Fine food still motivates London home movers
There’s nothing quite like the results of a freshly-conducted survey to get the London property market talking and here at Behr & Butchoff, the team have been pouring over detai…
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Married to your mortgage?
For most of us, buying a property is the most expensive purchase we’ll ever make and only made possible thanks to a mortgage. The repayment term of 25 years has been the borrowing standa…
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London house interest supercharged by the ‘race for space’
You’d be forgiven for thinking London was exclusively the land of the smart apartment. Yes, there are some wonderfully luxurious new penthouses on our patch (take a look at Marylebone Sq…
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5 tips for an on-trend 1970s interior design
As we step into September and prepare to welcome autumn, many home interiors also get ready to shift into a new season. After the wispy, weightlessness of summer (if you can call the past two …
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Thinking Christmas in a new home? Think ‘sell now’
Let’s talk about the C word. No, not Covid for a change but Christmas. We may still be eking out the warmer months and keeping everything crossed for an Indian summer but in the property…
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8 ideas to ensure your bathroom delights buyers
Bathrooms are one of the most underrated rooms in a property – used by the entire household, a place to escape, soak and destress, and real deal breakers when it comes to potential buyer…
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London affordability reaches a six-year high
When you think about the most expensive UK cities in which to buy a property, you’d be forgiven for instantly thinking that London would be in the top three – if not the most expen…
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No eco credentials, no mortgage?
There are many reasons why a property may be unmortgageable – usually because it is of an unusual or non-standard construction, it has structural issues or if it’s in a derelict st…
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Where were The Beatles walking to?
It was 52 years ago this summer that one of the world’s most famous – and recognizable – photographs was taken, right here in St John’s Wood. After grappling for ideas …
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Apartments to houses: trading up in the capital
A good read recently was an article in the Evening Standard’s Homes & Property supplement, where the journalist had gathered together evidence to support the idea that the super rich…
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London gardens trends for summer 2021
We don’t need to repeat the importance of gardens and balconies in London, with any kind of outdoor oasis remaining the top of many home moving wish lists - especially as there is still …
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London’s demise? It’s time for some myth busting
‘The report of my death was an exaggeration’ is Mark Twain’s most famous quip and the same could be said of London. As Behr & Butchoff has written about recently, the cou…
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Hot property: 5 steps for a successful summer sale
When The Lovin’ Spoonful sang ‘hot town, summer in the city’, we very much doubt they had property buying and selling in mind. With the holiday months ahead of us, however, t…
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All change: the 3 new ways to add post pandemic property value
We may hear you groan ‘not another blog on how to add value to your property’ but 2021 is an excellent time to re-examine what facets and features can increase the value of a home …
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Interior update: on-trend textures
While a home has to look good to the eye, interior design is not just about aesthetics. Texture can be one of the most alluring facets of any room, drawing people in and inviting them to engag…
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London: the luxury that never goes out of fashion
Whether your idea of luxury property is a period dwelling, complete with ornate original features and a Grade II Iisting, or an ultra modern new build with a high-tech spec and views over the …
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Confirmed: the home office is here to stay
What started out as an emergency measure and turned into a year-long fad now looks set to become a permanent fixture on London’s business scene. Working from home – or WFH for shor…
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6 places to try as lockdown lifts
Here at Behr & Butchoff we are thrilled to see people out and about again, with the spring weather and a loosening lockdown breathing new life into the St John’s Wood community. Fina…
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Flat out…the return of the apartment
Spring is in the air and also back in the step of buyers who are looking for a base in the capital city. After 12 months of turbulence that has seen the city enter a forced hibernation, the re…
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The Rishi effect
The current Chancellor has proved he is one of the most influential figures in modern political history, thanks to his pandemic approach – a first-aid box comprising furlough, loans and …
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Budget benefits felt across the London property market
By the time you read this article, 2021’s Budget announcement will be old news but the lasting impact on the London property market needs recapping. Buyers - both those in t…
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Would you fix your mortgage for four decades?
Did you read that a new mortgage has become available, whereby the borrower can fix in to the same rate of interest for 40 years? Lender Habito has launched the longest fixed-rate product on t…
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Balcony & terrace living in London
Spring is officially here - confirmed by both the meteorological and astronomical calendars - and London residents are itching to feel the sun on their faces once again. As with 2020, extra em…
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FTBs: older, richer & back in London
The property press was a twitter recently with news that two thirds of first-time buyers in Westminster - and half of novice purchasers in Hammersmith & Fulham - were paying more than …
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Purchase your own period drama
Period dramas are back in the TV spotlight thanks to the recent broadcast of Bridgerton – the slightly scandalous drama about London’s high society. The series is the latest in a l…
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Lets with pets: new development
The company and comfort that pets give has really come into its own during recent months. Whether you take your daily exercise by walking a dog or prefer a cat curled up on your lap, a faithfu…
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5 benefits of buying brand new
Welcome to the world of brand new apartments. No other style of property marries immense beauty with eco benefits, exemplary locations with exquisite finishes and luxurious specifications with…
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Buy-to-Let: back for 2021?
