Add romance to your room this Valentine’s Day (for less than you’d think)

Add romance to your room this Valentine’s Day (for less than you’d think)

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Look, feel and scent of a room all impact on its romantic credentials (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Romance doesn’t have to cost the earth – fresh flowers can be used to great effect
  • Create a mood board to get a sense of the completed room before you spend a penny

The approach of Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to give your property a makeover and bring some romance into your home.

There is a growing trend for individuals with smaller homes to seek out the professional talents of interior designers, and this is the ideal solution for those looking to add romance to their rooms.

However, you don’t have to be a pro to add some pre-Valentine’s Day romantic touches, as

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James Interior Design, explains,

“There are some really cost effective quick wins when it comes to adding romance to your home. Look at your rooms not just with your eyes but with all your senses. How does a room feel? What scents are in the air? Then drop in a little instant passion and love with a few additional touches.”

Fresh flowers are the obvious place to start. In this traditional Buckinghamshire home, dressed by the team at Alexander James, oversize vases of cream roses, with the fireplace in the background, add the scent of romance beautifully. Giant displays of lilies, roses and gypsophila all work wonderfully, as do simpler touches like single vases of red, pink and cream tulips.

Scented candles are another quick win. They look and smell appealing and the vast range available means that they can be chosen to suit any colour scheme. Antique silver hurricanes and glass holders with long, elegant stems both work particularly well when it comes to creating a romantic feel.

Candles are perfect for providing soft lighting, which adds a really romantic element to a room. Table lamps, uplighters and standing lamps can also be used to great effect and again don’t have to cost the earth.

“When it comes to selecting accessories, soft furnishings and artwork, picture how it’s all going to connect before you buy everything,” advises Alexander James Interior Design’s Stacey Sibley. “Put a mood board together with the pieces you have in mind – from lamps to rugs to paintings – and build a vision of how well it’s going to blend and how romantic it’s going to feel. If one or two elements don’t fit, don’t try and force them in. Find alternatives instead.”

For those going for a large-scale overhaul, Stacey advises steering clear of anything too dark when it comes to colour schemes. Pastel colours work well for romantic interiors, with splashes of bold colour used sparingly for a touch of passion. Metallic fabrics are big news this season and silvers and golds, when used delicately, can add a lovely element of romance to a room. Little touches like antique silver photo frames can also make a big difference.

“Ultimately, the room needs to emanate a sense of warmth and safety,” concludes Sibley, “but with a streak of passion thrown in as well. Creating the ultimate romantic interior is a really delicate balance but can have a fantastic impact on a home when done well.”

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

The best and brightest cities of 2017 – who’s ready for Brexit?

The best and brightest cities of 2017 – who’s ready for Brexit?

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Trade and investment top the priority list (Properties of the World)
  • North/South divide showing strongly for goods and services (Centre for Cities)
  • Liverpool and Manchester standing out from the crowd (Properties of the World)

Figures released only yesterday from Centre for Cities have highlighted the shape of the UK’s 63 biggest cities in the run-up to the triggering of Article 51.

The 2017 data reveals a clear divide between the North and the South, with goods being exported mainly from the North and services from the South. Centre for Cities has emphasised the relevance of trade and exports in the run-up to Brexit, while visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World has stressed the importance of inward investment.

Jean Liggett, CEO of Properties of the World, comments,

“2017 is going to be a landmark year for the UK’s cities. Seven of them will be electing metro mayors in May, with the newly elected officials having to hit the ground running in terms of dealing with the fall-out from the government’s triggering of Article 51, which should take place by the end of March. Trade, exports and investment will require firm, decisive management in order for cities to thrive over the year ahead.”

Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are two of the cities that will be directly electing their own metro mayors in May. The devolved powers associated with the move means that the two cities should benefit from greater ability to respond swiftly to the changing environment post-Article 51. Their ability to place a local emphasis on their reactions should help them to weather the storm and ensure that their manufacturing and services sectors respond appropriately to shifts in focus and demand.

