Can a cupboard lessen your anxiety, increase your focus and reduce your stress?

Can a cupboard lessen your anxiety, increase your focus and reduce your stress?

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Traditional storage principles given new life by developer Quintain
  • Clutter impairs a person’s ability to focus (Princeton University)
  • High density of household objects leads to spikes in stress levels (UCLA)

Mention tertiary storage these days and the majority of people will think you’re talking about computers. But the principles of storage are also important when it comes to building homes, as Paul Hogarth, Head of Residential Sales at developer Quintain, explains,

“I remember a lot of places I have lived where trying to store stuff was always a major hassle. Vinyl giving  way to CDs and then later the Cloud should have made our living rooms simpler, but even with technology’s advancements we still have too much stuff and constantly try to declutter. At Wembley Park we have taken our own lifestyles – and those of our purchasers – into account and tried to design a home that works for them using the principals of effective storage.

“We split the elements into three distinct aspects: primary, secondary and tertiary storage refer to the places a home needs to store items that are used on roughly a daily, weekly or occasional basis. So many modern homes have forgotten these principles, with storage space losing out to the desire for maximum profits.”

Hogarth’s point is most clearly demonstrated when one considers the built-in wardrobes, pantries, basements and other storage areas that homes used to have in such abundance. Contrast these with contemporary, purpose-built flats in busy urban areas, where developers have sacrificed storage space from every apartment in order to cram one or two extra homes into a building. Frequently, the modern apartments look cluttered and untidy – simply because the principles of storage have been forgotten.

Yet there is another way, as Quintain has demonstrated through its contemporary new homes in London’s Wembley Park. In Emerald Gardens storage has been built into the design of the building. Architects GRID have addressed primary storage needs (i.e. storage for items needed daily, such as shampoo, washing up liquid and shoes) through plentiful cupboard space in kitchens, niched shelving in shower cubicles or bathtub enclosures and recessed bathroom mirror cabinets.

Secondary storage needs (for items like vacuum cleaners, irons/ironing boards and spare bedding) have also been addressed, with generous cupboard spaces built into the hallway of each apartment. Meanwhile tertiary storage space (for occasional use items like suitcases) is available in the building’s basement, in the form of secure lockers for residents’ use.

Having a tidy home is about more than it just looking nice. Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute of Princeton University found that a cluttered environment reduces one’s ability to focus. Meanwhile, in a separate study, researchers from UCLA found that mothers’ stress hormones spiked during the part of the day when they were dealing with the clutter in their homes – there was a clear link between high cortisol levels and a high density of household objects.

In simple terms, when developers follow the three principles of storage, residents can look forward to greater focus, reduced stress, less anxiety and more relaxation.

Prices at Emerald Gardens start at £370,000 with first completions due spring 2016.

For more information and to book a visit to the newly launched show apartments, visit www.northwestvillage.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

U.K. Budget 2016 and the Impact on Sterling: What to Expect

U.K. Budget 2016 and the Impact on Sterling: What to Expect

by Charly United Kingdom

With the 2016 U.K. Budget descending upon us, market participants are anticipating another wave of austerity from the Conservative majority. While there’s plenty of speculation about pensions, tax relief and petrol duties,[1] U.K. Chancellor George Osborne has made it clear that the government will seek further spending cuts to safeguard against a volatile global economy.

“We may need to undertake further reductions in spending because this country can only afford what it can afford and we will address that in the Budget, because I’m absolutely clear we’ve got to root our county in the principle that we must live within our means and we have economic security,” Mr. Osborne said during a trip to Shanghai in late February.[2]

For traders, the budget announcement is a time of great anxiety. The need to balance technical indicators with market fundamentals and political reactions make trading the pound especially challenging during this period. That’s why sterling often trends downward in the weeks leading up to the Budget announcement. As the image above (Source: Yahoo! Finance) illustrates, the GBP/USD exchange rate begins or continues its descent in the weeks leading up to the Budget. This is usually accompanied by a large rebound in the days and weeks following the announcement.

U.K. Budget Dates

  • 2016 Budget: March 16
  • 2015 Budget: March 18
  • 2015 Summer Budget: July 8
  • 2014 Budget: March 19
  •  2013 Budget: March 20
  • 2012 Budget: March 21
  • 2011 Budget: March 20

Price action leading up to the 2016 Budget on March 16 indicates a similar downtrend. However, it should be noted that the pound’s freefall in early 2016 reflects ongoing fears about Brexit. According to analysts, the pound could be in for a 20% drop should Britons vote to quit the European Union in June.[3] Against this backdrop, the pound is expected to remain under pressure in the coming weeks leading up to the Bank of England’s policy meeting on March 17. Given the lack of high profile U.K. or U.S. data over the next two weeks, political reactions to the Budget statement and BOE will dictate the performance of the GBP/USD.

