City AM’s poll suggests top economists have brought forward their expectations for the Bank of England’s next interest rate cut. Nearly a third (29%) of the 21 experts surveyed believed the Central Bank would cut rates in March, while 24% said they would be lowered in May.

LRC Group, the private investment firm has paid £53m for the Parkview BTR scheme in Brentford following the administration of its previous owner. Formerly a 100,000 SF office scheme, it was converted into 288 apartments.

Blackstone has successfully refinanced its Mileway logistics platform with €7.5bn worth of debt provided by a range of lenders including Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank.

Select Property has secured a £44.5m funding package from Close Brothers for its Lancaster Wharf BTR development in Birmingham.

Aldi UK and Lidl GB have both enjoyed a record-breaking Christmas trading. Aldi UK reported that sales topped £1.5bn for the first time in the four weeks to December 24, up 8% on last year’s figures. Lidl GB also reported a record-breaking Christmas, with sales up 12% y/y. Sainsbury's sales were up 9.3%. Total grocery sales exceeding £13bn.

Discounts boosted Boxing Day trade, with y/y footfall up 8.8% in the high street and up 4% across all outlets. Central London footfall was up nearly 11%.

Nationwide Building Society reports that UK house prices UK fell 1.8% over the course of 2023. Prices are almost 4.5% lower than the all-time high recorded in late summer 2022.

CODE Students has submitted plans for a two-tower student accommodation scheme offering nearly 1,300 bedrooms in Nottingham’s East side area.

Unite Students has begun construction of its £185m Hawthorne House in Stratford, London, replacing the former office block Jubilee House. It will open in time for the 2026/27 academic year.


Mark Charlton – Real Estate Real Estate Consultant at Waypoint