Finding Perfect Property - Diary of a Buying Agent
By Black Brick Property Solutions
Since 2007, Black Brick has helped more than 500 people buy more than £1 billion worth of property and we will be sharing our insights into how to buy the right property, whether you are a first time buyer, a family home hunter, or an investor. This is your chance to hear what experts at the very top of their fields, with their fingers firmly the pulse of all things property, think about today’s market.
Finding Perfect Property - Diary of a Buying AgentDec 06, 2022
Gardens That Inspire: A Conversation with Randle Siddeley
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Randle Siddeley, The Lord Kenilworth, a visionary landscape architect and founder of a renowned design business bearing his name. With a career spanning over four decades, Randle Siddeley has left an indelible mark on the world of landscape architecture, crafting breathtaking gardens and installations for esteemed private clients and iconic public spaces. In this episode, we explore the evolution of his work, the enduring passion that drives him, and the influential figures who have shaped his extraordinary body of work.
Love, Property, and Legal Affairs: Navigating the Maze of Matrimonial Law with Melissa Lesson.
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
Join us for an insightful conversation with Melissa Lesson, barrister and Partner at Mishcon de Reya as we delve into the intricate world of divorce and property division.
In this episode, Melissa shares her journey in becoming a matrimonial lawyer and discusses common misconceptions about divorce and matrimonial law. We explore the complexities that arise when significant property and asset holdings are involved in the divorce process in multiple jurisdictions, and gain valuable insights on legal considerations, strategies, and emerging trends in this field. Whether you're navigating a divorce with property investments or simply interested in understanding the intersection of love, property, and legal affairs, this episode is a must-listen."
Taxing Times: Decoding the Impact of a Labour Win on London's Residential Property Market in 2024
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Happy new Year! We are delighted to be in our 2nd year of hosting Finding Perfect Property and what better way to start the new year than with a topic which everyone loves to hate – tax. Camilla chats to Nimesh Shah, CEO of Blick Rothenburg, a leading tax, accounting, and business advisory firm, and “stamp duty guru” Sean Randall, a tax partner at Blick Rothenberg with 20 years’ “Big Four” stamp duty experience.
With a general election looming this year, we couldn’t think of a better tax power duo to discuss how a Labour win may affect the super prime London property market.
Secure Living: Insights from Knight Protection's COO
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In our 14th episode, host Camilla Dell chats to Charlie Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at Knight Protection, specialists in protecting Private Clients in their homes, their place of work and while travelling. They are recognised as being among the top 5% of security firms in the UK and operate at the very highest level — from the qualifications of their officers and the stringent vetting that ensures that the best staff are deployed, to the latest technology-based security solutions.
In a world where private clients are more security conscious than ever before, this episode is packed with useful information on how to secure your home, now and in the future.
Adding Value to Your Home Through Exceptional Interior Design: Advice from Manuela Hamilford
In our thirteenth episode, host Camilla Dell chats to interior designer Manuela Hamilford founder of Hamilford Design. Founded in 2000, Hamilford Design is a luxury interior design studio based in Notting Hill. Manuela and her team cover all aspects of interior design, with projects spanning from listed residences in London, to townhouses in New York and retreats in the Hamptons, to prestigious country estates and hotels across Europe. Manuela shares her insights into how good design can really influence the saleability of a property, the latest trends influencing design in people’s homes and her top tips on what to consider if you are about to embark on a property project.
Mastering the Art of Collecting: A Conversation with Georgina Cohen
In our twelfth episode, host Camilla Dell chats to art aficionado, curator and Director at Gagosian, Georgina Cohen. Georgina advises clients globally and has helped private clients to collect some of the world's most desirable art. With a career that spans two decades of not only consultancy but also curation, Georgina has played a pivotal role in championing artists like Mary McCartney, Annie Morris and Joel Mesler. Join us as we embark on a journey through Georgina's remarkable career, gaining valuable insights into the world of art consultancy. From the secrets of building a compelling art collection to the transformative power of great art in property, we're in for an enlightening conversation. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just about to embark on your first purchase, get ready to be inspired. This is an episode not to be missed!
Survey Savvy: The vital role of Property Surveys with Peter Bird
In our eleventh episode, host Camilla Dell chats to Peter Bird, co-founder of Bird Charles Chartered Surveyors and Valuers about the importance of getting a survey before buying a property.
A Decade of Deals: Celebrating 10 Years of Real Estate with MTG
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In our tenth episode, hosts Camilla Dell and Caspar Harvard-Walls speak to Sarah Conway, partner and Head of Real Estate at private client law firm Maurice Turnor Gardner (MTG) and Edward Burton, partner within the real estate team at MTG. Sarah and Edward established the real estate practice within MTG 10 years ago. Prior to joining MTG, they both worked at Allen and Overy LLP specialising in both high value residential and commercial transactions. Over the last 10 years they have grown the real estate practice within MTG into one of London’s leading 'go-to' law firms for London’s super prime buyers, agents and advisors and we are delighted that they are able to join us as our special guests for our tenth episode.
