Intelligence Talks

Knight Frank

From Knight Frank Research, Intelligence Talks brings you the latest insights on property market trends and forecasts, along with expert analysis from industry leaders.

New episodes fortnightly.

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154 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes154

Newest first

January 30 · 29 min
What can other real estate sectors learn from retail's resurgence?
Retail is back on top, ending 2025 as the top performing real estate asset class. How can the sector's resurgence bring insights - and valuable lessons - to apply to other commercial real estate sectors? We dive into Stephen Springham's insight series 'Retail Renaissance' to find out. Host Will Matthews, Knight Frank’s Head of Commercial Insight, is joined by Stephen Springham, Head of UK Markets Insight, who brings over 30 years of industry experience. In this episode you'll discover why 'relevance' trumps 'prime', and the importance of addressing underinvestment and complacency. Plus: how to navigate the complexities of repurposing retail spaces, and why strong occupier relationships are vital for a sustainable market. For more insights like this subscribe to Will Matthews' newsletter for his weekly take on commercial real estate markets. And you can read Stephen Springham’s Retail Renaissance papers, exploring what other real estate sectors can learn from Retail’s fall and unlikely rise again. This is an episode from Commercially Minded, Knight Frank’s podcast dedicated to unpicking the latest commercial property data. Produced by Rethink Audio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 19 · 20 min
The Wealth Report: Los Angeles’ luxury housing market
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Los Angeles’ luxury housing market—one of the world’s largest super‑prime residential hubs, currently ranking third globally for $10‑million‑plus sales. Despite a range of challenges in recent years, the market continues to show remarkable resilience and remains a key destination for global private wealth. Liam is joined by Nick Segal to unpack the dynamics of a market that has recorded 250 sales above $10 million in the past 12 months, totalling $4.6 billion. Nick explains how the city is navigating significant headwinds—from the ULA tax reform, which imposes an excise tax of up to 5.5% on high‑value transactions, to complex insurance challenges and the emotional toll following last year’s devastating fires. While these factors have prompted some wealth migration to states such as Texas and Florida, the conversation explores why a degree of “stickiness” remains, and why some buyers are already returning to California. The discussion explores the structural shifts in buyer behaviour, noting a move away from “aspirational” pricing towards a necessary realism among sellers. Nick highlights how tech wealth and other alternative sectors are backfilling changes in the traditional entertainment industry. In addition, a new trend in wellness‑driven development is reshaping the luxury landscape, with an increasing emphasis on lifestyle quality. Looking ahead to 2026, Liam and Nick discuss the potential for a “righting of the ship,” driven by anticipated interest rate reductions and growing political momentum to recalibrate tax initiatives. They identify key sub‑markets to watch, including the Palisades—which is poised for a major recalibration—and Beverly Hills, which remains a stronghold for developers due to its exemption from the ULA tax. For more insight into global wealth, luxury markets and the assets that sit alongside property subscribe to Liam’s twice-weekly research briefing here: https://preferences.knightfrank.com/subscribe-to-research?utm_campaign=2703391_Data%20Protection%20-%20Not%20asked%20consent%20%28Headshot%29&utm_medium=Email%20Marketing&utm_source=Dotmailer&dm_t=0,0,0,0,0 Host: Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank & Editor of The Wealth Report, liam.bailey@knightfrank.com Guest: Nick Segal, Managing Broker at the leading Los Angeles brokerage, Carolwood, which has recently launched a new strategic alliance with Knight Frank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 16 · 43 min
Rob Perrins on planning reform, the future of London and hitting the 1.5 million homes target
Rob Perrins, Executive Chairman of Berkeley Group, joins Tom Bill to explore the realities behind the government’s housing ambitions, the impact of the Autumn Budget, and what it will really take to deliver 1.5 million homes. With over 30 years at Berkeley, Rob offers a unique perspective on the UK’s planning system and the challenges of delivering homes at scale, particularly in London. He discusses why housing delivery has stalled, how the regulatory burden and taxation are undermining viability, and why restoring confidence and the “feelgood factor” is critical for the market. Rob also reflects on his career at Berkeley, the legacy of founder Tony Pidgley, and how the company’s culture of regeneration, placemaking and long-term investment continues to shape its approach today. ⁠Subscribe⁠ to Tom Bill's UK Residential Outlook, for all the latest properties, exclusive market analysis, news and data. This is an episode from Housing Unpacked, Knight Frank’s podcast dedicated to the UK housing market. Produced by ⁠⁠Rethink Audio⁠⁠. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 19, 2025 · 26 min
What’s driving the uptick in the global fine wine market?