Centre for Cities’ finding that the North relies far more on goods for its exports, while the South relies on services, is also likely to have an impact on cities’ resilience in the face of Brexit.

It’s easier to move services overseas than it is to move manufacturing operations: moving services simply means setting up office space and relocating people, but moving manufacturing involves specialist premises, supply chain changes and import/export considerations, as well as moving staff. The result is that the UK’s goods-producing cities are less likely to see a sudden outflow of businesses during the Brexit process.

Both Manchester and Liverpool stand out from the crowd in terms of their ability to face Brexit head-on, according to Properties of the World. Not only will their metro mayors and reliance on the production of goods stand them in good stead, but the cities have unique attributes that should be of use. Properties of the World CEO Jean Liggett explains,

“Manchester and Liverpool both enjoy property-related factors that will help to see them through the choppy waters of the Brexit process. The latest Hometrack data shows that Manchester’s property prices grew at the second-highest rate in the UK during 2016, while Liverpool topped the table for growth rate over the past three months. These dynamic urban areas are perfectly positioned to lead the UK’s cities into Brexit and out the other side.”

The Hometrack UK Cities House Price Index reveals that Manchester’s property market is growing at the fastest rate for more than a decade. It is second only to Bristol in terms of its 2016 growth rate, and is widely believed to be ready to overtake it during Q1 2017. The 8.9% year on year rise in prices experienced in Manchester is a result of a significant lack of supply – something which all UK cities are struggling with thanks to urbanisation and a rise in popularity of city centre living.

Liverpool, with 21.57% of households renting privately (or living rent-free) according to Centre for Cities, is also enjoying a property market boom. Prices there rose by 3% over the last three months – the highest rate of any UK city analysed by Hometrack.

Factor in rent rises as well and it’s easy to see why both Liverpool and Manchester are key UK locations for property investment from overseas buyers (as well as from domestic investors). Rents rose by 1.2% in the North West over the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics, but regional variations within the area’s cities resulted in much higher rises in urban locations. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, rents in Manchester city centre rose by around 11% in 2016.

In Manchester, it is city centre apartments like those at Barrel Yard which are attracting considerable attention currently. The brand new development offers stylish apartments from £165,000 and smart townhouses from £240,000. Jones Lang LaSalle has projected that Manchester house prices will grow by 4.5% per year for the next five years, while HSBC has identified the city as one of the top four buy-to-let hotspots in the country, reporting rental yields of 7.6%.

In Liverpool city centre, the just-released penthouse apartments at Victoria House are attracting buyers looking for something a cut above the average. Completion is scheduled for Q4 2017, meaning that investors can look forward to enjoying rental returns of around 7-10% by the end of the year. Prices start from as little as £66,250.

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

Collegiate AC aid Durham University’s Sustainable Travel Plan with new student bus service

Collegiate AC aid Durham University’s Sustainable Travel Plan with new student bus service

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Durham University committed to promoting use of sustainable modes of travel
  • University student bus service to encompass Ernest Place, Collegiate AC’s new Durham residence
  • “I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals“ (Collegiate AC)

Protecting the environment is a key focus for all and many higher education institutions are supporting the cause with green schemes.

Durham University’s Environment Team, known as ‘Greenspace’, is one such organisation that promotes and coordinates environmental initiatives.

Greenspace’s latest scheme, the Sustainable Travel Plan (STP), underlines the University’s commitment to reduce the use of private cars, to utilise existing facilities in order to meet travel demands and to promote the use of more sustainable modes of travel.

As part of this STP, a new cross city bus service will be launched in 2017, linking all colleges and academic departments from July. Working alongside Collegiate AC, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, the service will enable students and staff to travel from their accommodation to the University, with the aim of reducing the number of cars.

