Be creates the perfect Habitat for renters

Be creates the perfect Habitat for renters

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • Average cost to furnish a first home in London is £5,495 (Santander)
  • 46% of 25 to 34 year olds now live in private rented sector (English Housing Survey)
  • Partnership between Be and Habitat offers stylish homes to renters in Hayes (UB3) & East India (E14)

Furnishing a home is no small expense. Research by Santander has revealed that the average first-time buyer in the UK spends £3,872 on furnishing their property, while the average first-time buyer in London has to fork out an even more eye-watering £5,495.

Those moving into rented accommodation have the opportunity to avoid these costs by opting for homes that are already furnished. However, many landlords put low cost ahead of style and quality when it comes to furnishing the apartments they rent out, leaving tenants with poor quality, cheap furniture that they would never choose themselves.

Residents of Be Living Ltd’s built-for-rent developments be:here Hayes in West London (UB3) and be:here East India in E14, now have an alternative.

Be’s new be:here Hayes development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments and be:here East India offers studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, all furnished by Habitat UK.

The partnership between Be & Habitat sees each development and each apartment type reviewed in order to determine the best possible furniture for the layout/area.

“Part of the be:here Hayes ethos is to offer our residents superb homes that provide them with style and comfort, as well as an excellent location. As such, we’ve partnered with Habitat to give renters wonderfully stylish, contemporary homes that they can feel instantly relaxed in, without having to worry about the cost of furnishing them.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

The Habitat furnishings complement the other conveniences of life at Be’s developments. The be:here Hayes development, for example, has a friendly on-site team, 30 ft private gardens, generous balcony space and a communal roof terrace, the development is already proving a hit with Londoners. The welcoming attitude to sharers is well received, as is the fact that numerous apartments throughout the development have been designated as pet-friendly.

Spacious, one-bedroom apartments at be:here Hayes rent from £1,200 pcm. Two-bedroom homes are available from £1,450. All apartments come with a garden or balcony.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

8 Top Tips to Perfecting Your Country Home Decor

8 Top Tips to Perfecting Your Country Home Decor

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Country home decor is about blending the traditional, rustic charm of your countryside location with contemporary finesse to create a peaceful, welcoming environment in which you feel completely at home and utterly comforted.

So how do you achieve the ultimate country home design? Here top interior designers, Alexander James Interior Design, share their favourite tips and tricks to help you get the look.

 

  1. A Timeless Colour Combination

Tip: The classic combination of crisp blue and brilliant white is a timeless country home decor look. Fresh and utterly charming, you can use this blue and white scheme in your pottery, linens and accessories.

This driftwood coffee table with glass top adds yet another of country charm, acting as a stunning statement piece and adding an organic, earthy feel to our living room design.

  1. Inspirational Themes from Nature

Tip: Country home decor would not be complete without bringing themes of nature into the home, referencing inspiration from nature throughout your interiors.

In our Cotswolds barn conversion, this avian themed dining area is symbiotically styled with the exterior of the property, reflecting elements of nature throughout and rich character in these bespoke studded dining chairs.

Celebrating this beautiful Oxfordshire countryside setting, we brought nature indoors with this enchanting bird themed design, adding touches of comfort and luxury with these beautiful William Yeoward fabrics.

  1. A Haven of Relaxation

Tip: When we think of countryside retreats, we imagine escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life, recharging and enjoying a spot of relaxation. Your country home decor must therefore be designed with the utmost relaxation in mind.

This luxurious cinema room is both refined and classic in design, offering the perfect space in which to relax and unwind, with two elegant day beds taking centre stage of the room, dressed with soft furnishings and sumptuous Johnstons of Elgin throws.

The gentle tones of ivory and muted teal enhance the light, airy design of our contemporary Surrey barn, creating a haven of relaxation with these luxurious Romo and Zoffany fabric cushions.

  1. Organic Elements of Nature

Tip: Incorporate natural elements from the outdoors into your interiors to create an authentic country home decor look. Use organic elements that induce a sense of calm and peace, such as beautiful woods.

