Students demand WiFi, ensuites and communal areas from their university accommodation

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Wi-fi, en-suite facilities and communal areas are the most important features for higher education students when choosing accommodation according to a recent survey by Unite, developers and managers of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK.

As well as these demands, Unite also discovered that location, security, price and cleanliness are important factors for a happy student life and as a result, universities across the UK are pushing hard to ensure that they can accommodate today’s student requirements.
While UK universities are working to provide new-build and refurbished student accommodation there is a continuing need for more to be built in order to cope with surging demand. The current shortfall in specific higher education accommodation is reinforced by the Unite survey which discovered that 17% of students currently live at home, while another survey of school-leavers carried out at the end of 2011 found that 16% were planning to live at home in 2012-13.
Ray Withers, CEO of student property investment specialists, Property Frontiers, comments,
“Although there has been a very small reduction in student applications this year, most likely caused by the introduction of increased tuition fees, the UK has some of the world’s best educational institutions and we will no doubt see a growth in student applications next year once the dust settles.
“Indeed, it is of the upmost importance that we continue to build high quality student accommodation to meet demand and student’s expectations. Universities alone cannot be responsible and this is why we are now in our 9th purpose built student accommodation project in one the UK’s biggest university cities, Liverpool. These investments allow us to meet the student demand for housing whilst providing our investors with the opportunity to own one of the best asset classes around. All our completed student projects have achieved 100% occupancy so the results speak for themselves!”
Withers continues,
“But it’s not just investors that are a concern to us. We at Property Frontiers are meeting the demands of students with all our student accommodation developments with Wi-fi, en-suite bathrooms and shared common rooms as standard, all situated in the thriving city of Liverpool.”
One such happy customer Paula Gomez, who is studying in Liverpool, chose to live in Streatlam Tower, one of Property Frontiers previous student projects commenting,
“I came to Liverpool to study English. Since I arrived 4 months ago, each day I am happier living here. The house is well situated near the city centre and all rooms are well equipped with everything you need including Internet and TV. Additionally, each floor has a huge kitchen and several bathrooms. Being away from home is hard but the truth is that living here has made things much easier.”
For global investors looking for the perfect opportunity new high quality private student housing developments such as The Paper Mill, Liverpool could provide the answer.
As the latest student accommodation development from Property Frontiers, The Paper Mill offers en-suite student rooms set within a well located refurbished building in central Liverpool from just £48,000.
Comprising 102 en-suite student rooms, The Paper Mill sits within a superior location; situated in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to Liverpool One shopping centre and offers investors a 10% NET yield assured in year 1.
The Paper Mill units are now 60% sold so make sure you make your mark and contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Property Inspector: The truth about the London Olympics

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

In April’s podcast, TheMoveChannel.com investigates the curious case of the London Olympics.

With less than 100 days to go until the opening ceremony, lettings agents across the country are getting excited about the chance to cash in on the great rental race. Enquiries are up on one site, searches are surging on another, Sol Campbell has put his home on the market, and all the while rents are tripling in the areas around Stratford.

But with some landlords evicting existing tenants to find others who’ll pay higher prices and agents reporting hundreds of properties on their books with no-one to rent them, what’s actually going on in London’s market? Are people still going for gold or is it a stadium-load of hype? What’s the truth about the London 2012 Olympics?

TheMoveChannel.com tracks down James Davis, CEO of lettings agency Upad to get to the bottom of the mystery.

The London lettings market at the moment is strong, with yields and demand increasing, but there’s something different going on here. This lettings fever has gripped real estate. Upad has launched its own Olympics lettings service – how are you finding the response?

“It’s been really quite encouraging. Despite the majority being based in East London, we’re seeing properties being looked at across the whole of the city.”

Do you find that your clients are existing homeowners looking to get out of London or landlords with existing properties?

“It’s a lot like Wimbledon. There are people who want to be around during the tournament but there are lots of families who find that the burden of having extra tourists in the town over the summer is too much and maybe they want to capitalise on their empty property and make some money in the process.“

A lot of agents apparently have a large number of Olympics properties on their books without many tenants. Has there been over-hype? Are the premium commissions and rates deterring tenants?

“I suppose the warning is for landlords not to be too greedy. There should be a premium attached to the short let but don’t get carried away with what’s being reported in the press. Be modest and not too greedy on the matter.”

