Sainsburys Compete with Tesco in West End Lane

Back in September we reported on the pending application of retail giant Sainsbury’s and their bid to open in place of closed down mini market ‘Best One’ on West End Lane. Opinions were mixed and it was not certain whether this would be good for the local shops and surrounding businesses.

According to local shop owners on West End Lane, their reports had shown that sales had gone down by as much as 50% since Tesco’s opened and they are worried that if a Sainsbury’s opens then they may end up losing business and possibly closing due to the competition from both stores.

However, the opinion recently from the local’s who shop in West Hampstead is that a large amount of people currently shop at Tesco’s. Therefore it could possibly be the Tesco trade that is likely to decrease and not the trade at local specialised shops.

Although many people enjoy the idea of shopping in a franchise store or independent shop because of the personal service they get, the reality is that in recent years many more people have chosen to shop in chain stores. This is because of the cheaper price of the produce and the convenience.

For those who work in West Hampstead broadening the choice of where to purchase lunch is very much welcomed! The new Sainsbury’s will be opening in February and we are looking forward to having more choice, trying something new and ‘tasting the difference’!

Christmas Shopping 2010; Go Local

Do your Christmas shopping on West End Lane this year!

With Christmas fast approaching the time has come to get ourselves organised and head out towards the shops! If you are not sure what to buy your loved ones yet but you would like to get them something special and unique, then why not head to a few of the local gift shops and independent boutiques for your Christmas presents this year?
It can help to shop where there is lots of choice where you can find something special. Going to a large shopping center or high street can sometimes be difficult as the crowds get bigger towards the Christmas holidays.

Why not shop somewhere locally who supply a variety of presents and they’re right on your door step! Here are a few local gift shops that we recommend…

‘Dizar’, 220 West End Lane (West Hampstead) – gifts such as photo frames, lamps, candles, mirrors and toys, and the staff are helpful in providing gift ideas. A free gift wrapping service is also available.

A first choice for many, ‘North West 6′, 122 West End Lane – have ample amounts of gifts, jewelry, key chains, clocks, lava lamps, oil burners and semi precious stones.

If you are looking to get a book as a present for someone this Christmas, look no further then ‘West End Lane Books’ at 227 West End Lane. They have a huge selection of books and their friendly staff will know exactly which books to recommend!

Whatever you get your family and friends this Christmas, be sure to give these a try.

Sainsburys May Take Over West End Lane Shop

This is a question which has become significant in the last few weeks, and a lot of people would like to know the answer too. There has recently been an application for a licence made by Sainsbury’s to Camden Council, which, if it is successful, will mean that they could open a store at 204 West End Lane, West Hampstead, in the place of closed down store “best-one”.

To many who live in West Hampstead, the mini market “Best-One” which was open 24 hours was an iconic feature of quirky West Hampstead. It made up part of the character of West End Lane, as well as the other many independent shops. However although people may enjoy this ideal, the reality is that in recent years many more people have chosen to shop in a chain store, over shopping in a franchise independent store.

Some shop owners down West End Lane report that sales have gone down by as much as 50% since Tesco’s opened, and are worried that if a Sainsbury’s opens there then they may end up closing due to the competition from both stores. The decision has not yet been made, and we are looking forward to finding out what the store will become.

Sainsburys Threatens West End Lane Local Businesses

There has recently been an application for a licence made by Sainsbury’s to Camden Council, which, if it is successful, will mean that they could open a store at 204 West End Lane, West Hampstead, in the place of closed down store “best-one”.

To many who live in West Hampstead, the mini market “Best-One” which was open 24 hours was an iconic feature of quirky West Hampstead. It made up part of the character of West End Lane, as well as the other many independent shops. However although people may enjoy this ideal, the reality is that in recent years many more people have chosen to shop in a chain store, over shopping in a franchise independent store.

Some shop owners down West End Lane report that sales have gone down by as much as 50% since Tesco’s opened, and are worried that if a Sainsbury’s opens there then they may end up closing due to the competition from both stores. The decision has not yet been made, and we are looking forward to finding out what the store will become.

West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A beautifully refurbished second floor two double bedroom apartment located moments from the shopping and transport amenities of West Hampstead. This stunning apartment benefits from a master bedroom and smaller second bedroom, bright and spacious reception room leading to a fully fitted open plan kitchen and a fully tiled luxury bathroom with shower attachment and wc. Other benefits include high ceilings, wood floors throughout and new soft furnishings, double glazing, communal gardens, available NOW!

West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6

West Hampstead New Thameslink Station Revealed

Network Rail has unveiled the first official images of its planned new station building for West Hampstead Thameslink station.

The new entrance on Iverson Road will increase passenger capacity, ease congestion and improve the interchange with West Hampstead Overground and Underground stations. The project will also complete the new footbridge installed earlier this year, allowing step-free access to all platforms.

Alongside the new building, Network Rail also plans to make significant improvements to the pavement along Iverson Road and onto West End Lane – providing vital extra room for pedestrians and a new landscaped streetscape on Iverson Road.