Styled to its beautiful countryside surroundings, our stunning Cotswolds project brings nature into the interiors with topiary pots, rustic wooden furniture and richly coloured florals and soft furnishings.

We designed our latest Henley-on-Thames show home for Millgate Homes to exude the traditional charm and countryside beauty of this historic, riverside town – with bespoke, rustic wooden furniture and sumptuous fabrics by Romo.

5.  A Warm, Open Welcome

Tip: Design every space in your interiors to emit a warm sense of welcome to achieve the perfect country home look. It’s the little touches that count; the scented candle emanating a beautiful fragrance throughout the room, the display of magazines on the coffee table and the luxurious throws awaiting an afternoon of reading on the sofa.

The rustic kitchen diner setting, antique-style metal framed wall clock and framed prints all add to the country charm in our modern Surrey barn project, whilst the soft colour scheme and vibrant lavender plant offer an enlivening, spring-like feel.

  1. An Essential Spot of Luxury

Tip: Just because we associate country home decor with rustic character, doesn’t mean that a touch of luxury need be neglected! On the contrary, luxury plays an important role in offering true comfort within a country home.

This bespoke ottoman in sumptuous Kirkby Design fabric adds another layer of luxury to the alluring master bedroom in our Cotswolds project.

At the foot of the master bed elegantly sits this bespoke made seating, dressed beautifully with luxurious Camengo and Zoffany cushions and a lavish faux fur throw.

  1. The Refreshing Vitality of Florals

Beautiful floral displays will bring another element of nature into your country home decor, invigorating the space with new life and fresh vitality.

Traditional yet contemporary, these elegant bobbin chairs and dining table by Julian Chichester rest serenely beneath the high-vaulted oak beams of our rustic Surrey barn project. With ivory tones and magnificent floral display, this design is fresh, light and ethereal in its tranquility.

This damask motif Harlequin wallpaper of interlocking flowers in mirror effect radiates femininity and natural charm, whilst the Jane Churchill fabric cushions bring an indulgent sense of comfort to our Henley-on-Thames bedroom design.

  1. An Abundance of Light

Tip: A common misconception is that country homes are filled with a multitude of trinkets, furniture and accessories, but this can lead to a confused, chaotic look. Be careful not to clutter your interiors, rather create spaces that are bright and airy, filled with natural light.

Brimming with natural light, we designed these vibrant riverside homes to reflect the quaint countryside location, with luxurious Romo fabric cushions, solid oak coffee table and abundant plant displays.

For more information please contact Alexander James Interior Design on 020 7887 7604 or visit www.aji.co.uk.

Resorts with altitude and easy access remain most sought-after in 2017-18 season

Resorts with altitude and easy access remain most sought-after in 2017-18 season

by Georgina France United Kingdom World

Access, length of ski season and altitude should be key considerations of international investors choosing a resort for their perfect ski home this season, said new-build ski specialist Skiingproperty.com in October.

 

“The Savoie region in the French Alps, in particular, is home to established high altitude resorts with excellent skiing and easy access from the UK and Europe,” said Skiingproperty.com director Julian Walker. “These resorts include Tignes, Val d’Isère, Courchevel and Méribel. We also recommend Alpe d’Huez a little further south.”

 

Tignes Part of the Savoie department’s Espace Killy ski area, with its 300 kilometres of slopes reaching from 1,550m to 3,456m, Tignes is made up of four villages, each at different altitudes. The highest is Val Claret (2,300m), followed by the main village at Le Lac (2,100m) and further down are Tignes Les Boisses (or Tignes 1800) and Tignes Les Brévières. The Grande Motte glacier, which offers summer skiing, is accessed via Val Claret. Transfers to the resort from Geneva and Lyon are around two-and-a-half hours, or two hours from Chambéry. Skiingproperty.com has luxury chalets in Tignes available off-plan from €2.28million.

