Nearly 20 Years in West Hampstead
12 Sep 2017
Spencer Lawrence reflects on 20 years in West Hampstead, with change occurring in both the area and the professional landscape.
News
Creating a touch of opulence in your home on a budget
30 Aug 2017
Oliver Gorman gives his tips on how to add some attractive decoration to your home on a budget.
Why you should choose an independent agent!
22 Aug 2017
Newest recruit, property manager Richard O’Brien gets to grips with joining Paramount from a larger corporate agency!
The Neymar Effect
10 Aug 2017
The very best quality comes at a price, but with many unwilling to compromise on quality, West Hampstead has become THE destination for young Londoners who want to get the best of both.
Don't judge a candidate by their CV
02 Aug 2017
Unlike most agencies, at Paramount we have a high number of employees who have come to us from an employment background not based in property. We find the wide range of transferable skills our team have from other industries often bring varied skill sets and points of view to the table. As we recruit for new positions across our departments, Hollie Measures talks you through why a background in catering made her the perfect choice for our front desk and why you shouldn’t judge a candidate just based on their CV!
Family Fun in West Hampstead
26 Jul 2017
As a mother with two young children, I am always looking for child friendly places and having worked in West Hampstead for the past 8 and a half years, I have come across some lovely places that I would recommend families to visit.
BUYERS JOY!
19 Jul 2017
After being an agent for many years, the joy of giving a buyer a set of keys to their newly acquired home never diminishes.
7 Drinks, 7 Pubs, 7 Days
12 Jul 2017
I’ve worked at Paramount for nearly two and half years now and can honestly say that West Hampstead is one of my favourite places with some lovely little spots to meet up.
Our view on the BBC's 'The Week the Landlords Moved In'
07 Jul 2017
Property rental reality TV, who would have thought it? Paramounts Compliance Manager, Jason Pevovar reviews the next best thing to Love Island...
Top Five Things to do in West Hampstead
21 Jun 2017
Hope Alves, our Property Management Assistant, runs us through her top five things to do in West Hampstead.
First week as a Lettings Negotiator
14 Jun 2017
Adam Wright gives you the top 10 things he has learnt in his first week as a Lettings Negotiator here at Paramount.
How can I get my deposit back?
07 Jun 2017
At Paramount â we now carry out pre-check out inspections in order start preparing tenants for this process and advise them on how to have the best chance to recoup all of their funds.
First Time Buyer tips for getting on the London property ladder
31 May 2017
It's only human nature to desire the newest and nicest property that you see, but you will still have to put you best foot forward to secure that dream home and in this blog I will be showing how you can stand out from the crowd.
Another Bank Holiday - but why?
26 May 2017
As another bank holiday approaches, the question arises as to why do employees still get the traditional paid-for holidays each year; be they federal holidays in the states or bank holidays here in the UK?
Making the most of any outdoor space
19 May 2017
With next week marking the start of The Chelsea Flower Show, in our latest blog we take a look at how to make the most of any limited space when it comes to working some green-fingered magic.
Moving to Whitechapel
15 May 2017
Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area of Whitechapel was the centre of the Jewish community and has since become known for the Jack the Ripper murders in the late 1880s. Nowadays, the area is famed for its curries and pop-up bars and restaurants.
London's housing market: an inside view
08 May 2017
âSoâ¦whatâs the market like at the moment?â This is a question I get asked on 90% of the viewings I attend by interested applicants looking for an insight on whether or not now is a good time to buy a property.
Brexit's effect on EU National applicants within the lettings market
25 Apr 2017
Could Labour's proclamations of scrapping the Tories' Brexit white paper offer stability for EU nationals hoping to rent in London?
Top tips for securing your home
19 Apr 2017
With summer creeping up, and holidays getting booked, it might be a prudent time to think about how secure your home is when it's empty
ARLA Propertymark Conference 2017
03 Apr 2017
Last week, I headed down to the annual, newly re-branded 'Arla Propertymark' conference in London's Excel centre. Here are a few of the highlights...
Red Nose Day 2017
27 Mar 2017
Last week, our West Hampstead office was filled with the delicious smells of baking as we cooked up daily treats for Red Nose Day 2017.