Welcome to 2021 and although we start a new year with tighter restrictions, our spirits are lifted as the vaccination programme gathers real pace. As an industry, we have been allowed to stay …
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It all points to a positive 2021 for property
No one needs reminding of what happened in 2020, so let’s gloss over the details and slip into a more seasonal, sanguine frame of mind as we wrap up another 12 months in St. John’s…
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Downsizing: the new rule of three
In the first week of December 2020, The Times ran an article about the new rule of three when it comes to downsizing from a large property to something more bijou. The mantra à la mode re…
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Landlords in London: your next move
As we draw a line under 2020, property investors may be weighing up their next move. In this blog, Behr & Butchoff provides a snapshot of the market for London landlords, giving focus for …
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Upgrading your boiler using the Green Homes Grant
Since the Green Homes Grant was launched in July 2020, more details about the structure of the scheme and the improvements that can be made have been released. Of those on offer, a boiler upgr…
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It’s the green light for London’s garden centres
“We are open”. Never have three little words meant so much, especially if you are living in London and looking for things to do during lockdown. This time around, garden centres ha…
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‘Bookend’ renters drive the rental sector
It is the very young and the more mature home movers who are driving the current rental market, new research suggests. These ‘bookends’ are made up of two distinct groups that coul…
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How to complete quickly before the stamp duty deadline
You may have read in the news that the ‘window of opportunity’ for a zero or reduced stamp duty bill is closing. This ‘window of opportunity’ refers to the optimum buyi…
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Buying, selling & renting in London’s Tier 2 Lockdown
As of 12:01 on Saturday 17th October 2020, London moved into Tier 2 of the Government’s new restrictions. The move has left buyers, sellers, tenants and homeowners scratching their heads…
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Royal street names in London reportedly add £100k of value
Increasing a home’s value isn’t always about extending to add extra bedrooms, kitting the kitchen out with first-class appliances or even creating the best-connected home office. S…
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How to achieve balcony bliss
While property searches indicate that home movers are increasingly looking for homes with outside space, not every wants - or can afford - a house with a garden. Never fear as the balcony is b…
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Paint trends? Beige is back
There are many things that put buyers off purchasing a property and up there among the top reasons is the choice of décor. A new survey in 2020 by themoneypig.com discovered that a garish…
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West Hampstead apartments for sale under £390,000 and stamp-duty free
Behr & Butchoff is pleased to be marketing 6 exceptionally priced one-bedroom apartments and 1 two-bedroom triplex apartment for sale, located in West Hampstead NW6. The 6 apartments are a…
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Sentiment surrounding second homes soars
Whether you have a bolthole on the coast or a bijou pad in the city, having a second home to escape to has always summed up the epitome of style. And if new research by The Guild of Property P…
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Million pound transactions: where, who and for how much?
The sale of properties in London worth a million pounds or more has continued throughout lockdown, despite a myriad of restrictions. To highlight how the city’s prime and super-prime mar…
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The return of the house
London’s apartment scene has been booming for many years, with movers attracted to the low-maintenance lifestyle, security aspects and vantage points, should they choose a residence on a…
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How to appeal to the home worker
In one of our most recent blogs, we revealed the new ‘must have’ moving list and right up there was the home office. While there is a push to get professionals back behind their co…
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Revealed: the new ‘must have’ moving list
Everyone has a ‘must have’ list when they move home but in the light of the pandemic, our priorities have started to change. While it remains important to be within striking distan…
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What’s the story? Music mogul’s former home for sale
A small slice of 1990s Britpop is for sale via Behr & Butchoff, with a beautifully-styled period property along Clifton Hill in St. John’s Wood now for sale on the open market. This …
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London tenants’ new love affair
"Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can affor…
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Stamp duty freeze: will London buyers benefit?
