London's prime market is stabilising: Knight Frank
The prime London property market appears to be stabilising after a period of deflation, according to research by consultants Knight Frank. The report found that development land values in central London were down by just 2.5% on the year, compared to a decline of 10.3% at the same time last year. The figures suggest the trend will continue, though analysts warn that the market is still experiencing uncertainty, and will require experienced investors who understand how to extract value from it.

The average value of English greenfield development land was unchanged in Q3, according to the latest research from Knight Frank. The value of prime central London development land also stayed the same. Urban brownfield site values slipped slightly over the quarter, but on an annual basis are still outperforming.

English greenfield land values were up 1.1% year-on-year in Q3, the second consecutive quarter they have been in positive territory after two years’ of modest declines in pricing. There is now a steadier supply of greenfield development land in many parts of the market. This is likely to keep pricing level overall in the coming year, although there is still potential for outperformance in some areas where sites are oven-ready and have access to good infrastructure.

In urban areas, the continued price growth in the urban brownfield land index reflects continued demand in these markets. While this sustained demand will likely continue to underpin pricing, average land values remained broadly flat in Q3, suggesting that pricing in some urban markets may have found its equilibrium.

In prime central London, the decline in development land values shows continued signs of abating, with values down just 2.5% on the year, compared to a 10.3% decline seen in Q3 last year.

In general, the prime central London land market is showing signs of stabilising after a period of deflation and this trend is expected to continue over the next 12 months.

Ian Marris, Joint Head of Residential Development, said, “The liquidity in the land market is low as sentiment is nervous; however, for the brave there is value to be found. Deals are price sensitive and risk needs to be appropriately analysed and understood.”

There are challenges for developers trying to secure debt and equity funding, and development economics must also account for the fact that there is, so far, little sign of any significant softening in construction costs. The weaker pound is boosting import prices, while the lack of resource in the labour market is also a key consideration for developers currently active in the market.

“This is a market for the experienced who know and understand how to extract value in uncertain times. That said, we believe there is opportunity for investors who will be building out into a market, which, over the next few years, looks to be extremely limited in respect of new supply,” Marris added.

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