Six easy tips to spruce up your home for spring
15 Mar 2017
Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, Spring is the perfect time to get your home in order and get to work on all those odd-jobs you might have been putting off during the winter months.
Brent Food Bank: Supplies Needed!
08 Mar 2017
This week we popped down to Brent Food Bank who do an amazing job helping out the local community not only in terms of food but also clothing and support for those in need.
Fixflow & Paramount: Working together to improve efficiency
27 Feb 2017
Since 2014, Paramount has invested in the unique property repair service, Fixflow to ensure every single landlord's property is protected around the clock
An insight into the life of a Paramount Negotiator
23 Feb 2017
Exactly one month ago to the day, I sat at this desk for the first time as the newest member of Paramount's Lettings department. Despite over 8 years of experience in the industry and various other jobs, you never lose those first-day nerves, eager to impress and quickly rid yourself of the 'new boy' nickname.
The Big London Night Walk
21 Feb 2017
On Friday 3 March, we took part in The Big Issue's London Night Walk in order to raise money for the homeless vendors and help them on their journey out of homelessness.
Lettings Activities in Our Key Areas: Winter Report
20 Feb 2017
The winter months saw the usual drop off in activity in the local lettings market. Overall the demand last year was as high as ever, assisted by the unusually higher stock levels not encountered in previous years.
Moving to... Little Venice
15 Feb 2017
Whether it was named during the time Robert Browning lived in the area between 1862 to 1887, or whether it was named earlier by Lord Byron; Little Venice is a beautiful part of London surrounding three waterways; The Grand Union canal, Regent's canal and the Paddington Basin.
Property Management: How Can I Prevent Condensation?
10 Feb 2017
There is more to Paramount Properties than just sales and lettings. Did you know that we have our own management department? They ensure our tenants are happy in their property and that everything is functioning as it should.
Perking up Paramount
07 Feb 2017
This week, Mayuri Depala delves into the benefits of Paramount's staff perk-scheme, Perkbox... I think an ideal chilled night out with a friend or with family is when you can indulge in some warm sweet popcorn. Not
Blog Moving House with Children and Toys
26 Jan 2017
Moving home can be quite unsettling for young children. Making their move go smoothly can have a great impact on how they settle into their new home. Childrenâs toys provide an element of comfort and company whilst the move gathers pace, but moving their toys can
Ready for a New Sales Challenge?
24 Jan 2017
Paramount is an extremely well-established estate agency (28 years) based in West Hampstead, NW6 who invest heavily in our staff. We currently employ over 30 people from our office and have a completely different approach to any modern agency.
Introducing Paramount Preferences
19 Jan 2017
At Paramount we offer three different tiers of landlord service; each of which has been carefully designed to suit your requirements. Whichever package you choose, our experienced Lettings and Property Management team will be on hand to
Moving to... Kilburn
18 Jan 2017
Kilburn is an area of north-west London, England, which is divided between three London Boroughs and two postcodes: most of Kilburn is in NW6 Brent or Camden, but a small section is inside Westminster.
Lessons We Learnt in 2016
16 Jan 2017
Sitting in traffic in Elephant and Castle with two tepid Starbucks may not be the opportune time to write a blog, but for us, the start to this year has been so busy it's hard to find the time. We're on our way to visit two new blocks in South London which we will be taking
Moving House with Pets: The Dos and Don'ts
12 Jan 2017
So you're moving? Fantastic :) However, moving is incredibly stressful and is even more so when you have pets to relocate too. Our furry friends deserve to be well looked after during the move as the volume of things that are going on around them can be difficult for them to understand and will inevitably make them nervous.
Moving to...SE13
10 Jan 2017
Just under 6 miles from central London lies the London Borough of Lewisham, which become part of London as late as 1965. The main centre was hit by a V-1 flying bomb in 1944 flooring most of the buildings which were rebuilt in the â50s. The main shopping centre now consists of Lewisham Shopping Centre and a daily market at the north end of the High Street.
