Cutting edge interior design and first-class features signal the next generation of student accommodation

Cutting edge interior design and first-class features signal the next generation of student accommodation

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,

 

  • Collegiate AC presents first biophilic design site in Lisbon
  • Students look forward to swimming pools and saunas in the new academic year
  • First Collegiate Prestige Collection site features visionary interior design

The UK purpose built student accommodation sector attracted £3.1 billion of investment in 2016, according to Knight Frank. Meanwhile, PwC has flagged student accommodation as one of Europe’s top three alternative real estate investment options for 2017.

Given this impressive scenario, it is perhaps no wonder that leading student accommodation providers are stepping up their game.

 

“The 2017/18 academic year is going to see some incredible sites open. Each year marks further innovation in the student accommodation sector, but this September is due to mark a step change in this huge market.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

The Collegiate AC team is excited about being part of the new era of student accommodation. 2017 will mark both the opening of the visionary provider’s first overseas site – Collegiate Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon – and the launch of its first Prestige Collection site – Ernest Place in Durham.

Designing two such ultra-opulent sites has been an exciting experience for the Collegiate interior design team.

In Lisbon, a localised blend of industrial chic, art and nature has given the site an incredibly unique character. In the natural light-filled Skylight Lounge, students can relax in between olive trees, flower beds and long, hanging fronds of foliage. Just off the lounge, the stunning swimming pool area uses ceramic tiles and bespoke furniture pieces to create a fabulous sense of luxury.

 

“We’ve used biophilic design concepts at Marquês de Pombal to provide residents with the wellness benefits associated with a deep connection to nature. At the same time, we’ve introduced a wealth of cultural quirks to reflect the unique atmosphere of Lisbon. The huge artwork of the main façade, painted by a locally commissioned artist, is reflective of the spirit and feel of the site.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

The new Ernest Place site in Durham is just as exciting. The cutting edge interior design has created a sophisticated scheme, with bold elements that surprise and charm. The building is playful in its approach to atmospheres. The common room oozes warmth, with timber, brass and copper creating a relaxed, welcoming environment. By contrast, the impressive Sky Lounge offers a deliciously dark and moody atmosphere. Meanwhile the rooftop terrace provides an ultra-contemporary, chic outdoor bar vibe. And for those moments where ultimate relaxation is required, the fresh, natural feel of the sauna is just the ticket.

 

As well as crafting superb communal areas, Collegiate’s interior design team has paid particular attention to the bedrooms available to students in Lisbon and Durham.

 

Sleekly designed storage solutions provide plenty of space for possessions, while clever spatial planning has ensured that each student can get maximum use out of their available space. Rooms are designed to allow for resting, working, socializing, cooking, eating, and entertaining. They are at once homely and sophisticated in their design, as well as drawing on local inspiration. In Lisbon, the influence of the blue and white patterned azulejos (tiles) for which Portugal is so well known, can really be felt in the serene surroundings of the scheme’s bedrooms.

 

“Our approach has always been to deliver a lifestyle – an experience. Now, we’ve used visionary interior design to kick that up a notch. It’s about creating something more than just a simple home for students – this is accommodation that challenges and excites. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable university experience.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Make a splash this summer in the Venice of the North with the brand new Royal Canal Works

Make a splash this summer in the Venice of the North with the brand new Royal Canal Works

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,
  • Manchester house prices predicted to grow 28.2% by 2021 (Hometrack)
  • Around 4,000 jobs set to be created in the Manchester region over the next 5 years (Savills)
  • Up to 25% boost in house prices from the restoration of canals (Canal & River Trust)
  • Waterside living in Manchester from just £105,000 (Surrenden Invest)

Growing faster than any other city in the UK, it is predicted that house prices in Manchester will grow by an impressive 28.2% by 2021 according to Hometrack.

In addition to residential property growth, Manchester is expected to see faster office-based growth employment than Greater London and all key UK regional cities over the next five years reports Savills.

Increasing demands from a range of sectors such as media and technology are estimated to create around 4,000 jobs in the Manchester region over the next 10 years, with demand for housing also rising in line with this progression.

With one of the highest population densities outside the capital, living space within Manchester is at a premium forcing housebuilders to seek alternative areas of the city within which to build new homes.

