Gazumping returns in competitive London market
May saw the London property market looking up and gazumping return due to lack of supply in one price bracket

The prime property market in London recorded positive growth for £1m+ prices in May for the second month running, according to Knight Frank. Prices rose by 1.6%, four times the growth rate of April with the recovery led by the sub-£1m+ sector, while the slowest sector to recover has in fact been the £10m+ sector which price growth of just 0.8%.
The strongest performing locations are Mayfair and Marylebone says the agent, where prices have risen by 2.9% and 2.7% respectively.
Liam Bailey, Head of Residential Research at Knight Frank, said: ‘There has been a steadily improving picture in the central London market in recent months with buyers growing in number and deals beginning to shift upwards although the market is unrecognisable from where it was six months ago.
For more news stories like this every week subscribe and save
‘The majority of the sales are in the £1m to £3m price range, and are two bedroom flats to medium sixed family houses with buyers seeking quality – on the best streets, upper floor flats rather than basements, and so on.
Supply is still thin, Knight Frank has noted, and is particularly so in the £1m - £2m range which is frustrating would be buyers, and has led to the return of gazumping, with the sealed bid system in use for the first time in 18 months.
* More news on the property market and house prices
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.
-
Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 pictures
Plus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated