London Property Digest, by Longrad

A new outlook from Cushman & Wakefield says Europe’s property sector is finally shaking off the gloom, with London’s West End and City expected to lead rental growth. We’ll zoom in on what that means for prime London offices and mixed‑use schemes, how this momentum feeds into the broader Prime Central London ecosystem, and why global capital is eyeing the capital again.

New York City is tackling its housing crisis head-on with the ambitious "City of Yes" initiative, aiming to create 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years. ([ny1.com](https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/12/05/city-council-approves-mayor-adams-city-of-yes-housing-plan?utm_source=openai)) Meanwhile, London faces a severe housing shortage, with only 31,000 new homes built in 2024/25 against a need for 88,000 annually. ([commonslibrary.parliament.uk](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0205/?utm_source=openai)) Join us as we explore how New York's proactive approach could offer valuable lessons for London's future.

Imagine a world where the ultra-wealthy don't just invest in luxury properties but create their own semi-autonomous communities with bespoke legal systems. In this episode, we delve into "Destiny," a multibillion-dollar development in Nevis spearheaded by bitcoin investor Olivier Janssens, exploring how such projects challenge traditional notions of state sovereignty and governance. Join us as we uncover the implications of these emerging "network states" and what they mean for the future of property, power, and politics.

In this episode of London Property Digest, we delve into the Financial Conduct Authority's bold move to loosen mortgage rules—a shift poised to reshape the UK's housing market. By easing lending restrictions, the FCA aims to widen access to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers, the self-employed, and older homeowners. But what does this mean for you? Join us as we unpack the potential benefits, the risks of increased household debt, and how these changes could influence property prices and market dynamics. Whether you're an estate agent, developer, investor, or prospective homeowner, understanding these developments is crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of UK real estate.

Imagine a housing market that just won't quit—despite sky-high mortgage rates and tax jitters, the UK held strong in 2025, with London lagging at a mere 1.3% price growth while the North surged ahead. Nationwide's chief economist Robert Gardner breaks it down: expect 2-4% growth in 2026 as affordability eases, but London's southern slump could reshape where dreams of homeownership take root. This resilience story matters because it signals hope for buyers squeezed by costs, potentially narrowing the North-South divide for good.