Why are investors checking out of UK buy-to-let and checking in to hotel investment?

by Eleanor United Kingdom Properties of the World

Hotel investment up by 50% globally in 2015 (JLL)
UK hotel investment at 9 year high of £8.1 billion (Savills)
Low price point, 10% returns, no stamp duty and no hassle are prime attractions (Properties of the World)

The 3% stamp duty increase that came into effect in April 2016 has made many investors more cautious about the potential of buy-to-let property in the UK. Instead, many have been turning to hotel investment, as Jean Liggett, Managing Director of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, explains:

“Hotel investment offers a number of advantages over residential buy-to-let. Hotel rooms tend to have a lower entry point, offer higher returns and don’t have any of the management hassle that is associated with becoming a landlord. While there’s been a lot of talk about buy-to-let investment in the press, the hotel investment sector has been quietly booming. It’s the place to be for those looking for healthy returns without having to worry about extra stamp duty fees.”

The Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) Hotel Investment Outlook 2016 confirms the size of that boom. Hotel deal volumes increased by a staggering 50% in 2015, to a global value of $85 billion. There were a number of ‘trophy sales’ during the year, with a record proportion of single asset transactions and cross-border capital. Altogether, just 30 cities around the world account for roughly 66% of global value when it comes to the hotel market.

2015 was also an excellent year for hotel investment within the UK. Savills reported a nine year high of £8.1 billion worth of transaction volumes, up 31.6% over 2014’s £6.1 billion.

With fewer trophy sales expected, 2016 should be a more measured year for the hotel investment sector, with secondary markets grabbing the headlines and providing the most fertile investment market over the course of the year, according to JLL.

Certainly in the UK the figures stack up favorably when compared with buy-to-let investment. The country’s highest yielding market (Manchester, according to HSBC), offers returns of 7.98% gross. However, hotel investments such as Caer Rhun Hall in North Wales offer returns of 10% per annum.

The low price point is also an attraction. Luxurious hotel rooms in the stunning, Grade II listed, Elizabethan-style Caer Rhun redevelopment are available from £50,000. Investors would be hard pressed indeed to find a decent buy-to-let property in the UK for that amount!

Steady returns and no worries about maintenance make hotel room investments even more attractive to many. Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett continues:

“The lack of maintenance requirements is a big plus for many investors. As a buy-to-let landlord, if something breaks in your rental property it’s going to impact on your time and your finances until it’s fixed. With a hotel investment, the management company will take care of such issues plus more. It’s a much more hands-off investment. Hotel investments can also offer additional lifestyle benefits with several including free usage each year – just one of the many advantages over buy-to-let.”

Caer Rhun Hall does just that: investors get to use their room for two weeks every year, free of charge, enjoying the delightful, walled Welsh market town of Conwy, with its stunning countryside surroundings and of course, the truly iconic Conwy castle.

2016 looks to be a promising year for hotel investment in Wales. The most recent tourism figures (for the year of 2014) show that the country received 10 million overnight visitors from Great Britain during the year. Wales attracted an additional 932,000 international visitors during the same period bringing in £368 million. Visitors came from around the world, with the greatest concentration from the Republic of Ireland (148,000 visitors), France (111,000), Germany (92,000) and the USA (90,000). Interim 2015 figures indicated growth over the 2014 numbers.

The Welsh government is pushing for further growth each year, with annual campaigns designed to show the breadth of excitement available to those who visit Wales: 2016 has been marketed as the Year of Adventure and 2017, the Year of Legends.

However it’s dressed up, Wales is enjoying significant interest in its tourism offering and it’s an offering that has caught the attention of many would-be and former buy-to-let investors. As Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett concludes,

“At the end of the day, investors vote with their feet, and right now we’re seeing increasing numbers of them walking away from the buy-to-let sector in favour of hotel investment. Hotels generate greater returns per square meter, come with less hassle and don’t present any additional charges like stamp duty or buildings insurance. That’s why investments like Caer Rhun Hall are being snapped up so fast.”