How to Prepare

Like any other fundamental event, the U.K. Budget statement is considered both a risk and an opportunity. Volatile news events like a budget statement allow for great speculative opportunities, especially through the options market, which is generally more cost efficient than other markets. Options allow traders to profit from both rising and falling market conditions via calls or puts, respectively. They also allow traders to specify their risks upfront so they’re not exposed to bigger losses in the event the market goes against them. Some brokers like easyMarkets provide guaranteed stop losses during day trades and negative balance protection that ensure traders don’t enter into debt on a bad position. These tools are essential for trading effectively during highly volatile events like budget statements.

 

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

[1] Alice Foster (March 4, 2016). “When is the budget? Predictions, what to expect.” Express UK.

[2] Kate McCann (February 26, 2016). “George Osborne warns of deeper cuts to public spending in Budget.” The Telegraph.

[3] Daniel Johnson (March 1, 2016). “The Pound Strengthens, but How Long will the Rally Last?” Pound Sterling Forecast.

Paul Smith appointed Group Managing Director at Collegiate AC

Paul Smith appointed Group Managing Director at Collegiate AC

by Kate United Kingdom

As part of its significant expansion the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, Collegiate AC, has announced the appointment of Paul Smith as Group Managing Director.

Paul’s background is in senior roles up to board level in UK private banking, with 21 years at HSBC, where he rose to be a Managing Director at HSBC Private Bank UK. He then went on to spend four years as a Managing Director for Coutts Private Bank ahead of his appointment at Collegiate AC.

Collegiate AC CEO, Heriberto Cuanalo, explains the timing of the new appointment,

“The appointment of Paul Smith as our Group Managing Director is a strategic move to ensure we continue to exceed market expectations and maintain the superior quality of service that our clients require. After five years of exceptional growth and setting new standards in the student accommodation market, Collegiate is now working on a development pipeline of 20,000 prestige beds with select joint-venture partners, such as Fusion Collegiate with Fusion Students, and also expanding into mainland Europe. To deliver this growth successfully we need a world-class team.

“I am proud that Paul will be joining us at a time when we have really confirmed our strength in the market and distinction from our competitors. At Collegiate we always strive to deliver the very best for our residents and I am sure that Paul’s unrivalled business experience will mean that he is not only a real asset to our team, but also a key strategic player in Collegiate AC’s continued success.”

Paul Smith, Collegiate AC’s new Group Managing Director says,

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Collegiate AC at such an exciting time. It is evident that there are many parallels to be drawn between the focus on client service in Private Banking and the approach that Collegiate have towards their clients and residents. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Already prevalent in many of the UK’s top university cities, Collegiate is opening over ten new prestige residences this year alone. Increasing the offering in some of the cities that they previously had sites whilst adding brand new locations to their already ample portfolio in over 20 UK cities.

As part of the company’s ethos to provide ‘Student living. Just better’, all properties provide Collegiate AC’s signature blend of excellent facilities and stunning interiors, from on-site gyms to private cinemas, luxury lounges to work rooms, private dining rooms to concierge services. Collegiate AC is also adding an array of new facilities to their offering, including VIP Bars and Sky Lounges as well as 24-hour on-site concierge services.

Collegiate AC is now focused on developing larger scale prestige residences, of up to 900 beds each, in which the company can deliver their superior designs and amenities together with unrivalled levels of service and create a truly exceptional experience for tenants.

With demand for the company’s particular style of student accommodation never higher, this latest business announcement will allow Collegiate AC to better facilitate their growth strategy throughout the UK in coming years.

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

English Country Gardens – Don’t hold back on the dahlias

English Country Gardens – Don’t hold back on the dahlias

by Viv United Kingdom
  • 2016 is the Year of the English Garden
  • Capability Brown celebrates 300 years of garden design
  • Your home is twice as likely to sell fast if the garden looks loved
  • Barton Wyatt offer professional advice to their clients on garden design

“How many gentle flowers grow in an English Country Garden?” asks the lyrics of the old Morris dancing song. Today the answer is undoubtedly more than almost one hundred years ago when Australian composer Percy Grainger famously arranged this well-known tune for piano in 1918.

Daffodils, hollyhocks, roses and fox gloves have made way for alpine mosses, alliums, sun flowers and lilies in English designer gardens – modern day gardeners are forsaking tradition for exotics from Asia, Europe and South America.

To mark the 300th anniversary of prominent historical gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the UK is this year celebrating the Year of the English Garden.  The programme seeks to spotlight and celebrate the country’s fabulous gardens, using events to inspire people during 2016.

Capability Brown was a garden designer whose vision for the future has influenced the landscapes of hundreds of English Country estates.  Brown cut his teeth at Stowe, then owned by Lord Cobham – now a leading public school where the gardens are still open to the public to be enjoyed.  Over the years he designed over 170 parks, many of which can still be seen today.

