Homes spas undergo a scentsual revolution

Homes spas undergo a scentsual revolution

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,
  • Essence dosing is latest trend to grip home spa owners (Aqua Platinum)
  • Sense of smell is more closely linked with our emotions than any other sense (Brown University)
  • Eucalyptus found to be the scent of choice for promoting a sense of wellness and sanctuary (Aqua Platinum)

The interaction of scent with mood, memory and cognition has long been of interest to the scientific community, yet it was only from the mid-1990s onward that olfactory modality and its psychological impact began to be approached in a more scientific way. The result is that our understanding of the relationship between scent and mood has increased dramatically.

Scent can be used to enhance concentration, promote relaxation and encourage de-stressing. It’s something that aromatherapists have known for years. Indeed, there is evidence of the use of lavender as a massage oil dating as far back as Ancient Egyptian times. More lately, science has contributed quantitative, medicine-based evidence to the wealth of anecdotal evidence that already exists. This has led to scent being used in a range of new ways.

“We’ve seen a marked trend for essence dosing recently, with clients looking to achieve the ultimate health spa scent at home. We link the essence dosing system to our specialist air handling plant. It injects small quantities of vapour into the supply air stream, giving pool halls and spa areas a subtle smell, just like a health spa.”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

According to Rachel Herz, assistant professor of psychology at Brown University, our sense of smell is linked with the limbic system, connecting to the amygdala and the hippocampus. This is the most intimate link between sense, emotion and associative learning that humans have, meaning that scent has a unique way of becoming associated with our memories and being able to trigger particular moods.

Herz argues that we begin learning to associate scents with things even before we are born. Studies have shown that mothers who are regularly exposed to strong odours during pregnancy give birth to infants who prefer those smells (when compared to babies whose mothers weren’t exposed to them).

During childhood, many of us learn to associate certain scents with certain emotions, and that learning sticks with us throughout life. Health spas are a wonderful example of this. Lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, bergamot, spearmint, lotus blossom, orange blossom and lemongrass are all used to delight the olfactory senses in health spa settings, blending to create a wonderful aroma that hits you the moment you walk into the spa. To breathe in that smell is to begin unwinding and de-stressing. That learned association is what is inspiring so many home spa owners to wish to recreate the health spa scent in the privacy of their homes.

“We’ve found that eucalyptus in particular is proving popular for home spa essence dosing. Eucalyptus has a long-standing association with health spas and herbal health remedies. It is an incredibly clean, refreshing and energizing scent with a range of healing properties. Many inhalers use cineole, eucalyptus’ primary component, due to its beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Eucalyptus also works as an insect repellant, a decongestant, an antiseptic and much more, offering those who essence dose with it a wide range of benefits to their health and their mood. It’s about providing the whole package – why delight the other senses with a home spa and then ignore the sense of smell?”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

As a high end swimming pool and spa design and building company, Aqua Platinum is well positioned to highlight the most recent trends in the wellness industry. The company has found that the increasingly stressful pace of modern life has led its clients to seek out new ways of achieving wellness and creating a sense of sanctuary within their homes. Scent dosing is the latest innovation in the pursuit of wellness – the scentsual revolution has begun!

 For more information, call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk.

Dressing for PRS success: Changing the look of build-to-rent

Dressing for PRS success: Changing the look of build-to-rent

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

 

  • Contemporary tenant demand means rental homes are stylish and uncluttered, with bright, bold colours (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • 20% of UK households now rent privately (English Housing Survey)
  • Interior design increasingly important to PRS developers, landlords and tenants alike (Alexander James Interior Design)

The 2015 – 2016 English Housing Survey confirmed the continuing importance of the private rented sector (PRS), which now houses 20% of UK households (around 4.5 million households in total).

The growth of this sector over the past decade, combined with the increase in buy-to-let investment in the UK and the introduction of build-to-rent schemes, has changed the dynamics of the rental sector – and the look of it.

“For many young people, buying a home in the UK simply isn’t an option, so instead they are happy to rent a home that’s better located and better dressed than they would be able to afford to buy.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Based on Zoopla listings for furnished versus unfurnished properties available to rent (using Manchester as a sample city), some 76% of properties are available furnished, while 17% are available unfurnished (with the remaining homes being part-furnished).