For further details visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk, email info@propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call the team on +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

With just a fortnight until the Brexit referendum, what is the final push doing to the pound?

by Charly United Kingdom easyMarkets

Pound-dollar exchange rate down by 2.1% between 26 May and 3 June (easyMarkets)
A Brexit may shave 3.5% off UK GDP by 2020 (Institute for Fiscal Studies)
Euro-pound exchange rate rising sharply, a sign of things to come should Brexit occur (easyMarkets)

Britain’s European Union (EU) referendum debate shifted into high gear last week when the pro-Brexit campaign took the lead in the polls for the first time ever. The British pound was one of the biggest casualties, a trend expected to continue should voters continue to lean in favour of Leave.

After months of campaigning, Brexit appeared to be a long shot, with Prime Minister David Cameron’s Remain camp holding sway in virtually every poll. That changed last week when at least ten polls published in the UK clearly showed Leave was now in the lead.

The pound-dollar exchange rate traded on the global market plunged from 1.4698 to 1.4384 between 26 May 2016 and 3 June 2016. That’s a massive 2.1% decline that rarely occurs outside of a major fundamental shift in the market. The euro-pound exchange rate also rose sharply over the same period, perhaps a sign of things to come should Brexit materialize on June 23.

A vote to leave the 28-member European Union would affect more than just the British pound. Experts are in general agreement that an exit from the EU would spell bad news for the British economy, at least in the short-term. The Institute for Fiscal Studies, a highly respected think-tank based in London, recently forecast that Brexit would shave 3.5% off UK gross domestic product by 2020, which could damage public finances by up to £40 billion.

With the EU remaining the single most important market for British goods, it is possible that small businesses would see their competitiveness diminished as a result of Brexit. The tax implications of Brexit and how they relate to small businesses would depend on many factors, including the nature of Britain’s future relationship with the EU. At a high level, not being part of the EU would eliminate Britain’s ability to influence the EU’s taxation system and other levies related to co-operative procedure and financial transactions, according to Simmons & Simmons Elexica’s Brexit: the tax implications.

However, it’s entirely possible that a weaker pound could offset the loss of trade competitiveness for UK businesses. Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, comments,

“A weak currency could help the UK tourism sector, which accounts for roughly one-eleventh of GDP, weather the storm of Brexit. Nearly two-thirds of Britain’s inbound tourists come from EU countries. That’s equivalent to about nine million people. Maintaining their business is essential for Britain’s continued success in a post-EU environment.

“According to proponents of the aviation industry, Brexit would also severely reduce the availability of cheaper flights to and from the UK because it could affect existing air service agreements. Lesser business travel may also lead to fewer air links, making it costlier for travellers to connect to and from certain cities.”

In addition to a weaker currency, a Brexit could reduce bureaucratic red tape for domestic businesses. Pro-capitalist arguments suggest Britain’s relationship with the EU has created too much red tape. UK businesses have complained of suffocating regulations and highly restrictive employment rules from Brussels that make it difficult for SMEs and entrepreneurs to operate successfully. This sentiment is also shared by large businesses. A recent survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that four-fifths of UK executives said they were concerned about “over-regulation.” Another poll conducted by the Institute of Directors shows that 60% of its members want British parliament to reduce “unnecessary red tape” emanating from Brussels.

The impact of Brexit on matters related to housing and rent prices is subject to great debate. Vote Leave has repeatedly stated young people would find it more difficult to buy their first home if the UK remains part of the EU due to “uncontrolled” migration. As one might expect, the Vote Remain campaign has attacked this premise, claiming that most immigrants move into the private rented sector, which has created more competition for accommodation – something that benefits all of society.

One of the most hotly contested debates concerns the impact of a Leave vote on UK employment. Remain campaigners generally concur with the consensus that voting out of the EU would harm economic growth, thereby leading to higher unemployment. At the same time, stricter immigration laws could make it more difficult for UK businesses to source the right talent for high-demand roles at both ends of the skills spectrum. Economists argue that financial services and the automotive industry could face the biggest loss of jobs. A recent study conducted by PwC on behalf of CBI found that Brexit would lead to 950,000 job losses in total.