A London agent specialising in letting homes for Wimbledon told the Property Inspector that they absolutely did not want or need any extra customers or properties. Is that a situation you’re in?

“I think we’re different. We’re not operating in a local marketplace and we’re advertising hundreds of properties across the UK anyway. If we had a 10 per cent increase in stock because of the Olympics, it wouldn’t affect business too much.”

There have been reports of some landlords in Stratford evicting existing tenants to attract new ones and higher profits. What is your reaction to that?

“If you as an individual or family have a property that you’re considering letting out for the Olympics, I think it’s a great opportunity. But to evict tenants you may have at the moment to potentially – and please note the word potentially – just to earn a significant uplift because of the Olympics? I think that’s a very naive thing to do.

“If a tenant is happy to move out anyway, you’re in a good position, but I strongly don’t think you should change how you currently structure your rental properties just because of the Olympics. We don’t recommend you going down that road.”

The Olympics have arguably distorted the housing market, with rents up by 5 per cent over the past 12 months. After the controversy this week surrounding Newham council’s attempt to re-house its poorest tenants to Stoke-on-Trent because rents are so high, do you think that the London lettings market will return to normal after the summer?

“It’s an interesting one. We’re in a position where those who want to own their own property are unable to – we’ve all seen enough stories in the media about first time buyers. More and more people are being forced into renting, outside of the fact that it’s become more socially acceptable to rent, so for those reasons there are more people coming into the sector. That by itself is putting pressure on the market and raising rents because we simply do not have efficient housing to keep up with demand. There will be an increasing knock-on effect, as far as I can see, for another three to five years.”

Given the hype and buzz surrounding the Olympics, if someone is looking to let their property this summer, what would be your advice?

“The hardest part is pricing your property. Because we haven’t been here before, it’s very hard to say what the mark-up should be. Short let properties have a premium attached to them anyway, but it’s important to be realistic and be careful not to price yourself out of the market.”

Apart from being realistic with rental rates, what other tips would you give?

“Be careful what property you buy and where you buy – don’t look to buy something in East London just because there’s a lot of press coverage at the moment. Ask yourself what happens when everything packs up and goes home.

“To pick up on what you were saying earlier about the number of properties on the market without tenants, position yourself well. Present your property on as many sites as you can and make sure it’s presented in the best possible light; people will not travel down before the Olympics to see it, so include professional photos and floor plans. Make it as easy as possible for someone to move in.”

Listen to the full investigation here.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Only 15% of tenants want to meet agents when viewing properties according to latest data

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Landlords who do not handle their own property viewings could be missing a trick according to new research from leading lettings agency Upad.

Following the long held simple belief that landlords are better than agents at showing tenants around their properties, Upad asked 382 tenants from across the UK if they agreed and discovered that a mere 15% would rather meet an agent for a viewing than deal directly with the landlord.

Over half of tenants asked said they would rather meet the landlord, while just over a third said that they were indifferent, highlighting the obvious advantages for landlords to liaise with tenants directly.

James Davis, CEO of Upad and hands-on landlord of 14 years comments,

“From our research, it appears that honesty and obtaining direct answers is of the utmost importance to potential tenants so it makes perfect sense for landlords to self-manage and hold viewings themselves. Landlords who are not doing this are simply missing out.”

To further demonstrate the sentiment, Upad asked their tenants exactly why they prefer one over the other. While one pro-agent tenant explained: “Agents are probably more objective about the property they are showing”, the majority of tenant comments in the survey revealed a pro-landlord attitude with one tenant stating:

“It is the landlord´s property and therefore he or she is more likely to know the finer details about the house than the agent who is simply there to do a job. Landlords are more honest with you and you don´t feel like you are being constantly pitched or sold to. A landlord is more likely to tell it like it is. I don´t believe agents are always truthful and because agents only care about the money I believe landlords are better – they actually care about keeping good tenants.”

Davis further comments,

“The data speaks for itself and it’s important that UK landlords listen to what tenants want. By cutting out the middle man and dealing directly with tenants, landlords have full control, enabling them to build trust and secure long lasting relationships with their tenants. We’ve used this research to build a better lettings agency model. At Upad, we find and reference great tenants for our landlords but allow them to handle viewings personally. The results have been amazing with properties being filled in days, even hours in some cases and the feedback has been phenomenal.”

