Live London Jan 5-19

Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

+ David Galman on his wishes for the coming months Page 18

market forces

estate agency Alex Neil looks to the year ahead as rental demand surges Pages 14-15 Property in Canary Wharf, Docklands, east London buy - rent - invest - interiors - commercial

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

by Jon Massey

M

uch was written over the early months of the pandemic about the inevitable, lasting effects a period of home working would have on the nation.

Cities would become hollow doughnuts as workers fled areas dense with people to work permanently and remotely from desks in rural houses, meeting colleagues only via Zoom and completing assignments via broadband.

Perhaps Mark Zuckerberg’s dream of a Metaverse – where we’re all constantly online, virtually popping in and out of each others’ lives from wherever we are in the world – will come to fruition. But perhaps not.

Far more likely is that genuine, real-life human interaction will once more reassert itself as the dominant preference for work and leisure. Before Omicron pressed the pause button and Delta was all we had to worry about, workers had flooded back into Canary Wharf – not forced to be present, but eager to meet, work and, crucially, socialise with colleagues and friends. There was buzz, industry and colour and there will be again.

I’ve already read at least one columnist’s account of her abortive move to the coast followed by a return to London and all its delights, having discovered life beyond the city has serious limitations.

While a sample size of one isn’t much to go on, this anecdote fits with a trend in the local property market as demand surges for rentals.

Georgia Nailard is area manager covering estate agency Alex Neil’s operations at its Bethnal Green And Bow and Canrary Wharf offices.

She said: “Throughout the lockdowns no-one went to work. At first that was exciting, but it wore off pretty quickly and most people and businesses have realised how important it is to actually be in the office with other people.

“Working at home five days a week can be very isolating – going to the office isn’t just for the company’s benefit. Ultimately

how Alex Neil sees a resurgent lettings market driving a recovery in sales, meaning a positive outlook for both sellers and landlords in 2022

ahead looking

that realisation means people want to rent in close proximity to places like Canary Wharf.

“What’s happened in the last couple of months in the run up to Christmas has been quite dramatic – the rental prices we have been able to achieve are very different from six months before that.

“In some cases we’re getting more for them than we would have before the pandemic, which is amazing and something landlords may not be aware of.

“There has been a slight shortage of rental properties coming back to the market. There has been a lot of uncertainty over the past 18 months and some tenants have been signing up for longer tenancies, meaning ultimately that there aren’t as many places available to rent.

“But the demand is there – usually we’d expect the market to slow down in December and we didn’t see that in 2021.

“With the market like this, it means when a new property becomes available we can do a large open day for viewings and we’ll usually receive multiple offers, sometimes going over the asking price.

“Doing these events means we also build up a lot of prospective tenants for properties coming onto the market.

“I expect similar trends to continue in January and throughout the year, I don’t see that demand slowing down.

“There are often changes of circumstance for people around the Christmas period too, so that may bring even more tenants looking.”

T

hat demand is also benefiting the sales market as canny investors see the return of profitable yields to be had in Docklands, while house prices are driven by people’s increasing desire to live on the Isle Of Dogs and nearby in east London.

Georgia said: “The way the rental market is going at the moment, there are investors out there who have cash, don’t require a mortgage and will see the opportunity Canary Wharf presents – the yield on property in the area is unbelievable at the moment.

“As an agency we’re experts in marketing property and, with our international package, that’s where we offer something quite different.

“As well as being on all the main UK portals, we make sure the properties we sell get maximum exposure here and across the world, which is really important.

“It’s about making certain that we’re angling each property at the right buyer, thinking outside the box, being proactive and educating buyers.

Alex Neil’s Canary Wharf office is located on Westferry Road and covers the estate, the Isle Of Dogs and the wider E14 area

“Right now investors are looking for quality rather than quantity. It will take time for the sales market to fully recover from the pandemic, but we are starting to see some positive signs, with the numbers of applicants rising and many people looking to sell.

“Ten years ago, I think people saw the Canary Wharf area as a place to rent, but now you are seeing buyers who want to move here for the foreseeable future, with existing residents looking to upsize.

“People want to stay here because of how much it’s changing – the pubs, restaurants and bars that are opening, for example.

“The quality of the buildings here is fantastic – they have so many facilities and many of the older developments are located right on the Thames with great views.”

Georgia said Alex Neil’s role was to make moving home as easy as possible for all concerned, whether that was for buyers, sellers, landlords or tenants.