Most of these questions do not have a clear answer. In fact, it could take years before we find out the true impact of Brexit.

For more information about the upcoming vote, refer to the easyMarkets Brexit Q&A.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

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Move over PCL, Greater London’s suburbs take the lead this summer

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden Invest

Pockets of the UK capital still undervalued and can offer investors attractive opportunities (Surrenden Invest)
Rental yield in Mitcham is well above the London average at 6.1% (London Property Watch)
Brook House provides a rare opportunity for investors wanting to buy within Greater London (Surrenden Invest)

As London’s extreme house price growth continues to dominate market news, investing in the capital seems unreachable for many prospective buyers. However, with the knowledge of where to look, there are still areas within its suburbs that present enticing opportunities.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, explains,

“The current London market is saturated with overpriced stock as PCL sales fall by 50-60%. Overseas investors have decreased dramatically, no longer prominent in propping up London’s new build market. However, it is not a disaster. There are pockets within the capital that are still undervalued and can offer investors exceptionally attractive opportunities. In the early stages of gentrification, Mitcham for example in south London, has the ability to become the capital’s next success story.”

Although Mitcham is only 7 miles south of the city centre, it appears to have been completely overlooked. Other suburbs much further out have enjoyed a property boom in recent years, yet Mitcham is still waiting for its moment. Its Zone 3 neighbour Tooting has experienced rapid gentrification during the past decade and some of the highest property increases in London, with the average selling price now reaching just above £625,000 according to the latest figures released by Home.co.uk.

However, these rapidly increasing prices are now causing the market to become inaccessible and subsequently creating a huge demand from young professionals who cannot afford to buy or rent in the more expensive areas. This demand is drifting to nearby towns and with recent London Property Watch figures reporting the average rental yield in Mitcham at 6.1%, well above the London average, its future looks increasingly bright.

To enhance the outlook further, a £6m regeneration project with an emphasis on town centre improvement is currently underway in Mitcham. Due to be completed in 2018, this will not only develop transport links and give the town centre a welcome makeover but also be of great support to local businesses.

Excited to witness the transformation, Jonathan continues,

“There is so much scope for improvement within the district and it’s really only a matter of time before savvy investors capitalise on its potential. However, it is not simply investors showing an increased interest in the area. We have been inundated with enquiries from young professionals and first time buyers who are hoping to call Mitcham home, highlighting further the impending demand for property as this London suburb evolves.”

Situated at the heart of Mitcham, Brook House is comprised of beautifully designed, luxury one and two bedroom apartments. Surrounded by luscious greenery and historic buildings whilst overlooking the Mitcham Cricket Green, Brook House development provides a rare and highly sought after opportunity for potential investors wanting to stay within London’s borders.

A short walk from the Mitcham Tramlink stop and Mitcham Eastfields station, Brook House is conveniently situated within easy commuting distance to the city whilst offering the benefits of living in London’s greenest borough. The apartments’ idyllic location has been celebrated on the big screen, featuring in Steve Coogan’s most recent Alan Partridge film, Alpha Papa.

With prices ranging from £220,000 to £300,000, Brook House boasts unrivalled facilities including a parking space for every apartment, beautifully furnished kitchens and bathrooms, spacious bedrooms, a communal area and an audio/video door entry system for added peace of mind.

For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

Overseas Property Show comes to Cheshire for the first time this June!

by Eleanor Portugal United Kingdom Ideal Homes Portugal, Overseas Property Show

The organisers of the hugely successful Overseas Property Show are delighted to announce that the event will visit Cheshire for the first time as part of its 2016 UK tour.

The free to attend show will be held at the Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Knutsford on Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th June 2016 from 10 am until 6 pm, bringing the dream of second home ownership one step closer to becoming a reality for those who attend by talking to property experts from around the world at a convenient local venue.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which exhibited at every show during 2015 and plans to do so again in 2016, comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is a great way to connect with people looking to purchase property overseas. Some are after a second home, others are looking for an investment property and others want to take the plunge and start a new life abroad.

“Whatever the motive, it’s always a really useful experience for them to have access to experts in overseas property ownership. We’re also on hand to answer lifestyle questions too – anything from the price of milk to local customs!”