The Chancellor’s stamp duty freeze has led to claims that 90% of buyers in England will not pay any stamp duty at all if they buy between now and March 31st 2021 but what about the remai…
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Marylebone Square: an exciting off-plan opportunity
Behr & Butchoff is delighted to be marketing a magnificent, three-bedroom first floor apartment in Marylebone Square – the highly anticipated luxury new build development that will b…
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For sale: a rare penthouse overlooking Regent’s Park
Behr & Butchoff is delighted to represent an exceptional penthouse apartment atop London House in one of St John’s Wood’s most prestigious locations. This 9th floor property co…
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How to: rent out your own residence
Have you ever heard of rent-to-rent or rent-to-buy? It’s where an owner-occupier rents out their current property in order to facilitate a move. Sometimes property owners rent out thei…
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Wanted: properties with home offices
The way we do business and staff our workplaces is set to change forever. Already some professionals in London are being told to work from home for the rest of the year, while others are set t…
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7 must-have security & safety features in London
Whether you work long hours, are deployed overseas on a regular basis or have a second home you visit often, keeping your London home safe and secure is of paramount importance. There are a n…
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Government lifts Property Market lockdown
As reported by the media, the Government has now lifted restrictions on moving home and we will be back working from our St John’s Wood office from Monday 18th 2020. We do have…
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How to ‘grow your own’ in London
It will come as no surprise that there has been renewed interest in two outdoor aspects: homes with outdoor space and growing edible produce at home. Rightmove has reported that the number o…
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5 ways to give your garden fresh appeal
A feature in The Telegraph reported that a well-maintained garden can add 20% to a property’s value, especially if it’s a simple area that is easy-to-look after and ready to enjoy.…
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St John’s Wood to you: home deliveries & take-away options
Behr & Butchoff has been serving the St John’s Wood community for more than 30 years and thanks to our office location at the top of the High Street, we’re proud to call many f…
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Hot property: homes with offices
Forget man caves, panic rooms and even wine cellars (although the latter is extremely useful in a lockdown situation), the latest hot property is the home office. With a large swathe of Lon…
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Covid-19 Virus - Update from Behr&Butchoff
With the spread of Covid-19 virus continuing we want to assure you that the wellbeing of all our clients and employees is of primary importance to us. We are strictly following all of the Gove…
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Home related insurance is not the most thrilling topic but learning about the protection offered by these policies is far less painful than losing all your worldly goods or not having your deposit returned.
Home related insurance is not the most thrilling topic but learning about the protection offered by these policies is far less painful than losing all your worldly goods or not having your dep…
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Preparing to sell: how to present bedrooms
The third entry in our series of property presentation blogs focuses on bedrooms. We share our advice concerning these most intimate of spaces and how to ensure they look their best. The nu…
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Digging deep: London basement latest
Located under London’s streets is a luxurious subterranean world, with beautiful basements continuing to increase the square footage and facilities of hundreds of homes. Some of the …
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5 top tips for achieving the best rental price
Achieving the best yield is what landlords should strive for, especially as the final phase of mortgage interest tax relief changes takes place in April 2020, taking a bite out of profits. An …
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Preparing to sell: how to present a beautiful bathroom
In the second of our series of blogs devoted to property presentation, we share our advice concerning bathroom improvements that may help sell your home. Bathrooms, despite being some of th…
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Let us donate to your chosen charity
Behr& Butchoff is giving would-be sellers an extra incentive to try the London sales market in the shape of a charity cash-back scheme. We will donate 2.5% of our net fee (upon our receipt…
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Rental property EPC change: deadline fast approaching
Time is running out to ensure that all rental properties have an EPC rating of at least an E. Landlords of new-to-market lets and those whose tenancies have recently renewed will have already …
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Been outbid? What to do next
We are seeing more property confidence in 2020 and with this, a competitive element to house buying may return and purchasers might find they’re not alone in making an offer. So, what sh…
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Preparing to sell: getting your kitchen in shape
Whether you want to add value, get buyers involved in a bidding war or sell as quickly as possible, there is no shortage of suggestions when it comes to improving our property. Behr & Butc…
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Introducing our wintery Christmas window
If you’ve recently walked past our St. John’s Wood office, you might have noticed a slight change. We feel privileged that Italian-born yet London-based mural artist, Alessan…
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What Brexit hiatus? We have buyers waiting!