In Birmingham, 60% are furnished and 27% unfurnished. In London (using Clapham as an example area), the same search criteria produce 56% furnished properties, 25% unfurnished and 19% part-furnished.

According to the experts at Alexander James Interior Design, the growth of the private rented sector has led to a keen interest from both developers and private landlords in dressing their properties for maximum impact, as they seek to keep up with demand from tenants seeking stylish furnished homes.

“Quite simply, the better a property looks and the greater the flexibility it offers to an occupier, the more people will want to live there. With this, we see homes commanding higher rents and minimised void periods, making for a better investment for landlords.

This is a key factor behind the increasing demand for interior design services across the private rented sector. In an environment of competing new build properties, where one apartment can be identical to the next, savvy build-to-rent developers and professional landlords are looking to make their properties stand out from the crowd – interior design can do just that.” 

Richard Angel, Managing Director for London, Alexander James Interior Design

However, it’s not just those owning and managing properties that are placing increasing value on interior design when it comes to the rental sector. Tenants have become more discerning as the sector has expanded.

“People of all ages are struggling more to get on the housing ladder than used to be the case. This has definitely influenced the style of the PRS in several ways. Millennials, for example, are looking for ultra-contemporary rental properties with outstanding design and a whole host of stylish features. They demand the best and the PRS has stepped up to provide that in its efforts to court the spending power of this vast market.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Clean, uncluttered design, natural elements and bold splashes of colour all work well for this market, according to the Alexander James team.

Paints, furniture and fabrics are selected with durability in mind, due to the nature of the rental sector but not at the expense of stylish design.

With the average tenancy length now just 18 months, according to Direct Line for Business, properties can be refreshed regularly in order to keep up with evolving trends.

As the private rented sector continues to grow, so too will the importance of interior design. Good design can turn a house (or apartment) into a home, ensuring that tenants want to live there long-term and look after the property. This offers longer-term security to tenants while also minimising landlords’ costs and ensuring that their valuable investment is carefully looked after.

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk or call 0203 362 0472.

UK property industry gets up CLOSE and personal with Build to Rent

UK property industry gets up CLOSE and personal with Build to Rent

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

Over 100 of the UK property industry’s finest, along with high profile provocateurs and enablers from other sectors, met at Dartmouth House, Mayfair yesterday for the inaugural CLOSE event.

Organised and hosted by Naomi Cleaver, design consultant, writer and broadcaster, together with Phillippa Hardman, Founder & MD of on-site gym and well-being consultancy RCH, CLOSE: Build to Rent & the New Community delivered a symposium on the emerging revolution in the way we live today.

“Build to Rent is a paradigm shift in the way we live today and as pressures on population and space grow, we find ourselves living in ever closer proximity with others. Build to Rent delivers one solution to our 21st century housing needs but I believe it’s critical that the needs and desires of those living within these newly created communities are thoroughly and sensitively studied through discourse at events such as CLOSE.”

Naomi Cleaver, Design Consultant, Writer & Broadcaster

 A series of carefully selected speakers took to the podium to share their views and experiences of Build to Rent and community. Below were their headline messages:

Debra Yudolph, Founder SAY Property Consulting: A survey of 1,000 people revealed the chasm in perception and attitude towards Build to Rent between the public and the industry.

Karl Kalcher, MD of MindFolio: Work needs to be done to address Build to Rent’s primary target audience, young professionals and millennials and their inherently negative view about renting.

Jenni Carbins, International Placemaking Strategist, Mark London: Investment in commercial spaces and public realm within Build to Rent developments is on the rise. Placemaking creates value for tenants and the bottom line.

Phillippa Hardman, Founder & MD, RCH: The UK is at the forefront of global wellness which is driving demand for onsite fitness & wellbeing facilities. Virtual training and group exercise are top trends.

James Lynch, Fforest: From art graduate Shoreditch property developer to advocate of living in the thick of nature, the built environment is only as potent as its place in nature.