The 2016 Overseas Property Show will focus largely on properties from Portugal, Spain and Florida, with a handful of opportunities in countries like Italy and Cyprus thrown in for good measure.

2015’s shows were hugely successful welcoming thousands of visitors through the doors over the course of the year. For many of those visitors, it was the start of their holiday home dreams coming true. Many went on to book inspection trips and ultimately to purchase a sun-kissed second home overseas. The 2016 tour will build on the previous year’s success, adding new venues like Cheshire in order to reach out to even more would-be holiday home owners across the UK.

Portugal is one of the most sought-after destinations for those visiting the shows. The housing market there offers excellent value for money when compared with the UK. Prices have been increasing for some time and the March 2016 Portuguese Housing Market Survey from RICS/Ci confirms that overall market confidence remains solid. The survey observes that price expectations point to steady gains over the course of the coming year, with house price inflation expected to be around 2.5% nationally, 2.9% in Lisbon and 2.7% in the Algarve (the country’s most popular region with British buyers).

Ideal Homes Portugal is at the forefront of connecting UK buyers with fantastic Portuguese properties. Founder and Algarve resident Chris White observes,

“The whole Brexit debate doesn’t seem to be affecting interest in Portuguese property. There’s still strong demand for holiday homes there from those based in the UK. Whether you want a stunning golf residence, a remote mountain villa or a laid back beach apartment we’ve got the perfect place.”

If it’s advice, guidance, a second home or a celebrity-style super home that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be! Tickets are FREE and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Iberian countries top list of favourite retirement destinations for UK-based sun seekers

by Eleanor Portugal Spain United Kingdom Ideal Homes Portugal, Kyero, Taylor Wimpey Espana

26% of Brits plan to retire to Spain (MGM Advantage)
Las Palmas, Mallorca, is cheapest Spanish city for cost of living (Numbeo)
Portugal’s Algarve is best destination to retire to (Retire Overseas Index)

The world is a vast and exciting place. From the mysteries of the Far East to the natural beauty of New Zealand and the endless variety of India, it is a planet that is ripe for exploration. But when it comes to retirement, it is those destinations much closer to home that regularly top Brits’ list of desirable locations, with Iberian countries proving the most attractive.

According to Silver Travel Advisor, 80% of the UK’s wealth is held by the over 50s. They are wealthier than ever before and expect to live longer: the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs puts life expectancy for UK residents at 80.45 years. That’s plenty of time to soak up the sun after cashing that final pay cheque!

Retiring to Spain

A poll by MGM Advantage found that 26% of Brits planned to retire to Spain. While it seems unlikely that a full quarter of those in their golden years will decamp to the Costas (figures from Brits Abroad show that it is closer to one in ten Brits who lives overseas), Spain is certainly a hugely popular destination with British retirees. Some 761,000 UK British citizens live in Spain, according to Brits Abroad, accounting for 13.8% of the total number of Brits residing overseas.

Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, explains the country’s continuing attraction in the eyes of British retirees,

“Retirees these days have more funds behind them to explore the world with, but a considerable number look no further than Spain when it comes to where they want to live during their golden years. When you consider Spain’s advantages, it’s easy to see why.

“There’s the great weather, healthy cuisine, delicious wine, pristine golf courses and beautiful beaches, for a start. Spain also has a rich history, with plenty of cultural attractions and inspiring architecture for those who move there with discovery in mind. The cost of living is also a factor, as well as the cost of property. Those on a fixed income can get more for their money in Spain.”

Even Spain’s infrastructure ticks the right boxes when it comes to retiring. According to the International Living Global Retirement Index 2016, Spain was the top country in the infrastructure category thanks to its excellent internet coverage, modern roads and extensive public transportation system. The country also has a high number of doctors in proportion to its population, according to OECD Health Statistics 2015, with healthcare offered freely and universally.

New pension freedoms mean that retirees can approach their years of leisure with far more flexibility. This is having an impact on the plans of those currently looking at retiring overseas. When it comes to property, the average UK home costs £200,251 based on Nationwide’s figures. That’s roughly €255,142 – enough for a five bedroom, three bathroom villa with pool close to the beach, marina and four golf courses in the pretty Spanish town of Villamartin.

