Buy-to-let expert shares 5 predictions for UK property in 2018

Buy-to-let expert shares 5 predictions for UK property in 2018

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom

With 2018 now upon us, anyone thinking about investing in bricks and mortar wants to know what’s going to happen over the next 12 months. Will prices continue to edge up, stabilise or dip down? Where is best to invest? Does buy-to-let still stack up?

Jonathan Stephens, Founder and MD of expert property investment agency, Surrenden Invest, which has helped 700 clients invest in UK bricks and mortar over the past 2 years, shares his 5 predictions for the UK property market in 2018:

  1. Manchester will remain robust with city centre fringe redevelopment schemes offering the best opportunities. Manchester is tipped for rapid growth over the years ahead. Its population is projected to expand by 20% by 2025, reaching 625,000 residents, according to city analysts. Such a rapid turnaround in population size is never easy for city planners to address and Manchester is estimated to be around 40,000 homes behind the number it needs, with demand continuing to put pressure on supply. Pressure on city centre land remains incredibly high thus it is to the outer fringes of the city that tenants are moving to, taking advantage of more affordable housing. With property prices significantly less than city centre sites, this is where buy-to-let investors need to be looking when it comes to Manchester.
  1. Birmingham will continue to be one of the strongest buy-to-let markets in the country. Oft overlooked, the UK’s second city (by population), Birmingham, has a great deal to tempt buy-to-let investors in 2018. Birmingham’s youthful population and the huge number of graduates that the city produces every year has created an excellent environment for entrepreneurship. One part of the city in particular, Digbeth, has become a hotspot for new businesses and cultural activities, attracting large number of young professional residents. We will see Digbeth, just 10 minutes from New Street Station booming with gentrification this year and so now is the time to buy before prices soar.
  1. Liverpool will continue to offer low price points and strong growth potential. 10 years on from being announced as the European Capital of Culture, the city has gone from strength to strength. Liverpool has a thriving, service-based economy, which was worth £29.5 billion in 2015 and the city is leading the UK’s Northern Powerhouse region in terms of its overall GVA growth and its growth of GVA per capita. Economic output will continue to improve with the likes of Cunard Shipping bringing a large share of their operation back to where it all began in 2018. A growing population and plenty of blossoming talent, backed by strong economic credentials and a buoyant housing market make for an ideal environment for opportunity, boosting Liverpool up the list of cities to watch most closely in the UK over the coming year.
  1. London will remain slow with some prominent city centre locations seeing prices drop. Anyone who lives in London, or indeed reads the papers, will know that the capital slowed in 2017 and whilst the long-term outlook for one of the world’s top real estate markets remains optimistic, the impact of slowing prices will be felt especially if we see further interest rate increases. However undervalued pockets will continue to offer irresistible opportunities especially locations set to benefit from Crossrail due to open later this year.
  1. Newcastle will be the dark horse of 2018. Newcastle and its twin city, Gateshead, has been quietly waiting in the wings, growing in population and economically, over the last couple of years. 2018 will be the north-east city’s time to shine as a higher than average economic activity rate, rising property prices and significant local investment mean that Newcastle is becoming something of a favourite with businesses and investors alike. Surrenden Invest has taken up options on several sites and predict big things for buy-to-let investors in this hidden gem.

For further details contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499 or visit www.surrendeninvest.com.

 

Students kick-start their 2018 fitness goals with cooking and cardio in luxury pads

Students kick-start their 2018 fitness goals with cooking and cardio in luxury pads

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • England’s health is alarming with 62% of UK adults obese and 38% sedentary (NHS Health Survey for England)
  • Brits need to run 18 miles to burn off the calories consumed during the festive season (Discount Supplements)
  • Free fitness, dance and “Wellness week” sessions in state-of-the-art gyms available at Collegiate and Fusion Students accommodation

After tucking into treats, sweets and booze during the festive period, attention has now turned to the pledges that many of us make to be better over the next 12 months. As eating habits tend to change over Christmas, the most common New Year’s resolutions will doubtlessly be weight loss and the start of a healthier lifestyle.

According to the latest statistics from the NHS, obesity and physical activity are key concerns with over half of all adults in England being obese (62%) and more than a third sedentary (38%). The report stresses more than ever the need for UK citizens to quit their unhealthy routines and 2018 could be the time for change! Amongst the most health conscious are today’s students, eager to achieve both their health and academic goals to make the most of their time at university.

