Michelle Niziol, CEO of Bespoke Property Investment, on the the impact of high-profile neighbours
Photo: The Democratic Alliance, CC-BY-SA-2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Michelle Niziol (pictured below), CEO of Bespoke Property Investment, has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects high-profile individuals have had on the local real estate market in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. These regions, long known for their idyllic landscapes and historical charm, have become magnets for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals seeking refuge from London’s hustle.
“Where I’m based in Oxfordshire, we’re very close to the Cotswolds,” she told Mortgage Introducer. “Jeremy Clarkson’s got his farm and his pub close by.”
The arrival of celebs such as Victoria and David Beckham has also supercharged property demand – elevating the area’s buying pull.
“That has definitely increased the popularity because, obviously, if these types of high-profile individuals are moving there then people also want to move there,” added Niziol. This influx has led to a notable uptick in property values, with some homeowners reaping significant financial gains.
However, Niziol cautions against certain pitfalls of this trend. The media attention and heightened demand can inflate prices beyond realistic valuations.
“Clients just need to be slightly careful...making sure they’re not purchasing overinflated prices,” she explained. “It’s quite easily looked into via the data that sits behind that property and how much that has grown over the previous five to ten years.”
Mortgage dynamics in celebrity-driven markets
The surge in popularity has also influenced mortgage strategies for both buyers and investors. Properties in these high-demand areas often require tailored financing solutions to navigate elevated entry costs and competitive bidding. Niziol points out that while the prestige of owning property in such areas is appealing, buyers must approach mortgages with a pragmatic mindset. Fixed-rate options and flexible repayment structures can help mitigate risks tied to market volatility.
The increased tourism traffic in the Cotswolds, spurred by media coverage and celebrity-driven attention, has further complicated the local dynamic. For homeowners uninterested in selling, the influx can feel intrusive.
“If you had a lovely little cottage that used to just have a few cars going past and then you’ve all of a sudden got this influx of traffic... the value of the property really is insignificant,” she added. Yet, for investors and landlords, this traffic signals opportunity, particularly in short-term rental markets like holiday lets. Securing competitive financing for these ventures is critical, as lenders often scrutinise income projections tied to seasonal demand.
Balancing opportunity with caution
Niziol sees the celebrity effect as both a boon and a challenge for local investors. While the increased attention has undeniably raised property values, it also creates a higher barrier to entry. For clients seeking to enter these markets, she recommends strategic mortgage planning coupled with a clear understanding of long-term value.
“If you had a property there already, you’re absolutely laughing because that’s obviously gone up in value,” Niziol told Mortgage Introducer.
Yet she remains acutely aware of the potential drawbacks for future buyers, emphasising the need for measured decision-making.
“It’s a really positive thing, but I’m sure there’ll be a small minority that won’t feel the same.”
Data-driven insights
Working alongside high net-worth clients has given Niziol a unique insight into the fluctuating celebrity market. Ongoing economic concerns after a challenging Autumn Budget mean that certain clients may now be looking to offload second and third homes. When advising these clients, Niziol promotes caution.
“It's crucial to emphasise the long-term gains out of a property portfolio,” she told Mortgage Introducer. “When I'm working with a client, we're working with a minimum 10 year plan – there’s not really a quick buck to be made unless you’re flipping properties as a living, It's got to be an absolute long-term investment – and it's just making that really clear from the start.”
Again, here Niziol relies on the importance of data, collecting statistics from Rightmove, Zoopla and the government to provide her clients with an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of any decision.
“It’s just about transparency and regular market updates; what is going on, what has gone on, what is going to happen in the current market,” she said.
