Riots Lead To Property Security Concerns

The riots taking place across London and other major cities have been seen around the world. Televised coverage of burning buildings and looting will serve as yet another negative in what has been a tough year for the UK property market. It has already seen property vacancy rates soar and a fresh round of retailers shutting up shop is already expected in the wake of the recent unrest and crashing stock prices.

As local and international investors look on, many will be carefully considering whether to place their money into UK properties in our major cities and their suburbs or to look elsewhere. Philip Selway, head of the global property wealth team at broker Knight Frank said property security was one of the top priorities for overseas investors in London. "The stock market worries us more at the moment but if the rioting became a regular occurrence or the army was put on the streets, for example, that would be a concern," he said.