She said: “I grew up in Brighton and my dad was a car salesman – he was always selling something and had that motivation. We moved house quite a lot when I was younger and I loved going on viewings, so I grew up wanting to be an estate agent.

“I love working with people and helping them move – it can be one of the most stressful times in someone’s life as property is usually their biggest asset – so we try to take the stress out of things.

“There are so many emotions involved with the process but we try to make it as smooth as possible, making sure everyone’s happy at the end of it.

“The best way to do that is to be honest and to set everyone’s expectations at the start, rather than raising them to the point where they are unrealistic.

“We always tell people how we’ll start from ‘x’ and end up at ‘y’. For sales, that means from viewing to completion.

“A lot of people haven’t bought or sold for a good number of years and forget the process. In that time there may have been changes in technology or with other parts of the transaction.

“Everyone is different, so we have to adjust to each person, making sure they understand exactly what the process is and what the steps are, from signing the terms of business to completion.

“Leaving questions with someone will only make them confused so we try never to let that happen.

“It’s the same for lettings – we aim to make letting out a property as simple as possible, because it can seem quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed a checklist so landlords know exactly what they need to do and what they must have at every stage of the process.

“That’s what makes us stand out in the market – we’re the experts and we’ll help you every step of the way.”

Go to alexneil.com for more information about the agency’s services

Scan this code for more information about Alex Neil

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Property

38

Years since Alex Neil started trading in Docklands

Ten years ago, I think people saw the Canary Wharf area as a place to rent, but now you are seeing buyers who want to move here for the foreseeable future Georgia Nailard, Alex Neil

>>

Georgia says Alex Neil strives to make all of the processes involved with selling or letting property as simple as possible Images by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

Read on to discover London Square Bermondsey as latest show home at The Pickle Factory is unveiled Page 18

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

views outstanding

268

New homes that will be placed at the heart of Blackwall Reach by NU living when Parkside West is finished

how the latest launch at NU living’s Blackwall Reach scheme offers homes for spacious, modern London living

An artist’s impression of NU living’s Blackwall Reach

advertising feature

P

arkside West at Blackwall Reach, by NU living, will see 268 new homes placed in the heart of Blackwall Reach, a dynamic regeneration scheme in east London. The one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, starting from £578,500, will offer an exceptional standard of living with outstanding views over a landscaped Millennium Green and/or the City.

Along with these views, each home will offer a balcony or indoor winter garden, providing flexible space for modern London living.

The area is being transformed into a modern sustainable community which will provide 1,575 inviting homes.

For those looking for plenty of open space, Parkside West will be set around the revitalised Millennium Green.

This unexpected oasis gives the development a unique sense of space, providing a beautiful secluded sanctuary to exercise, energise and relax.

The landscaped central park has been designed as an immersive outdoor space with play areas, seating, and an outdoor gym, as well as a combination of landscaped zones and meadows, promoting biodiversity in the city.

The new urban park will see a significant net gain of trees, improving residents’ wellbeing as

well as reducing carbon footprint around the estate.

The extensive public realm at Blackwall Reach has been subject to significant investment, supplementing new community facilities and retail space around the Blackwall area.

Newly completed Station quare offers a wealth of shops, hospitality and fitness spaces for residents including ock Coffee, MoreYoga and The Chairman Grooming. Minutes from Parkside West is Republic London, one of the capital’s most exciting, flexible workspaces. or first-time buyers keen to start the New Year with a foot on the property ladder, a dedicated Help to Buy launch will be held at the Blackwall Reach Marketing Suite on January 22.

Our helpful sales advisors will be on hand to answer questions as you learn more about Parkside living in the spacious, modern show apartments.

Those first-time buyers that reserve using Help To Buy, can do so with just a 5% deposit (terms and conditions apply) and secure their dream parkside home.

For more information, please go to blackwallreach.co.uk or call 020 3151 7058

Scan this code to find out more about Parkside West

Some properties offer views over Canary Wharf

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

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Property

contact My London Home on 020 7227 0044 or email steve.sellek@mylondonhome.com for more about this property or similar homes on the agency’s books Show home interiors at Parkside West – a Help To Buy launch event is set to be held on January 22 at the Blackwall Reach marketing suite

The open-plan living area features floor-to-ceiling windows

An artist’s impression of the view over the park

featured property

The Crescent, SE8 Guide: £575,000 This fifth floor, three-bedroom home is located on the border between Deptford and Greenwich.

Extending to more than 860sq ft, the property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, two bathrooms and an open-plan living area with access onto a large, south-facing balcony.

