market. Situated on Park Lane in Mayfair, and next to the Dorchester Hotel, the location could not have been more perfect for our client. We negotiated a long lease with Barclays, and a significant rent free period as our client intends on carrying out significant works to improve the vaults. The 2,077 sq. ft. vault will open in November 2017 and will be completed to a luxurious standard, providing 3,300 safety deposit boxes for discerning clients.
Our Client
A Russian client looking for a family apartment in London.
The Challenge
Having rented a property in Mayfair through our Rental Search Service when he first moved to London, our client decided that he wanted to purchase an apartment in the same neighbourhood. With very specific requirements of at least 3 bedrooms, lateral space, a 24 hour concierge and security, a good view and ideally a swimming pool, the number of suitable options in such a small area were extremely limited.
The Perfect Conclusion
Our extensive experience, knowledge and contacts in Mayfair meant that we were able to identify developments, both existing and off plan which would be able to satisfy our client’s specific requirements. In the end Clarges Mayfair was the perfect solution for our client’s needs. A boutique scheme of just 34 apartments, developed by British Land and designed by Squire and Partners, with extensive leisure facilities including a swimming pool, as well as 24 hour concierge. The best units have far reaching southerly views over Green Park but unfortunately none were available on the open market. Through our network we sourced an off market 4 bedroom unit on the 4th floor with stunning views over the park. We then successfully negotiated 10% from the asking price, saving our client £2.35 million.
Our Client
An Indian family
The Challenge
Our clients were looking for a pied a Terre within walking distance of Hyde Park and Mayfair. They wanted the apartment to be new or newly renovated and in a building with a concierge. They had a budget of up to £1m and needed a one bedroom apartment.
The Perfect Conclusion
We secured one of only 24 apartments in a new development in Marylebone, minutes’ walk from Mayfair and Hyde Park. Not only will the building benefit from a day concierge and 24 hour security, it has underground parking and access to the gardens and tennis courts of highly desirable Portman Square. The development was so popular that all 24 apartments were sold within two weeks of their release. We secured our client’s apartment for £925,000, which equates to £1,708 per square foot. Most new developments in the area are selling for at least £2,500 per square foot.