Clearly size matters when it comes to a retirement property. The UK is home to the smallest properties in Europe according to a Cambridge University study, which found that 79% of residences were either near acceptable size or below it. A five bedroom villa in Spain, with plenty of room for the family to come and enjoy holidays in, offers far more value for money that one could expect from an English property that cost the same amount.

Nor is it just mainland Spain that retirees love. Las Palmas, in Mallorca, is the cheapest Spanish city on the Numbeo Europe: Cost of Living Index 2016. Like mainland Spain, Mallorca enjoys quick and easy connections to the UK, which makes it ideal for retirees who want to live overseas but also maintain regular contact with their friends and family back home.

Mallorca is home to some stunning properties and leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has plenty to offer on the island, from key ready apartments and townhouses at Costa Beach – Port Vell from €240,000, to spectacular seafront houses on the clifftops of Cala Magrana Mar – Porto Cristo, priced from €640,000.

Retiring to Portugal

One position after Las Palmas on the Numbeo Europe: Cost of Living Index 2016 is Braga, in Portugal, closely followed by Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto and Lisbon. Portugal is another favourite with retirees from the UK, thanks to its excellent value for money, fabulous weather, friendly people and laid back way of life.

Portugal also has a good infrastructure when it comes to healthcare, internet coverage and flight connections with the UK, all of which are influential factors when it comes to UK residents seeking out a sun-drenched retirement spot.

According to the Retire Overseas Index 2015, Portugal’s Algarve is the best place in the world to retire to. It is the second year in a row that the region has taken the top spot, with its low cost of living, affordable property cost and established expat community all highlighted as distinct draws. The Retire Overseas Index also notes that it is, surprisingly, possible to live in the Algarve and only speak English.

Portugal also made it into the top ten of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index again in 2016, thanks to its “near flawless weather, abundance of golf and water sports, and superb fresh food.”

Retirees looking for a laid back, beach-based lifestyle will feel right at home in the Algarve. For those on a budget, a simple studio apartment just a few minute walk from the marina, beach and shops in Vilamoura can be bagged for €75,000 including furniture. At the other end of the spectrum, buyers with €4.9 million to spend can pick up an impressive five bedroom villa with pool and sea views in the popular Quinta do Lago golf resort.

Chris White, a British expat who runs boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains the enduring appeal of the Algarve when it comes to retirement,

“The Algarve is a beautiful region that has a wealth of attractions when it comes to attracting retirees. The cost of living here is incredibly low compared to much of Europe and it’s possible to eat and drink extremely well on a limited budget. A morning coffee and pastry costs just €1.50, while a full meal with wine at lunchtime can be had for €12-15. Then of course there’s the 300 plus days of sunshine per year, the great healthcare system, world-class golf courses, countless castles to explore… the Algarve really does have everything you could wish for from an idyllic retirement destination.”

No wonder then that when it comes to retirement the lure of Iberia is too strong for many Brits to resist!

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

New luxury student accommodation arrives in Britain’s best city

by Charly United Kingdom Collegiate AC

Edinburgh named Britain’s best city for third year in a row (Telegraph Travel Awards)
Undergraduate applicants to The University of Edinburgh increase by 7.6% for 2015/16 academic year (UCAS)
Collegiate AC reveal new luxury student residence in prime Edinburgh location

From the medieval grandeur of the Old Town to the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, Scotland’s historic capital city of Edinburgh has been named as Britain’s best city for the third year in a row. The Telegraph Travel Awards saw approximately 75,000 readers cast their vote on the nation’s cities and it was Edinburgh that came out on top once more.

Not only is it a wonderful city to reside in, but Edinburgh is also an inspiring setting for university students. The city is home to four excellent universities: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot Watt University and Queen Margaret University. As such it has a thriving student scene that continues to grow with each academic year.