With increasing pressure to attain top grades, a well-balanced body, mind and soul is becoming essential for students, at any level of study.

Providing students with the facilities essential for maintaining a healthier lifestyle, Collegiate the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, installs high-tech kitchen appliances to give their residents the opportunity to cook meals from scratch. And with tea and coffee prepared at the start of each day by the 24/7 concierge at Collegiate Plummer House in Newcastle, students are able to get ready for a day of lectures with ease.

Eclipse, provided by Fusion Students in Cardiff, also benefits from an exclusive French Renaissance themed dining room to host friends and put healthy cooking skills to the test for a fun and relaxing evening in.

As well as altering food choices, many New Year’s resolutions begin with a trip to the gym. According to new research from online retailer Discount Supplements, Brits put on 5lb between December 25 and January 1 needing to run 18 miles to burn off all these calories.

To inspire students to make time for fitness, regardless of skill level, most Collegiate residences offer on-site gym facilities, including Collegiate West Gate in Exeter, Collegiate Fontenoy Apartments in Liverpool and Collegiate Crown House in Sheffield. In Newcastle, Collegiate Plummer House provides classes such as Dance, Bootcamp and Spinning all included in the weekly rate. At Fusion Students accommodation in Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff and Nottingham, residents will enjoy around the exam period in February a ‘wellness week’ which has a number of health and wellbeing focused experiences for free. Activities will include personal trainers, free smoothies, pamper nights, yoga and much more.

“Many of our residents have said that the range of additional facilities available in our properties enhances their student experience and provides them with the tools they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is using the space to experiment in the kitchen, working up a sweat in the gym or letting off steam by exchanging stories in the common room, we believe that these aspects are essential.

“This is especially important after the Christmas break when getting back into the routine of healthy eating and exercising before January exams is important. At Collegiate we take into careful consideration exactly what students need.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

With 80% of New Year resolutions failing by the second week of February according to U.S news websites, it is crucial therefore that your surroundings help motivate your goals and Collegiate offers the perfect accommodation for focused and well-rounded student-living.

Collegiate Crown House in Sheffield is a fine example of student accommodation that helps maintain a balanced lifestyle. On-site facilities include a cinema, private gym, club lounge and a resident’s bar as well as a choice of generously-sized rooms, along with high-speed broadband, Wi-Fi and 24-hour security and CCTV.

For more information, visit https://www.collegiate-ac.com/ or contact Collegiate on 01235 250 140.

The UK property market in 2018 – what does the future hold?

The UK property market in 2018 – what does the future hold?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • Investors to focus on commercial instead of residential opportunities
  • Properties of the World opening new estate agency as part of future-proofing strategy
  • High returns and capital growth will remain key when it comes to favoured investments

2018 will be a key year for the UK property market. In the run-up to Brexit in March 2019, much focus will be on what property prices are doing and why. Alongside the economic impact of the Brexit process, prohibitive levels of stamp duty have dragged the property market in 2017. This has led to a drop in the number of buyers purchasing residential buy to let apartments this year, according to innovative property investment company Properties of the World.

Many investors have turned instead to commercial properties such as offices, hotels and care homes, which don’t incur stamp duty. Investors’ inability to offset their costs (including mortgage payments) against rental income, has also led to a drop off in investment in buy to let apartments, as it has dramatically reduced the level of available profit.

“These changes, first brought in by George Osborne, will continue to reduce demand by investors for residential property in 2018. Instead, investors will increasingly shift their focus to purchasing properties that provide them with capital growth, along with non-cyclical commercial opportunities, such as student accommodation and hotel room investment. This means looking to key parts of the UK that provide high returns, such as Manchester, Doncaster, the North West and the North East.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

When it comes to capital growth, Properties of the World is projecting property price rises in 2018, though not at the same level that the market has seen in recent years.

Regional markets will fare well, with Yorkshire and the North West demanding particular attention. Stamp duty changes, Brexit and political uncertainties will all contribute to this slowing of the market. However, those will be counterbalanced by an uplift in first time buyers, with the recent stamp duty exemption announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond doing much to invigorate this end of the market.

