London agents report best results

Harrods Estates, whose clients come from the Middle East, Kazakhstan, India and southern Europe, have had their most successful quarter in the company’s history.

Established in 1994, and backed by the strong brand name, the Harrods Estates team’s two offices in Knightsbridge and Park Lane, report that the final quarter of 2008 brought in the strongest sales ever. International clients account for 83% of sales and lettings. And, unusually for an estate agency, when the need arises, the agents can call upon the interpretation skills of the staff in store who are able to speak 27 languages between them.

Shirley Humphrey of Harrods Estates says: ‘As the majority of our clients come from the Middle East, Kazakhstan, India and Southern European countries, we have been less affected by the reduced interest of British buyers.

‘Ninety-nine percent of Harrods Estates clients are cash rich and with stock exchange losses, the weakened sterling and low interest rates – they are looking for somewhere more solid to put their money.

‘We are optimistic that super prime property in Central London will remain in high demand and will continue to achieve growth as there is rarely an oversupply of property at the £5 million-plus level.’

* London properties for sale