When embarking on a university career, location is a key consideration for many students and it seems Edinburgh’s reign at number one is influencing student applications. According to recent UCAS figures, applicants to The University of Edinburgh for the 2015/16 academic year reached 59,255. That is a significant 7.6% increase on the previous year.

With two beautiful residences already available to Edinburgh’s students, Collegiate AC, the UK’s leading luxury student accommodation provider, has revealed a new offering at the heart of the city. Buccleuch Street benefits from a range of high quality facilities including a private gym, in-house cinema, games and common room as well as workrooms, high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the building.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to be increasing the company’s Edinburgh portfolio as more students are welcomed to this beautiful city. He comments,

“It’s not hard to understand why Edinburgh continues to be voted Britain’s best city. With so much to offer, there really is something for everyone and this vibrant city is fast becoming a favourite amongst both UK and international students alike. We are thrilled to be able to offer students another opportunity for a luxurious living experience, close to the University, and look forward to welcoming the first residents in September.”

Just a short walk from The University of Edinburgh and the city’s wondrous old town, Buccleuch Street is perfectly located with residents close to local cafes, bars and other amenities. Divided into brand new studio or four-bed apartments, all are stylish and comfortable with many rooms being blessed with an outstanding view over the Meadows and Pentland Hills. From £210 per week, each room boasts a spacious double bed, en-suite bathroom and plenty of storage space with a mix of private and shared kitchen facilities.

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

From neglected wasteland to desirable waterside residence – the story behind Manchester’s Wilburn Wharf

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden Invest

City centre resident numbers in Manchester up by 83% in 10 years (Centre for Cities)
Manchester house prices up 15.83% in 5 years (Zoopla)
Investment in new Rivergate House development from just £158k (Surrenden Invest)

Just two years ago, Manchester’s Wilburn Street Basin was a neglected patch of wasteland. The three acre site had been forgotten for decades, despite its close proximity to Manchester city centre. It seemed a sad end after its frequent use back when it was built in 1864, as a mooring site on the River Irwell.

But all was not lost. Thanks to the farsightedness of a group of developers, Wilburn Street Basin is now well on the way to once more becoming an attractive and thriving area of Manchester. In just two short years, residential accommodation has begun to spring up on the site, with plans also including a range of offices, shops and smart eateries.

In summer 2014, the run-down land appeared unkempt and unloved. Now, construction crews are turning ambitious plans into reality for a range of luxurious new waterside homes and associated facilities.

The new homes back onto a large shopping complex with homewares and fashion stores on one side, with the Wilburn Street Basin providing serene river views on the other side. The pretty setting, and its location just a stone’s throw from Manchester city centre, position the site well for a return to the popularity it experienced during Victorian times.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, explains,

“The Wilburn Street Basin area has so much going for it. It’s astonishing to think that it sat empty for so long when space is at such a premium so close to the centre of Manchester. The new buildings going up on the site are breathing life into the area once again – this historic part of Manchester is about to start a new phase of its history, going from neglected wasteland to highly desirable waterside living.”

Rivergate House enjoys a prime location on the new Wilburn Wharf site. The one, two and three bedroom apartments are just a short walk from the central business district, offering spacious homes for professionals and their families looking to be close to employment and yet enjoy the peace of waterside living once the working day is done. Investment opportunities in buy-to-let apartments range from £158,000 to £350,000, with projected 6.2% NET yields. Completion of the apartments is estimated for Q4 2016.

City centre living of this nature is becoming increasingly popular. According to Centre for Cities, the number of city centre dwellers across the UK rose by 37% from 2001 to 2011, following decades of decline as people opted for a life in the suburbs. Large cities are leading the trend, with resident numbers in their centres increasing significantly over the decade.

Manchester is leading the rest of the UK in respect of this growth. City centre residents there increased by 20,000 in the ten years to 2011, equating to growth of 83%. Yet only 7,000 new homes were sold in the city centre during the same period. With an average of 2.3 people per UK household, based on data from the Office for National Statistics, that meant a shortfall of homes for nearly 4,000 individuals.

The increase in demand was felt across the city centre housing market. In the last five years, according to Zoopla, house prices there have risen by 15.83% and the current asking rent has reached £1,069 pcm.

