Tufnell Park, Islington & Camden Estate Agents

Press & Company News

20 July 2010 – Transaction Levels 30% up
The property market in Tufnell Park, Islington and Camden is holding up well, with transaction levels at least 30 per cent up on last year and prices remaining firm. The supply of good quality properties remains short, contrary to some reports in the media. This month Duke & Herzog's clients have completed on three sales of 2 bedroom flats in Camden, NW1 (£425,000 - £435,000), a 2 bedroom duplex apartment in Upper Dengie Walk, Islington, N1 (£345,000), a 1 bedroom maisonette in King's Cross (£380,000), and a 2 bedroom property in Mildmay Park, N1 (£360,000). Sought-after areas in North London are different from the rest of the UK property market because it attracts overseas property buyers and is also sustained by people working in the financial sector who are now seeing renewed growth and higher incomes.

The shortage of mortgage finance is pushing rents up, as a number of would-be home owners are forced to rent because they cannot borrow enough money to buy. We have just let & managed a 2 bedroom flat in Mornington Crescent, NW1, within 24 hours for the full asking price. In July Duke & Herzog has also let a 2 bedroom flat in Tufnell Park Road, N7 and today we agreed another tenancy of a 1 bedroom flat in Oakley Road, Islington, N1, at the asking price. New instructions on our books include a 2 bedroom period conversion and a 3 bedroom flat in Middleton Grove, off Camden Road, Tufnell Park, N7.

22 May 2010 – Government suspends HIPs
The Government has suspended Home Information Packs with effect from 21st May, which means that vendors will no longer be forced to instruct a pack before being able to market their properties. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be retained. Sellers will still be required to commission, but won't need to have received an EPC before marketing their property.

30 April 2010 – Duke & Herzog's prominent new office in Tufnell Park
Duke & Herzog is pleased to announce the acquisition of premises at 159 Fortess Road NW5, where we will be opening our new Tufnell Park office on 12 May. The shop is currently undergoing a brief program of refurbishment, but we hope to be up and running in the next two weeks. We will be servicing the areas of Tufnell Park, Islington, Dartmouth Park, Kentish Town, Camden and the surrounding areas. If you are the owner of residential property in any of these areas and you are considering marketing either for sale or for rent, we would be delighted to discuss how we could assist you. If you have any other property related queries in the meantime, please feel free to speak to one of the team at Duke & Herzog.

31 March 2010 - Early Spring Revival
Duke & Herzog is seeing buoyant demand with buyers competing for properties, at the same time our vendors are benefiting from a spring market with a low supply of new instructions. People who have been renting through the recession are now buying, because of the increasing confidence in the economy. This month we agreed the sales of 3 units in the new development in Camden High Street, NW1, a one bedroom flat in Balfe Street, King's Cross, N1 and a two bedroom flat in Popham Road, Islington, N1. On the rental side our landlords are no longer being faced with demands for rent reductions when reviews come up, and some are achieving welcome increases. Good quality rentals are indeed making a strong comeback but those that are not up to standard will still struggle to compete even in this change of rental climate. We have just let a one bedroom flat in the Beaux Arts Building, Manor Gardens, N7, a three bedroom maisonette in Bevan Street, Angel, N1, a three bedroom house in Tollington Way, N7, and a one bedroom factory conversion opposite Angel tube station.

1 February 2010 – New Development in Camden High Street, NW1

Duke & Herzog is proud to have secured sole agency instructions for the sale of a new development in Camden High Street, NW1. Containing a mixture of 2 bedroom apartments, these brand new period conversions offer an excellent opportunity for the rental investor, as well as the owner occupier, looking for a property in the heart of trendy Camden and within close proximity to Primrose Hill and Regent's Park. With the show apartment launching today, we would like to invite you to preview Camden's newest address. Due for completion in spring, most units are now available to reserve for a £2,000 deposit. Book a viewing at your earliest convenience on 020 7267 5500.

29 January 2010 – This week's new instructions for sale
As a direct result of Duke & Herzog's success in the area a German doctor has instructed us to sell a recently refurbished 1 bedroom maisonette in Balfe Street in the heart of King's Cross, N1, for £385,000. We have also commenced marketing an impressive 3 bedroom Freehold house for £750,000, situated in Medburn Street, NW1, only moments from St. Pancras International Station. Following our most recent sales in Islington, this week Chris Herzog has also secured two new instructions in a contemporary development in Mildmay Park, N1. The price of the 1 bedroom flat is £290,000 - 2 beds/2 baths are available for £365,000. Today we exchanged contracts for the sale of another period conversion in Islington, N1. Congratulations to our client and the new owner!