Upad is one of the UKs largest and fastest growing letting agencies. Last year alone, 107,000 tenants asked them for help finding a home. Upad specialise in helping professional tenants rent properties from landlords directly by allowing landlords to manage their own viewings. The tenant-finding services start from just £99 + VAT per property with an even cheaper rate for rooms.

For more information please contact lettings experts Upad, on 0333 240 1220 or visit www.upad.co.uk.
 

Savvy investors cash in on booming hotel market in Britain’s favourite small city

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

The most active market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) according to Q1 2012 figures from Jones Lang LaSalle, UK hotel investment remains on the rise with savvy investors cashing in on the boom in Britain’s favourite small city, York (YouGov independent poll, 2011).

Heralded as a “bright and resilient sector” by PwC in their European Cities Hotel Forecast 2011 & 2012, the UK hotel industry saw positive growth in 2011 with the regions experiencing a 0.8% increase in room yield to £44.12 per night and a 1.5% increase in occupancy to 70.8% according to data from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services. The city of York itself ranked second in a league of 2011 occupancy rates compiled by industry analysts STR Global with a healthy occupancy level of 80.1%.

Commenting on the positive position of the UK’s regional hotel sector, Ray Withers, CEO of hotel investment experts, Property Frontiers, says:

“For some time now, investors have believed that London is the only location in the UK to consider making a successful hotel investment. This is quite simply not true. As with any investment, it’s about looking at the fundamentals of supply and demand and for this very reason we have identified Yorkshire and in particular the city of York, with its 7 million annual visitors and shortage of hotel rooms, as an opportunity seriously worth exploring.

“The statistics speak for themselves with the Chief Executive of Visit York reporting a 2% increase in average room rates in the city during last summer compared to the same period in 2010 and PwC forecasting growth rates of regional hotels increasing by 2.4% and RevPAR by some 2% in 2013, an investment in the York hotel market is a shrewd move.”

A ‘honeypot’ tourism destination in its own right, the city of York, which celebrates its 800 anniversary of self-governance this year, is one of the UK’s most popular destinations both with domestic and international visitors. According to the tourism organization, Visit York, over 7 million people visit annually with 81% having been to York previously and 84% likely to come back within the next 2 years. York is also currently being promoted as a destination of choice to the Chinese as part of the year long, UK Now programme.

One of England’s most historic cities, timelessly manifested through its beautiful buildings and monuments dotted throughout the city, York offers visitors diversity of culture and world class visitor attractions all set amidst stunning architecture steeped in history. York Minster, the largest medieval gothic cathedral in northern Europe welcomes at least 1 million guests each year alone in addition to the hugely popular Jorvik Viking Centre, York racecourse and rural leisure activities located in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.

The city of York is also expected to benefit from the forecast influx of some 320,000 tourists for the London Olympic Games this summer with 19% of Games visitors planning on visiting somewhere else in the UK during their trip (SLH, 2012). With this in mind, York-based train operator Eats Coast is putting on extra services between York and London, making it even easier to visit this historic city.

For those investors keen to cash in on York’s growing tourism demand and booming hotel sector, Property Frontiers has just launched its latest hotel investment project – Tulip Inn at Burn Hall. A fully operational and trading hotel set in 8 acres of beautiful countryside, 20 minutes from York, Tulip Inn at Burn Hall offers investors the rare opportunity to access an asset class not usually available to individuals.

Investors are able to purchase an en-suite hotel room for £49,950 which is then leased back to the hotel owner (which as of 15th September 2012 will be Tulip Inn, part of the second largest hotel group in Europe, the Louvre Group) who manages the room on the investors’ behalf. With 50% non-status finance available and cash-on-cash returns of to 23% in 2017, this is certainly one hotel investment not to be missed.

For more information on investing in the UK hotel market and Tulip Inn at Burn Hall, contact the experts at Property Frontiers on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

 

Europe´s best kept secret – The Buyers Guide to Albania

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Once a stranger to tourists, perceived only as a place that the daring and brave would visit, Albania is now coming into her own, exposing all her geographical wonders and historical wounds to the intrigued masses who are in search of something rare and unspoiled. Indeed, until last year it had mostly been back packers and intrepid travellers who made their way through the Balkan land, but this year has seen some great changes.