 

Val d’Isère

The other half of the Espace Killy ski area, the lively resort of Val d’Isère lies at an altitude of 1,850 metres. The resort is about to benefit from a major €200million regeneration project, which follows the opening last year of a €16-million two-year redevelopment of the Solaise area directly above the resort, which includes a new mid-mountain station at 2,500 metres. Transfers to the resort from Geneva and Lyon are around two-and-a-half hours, or two hours from Chambéry. Skiingproperty.com has luxury three-bedroom apartments in Val d’Isère available off-plan from €923,000.

 

Méribel Located in Savoie and part of the Les Trois Vallées ski area, the largest in the world, the heart of picturesque Méribel lies at 1,450 metres but its chalet developments rise up the side of the valley to 1,700 metres. There is also a satellite resort, Méribel-Mottaret at 1,750 metres. A favourite with British homeowners, skiers there can be on slopes at well over 2,000 metres in no time, from which they can link into Les Trois Vallées’ 600kms of slopes. Transfers to the resort from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon are around two hours, or 75 minutes from Chambéry. Skiingproperty.com has off-plan apartments in Méribel available from €1.09million.

 

Courchevel One of the Alps’ most upmarket resorts and also within Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel is a collection of linked villages at different altitudes. The main village and lift hub is Courchevel 1,850, named after its altitude. A little lower is Courchevel Moriond (1,650), then Courchevel Village (1,550) and then Courchevel Le Praz (1,300). Courchevel has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other resort in the French Alps and recently opened a £50-million water park. Transfers to the resort from Lyon and Geneva are around two hours, or 75 minutes from Chambéry. Skiingproperty.com has off-plan apartments in Courchevel available from €776,000.

 

Alpe d’Huez Located in the Isère department, the resort of Alpe d’Huez sits at an altitude of 1,860 metres. Its 250 kilometres of slopes, which comprise France’s fifth largest ski area and include the longest black run in the Alps, range from 1,100 metres up to 3,330 metres. A long ski season, typically from early December until late April, is guaranteed thanks to the glacier there. The nearest airport at Grenoble is just 90 minutes’ drive away. Skiingproperty.com has off-plan apartments in Alpe d’Huez available from €315,000.

 

ENDS

For further information or to enquire about properties in the French Alps:

Julian Walker

SkiingProperty.com

Tel:+442081509502

Email: info@skiingproperty.com

Website: www.skiingproperty.com

 

 About Skiingproperty.com

Skiingproperty.com, which is owned and operated by international property specialist Spot Blue International Property, works with developers in the French and Swiss Alps to promote new and off-plan developments to the UK and wider international market. Since its foundation in 2003, Spot Blue International Property has established itself as a leading international property specialist and is a member of the AIPP and NAEA. The company’s high profile in the UK and worldwide means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.

 

Are freshers shunning university halls?

Are freshers shunning university halls?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • New figures from Collegiate AC show growing trend of freshers opting for luxury private pads 
  • Outstanding shared social spaces are key appeal Freshers 
  • Location also wins the day for purpose built accommodation providers 

 

New data from luxury accommodation provider Collegiate AC has shown a growing trend in freshers’ requirements from their university accommodation.  

The figures reveal that first year students are increasingly shunning university halls in favour of more luxurious private student accommodation. 

 

“Today’s freshers have more choice than ever before when it comes to student pads. They are making the most of that choice by opting for alternatives to university halls. The image of the university lifestyle has changed dramatically over the past decade or so and university halls are no longer in line with what students demand as part of their experience, so they’re voting with their feet.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

 

Collegiate’s data shows that first year students accounted for 20.19% of its residents back in 2015/16. That figure increased to 21.66% in 2016/17 and to 22.06% in 2017/18. The proportion of freshers opting for more luxurious pads is rising slowly but steadily, year on year.  

 First years increasingly expect a wide range of features from their accommodation, as showcased by Collegiate’s Ernest Place in Durham. The site is part of Collegiate’s Prestige Collection. The stylish en-suite studios offer an exclusive lifestyle that affords students peace and privacy, while also providing an on-site social scene.

