Here’s a glimpse into the diverse events happening in the city that promise to make this weekend truly special.

Torstig Bar

Date: Various Dates
Location: Hoxton
Website: London — torstig

Escape to a Nordic oasis at Torstig Bar, the official bar of dry January 2024. With its Scandinavian-inspired setting, Torstig Bar is London’s first alcohol free bar. Serving the finest alcohol free cocktails, beers and wines, you will rethink everything you know about non-alcoholic drinks, everything served is 0.5% ABV and less. They are are a late night alcohol free venue that challenges perceptions and redefines London nightlife. 

Labyrinth Movie Night

Date: 6th Jan
Location: The Grand, Clapham Junction, St. John’s Hill
Website: London — torstig

Experience the magic of Labyrinth at Clapham Grand’s Movie Night. This iconic venue transforms into a cinematic wonderland, paying homage to the cult classic starring David Bowie. Gather with fellow movie enthusiasts to relive the enchanting journey of Sarah as she navigates the labyrinth in a quest to rescue her baby brother. There will be a dance Magic Dance-Off, prizes for the best fancy dress in the Goblin King Costume Parade, free Star Man make up Make Overs, themed cocktails and the evening will end with a disco full of Bowie classics and other 70s & 80s bangers! With a lively atmosphere and the grandeur of Clapham Grand, this movie night promises to be a nostalgic and entertaining escape into the world of fantasy.

Silverberry

Date: Mon – Sat : 7am – 6pm  Sunday : 8am – 6pm
Location: Pond Street, Hampstead
Website: Silverberry Hampstead | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Coffee

Indulge in the delights of Silverberry Deli. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty portion of shakshuka or are craving a slice of homemade basque cheesecake Silverberry Deli will not fail to impress. Located in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger or indulge your sweet tooth.

The Mill House Cafe

Date: Various Dates
Location: Mill Lane, West Hampstead
Website: Mill House Cafe

Escape to a riverside retreat at The Mill House Cafe. Nestled along the water’s edge, this charming cafe offers a tranquil setting to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal. With picturesque views and a menu featuring a variety of delectable dishes, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful riverside escape. Whether you’re sipping on coffee or indulging in a hearty meal, The Mill House Cafe provides a serene backdrop for a relaxing weekend outing.

Oliver’s Village Cafe

Date: Various Dates
Location: Belsize Lane
Website: oliversvillagecafe

Immerse yourself in the quaint charm of Oliver’s Village Cafe. Located in a picturesque setting, this cafe invites you to step into a world of cosiness and warmth. With its welcoming ambience and a menu filled with comfort food and artisanal delights, Oliver’s Village Cafe offers a delightful escape from the urban hustle. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.

London promises a weekend filled with joy, relaxation, and cultural richness. So, gather your friends, explore these unique destinations, and make the most of the enchanting offerings London has to offer. Happy weekend adventuring!

Is decluttering your home one of your New Year’s resolutions? We’ve all heard the saying “cluttered house, cluttered mind.” Clutter can make your home look and feel smaller so it is no surprise that cluttered homes take longer to sell and tend to sell for a lower price than clutter free homes. Not only that, but clutter can also affect your cognitive abilities as you will be subconsciously trying to remember where all of your stuff is.

Decluttering can therefore not only improve your living space but can also remove a weight from your mind.

If you have decided that now is a good time to declutter but are not sure where to start then read on for our top five decluttering tips.

Ask for help

Tough jobs are much easier to do if you have help so ask a friend or family member to spend a day with you helping you to declutter and sort your belongings.

The One-Year Rule

If something hasn’t been used for at least a year then you probably do not need it. You then need to decide whether you would like to keep it for sentimental reasons, or if it should go in the bin or be donated to a charity shop.

Keep, Rubbish, Donate

Label three boxes with keep, rubbish, and donate. Then pick up an item and decide which one of the boxes it should go in. Do this with every item in the room but bear in mind as you do it that once the keep box is full you will need to put everything else into either the rubbish or donate boxes.

Throw away things that are broken

If after a week you haven’t fixed something that is broken then you are unlikely to. You also probably don’t need it if you haven’t bothered to fix it.

One thing in, one thing out

This simple rule will prevent you from allowing clutter to build up again after you have decluttered. Every time you bring something new into your home you must get rid of one thing.

If sorting out your clutter seems too overwhelming at the moment renting a storage unit and putting your excess belongings in it until you are ready to sort through them is a better plan than leaving them laying around filling up your space and making it harder for you to find things.

Every time keeping your house clutter-free starts to seem hard just remind yourself that clutter-free homes are easier to keep clean, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety and they also tend to sell faster and for a higher price!

We are always happy to give you advice on things that you can do to make your property in Hampstead more attractive to potential buyers. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 7759 2199 and we will be delighted to give you our professional advice!