With so much pressure on Manchester’s central accommodation, it seems that Wilburn Street Basin’s reemergence as Wilburn Wharf is just in time and apartments at Rivergate House are presenting an increasingly rare opportunity for luxurious, waterside living in this highly sought after city centre.

For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

Overseas Property Show to bring second home ownership dream one step closer for Birmingham residents

by Eleanor Portugal United Kingdom Overseas Property Show

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is set to bring the dream of second home ownership one step closer to becoming a reality this month. The free to attend show will be held at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th May 2016.

The Overseas Property Show provides individuals with the opportunity to explore their dream of home ownership overseas, by talking to property experts from around the world at a convenient local venue.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which exhibited at every show during 2015 and plans to do so again in 2016, comments,

The 2016 Overseas Property Show will focus largely on properties from Portugal, Spain and Florida, with a handful of opportunities in countries like Italy and Cyprus thrown in for good measure.

2015’s shows were hugely successful. The shows welcomed thousands of visitors through the doors over the course of the year. For many of those visitors, it was the start of their holiday home dreams coming true. Many went on to book inspection trips and ultimately to purchase a sun-kissed second home overseas.

Portugal is one of the most sought-after destinations for those visiting the shows. The housing market there offers excellent value for money when compared with the UK. Prices have been gently increasing for some time and the January 2016 Portuguese Housing Market Survey from RICS/Ci observing that price expectations point to steady gains over the course of 2016, with house price inflation expected to be around 2.5% in the Algarve (the country’s most popular region with British buyers).

Ideal Homes Portugal is at the forefront of connecting UK buyers with fantastic Portuguese properties. Founder Chris White observes,

Whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or a celebrity-style super home that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be! Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Opening of Tipi’s second building heralds success of Wembley Park’s new build to rent offering

by Charly United Kingdom Tipi

Tipi’s second apartment building, Dakota now open
First customers moved in
Hotel-inspired services and superior apartments striking a chord with Londoners

Build to rent is taking off across the UK as renters see the benefits of a professional rather than a private landlord. The needs of ‘generation rent’ are firmly on the agenda, with the Department for Communities and Local Government allocating £1 billion for build to rent development, as well as appointing a taskforce and champion to drive the cause.

Within London, the impact of this new enthusiasm for build to rent is already being felt, in the popular Wembley Park area. Developer Quintain has just launched its second purely rental apartment building, Dakota, which forms part of the Tipi development.

Michael Allen, Head of Tipi, shares details of the newly opened building,

“We’re delighted that Dakota opened on schedule, with the first customers moving in on the day we opened. We look forward to welcoming them to a new era of renting in London.

“Dakota is the second Tipi apartment building to open at Wembley Park and follows the success of our first building Montana, which has attracted renters from across the capital and beyond. Our aim of making Tipi the best way to live in London certainly has struck a chord with those looking to rent high quality, contemporary accommodation in a super-connected area.”

Dakota provides a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, all finished to a superior standard and are available furnished or unfurnished. Most enjoy their own private balcony or terrace and full furniture packages are available. The building, along with Montana, surrounds an acre of landscaped gardens with stunning water features.

Customers of Dakota benefit from a range of hotel-inspired services, including a 24 hour concierge, night security and the Nest – a social space with soft seating, HD TV, dining table and 100Mb/s broadband for those wishing to use it to work from home. Each apartment comes with 40Mb/s as standard and broadband is included in the rent. The Nest follows the popularity of the Deckhouse in the adjacent Montana apartment building, which provides residents with a pool table, HD TV with Sky Sports, kitchenette and outside terrace for enjoying the warmer weather.

Thanks to its Wembley Park location, Dakota also provides customers with easy access to London Designer Outlet, with its 50 stores, 20 restaurants and coffee shops and nine screen Cineworld cinema, as well as the plethora of entertainment on offer at the SSE Arena, Wembley and Wembley Stadium*.

Apartments are priced from £1,650 pcm with no agency fees, lower than average security deposit and electricity, water & superfast broadband included in the rent

For more information or to book a viewing with the Tipi team, visit www.tipi.london or call 020 3151 1927.