Rev Alan Gyle, Vicar, St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge: Turns out that De La Soul were right, 3 is the magic number when it comes to community. Engaging in triadic discourse between investors, Build to Rent developers and tenants is key to creating for the needs of tomorrow.

Gerard Greene, CEO & Founder, Society: There is a very real absence of technology in Build to Rent yet it can be successfully used as an enabler for the creation of, and engagement in new societies.

Siobhan Frost, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Tee & Frost: Creation of a Build to Rent brand is more than just an attractive logo but a strategic process which should be engaged in from the very start.

Tim Lowe, Founder & Director, Lowe Guardians: The repurposing of vacant space in the heart of cities through guardian tenants offers a real solution to housing shortage and offers compelling lessons in creating genuine communities.

Peter York, Social Commentator & Author: The voice of reason – think beyond the ghastly marketing language of Build to Rent; creating communities is hard work! Oh and never include a laminate floor in a development, you’re only one step away from a prison.

Over cocktails and canapés in the courtyard afterwards, feedback was heartening:

“It is hard to think of an industry event that dares to treat the audience to such a spectrum of impressions, from the very tangible to the quite philosophical.”

Karl Kalcher, MindFolio Ltd

 “ Thoughtful and provocative. An imaginative, eclectic cast of speakers who have left me with a lot to think about. We need to have more conversations like this and then put these great ideas into practice.”

Andrei Popovici, Real estate developer, UK & US

 “Brave and stimulating. We in the construction and property industry need to connect with the people we are designing and building homes and CLOSE was truly mind expanding.”

 Nick Riley, Whittam Cox Architects

 For more information on CLOSE: Build to Rent & The New Community, key takeaways, the speakers and details of the next event, please contact Naomi Cleaver on contact@naomicleaver.com or visit http://naomicleaver.com/of Phillippa Hardman on 020 8789 9600 or visit http://www.rawcorporatehealth.com/.

Stamp duty free UK hotel room investments heat up as summer staycations soar

Stamp duty free UK hotel room investments heat up as summer staycations soar

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • 55% of British adults will opt for staycation this summer (Travelodge)
  • UK tourism thrives with overseas visitors on the rise (ONS)
  • UK named top European target for hotel investment (CBRE)
  • Hotel room investments exempt from stamp duty tax (Properties of the World)

It’s fair to say that Brits are getting less for their money abroad as an enduring weak pound draws more and more to ‘staycation’ this summer.

Travelodge reports that 55% of British nationals are expected to spend their holiday in the UK this summer with ‘staycationing’ thriving as sterling continues to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty at home.

Alongside the increase in staycations from domestic tourists, ONS reports a spike in overseas residents coming to the UK for a holiday, with an increase of 19% when compared with April 2016. The hottest June on record and the drop in sterling has boosted demand from overseas visitors.

“It is very encouraging to see the continued growth of the UK tourism industry from both British nationals and overseas visitors especially as we are heading into the peak summer season where coastal resorts are gearing up for a very busy period. With increasing demand for UK holidays, now is the perfect time to branch out and make a hotel property investment and Devon is the perfect place for it.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

Indeed, this dynamic growth in the UK tourism industry is also set to yield the investment potential of UK hotels.

Investors have named the UK as the top target for European hotel investment in 2017, according to a survey by CBRE. And as investment in traditional holiday homes wobbles due to recent stamp duty changes, hotel room investment offers an attractive alternative to buy-to-let property.

 

“One of the main appeals of hotel room investment is that stamp duty is not payable, potentially saving owners thousands of pounds. Owners can still enjoy personal usage of their hotel room but they will also receive regular income without hefty upfront taxation and management costs.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

The opportunity to make a hotel room investment has reached the hugely popular holiday shores of Devon, crowned by Travelodge as the favourite staycation destination for 2017, with 4* hotels such as Atlantic Bay.

 

Comprising 96 bedrooms, not only will Atlantic Bay be prominently positioned above Woolacombe beach – ranked in the top 10 seaside towns with the highest property values according to Zoopla – but it will also offer sea view across the Atlantic Ocean.

Investment in rooms at the coastal hotel is from £85,000 with 14 days personal usage per annum and returns of 10% for 10 years. The hotel will also boast a lounge area, large conference room, swimming pool, fitness suite and cocktail lounge bar – ideal for the growing number of visitors to this hugely popular resort.

