Israel's housing market was the third hottest in the world during 2009, according to an international house price survey.

The Global House Price Index, compiled by the multinational property agency Knight Frank, showed that house prices in Israel increased more than in any other developed country except Hong Kong and China.

According to the survey, prices in Israel increased by an average of 21.3 per cent in the course of 2009, compared to a 3.4 per cent increase in Britain and a 3.1 per cent decrease in America.

New builds and major refurbishment projects are out - and top-end rentals are in.

That, at least, is the opinion of Glasgow-based international architect Adrien Von Ferscht. He argues that in the current climate, renting a high-spec house is likely to prove more attractive to homeowners than buying.

The 66-year-old, who has more than 40 years' experience creating interiors for private homes across the world, has turned his attention to the UK rentals market. He recently completed designs for 45 bespoke, luxury apartments in Glasgow intended for long-term rents.

Alon Bejerano has opted for a more creative role. The 31-year-old former investment fund manager is now busying himself with colour charts, wallpaper patterns, lampshades and the like. That's because Mr Bejerano is now the co-director of AB Hotels.

Cherie Blair has lent her support to a £1.75 million project by Langdon, supporting young Jewish adults with learning difficulties.

Mrs Blair joined Langdon leaders and clients on Monday to launch The Quadrant, an Edgware property being rebuilt and refurbished to provide one two-bedroom and two individual flats. There will also be accommodation for 24/7 carers and a drop-in community centre. Building work is expected to take 18 months.

When Gerald Ronson, one of the world’s most respected property developers, sought a new right-hand man, he had the pick of the property playing field. Yet, Mr Ronson, head of Heron International, turned to the legal trade for his candidate. Jonathan Goldstein was the chief executive of Olswang law firm when he was poached by Mr Ronson, a previous client. The duo have been working together since May 2007.

When Maggie Darling hosted Jewish Blind and Disabled’s 40th anniversary celebration at 11 Downing Street in October, the Chancellor’s wife promised to visit a JBD property.

True to her word, Mrs Darling breezed into the charity’s Frances and Dick James Court in Mill Hill last Thursday to tour the 42-flat facility and meet staff and tenants.

One of the first things she saw was the wall of dedications from donors, where she stopped to study the inscriptions, remarking: “It’s very moving — I cannot think of a better memorial.”

Property developer Mark Hoffman is sitting pretty. Hardly surprising considering that one of his business partners is Simon Cowell, the multi-millionaire music entrepreneur and X-Factor judge.

Mr Hoffman, 36, is the founder of Commercial Property Investments (CPI), a London-based firm which he runs with Simon Cowell; his brother, Nicholas Cowell, co-founder of Estate Office; Adrian Levy, also of Estate Office; and Mr Hoffman’s father, Peter.

The property market in London is recovering better than in any other region, says developer Paul Eden.

The founder of Regal Homes, a London-based company with a market valuation in excess of £100m, Mr Eden believes activity is picking up, particularly at the higher end of the market.