Since being voted number 1 in the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Destinations for 2011, Albania has been growing in popularity with over 4 million foreign tourists visiting in 2011, an increase of 18.7% on the previous year according to Albania’s Tourism Ministry. Indeed, further acclaim for the Balkan land comes from recently being named one of the Hottest Destinations of 2012 by MSN Travel as well as Top Value Destination’ for 2012 by well-respected travel guide Frommers.

But what is it that has led so many to place ‘Europe’s last secret’ at the top of their lists? To begin, the nation encapsulates an ancient history, one where the Ottoman, Greek and Roman empires have left behind a unique tapestry of ancient times which can  be seen at the magnificent Roman ruins in Durres or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, two of the country’s most famous landmarks.

As well as a typically Mediterranene climate that boasts 200 days of sunshine a year, a beautiful landscape is also set before us. The dazzling 370km coast-line has long been one of the Adriatic’s secret jewels affords sparkling turquoise seas, golden sandy beaches and un-spoilt mountains that make for an undeniable picture perfect location. It’s hardly surprising that Walks Worldwide, a leading UK trekking holiday organisation has revealed that Albania is set to become one of the most popular walking destinations this year after the company saw extraordinary demand for its Accursed Mountains trek to Albania in 2011 and high levels of advanced bookings for 2012.
 

In spite of Albania’s natural charm and unique offerings there have been limited opportunities for overseas property buyers to confidently enter the Albanian property market up until now.

Over the last few years, the Albanian government has spent €2 billion on improving the country´s roads and utilities infrastructure and is fast developing an efficient road network throughout Albania, with the newly opened Kosovo-Albania highway being one of the most significant infrastructural investments to date. Meanwhile, Albania has also become far easier to visit thanks to daily British Airways flights to the Tirana capital from Gatwick as well as the re-modernisation of Tirana airport helping push passenger numbers up by 23% (H1 2011).

Throughout the credit crisis and global recession, the Albanian economy has been one of the few that has seen growth combined with low inflation, keeping confidence in the market stable and foreign investment strong. With a predicted 4.3% GDP growth predicted this year according to the Albanian government, forecasted to be around four times higher than the EU is expected to post as well foreign direct investment into Albania derived from giants Shell and Petromanas joining partnerships to explore for oil, providing large cash infusions into the nation, Albania, already well on its way, is set to become one of the best holiday and second home retreats in Europe.

For those looking to buy property in Albania to take advantage of the low costs of living, glorious weather and resilient economy the process is as straight-forward as they come. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership and taxes are low – there is in fact no stamp duty on property purchases and capital gains tax is just 10%. All contracts must be signed in front of a notary in Albania either in person or through a Power of Attorney arrangement.

The costs associated with buying a property in Albania are low compared to many other European countries with one of the most exciting and innovative developments in Albania offering a slice of paradise for an unbeatable price.

Fully managed by an internationally renowned resort operator, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa will provide 5 star amenities, service and unqualified luxury, making it one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean from just €38,000 for an apartment.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

60 Second Interview with David Cox, a man bonkers about bamboo!

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

What does it say on your business card?
Director of EcoInvestments, an agency founded in 2009 to provide investors access to the best alternative investment opportunities in the ‘eco’ space.

What does your role involve?
There are several parts to this. Currently I am spending a lot of time raising capital for business expansion through initiatives such as the new 8 year land lease opportunity and some institutional funding channels. I have also been working on the company’s long term business plan including bamboo factory investments across Central America and South Africa.

From your background in property, why did you get involved in alternative investments?
Although I have worked in the property investment arena for many years, I actually studied Environmental Management at university and then spent a number of years as a Management Consultant helping business grow internationally. Many of these were in the energy and commodity space, so much of what EcoInvestments is doing today is quite familiar territory.

What makes bamboo the best alternative to invest in?
There is a genuine, underlying market which gives value to the product. Global demand for timber is growing, yet supply is dwindling. The world needs a sustainable supply and bamboo is the only real alternative to tropical timber.

Are the returns really as high as they claim? If so how?
Yes, we believe so. We have been very conscious of the fact that many forestry based investments have underperformed. We have relied upon expert data and believe in every number which supports our returns. We hope to do even better.