 

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

 

Stylish staycations: How to style your UK holiday home to maximize summer rental returns

Stylish staycations: How to style your UK holiday home to maximize summer rental returns

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,
  • Stylish holiday homes can command higher rents (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Owners need to focus on practicality as well as style
  • Fabulous photographs are key to attracting higher paying holidaymakers

Holidaymakers are more likely to rent a property if it looks good, so it’s important to take care when furnishing and styling a holiday home in order to maximize its rental income potential.

However, the experts at Alexander James Interior Design point out that practicality is a key consideration too:

“When considering the décor of your holiday let, you need to think not only of the appeal of the interior décor but also the practicalities of it. It needs to be easy to maintain. Paint is much easier to clean and touch up than wallpaper, wood/laminate/tiled floors rather than carpet.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

According to the Alexander James team, there are 10 things that holidaymakers are looking for from a rental property:

  1. Are dogs are allowed? There are plenty of people with dogs in the UK who want to take their furry friend away with them.
  2. Nice linen. The White Company bed linen and towels, with wool throws and cushions is ideal.
  3. Tech. That includes iPod docs, Sonos sound systems and TVs with freeview and Netflix.
  4. Wi-Fi. This is a non-negotiable in this day and age.
  5. Kitchen comforts. Holidays should be about relaxation and doing as little as possible, so dishwashers, Nespresso machines and the like are rapidly becoming essential.
  6. Good quality china and glassware. Chipped and scratched Ikea white plates won’t cut it!
  7. Parking
  8. Outside space. This should ideally include a BBQ area with plentiful seating.
  9. Comfy mattresses.
  10. A welcome hamper. These are becoming increasingly common, with guests expecting a few essentials upon arrival (wine, bread, milk and butter as a bare minimum).

Owners who can tick off all ten of these are onto a winning combination, but their work still isn’t done.

“Think about your furniture layouts. Is it a two bedroom cottage that sleeps four? Then make sure you have enough seating in the lounge for four people without it being overcrowded.

“Bedrooms that you can change from two single beds that can be zipped together to create a double are very appealing to potential renters, as this provides greater flexibility. And certainly don’t just use old bits of missed matched furniture left over from you home that you would otherwise throw out!”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Styling a holiday let as a boutique-style retreat that looks amazing in photographs will set it apart from the competition and enable its owners to charge a higher rent.

Therefore, when taking photographs of a holiday property, it’s important to use props to stage it. For example, don’t just take a picture of the bathroom – first light candles around a bubble-filled bath, add a few designer beauty products and place a stack of big, fluffy white towels in the shot. In the kitchen, dress the table with cream teas. Beds are a quick win here too – use plush-looking linen, throws and cushions, then add a breakfast tray complete with croissants, jam and fresh orange juice.

The key is for owners to ensure that anyone viewing the photographs will instantly be able to imagine themselves in the property. Those lacking in inspiration can look at holiday let websites like Unique Homestays and Boutique Retreats for ideas on how to style their photographs. The Alexander James Interior Design team would also be happy to help!

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

Top of the Props: Foreign buyers flock to US property

Top of the Props: Foreign buyers flock to US property

by Georgina United Kingdom United States

US top of charts in 4 of last 6 months

  • Cyprus now 3rd most popular, 2nd month in top 5
  • France takes 4th following election
  • Canada climbs back into top 10

 

Foreign buyers continue to flock to US property in 2017, reveals TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Top of the Props index. The USA accounted for 1 in 12 enquiries on the portal in May, stealing the top spot back from Spain.

America has consistently been one of the most sought-after destinations among foreign investors in recent years, ranking number one in TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props charts for four of the last six months. After months of battling Spain for the coveted first place, the USA once again came out on top in May, pushing its rival down into second. The country made up 8.44 per cent of all enquires on the international portal in May, up from 4.87 per cent in April.