Known as the “Venice of the North” due to its miles of canals (including the 36-mile long, 19th century Manchester Ship Canal which at the time was the largest river navigation canal in the world), Manchester holds a long and affectionate history with its waterways and now views them as pivotal to the making of the city once again.

Millions have been spent on clearing and restoring Manchester’s waterways, enabling formerly derelict canal side land to be put back into use thus creating communities with space, leisure activities and high living standards.

Indeed, a report by Dr Nicholas Falk for URBED found that the urban waterfront is a vital part of national heritage and the Canal and River Trust suggest that property values can be boosted by as much as 25% from the restoration of canals.

“Waterfront living provides welcome breathing space for people living in overcrowded communities. Living on a canal has and always will hold great appeal; the calming nature of being close to the water combined with the leisure activities available makes homes such as those at Royal Canal Works a true urban oasis.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

Royal Canal Works, available through leading investment agency Surrenden Invest, is a brand-new canal side development adjacent to the tranquil suburb of Choltorn – one of the most sought after areas to live in southern Manchester.

A stunning contemporary collection of 43 beautifully appointed one and two bedroom apartments with private terraces and waterfront views, Royal Canal Works offers architecturally landscaped gardens and a courtyard along with secure parking and CCTV.

Being just 15 minutes from the city centre, Royal Canal Works boasts city standard living but all of the perks of life in the suburbs. The apartments are expected to be highly prized by families and young professionals who have been priced out of the city centre but are not prepared to compromise their standard of accommodation.

Apartments are available from just £105,000 with an attractive 6% NET yield. For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499.

4 reasons why #HayesIsHappening

4 reasons why #HayesIsHappening

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,

 

With the capital’s population set to reach 10 million by 2026 (ONS) and with PwC reporting that 60% of Londoners will be renting rather than owning in the city by 2025, developers are having to seek new locations and new approaches to delivering homes.

The rise in popularity of build to rent (PRS) developments has kick-started a wave of interest in building rental homes in strategic hotspots and with Crossrail on the way and so much more, Hayes, 13 miles west of Central London, has become a focal point.

Leading build to rent developer Be Living Ltd has selected Hayes as the location of their latest rental offering, 119 award-winning and pet-friendly homes of be:here Hayes at The Gatefold Building.

Be:Living Ltd believe that #HayesIsHappening and below are just four of the reasons why…

 

  1. A destination to work, rest and play

Well known for its connections with industry having been the home of the music label EMI, global food giants Nestle and Heinz and Japanese tech company Fujitsu, Hayes is now becoming a destination to not only work but also rest and play.

Hillingdon, the borough in which Hayes is situated, was named in 2016 by former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, as one of 11 new ‘housing zones’ and plans for 2,788 homes in Hayes town centre were outlined. Young professionals looking for luxury and affordable living are now flocking to Hayes as developments such as be:here Hayes, part of the wider redevelopment of The Old Vinyl Factory, spring up.

The stylish new, secure development, offers 119 homes specially designed for renting with a roof terrace for community events, on-site property manager and caretaker, secure car parking and pet-friendly apartments featuring plenty of storage.

 

  1. First-class connections

In 2019 Crossrail will pull in to Hayes & Harlington station with fast, frequent train services to Central London. Journey times to the West End will be cut in half with residents able to reach Bond Street in just 20 minutes, Farringdon in 25 and Canary Wharf in 34. Journey times to Heathrow and its international airport will also be cut to just 10 minutes.

Those living at be:here Hayes will be able to take advantage to these fast new links into the city as the development is just a three-minute walk from Hayes & Harlington station.

 

  1. Regeneration hotspot

From the £6 million redevelopment of Hayes town centre, due to complete this summer, to The Old Vinyl Factory, a £250 million multi-use regeneration project by U+I, Hayes is changing fast. A 17-acre manufacturing facility, formerly owned by music company EMI, The Old Vinyl Factory regeneration scheme is expected to deliver 4,000 jobs, 642 homes, 750,000 sq ft of commercial and leisure space including a 3-screen cinema and live music venue in Hayes, all by 2020.