Moving to... Camden
04 Jan 2017
Then known as a dangerous route due to the frequency of highwaymen, Camden High Street (as it's now known), began to be developed in the late 1700s by Earl Camden (Charles Pratt) and other wealthy landowners. When the Grand Union canal arrived in 1820, (and Euston railway station in 1837), the area became rapidly transformed, especially around the locks with goods being loaded and unloaded by horse and cart for distribution into London.
Moving to... Islington
28 Dec 2016
Originally named Gislandune by the Saxons, "Gisla's hill" from the Old English personal name Gisla and dun ("hill", "down"), the name later mutated to Isledon, which remained in use well into the 17th century when the modern form arose. In medieval times, Islington was one of many small districts, along with Bernersbury, Neweton Berewe or Hey-bury and Canonesbury (Barnsbury, Highbury and Canonbury's names first recorded in the 13th and 14th centuries).
Happy Christmas! House-hunting Over the Holidays...?
20 Dec 2016
Our office opening hours over the holidays are as follows: Friday 23rd â Tuesday 27th December: Closed Wednesday 28th December: 10am â 4pm Thursday 29th December: 10am â 4pm
Death by Email - Not Anymore
07 Dec 2016
High volumes of unnecessary internal emails received were cited as an issue for many at a recent team meeting.
Best Single Office, London Winners!
06 Dec 2016
Another year, another award - this time we were thrilled to collect the silver award for Best Single Office, London at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards.
We Slept Out and Raised Over £3,600 for Centrepoint!
29 Nov 2016
Congratulations to our team of nine who braved the elements last week for Centrepoint's Sleep Out and raised a whopping £3,684 :)
Getting the Best Out of Your Home Broadband
29 Nov 2016
As if you didnât have enough to think about when moving home, thereâs now another item to add to the extensive list: checking broadband at your new home.
Make a Move to Penge
15 Nov 2016
Once known as Penceat, meaning 'edge of wood', Penge lies on the borders of Bromley, Lewisham and Croydon and a mere 7 miles south-east of Charing Cross. With great transport links (mainline train to Victoria in 17 mins and Brixton in 8 mins, Overground to Shoreditch in 28 mins or the 176 bus to Tottenham Court Road), it's easy to see why this once forgotten suburb is now attracting a whole host of house hunters.
We're Swapping Our Beds For Sleeping Bags This November
10 Nov 2016
80,000 young people experience homelessness every year, with this figure set to rise. Whilst we can't begin to imagine the difficulties and dangers that people in this situation face, especially at this time of year; we wanted to raise awareness and put ourselves in that position - if only for a very brief moment.
Give Your Old Coat a New Life This Winter
08 Nov 2016
The largest charity coat drive is back this year, from the 7-18 November, and Paramount is pleased to be acting as a drop off point for any unwanted or old coats.
Love Chocolate? Thinking About Letting Your Property? Read On!
01 Nov 2016
In the run-up to Christmas, weâll be giving out these mouth-watering chocolates from local chocolatiers, Cocoa Bijoux to anyone who invites a member of our Lettings team round to value their property!
Pop into Paramount and Get ££500 off Your Stamp Duty!
28 Oct 2016
As we all know, buying your first home is a big step and can be fraught with difficulties if you're not armed with the right knowledge.
Good Lord! We've Hit 50 deals
24 Oct 2016
Our Lettings department has been using the Goodlord app for the past few weeks, and last week hit our '50 deal milestone'.
So What Have We Learnt From Summer 16?
18 Oct 2016
The summer months have seen the usual frenetic activity in the local lettings market. The demand this year was as buoyant as ever assisted by the unusually higher stock levels not encountered in previous summer months.
SoS! (Save our Sofa)
12 Oct 2016
It is very rare that, as a negotiator, I find myself at 9pm on a Friday night running down isle 69 in Ikea seeking out a LUGNVIK or defending myself from a falling JOKKMOKK.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
04 Oct 2016
Last week saw the return of Macmillan's Coffee Morning event, an annual fundraising event where local businesses and individuals are encouraged to hold an event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Plumbers in the Spotlight
20 Sep 2016
To celebrate Gas Safety Week, we put our plumber Dipak Patel on the spot and asked him a few quick âget to know youâ questions.