What alternative investments would you avoid and why?
I am sure there are many good alternatives out there, but there also some which I think are unlikely to achieve the anticipated returns and some which are just a means to collect investors’ money without any real intent to make the stated returns. I think it has a lot to do with how the investment is presented. Will the principals of the business stand up and show their history and ambition or do they hide behind companies? Do they provide you with the assumptions that underlie the returns and let you test them for yourself. If not, then I guess, be wary. For more information about investing in bamboo contact David Cox at EcoInvestments on +44 (0) 20 3012 0306 or visit www.ecoinvestments.co.uk.

Foreign exchange broker Currency Index launches new International Payments site

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Confusing, time consuming and expensive are just some of the words that can be used to describe international payments. If you’re looking to save time and money when sending or receiving international money transfers, whether you are an individual or business, independent foreign exchange broker Currency Index’s new resource can help.

Brought to you by award-winning industry experts, the recently launched site www.international-payments.co.uk helps clients make international payments for the first time providing useful information sorted by currency and country, to help overseas property buyers navigate the field of foreign payments with ease.

As well as the latest market rates for most major currencies, www.International-Payments.co.uk  allows users to learn how to avoid the many pitfalls associated with overseas transfers. Sending money traditionally through banks has long been fraught with delays, high charges and poor exchange rates, but with a useful FAQ page and information on new criteria such as the European SEPA standard, first-time users will be able to see at a glance the different types of transfers that are available as well as pick up money-saving information on exchange rates and charges in the UK and abroad.

Robin Haynes, Managing Director of Currency Index comments,

“With the launch of International Payments, we are putting power back into the hands of consumers, who will be able to do their homework about an overseas payment and make sure they get good value for money instead of falling foul of uncompetitive rates and hidden charges from banks. For too long, currency transfers have been a cash cow for high street banks who rely on customers’ ignorance when it comes to the speed and cost that should be expected when making overseas payments.”

The new site also contains information on regulation in the currency industry and invites users to request a free no-obligation quote for their transfer from Currency Index by simply submitting their details at the top of the page. This will then put a user in touch with a specialist at the FSA-Authorised UK currency company who will be on hand to help with their international payments, whether regular or one-off, and large or small.

International Payments also carries a daily news blog with the latest jargon-free currency news, to help consumers understand what is affecting exchange rates – information which could save them even more money if they buy or sell their currency at the right time.

The site, which is free to use and does not require any registration or personal details is the perfect resource for those looking to make the right decisions when it comes to international payments.

For more information about the newly launched international payments resource, contact Robin at Currency Index on 0800 043 2623 or visit www.currencyindex.co.uk.

 

Investment in UK student accommodation up by almost 50% report CBRE

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

According to the latest research from CBRE, over £246 million of student housing investment deals in the UK were transacted in Q1 2012 with total investment in student accommodation increasing by nearly 50% to over £1.1 billion in 2011.

Indeed, demand for long leased products has risen seeing annual yields grow to 5.5% in the top regional towns for student housing let out to universities according to the CBRE research.

Furthermore UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services) has discovered that degree course applications from non-EU countries rose by an impressive 13.7% controlled primarily by students from East Asia, in particular Hong Kong.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading student property investment agency active in the top university town of Liverpool, Property Frontiers comments,

“As the very best asset class around, student accommodation is a proven and successful investment choice so it’s hardly surprising that investment deals in this sector in the UK are on the increase. For us, Liverpool student accommodation is one of our most popular and most lucrative markets with this sector attracting particular interest due to its affordable price point and double digit returns.

“Indeed, in spite of the 5.2% drop in 2012 degree course applicants in the UK compared to the same period in 2011, we are not surprised that applicants from non EU countries, particularly in Asia are on the up. At present, Chinese students make up the largest overseas student group in the UK, contributing around £2 billion to the economy and, with education being of high importance in Chinese culture and with Britain hosting some of the world’s best universities, Chinese students and investors alike are starting to make their mark.”

Currently, Liverpool presents the optimum buy-to-let environment for any investor, reaping significant returns from strong demand with the Knight Frank Student Property report 2012 identifying that average rents for apartments and en-suite rooms in regions such as Liverpool rose by 4% with total returns of around 10.5% last year.

For global investors looking for the perfect opportunity, new high quality private student housing developments such as The Paper Mill, Liverpool could provide the answer.

As the latest student accommodation development from Property Frontiers, The Paper Mill offers en-suite student rooms set within a well located refurbished building in central Liverpool from just £48,000.