“2018 will be a year characterised by uncertainty when it comes to UK property investment; companies will need to prepare to weather the storm. At Properties of the World, one strand of our approach to this is to open an estate agency. Whatever occurs in the UK economy, people will need somewhere to live. As such, the estate agency arm of the business will help to future-proof the organisation while ensuring that we continue to respond to demand-led property opportunities, despite shifting priorities.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

With so much uncertainty hanging over the UK’s economy, it is perhaps unsurprising to see the property market slowing as we head into 2018. However, as Liggett points out, people will always need homes. The way in which those homes are provided may shift, such as the steer away from buy to let apartments that we saw in 2017, but this will in itself open up different opportunities to those with an eye on staying ahead of the market.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

Whitelands – The ultimate home for 2018

Whitelands – The ultimate home for 2018

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Whitelands – The ultimate home for 2018

New Year’s resolutions have something of a bad reputation – mainly because we collectively ditch 80% of them by February, according to US News. However, the flip side of that is that one in five resolutions will be achieved. The key is ensuring the stage is set for success from the outset.

For anyone who wants to get fit in the New Year, having the right setup is essential. Even the most noble of intentions to visit the gym regularly can soon be ground down by a combination of poor weather and the demands of daily life.

That’s why a home gym can so vastly improve one’s chances of success. Swapping the need to venture out in the cold and rain to exercise with strangers for working out in the comfort of your own home can unlock the path to a sustained, successful fitness regime.

“When it comes to on-site gym facilities, many homes now offer an outstanding range of amenities. Treadmills, indoor bikes and exercise balls don’t take up too much space, but can add a whole extra dimension to a home environment. Of course, those with plenty of room can also incorporate a wide range of other health and fitness features, from swimming pools to spa facilities.”

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Whitelands, located on the exclusive St George’s Hill estate in Weybridge, Surrey, is the ultimate example of a home designed to set the scene for a successful exercise regime.

The interiros of this stunning six-bedroom home was designed and dressed by Alexander James Interior Design, – recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Interior Designers by the Andrew Martin Design Awards 2016 and 2017. The team’s work included presenting a basement gym that was energizing and motivating, while remaining in keeping with the sense of grandeur flowing throughout the rest of the prestigious home.

The team also designed and dressed the superb spa area which includes a steam room, Jacuzzi, rasul with starlit sky and adjustable depth swimming pool in the ground floor.

Such facilities fit with the growing pursuit of wellness in the UK. While fitness is a key part of that concept, the value of relaxation (in both body and mind) is increasingly being appreciated as a core element of overall wellness. The Alexander James team was careful to demonstrate this at Whitelands, with soothing, natural tones and the warmth of candles glowing in stunning copper lanterns creating a superb ambience within the spa area.

“Wellness and nature are intrinsically linked and we wanted to reflect this within the spa facilities at Whitelands. We drew elements of the colour palette from soothing natural scenes, like the deep blue of the summer sky as day turns to dusk and the burnished glow of the setting sun as it sinks below the horizon. The result is an area which inspires relaxation the moment you step into it – it’s the perfect setting for refreshing and rejuvenating mind, body and spirit.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Whitelands is available through Beauchamp Estates – price on application.

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.  

Pets are for everyone, welcome home!

Pets are for everyone, welcome home!

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • British shoppers will spend over £750m on pets this Christmas (OnBuy.com)
  • UK pet ownership is now down to 56% (Minitel)
  • Dog owners are 15% less likely to die from heart disease than people without pets (Scientific Reports)
  • Pets are a welcome part of the community at Be:here Hayes, West London.

Christmas brings lots of presents, festive ceremonies and plenty time spent with family, friends and off course pets. According to a new survey conducted by online marketplace OnBuy.com, Britons are expected to lavish some £750 million  on their pets this season. 76% of UK pet owners will even give their pets a Christmas dinner!

And yet many pet lovers are deprived of this pleasure to spoil their furry friends during the festive period. Analysts Mintel revealed that fewer households own a pet with just over half (56%) now owning one, down from 63% in 2012.

Among other motives, another explanation for the fall in pet ownership is due to more people renting rather than owning their home.

Many pet-owning tenants have a tough time finding a suitable rental home as private landlords mostly don’t embrace the idea of an animal in their property. And since the trend of renting is set to rise even further, delivering more pet-friendly homes is a priority.

“One of the most common questions that we receive from dog owners is where can they find private landlords who will allow dogs? I know from personal experience that having a dog, or as in my case “dogs”, the choice of properties available to my family was severely restricted. 