22 January 2010 – A fantastic start to 2010
We are delighted with our performance last year and look forward to continuing our mission of being the most efficient and professional partner for our clients in the year ahead. The start to 2010 has been extremely busy and our sellers benefited from a growing army of registered buyers not only viewing properties but also competing with offers and proceeding to a speedily exchange of contracts. Virtually on the day we were instructed, we have just sold a stunning one bedroom flat in Islington High Street, N1. Another vendor has accepted an offer from a true cash purchaser for a 3 bedroom maisonette near Euston, NW1. Just let: a two bedroom penthouse apartment in Pentonville Road, N1, for £595 per week!

17 December 2009 – Another three sales for Duke & Herzog
2009 has been extremely successful and the year ends with the exchange of contracts for the sale of a one bedroom apartment in Islington High Street, N1, for £405,000. On the rental side we have just let and managed a two bedroom flat in the King's Cross area for £425 per week. Following another two sales that we have just agreed in Islington, N1, and in Ampthill Square, Camden Town, NW1, we have several buyers still looking. If you are thinking of selling please call Chris Herzog on 020 7267 5500.

16 October 2009 – Bidding wars are back
Duke & Herzog have just sold, virtually on the day of instruction, a stunning loft-style apartment in a former office building in Angel, N1. We've received four offers for the purchase of the property, and have outperformed the joint agents once again. All offers are at, or above, the asking price!

9 October 2009 – Duke & Herzog outsold their joint Agents
We have just completed on the sale of another flat in Hill House Apartments, an exciting new development situated in Pentonville Road, N1. This transaction took only three working days from acceptance of the offer through to exchange and completion on the day after. Duke & Herzog were unique among the appointed joint agents in generating open market sales and have sold more of the remaining units than any other agent.

26 September 2009 – SOLD By Duke & Herzog
This is an extremely busy time of the year; September ends with four completions in the last week alone. Congratulations to our clients and buyers! Activity levels are up and consumer confidence has increased dramatically, but lending criteria remains tight. Our success proves we are qualifying applicants diligently and professionally.

In the last few days, we have let flats in Kiln Place, NW5, Coleman Fields, N1, and Anson Road, N7. In addition to strong demand from professional tenants, the University College London and the London Metropolitan University add to the demand with a large number of high quality, and more mature, students. We urgently need more instructions. If you are looking to sell or let your property, please call Chris Herzog on 020 7267 5500.

15 August 2009 – Kentish Town home SOLD within 3 days
Following an up-to-date market appraisal carried out by director Chris Herzog, Camden estate agents Duke & Herzog were appointed to market a maisonette in Mutton Place, off Harmood Street, NW1, as sole agents. Within three days the buyer was found as a result of a professional marketing campaign. Another transaction where Duke & Herzog pushed through the sale, proving the importance of pro-active sales progression through an experienced estate agent who regularly liaises with solicitors, surveyor and mortgage adviser and looks after clients at every stage of the conveyancing process. The vendor was delighted with the speed of the transaction that completed within 3 weeks.

31 July 2009 – Record Month for Duke & Herzog
Camden estate agents Duke & Herzog sold a record number of properties in July. Improved demand combined with an unprecedented increase of the company’s marketing budget have led to a large number of good quality enquiries and sales. As a result of a very busy past two months, with four sales agreed in the last week alone, stock levels have decreased rapidly. Clients at all levels of the market benefit from the strong number of cash buyers registered with Duke & Herzog while the positive news on the UK housing market continues to build.

15 May 2009 - Busy Spring Season
Duke & Herzog have seen a Spring pick-up in housing market activity. A considerable number of offers received in April proves that the market in Camden & Islington has gained confidence this year. Buyers are now much more inclined to proceed with an offer, whereas last year they were registering and viewing but then not taking steps further. Property prices remain competitive but are not falling.

1 May 2009 - OEA becomes TPO; Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI
The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) has been renamed to The Property Ombudsman (TPO). The name change marks a boost to consumer protection in the property sector.
GAS SAFE REGISTER replaced the CORGI system in Great Britain on 1st April 2009. Landlords must ensure that all gas engineers are registered with Capita Group plc in order to meet their legal obligations.

20 March 2009 - Changes to Home Information Packs (HIPs)
Vendors in England or Wales should know about three key changes which apply to properties marketed for sale on or after 6 April 2009:
•The temporary first day marketing exemption will be removed, which means that a HIP must be available on the first day a property is marketed
•A Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) completed by the seller must be included in the HIP (view a sample PIQ)
•The end of the use of insurance in personal searches to cover missing data.
These changes have important implications for the marketing of residential properties for sale. In addition, a publicity campaign is currently underway to further support industry and consumer awareness and understanding.