The superb shared facilities include a private fitness centre, resident’s club lounge, concierge service, private dinner party room, in-house cinema, sauna and glass-walled sky lounge. Naturally, there are also a number of dedicated study zones, as well as the spacious desk area that each student enjoys as part of his/her room.  

 

 “Part of what makes the appeal of accommodation like this so strong is the blend of private space and outstanding social spaces. Tuition fees nowadays mean that students have to pay a great deal of money in order to attend university, so it’s not surprising that they want to make the most out of every minute of that experience.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

Eclipse in Cardiff, which is part of Collegiate’s Fusion Collection, is another prime example of the lure of luxury digs. As well as a dinner party room, concierge and private cinema, the site features table games, a gym and fitness suite and even a themed, on-site nightclub with its own secret entrance. 

Many purpose built accommodation providers have also used the location of their sites to tempt students away from university halls. Sites are not only well located for the university, but also for pedestrian access to the city centre, something which many university halls lack.  

 

“With location as well, it’s about going over and above that which is offered by traditional university accommodation. Most first years are excited to experience all that their new town or city has to offer and that means shopping, eating and socialising in the city centre. The more conveniently a property is located for this, the better.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

With demand for luxury student accommodation continuing to grow, it seems that university halls of residence are going to have an increasingly tough job on their hands if they want to attract freshers for the start of each new academic year. The lure of luxury is just too strong!  

 

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

Happening Hayes – is this London’s most exciting new business and tech hub?

Happening Hayes – is this London’s most exciting new business and tech hub?

by Priscillia Mudiaki Uncategorized United Kingdom
  • VIRTUS announces West London’s largest data centre in Stockley Park
  • The Record Store at The Old Vinyl Factory launches with 84k sq ft of office space in Hayes
  • New residential accommodation meets rising demand from professionals working in Hayes and surrounding areas

 

In September, VIRTUS announced that it would be building West London’s largest data centre campus in Stockley Park just outside Hayes. The LONDON5 and LONDON6 buildings will cover 34,475 m2 as part of the eight-acre campus, cementing Hayes’ position as one of London’s most exciting digital tech locations.

A long-term favourite with companies with international connections, due to its proximity to Heathrow Airport, Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon is now positioning itself as one of the capital’s most enticing tech hubs. The news comes as a new Knight Frank report highlights the poor of affordability in Shoreditch, which has the dubious honour of being named the most expensive tech hub in the world for office space. Companies who have already moved to Hayes in recent years include SONOS, Host Europe Group (HEG) and CHAMP Cargosystems, all of which have signed 10-year leases for The Shipping Building, part of The Old Vinyl Factory.

 

In line with Hayes’ hip new credentials, this weekend saw the regeneration specialist U+I launch 84,000 sq ft of office space at The Record Store. The vast, open-plan floors of the art deco building have been given new life by award winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. The six-storey building is part of the £250m redevelopment centered around The Old Vinyl Factory, on the site of the former EMI vinyl record factory. Companies moving into the new office accommodation at the Record Store can enjoy working in the same building where EMI worked its magic on groundbreaking albums by the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

“With the hunger for connectivity and data growing exponentially, our data centres continue to play a vital role in enabling the UK and Europe’s digital economy.

 “We work with clients across all industries, all with unique audiences and IT landscapes, but with the common need to deliver the highest levels of availability, performance and security of digital experiences.”

Neil Cresswell, CEO, VIRTUS

 

With so many new employment opportunities flooding into Hayes, accommodation providers are rushing to be part of the influx. One company that prides itself on being ahead of the curve is Be Living Ltd, whose stunning new be:here Hayes at Gatefold Building is already open to tenants. The one, two and three-bedroom apartments mirror the innovation springing up at The Old Vinyl Factory.