You’d be forgiven for thinking the buying market in London had ground to a halt with the delay of Brexit and the run up to the General Election but the opposite is actually true. Behr &#…
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Preparing for Christmas in St. John’s Wood
December is upon us and it’s time to get into the festive spirit. With fairy lights twinkling along St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 is ready for the big holiday but are you? …
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Celebrating a fab anniversary in St John’s Wood
St. John’s Wood is internationally synonymous with The Beatles and a very special anniversary has just passed – 50 years since the band’s 12th studio album, entitled Abbey Ro…
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Consider an open house event
If you are thinking about selling a property you own and would like a different take on marketing, an open house might be the perfect solution. Originating in the US and Australia, these one o…
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Start a love affair with listed properties
If you are a history lover, an architectural buff or favour quirky characteristics, purchasing a listed property is probably high on your ‘must do’ list. There are, however, many t…
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25 years of this successful House Sales partnership at Behr and Butchoff
October 2019 sees a special milestone in Behr & Butchoff’s history, as our dynamic sales duo of Neville Serlui and Paul Bennett celebrate 25 years of working together. It is more tha…
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Landlords: new EPC standards are looming
If you are a landlord with lets in progress, you need to be aware that, as of 1st April 2020, all properties in the private rental sector will need to meet new energy standards, as documented …
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Giving your property global appeal
With sterling on the back foot, moving to the UK from foreign shores is at its most achievable for many years. St John’s Wood and the surrounding areas have an unrivalled reputation for …
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Make your next home a mansion block
Of all the property types that have stood the test of time, London’s mansion blocks are up there with the best. Although these imposing, typically red brick buildings date back to the Vi…
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The international school of thought
St. John’s Wood and the surrounding areas are synonymous with international schools - it’s a real pocket of exemplary education designed especially for global families. The most no…
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Guardians of St John’s Wood
Dating back to the 13th century, St John’s Wood is stepped in history and with much of the neighbourhood covered by a conservation area, the St John’s Wood Society is a respected a…
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The Power of a porter
While the concept of having a porter might sound like something from Jeeves & Wooster or the novel Porterhouse Blue, an ‘at your service’ attendant is still a real asset in tod…
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A landlord’s guide to furnishing a let
A frequent landlord dilemma involves furniture – should the property be offered furnished or unfurnished? For starters, there are no right or wrong answers. At Behr & Butchoff,…
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Alfresco hotspots in St. John’s Wood
With some warm sunshine still left in summer, it’s a great time to drink and dine alfresco in the city. St. John’s Wood has a plethora of outside eating and drinking options, and t…
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The value of a view
Living in London means we are blessed with some of the best views in the world. The capital’s skyline is unique - dotted with iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the m…
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By royal appointment: the legacy of Nash and Burton
Stroll along the streets around Regent’s Park and there will be an air of familiarity. The neat Regency villa-style houses and palatial neoclassical terraces constructed of Portland ston…
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: Take advantage of sterling’s slide
The prime Central London property market is enjoying a snap renaissance, resulting in high volumes of international business keeping the Behr & Butchoff team on its toes. We are experienci…
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Trend watch: families renting in London
When you think of London lets, it’s easy to think of Millennials and city professionals renting either small studios or one-bedroom apartments. The West End and surrounding areas, howeve…
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Your guide to Little Venice
Known for being one of the ‘prettiest locations’ in London, it’s no surprise that properties in Little Venice are highly sought after. In fact, a home in Little Venice is lik…
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Living near a Tube station is good news for property values
With our office based in St. John’s Wood, we are frequent users of our local Tube station. This year sees the 40th birthday of the immensely popular Jubilee line, which stretched across …
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Howzat! Property with a sporting chance
With the summer sports season in full swing, our minds have turned back to research that shows living near a sports stadium can potentially add thousands of pounds to your home’s value. …
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Historical Hampstead bath and wash house for sale
Behr & Butchoff is delighted to bring a unique and historic Grade II listed property to the London market. This architecturally important building in Hampstead Village’s Flask Walk w…
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Bold & brand new : rare apartments to rent in NW3
An exceptional and rather rare opportunity to rent a stunning, bespoke apartment in one of London’s premier residential areas presents itself via Behr & Butchoff. We are pleased to o…
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Green with Envy - homes with gardens are lifting the London market
Having access to a private garden in Central London is proving to be a prize asset, with homes that have outdoor spaces commanding attention - especially with the height of summer just around …
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2019 at Behr&Butchoff
We've started the year with some positive sales and letting activity and, despite all the media doom and gloom, have embarked on making some real changes here at B&B. We have just com…
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St John's Wood, London NW8
Apart from the fact that NW8 is home to the world renowned home of cricket, Lords Cricket Ground, it is a microcosm of all things British. With its elegant buildings, boutique coffee shops, th…
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Compliments of the Season to all!
Compliments of the Season to all. This year we have had our office window hand painted by the wonderful Alessandra Tortone. We thought that the soldiers, London scene and the snowscape made a…
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New Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will be law on 1 April 2018. Landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales won’t be able to rent …
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The eyes have it: what home movers are drawn to most
If you thought that putting a bowl of fruit out when getting a property ready for photography was terribly clichéd, you may want to review your thinking in line with new research. …
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