Accommodation suppliers who welcome dogs tell us that dog owners usually take more care of their rooms and their properties than non-dog owners – so it really is time for landlords to recognise that one in three households own a dog – which is a massive potential market too many landlords are still ignoring”.

Steve Bennett, CEO of DogFriendly

However, all is not lost. In their quest to offer homes that meet tenants’ needs, build-to-rent developer Be strives to accommodate Fluffy, Fido and other animal friends by offering pet-friendly tenancies at their new be:here Hayes development in West London.

The scheme is part of the wider regeneration of the Old Vinyl Factory and delivers units priced from £1,200 pcm for 1-beds and £1,450 for 2-beds all with either a garden, terrace or balcony.

The development’s feline residents can indulge in the cat nip especially planted in the podium gardens!

“Some of our pet-friendly apartments have large, private and secure gardens perfect for furry friends to run around – that’s pretty unique in apartment living, especially in London. We try to help our four-legged residents adjust to their new homes by giving them special attention (and even some tasty treats) on move-in day.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager– be:here Hayes

Indeed, by making more room for furry pals, Be might influence tenants’ health for the better as recent research has proved that pets boost healthier lifestyles. Not only does dog ownership slow down the ageing process but also it cuts the risk of death from heart disease by 36%, a Sweden research has shown in the journal Scientific Reports. Ultimately, it adds that in households with many people under the same roof such as flatshare, deaths from heart attack are lowered by 15%.

 

For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

 

Rare Grade II Listed convent redevelopment calls for unique innovation and intricacy in design

Rare Grade II Listed convent redevelopment calls for unique innovation and intricacy in design

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Rosary Manor redevelopment has presented unique challenges for Bellis Homes
  • Focus has been on presenting interiors that reflect the natural surroundings
  • ‘Historic yet contemporary’ brief has created 12 truly individual homes in Mill Hill Conservation Area

Developing a Grade II Listed building comes with its own unique challenges and rewards, as family-run housebuilder Bellis Homes knows well.

The Bellis Homes team is delighted to have  obtained the opportunity to turn the former Sisters of Charity St Vincent convent, nestled in the Mill Hill Conservation Area and the North Barnet Area of Special Character, into unique residential accommodation.

The company is nurturing the derelict buildings into 11 luxury apartments and one three-bedroom house with a communal gym. Turning a derelict site negating the character of the area into a prosperous development maintaining the origins and history of the building starting a new chapter in the site’s history.

“One of the most interesting aspects of working on a site such as Rosary Manor has been how to present the homes’ interiors. The Grade II listing rightly imposed certain restrictions on the redevelopment process, in order that the character of the original buildings could be retained. We wanted to reflect this internally as well, while also providing a luxurious, contemporary feel. It was a wonderful balancing act that has resulted in the creation of 12 very individual homes.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

With 3.3 hectares of mature grounds, Rosary Manor has a wonderfully countrified feel, despite its London location. Each apartment is unique, with individual proportions fitted to the shape and space available within the original manor house. The planning phase of the redevelopment was intricate, to say the least, with Bellis Homes keen to retain the character of the site while also delivering outstanding contemporary homes.

Upgrading structures that date back to the 17th century to comply with current standards presented a need for serious innovation at times, but the result is a superbly sympathetic redevelopment.

Externally, the process has involved careful landscaping to discretely provide apartments with private areas whilst retaining the open nature of the landscape. Internally, the design has been all about natural materials and tones.

“A key focus of the interior design has been to reflect the natural surroundings that Rosary Manor enjoys, while providing a sense of serenity and indulgence. The large, light-filled rooms create a sense of connection with nature that flows throughout the development, ensuring that the interiors are just as unique as the exterior.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

In the kitchens, that has meant plenty of deep woods with greys. Handmade British shaker style kitchens provide a traditional contemporary style that balances the building’s heritage with modern convenience. Bathrooms also reflect this traditional yet modern style, with traditional vanity units paired with contemporary colours and brassware. Meanwhile, flooring in the living areas is a mixture of beautiful wooden herringbone and grey planks.

This intricate blending of old and new has created an ambience that is historic yet contemporary – an impressive achievement that will serve those who are part of the next phase of the convent’s history well.