Starting its route at Collegiate AC’s newest Durham residence, Ernest Place, the bus will travel along Sunderland Road, Claypath and New Elvet stopping near Hild Bede College, The Market Place, Elvet Riverside, Science Site and turning around at Josephine Butler College. This will deliver residents of Ernest Place to the Science site in around 9 minutes and will be open to all staff and students as well as the general public. It is due to start service in July this year.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to participate in one of the University’s green schemes and believes the new bus service will benefit students, staff and the local environment. He explains,

“Collegiate AC is dedicated to providing students with the highest level of service, alongside exceptional accommodation facilities, and residents of Ernest Place will now have the opportunity to travel from home to campus and back again on the new bus route. We have been working with our local partners BillFreeHomes in order to get the right route and the right operator, we have partnered with Scarlett Band who also run the council’s Park and Ride services.”

“With the intention of expanding their green strategy, the University is confident this bus route will become a positive addition to their STP. I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals and look forward to being a part of this latest scheme.”

Set in the heart of Gilesgate, Ernest Place is just 10 minutes away from Durham’s vibrant centre. Boasting groundbreaking features throughout such as a private sauna, glass walled sky lounge and resident’s fitness suite, this exclusive complex of 5 and 6 bed apartments and individual studios will ensure your university experience is an unforgettable one.

From £125 per week residents benefit from 24 hour concierge, can work in the dedicated contemporary study areas, unwind and sip a cocktail on the roof terrace while over-looking the city, or host their very own dinner party in the beautifully designed dinner party room.

To get away from it all residents can simply drift away in a luxurious bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room, stream the latest shows on their own 32” flat screen TV, or whip up a feast in their very own kitchen, complete with Corian worktop. A brand new building inside and out, Ernest Place is reserved for those who accept only the best.

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

Bring a little feng shui into your home this Chinese New Year with Alexander James Interior Design

Bring a little feng shui into your home this Chinese New Year with Alexander James Interior Design

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Create positive energy flow through furniture placement and colour schemes
  • Turn to the professionals to achieve a stylish, harmonious home
  • Increase your wealth through feng shui – or through interior design!

The ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui adheres to the principle that all things are connected through qi (energy). Good feng shui can lead to good luck for individuals, families and even whole countries. Meanwhile, poor feng shui can lead to bad fortune.

Whether or not you believe the mystical aspects of feng shui, there’s no doubt that bringing feng shui principles into your home can have positive results. Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James Interior Design, comments,

“You don’t have to believe in feng shui to benefit from its principles when it comes to things like furniture placement or colour schemes. Whether or not the placement of your sofa can really have an impact on your fortunes, it can certainly have a positive effect on how you feel in your living room. Similarly, the colours you choose for your home can enhance the living experience of the whole family.”

When it comes to furniture placement, living rooms and bedrooms can be quick wins. Place sofas and beds against solid walls to anchor them, rather than leaving them ‘floating’ in the middle of a room. Then avoid blocking natural pathways in the room and use mirrors to enhance the flow of natural light and energy.

Feng shui has at its heart the harmony between people and nature. So too do this season’s interior design trends. Natural textures and woody tones are ideal for creating a balance that soothes the spirit and sets the scene for creating happy family memories within the home.

This is demonstrated beautifully at one of the prestigious, Grade 2 listed Albury Park apartments in Surrey, where the original mansion house has been elegantly converted into apartments in Surrey. Dressed by the talented interior designers at Alexander James Interior Design as part of their ‘full rental’ service, the sumptuous apartment flows delightfully from one room to the next with rich, natural hues, tones and textures creating a positive flow of energy throughout the home.  From the artwork to the polished wooden walls and curved brickwork of the pool room, the property uses the best of nature to create a harmonious environment.

However, good feng shui certainly doesn’t mean avoiding bright colours altogether, as Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley explains,

“There are plenty of ways to achieve positive energy in your home using colour. Opt for fire colours (red, orange, yellow and pink) on the southern side of rooms and water colours (blues and greens) on the northern side. Fire colours are for more active spaces and water colours are for calmer spaces, so bear that in mind when choosing colour schemes and decorative objects to place in your home.”

