... makes me reflect on research that came out several years ago about the young professional classes being attracted to more culturally mixed areas, attracted by their ethnic diversity and vibrancy... A visit to London's Hoxton and Shoreditch over the weekend confirmed this view. The run down streets were full of 20 somethings seeking pleasure and experiences all attracted by the places slightly edgy feel... These areas can often provide landlords with some great letting opportunities as properties tend to be cheaper than in more established areas but rents are strong and there is always the potential for more rapid capital appreciation as a result of gentrification.

Something tells me PropertyHawk's not from 'round here... but if he can find some of those cheap Hoxton or Shoreditch properties, I'm all-ears. (Not literally, obviously.)

Technorati Tags: London, property, real estate

The Telegraph visits wooden floor specialist Eelke Bles's Spitalfields loft, a genuinely remarkable converted shmatte trade sweat shop, which he used to store wood for a while before converting for domestic use. He now lives there, alongside offices and a furniture showroom. What's so remarkable about the story is his hands on approach, from design, to actually making much of the furniture. He's a talented chap. Read it, here.

Technorati Tags: architecture, design, interiors, London, property, real estate

Over at Londonist, they're carrying the story of a potentially very dramatic addition to the London skyline. DIFA Tower (I know... too boring, it'll have to change) will be up to 40 metres higher than the Gherkin. The architect has been named as Kohn Pederson Fox, and the location... 6-8 Bishopsgate. Which means, from certain angles, it may well detract from the Swiss Re. What do you think? Good idea? Or not?

30 acres in the sky [March 14]