The Old Vinyl Factory is also home to the Central Research Laboratory (CRL), a place for entrepreneurial designers and engineers who want to create amazing products and grow innovative new businesses focused on hardware. They join a number of other high-tech companies already on site including SITA, Sonos, Champ Cargosystems and web hosting giants GoDaddy EMEA.

Located within The Old Vinyl Factory development, be:here Hayes at the Gatefold Building is right at the heart of the action.

 

  1. Cultural attractions, canal and historical sites – Hayes has it all!

Despite its urban location, Hayes has a village feel with the Heinz buildings, Barra Hall and St Mary’s Church being Grade II listed. There are also plenty of green and open spaces to enjoy with the Grand Union Canal offering the ideal location for cycling or walking the dog, Minet and Lake Farm Country Parks nearby and the course at Stockley Park ideal for a round of golf.

Famous former residents include celebrated author George Orwell who taught in Hayes as well as William Byrd known as ‘the father of English music’. Indeed, the town’s musical heritage lived on to the 20th century as many of The Beatles albums were famously ‘Made in Hayes’ and today venues including the Beck Theatre, regularly host local musicians and stage productions.

 

“We’re seeing residents at be:here Hayes moving into the community from all over London and beyond. Things will only get more exciting with the completion of the rest of The Old Vinyl Factory’s retail, employment and entertainment facilities and the launch of Crossrail in 2019. Crossrail in particular will make living in this part of west London a great option for people working in the City or Canary Wharf who want the amenities and services you get from a building specifically designed and managed with renters in mind, without the central London price tag.”

Layla Kausar, Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

Hayes is definitely happening and with homes at be:here Hayes starting from just £1,150 pcm, it’s time to get in quick!

 

For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/ . To see more details on the wider masterplan for The Old Vinyl Factory visit http://www.theoldvinylfactory.com/

Property buyers increasingly drawn to Liverpool’s magnetic North

Property buyers increasingly drawn to Liverpool’s magnetic North

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,
  • Liverpool named top place to invest in the UK with up to 8% NET yields (Private Finance)
  • Liverpool offers low average rents and house prices (Private Finance)
  • Eldon Grove, offering 7% NET yield for 2 years, attracting investors to north Liverpool (Aspen Woolf)

More and more property investors have been steering towards the north for great investment opportunities.

Latest research by mortgage brokers Private Finance has revealed Liverpool to be the next hotspot for property buyers, naming it the best place in the UK to invest.

The study also found that Liverpool can offer net yields of up to 8% once mortgage costs are taken into account. Not only does the Northern Powerhouse city benefit from such attractive returns but it also boasts low average house prices (£122,283) and strong rents (£1,021 pcm).

Indeed, Liverpool is proving to be a promising market in all aspects with the recently appointed Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, calling for the government to prioritise rail investment in the north by committing to building the HS3 rail link, also known as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Other recent investment in Liverpool’s connectivity is already yielding positive results as the city’s extremely popular cruise terminal broke records on its 10-year anniversary this month contributing £1.5 boost to Liverpool’s tourism economy.

Further reports also stand testament to Liverpool’s magnetic appeal with the city experiencing a boom in the buy-to-let market as demand for quality rental accommodation continues to vastly outweigh supply.

The Mistoria Group revealed a surge of tenant demand at 19% year on year with an average of 6.6 tenants chasing every shared room of a new rental property in the city. A trend also being seen by leading buy-to-let investment agency, Aspen Woolf.

“We are seeing no end of interest in the Liverpool investment market with over 70% of all enquires are for the city. Whilst the city centre remains popular, we are seeing more and more investors being drawn to the northern areas such as Vauxhall where prices are lower yet demand and rental returns remain high. Our Eldon Grove project in the heart of Vauxhall is just that and with a 2-year guarantee of 7% NET rental income, it really is a market-leading investment opportunity”

Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director, Aspen Woolf

 

Eldon Grove provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council, setting a new standard for the whole country which it was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912. The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents.