* Wembley Stadium is the property of The FA Group and run by Wembley National Stadium Limited, a subsidiary of The Football Association.

Are you revision ready? Luxury student accommodation provides the ideal study environment

by Eleanor United Kingdom Collegiate AC

Only 43% of students residing in private halls feel their accommodation allows for effective course engagement (NUS)
Collegiate AC ensures its residents modern and spacious areas for effective and productive study
Top 5 Revision Tips from Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

With final exams and end of term assignments just around the corner, students are once again burying themselves in their books. However, finding a productive environment to revise in can be a task in itself for students, especially when their desks are too cramped or the library Wi-Fi too slow to load a webpage.

The most recent ‘Homes fit for study’ research report released by the National Union of Students (NUS), shows that students are increasingly looking for accommodation that will provide them with a good study environment, with around 75% saying their current student property offers this facility. However, just 43% of students residing in private halls, and 54% of those in institution-managed halls, feel that their accommodation has facilities that allow for effective course engagement.

Exclusively designed with students in mind, Collegiate AC offers luxury student accommodation that provides its residents with modern and spacious areas for effective and productive study. With ample desk space in every room, a common room and group study areas, Collegiate caters for every study technique and learning style.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains how students’ revision environments play an important role in effective study,

“A comfortable individual environment, where students feel happy, relaxed and safe, alongside additional features such as common rooms, group study areas and luxury lounges combine to create the ideal environment to make the very most of revision periods and to support students through the difficult dissertation process.”

In addition to their accommodation providing a suitable environment, students also consider Wi-Fi as an essential requirement for any study session. The latest figures from The London School of Economics and Political Science’s Student Accommodation Satisfaction Survey show that 98.41% of residents rated Wi-Fi as ‘Fairly Important’ or ‘Very Important’. Students’ satisfaction with their Wi-Fi however, was only rated 52.41%. Collegiate AC provides high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout each of their student properties. Heriberto comments,

“At Collegiate AC, we have taken a thorough approach to the creation of our student accommodation, with attention to detail at every turn. This includes a recognition of the key role of effective study spaces and additional facilities, such as free high-speed Wi-Fi, that will make the revision process easy and as pain-free as possible.”

As part of their focus on making students’ study time more efficient, Heriberto Cuanalo gives his Top 5 Revision Tips:

1. Plan to succeed!

Start as you mean to go on and draw up a revision timetable. Be disciplined with yourself and set aside time each day to revise, don’t leave it to the last minute, and start early – research shows that you are more likely to do all the planned work if you start early in the day, because as it gets closer to the evening, there is a greater tendency to be distracted.

2. Two heads are better than one!

Buddy up with a friend or two from your course and share ideas on a topic. Discuss key points, test topic knowledge by asking each other questions, or even simply sit alongside each other in a comfortable communal area in quiet study to feel less alone. Just don’t get distracted by the TV!

3. Learn from the past…

Don’t be afraid to look at past papers and check your knowledge against them. You may well find that once you have studied three or four past papers, chances are some of the questions that appear on the day of your exam will look very familiar! This will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the layout of questions asked in exam papers, which can save you time and help to earn marks on the big day.

4. Work smart!

Try to reduce pages of information into brief, clear notes, then summarise these into a few key points which will help remind you of the whole subject. You can then carry this ‘key points’ sheet with you and revise regularly, even if it’s for short periods of time.

5. Revise – and reward

Try to find the right balance between study and leisure. Make sure you eat healthily and balanced meals but also ensure you treat yourself after a hard day’s study. Go out with friends after a productive day of revision, play a game of pool or table football in the games room, or simply put your feet up for some chill-out time in the lounge or home cinema if you have one.

Collegiate AC offers a range of beautifully designed, luxury student accommodation across the UK and boasts unrivalled facilities ideal for 21^st century student living. These include private gyms, in-house cinemas and games rooms as well as spacious rooms with comfortable double beds, modern kitchens and for added peace of mind each building has CCTV, secure electronic door entry and 24-hour on-call support.

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

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