Apartments at Rosary Manor are available from £1.1 million to £4 million with completion due from March 2018. For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

Keeping it in the family: The building of Bellis Homes

Keeping it in the family: The building of Bellis Homes

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Family-run house builder Bellis Homes prove that you really can mix business with pleasure
  • Company has expanded rapidly from 8 to 40 employees with a new head office secured
  • Bellis Construction founded in 2015 to consolidate home construction practices

Bellis Homes is an upmarket luxury homebuilder operational across London and the Home Counties, headquartered in Harlow, Essex. The company has a wealth of experience with over 40 years of construction and development knowledge as well as project management.

Alan Fordham, the founder of the business, initially started at St James Developments, formed in 1995 to develop the Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club, the first of many successful projects in both the residential and leisure sectors.

The name ‘Bellis’ originated from the bellis perennis, a common European species of daisy. Thought to originate from the Latin for “pretty” and “everlasting”, Alan felt that this was an apt name for his family-run business – Bellis Homes – not least as Alan’s wife is a florist! The flower features on the logo to this day.

Since forming in 2014, Bellis Homes has expanded swiftly from a single residential project in the first year, to two more in 2015, a total of seven by the end of 2016 and even more to this day.

With Alan Fordham’s son, Henry coming on board to push the business further, Bellis Homes is going from strength to strength. In addition, Edward, another son of Alan’s has recently joined the company to head up the marketing and Alex, son-in-law to Alan brought in to manage sales, in keeping with the family run theme! Their team of eight has now expanded to around 40 employees, with a move to a larger head office now complete.

Being a family-run business allows Bellis Homes to provide a personal service, with a team they can trust, in a relaxed close-knit setting. They say, ‘don’t mix business with pleasure’ but Bellis Homes is proof of how a family can work together to real success.

“I can only see our business going from strength to strength. There are expansive financiers available today with demand being greater than I have ever known it; if you have a good scheme, you are likely to find the money. It really is a great time to be involved in the luxury homes market and I am very proud of how far Bellis Homes has come. It is amazing to have achieved such success within our family and to work so closely with one another on a daily basis is a reward in itself”. 

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

The first completed development by Bellis Homes was located 20 miles outside of London in Musley Hill, Ware.  Set on top of Musley Hill itself, the development consisted of five 4-bedroom detached houses and two 2-bedroom apartments. The quality exceeded expectation for its price range offering oak flooring, underfloor heating, bespoke Italian kitchens and luxurious master suites. Construction started early 2014 with completion early 2015.

The latest development to launch from Bellis Homes is located in Camden Town – Marine Ices Apartments. The former iconic ice-cream parlour is only a short walk from the fashionable Camden Market and Camden Lock.  Marine Ices Apartments are currently under construction and when completed in 2018 will offer 19 apartments ranging between 566 sq ft and 1,221 sq ft with fabulous amenity spaces. The apartments vary from one to three bedrooms with vibrant finishes, CCTV, large balconies and composite oak panelled front doors with security features.

Another residential development of note and one which exemplifies Bellis Homes’ breadth of expertise is Rosary Manor. Located in a prime position in Mill Hill, North London, Rosary Manor is a Grade II listed former convent and school house which the Bellis Homes team are sympathetically transforming into a collection of luxury apartments.

With sturdy corporate mentalities, each project Bellis Homes has undertaken continues to bolster their established status of a luxury house builder with homes constructed to the finest specification and contemporary design.

In 2015 Bellis Construction was created to consolidate construction methods. The specialised in-house team brings invaluable experience of site and project management together with a detailed knowledge of all trades. 

“Taking the strategic decision to bring our construction team in-house means we have total control over every aspect of our developments from start to finish. It also means we can better manage budgets and ensure our homes are completed to our extremely high standards.” 

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Exclusively Bellis is the prestigious homebuilder’s prime brand. Methodical to the highest specification, features of Exclusively Bellis developments include gated entrances, swimming pool and spa areas, bars, grand staircases, staff accommodation, specialist interior and lighting design as well as some of the best home technology control systems.

Bellis Homes also features an in-house interior design team – Darsah Interiors with whom they work closely to dress many of their new developments.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk

Fit and fabulous homes for 2018

Fit and fabulous homes for 2018

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Gym traffic jumps 40% between December and January
  • But a few weeks later only 5% of total sign-ups still visit regularly (Golds Gym)
  • Rising number of buyers require homes which offer options for combining family and leisure time (Bellis Homes)

Aah, yes. The New Year.