Falling into disrepair, Eldon Grove is now being brought back to life 100 years later. Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three newly built blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation. Comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units, New Eldon Grove is set within peaceful surroundings of inner city Vauxhall (where once the late Cilla Black called home) yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Tudor buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit http://www.aspenwoolf.co.uk/ or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

Aqua Platinum reports boom in home spa market

Aqua Platinum reports boom in home spa market

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  • Global wellness industry now worth $3.7 trillion per year (Global Wellness Institute)
  • Elite athletes like Andy Murray spreading knowledge of how to achieve wellness
  • Bio-saunas, Russian banyas & aquarium walls hottest at home spa trends for 2017

The Global Wellness Institute reports that the global wellness industry is a $3.7 trillion market and high end swimming pool design and build company Aqua Platinum has revealed that consumers are taking an ever more educated approach to their wellness.

“The wellness and vitality industry has boomed in recent years and as the range of products and experiences on offer has expanded, so too has consumers’ curiosity. As we become more appreciative of the value of wellness to our daily lives, consumers are educating themselves on how best they can take advantage of both ancient traditions and modern technology.”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

The sauna is a prime example. The centuries-old Finnish concept, present in almost every Finnish home, has long been a favourite of spa-goers in the UK.

Now, increasing numbers of UK homeowners are opting for one as part of a personal suite of spa facilities, along with a plunge pool (maintained at 5-10°C) that they can jump into immediately afterwards, for maximum benefit.

This combining of treatments in order to use them most effectively is catching on. Heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, tennis player Andy Murray and runners Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah are among several elite athletes who have spoken out about the benefits of ice-cold water on muscles and blood flow.

Consumers are also becoming interested in different sauna styles. While the hot, dry, atmosphere of the Finnish sauna has long been popular, cooler, wetter bio-saunas are now very on trend, along with the Russian banya (a high humidity room that is similar in many ways to a bio-sauna).

“It’s not just about having an indoor pool any more. Those who are committed to their health and wellbeing are opting for saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, plunge pools, experience showers and spa pools with volcano jets and sprays for back, neck and shoulder massage. It’s about blending scientific advances in fields like sports exercise with ancient relaxation wisdom to create the ultimate bespoke vitality experience in your own home.”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

The mixture of traditions and environments allows for some exciting design elements. Saunas remain simple in their presentation, with wood and natural stone constituting their main elements. Soft lighting is concealed beneath benches and backrests, while fibre optics can provide a delightful twinkly effect in the ceiling.

One more modern design feature that is becoming increasingly popular in home spas as well as many hotel spas is an aquarium wall. According to Allan N. Schwartz, PhD, “fish tanks are a wonderful way to further reduce anxiety and stress” when combined with other stress-busting activities. Aquarium walls are the ideal example of blending ancient relaxation knowledge such as this with modern design techniques.

As the high-end home spa market expands, so too do the range of facilities and treatments that are on offer. It was once enough to have an indoor pool. That’s now only the beginning.

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

University accommodation: 4 top tips for students from Collegiate AC

University accommodation: 4 top tips for students from Collegiate AC

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • Book early to avoid disappointment
  • Make location your top priority
  • Think through the amenities that are most important to you
  • Work out which lifestyle services you plan to use

If you’re heading off to university this September, there’s plenty to think about. Not only will you have the fun of making new friends and discovering your new city, chances are you’ll be living independently for the first time. If that’s the case, you’ll almost certainly have questions about student housing.

 

“We find that many students are anxious about where they’re going to live and when and how to book their accommodation. That’s why we’ve made the booking process so simple on the Collegiate website – students can view our properties at their leisure, then book online to ensure they have the accommodation that they want.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

  1. The first thing to consider is how early to book.

According to UCAS, 48% of students book their accommodation before August. This means that you need to plan ahead and book early in order to have a decent choice of accommodation.

The UK has a shortage of university accommodation (2.3 students per available bed, according to Cushman and Wakefield), so don’t leave arranging your new home to the last minute, or you might end up living an awfully long way away from both the university and your fellow students.

 

  1. Location is the next thing to consider.

Do you want to be close to the university or close to the city centre? Many newly built student accommodation schemes offer accommodation that ticks both of these boxes, so shop around until you find a location that meets all of your needs.

Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, is located within 10 minutes of the city centre and the university’s Durham city location, so whether you want to study, shop or go out for dinner, everything you need is within easy reach.

