MODERN MASTERPIECES

WELCOME
Overseeing Knight Frank’s global
residential business is a huge privilege. Not
only does my role entail representing and
working with some exceptional people, such as
our clients and my Knight Frank colleagues, it
also enables me to advise on the most remarkable
properties, both here in the UK and in the key
markets around the world – a selection of which
are portrayed in this edition of Private View.
As I write, the EU referendum result is front
of mind for many of our clients. It would be
wrong of us to view its effects in isolation, as
further policy changes, including successive
reform of Stamp Duty Land Tax for the most
valuable homes, have also impacted the summer
market of 2016.
However, I feel it is important to reflect on
the robustness of UK property as a leading
asset class, which remains a first-rate
investment. The quality of our housing stock
is superb, protected by a guardian planning
system, evolved by exceptional architects,
enhanced by cutting-edge designers and
underpinned by transparent legal and financial
systems. That is before one considers our
world-class attractions of education, culture,
medical facilities and quality of life. Private
View is a reflection of this quality and the
ongoing global demand for the many good
things the UK has to offer.
To illustrate some of the driving forces
within the world of luxury property and to
emphasise the best of British that draws more
than 70 different nationalities to our market
each year, we have included a set of fascinating
articles incorporating what we describe in the
Wealth Report as ‘investments of passion’.
I believe the next 12 months are going to be
among the most fascinating of my 35-year
career at Knight Frank, as no one can be sure
what will happen following Brexit. But as I have
said to our teams many times, “uncertainty is
the mother of opportunity”, and there are
undoubtedly going to be some extraordinary
opportunities in the coming year for our clients.
It is during these times that clients turn to
Knight Frank as the world’s leading independent
real-estate consultancy. As an independent
organisation, we are able to put our clients’
interests first, delivering incisive research and
long-term advice, with a strong emphasis
on service.
We continue to strengthen our position
overseas and expand at the fastest rate in our
history, having opened 14 offices in the UK in
the past 24 months – an illustration of our longterm
confidence in the market. Our expanding
global network provides local advice from more
than 400 offices in 59 countries, giving our
clients total coverage and also a depth of
consistent service. We are capturing wealth
flows from many territories – including our new
office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – and also have
new teams in Florence, Cannes and Val d’Isère,
adding to our already comprehensive European
network. Later this year will see the launch of
our US Broker Rollout Scheme with Douglas
Elliman Fine Homes, when more than 350 of
its elite brokers will represent Knight Frank
in the key US markets.
We continue to develop our technological
platform to assist both our current and future
clients. I am delighted to announce that our
updated app, launched this summer, provides a
focal point for our global residential and
commercial offerings – I urge you to download it.
Running a thriving international business
keeps me and my partners on our toes 24 hours
a day. It is essential that Knight Frank stays
ahead of the curve so we continue to serve you,
our clients, to the highest standard in all areas
– you will find a list of our main services on
page 138. If we are able to help you with any
property matters in these fast-changing times,
then please do contact us.
Having spent my childhood on a remote
Hebridean island, when I am presenting to
300 clients in Sydney or 60 investors in Hong
Kong, I sometimes have to pinch myself. I feel
immensely lucky to be part of such a dynamic,
fast-growing and successful organisation that
has an exceptional client following. I hope you
will enjoy reading Private View as much as we
have enjoyed putting it together.
LORD ANDREW HAY
GLOBAL HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL
JOHN WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
06 Private View
2016 07