Comprising 102 en-suite student rooms, The Paper Mill sits within a superior location; situated in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to Liverpool One shopping centre and offers investors a 10% NET yield assured in year 1.

The Paper Mill units are now 60% sold so make sure you make your mark and contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Discovery of black gold set to boost Albanian economic fortunes

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Albania, one of the highest economic growth markets in the south eastern European region made a discovery of massive oil deposits in the Albanian waters of the Adriatic Sea recently. Predicted to produce around 1 billion barrels of oil and provide large cash infusions, Albania’s economy looks set to receive a further boost.

Indeed, the discovery has led to the Balkan nation to consider how it will best spend its new found fortune given that Albania earns 10% of gross production and makes 50% of earnings from oil sales according to the standard contract that the government uses with foreign companies searching for oil.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,

“There are very high hopes for an oil boom in Albania. Indeed, foreign direct investment into Albania derived from global conglomerates Shell and Petromanas joining in partnership to explore for oil in the country will no doubt increase, making a real impact on the Balkan nation.

“As well as banking on oil, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will assist the Albanian government in September 2012 with a project that aims to rejuvenate Albania’s outdated railways with a particular focus on rehabilitating the Durres-Tirana railway line seeing as 40% of Albania’s population is based there. This will no doubt help push more tourism into the area further boosting the nation’s economic prospects.”

Maharajah continues,

“As a testament to Albania’s potential, our customer base is constantly growing with interest rapidly increasing in our 5* resort. Indeed, the expectation of increased GDP growth as well as high visitor numbers in coming years thanks to a wider range of infrastructure projects such as the new railways, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa will provide the perfect property investment opportunity for as little as €38,000.

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive product to buyers who want the benefits of villa ownership including private gardens and terraces, exclusive services, and more privacy as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants.

For those thinking about investing in a second home in one of the best performing growth markets in South Eastern Europe, look no further than the stunning apartments and villas at Lalzit Bay Resort.

For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
 

Infographic – Italy: At a Glance

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Abruzzo is Italy’s most popular region for property, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s At a Glance infographic.

The infographic, which displays buyer activity on the overseas property portal from the last 12 months, shows that Abruzzo attracted the most attention, receiving 24.09 per cent of enquiries for Italian real estate in the last year.

Lombardy came in a close second, taking 17.42 per cent of enquiries, while traditional favourite Tuscany attracted 10.40 per cent, earning it third place. The map reveals a wide range of demand for homes in Italy but together, the top three regions accounted for over half of all Italian property enquiries on the site since April 2011.

The least popular area was Friuli Venezia Giulia, accounting for just 0.05 per cent of enquiries, narrowly beaten by Aosta Valley (0.13 per cent), Trentino-Alto Adige (0.18 per cent) and Emilia-Romagna (0.18 per cent).

While Abruzzo’s ascension above the more typical tourist destinations may come as a surprise, its absence from Italy’s top 10 destinations is even more unexpected. In the last 12 months, Portofino was the most-searched for location, with 5.52 per cent of house hunters looking to Liguria for the Italian Riviera lifestyle after Wayne Rooney was married there in 2008.

Coastal towns, such as Bari and Tropea, also attracted attention and Tuscany’s share of the Riviera brought buyers to Viareggio. But not even Wayne Rooney’s wedding could compare to the allure of Lombardy’s Lake Como, where George Clooney famously owns a holiday home. Lombardy may have lost out to Abruzzo in overall enquiries, but thanks to Como’s charm, the region accounts for three of the Italy’s most popular locations.

The infographic also analyses Google search behaviour over the last year. Buyers tend to search generally for “property for sale in Italy” or “property in Italy”, with activity peaking in July, when the phrases were used in 2,400 and 880 searches respectively. As with previous European infographics, “houses for sale in italy” are the most popular type of real estate. Conversely, “apartments for sale in Italy” and “land for sale in Italy” were used in almost no searches at all.

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “Italy: At a Glance shows some intriguing trends in one of Europe’s most familiar property markets. Unlike Portugal or Spain, there is no clear winner on the property map and Abruzzo’s slight authority remains surprising, especially given the comparative level of interest in close rival Lombardy. The popularity of destinations outside of Abruzzo suggests that many investors already know where they want to buy in Italy, with that crucial extra 7 per cent attracted to property in Abruzzo for other reasons, such as price. “

Click here to view the full infographic.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.