Willesden Green will be the latest target in the Foxtons expansion programme. Previously, the area was serviced by the Notting Hill branch. As per usual, first branch customers will be able to sign a 0% commission contract, and then - once they've helped encourage other vendors fill the Foxtons shop window - continually wonder whether the agents are working as hard to sell their home.

Technorati Tags: property, real estate

Remember this? Well here he is clutching a letter from Barnet Homes which assures him they won't be seeking to evict. Which is either nice... or soft-headed authority rolling over in the face of sentimental social media bullying. Let's go with "nice".

Technorati Tags: property, real estate

He's 83, he's lived in the property for the last 74 years, except for the years he spent fighting in the Second World War, but now - following the death of his sister, with whom he shared the property - he's facing eviction from the Cricklewood home to make room for a family, with "more need" for the three bedrooms. It's a logical request, but it seems like an unusual request, where some compassion might be applicable. Edward Meakins is reported as saying he fears he'll die if he's forced to give up his home and garden. It's a sad story. Coverage here and here (plus photos). (Inevitable) Facebook petition here.

Technorati Tags: property, real estate

According to a survey by Savills, the following addresses are potential candidates for future primeness. The important driver is an influx of professionals combined with nice existing stock, preferably Victorian or Edwardian homes. The advantages to being "prime"? If you've been reading the Rat and Mouse at all over the last few years you'll know that prime London tends to outgrow the rest of London, indeed the rest of the UK. So here goes:

• Tooting ("the new Notting Hill")
• White City
• East Acton
• Tulse Hill
• Camberwell
• Fortis Green
• Finchley
• Brondesbury
• Willesden Green
• Cricklewood

[via the Times]

Technorati Tags: London, property, real estate

First it was Dickens & Jones, now ThisIsMoney reports on the imminent departure of another much-loved London department store. Barkers is going... leaving the residents of Kensington with a journey to Knightsbridge if they find themselves in need of expensive French kitchenware or a Crombie coat. Expect, apparently, a giant American health food shop to take its place. But, in the north west, the news is better. According to this, Brent Cross is to get London's second Apple Store. Why's that good? Okay, I'm biased (the Rat and Mouse is produced on one of a number of Macs in my own little Mac Museum), but the Apple Store on Regent Street is about as entertaining an experience as any computer store could be (and the best place to go for a bit of free WiFi).