While there may not be a host of scientific evidence that shows the impact of feng shui on health and wealth, there is certainly evidence that good interior design services can have an impact. After the Alexander James team dressed the Albury Park Mansion apartment, it shot up in value by 65%. Belief in feng shui aside, those looking to sell their property – no matter how large or small it may be – would do well to opt for a professional interior design service this Chinese New Year!

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

All that glitters is gold as Chinese New Year brings Golden Week property investors to Manchester

All that glitters is gold as Chinese New Year brings Golden Week property investors to Manchester

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • Chinese New Year flight bookings to Europe up 68.5% on last year’s festival (ForwardKeys)
  • Chinese interest in Manchester property in Nov 2016 increased by 53.8% vs 2015 (Juwai.com)
  • “Golden Week provides prospective investors with time to travel and explore Manchester before making property purchases” (Surrenden Invest)

This weekend will celebrate the start of Chinese New Year festivities as the country welcomes the year of the Rooster.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, holds over 4,000 years of history and is the most important annual event in the Chinese calendar. The holiday also commemorates the first Golden Week of the year, as Chinese nationals enjoy seven continuous nonworking days.

Golden Week is also an opportunity to travel overseas and new figures released by travel experts ForwardKeys show that Chinese New Year flight bookings are up nearly 10% compared to last year. And it seems that Chinese tourists are returning to Europe with a 68.5% increase in flight bookings compared to the same festival period in 2016.

Many wealthy Chinese even combine business and pleasure by taking a holiday that enables them to investigate overseas’ property markets first hand.

Juwai.com, a Chinese property portal for buyers looking to invest in property overseas, stated that in November 2016 Chinese interest in Manchester property had increased by 53.8%, compared to the same month in 2015.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of leading property consultancy Surrenden Invest, has certainly noticed a rise in Chinese buyers directing their investment toward Manchester. He explains,

“Interest for the local property market has increased from Chinese buyers with Manchester’s credentials as an investment hotspot continuing to grow, not only leading the Northern Powerhouse but also challenging London as the buy-to-let capital of the UK.

“Chinese New Year provides prospective investors with the time to travel and explore the Manchester market before making final property purchases. We expect buyers from China to take this opportunity and believe that as interest in the market continues to rise, many will make Manchester their top destination of choice.”

Surrenden Invest’s most recent development in the heart of Manchester, Mason Street, is one such investment opportunity that Chinese buyers visiting this Golden Week might consider.

Embracing modern low-carbon technology to ensure the building is one of the city’s most energy-efficient, Mason Street is located in the historic New Cross neighbourhood, just a short walk from the Northern Quarter. Mason Street will provide a new lease of life for one of Manchester’s heritage buildings as it is transformed into 10 high end apartments from £200,000, with a 2 year guaranteed NET rental return of 6%.

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

Investors re-inspired by “world leader” UK following PM May’s Brexit speech

Investors re-inspired by “world leader” UK following PM May’s Brexit speech

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Firm leadership and underlying solidity make the UK attractive to investors (Properties of the World)
  • UK is 10th most transparent country in world (Transparency International)
  • London tops list of Cities of Opportunity (PwC)
  • UK ranks 7th for ease of doing business (World Bank)

Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech, outlining the UK’s intended Brexit process last week, gave sterling a significant boost against both the dollar and the euro.

A clear (well, clearer) path to Brexit and the PM’s firm stance have re-inspired many investors, and the UK has retained its reputation as a safe haven for international capital, particularly when viewed in a global context.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World, comments,

“Political and economic stability aren’t guaranteed anywhere in this day and age, as some of the surprise events of 2016 have certainly emphasised. Yes, the UK has the issue of triggering Article 50 to deal with however, with firm leadership in place I believe that investors will appreciate the underlying solidity of the UK as an investment option.