With 2024 ready to burst onto the stage, here are some wonderful ways to spend Twixtmas and New Year’s Eve in London.

The Witches at The National Theatre

Date: Until 27th January
Location: National Theatre, South Bank
Website: The Witches

A musical adventure based on Roald Dahl’s 1983 novel of the same name in which the truth about witches is outed. The most evil creatures on earth are plotting their next terrifying next moves. Luke and his Gran are the only people that can stop them, but he’s just 10 and she’s not in fine fettle. Full of daring do, wit, bravery and heart, this is a production the whole family will enjoy.

Pop-up Concert

Date: 30th December
Location: Holborn
Website: Sofar Sounds

The exact location will only be announced about 36 hours before the event. This will be a one-of-a-kind event in a hidden gem of London. Bring blankets and cushions to make a comfortable floor nest for enjoying the evening. 

House, Disco, Funk and Beyond for New Year’s Eve

Date: 31st December til 2am
Location: Kentish Town
Website: The Parakeet

The tables are being moved away and a party’s being thrown! DJs Russ Ryan (Near Mint Club) and Sam Smith are in charge of the music. Two floors of fun and funk, disco, house and more, to bring in the new year from 9pm.

Studio 54-themed New Year’s Eve Party

Date: 31st December til 4am
Location: Dolce Kensington Club London
Website: Dolce Kensington

A Studio 54-themed night in Chelsea’s new number one VIP club. Commercial R&B, hip hop, and house music from 10pm til 4am. Arrivals before 11pm will receive a complimentary Prosecco and canapes ready for the indoor show. This promises to be a spectacular night!

From live theatre to Studio 54 glamour throwbacks, there is something for everyone. This is what makes London such a fantastic place to celebrate life, everyday, and especially when bringing in the new year. Whether you’re out and about, with friends, family, or just enjoying the peace that only being at home can bring, happy new year from us all at Vita Properties.

No-one wants their property to linger on the market. Not only does it delay when you can move to your new home but when properties take longer than average to sell it also affects their value, meaning you will not receive the best possible price for your property.

When a property has been on the market for a long time, many potential buyers assume there must be a serious problem with it. It’s only human to be put off of something that other people don’t like. When a property has been on the market for a longer period of time, many buyers feel that those buyers, who saw it but weren’t interested, must know something about the property that they don’t, and so many don’t even choose to go and see it.

Estate agents consider a listing to be ‘stale’ after 90 days. So what can you do if your property isn’t selling?

Good Neighbours

Sometimes the state of your neighbours’ properties can put potential buyers off. Make sure that you are diplomatic when discussing your concerns with your neighbours. Polite communication and collaboration can help to enhance your property’s kerb appeal and create a positive impression.

Parking Problems

Struggling to find a place to park can put viewers off. Eliminate this problem by either leaving your driveway free or by enlisting your neighbours’ help to ensure that there is a free space near your property whenever you have a viewing.

Timing is Important

Try to book viewings during daylight hours so that your property benefits from being bathed in flattering, natural light. Avoiding bin day and rush hour also ensures that your neighbourhood will be looking its best.

Create Competition

Booking two viewings next to each other creates a subconscious feeling of competition between the potential buyers and human nature means we always want what someone else has.

Price Properly

Zoopla conducted research on the effect of the initial price properties were listed for on their final sale price. They discovered that properties that were overpriced can take on average two months longer to sell than properties that start with a realistic sale price.

One of the key filters on property websites is price, so if your property is overpriced, fewer people are going to see it and those that do will be comparing it, likely unfavourably, to others in that price bracket.

Inevitably, you will have to lower your price as your property remains unsold. Buyers, however, are always more interested in seeing properties that are new to the market, as they believe that there must be something wrong with properties that have been on the market for a while.

Update your Listing

Ensure that your photos don’t date your listing. If they were taken in the summer consider asking your estate agent to retake them in order to ensure that they reflect the current season so your listing doesn’t look stale.

Share Interesting Details

Potential buyers often like to hear about the history of their potential future home so feel free to share any interesting stories that you have. Highlighting positive aspects of the neighbourhood can also help to create a positive, lasting impression.

Targeted Interactions

Ask your estate agent to gather information about potential buyers so that they can tailor the focus of their viewings accordingly.

Choose your Estate Agent Carefully

Choosing the right estate agent is the most important decision you will make when selling your property. The estate agent you choose will affect how long it takes to sell your property, how much your property will sell for and how smoothly the sale goes.

If you would like to know what we do to help ensure that the properties we sell in Hampstead do not linger on the market please give us a call on 020 7759 2199  or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk. 