23 February 2009 - Increase in Demand
February has shown a significant increase in applicants registering for sales and lettings. Whilst there is evidence that first time buyers are returning to the market, buyers will continue to go for property that they now perceive to be more affordable. Furthermore the current economic climate is increasing the demand for good quality affordable rental homes. Duke & Herzog has been able to counter the limited supply in the Camden, Kentish Town and Holloway area with new properties in the surrounding postcodes. These instructions have been translated into greater numbers of deals outside the agency's core area. For example, last week Duke & Herzog received offers for properties they were marketing in Upper Street (Islington), Oakview Gardens (East Finchley), Mare Street (Hackney), Princes Street (West End) and Shepherdess Place (Hoxton).

16 January 2009 - Estate Agent Licensing
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has long called for appropriate regulation to be introduced into the profession. Whilst numerous recent reports have generally stated that better control of all agents is essential, now is the right time for NAEA and ARLA to firmly state that their entry qualification should be the minimum requirement. Therefore the NAEA will roll out their own form of licensing for member agents within the next few months. Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of NAEA, said: "A lot of the public are simply not aware that there is currently nothing to stop anyone from setting up shop as an agent – and when people are making the largest financial transaction of their lives, that risk that they could be taken advantage of by an unregulated cowboy is unacceptable."

8 January 2009 - No Excuses - Just Results!

Entering 2009 with another success against three of the biggest and most established agencies, Duke & Herzog demonstrates that networking and its unique marketing strategy for a house in Ferntower Road, N5, deliver results for the client - and not false promises.
As in 2008 the company is continuing its outstanding growth and commitment to stand for professionalism and integrity. While privately held Duke & Herzog does not release specific financial information; the company was proud to announce it finished the last quarter of 2008 with an operating profit regardless of any fluctuations in market conditions. Profits were the direct result of customers' response to Duke & Herzog's unique business model.

8 December 2008 - Duke & Herzog outperforming the Competition
This instruction in the imposing Beaux Arts Building, Manor Gardens, N7, was a direct result of Duke & Herzog's success in the area. Instructed along with several high profile agents, once again Duke & Herzog outperformed the competition by deploying innovative marketing initiatives. Using their local knowledge and contacts, Duke & Herzog were unique among the appointed multiple agents in generating viewings and results within the client's timescale. Another example where Duke & Herzog advised of the correct price during the market appraisal and subsequently achieved the full asking price for the client.

28 November 2008 - Increasing number of offers
In spite of the economic weakening Duke & Herzog is pleased to report growing buyer activity. As a result of increased market share Duke & Herzog has generated a growing number of offers from buyers. This clearly demonstrates that their clients benefit from the company's unique culture and business model. Duke & Herzog was also able to refer registered buyers and generate offers for properties marketed by fellow agents.

27 October 2008 - Duke & Herzog sole agent for NALAC
With his knowledge and background as a former architect, Director Christian Herzog secured Duke & Herzog's appointment to market NALAC Development's latest residential project as sole agents. Duke & Herzog won the instruction against a number of established local agents.

1 October 2008 - Energy Performance Certificates mandatory
As of today it is law to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all homes whenever built, rented or sold. For properties marketed for sale HIP (Home Information Pack) regulations apply. When properties are to be rented out the landlord is responsible to make the EPC available free of charge to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity; when a viewing is conducted or when any written information about the property is provided or before a contract is entered into. An EPC for rented property is valid for ten years (unless the property is modified or sold) and is not required for an existing tenancy that commenced before 1 October 2008. EPCs are produced by accredited energy assessors and are always accompanied by a recommendation report listing cost effective and other measures to improve the energy rating.

September 2008 - Duke & Herzog busy arranging tenancies
Now operating with a massively increased market presence, the number of applicants registering with Duke & Herzog outstrips the supply of quality housing stock. As a result of recommendation Duke & Herzog were invited to give an accurate market appraisal for another home in Tufnell Park, N7, resulting in a subsequent appointment as multiple agents. Approaching the peak of a busy and successful lettings season, an aggressive marketing campaign was developed by Duke & Herzog who provided a bespoke service to their clients. Here Duke & Herzog outperformed two established local agents who were not able to deliver results after several weeks of marketing. Another referral led to sole agency instructions in East London, where Duke & Herzog and their sub-agents successfully worked in tandem. The client was not disappointed.