 

  1. Next, consider the facilities that you would like to have access to.

 

“Purpose built student accommodation gets better every year, so if an onsite gym or private cinema is important to you then opt for accommodation that has opened in the last two or three years. Communal features are becoming more and more important and students are reaping the rewards of this trend.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

At Collegiate’s Plummer House in Newcastle, for example, residents not only have their own en-suite apartments, but a wide range of luxurious amenities. There’s a games room, club lounge and bar for relaxing, a study room for hitting the books, an on-site cool room and concierge so that you can have your shopping delivered while you’re out at lectures, an on-site cinema for enjoying evenings in with friends and a private gym for keeping in shape.

 

  1. It’s also important to think about what you plan to take with you to uni.

 

Aside from clothes, toiletries and books, do you want the hassle of packing up pots and pans, plates, cups, bedding, towels and a toilet brush? No? Then make sure you opt for an accommodation provider that offers lifestyle services that provide these kind of items.

Consider too how you plan to cook and care for yourself. If you plan to live off takeaways, then kitchen facilities probably won’t matter too much, but if greasy meals day after day aren’t your style then make sure you opt for an apartment that includes a decent kitchen area, along with a breakfast bar or table where you can eat in comfort.

 

Then there’s the cleaning. Mum and Dad won’t be around to vacuum your floor or scrub your toilet, so if you don’t fancy taking on those tasks yourself, it’s best to find out what kind of cleaning services are available at your chosen accommodation. Many providers offer this as another of their lifestyle services. Find out in advance what’s available so you know how many dusters you need to pack.

“Starting university is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter, so make sure you organise your accommodation well in advance and have all of the features that you need. That way, you can arrive to the perfect home and focus on meeting new people and getting stuck into your studies, feeling happy and secure in your fabulous new accommodation.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

This summer’s most exhilarating investment!

This summer’s most exhilarating investment!

by Georgina United Kingdom
  • New Afan Valley Adventure Resort to cover 485 acres in South Wales
  • Visitors set to generate £6.5 million of consumer expenditure per year
  • Luxury lodges available to investors looking to be part of the immense project from £149k
The brand new Afan Valley Adventure Resort is set to bring massive economic benefit to South Wales.
£130 million of investment will create 1,000 full time jobs and it is estimated that visitors will generate £6.5 million of consumer expenditure per year which will be spent on site and within the local area.
Just ten miles south of the Brecon Beacons, mid-way between Cardiff and Swansea, the outstanding natural beauty of Afan Valley will be the location of ‘the world’s ultimate outdoor adventure’ covering some 485 acres.
From high octane flights down zip wires, to scaling challenging climbing towers and exploring treetop playgrounds, visitors will be offered an adventure experience like no other.
“Afan Valley Adventure Resort will offer activities for the whole family. From seasoned adrenaline junkies to those looking to try paint balling, go-karting and water zorbing, there’s plenty to do for everyone.
“Another unique appeal is the Alpine Zone, home to a wealth of invigorating and challenging snow sports activities. The area has all the thrills of a popular and traditional ski resort complete with lifts, time gates, slalom courses, tubing, moguls, ski-school, toboggan runs and finishing the day with a backdrop of music, fireworks, professional ski displays and the bustling alpine bars are just some of the amazing selling points to this multi-million-pound project.”
Jean Liggett, CEO of Afan Valley investment agency Properties of the World
A superbly designed 100-room hotel and 400 elegant lodges, along with high end restaurants, bars, retail outlets and Rejuvenation Centre plus a host of other activities (mountain biking, a luge track, roller-skating and more) will complete the impressive offering.
The luxury 2 – 4 bedroom lodges are available from just £175,000 through Properties of the World. Managed by an experienced resort operator, the lodges will be leased out to holiday makers earning the owners an 8% NET return for 7 years as well as the opportunity to enjoy 2 weeks free personal usage per annum.
The team behind Afan Valley have committed from the outset to associating only the best international brands and global icons with their undertaking – hence the recruitment of the ultimate adventurer Bear Grylls to represent the adrenalin-fueled project and to bring his Bear Grylls Survival Academy. The result will be a truly world-class experience that is set to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in South Wales.
With the Brexit-related reduction in sterling’s value making the UK an attractive holiday destination both to those from overseas and to Brits staycationing, Afan Valley Adventure Resort has come at the perfect time.