“We offer a transparent business environment and a real estate market that is packed with potential, from ideally located buy-to-let investments to high-yielding second homes and innovative commercial investments.”

Tony Horrell, chief executive of Colliers UK and Ireland, shares Liggett’s confidence, stating,

“The UK remains one of the most transparent and active places to do business, and currency arbitrage by international investors is opening up opportunities for new and greater investment, which will no doubt help to drive the UK real estate market in 2017.”

International factors, such as Trump settling into his presidential role in the US, and the actions of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, could well play into the UK’s continuing reputation as a safe haven for investors in 2017.

So, too, could more positive international factors, such as the UK’s leading role in fighting global corruption, as demonstrated at the 2016 London Anti-Corruption Summit, and the country’s position at number 10 of the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2015. PwC’s Cities of Opportunity Index also flags up the UK’s potential, with London ranking at the very top of the list.

The World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking adds further weight to the UK’s continuing position as an investment safe haven. The UK ranks 7th in the world for ease of doing business. Within Europe, only Norway and Denmark rank higher. The ranking means that while HSBC and UBS may be eyeing up France and Germany as potential locations to move some of the UK-based financial staff, they won’t find doing business there easier than they have been used to on British soil.

For investors, a transparent country where it’s easy to do business is an increasingly rare thing in such an uncertain world. Despite the Brexit process, the UK is holding its head high when it comes to attracting investment from both overseas and domestic investors. As Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett concludes,

“The UK remains a fundamentally sound country when it comes to investment, particularly property investment. Companies with an eye on the future are working closely with those overseas – we have a member of the team in Hong Kong right now, for example – in order to build a long-term future where investment continues to flow across borders. As PM May also stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, the UK will be a “world leader” on trade and we believe a prime target for investors looking to bricks and mortar with excellent returns.”

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

Huddersfield – A ‘Fresher’ Investment for 2017

Huddersfield – A ‘Fresher’ Investment for 2017

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Healthy development pipeline and strong demand from domestic and international students to be defining factors for PBSA success in 2017 (Knight Frank)
  • Cormorant House, Huddersfield is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to PBSA market (Aspen Woolf)
  • Cormorant House will provide 168 PBSA apartments all with high end hotel apartment style finishes (Aspen Woolf)

As the UK’s student population continues to grow, so too does the demand for appropriate housing in university towns and cities across the country. And welcoming an increasing number of students is causing many places to expand their student accommodation offering, allowing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to take centre stage.

Rachel Pengilley, partner in the Knight Frank student property team, is confident in the future prospects of PBSA, explaining that “as we look to 2017, rental growth, strong demand from domestic and international students and a healthy development pipeline are set to be the defining factors in the sector’s success.”

Now home to four major educational institutions; the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees College, Greenhead College and Huddersfield New College, Huddersfield is now very much in demand with both domestic and international students. With over 48,000 students from more than 120 countries currently studying in the West Yorkshire town, 2017 will see a growing need for appropriate accommodation.

Leading investment agency, Aspen Woolf’s latest offering in the PBSA market is located for just this reason in Huddersfield. Cormorant House is situated within a key redevelopment area of the town, less than 150m from Kirklees College and under half a mile from the University of Huddersfield making it an excellent choice for potential student tenants.

Fellow Yorkshireman and Director of Aspen Woolf, Oliver Ramsden, believes Huddersfield is the ideal place for first time or ‘fresher’ investors to start a PBSA portfolio. He explains,

“Cormorant House is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to the PBSA market. Currently there is a significant imbalance between the demand for PBSA in Huddersfield and the available units for rent. And as student numbers moving to the town continues to grow, so too will this imbalance with breaking point not too far away.

“With a comparatively low entry price, we see Huddersfield as a lower risk investment, expecting the area to blossom over the course of the next few years.”