Check Your Home is Safe this Gas Safety Week
19 Sep 2016
Launched in 2011 and coordinated by Gas Safe Register, Gas Safety Week provides a platform for the gas industry and linked organisations to promote awareness about Gas Safety for homeowners, landlords and tenants alike.
7 of the Best Beer Gardens in North London
08 Sep 2016
Be quick - summer's nearly over, so grab your jacket and make the most of the last few warm evenings in these fantastic north London beer gardens and rooftops.
Affordable Hampstead?
30 Aug 2016
When you think of Hampstead, you may be forgiven for thinking 'I could never afford to live there', with its beautiful heath, Kenwood House and numerous famous residents (Sting, Jonathan Ross, George Michael, Emma Thompson etc).
6 Tips for a Stress-Free Move
17 Aug 2016
Read our quick tips on how to prepare for moving day so it goes without a hitch. Prepare early: As is often the case when undertaking a big project, early preparation and organisation can save you a lot of turmoil and stress down the line. Nowadays, the time between exchanging and completing when buying a property, can be minimal, so it's best to get your 'to-do' list done as soon as possible.
My First Week at Paramount
02 Aug 2016
Having now completed my first week as a Property Manager at Paramount I wanted to share the three main things that have really stood out for me.
A Day in the Life... of a Contractor
26 Jul 2016
At Tesco, it is company policy that head office staff spend days of their year working on the shop floor with the front facing staff. An idea which pushes people out of their comfort zone and creates a better understanding between the two equally important parts of the business.
Sales: Quarterly Review
18 Jul 2016
In Paramountâs last quarterly review we had a lot to comment on, including the additional stamp duty charges for second properties, and the then Prime Minister's announcement of the date for the EU Referendum.
Blog A Day in the Life... of a Lettings Negotiator
15 Jul 2016
Monday morning. I rise from bed at approximately 6:00am. First things first - a vision. A checklist for completion, immediately cementing the foundations of my day ahead. I think to myself if nothing else arose, I could be well ahead by lunchtime. It never falls that way, but thatâs the best bit. The excitement of the unexpected. Iâve created clarity and a pathway to follow, I carry out the mandatory tasks remaining before starting the daily commute.
Why Choose Management?
14 Jul 2016
I was absolutely thrilled last month to be part of a team awarded The Sunday Times Best Property Management in the UK 2016. We collected our award from the brilliant Sir Clive Woodward, and made our way out for our winners interview. We were only asked two questions â the first one I canât even remember, I was too busy grinning like an idiot. The second one though was âwhy should people use your managed service?â â and itâs something I have thought a lot about since.
£2k raised for Agents Giving!
12 Jul 2016
Way, way back on June 23rd when England was still part of the EU and still had a chance of winning Euro 2016, here at Paramount Properties, we embarked on a challenge of our own - to raise as much money as possible for Agents Giving.
Sunset Snaps
12 Jul 2016
Because the sun is finally showing its face (writing this quickly before the next torrential downpour!), and a brief respite from all the doom that Brexit is bringing to London, we thought we'd run a little competition here at Paramount Properties.
Brexit...
11 Jul 2016
The lettings sector is often a reliable barometer of general market sentiment due to the high turnover of property and applicantsâ ability to react quickly to changing economic conditions. I truly believe the next few months could be a real opportunity for our sector. There may well be a real boom in immigration from Europe before any Brexit deal is made. This would in turn mean even more people needing rented property and for Landlords is likely to produce a further rise in rents. With an expected nervousness happening in the sales market, now could be a great time for landlords to be expanding their portfolio. People will still need to move and live somewhere and traditionally in times of uncertainty people now look to rent for longer. Whilst we do not know exactly what will happen, any shrinking in our economy has always seen the rental market grow even stronger. Whilst current economic and political turmoil has slowed the lettings market a fraction, it is certainly not all bad news.
How the London Borough of Camden Voted in the EU Referendum
24 Jun 2016
Itâs been a busy Friday morning as Britain voted to leave the EU, David Cameron resigned and Jeremy Corbyn faced a no confidence motion.
Agents Giving Day 2016
22 Jun 2016
Agents Giving is the industry charity for the property industry. They work with estate and letting agents across the country, encouraging them to raise money for local and national charities.
