Submitted by Saul Magrill, Dec 17, 2006 13:50

I have lived in the UK all my life and qualified as a "Chartered Surveyor" specialising in commercial Real Estate. The same changes to which Michael Stoler refers have been taking place in London during the last decade or so with one-time shabby inner suburbs now becoming very much in vogue. The very solidly built Victorian and Edwardian homes have structurally survived and have lent themselves to up-market modernisation now commanding, in many instances, prices in the millions of pounds sterling. For example Islington where priime minister Blair once lived is now exceedinly fashionable and a very good address to possess - only just over 2 miles from the West End of London and even nearer to the City Financial centre. Before World War 2 it was one of the "working class areas" but now attracts the very well paid business executives. This pattern extends to many other Cities throughout the UK.

SAUL L. MAGRILL, FRICS.

CARDIFF UK.

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