Self-contained studio apartments start at just £57,995, giving investors an assured 5-year NET rental of 9%. With the first phase already well under construction and nearing completion, Cormorant House will provide a total of 168 purpose built modern student apartments for the Huddersfield student housing market. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from modern, high-end hotel apartment style finishes.

Set to be the premier student accommodation in Huddersfield, its residents will also benefit from an excellent range of on-site amenities including a games and television room, private cinema, study rooms and an impressive I.T. suite as well as onsite laundry facilities and parking.

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

Interior design resolutions: 2017 is the year to ‘think pretty’ says Alexander James Interior Design

Interior design resolutions: 2017 is the year to ‘think pretty’ says Alexander James Interior Design

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Impact of external influences on inner peace more widely appreciated
  • Demand for professional interior design in sub £2 million homes on the up
  • Homeowners, sellers and landlords all looking to use interior design to their advantage

 

Many people are glad to see the back of 2016, heralding 2017 as a fresh start, with all the promise that a new year brings. Achieving inner strength and peace are high up the priority list for many working diligently on their New Year’s resolutions, but there’s more to inner peace than eating kale and enjoying regular yoga sessions, as Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James Interior Design, reveals,

 

“The look and feel of a property has a huge impact on how those who live there feel. An expert interior design service can transform a ‘nice’ home into a real sanctuary – a place of calm that helps you to shrug off the cares of the world the moment you close the front door. Many people work hard at self-improvement during January in order to feel healthier and happier, but don’t appreciate how much of a difference changes within the home can make.”

 

According to the team of experts at Alexander James, who have more than 20 years’ experience of interior architecture, the benefits of interior design are gradually extending their reach. The sub £2 million property market is booming when it comes to demand from new clients, particularly in London and other large cities across the UK. Homeowners are beginning to appreciate the serenity that interior design can bring – a message that the Alexander James team is keen to spread more widely.

 

Stacey Sibley continues,

 

“Homeowners have an unprecedented opportunity to access interior architecture expertise as the market expands to bring beautiful interiors to a broader client base. We’re seeing rising demand from individual property owners seeking to give their home the interior it deserves, as well as from those looking to maximise their home’s sale value. Interior design for rental property also looks set to expand rapidly in 2017, with landlords keen to boost their yields by offering homes that stand out from the crowd.”

 

The natural hues and warming tones and textures of 2017’s top interior design trends should certainly appeal to those looking to make their home (and their life) more tranquil as part of their 2017 New Year’s resolutions. Natural woods and pastel tones will create personal havens for those seeking the path to inner peace this year.

 

Alexander James Interior Design has showcased this beautifully at this modern, rustic barn in Surrey. The stunning building has been dressed in a way that highlights its outstanding features, at the same time as creating a serene, welcoming home.

 

As 2017 gets underway, those seeking inner peace as part of their New Year’s resolutions would do well to turn to interior design in order to achieve it!

 

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

Liverpool’s New Chinatown perfectly positioned for property investment this Chinese New Year

Liverpool’s New Chinatown perfectly positioned for property investment this Chinese New Year

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Just 3% of potential tapped from Chinese property investors (CBRE)
  • New Chinatown tipped to be particularly attractive to Chinese buyers (Properties of the World)
  • North West to achieve higher than average property price gains in 2017 (RICS)

Not content with being home to the UK’s oldest Chinatown, Liverpool is now gearing up to be home to the country’s newest Chinatown as well. Billed as a ‘city within a city,’ the £200m new district will embody the spirit and dynamism of both the Northern Powerhouse initiative and contemporary China.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World, believes that the 850 homes of New Chinatown will attract keen interest from investors in China. She comments,

“The impending Chinese New Year and Golden Week are a key time for Chinese property investors . With a whole week off for Golden Week, it’s an ideal time for buyers to scour the planet for enticing investment opportunities and Liverpool’s New Chinatown has all the elements needed to be a big hit.”

