demery

I was told it's free for the first two hundred on the books and the offer requires 12 weeks sole agency commitment from the vendor. No mention of charging you if you don't sell during those 12 weeks. What's in it for Foxtons? They establish themselves in the areas and get a large portfolio of properties on their books, which will drive expansion into SE area where they currently have no exposure. I'm considering selling up myself and did have Foxtons around to value it. They came back at 600k, a good 50k above most of the other valuations. The guy carrying out the survey was very professional, friendly and had very quickly got to know the area. He'd been to see several hundred properties already. The outlook from a Foxtons perspective is positive. He was claiming that it still has growth potential, before prices catch up with Balham. He reckoned my place would be 750K in Balham and it's on this basis that they'll be marketing properties in the area. What was interesting, was the sales approach they're looking to use. They're already bringing families to the area from other parts of London. He mentioned bringing people over from Islington, Clapham, Balham etc as the properties here are still 'afford-able', the schools are good and there's no shortage of bars and restaurants. Watch this space, but I suspect Foxtons know what they're doing and upwardly mobile gentrification of the area will continue. Good news if you already own somewhere, want to sell up and cash in. Bad news if you need to move to a larger property or are trying to get your foot on the ladder. As for the impact on Lordship Lane ... we'll see!

I've not had a bad meal in Tandoori nights. It's always fresh, never greasy and staff are friendly. The hot handi is great and ordering it always makes me smile. I can also recommend Two Sisters Tandoori if you're getting a delivery

Not quite a burger, but the Steak Royale with cheese (and fat chips) at the Blue Mountain is always a winner.

I ended up at the Forest Hill Tavern, as the CPT hadn't paid the Setana subscription and the Magdala were showing the rugby. Bloody rugby and a meaningless friendly at that. Guess that's the downside of antipodean bar staff. Have to say that the FHT refurb is fab. It's a much nicer place these days.

buy a brompton!