Research from Benthorp has determined that prime London house prices are set to spike over the next quarter.

 

The property adviser says a flurry of completions will drive the average price of homes in Chelsea, Kensington, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair up 5% in the first quarter of 2014 to £3.8m –up 123% on the £1.7m market low in 2009. Fears that a capital gains tax on the sale of foreign-owned homes could be introduced in the Autumn Statement is expected to trigger a rush of deals ahead of any implementation. Separate research from Savills has found homeowners pay a typical premium of £14,000 to live in one of England’s market towns.