The be:here Hayes apartments are just 300 yards from Hayes & Harlington station, ready for Crossrail in 2019. The 119 homes are sharer-friendly and pet-friendly, while the wider Old Vinyl Factory development will provide everything from restaurants and leisure facilities to a music venue, right on residents’ doorstep.

 

“Hayes’ credentials as a business and tech hub seem to be growing almost daily, with everyone from startups to established multi-nationals keen to be a part of the area. It was important to us that the professionals and their families who are being drawn into Hayes had an appropriately stylish accommodation option to suit their needs. That’s why we were so keen to launch the Gatefold building, to offer something a cut above the rest and in keeping with the new life and energy being breathed into Hayes.”

 Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

With affordable, high quality office accommodation and superb new homes, the attractions of Hayes are clear. Spacious apartments at be:here Hayes are available from £1,165 pcm for a one bed and from £1,450 for a two bed. All homes include either a garden or a balcony.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Top tips for settling into new student accommodation

Top tips for settling into new student accommodation

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • Choosing the right accommodation is key
  • Take advantage of shared social spaces and organised events to make friends fast
  • Explore and get to know your local area as quickly as possible to feel at home

 

Heading off to university can be a daunting prospect for several reasons. It’s an exciting time but also a nerve-inducing one for many students. Thankfully, luxury accommodation providers such as Collegiate AC have been working hard to ensure that settling into their accommodation doesn’t have to be one of the items on first year students’ list of things to worry about.

 

“There are several steps that students can take to ensure that they settle quickly into their accommodation. The first, of course, is to find the right accommodation – somewhere that students will feel safe, happy and have the peace to study.” 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

Knowing that they have luxurious accommodation lined up is perhaps the biggest reassurance that students can have. A crop of outstanding new facilities, such as Eclipse in Cardiff, which is part of Collegiate’s Fusion Students Collection, have raised the bar in terms of what students can expect.

The accommodation is designed to ensure that students can settle in as quickly as possible, giving them a ‘home from home’ complete with en-suite facilities, a spacious desk area, plentiful storage, a comfy bed and a flat-screen TV.

Collegiate is committed to providing pastoral care as well as superb accommodation, and each development comes with an on-site team to provide support in times of need, as well as practical advice. These teams have put their heads together in order to provide top tips to help students settle in this autumn.

 

Collegiate’s Top Tips for Settling into New Accommodation

 

  1. Prepare a list

There’s nothing quite as reassuring as knowing you’ve done everything you can to prepare. Whether it’s your favourite posters, your can’t-live-without CDs or your stack of textbooks, arriving knowing you’ve got everything you need will ensure that you’re instantly more relaxed.

 

  1. Don’t take more than you need to

Some people enjoy packing. Many more don’t. As such, don’t go through the pain of packing saucepans, sheets or shampoo if you don’t have to. Look for a provider that offers lifestyle services as well as accommodation.

These can include set packs of goods to ensure that your accommodation feels more homely when you arrive, from bedding to cutlery. The result is that you’ll arrive feel calmer and with less to unpack, which makes for a much quicker process of settling in.

 

  1. Get involved

Remember that you’re not the only student to arrive feeling nervous about your new environment. That’s why universities have ‘Freshers’ Week.’ Freshers Week refers to the first week at uni when first years settle in for the year ahead. There are plenty of practical details to take care of (registering with a doctor, touring the library, meeting your tutors, etc.) but also plenty of social events organised just for first years. These can range from nights out to paintballing. Throw yourself into these in order to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings and what’s on offer. Doing so will help you to feel connected to your new city faster.

 

4. Make friends

It’s probably been a long time since you’ve had to make so many new friends, but this is another area that your choice of accommodation can help with. At Crown House in Sheffield, for example, the Prestige Collection accommodation includes an outdoor courtyard cinema, BBQ and alfresco dining area, fitness suite, gaming booths, dinner party room, flexible lounge area and study zones. That gives you plenty of options for hanging out and having fun while getting to know your peers. The on-site team also organises events specifically to help first years settle in, so make the most of these as well and you’ll soon feel right at home.