Time to wipe the slate clean. Time to end the debauchery of the festive period; the booze, the food, the dodgy dancing…

As we emerge from underneath the layers of novelty jumpers and woolly socks we are confronted with the inevitable consequence of our seize-the-moment existence of the last two months – hello weight gain, sluggishness, bad skin and low mood.

Something needs to change; we spring into action, sign up for the gym and vow to start training for that marathon. But in between busy careers, children and long commutes we are lucky if we manage to wing one workout a week…!

So, what’s the solution?

Luckily, a new and forward-thinking generation of home builders is beginning to provide alternatives to real people with real commitments by designing homes with built-in health and fitness facilities.

Family run development and construction business, Bellis Homes, has established a reputation for building homes to the highest quality whilst providing a very personal service to their clients. It is this close rapport which tuned the Bellis team in to the rising demand for health facilities in the home.

Bellis Homes now aim to incorporate space for gyms, swimming pools, saunas or hot tubs into most of their planned residential developments and are leading the way towards new standards of home building.

“We want to offer owners beautiful and functional spaces where they can rest, play, work and exercise in a flexible manner which seamlessly blends into their daily lives, freeing them up for the things which really matter.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes


New homes on the market with on-site fitness facilities

Eleven Trees, Mill Hill, London
From £4.5 million

The Eleven Trees development, which was completed in June 2017, comprises three brand new detached homes, two with five bedrooms and one with six.

Designed by HAP Architects, and finished by Alexander James Interior Design, all properties include gyms with changing rooms as well as swimming pool and spa areas complete with steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs. There is even a hydro pool for those who are serious about shaving off a second or two from their PB.

Rosary Manor Apartments, Mill Hill conservation area, London
From £1.1 million – £4 million

An altered house of late 17th-century origin, Rosary Manor was purchased by The Sisters of Charity St Vincent in 1887 and expanded it into a convent. The Grade II listed building has been brought back to life by Bellis Homes and transformed into 11 luxurious apartments ranging between one and three bedrooms.

The development has its very own fully equipped gym and enjoys spectacular views across the countryside with its many rural lanes and footpaths which are ideal for jogging and cycling.

Magna House, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
A£2.3 million

A brand new, detached family home located in the ancient and quaint village of Much Hadham.

This stunning 6-bedroom contemporary house has spacious and well-proportioned rooms which have been finished to a very high standard. There is excellent living and entertaining space including a large basement featuring a leisure area with a gym, cinema room and a wine store.

The ground floor of Magna House boasts a large living room featuring a contemporary fireplace and open plan kitchen area, with comfortable family living space with bi-fold doors opening out to the garden.

The property’s generous accommodation includes three large reception rooms situated off the impressive entrance hall including a formal dining space. Six bedrooms are set over two floors, four have their own en-suites whilst the second-floor rooms utilise one expansive shared bathroom.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

For media information and images  please contact:

Maria Tilev, AB Property Marketing Ltd
Tel: 00 44 845 054 7524

Email:  maria@abpropertymarketing.co.uk

A home to give you the chills this festive season

A home to give you the chills this festive season

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Walk-in fridge adds luxurious twist to Mulliner House, Hadley Wood (Bellis Homes)
  • Unusual, commercial size cold room is ideal for the festive season
  • Other features include indoor pool, hot tub, steam room and cinema room

Spending on festive food and drink was projected to top £5.1 billion across the UK last year, according to the number crunchers at Go Compare. Spending on food came second only to spending on gifts during the festive season in 2016, as homes up and down the country indulged in Christmas delicacies with friends and family.

One problem often faced by families at this time of year is how to fit all that food (and drink – let’s not forget the prosecco!) into the fridge. Interestingly, Mulliner House in Hadley Wood, North London, offers buyers the ideal solution – a walk-in fridge. Available through Bellis Homes, the property is home to a number of innovative features, with an large commercial sized walk-in fridge being one of them. More popular in the US and with celebrity buyers, such an amenity is rare for a residential property in the UK.

