The high profile and well respected high-end search agency Black Brick has revealed its deals of the year – including what it regards as its best rental property search of 2024.

The was a property letting at £3,400 a week in London’s Marylebone enclave.

Black Brick says: “Our clients, a family of four were relocating from Puerto Rico to London and were looking for a modern secure apartment with 3 bedrooms and air conditioning. The property had to be within close proximity to their daughter’s school. 

“The rental market in London has become highly competitive, with less stock available as some private Landlords have decided to sell up and leave the market for tax reasons. According to data compiled by Lonres, in Marylebone, between July and September this year prices increased 10.1% and the volume of transactions also increased by 28.1%. 

“Given the fast-moving rental market, where desirable properties often receive multiple bids, it was essential to be the first in to view suitable options and secure access before other tenants. Thanks to our strong relationship with a letting agent, we were invited to view an apartment that hadn’t yet been advertised. This early access enabled our clients to make a swift decision, allowing us to negotiate a discount from the asking price.”

Other stand-out deals identified by Black Brick include ‘trophy home of the year’ (a Knightsbridge house at £10.033m) and the ‘off market deal of the year’ in Kensington, at £5.95m.

Sales ‘discounts of the year’ were properties in Chelsea and Knightsbridge, secured buy the agency with discounts of £1.875m and £3.75m respectively. 

The agency says: “According to research from Coutts bank the average negotiated discount in prime London stands at 8.6 per cent. Black Brick has managed to dramatically outperform this average on several occasions.”