Prime Pursuits: Behind the Scenes of London’s Super Prime Property Development with Jon O’Brien, Domvs London
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
In our ninth episode, host Camilla Dell is speaking to super prime luxury property developer, Jon O’Brien Founder of Domvs London. Jon established Domvs in 2002 and has created some of the most prestigious Ultra-Prime homes in the world. From LA to London, Domvs London crafts bespoke turnkey residences for some of the world’s most discerning clientele, with an uncompromising commitment to ‘best in class’ design, innovation, and quality. With a new project on the horizon, Camilla and Jon discuss his latest super prime development on Avenue Road, one of London’s most prestigious addresses and how the super-rich are now looking for much more than just a 'fancy address'.
From Tier One to Today with Nick Rollason: Understanding UK Immigration
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In our eighth episode, host Camilla Dell will be speaking to Nicolas Rollason, Partner and Head of the Immigration Department at Kingsley Napley. Nick has over 25 years’ experience advising on all areas of UK immigration and nationality law, and has particular expertise in providing strategic advice to businesses on their global immigration needs. He has been described by Chambers HNW Guide as, "One the best immigration advisers in London. He takes an interesting approach to problems and is creative in finding solutions." With the recent closure of the UK’s Tier One Investor visa programme, we take a deep dive into what led to the closure of the programme and what options are left for high net worth individuals wanting to make the UK their home.
Property Tax 101 with BDO’s Ben Handley
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
In our seventh episode, host Camilla Dell will be speaking to Ben Handley, Tax Partner of BDO, one of the world’s largest accounting and consultancy firms. Ben has over 20 years’ experience helping clients navigate the tax implications of purchasing UK property. Taking tax advice before purchasing a residential property in the UK is crucial, as it can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that you are fully informed about the financial implications of your purchase. The UK has a complex system of taxes that can impact real estate transactions, including stamp duty land tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. By consulting with a tax expert, you can better understand how these taxes may apply to your specific situation and make more informed decisions about your purchase. In addition, seeking tax advice can also help you identify any tax planning opportunities that may be available to you, allowing you to potentially minimize your tax liability and maximize the benefits of your property investment.
Renovate, Refurbish, Restore – the inside track to getting it right
In our sixth episode, host Camilla Dell will be speaking to Sandy Mitchell, Founding Director of Red Book Agency. Red Book is the go-to agency for clients embarking on a new property project. Whether you need interior designers, architects, builders, technical advice—or a full project team—they give you immediate access to the proven best and carefully align you with the ideal talent.
Sandy has launched over 250 significant projects in London and the Home Counties, including his own derelict Grade II listed 13th Century manor house in West Berkshire which he restored as the family home in 2003. This experience gave Sandy inspiration to launch Red Book.
With the cost of works significantly rising, not to mention the red tape involved there are many pitfalls’ clients can fall into and taking advice has never been more important. Sandy shares is insights including what he wished he’d known before embarking on his own project back in 2003!
A Special Relationship; the lure of the UK from across the pond
With the pound at historic lows, are we about to see a deluge of US buyers coming to the UK? Is the relationship still as special as it once was or do they think we’ve all gone mad post Brexit? In this episode (recorded pre budget and pre Liz Truss) host Camilla Dell chats to Robert Paul, Partner at London & Capital. Robert is Head of the US Family office where he manages a team of 31 professionals managing $2 billion of client assets. He is widely considered to be one of the leading experts in advising US-connected families, individuals and Trusts on the management of their international wealth. As a result, he is regularly asked to speak on the challenges of managing money within the complex tax regime of the US. Robert specialises in advising on the structure, asset allocation and coordination of international wealth, which has him perfectly positioned for this episode.
Back to School
In our fourth episode, host Camilla Dell will be speaking to Richard Northey, Managing Director of The Education Consultancy, one of the UK’s leading education consultancy companies. With over 15 years’ experience, Richard has worked with parents and children from embryo to 18, seeking the best education opportunities on our shores – but how does this relate to our property market? Does it really cost 121% more to live a stone’s throw from your school of choice? Should you go for a state or private education? Could boarding be the way to go? Is it better to find your home first and then look for a school or vice versa? With so much choice, how do you know what the right choice is for your child? Let’s find out…
Trading currencies - FX and its role when purchasing prime UK property
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
In our third episode, host Camilla Dell speaks to Simon Harvey, Head of FX Analysis at Monex Europe and Daniel Jack, one of Monex Europe’s finest traders. Many overseas buyers of UK property aren’t just looking at the property market. Currency plays a huge role in investment decisions. With sterling set for continued weakness and the global economy on a knife edge, forecasting has become an investor’s necessity. Hear what the experts think about global currency markets, the future of sterling and whether now is the right time to enter the UK property market.
Hot Off The Press!
Welcome back to Finding Perfect Property – Diary of a Buying Agent!
In our second episode, host Camilla Dell will be speaking to property journalist extraordinaire, and ‘legend of The Times’, Anne Ashworth. Having graced our screens, print publications and radio for over 30 years, Anne’s experience in the London property sector is second to none, expertly delving into all things prime property and investment.
Financing Your New Home
In our first, inaugural episode, we’ll be talking all things property finance, one of the most critical factors buyers need to be able to buy property successfully. Camilla Dell will be talking to Katherine O’Shea, Director of Strategic Solutions at Coutts about the vital thing’s buyers need to know before buying – and mostly importantly, what buyers can expect in the current market.