“We wanted to ensure that Mulliner House stood out as an exceptional property in several ways, while at the same time creating the perfect environment for modern family life. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it was important to give it that extra something special, and a walk-in cold room seem like a natural feature for such a luxurious property.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Ideal for hosting, spare storage and entertaining, the Mulliner House cold room has plenty of capacity for Christmas fizz, as well as sufficient pre-prepared plates of party food to get through the festive season’s parties. The property is also well suited to multi-generational living, as a result of its size and design. With six bedrooms, the four-storey home has plenty of capacity to accommodation modern family life. The home also includes a lift, a stunning indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a steam room. There’s a bar area in the pool room, along with a plush, in-house cinema for those who prefer to spend their leisure time curled up in front of the latest blockbuster.

 “Properties of this particular specification are few and far between in London. Mulliner House is a home that delights and surprises at every turn. From the walk-in fridge to the hot tub, it offers the best in contemporary urban living while providing space for the whole family.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Mulliner House is on the market for £5.5 million.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

Collegiate expands portfolio in 2018 with 6,100 new purpose-built student beds across the UK and Europe

Collegiate expands portfolio in 2018 with 6,100 new purpose-built student beds across the UK and Europe

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • 22% increase in first-year students choosing PBSA accommodation in 2017/18 (Collegiate)
  • 10% more PBSA stock required to meet growing demand (Savills)
  • Collegiate’s delivery pipeline outside the UK reaches nearly 5,000 beds

 

In the last decade, investors have rushed to the burgeoning purpose-built-student-accommodation (PBSA) sector opening new private halls in emergent locations throughout the UK with extra facilities such as gyms and private cinemas.

Luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate has been at the heart of this growing market for the past 6 years, attracting students at every stage of their higher education. In fact, Collegiate has recorded a 22% increase in first-year students opting for their accommodation for the current academic year (2017/18) than the last (2016/17), attracted to the security, safety and a wide range of on-site amenities on offer.

However, the Savills Student Housing Report 2017 points out that PBSA developments are failing to keep pace with increasing demand. The report claims that 10% more stock is forecast to be delivered in the UK this year vs 2016, highlighting the call to investors to supply more PBSA beds for the future.

Collegiate is leading this charge by increasing its portfolio substantially for 2018 and beyond. The operator has launched several PBSA sites this year including Ernest Place in Durham and Crown House in Sheffield. But it won’t stop there, new sites in Exeter, Bournemouth, Reading and Liverpool will open next year with extra facilities for its residents and right on time for the 2017-18 academic year.

Collegiate has already increased the supply of PBSA in recent years by delivering 20,000 beds across 30 sites in the UK. Now the operator is going hand to hand with the globalisation of higher education. As the growth in international student numbers has underpinned demand for high quality student housing, Collegiate has turned its attention to European markets, with a heavy focus on Portugal and Spain to start.

It has acquired new sites, including Marina Real in Valencia, Aravaca in Madrid, Finestrelles in Barcelona and Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon to name but a few and has many more in the pipeline. For the next two years, cities outside the UK hold the largest pipeline for Collegiate with almost 5,000 new beds forecast.

 

“We have many exciting new sites in the pipeline from new university towns and cities in the UK to popular destinations in Europe starting with Portugal. Unfortunately, we have to accept that it is becoming more expensive for our clients to buy land in the UK and construction costs have gone up, which is why we looked at the move into Europe.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

The new 330 bed scheme in Lisbon will be the first to kick off the European expansion, opening its doors to residents on 15th January 2018.

Marquês de Pombal will be part of Collegiate’s Prestige Collection with residents benefitting from a private fitness suite, swimming pool and sauna, a 24-hour concierge service, club lounge and an on-site cinema.

From €135 per week, it encompasses superior studios space, two bed apartments as well as penthouses with a unique access to a terrace.  Collegiate Marquês de Pombal is located in the heart of the Portuguese capital, close to the university’s campus and iconic Avenida de Liberdade.

 “Lisbon is our first foray into student accommodation outside of the UK, so we wanted to create something incredibly new and exciting. The art and culture of the city are so inspiring and we wanted to reflect that at Marquês de Pombal, giving students an ultra-luxurious home from which to enjoy the best that Lisbon has to offer.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

Savills World Student Housing report 2016/17 emphasises that Portugal’s student housing sector Is relatively undersupplied, creating an opportunity for reliable student housing operators such as Collegiate to expand their portfolios there.

 

For more information and to book accommodation in university towns and cities across the UK and Europe, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.