A tree-lined walkway, incorporating existing mature trees and including new cycle racks, will offer a much wider footway and provide a more pleasant experience for people arriving and departing from West Hampstead Thameslink station. In addition, the removal of two commercial units owned by Network Rail on the corner of Iverson Road and West End Lane will eliminate a notorious pedestrian pinch-point and help improve the safety of the junction for pedestrians.

The station building itself will benefit from a ‘living roof’ planted with flowering sedum plants. Sedum provides an attractive environment for insects and birds, absorbs carbon dioxide and helps retain rainwater meaning that no irrigation is needed. As well as reducing the carbon footprint of the building, the living roof will also provide an attractive view from offices and residential properties on Iverson Road.

West Hampstead Estate Agents West End Lane

West Hampstead HMO Property for Sale.

What is an HMO?

An HMO (House of Multple Occupation)License is required for all privately rented properties of three stories or more, and occupied by five or more people.The property must be used as the tenants’ only or main residence;properties let to students and migrant workers are treated as their only or main residence.

HMO’s are a key source of housing for the less well off parts of society such as migrant workers and students, and for societies more vulnerable groups.However, many groups representing likely HMO tenants are not always supportive of the legislation which was designed to improve tenants’ access to satisfactory housing. The British Property Federation (BPF) and the National Students Unions argue that in some areas, regulations may make it more difficult for tenants to find somewhere to live, as fewer landlords will be willing to let their property as an HMO. The BPF report states “HMOs are not only an important source of accommodation for students, but also for people who are often least able to put a roof over their heads in society. Placing planning restrictions on this important source of affordable accommodation is something we will be arguing strongly should be resisted because it will restrict supply, raise rents and could be used unscrupulously to restrict particular groups in society to particular areas in towns and cities”

Mandatory licensing of HMOs was introduced in England and came into force in April 2006. The regulations investigate the suitability of the landlord to carry out their role effectively as well as the provision of adequate amenities in the building. The license also limits the number of tenants in the building.

Despite the new regulations HMOs are still considered a relatively safe property investment, even through 2009. Although HMO properties are generally associated with the bottom end of the market, this is not necessarily true in London and other areas of high property value, where they are often let as a house share for young professionals. The property investor may be happier with the concept of a single more expensive property with professional tenants in, rather than having to manage a number of cheaper properties in less salubrious areas. There is always the option to convert back to a single family residence to realise your investment.

Paramount Investments has a number of HMO properties for sale in West Hampstead.

Inglewood Mansions, West End Lane
Greencroft Gardens West Hampstead
Pandora Road NW6

Paramount Investments are UK sales agents and specialists in sourcing freehold and leasehold investment opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales for potential property investors.
150 West End Lane
West Hampstead
London NW6 1SD
Tel: 020 7644 2341
Web: Paramount Investments
Blog: UK Pubs for Sale
Directory: UK Pub Sales

HMO Investment Property for Sale, West Hampstead

Inglewood Mansions

West End Lane
West Hampstead
London
NW6

Prime freehold HMO building for sale on West End Lane within short walking distance West Hampstead Jubilee Line and Thames-link stations. Comprising 68 self contained units. Including; 65 newly refurbished studio flats, 1 x 1-bed flat, 1 x 2-bed flat and 1 x office suite. The building has been totally refurbished throughout to a high standard offering generous accommodation, fully tiled shower rooms, wooden floors, neutral decor & spot lights. Rent includes all bills except council tax. The office suite is let to a firm of local solicitors for a term of 10 years. Current rental income for the entire building is approximately £757,000 per annum. Paramount Investments are UK sales agents and specialists in sourcing freehold and leasehold investment opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales for potential property investors. 150 West End Lane West Hampstead London NW6 1SD Tel: 020 7644 2341 Web: Paramount Investments Blog: UK pubs for Sale Directory: UK Investment Sales

West Hampstead Apartments in New Development For Sale

3 Bedrooms
1 Reception Room
2 Bathrooms
£495 per week

Within this prestigious new development we offer a contemporary three double bedroom two bathroom top floor penthouse apartment located in the cosmopolitan area of West Hampstead. The apartment offers bright and spacious accommodation to include a large reception room with expansive windows, Rational German fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances, ultra modern shower room and a luxury bathroom with power shower and Grohe fitments, soundproofed oak flooring, luxury common parts, double glazed, available 11th May, fully furnished!

Paramount Properties Estate and Letting Agents

150 WEST END LANE

WEST HAMPSTEAD, LONDON, NW6 1SD

Tel: 020 7644 2336 Fax: 020 7372 2712

e-mail: info@paramount-properties.co.uk

West Hampstead estate agents

West Hampstead estate agents.blog

West Hampstead Tesco 17 Hour License

Last Thursday Tesco in West End Lane, West Hampstead, was granted permission to sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm.This is a residential area and several residents living nearby had objected to the application, with no success.

What hope then for the the brewing and pub industry in North London; the Campaign for Real Ale states that 5 pubs are closing every day nationwide.