In our latest Intelligence Talks episode, Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank, is joined by Tom Burchfield, Head of Market Intelligence at Liv-ex, the world’s leading fine wine exchange. They unpack a challenging three-year period for the Liv-ex 100, why Tuscany has shown resilience, and what the recent rebound could mean for the end of the downturn. Liam and Tom explore how changing investor behaviour, shifting global demand, and evolving preferences for top vintages are reshaping the market. From Europe to Asia and the US, they reveal the forces stabilising prices and the trends shaping luxury alternative assets for the year ahead. For more insight into global wealth, luxury markets and the assets that sit alongside property subscribe to Liam’s twice-weekly research briefing here: https://preferences.knightfrank.com/subscribe-to-research?utm_campaign=2703391_Data%20Protection%20-%20Not%20asked%20consent%20%28Headshot%29&utm_medium=Email%20Marketing&utm_source=Dotmailer&dm_t=0,0,0,0,0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2025 · 18 min
Navigating Student Housing in 2025
2025 has been the year of not taking anything for granted in student housing. There’s noise in the headlines, nuance in the data, and if you know where to look opportunity in the fundamentals. Katie O’Neill speaks to Knight Frank's Head of Student Housing Capital Markets, Merelina Sykes, and Head of Student Housing Valuations, Neil Armstrong. She asks; how are investors navigating the current investment landscape? What’s really happening with rental growth, and how is it shaping occupancy? And importantly, what does the student think? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 10, 2025 · 47 min
Budget Special: James Nation on Property Taxes and Labour’s Looming Leadership Crunch
Former Treasury and No.10 insider James Nation joins Tom Bill to unpack a Budget that has soothed markets but failed to boost Labour’s poll numbers. James talks about how easy it will be to introduce a mansion tax, the politics around an investor visa, and why the next big guessing game might not be related to taxes rises but the identity of the new Chancellor. ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ to Tom Bill's UK Residential Outlook, for all the latest properties, exclusive market analysis, news and data. This is an episode from Housing Unpacked, Knight Frank’s podcast dedicated to the UK housing market. Produced by Rethink Audio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 2, 2025 · 35 min
Budget Special with Michael Brown: The OBR Row, Mixed Market Signals and Rising Risks for the Chancellor
In this second of three post-Budget specials, Tom Bill is joined by Michael Brown from Pepperstone to unpack a chaotic week for Westminster, the markets and the wider economy. From the unprecedented OBR leak and the Treasury’s credibility problem to front-loaded spending, back-loaded tax rises and why gilt markets may be calm for now, Michael explains what really mattered in the Budget, what the Bank of England is likely to do next, and why political risk may be the biggest story of 2026. Read more from Head of UK Residential Research Tom Bill here. Subscribe to Knight Frank's research here. Produced by Ollie Peart at Rethink Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 28, 2025 · 31 min
Budget Special: Nimesh Shah on the Doors The Budget Opened - and the Ones It Bolted
In this Budget Special, Tom Bill is joined by Nimesh Shah, CEO of tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, to break down why he sees this as a “once-in-a-generation” Budget, what the new mansion tax signals for future wealth taxation and how the extra 2% on rental income and frozen thresholds squeeze landlords and middle earners. They also discuss whether markets will accept a fiscal plan that spends upfront and pushes major tax increases into the later years of the Parliament - plus the emoji that Nimesh chooses to sum it all up. Read more from Head of UK Residential Research Tom Bill here. Subscribe to Knight Frank's research here. Produced by Ollie Peart at Rethink Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 25, 2025 · 22 min
Will Mayor Mamdani sink the luxury New York housing market?