Spain’s share of enquiries fell from 10.4 per cent in April to 4.31 per cent, although its share remained higher than a year ago (4.03 per cent). Interest also grew year-on-year in Cypriot property, with the island’s share of activity soaring from 0.38 per cent in May 2016 to 3.35 per cent in May 2017. This is the third month in a row that enquiries have increased for real estate in Cyprus, as buyers continue to return to the island. Cyprus is now the third most popular destination on TheMoveChannel.com, marking its second month in the Top 5.

In mainland Europe, France enjoyed a flurry of activity following Macron’s election victory, climbing five positions to seize fourth place. French property accounted for 2.63 per cent of enquiries in May, up from 1.67 per cent in April. The Top 5 was completed by the UAE, which also surged five places up the chart to re-enter the top tier, accounting for 2.12 per cent of enquiries.

Portugal, meanwhile, slipped two places into sixth, accounting for 1.85 per cent of enquiries. Bulgaria also dropped seven places in the charts, but remained in the Top 10, after a significant increase in interest from buyers in the last year. Eighth place Italy’s share of enquiries dipped from 1.91 per cent to 1.69 per cent, but the country remains in the same place as a year ago. Interest climbed in Canadian real estate, which rose nine places into seventh. This is its 2nd month ranking in the Top 10 this year, after interest weakened in the second half of 2016, following the introduction of a tax on foreign buyers in the Vancouver region.

The rise of the USA occurs as the National Association of Realtors forecasts that foreign buyers and immigration are expected to drive future demand for housing in the country. This week has also seen the Federal Reserve decide to raise interest rates for the second time this year, with another hike potentially on the cards before the end of 2017.

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments: “America’s housing market continues to enjoy a strong and stable recovery in the eyes of investors. As demand outstrips supply across most of the country, property prices have now risen year-on-year for 62 months in a row, according to the National Association of Realtors. Buoyed by the positive sentiment in the US economy, with the Federal Reserve raising rates for the third time in seven months this week, the country’s investment appeal shows no sign of fading. Florida, California, New York and Texas are all popular among foreign buyers, but with the dollar strong against other currencies, enquiries from investors on TheMoveChannel.com are fuelled primarily by interest in Detroit and Florida, where prices remain below their previous peaks, despite strong capital growth in the last year.”

Click here to see the full top 40 property destinations for June 2017.

 

— ENDS –

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 1.4 million listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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Lock in for longer with 3 year-tenancies available at be:here Hayes & be:here East India

Lock in for longer with 3 year-tenancies available at be:here Hayes & be:here East India

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • 68% of tenants expected to remain renting in the next three years (Knight Frank Multihousing 2017)
  • 80% of be:here Hayes residents want to stay “as long as possible” (be:here Hayes survey)
  • Be:here Hayes offers long term renting solutions with 3-year tenancies
 
With Knight Frank reporting that the UK is set to become a nation of renters, it’s no wonder that the Private Rented Sector (PRS) or Build-to-Rent (BtR) sector is now worth a staggering £25 billion.
The Multihousing 2017 survey also reveals that tenants are looking to providers of rental accommodation who offer longer tenancies as 68% of tenants still expect to be living in the rental sector in three years’ time.
This figure confirms the recommendations made in the Housing White Paper released earlier this year to “ensure more longer-term tenancies are available in private rented scheme

As developers are encouraged to allow tenants to lock in for longer, a new era is dawning for renters.

Be Living Ltd’s developments in Hayes and East India are specifically designed for renters, and were developed following extensive consultation with tenants about how they want to live their lives and what they wanted from their landlord.
Be’s new  be:here Hayes development, which launched in February, is located in the Gatefold Building in West London and offers tenancies for up to 3 years as standard. According to a recent survey, 80% of tenants at be:here Hayes reported that they want to stay “as long as possible”.
‘Whilst renting is a deliberate choice for a growing number of people because of the flexibility it offers we also recognise that tenants want the security of knowing that they have a place to call home for the long term. That’s why we offer 3 year tenancies at our sites with annual rent increases fixed in line with inflation.”
 
