Best house sales since May 2007
House sales achieved by one agency across London and the south of the UK in March were at their highest level since May 2007


The number of properties sold by Hamptons International across London and the south of the UK in March 2010 was at their highest since May 2007. The average sale price achieved for properties in London up 16 per cent on March 2009, with some property values exceeding peak market levels of July 2007.
Marc Goldberg, head of Sales at Hamptons International says: 'March 2010 has been a bumper month for property sales at Hamptons and we are confident that the strong start to the year is pointing to good trading months ahead.
'A decrease in properties fuelled an increase in prices in the first quarter of the year, particularly in London. However, stock levels are now beginning to improve across the board. Hamptons has taken on 22 per cent more instructions in March 2010 than the previous year, which will no doubt have the impact of reducing inflationary pressure on prices bringing stability for the remainder of 2010.'
The agency cites low interest rates, a strong stock and City bonuses as reasons for fuelling the market. Crucially, however, for London has been the weak position of the pound attracting a high number of overseas buyers to the UK residential market.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle
-
'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The Season
Here's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
By Madeleine Silver