The development is within walking distance of both Deptford and Greenwich town centres. Facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, cycle storage and a residents’ roof garden.

The apartment is located close to Deptford Bridge DLR station for easy access to Canary Wharf and the City.

Go to mylondonhome.com for more Scan this code for more info on buying this property

The apartment boasts a large balcony with views across south-east London

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

building the future

40

by David Galman

by Jon Massey

O What lies ahead? It’s really too early to tell

W

riting a column about what 2022 has in store for us is pretty much impossible, given the current confusion and uncertainty of the present situation. Instead of making predictions, then, here are 12 wishes for the year ahead that I’d like to see come about: l Reform the planning process – it’s about time and this is long overdue. l Central government to form a housing taskforce utilising stalwarts and young entrepreneurs from the private property industry alongside chief executives from public sector bodies. l Appoint some of the best construction minds to oversee an overhaul of building regulations. l For the Bank Of England to think very carefully before raising interest rates further. l Open a sensible dialogue between banks’ lending arms and their mortgage operations. l Pay surveyors a fair rate for mortgage valuations.

It’s pretty much l Encourage surveyors to be less risk averse impossible given the and to engage with current confusion and developers more. l Local authorities and uncertainty to tell what central government 2022 has in store for us. to take more responsibility for social housing Here are my wishes – this cannot always David Galman, Galliard Homes be abdicated to the private sector. l Create more development corporations in the regions – following on from the obvious success of the London Docklands Development Corporation in east and south-east London. l Encourage overseas investors – we need international buyers in London. l Read Wharf Life – it is a fine example of a publication championing local organisations. l Listen to me on LBC and keep buying our properties at galliardhomes.com (I couldn’t resist this one, I’m afraid).

I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy, safe and healthy New Year. I’ve a feeling 2022 is going to be a whole lot better.

David Galman is sales director at Galliard Homes which is delivering developments including Orchard Wharf, Harbour Central and The Stage Go to galliardhomes.com or follow @GalliardHomes and @DavidGalman on Twitter Scan this code to find out more about Galliard Homes and its developments in east London and across the capital

pen a jar of Branston Pickle and the glossy dark brown contents might initially present as a single substance. But delve deeper and its attractions are myriad – crunchy diced swede, carrot, onions and cauliflower, all steeped in a rich sauce with ingredients as diverse as malt vinegar, tamarind, cloves and anchovies.

It’s the kind of product that contains something for all (well nearly) and the only way to discover its wonders is, naturally, to get inside the jar and sample its delights.

A similar approach can now be taken by house hunters at London Square Bermondsey. Spread over 4.7 acres of south-east London, this collection of renovated industrial buildings and new-build structures houses more than 400 homes. ut why the flavourful introduction? Well, at the heart of developer London Square’s scheme sits The Pickle Factory – a structure that was home to the manufacture of Branston for more than four decades from the mid 1920s until 1969.

Now restored and converted for residential use, a show apartment has recently been launched on site to help prospective buyers discover the delights the development has in store in its new life as a place to live.

These include a garden square, public courtyards, a concierge service and a gym as well as the properties themselves.

In addition, London Square Bermondsey includes studios and gallery spaces for Tannery Arts, which aims to work with emerging artists to run workshops and classes for the local community.

The developer says the show apartment itself draws on the “creative energy and independent spirit” of local businesses in the area.

Prospective buyers can expect black detailing, including the frames of the home’s Crittal-style windows, its lighting tracks, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fittings.

ressed by interior firm unter Design, the apartment features monochrome furniture and rugs, broken up by splashes of orange and green and locally sourced accessories.

London Square sales and marketing director Jo McDonagh, said: “Our new show apartment captures the essence of the lifestyle on offer in ermondsey, with its amazing artistic, fashion and cultural spots, alongside independent food and drink producers, cafés, bars and restaurants.

“Previously the area has been ranked as the best place to live in London by the Sunday Times six years in a row and our purchasers have the attractions of Bermondsey Street, Borough Market and theatres, galleries and museums all within walking distance.”

The development is located just over 10 minutes’ walk to London Bridge station for easy access to Canary Wharf via the Jubilee line or Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Cyclists heading for the Wharf should check out routes via the Rotherhithe Peninsula with access over the Thames via the Doubletree y ilton erry.

There are also multiple walking and cycling routes to central and west London.

