High-end retailers in London are buying up real estate to occupy themselves as they seek to avoid rent squeezes and protect prime sales locations.

Research by Cushman & Wakefield for The Independent showed that retailers were responsible for buying around 70% of Bond Street properties sold since 2011, and that almost half of the properties on the shopping street last year were owned by the stores.

Fergus Keane of Cushman & Wakefield said buying was viewed as safer than renting in London. He said he expects a further spurt of activity among retailers looking to acquire real estate.