5 Property Statistics You Need to Know About this Month
21 Jun 2016
Changes to stamp duty and the upcoming EU referendum are just two of factors that have affected the housing market this year. Here are five property statistics that caught our eye this month.
My 6.6 mile Journey of Reflection
08 Jun 2016
Spencer Lawrence, Lettings Director at Paramount, reflects on his career and those who have contributed to it ahead of the Lettings Agency of the Year awards ceremony on Friday.
Open Air Cinema in West Hampstead
02 Jun 2016
This weekend head to Fortune Green to watch Brooklyn on the big screen. Each summer the Friends of Fortune Green arrange a free open air cinema event on the Green. âDoorsâ open at 6:30pm and the film will begin at 9pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear warm clothing and bring a picnic.
Sadiq Khan Names James Murray as Deputy Mayor for Housing
25 May 2016
The new Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has appointed James Murray as his deputy mayor for housing. James Murray is currently the lead councillor for housing and development at Islington council but will stand down from his current role to focus on his new position.
The best places for brunch in West Hampstead
10 May 2016
Itâs fair to say that us Londoners love a good weekend brunch. Between our seemingly insatiable appetite for avocado and a penchant for bottomless booze, weâre certainly doing our best to keep Londonâs restaurants in business.
13 Tips for Throwing a Great Barbecue
06 May 2016
Make the most of the British sunshine this weekend by throwing an impromptu barbecue party. The best barbecues involve great friends and quality meat, and your local neighbourhood pal The Hampstead Butcher & Providore can certainly help you source the latter.
London Mayoral Candidates on Housing
03 May 2016
The London mayoral election takes place on 5 May 2016 and Londoners are encouraged to vote for the Mayor of London and the 25 members of the London Assembly. With high demand for and low supply of property in the capital itâs no surprise that housing has been a key talking point this election. The candidates have covered it extensively in their manifestos and today weâre taking a closer look at what each of the key Mayoral contenders are promising.
How to Get Money Back if You Paid too Much for Heating Last Winter
29 Apr 2016
Did you notice that throughout the recent winter you were less inclined to reach for that extra jumper or refrained from putting up your thermostat up to MAX? The reason for this is the previous winter was apparently the warmest on record since the 17th Century.
Mortgage Lending on the Up
27 Apr 2016
Mortgage lending spiralled upwards in March as landlords and second home buyers rushed to beat the stamp duty increase on second homes that came into play in April. Gross mortgage borrowing in March reached £17.1 billion â 64% higher than a year ago and the highest borrowing seen since April 2008.
Supporting Down's Syndrome Association
21 Apr 2016
Paramount are supporting a different charity each month throughout 2016. Aprilâs charity is Downâs Syndrome Association. Every month at Paramount we pick one charity that we want to raise money for, and as April is my month to pick a charity I wanted to select one that means a lot to me.
Five of the Best Armchairs
11 Apr 2016
A good armchair can make or break a living room. The best armchairs define a space whilst also providing the perfect place to settle down with a good book or the Sunday papers. Here are five armchairs that caught our eye because of their stylish aesthetics, comfort credentials and nap-inducing powers.
Stamp Duty, EU Referendum and the London Property Market in 2016
05 Apr 2016
At the beginning of the year we looked at where the London property market stood at the start of 2016. The average London house price had topped £500,000, the bank rate was still set at 0.5% and gross mortgage lending was 23% higher than the previous year.
What Will the London Property Market Look Like in 25 years?
30 Mar 2016
Over the last 12 months house prices have increased, rents have risen and a wave of legislative changes have shaken up the lettings industry. More change is coming, with tax changes and stamp duty hikes for buy to let landlords coming into play â and a potential bank rate increase on the horizon.
Supporting Gesher Primary School
22 Mar 2016
Paramount are supporting a different charity each month throughout 2016. Marchâs charity is Gesher, a special needs primary school. It was great to be able to get involved with the Paramount Collective and assist with some of the charity work the company has been involved with.
5 of the Best Bathrooms
21 Mar 2016
Itâs fair to say that the bathroom is often an underappreciated space. Kitchens and bedrooms take all the glory but considering you start and end the day in the bathroom itâs important that you spend as much time thinking about that space as you do about others.