 

5. Get lost

If you’ve chosen your accommodation wisely, you should find that the whole of your new city is on your doorstep, ripe for exploration.

Residents of Ernest Place in Durham, for example, are just 10 minutes from the shops, restaurants and nightlife of the city centre. As such, head out with no destination in mind and see what you find. Keep an eye out for everything from your nearest post box to the local bus stop. You’ll quickly start to feel familiar with your new area, as well as discovering the unique charms that your new town or city has to offer.

“Above all, remember that all the other freshers are in the same boat as you. It’s natural to feel both nervous and excited when you start a new chapter in your life. Use our top tips to ensure you settle in quickly and ditch those nerves. Then you can truly start to enjoy the university experience to the max.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

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

4 for the price of 1: What you can buy in the UK’s top northern cities for the price of a London pad

4 for the price of 1: What you can buy in the UK’s top northern cities for the price of a London pad

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • North West house prices up 1.4% from June to July 2017 (HM Land Registry)
  • Positive picture for Manchester with 6.9% growth in house prices (HM Land Registry)
  • A 3-bed London house costs almost £820,000 (Savills)
  • A 3-bedroom home in Salford nearly four times cheaper than London (Properties of the World)

It’s been tough times for London’s buy-to-let market in recent months as investors shun the capital and head north in search of lower property prices and higher returns.

House price growth in the UK weakened in July 2017 with London being the third-worst performer ONS data reveals with prices in the capital rising by only 2.8% in the year to July, up only 0.3% on the previous month.

In contrast it is the North West of England that has experienced a bigger month on month growth – prices increased by 1.4% from June to July 2017, reaching a year on year increase of 4.7% (HM Land Registry).

Home to urban hotspots including Liverpool, Manchester andSalford, cities in the North West are looking strong when it comes to rental price growth, leading buy-to-let investors to give  serious thought to these areas.

The jewel in the crown of the northern buy-to-let hotspot remains Manchester and its areas rapidly growing suburbs where investors received in July 2017 an average yield of 6.9%, according to HM Land registry.

 

“Properties of the World has been active in Manchester’s property market for many years, having been quick to identify the city’s potential as a cornerstone of the UK’s buy-to-let boom. The huge demand projected for homes in Manchester and the low property prices makes this northern city far more attractive for investors than the capital.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

When it comes to residential investment in northern cities, last data analysed by Strutt & Parker three-bedroom homes are the biggest winners, especially for young professionals, who are looking for properties that offer more space and better value than the capital. A typical three-bedroom house in London costs almost £820,000, according to research conducted by Savills, a sum out of the reach of many.

Jean and her expert team at Properties of the World is answering this demand for three bedrooms with a selection of three-bedroom homes in Manchester, far more affordable than an average London home.

Danforth is a 113-unit apartment building within Fortis Quay situated a few minutes away from Manchester city centre. It is currently in the second phase and it is set to provide a fantastic village-like environment. Prices range from £242,495 for a three-bed apartment.

Situated right in the heart of Salford Quays, Northill’s prime luxury residential homes include 3 bedroom apartments priced at £375,995. All properties will be furnished and residents will enjoy stunning view over the waterfront.

Award-winning development, Manchester Waters, is comprised of 500 apartments ranging from studios to 3 beds. The 3-beds flats are available from price of £229,995, with 6% return for investors. With excellent views of Manchester Ship Canal, private residents’ gym and cinema room and being located just 10 mins from city centre, demand for these apartments is high!

The location of X1 The Landmark is unparalleled with a short walk to Manchester city centre and two train stations within 5 minutes’. Prices for a three-bed home start from £226,000, almost 4 times cheaper than the average London 3-bed property, with a 5.5% NET yield.

 

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

 

5 questions to always ask your landlord before moving into your new home

5 questions to always ask your landlord before moving into your new home

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom

With students moving in for the new academic year and professionals making a fresh start after a summer holiday, September and October are always busy times for renting property.