What market is poised to outpace even the mighty New York? This week the global Head of Research at Knight Frank, Liam Bailey, is joined by President & CEO of Miller Samuel, Jonathan Miller. Jonathan is a legendary New York housing market expert whose insights shape understanding of luxury real estate trends nationwide. Using fresh data from the Knight Frank Global Super-Prime Intelligence Report, Liam and Jonathan explore how billionaires and centi-millionaires are reshaping global housing markets, and what the latest quarter’s slowdown really means. Across 12 leading global hubs, 474 residential sales above $10 million took place in Q3 2025, totalling $8.5 billion. But with volumes down 21% and values down 29% on Q2, the big question is: what’s driving the shift? Jonathan describes a market in rude health: despite a slowdown in Q3 sales, Wall Street continues to fuel the luxury sector, and Q4 is shaping up to be a bumper season in the city. Meanwhile, in Miami and Palm Beach, demand remains strong but low inventory is holding back transactions. Liam draws parallels with London, where, spoiler alert, wealth taxes are not helping super-prime volumes, and with Dubai, where, as in Miami, limited stock is constraining sales. Looking ahead to 2026, New York appears set for a strong run. But one market in particular is poised to outpace even the Big Apple… tune in to find out which. For more global wealth and property insight: Subscribe to Liam’s twice-weekly Global Property Briefing here: https://preferences.knightfrank.com/subscribe-to-global-property-briefing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 10, 2025 · 37 min
Prime Central London: The reality on the ground ahead of the Budget
With tax speculation dominating the headlines, is Prime Central London really stalling or are there opportunities for buyers? Tom Bill speaks to Stuart Bailey, Head of Prime Central London Sales at Knight Frank, about which taxes in the Budget would most impact the market, what buyers should expect in terms of future price growth, how many people are leaving the capital and which areas of London are back on the radar. Read more from Head of UK Residential Research Tom Bill here. Subscribe to Knight Frank's research here. Produced by Ollie Peart at Rethink Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2025 · 32 min
The £30 Billion Question: What Rachel Reeves Faces Ahead of the November Budget
What’s happening behind the scenes as the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility prepare for the 26 November Budget? Tom Bill is joined once again by Michael Brown from Pepperstone to share their insights. From the OBR’s “observation window” to the Treasury’s 11 Bloomberg terminals, Tom and Michael discuss how gilt yields, labour market data, and fiscal headroom are shaping Rachel Reeves’ options — and what all of this means for property taxes, mortgage rates, and the housing market. Read more from Head of UK Residential Research Tom Bill here. Subscribe to Knight Frank's research here. Produced by Ollie Peart at Rethink Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 6, 2025 · 30 min
Carol Lewis: Headlines, Housing and Hype
Carol Lewis, Property Editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, explains how to navigate the flood of property headlines in the run-up to November’s Budget. Carol speaks to Tom about the Treasury’s use of “trial balloon” tax stories, why house price data often looks contradictory, and how readers can distinguish speculation from fact. She also gives a behind-the-scenes view of how the media prepares for Budget day, stressing the journalist’s role as messenger rather than market shaper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2025 · 43 min
James Nation: Property Taxes, Pitch-Rolling & Budget Nerves
Former No.10 policy insider James Nation joins Tom to decode the run-in to the 26 November Budget: OBR round-one forecasts, the 10-year gilt “observation window”, and why a productivity downgrade matters for the property market. We ask how credible this summer’s property tax rumours feel, possible sweeteners, and what a “successful” Budget looks like. Plus: Treasury vs Downing St culture, Labour’s deputy leadership race and whether Starmer and Reeves are still in post next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8, 2025 · 25 min
Nerves are spreading through bond and property markets ahead of November Budget