Tenants decide to give notice for lots of reasons, many of which may have nothing to do with the property or their landlord. However, there are preventable factors that can lead to tenants handing in their notice.

Rent

Annual rent increases can exceed what a tenant is willing or able to pay. Ensure that any rent adjustments align with local market rates. Sometimes, avoiding a rental void while searching for a new tenant can be more financially beneficial than increasing rent.

Upsizing

Tenants may need to move to a larger property because their family is growing or due to other circumstances. While the size of your property can’t magically change, if you have a larger rental property available and you have good tenants then it can be worth mentioning the option to move into your larger rental property if you sense they are outgrowing their current home.

Neighbours

If your tenants are having problems with their neighbours then acting as a mediator can help to resolve disputes. Listen to both sides, and if necessary, discuss the issue with their landlord or involve the local council for severe problems like noise disturbances or anti-social behaviour.

Maintenance

Not fixing maintenance problems promptly or ignoring maintenance issues that tenants have reported can strain the landlord-tenant relationship. Resolve problems promptly to avoid losing good tenants. Regular inspections help identify issues early. If distance or time constraints are an issue, consider hiring a letting agent to manage your property for you.

Buying

If your tenants plan to buy a home, unless they are interested in purchasing your property, it’s a situation beyond your control. Wish them well and ask if they have friends in need of a rental property.

By proactively addressing the issues listed above, landlords can minimise tenant turnover and rental voids, creating a positive experience for both parties. We handle all aspects of property management. If you would to know how we can help you to manage your property in Hampstead please give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk. 

London is gearing up for a weekend filled with festive enchantment, theatrical wonders, musical delights, and a sing-along celebration. Here’s a glimpse into the captivating events that promise to make this weekend truly special.

Christmas Ice Discos

Date: 21st Dec to 12th Jan
Location: Alexandra Palace
Website: Christmas Ice Discos

Lace-up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Alexandra Palace’s Christmas Ice Discos. This iconic venue transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting both novice skaters and seasoned pros to revel in the joy of ice skating. With twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere, the ice discos promise a unique blend of fun and festive cheer. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skating skills or simply enjoy the icy ambiance surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Alexandra Palace.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

Date: 21st Dec to 12th Jan
Location: Highgate Village, North London
Website: Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Upstairs at the Gatehouse is an award-winning Off West End theatre in Highgate, North London that offers intimate performances in a cosy setting. This weekend, the theatre presents a captivating show, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’.  Charlie Brown is five years old and trying his best. But things just don’t seem to go his way: his kite won’t fly, the Little Red-Haired Girl won’t look at him, and he’s not even sure his dog Snoopy likes him all that much! This delightful show urges us to find happiness in the everyday and serves as a reminder that we’re all just grown-up children trying our best to figure it out.

A Very Relaxed Christmas Come-and-Sing

Date: 22nd Dec
Location: Holy Trinity Church, Granville Road
Website: A very relaxed Christmas Come and Sing

Join in the festive merriment at “A Very Relaxed Christmas Come-and-Sing”. Hosted in Highgate, this community sing-along provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of singing ability, to join together in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Eily, the host and Andrew, the organist will take you through a crimbo catalogue of family favourites! With Christmas carols and cheerful tunes, it’s a heartwarming way to embrace the festive spirit and share musical joy with friends and neighbours.

Daria Kulesh & Marina Osman (Firebirds)

Date: 21st Dec
Location: Aces & Eights, Tufnell Park
Website: Daria Kulesh & Marina Osman (Firebirds)

This musical event promises a journey through diverse sounds and cultural influences. Daria’s exciting collaboration with the extraordinary Belarusian pianist Marina Osman (Folking Awards Musician of the Year 2019) offers a fantastic variety for every listener, ingeniously mixing languages, stories and musical styles from folk to classical, with a helping of jazz. Hosted by Folk and Roots, this event is a testament to the rich tapestry of musical expression found in London’s vibrant cultural scene.

Whether you’re twirling on the ice at Alexandra Palace, enjoying an intimate theatre performance at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, joining a festive sing-along in Highgate, or enjoying a musical journey, the city offers a diverse range of events to suit every taste. So, gather your friends, embrace the weekend spirit, and indulge in the cultural richness that London has to offer. Happy weekend exploring!

I think it’s fair to say that 2023 has been a rollercoaster year for everybody, as mortgage rates hit the highest we’ve ever seen since their record low, alongside a cost of living crisis. However, despite a tough year, the property industry has remained resilient. Of course, sales transactions and house prices have dropped slightly, but it’s not as extreme as what was predicted. And as the end of the year fast approaches, mortgage rates have started to slowly come down, which is an encouraging sign for potential buyers next year. Whilst it’s hard to predict what will happen in 2024, I believe that the market will continue to stabilise and maybe even improve going by the way activity has been for us in the last two weeks alone!

