Our monthly property market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future.
CAPITAL VALUES INCREASE ACROSS THE UK
The latest monthly report from CBRE, the commercial property and real estate services adviser, shows that, despite the announcement in April of a snap general election, capital values across the UK’s commercial property market increased 0.4% in May. Central London office space helped elevate the national average. The office sector saw capital values increase by 0.6% on average in May. This can be mainly attributed to the rise in values of West End and Mid Town offices, where capital values increased 1.1%, month on month.
However, London City office rental values saw marginal falls of 0.1% for the second consecutive month, whilst office space outside the M25 footprint managed to improve the national average rental value growth by 0.3%.
‘PROPTECH’ COMPANIES CHALLENGE THE ESTABLISHMENT
A recent Ipsos Mori poll showed that 24% of the general public distrust estate agents. There’s a suggestion that the distrust of residential estate agents has spread to include commercial agents as well. Most of this discontent was aimed at perceived poor service delivery, high fees and a general lack of communication.
As a result of this overwhelming dissatisfaction, a new genre of ‘PropTech’ start-ups has appeared on the scene, with a mandate to cut out the traditional middleman. The usual 10 to 15-year leases offered by most existing commercial property agents do not suit new start-up businesses who choose to be more nimble in their property requirements. The proliferation of start-ups over the last decade has boosted demand for this type of flexible property arrangement. These companies often have to transform their entire business plan frequently as expansion occurs. For example, American file hosting service Dropbox, during early growth, increased its staff from three to 140. With no time to enter lengthy lease negotiations, the company were able to lease, at short notice, extra room in the same office. The era of flexible working space is upon us.
WHAT THE ELECTION RESULT MAY MEAN FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Commercial property information provider Co Star, has sought to gauge an initial response from property industry experts following the election result. There is speculation that a softer Brexit could have beneficial implications for UK commercial property. Weaker sterling can also be beneficial for the sector as overseas investors use the opportunity to acquire property on the weaker pound.
Chris Ireland, CEO at JLL commented: “Sectors with long-term structural support, such as Logistics and Alternatives, will remain strong. If the pound remains weak, Retail and Hotels will benefit – alongside UK manufacturing…the UK offers significant opportunities for medium and long-term investors.”
James Roberts, Chief Economist at Knight Frank, said: “In light of the current momentum in the investment market and relative attractions of the UK, plus the likelihood of weakening currency, we do not expect this result to have a negative impact on overseas investment to the United Kingdom and believe that occupational markets will remain resilient”.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.