Layla Kausar, Property Manager at be:here Hayes
3 year tenancies are now available at be:here Hayes at The Gatefold Building, an award-winning development of 119 homes for rent which launched in February 2017.
The scheme is part of the wider redevelopment of the Old Vinyl Factory, which is bringing new homes, offices, retail and entertainment to the heart of Hayes on the site of the former EMI record factory and just 300 yards (3 minutes’ walk) from a brand-new Crossrail station. With a full-time on-site caretaker, tenants at be:here Hayes are sure that their homes are well looked after.
Units are available from £1,150 pcm for 1-beds and £1,415 for 2-beds all with either a garden or balcony.
For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/ .
Student housing revolution means parents no longer need to worry about where their kids will live at university

Student housing revolution means parents no longer need to worry about where their kids will live at university

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • Contemporary accommodation gives students space to study, socialise and develop
  • Residents’ safety and security are top concerns addressed by modern developers like Collegiate AC
  • Private kitchens and cleaning services mean that students can become independent at their own pace  
A child heading off to university for the first time is an emotional moment for any parent. Mixed in with the pride of sending your offspring out into the world to study is the inevitably anxiety about how they will settle in, make friends and manage to fend for themselves.
Thankfully, the rise of the purpose built student accommodation sector in recent years means that parents can at least cross fretting about sub-standard accommodation off their list of worries.
“Knight Frank reports that £3.1 billion was invested in purpose built student accommodation in 2016, while private equity invested over £2.1 billion in 2015. Student accommodation now offers greater choice and far superior facilities than previous generations of students would believe.”
 
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
At Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place site in Durham, for example, the en-suite accommodation includes a private desk area with ample space for studying, as well as peaceful study zones dotted about the building. For downtime, there’s a gym, club lounge, dinner party room, sauna, roof terrace and private cinema. This wealth of shared facilities means that residents find it easy to make new friends, so parents can relax about how their child will get on with meeting people.
Ernest Place, like many Collegiate AC properties, also features a concierge service on site, meaning that residents always have someone to turn to should they need advice, guidance or support.
 
“Knowing that there is always someone on hand that their child can reach out to should the need arise is very comforting for many parents. Whether it’s help with booking taxis, arranging food deliveries or local orientation, the concierge service provides a discreet form of security for young people who are living away from home for the first time.”
 
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
Safety and security is always a big concern for parents. This is why Collegiate uses electronic entry systems for its buildings, with CCTV in communal areas. The site locations are also chosen to be within close proximity to the university and/or city centre, so that students don’t face long walks down deserted streets in order to get home in the evening.
Practical details are often a concern for parents too. Many worry that their youngsters will exist solely on a diet of takeaway pizza once left to fend for themselves. In reality, though, university presents an excellent opportunity for young people to enhance their cooking skills. Accommodation providers like Collegiate include full kitchens in their properties, so that residents can learn to cook in their own time and space, when the mood takes them, without the stress of other residents pilfering their pint of milk from a shared fridge or making fun or their overcooked spaghetti.
“Often the small details can be just as worrying as the big ones when it comes to parents letting their children care for themselves for the first time. That’s why we make a point of offering lifestyle services at all of our properties – residents can have help with cleaning either while they first settle in or on a longer-term basis.”
 
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
Waving goodbye to a child attending university for the first time is never easy, but at least the recent evolution of the student housing sector means that accommodation is one less thing that parents have to worry about.
For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

 

Buyers dig Digbeth as new homes attract the creative community

Buyers dig Digbeth as new homes attract the creative community

by Georgina United Kingdom World , ,
  • West Midlands creative industries growing at more than twice the pace of those in London (Creative Industries Federation)
  • Under 25s account for 40% of population, making Birmingham one of youngest cities in Europe (Visit Birmingham)
  • New Moseley Gardens development perfect for Digbeth’s millennials (Surrenden Invest)

 

When it comes to the perfect recipe for property buyers, Birmingham’s Digbeth has all the right ingredients. The area is a trendy, thriving hub of digital and tech prowess, with a community of millennials looking to rent stylish homes at the heart of the action.

Digbeth’s digital credentials were showcased earlier this month during Digital Digbeth Day, part of the BBC Digital Cities Week. Events focused on game-changing developments in the digital tech sector, from 3D scanning to virtual reality, with Digbeth’s bright young residents showcasing their credentials to maximum effect.