Here are some of our key highlights at Vita Properties this year…

SALES MARKET

At the beginning of the year, property transactions understandably slowed down, but from May, they seemed to increase considerably for us as confidence started to return to the market. In fact, in the last two weeks alone, we have had several offers accepted on our homes for sale. Overall, we have had a great year of sales for our vendors at Vita Properties, selling 25% more homes and buy-to-let investments when compared to this time last year. Hampstead, West & South Hampstead and St Johns Wood as ever continue to attract families due to the variety of schools and international schools on their doorstep. We are also working with more cash buyers who have realised that they are in a better buying position purchasing this way – both in terms of affordability and having an offer accepted. Many of our vendors have been prioritising cash buyers over those relying on a mortgage. This is because they are deemed less of a risk for pulling out of the sale.

Our Top 3 Sales

 Sold in 2 days over the asking price – St Johns Wood

This five-bedroom house in St Johns Wood was for sale at £3million. Being a good quality family home in a sought-after position, the house attracted a number of buyers, which led to competitive bidding and subsequently selling just two days post launch at 3.3% over the asking price. The buyer was a London based family who had spent the last three years trying to find the right home for them. They loved this house due to its position, being south facing and having off street parking.  View the property here.

Sold via a video call – Golders Green

This brand new semi-detached, five bedroom home is arranged over three floors and set behind its own gated drive. Designed by the renowned architectural firm XU with high quality materials and finishes throughout, a B EPC-rating and being seconds to Golders Green park and Tube Station, it had a lot to offer. The buyer was moving from Germany but was unable to travel. During the pandemic, like with many other estate agents, we embraced virtual tours and it’s something that we have continued to offer buyers, so we did various video calls with her and sold it sight unseen within 24 hours of the listing going live. View the property here.

Sold for a client we have worked with for 20 years – Buckingham Mansions

I have worked with the owner of this apartment in the BAM Estate for a long time, having let it out for them over the last twenty years. Earlier this year they decided it was time to sell. After making a few phone calls, we sold it for the asking price of £1.7million within three weeks of launch, to a couple who were moving from Marylebone.  View the property here.

LETTINGS MARKET

The lettings market has boomed in Hampstead, West & South Hampstead and St Johns Wood throughout 2023, fuelled by families, professionals and overseas students. The higher mortgage rates have also been boosting tenant demand as home ownership became more expensive. When looking at our new registered tenants across 2023, there has been a noticeable uptick – almost double. This has meant most of our rentals let within a week with budgets ranging from £500-£10,000 per week. In many cases this year, tenant demand was so competitive that they were over bidding, offering to pay six-twelve months rent in advance and even renting sight unseen in order to secure a home. This strong demand has put upwards pressure on rental prices this year as a result, by around 20%. Homes that let the fastest tend to be turnkey, have off street parking and a spare bedroom or study for working from home.

OUR TOP 3 LETS

Let to a famous footballer at almost £7,000 p/w – The Bishops Avenue

This stunning home on The Bishops Avenue has all the bells and whistles, so we were not surprised that a famous footballer snapped it up at full asking price. At £6,808/week (or £24,500 / month), the house boasts nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, steam room, cinema room and a large beautifully landscaped garden. View the property here.

Let to a world-renowned newspaper – Shoreditch

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Shoreditch and the financial district of the City of London is this stunning three-bedroom penthouse with underfloor heating, gym, treatment room, library lounge, private terrace, two roof gardens and garden lounge. We acquired the penthouse for our client, before putting it on the rental market for over £8,600/month. We let it to a tenant who works for a world-renowned international newspaper. View the property here.

Let at £11k per week after we renovated it for the client – Primrose Hill

As part of our in-house design and refurb service which has become particularly popular with our landlords, we renovated and furnished this semi-detached Victorian villa in the heart of Primrose Hill for a client in order to enhance its rental potential in the short-let market. By doing so, we increased its rental value by 40% per annum. We let it quickly at £11,000 per week to the Director of a blue-chip company in the music industry. View the property here.

COMPANY NEWS

We added to our team this year, with the addition of Saira Ishfaq, Phoebe Knight, Chloe Tucker and Nouri Alexander, bringing our total team to eight. We have also invested in new marketing tools and state-of-the-art technologies, including a PR with Lucy Tinkler PR (https://www.lucytpr.com/about-me and who promote our homes in national and London media, a video production company Dreamweaver Group (https://www.wearedreamweaver.com)  and AI to improve and enhance the business. Our new broker model has also proved very successful and I look forward to rolling this out officially next year, along with news of another office and other additions to the team. So watch this space!

AND FINALLY…. MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Vita Properties. We look forward to working with you and meeting all your property needs next year.

Oliver