April 2025 Property & Maintenance Market Update: What’s Happening Across London?

Welcome to Abbington’s monthly roundup, where we break down the latest trends and insights from across London’s real estate and property maintenance sectors. April 2025 brings a mixed picture — with development delays, growing commercial demand, and a shift in tenant priorities all shaping the landscape.

🏗️ London New Build Starts Hit 16-Year Low

According to The Times, housing starts in London fell to just 1,210 in Q1 2025, marking the lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The decline is largely linked to post-Grenfell building safety reforms, with a lack of staffing at the new Building Safety Regulator causing major compliance bottlenecks.

For property developers and landlords, these delays impact planning, investment timelines, and future rental yields — making efficient property maintenance more critical than ever for maximising asset value during slower construction periods.

🏢 Prime Office Space Shortage Frustrates Businesses

With companies scaling up again post-pandemic, the shortage of Grade A office space is becoming a serious concern. BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, recently expressed frustration over the lack of viable large-scale office options in London, with only 50 Fenchurch Street meeting their standards.

This signals increased pressure on existing commercial properties to perform — and for building owners, maintaining modern, compliant, and high-performing spaces will be key to retaining tenants and securing new leases.

🏘️ Signs of Life in Prime Residential

While prime residential property values in central London remain below their 2015 peaks, activity is picking up. International investors and high-net-worth buyers are returning, drawn by London’s relative stability and long-term value.

If you manage or own properties in areas like Kensington, Mayfair, or Chelsea, now is the time to invest in premium maintenance to match growing market expectations.

🌇 Luxury Living: Shard Place Opens with Sky-High Amenities

Shard Place, a new 27-storey luxury residential building, has officially opened in the Shard Quarter. With rents starting at £3,033/month, the tower boasts high-end features including a spa, gym, rooftop yoga studio, and London’s highest outdoor swimming pool.

The trend is clear: tenants and landlords alike are prioritising quality, lifestyle-led spaces — and building upkeep plays a huge part in that perceived value.

📈 Foxtons Posts a Strong Q1

Leading estate agency Foxtons reported a 24% rise in Q1 revenue, totalling £44.1 million. The boost was largely driven by a surge in property transactions before the end of temporary tax relief.

Lettings and sales teams are busy — and properties that are well maintained and compliant are moving fastest. For landlords, regular maintenance can mean quicker lets and higher returns.

🏢 National Office Vacancy Rates Begin to Fall

After years of rising due to remote work trends, UK office vacancy rates dropped slightly from 8.7% to 8.6% this quarter. Demand is returning in key cities like London, Manchester, and Cambridge, with more businesses opting to renovate and reconfigure spaces to suit hybrid working.

For facilities managers and commercial landlords, this is a good time to review your maintenance schedules, inspect high-traffic areas, and upgrade old systems.

🏠 Renters’ Rights Bill Proposes Cap on Advance Rent

The UK’s Renters’ Rights Bill is under review, with a new clause proposing that landlords can no longer request more than one month’s rent in advance. The change is designed to protect tenants and level the playing field across the private rental sector.

Staying compliant with new legislation — from rental agreements to safety checks — will be vital. At Abbington, we help landlords navigate evolving standards with clear, reliable property maintenance support.

🌳 Urban Green Spaces Get Major Investment

From Eagle Brewery Wharf in Kingston to the new Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden in Regent’s Park, there’s growing investment in urban green infrastructure.

As demand for nature access in urban environments grows, buildings adjacent to well-maintained public areas are becoming more desirable — particularly when the properties themselves are clean, safe, and well cared for.

🔧 Abbington’s Take: Opportunity in the Uncertainty

The London property market is shifting — but not stalling. While development and regulatory delays are slowing new supply, there’s clear momentum in commercial demand, prime residential revival, and a renewed focus on quality spaces.

For landlords, developers, and property managers, the message is simple: professional maintenance is no longer optional — it’s a strategic advantage.

Need Support with Property Maintenance in London?

Whether you’re a commercial landlord, residential portfolio owner, or facilities manager, Abbington Property Maintenance is here to help. We offer reliable, responsive, and expert maintenance services across Greater London — so your property stays compliant, efficient, and tenant-ready.

👉 Get in touch today to book a consultation or request a call-back.