Good quality, affordable rental properties are in high demand in London and, in the rush to secure their ideal home, many tenants often sign on the dotted line without reading the tenancy agreement in detail, possibly resulting in unexpected fees, miscommunication and headaches down the road.

In keeping with their commitment to making renting a first-class experience with transparency and fairness at its core, professional operator Be encourages potential customers to ask its Property Managers as many questions as they wish with no query too small.

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager at Be’s new be:here Hayes development in West London shares five questions that a prospective tenant should always ask before signing on the dotted line:

 

  1. Can you clarify what reservation/holding fee and deposit are required?

 

Before you sign a lease, always ensure that you ask those all-important the financial questions – is there a reservation fee or holding deposit required to secure the property? How much is it? Will it be refunded from the first months’ rent? What security deposit is required? How much is this? When is this payable? Where will the deposit be held?

At be:here Hayes, a £300 reservation fee is required to secure the property but this is applied to the first month’ rent. You will also need to pay a month’s rent in advance and a deposit – refundable and protected – equivalent to one month’s rent. There are no additional fees to pay and the rent, includes free 20Mb superfast broadband and all services on site.  Tenants pay for their own utilities and council tax.

 

  1. Are there any non-refundable fees and what are they for?

Many agents charge referencing and admin fees for things like, credit checks, inventories, check-in. To be certain that additional fees don’t comes as a surprise, it is always good to ask what exactly these are for, how much they are and when they are due. At be:here Hayes, the only fee is a £48 fee for referencing. There are no other agency fees or admin fees.

 

  1. Are pets allowed?

If you have furry friends, one of the most important things to ask your landlord is if the property allows pets. At pet friendly be:here Hayes, you won’t need to leave Fido behind, the development has a number of pet friendly apartments. An additional ‘pet rent’ £20 pcm applies, but you won’t have to pay any additional deposit.

 

  1. What happens when there’s a maintenance problem? Who should I contact?

According to the Property Redress Scheme report, 29% of the most common complaints are about property management so it’s always good to know what the process of dealing with emergencies is, should any problems arise.

One of the many benefits of renting from professionally managed home from an operator like Be that customer service is a priority. The friendly be:here Hayes management team are based on site to help with any queries. Whatever the issue, there is no need to wait for a middleman, we’re here 24/7.

 

  1. What is the length of the rental agreement?

Double-check the duration of your rental agreement as it will help you plan your time and your tenancy accordingly. Many assume that a rental agreement is the standard 12-month duration. Be understands that some customers like to stay longer – a recent survey of residents at be:here Hayes revealed that 80% of residents wants to stay “as long as possible”. We are able to offer tenancies up to 3 years to all tenants.

Now equipped with these 5 “must ask” questions, customers can rent a spacious new home at be:here Hayes from £1,165 pcm for a 1 bed and from £1,450 for a 2 bed all with either a garden or balcony.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

 

Bellis Homes launches Mill Hill’s latest luxury homes – Eleven Trees

Bellis Homes launches Mill Hill’s latest luxury homes – Eleven Trees

by Georgina United Kingdom World
  • Mill Hill boasts attractive rural living experience with closeness of city life (Bellis Homes)
  • The market in Mill Hill has inclined over past months (Glentree International)
  • Bellis Homes launch their Eleven Trees collection of three homes in Mill Hill on 7th October

Mill Hill, in the London Borough of Barnet, boasts an attractive rural living experience with the closeness of city life through its strong transport links.

The proximity to central London made the area a popular choice for country retreats from the 17th Century onwards but not only this, Mill Hill enjoys a rich history with the village originally named Myllehill in 1547, meaning ‘hill with a windmill’.

450 years on and the village is continuing to attract inhabitants says local estate agent Glentree International.

 “Mill Hill is a very desirable location for families. The village is in the proximity of many high performance and international schools and the area holds magnificent open spaces with secluded gardens, which is another reason why many people are looking to move to this suburb.