Moving Day Checklist
21 Mar 2016
Ensure moving home is simple and stress free. Follow our moving day checklist and you'll be ready to move in no time! Change of address Although you will apply for your post to be redirected (see below) you still need to notify a host of different people and companies of your change of address, including your bank and DVLA.
Easter eggs for Brent Foodbank
10 Mar 2016
Every day individuals in Brent go hungry for a range of reasons, from benefit delays to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Thanks to donations, Brent Foodbank are able to still help people put food on the table. Since opening theyâve provided 1,542 three-day emergency food supplies to people in the community that would have gone hungry.
Women of West Hampstead
07 Mar 2016
In celebration of International Women's Day, we wanted to learn more about some of the numerous inspirational women with a connection to West Hampstead. Dame Margaret Postgate Cole From the late 1920s to the late 1930s, socialist and feminist Dame Margaret Postgate Cole lived at 7 Parsifal Road in West Hampstead.
Moving Home Utilities Guide
02 Mar 2016
Moving into a new property can seem like a daunting task as there is so much to remember to do (take a look at our moving day checklist to make sure you donât forget anything). However the one job that really seems to drive new tenants round the bend is setting up new utility suppliers, which is why weâve started working with a company called Tenant Shop.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
29 Feb 2016
We're huge advocates of shopping (and eating!) local. Thankfully we are spoilt in West Hampstead with a range of amazing independent shops that stock thoughtful and considerate gifts.
Will Buy-to-let Continue to Grow in London?
26 Feb 2016
The popularity of buy-to-let property is relatively new. The critical change came with the Housing Act of 1988, and the introduction of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in 1989 opened the door for private landlords.
Tufnell Park
15 Feb 2016
Like much of North London Tufnell Park was a rural area until the railways came in the middle of the 19th century. Unlike neighbouring areas Tufnell Park was spared disruption as most lines passed through the area in tunnels, and itâs this element of planning that has helped keep Tufnell Park a relatively quiet area whilst also benefiting from its proximity to the hubbub of neighbouring Kentish Town, Archway and Holloway.
Why Location, Location, Location Doesn't Matter
12 Feb 2016
We all know that location, location, location is key when you're looking to buy or let a property, but how important is it when choosing an estate agency to sell or let your home?
Supporting Sands, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity
09 Feb 2016
Paramount are supporting a different charity each month throughout 2016. Februaryâs charity is Sands, a charity that aids stillbirth and neonatal death amongst new born babies.
Valentine's Day 2016 in West Hampstead
08 Feb 2016
Whether you want to do something a bit different this Valentine's or you just don't fancy traipsing into town for an overpriced meal, share the love with West Hampstead this weekend when you celebrate Valentine's Day with the best restaurants and shops in London town.
How to Make the Most of Your London Garden
01 Feb 2016
Access to green spaces is a top priority for Londoners, with 54% saying thatâs what they like most about where they live. In fact, Londoners prioritise outside space even more than shopping facilities, good schools and community spirit.
The Average London Property Costs £514,097
29 Jan 2016
The average London property now costs £514,097, compared to £188,270 for England and Wales overall. House prices in London have been increasing at a steady rate for many years and saw an increase of 12.4 per cent in the last year alone. This compares to an annual increase of 6.4 per cent for England and Wales.
Bank Rate Stays at Record Low
14 Jan 2016
The Bank of Englandâs Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have voted to maintain Bank Rate at 0.5%. The MPC voted by a majority of 8-1 to maintain it at the same level.
Music of the Spheres Concert
08 Jan 2016
Paramount are proud to sponsor Music of the Spheres", a concert of music for instruments, stars and planets in West Hampstead on Saturday 30 January.
At a Glance: London Property Market 2016
04 Jan 2016
The average house price in London is £506,724, compared to the average for England and Wales of £186,325. Hillingdon is the borough with the highest annual price rise, with an annual movement of 14.4 per cent. The London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea saw the lowest annual change in London, with a movement of 0.3 per cent. This compares to an annual movement of 11.2 per cent for London as a whole.
