Merryn Talks Money Silver’s Surge, Oil’s Bounce, London Flat Prices and the Quiet Gilt Rally
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Jan 16, 2026 This week, Marcus Ashworth, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist focused on European markets, joins John Stepek to unpack the complexities of the UK property market. They reveal why falling London flat prices might not offer real bargains due to factors like leaseholds and cladding issues. Marcus explores the bounce in oil prices linked to geopolitical risks and discusses the recent silver surge and its speculative nature. He also analyzes UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves's strategy to reshape the gilt market through shortening debt maturity, highlighting its implications.
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Misleading Bargains In London Flats
- Marcus Ashworth recounts seeing a seemingly cheap one-bed flat in Fulham that turned out to be sold by a modern auction requiring a large, non-refundable deposit.
- He uses it to illustrate why some low prices in London are misleading and require caution.
London Has Corrected From An Extreme Peak
- London property has corrected from an extreme overpricing peak around 2014-15 and is now more affordable versus its own past.
- Yet one in seven sellers of London flats are still selling at a nominal loss, showing the pain from the correction.
Check Cladding, Lease And Service Charges
- If you're a first-time buyer, research cladding, lease length, and service charges before buying a flat.
- Take your time and avoid leasehold properties where possible.