 “We have seen the market in Mill Hill inclining over the past six weeks, with a high demand for new builds from families desiring spacious and secure living. We can only predict great things for this up and coming suburb”.

 Karen Morris, Associate Director, New Homes Department, Glentree International

 Meeting this demand for new build family homes, Bellis Homes, a family-run developer itself, is launching their collection of ultra-deluxe, exclusive detached homes, Eleven Trees in Mill Hill on Saturday 7th October.

 The development compromises three homes, two with five bedrooms and one with six. All houses include gyms, dressing rooms and swimming pool and spa areas. The interiors have been finished to the highest specification with Alexander James Interior Design appointed to ensure these homes are perfectly dressed.

 “Alexander James were briefed to create a luxury classic contemporary interior for this property, perfect for ‘family professionals’. We met this brief by using a classic palette of warm greys and blues together with some monochrome designs in the bedrooms. The family and kitchen area has been injected with more vibrant accents of colour on warm linens, connecting with the delightful garden and creating the perfect convivial atmosphere for a family to enjoy. The artwork in the family room acts as a centre piece in the design, influencing the choice of the surrounding fabrics which reinforce the classic contemporary feel of the property.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

“Eleven Trees has been designed with families foremost in mind; they really are forever homes and the features included in these properties certainly hold the ‘wow factor’. Here at Bellis Homes we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest property trends, we have found that many families are wanting modern, high tech and luxurious finishes such as spas, swimming pools, latest technology and walk-in wardrobes which we have incorporated in each of the houses in the development.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Prices range from £4.5m to £4.75m

To attend the Eleven Trees Open Day on Saturday 7th October or for all other enquiries please contact Bellis Homes or call 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk. 

With Manchester close to being the next Silicon Valley, property investment is booming

With Manchester close to being the next Silicon Valley, property investment is booming

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • Manchester is home to 52,000 tech workers (Wired)
  • 40% of office space enquiries from the tech sector (Colliers International)
  • New Northill apartments situated in Manchester’s premium destination to work, live & invest (Properties of the World)

There seems to be no stopping Manchester as ever more businesses move into the city. The latest Savills ‘Manchester Office: Market Spotlight’ report has revealed that the city has seen a 20% increase year-on-year in the take-up of office space with experts believing that this expansion will result in significant employment growth over the next five years.

The growth opportunities are primarily the result of the ongoing Northern Powerhouse initiative which is supporting growth in different sectors across Manchester, particularly the tech industry.

 

“Things are changing fast in Manchester, giving the city the very real potential of becoming the next Silicon Valley.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

According to Wired, Manchester is already home to almost 52,000 tech workers, the largest tech workforce outside London, with the fourth-highest digital turnover in the UK at £2.9bn (Tech City UK).

Mayor Andy Burnham pledged his commitment to creating a world-leading tech hub and a growing number of tech start-ups are already snapping up office space around the city – 40% of business enquiries for space are coming from the tech industry according to Colliers International.

Indeed, this digital tech growth potential of Manchester is due to be further enhanced by the major expansion of the BBC recently announced. MediaCityUK, already the BBC’s second home in Salford Quays, will welcome 200 new employees this year. In addition, Indian company, 42Gears, which specialises in professional mobile software is setting up a European technology and innovation base in Manchester city centre.

 

 “Interest in Manchester is growing stronger and stronger as the city enjoys a bright economic outlook. Savills has predicted Manchester to be in the top 5 fastest growing cities from 2017 to 2021 which in turn is boosting demand for housing and investment properties which we, through our wide portfolio of opportunities, are able to answer.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Properties of the World’s most recent addition to its Manchester portfolio is Northill. Situated right in the heart of the tech hub that is Salford Quays, it is in the premium destination to work, live and invest. Perfectly placed beside the waterfront, all 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments will be furnished with high quality furniture packs as well as fitted kitchens. Facilities will include a landscaped communal garden and an on-site gymnasium to further enhance the rental experience for tenants.

The luxury residential apartments are priced from £109,995 with assured returns upwards of 6% NET.

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