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


The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • 73% of students research accommodation before accepting a university offer (UCAS)
  • Competition is increasing – 2016 saw 2.3 students per available bed, up from 2.1 in 2015 (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Demand is so high that students who don’t book early miss out on the best facilities (Collegiate AC)
  • 48% of students book their university accommodation before August (UCAS)

 

May and June will see A-level students across the country racing to fit in last minute revision and make sure they know everything they need to in order to sit their exams. Those looking to go on to university will already have applied to their preferred institutions, and many will already have received conditional offers. Others can expect to receive their offers over the coming days and weeks, with A-level results day scheduled for 17 August.

 

However, the days of leaving it until then to search for university accommodation are long gone. According to the just-published Accommodation Survey 2016 from UCAS, 73% of students now research available accommodation before accepting an offer from a university.

 

22% even start researching before they have submitted their UCAS application. Meanwhile, a staggering 48% book their accommodation before August.

 

“Demand is so strong for university accommodation in the UK that students are having to book earlier and earlier in order to secure their home of choice. Research has shown that there were 2.3 students per available bed in 2016. Even with purpose built student accommodation springing up around the UK, demand continues to outstrip supply. Students looking to live in the newest accommodation with the best facilities can’t afford to wait until they have their A-level results.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

Figures from UCAS show that the increased range of accommodation on offer, thanks to significant investment in purpose built student accommodation over the past few years, has meant that students now view a much larger number of properties than they did just two years ago.

 

In 2014, 67% of students viewed (either online or in person) between two and five properties. That figure dropped to 44% in 2016. Meanwhile, those viewing between six and ten properties rose from 14% in 2014 to 24% in 2016.

 

Viewing pictures online was the most popular method of viewing a property, with 58% of students researching their accommodation options in this way.

 

With this in mind, many leading student accommodation providers include a large number of high quality images on their websites, so that potential residents can get a feel for the property.

 

Students curious about Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, can flick through images of the site’s en-suite apartments (including bedrooms and kitchens), glass-walled Sky Lounge, rooftop terrace, gym, cinema, dinner party room, common room and sauna.

 

“We aim to share as many visual elements of the property as possible online, to help students make informed choices about where they would like to live. While we also talk about the interior design elements of our properties and the vision behind their look and feel, it is the images that many students are most interested in – they want to see the site and be able to picture themselves living and studying there.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

The first-rate facilities on offer at Collegiate’s range of accommodation around the UK mean that apartments get booked up very fast. At Plummer House in Newcastle, it’s the cinema, gym, games area and club lounge that tend to turn heads, while those viewing Halsmere Studios in London are often delighted at the thought of having a tranquil garden with barbecue area in an optimum South London location.

 

The breadth of facilities on offer means that students have to leave plenty of time for researching their accommodation options. This is another reason why many choose to get doing so out of the way before they have to focus entirely on their exams.

 

“Your choice of accommodation can impact your entire university experience. That’s why it’s key to begin your research early and book a property that offers the ultimate lifestyle experience. Booking early can shape the entire course of your time at uni.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Millennial Magic! Invest in this UK property hotspot with the largest millennial population outside London

Millennial Magic! Invest in this UK property hotspot with the largest millennial population outside London

by Georgina United Kingdom World , , , ,
  • Manchester is the UK’s leading regional creative talent market (CBRE)
  • Manchester homes to highest number of millennials (CBRE)
  • Growing trends from millennials for an urban waterside living (Surrenden Invest)

 

Research by CBRE has revealed that Manchester is proving to be the most sought after location for millennials.

According to the research, the collective characteristics of locations with creative success include pools of highly educated graduates, good transport links, proximity to world class universities and large populations of millennials.

The CBRE Top 25 has revealed Manchester as the leading city in the UK regional creative talent market by some margin and Home Track research found that Manchester continues to show the fastest growth rate of 8.4%, up from 6.3% a year ago. The city currently holds the largest number of millennials along with a pool of highly skilled and creative professionals, in addition it has the largest number of inventive industries.

