A property sector veteran’s family office bought an Oxford Street retail property at a knockdown price today, in a bet the throughfare’s recent revival will translate to higher values. Aspida Capital, the family office of Antony Antoniou, bought 105-109 Oxford Street - home to Danish variety store Flying Tiger and sex shop Harmony - from Thor Equities for £18.5 million today. Thor purchased the site for £42 million in 2015, but the pandemic and “scourge” of American-style candy shops hit Oxford Street property values. Rents fell 35% to £1.075 million since 2019 but Aspida said the current “rental tone” suggests they should rise above £1.25 million at the next review in 2025, amid a wider Oxford Street rebound fuelled by £1 billion worth of investment. Recent openings on London’s high street include the NBA Store, a Kurt Geiger flagship and the return of HMV. Antoniou said: “Oxford Street is reclaiming its crown as the UK’s top retail destination. What started with the Elizabeth Line drawing increased footfall is now being cemented with the £1bn investment in the flagship retail stores for international brands. “This acquisition represents a very attractive investment opportunity, with excellent scope for both rental and underlying asset...