This week, head of UK residential research Tom Bill is joined by financial market analyst Michael Brown from Pepperstone to assess the state of property and bond markets ahead of November’s Budget. Borrowing costs have been climbing in recent weeks for a number of reasons that include a lack of credibility on financial markets that the government has a coherent plan. Property taxes have been floated as one solution but some ideas are more convincing than others. Michael offers his own five-point plan for the government to follow in order to regain the trust of markets – but it would involve some difficult decisions. Whether you are buying, selling, remortgaging or scrolling to see what your house is worth, there are key insights on offer to provide you with the bigger picture. Subscribe to Knight Franks research note here: https://preferences.knightfrank.com/subscribe-to-research?_gl=1*19v1skm*_gcl_au*NDIxNTA1ODA3LjE3NTUyNjc3ODg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18, 2025 · 32 min
The UK Wealth Exodus with Leslie Macleod-Miller
What would happen if the rich left the UK? In this episode of Intelligence Talks, host Tom Bill is joined by Leslie MacLeod-Miller, CEO of Foreign Investors for Britain to dig into what the governments changes in taxation mean for non-doms, and what the knock on affect could be for the rest of the country. Listen to find out what Leslie thinks needs to happen to keep money in the UK and what impact tax changes are already having on the UK prime market. Subscribe to Knight Franks research note here: https://preferences.knightfrank.com/subscribe-to-research?_gl=1*19v1skm*_gcl_au*NDIxNTA1ODA3LjE3NTUyNjc3ODg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 4, 2025 · 27 min
Housing, Inflation, and Government Strategies
This week; sticky inflation, bond market reactions, and the government's role in the property market. We look at recent economic data showing weak growth and high inflation, and try to unpick the implications for the housing market such as increased supply and mortgage rates, and the challenges faced by policymakers. We also look at the US trade deals and Federal Reserve decisions, providing insights into how these factors could affect both the UK and global economies. Host Tom Bill is joined by seasoned financial market analyst Michael Brown from Pepperstone to give some clarity amidst economic uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 7, 2025 · 22 min
Navigating Volatility: The Rise of Build to Rent
This week we discuss how global market volatility is reshaping investment strategies, specifically on the growing popularity of the built to rent sector. Special guests Nick Pleydell-Bouverie, Head of Residential Investment, and Lizzie Breckner, Head of Build to Rent Research, highlight significant milestones, such as a rise in single family and co-living investments, and discuss the impact of policy changes and construction challenges on the sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2025 · 25 min
Half-Time Health Check: Is the UK Housing Market Set for a Smoother Ride in H2 2025?
This week, head of UK residential research Tom Bill is joined by financial market strategist Michael Brown from Pepperstone to assess the state of the UK housing market at the halfway point of the year. With the Bank of England cutting rates twice in the first six months of 2025, Michael explains why more cuts could be on the way before Christmas. They also unpack what the end of Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff pause could mean for the UK, and how recent weak economic data is shaping expectations for interest rates. Plus, they explore the government’s shrinking financial headroom ahead of this autumn’s Budget — and the tough decisions facing the Chancellor. Whether you’re buying, selling or re-mortgaging, this episode offers key insights into what’s coming next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19, 2025 · 24 min
Opening the Gateway: Breaking Down Challenges in the UK Planning Landscape
This week we unpack the evolving UK planning landscape. From the implications of Gateway Two and the Building Safety Act to recent updates in the National Planning Policy Framework. Host Katie O'Neill is joined by Chris Benham, Oliver Knight, and Alan McCartney to explore what these changes mean for developers, investors, and the future of urban delivery. They also dive into the shifting role of amenity spaces—why practicality is taking priority over luxury. Plus, don’t miss the 'Bullish and Bearish' segment, where the guests share what’s driving their optimism or caution in London’s housing market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 30, 2025 · 14 min
Will Britain gain from post-Trump student surge?
We explore how Britain could benefit from a rise in international students after Trump’s second presidency. We also delve into the latest UCAS application data for 2025, plus key investment and development trends. Anna is joined by Neil Armstrong and Merelina Sykes, joint heads of Knight Frank student property. Produced by Ollie Peart at Rethink Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.