Prices at The Pickle Factory start at £645,000 for a one-bedroom home with a balcony. Two beds with balconies start at £920,000 and three-beds with balconies at £1,675,000. Underground parking is available. Properties are scheduled to be ready to move into in spring 2022. l The developer is currently offering to pay stamp duty on two and three-bedroom duplexes in The Tannery phase of the development, provided the property is reserved before January 31.

For more information about The Pickle Factory of The Tannery call London Square on 0333 666 4343 or email bermondsey@londonsquare.co.uk

Years Branston Pickle was manufactured in Bermondsey

Scan this code for more about London Square Bermondsey

“

Our new show apartment captures the essence of the lifestyle on offer in Bermondsey, with its amazing artistic and cultural spots Jo McDonagh, London Square

The show apartment features black metal details

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

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Property

Homes at The Pickle Factory will be available to move into from spring 2022

The Pickle Factory show apartment

flavour filled with

how London Square Bermondsey offers a blend of old and new that draws on the area’s heritage and its vibrant present

An artist’s impression of the development

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

Breakspears Road, SE4

Romney Drive, BR1

Abbey Street, SE1

£1,750,000+

£1,250,000+

£900,000+

Seven Bedrooms Ideal Project Large Plot

Detached Double Fronted Conservation Area

Five Bedrooms Unique Layout Revered Location

Detached Landscaped Garden Rarely Available

Four Bedrooms Chain Free Sought After

Chandlers Mews, E14

Futura House, SE1

City Tower, E14

£875,000+

£775,000

£550,000

Three Bedrooms Riverside Location Gym & Pool

Terraced House Underground Parking Chain Free

Two Bedrooms Chain Free Modern Decor

Penthouse Private Roof Terrace Underground Parking

Two Bedrooms Two Balconies Transport Links

Dundee Wharf, E14

Bunsen Street, E3

Cascades Tower, E14

£500,000+

£500,000+

£475,000+

One Bedroom Stunning Views Concierge service

Apartment Two Balconies Underground Parking

One Bedroom Great Opportunity Freehold

How much is your property worth?

London, Kent & Essex | 020 3941 9966

Semi-Detached Large Size Chain Free

Two Bedrooms Private Balcony Chain Free

Town House Fantastic Location Period Features

Apartment Concierge Service Chain Free

Apartment Concierge Service Transport Links

If you are thinking of moving then please call to arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your property

alexneil.com

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

1, 2 & 3 bedroom Shared Ownership apartments launching January 2022 Live close to Canary Wharf in a stunning riverside development with fantastic travel connections. Enjoy private outdoor space to every home, fully integrated appliances and landscaped green areas.

Register your interest:

lqhomes.com/newunionwharf 0208 189 7471

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GIVES YOU MORE POTENTIAL BUYERS, WHICH MEANS A BETTER PRICE FOR YOU. Call Felicity J Lord Canary Wharf on 020 7987 6776 or visit fjlord.co.uk/flink to learn more.

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

Estate Agents - Professional Services - Classifieds

Properties throughout Docklands, South and East London 4"-&4 t -&55*/(4 t 1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5

Advertise on this page

Call us now for a free, no obligation valuation 020 7515 0800 www.lmlondon.com REQUEST A valuation@lmlondon.com VALUATION

SALES & NEW HOMES

Call 020 7293 2247 Email wharfads@trinitymirror.com

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Fast, affordable, conveyancing services Call our team on 020 7205 4021 or email cmiller@kiddrapinet.co.uk, ypatel@kiddrapinet.co.uk or mzvarykina@kiddrapinet.co.uk

The market is moving, isn’t it time you did?

Call 020 3941 9966 for a free valuation be part of the Canary Wharf conversation To advertise here call 07944 000 144 or email jess.maddison@wharf-life.com

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

THIS WEEK'S HOT PROPERTIES

MILLENNIUM HARBOUR, E14

£1,800,000

3

4

A unique, 3-bed, duplex penthouse apartment with mezzanine level 'library' positioned in the highly regarded riverside development of Millennium Harbour just moments from Canary Wharf. EPC 78 | C

HERITAGE TOWER, E14

£800,000

2

RIVERHEIGHTS, E15

2

1

£365,000

Laid out over 921 SqFt this bright apartment offers a huge living space, open plan reception leading to expansive private, South facing balcony led to from the floor to ceiling windows. EPC 86 | B

1

Situated at one of Stratford’s most sought-after developments, this 549 SqFt, 1-bed apartment, offers the most incredible views over the Olympic Park, Stadium and towards the City skyline.