Chinese interest in Liverpool encompasses everything from its businesses and football team to its bricks and mortar. The UK’s political and economic stability (despite the Brexit vote) makes it a key location for Chinese investors. Liverpool is one of the cities being actively promoted by Chancellor Philip Hammond and was included in the Northern Powerhouse portfolio presented to China’s vice-premier Ma Kai when he visited the UK in November 2016.

For Chinese investors looking for UK buy-to-let properties, New Chinatown ticks all the boxes. The one, two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses are priced from £121,095, with 7% NET assured returns for two years. The outstanding blend of traditional and modern Chinese architecture is creating a district unlike any other in the UK, with newly launched apartments already selling fast.

“2017 looks set to be a key year for Chinese investment in the UK,” explains Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett. “China is such a vast market and interest in UK property is increasing with each passing year. Projects like New Chinatown, where construction is well underway, are particularly attractive as their looming completion dates mean that buy-to-let investors can already see their end goal. Of course, New Chinatown also stands out due to its architectural inspiration!”

Liggett’s projections are backed up by those of CBRE’s Victor Li, who estimates that just 3% of potential investors in overseas property have so far been found in China. He comments,

“I think it is just beginning. You do the figures: China has a population of 1.4 billion. If you target only 1% of China’s population, that’s 14 million people.”

Add to that the fact that RICS is projecting average property value increases of 3% in 2017, and highlighted the North West as a region likely to record higher than average gains, and 2017 looks set to be a good year for Chinese investment in the UK indeed!

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

Manchester goes green – Airport significantly reduces energy usage & city centre properties follow suit

Manchester goes green – Airport significantly reduces energy usage & city centre properties follow suit

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Manchester airport becomes first carbon neutral airport in the UK
  • From 1st April 2018 it is unlawful to rent a property with poor energy efficiency rating
  • Mason Street uses low-carbon tech to be one of the city’s most energy-efficient properties (Surrenden Invest)

After a decade of striving to significantly reduce its energy usage and investing more than £7.5 million in efficiency projects, Manchester airport has become the first carbon neutral airport in the UK.

By installing more than 25,000 low energy LED lights throughout the airport, including the first on any UK runway, and saving the same amount of energy as used by 10,000 homes each year, Manchester airport has been awarded carbon neutral status (Level 3+), certified by the independent carbon management programme Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of Manchester Airport commented, “At Manchester Airport we are committed to being one of the leading European airports when it comes to environmental management. As an organisation we recognise that climate change is an important global challenge. This achievement demonstrates the lengths we go to ensuring we balance our role as economic generator, alongside caring for the environment.”

And now this sentiment of protecting the local environment through energy efficiency is emerging as essential within the UK property market, and more importantly to its investors. New legislation, due to take effect from 1st April 2018, will make it unlawful to rent a property with a poor energy efficiency rating.

With properties currently graded from A to G, any property rented out in the private rental sector will require a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). However, there are opportunities arising within Manchester city centre that provide energy efficient solutions to investors, making the impending legislation a redundant worry.

Property consultancy Surrenden Invest’s most recent development in the heart of Manchester, Mason Street, uses modern low-carbon technology to ensure the building is one of the city’s most energy-efficient.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, comments,

“This expected change to legislation for buy-to-let landlords will cause savvy investors to seek out opportunities that already meet the new requirements, a future-proof investment. With a Band A energy efficiency rating, Mason Street is win-win, allowing investors to benefit in terms of enhanced rental yield and a “future-proof” investment and ultimately its residents to profit from significantly lower running costs.”

Located in the historic New Cross neighbourhood and just a short walk from the Northern Quarter, Mason Street will provide a new lease of life for one of Manchester’s heritage buildings as it is transformed into luxury, contemporary living spaces.

This modern, low-carbon property will host 10 high end apartments from £170,000, with a 2 year guaranteed net rental return of 6%.

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