“The sense of creativity and innovation in Digbeth is enormous. The area is brimming with talent and not just in the tech sector. Digbeth’s creative industry credentials are seriously strong and have helped it to become one of the trendiest areas of the UK in recent years.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

According to the Creative Industries Federation, the UK’s creative industries are worth £87 billion. That’s more than the country’s car or aerospace industry. The West Midlands has put much into developing its creative sector – creative industry jobs there grew by 38.7% between 2011 and 2015 (more than double the growth rate of London, which stood at 15.6%).

At the same time, big things are expected of Birmingham’s new Metro Mayor, Andy Street, whose strategy for growing the city’s economy looks set to have a positive impact on housing, transport and skills, as well as other areas of urban life.

Then of course there’s the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail network, which Transport for West Midlands sees as a catalyst for enhanced prosperity and growth for regional locations like Digbeth.

The combination of all of this has created a magnet-like effect in Digbeth, with highly skilled, highly ambitious millennials flocking to the area to work and live. Nearly 40% of Birmingham’s population is now under the age of 25, making it one of the youngest cities in Europe, according to Visit Birmingham.

“The influx of millennials has done much to re-shape Digbeth’s property market, at a time when Birmingham property prices and residential land values are already showing solid growth. As a result, the city has become a hotbed for property investors seeking strong yields and excellent capital growth potential.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Developments like Moseley Gardens are pitched perfectly for style-conscious millennials looking for a city centre location in Birmingham’s hottest regional rental market. Specifically developed for the shared rental market, the contemporary apartments offer the ideal blend of location and luxurious living, all just ten minutes’ walk from New Street Station.

“Demand for residential investment properties of this stature in Birmingham is so strong that many are purchased within mere hours of launching. Birmingham – and the Digbeth area in particular – is one of the most dynamic property markets in the UK right now.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Apartments are available from £138,000, for further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

A sacred conversion – Bellis Homes brings Grade II listed convent school house back to life

A sacred conversion – Bellis Homes brings Grade II listed convent school house back to life

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

A recent survey undertaken by RICS and YouGov identified that 9 out of 10 British people think that historic buildings are a symbol of national heritage, with 89% believing it is of a high importance to protect them.

Mill Hill in Barnet, North London is home to several historic buildings worthy of protection. One of London’s hidden gems, oozing with historic flavor, the village-cum-suburb of Mill Hill is ideally situated between Finchley and Edgware and is said to be the London district most influenced by the Christian faith.

This Christian influence can be clearly seen in the historic Rosary Manor Estate in the heart of Mill Hill village.

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 neighbouring St Vincent’s Roman Catholic School opened in 1896 and was run until 2007.

Now, the abandoned schoolhouse and West Lodge (a detached property left in a dilapidated state) is set to be brought back into use by luxury housebuilder Bellis Homes through the development of 11 high quality apartments and a detached house for completion in 2018.

As well as being a Grade II Listed building, the Rosary Manor Estate is ideally located within the Green Belt, the North Barnet Area of Special Character and Mill Hill Conservation Area.

It is understood that Charles II often visited the estate in the 16th century to shoot on the grounds and on Milespit-Hill, there is the non-denominational Mill Hill cemetery which was formerly known as the ‘Paddington District Cemetery’ where the iconic 1960’s pop singer Billy Fury is buried!

“We are seeing more and more clients interested in converted historical properties and the stunning architectural qualities they carry. They want all the charm and character of an older property yet all the convenience and amenities of a new build home. Rosary Manor offers the best of both worlds and with such stunning views out across green fields to London and rich history, we know this conversion will be in high demand.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

The 11 apartments range between 1 and 3 bedrooms and between 1,800 sqft and 4,000sqft. Bellis Homes has submitted a further application to provide roof terraces on several of the units which will offer spectacular views across the Mill Hill countryside towards the City of London.

In addition to this, Rosary Manor residents will also be able to enjoy large communal grounds, architectural detail, high ceilings and allocated parking spaces. Mill Hill East underground station is close by served by the Northern Line and Mill Hill Broadway station also easily accessible making the location perfect for those who want the balance city and countryside living.

Apartments at Rosary Manor are available from £1.1 million – £4 million, for more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.