THE CRESCENT, SE8

£575,000

3

2

Luxury three-bedroom apartment located within easy reach of Greenwich's beautiful open spaces, wellknown amenities, and royal attractions.

This impeccable fifth-floor apartment has a high interior specification and enjoys a modern, fully integrated kitchen that opens into the large reception room and is flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally benefitting from a large private balcony accessible from the living room not only extends your entertaining space but it provides lovely South aspect views. Residents will additionally enjoy the use of the building's three expansive roof terraces offering views over the City of London skyline.

EPC 84 | B

PILOT WALK, SE10

£425,000

1

1

This property is perfectly positioned on the Greenwich Peninsula for all the amenities that you would expect from one of London's very best regeneration zones.

ROYAL WHARF, E16

£1,175,000

4

4

This huge 2452 sq. ft property is situated over 4 floors and boasts a garden and two large terraces. A unique property set in a stunning development. EPC 84 | B

CHARRINGTON TOWER, E14

£750,000

2

2

Superb river views from the 35th floor, an incredible 812 sq ft, 2-bed apartment that has two balconies.

EPC 81 | B

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY IN LONDON? CALL US NOW FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL ON 020 7227 0044

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

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CALL OUR CANARY WHARF OFFICE NOW ON

020 7227 0044

BEAUFORT COURT, SOUTH QUAY, CANARY WHARF, E14 9XL

MYLONDONHOME CANARY WHARF MyLondonHome’s Canary Wharf branch is one of the leading Estate Agents in the area. We pride ourselves in delivering results for our clients and continually embracing change to develop and grow even in the toughest of markets.

Are you thinking of selling your property? Speak to our friendly proactive team who have extensive experience with both off-plan new builds and built properties.

Call us now for a free, no-obligation market appraisal of your property!

CALL 020 7227 0044

ROYAL CAPTAIN COURT, E14

£650,000

2

2

GOODMANS FIELDS, E1

£950,000

2

2

LONDON DOCK, E1

£1,325,000

2

2

This modern and contemporary property in Royal Captain Court offers huge internal space plus a winter garden and has spectacular views of Canary Wharf.

EPC 91 | B

This stunning apartment comprises a bright and spacious living/kitchen area with access to one of 2 balconies that face onto the gardens making relaxing and entertaining a pleasure.

This sixth-floor 2-bed flat is finished to an immaculate standard. The open plan kitchen and living room is a great size and the floor-to-ceiling window allows plenty of light into the flat. EPC 85 | B

JOHNNY ANDREWS HOUSE, E1

NEW CAPITAL QUAY, SE10

NEW CAPITAL QUAY, SE10

£290,000

1

1

Johnny Andrews House is excellently located just off of Commercial Road in E1, which links Canary Wharf through Limehouse to The City. EPC 80 | C

£820,000

2

2

Bright and spacious, corner apartment set on the 7th floor of Jubilee Court on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich Village.

£750,000

3

3

Spread over 1179 SqFt, this sought-after riverside development in Greenwich stretches over the ground and 1st floor with direct creek views. EPC 85 | B

FIND MORE PROPERTIES AT WWW.MYLONDONHOME.COM

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

Canary Wharf

PROPERTY MARKET NEWS www.docklandspropertyblog.com

Hello

I started my property career working for an independent estate agent in the Wapping area. Since 1994 I have been based in and around East London. I started my own company in 1995 and it has grown from humble beginnings to become a well respected sales, lettings and property management agency operating in the Docklands and East London areas. Then in 2007, I opened my first branch in the Medway area. I am proud that we now have three branches in Kent.

My operation is set to expand in 2020 and beyond.

I am a long term member of both the NAEA and ARLA and a former Regional Representative for the latter. As the owner of a growing residential and commercial property portfolio, I understand well the trials and tribulations that property owners go through. I have well over 20 years experience of regenerative Dock’s areas and specialise in new development reporting.

I am happy to advise you on all aspects of property. So, if you are looking at your first buy-to-let (even if it is with another agency), or have trouble with a tenant, feel free to contact me. I offer honest and impartial advice.

Spencer Fortag

January 2022

Should Docklands landlords be worried about these new rental regulations?

E veryone should be doing their bit to help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint on the globe – yet the question is, is that burden being put too much on the shoulders of Docklands landlords with potential bills of £7,600+ in the next four years?.

The background - the UK has obligated itself to a legally binding target to be carbon neutral by 2050. One of the biggest producers of greenhouse gasses is residential homes.