Manchester also boasts links to several world-class universities with solid computer science and research rankings. As well as these admirable attributes, office, employment costs and earnings to average house price ratios have been found to be relatively reasonable. That is compared a number of South East locations and London.

“Here at Surrenden Invest we receive no end of interest in Manchester and this high demand does not look set to falter any time soon. Manchester is a very up and coming city full of creative flare, aspiration and opportunity – no wonder we have seen such an influx of young professionals! Millennials are taking over the Manchester market.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

So where are these millennials calling home within Manchester and hence, where the savvy property investors are also heading?

Jonathan Stephens of leading investment agency, Surrenden Invests, tips the newly regenerated Wilburn Basin, the point where Manchester meets Salford in the south-west of the city.

Built back in 1864, and used a mooring site on the River Irwell, the area played a key role in Manchester’s industrial heritage but as more modern methods of transportation evolved, so the area fell into disrepair. The last 3 years however have seen the three-acre deserted wasteland transformed into highly desirable waterside living with modern homes, ideal for millennials.

“We have witnessed the growing trend for urban waterside living over the past 6 -12 months, especially from young professionals looking for the perfect blend of city living and nature. Wilburn Basin adheres to this trend perfectly and was an instant hit with phase 1 of the scheme being completely oversubscribed and phase 2 selling fast as it nears completion.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Wilburn Basin, available through Surrenden Invest, compromises of four distinct blocks which vary in stories, all of which offer fantastic views across Manchester city. Each apartment is built to the highest specification and the residential facilities are exceptional including a 24/7 concierge, architecturally landscaped gardens and seating areas around the river basin as well as a gym, cinema, residents lounge and meeting rooms. Prices for units in the current phase 2 start from £165,000.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499.

Landlords’ reliance on Liverpool to deliver high yields shows no sign of abating

Landlords’ reliance on Liverpool to deliver high yields shows no sign of abating

by Georgina United Kingdom
  • Liverpool voted the number one place to invest in buy-to-let (Totally Money 2017)
  • 70% of inquiries received about urban investments are for Liverpool (Aspen Woolf)
  • “In an uncertain climate, Reliance House offers reliable returns from a reliable market” (Aspen Woolf)

Known as the ‘New York of Europe’, the second city of the Empire, Liverpool has been relied upon by many different people, for many different reasons, over the centuries.

As a maritime employer in the 17th century, through to a place of refuge from the Great Famine in the 19th century, of critical strategic importance to Churchill in World War II and the birthplace of musical icons The Beatles, Liverpool has always delivered and today, this city is delivering for those looking to invest in bricks and mortar.

With its iconic landmarks, historic buildings, growing economy and rising population, it’s no wonder that Liverpool has become the highest ranked city in Great Britain in which to invest in buy-to-let property (Totally Money 2017).

The research by Totally Money went on to reveal that the Liverpool central L7 postcode generated an average buy-to-let yield of 16.23%, far higher than London’s top ranking postcode of E13 (Newham) where the average yield was calculated to be 5.15% and the average asking price £350,000.

“For some time now, Liverpool has been the number one buy-to-let destination of choice for our clients accounting for 70% of all enquiries. Investors have come to rely on the city’s fundamental imbalance in supply and demand, low entry prices and availability of stock in prime city centre locations to deliver high yielding returns.”

Oliver Ramsden, Director, Aspen Woolf

 

One such buy-to-let opportunity in Liverpool that Aspen Woolf’s clients are coming to rely on is aptly named, Reliance House.

Located next to one of Liverpool’s most symbolic buildings, The Liver Building (which itself, as the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance Group, aided those who had lost a wage-earning relative), Reliance House sees the sympathetic refurbishment of a neo-classical, former commercial building into charming one and two bedroom apartments

Available from just £119,950, Reliance House can be relied upon to offer investors a 7% NET rental income in year one as well as strong capital appreciation from the number one place to invest in Great Britain (according to Totally Money).

 

“In an uncertain climate, Reliance House offers reliable returns from a reliable market. With Liverpool being so favoured, it would be a smart choice for anybody looking to invest be they domestics buyers seeking assured income or those from overseas looking to take advantage of advantageous exchange rates.”

Oliver Ramsden, Director, Aspen Woolf

 

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.