To hit that carbon-neutral target (as onefifth of the UK’s carbon output comes from residential property), every UK home will need to achieve a minimum grade of ‘C’ on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by 2035. Each EPC has a rating between ‘A’ and ‘G’ - ‘A’ being the best energy rating and ‘G’ the worst – like an energy rating on a fridge or washing machine.

All UK rental properties have required an EPC. Yet, from April 2020, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations have required all private rental properties (including rental renewals) to have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’ or above.

Yet new legislation being discussed by the Government’s Climate Change Committee has suggested that landlords should play their part and increase the energy efficiency of their private rented homes. Sounds fair until you dive into the details.

The Government is muting the idea that all new tenancies (i.e. when a new tenant moves in) in private rented properties should be at an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above

by 2025 (and all existing tenancies by 2028).

The issue is…

34.9% of all private rented properties in Tower Hamlets have an EPC rating of ‘D’ or below.

The problem is some Docklands landlords will find it very expensive, neigh impossible, to improve the energy efficiency of their Docklands rented properties, especially those Docklands landlords who hold older housing stock such as terraced properties built in the 1800s. These Victorian terraced houses never perform well on EPC ratings as they have solid walls.

Now, of course, you can improve the EPC rating of a terraced house by improving roof insulation, boiler replacement, solar heating, and high-grade uPVC windows. Yet, with some terraced houses, there will come the point where you will be unable to get to the haloed ‘C’ rating without installing external or internal wall insulation, sometimes even floor insulation.

With wall insulation costing between £5k and £15k and floor insulation around £5k…

the bill to improve all the private rented properties in Tower Hamlets will be a minimum of £106,646,760.

But before I talk about what the options are for those Docklands landlords, here’s the weird part of EPC’s. An EPC rating is calculated on the cost of running a property and not the carbon output or energy efficiency, despite its name.

Continued on page 2

Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com

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Continued from page 1 My advice to landlords in Docklands - although it’s correct to create a future strategy, all I can say at this point is ‘more haste less speed’. These rule changes are only a discussion paper, and it remains open for consultation by any member of the British public until 30th December 2021. That means the Government’s strategies and tactics may change.

Given that 57% of private rented properties are below a ‘C’ EPC grade, it is hard to believe the Government could achieve this without making big cash grants available.

For example, there is presently a cap of £3,500 for energy improvements that Docklands landlords have to spend to get it to the existing EPC ‘E’ target grade on private rented homes (i.e. if you have a privately rented home at an ‘F’ or ‘G’ EPC rating, you only need to spend a maximum of £3,500 as a landlord on improving your EPC rating and still being legal even if those £3,500 don’t get you to the current ‘E’ rating minimum). So, if the current rules allow an exemption to the EPC renting rules, if a Docklands landlord can’t improve their Docklands property enough, conceivably, could this be extended?

So, what are Docklands landlord’s options?

One thing you could do is put your head in the sand and hope it all goes away!

Another thing some savvy Docklands landlords do (be they my client, clients of other letting agents in Docklands or even selfmanaging landlords) is to sit down and plan a strategy for their Docklands rental portfolio. I print off all the EPCs of their rental portfolio, look at the recommendations, then discuss a plan to ensure they are covered whatever the Government decides to make the new EPC rules. Like all things in life, plan for the worse and hope for the best.

If your agent isn’t offering that service, please drop me a line because I would hate for you to miss out on the advice and opinion that so many Docklands landlords have already had from me. The choice is yours.s.

One place for more information is my Docklands Property Market blog. If you are a landlord or thinking of becoming one for the first time, and you want to read more articles like this about the Docklands property market together with regular postings on what I consider the best buy to let deals in the Docklands area, then it is well worth reading. You can also email via spencer@lmlondon.com If you are in the area feel free to pop into the office which is based at Landmark Estates, 264 Westferry Road, London, E14 3AG

Docklands people’s addiction to their spare bedrooms?

The Housing Minister, Chris Pincher, has suggested older homeowners are “rattling around” in their homes as they are too big for them. He implied they are selfish and should sell up and move to a retirement home when he spoke to a committee in the House of Lords. He stated that many British homes are “underoccupied” and could be better used by younger families with children.

He went on to say that the Government will aim to persuade UK housebuilders to build more developments suitable for OAPs, freeing up space in their existing homes, which in turn would open up more homes for first and second-time buyers.

So why is this an issue?

The fundamental problem of the Docklands housing ‘crisis’, is the point that the supply of Docklands homes has not...

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Wharf Life Jan 5-19, 2022 wharf-life.com