Indeed garden design is in vogue as much today as it was in the mid 1700’s, although gathering exotic plants and well established trees is an easier accomplishment now.

Prime Surrey Estate Agency, Barton Wyatt are regularly involved in offering advice to landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers when it comes to the foliage in their garden.  Barton Wyatt is situated in the heart of the millionaire’s paradise, Virginia Water and the Wentworth Estate.  Drive around this estate during any daylight hour and most homes will have gardener’s vans on the drive whilst the steady hum of a leaf blower pervades the air.

Capability Brown was no stranger to Surrey working on the magnificent gardens of Kew, Hampton Court, Claremont and Clandon Park to name a few.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt and Wentworth resident, comments:

“We are blessed in the vicinity with some wonderful gardens to visit. The Savill Garden is part of the Royal Landscape and is just moments from Virginia Water. Here gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone, from dedicated horticulturalists to families wanting to enjoy someone else’s green fingers.  And a couple of miles further afield is Great Fosters where the garden is designed to replicate the intricate beauty of a Persian rug. In the summer fragrant beds of flowers and herbs are bordered by manicured hedges and topiary.

“Homeowners like to introduce some of these green fingered ideas into their gardens and we are able to put our clients in touch with some visionary gardeners in the locality.  Many of the homes we sell are newly built and developers must work hard to create something that doesn’t look too barren and new.

“Savvy developers work with landscape architects from the onset of the project, creating external plans that keep existing foliage and trees.  These are often trimmed back as the schemes commence and shaped to perfection as the last paving stone is laid.”

James continues:

“An unloved garden will do nothing to help sell your home or get a tenant in situ quickly.  Smart homes with manicured gardens sell 10 times quicker than a garden that has been left to run riot.  Indeed, we do not accept houses for rental that have not had their gardens attended too – it would be a waste of everyone’s time.  And once a tenant is living in a rental home we can arrange for a gardener to come weekly to keep it in shape.

“I would say that 95% of the gardens on Wentworth are maintained by professional gardeners – people living in these homes are captains of industry and often running their own businesses.  I am sure they would love to deadhead the dahlias but quite frankly they don’t have the time.”

For more information on homes in Virginia Water with stunning gardens contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

 

For more information on Year of the English Garden 2016 visit https://www.visitengland.com/biz/about-us/campaigns-and-opportunities/year-english-garden-2016

Image is taken from Visit England.

Top 10 press release writing tips – keep your copy at the top of its game

Top 10 press release writing tips – keep your copy at the top of its game

by Kate United Kingdom World

Part of a successful PR campaign is the production of well-crafted, engaging press releases that present your brand and product to the world. Writing a press release can be an immensely rewarding task when it generates column inches and sales enquiries.

The experts at leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing, share their top 10 tips on how to write a successful press release.

  1. Know your message

When faced with a new service or product, ask questions. Ask questions until you run out of air and can’t think of anything else to ask. It’s how you gain a full understanding of the service / product and the message you want to convey to the world about it. Without clarity on this, your press release is doomed from the start.

  1. Know your audience

Equally important is understanding for whom you are writing. If you have visions of featuring in luxury publications but you’re emphasising their product’s affordability and lack of exclusivity, your message won’t be getting across to the right people. Target your writing to the audience likely to buy the service/ product, as well as to the journalists who have the power to reach that audience.

  1. Love your product

It’s not enough to just know your product; you have to feel it. In fact, you have to love it. Your passion (or lack thereof) for your subject matter will show in your writing. If you want your readers to love your service or product, then you have to convey to them why they should, so let your passion flow into your copy to truly inspire those who read your work.

  1. Do your homework

You’ll want to link your press release to relevant statistics and research, to back up and give weight to the information that you are presenting. Credibility is king, so get stuck in online and find original, just-published reports and datasets that you can use to present new and exciting information in your client’s press release. Don’t regurgitate old figures and always track down and check the source report.

  1. Banish waffle

The internet has done miraculous things in terms of sharing knowledge around the world and connecting people with information. It has also reduced our attention spans dramatically. If a headline and first sentence doesn’t grab a reader, they will be on to the next link in a flash. So banish waffle from your copy. Keep it simple, clear and on point. If you want to witter on, write a novel!

  1. Think human

People love to read about people. It’s why so many celebrity magazines exist. We are fascinated by the lives of others and social media has made these lives accessible in a way that has never previously been possible. When it comes to your service or product, think about the human element. Include a case study of someone who has benefitted from it and give the reader someone to relate to.

  1. Be bold

Be bold. Be exciting. Be innovative. Use fresh data, new ideas and interesting concepts. Whatever you do, don’t let your content feel boring or stale. There’s a huge world of content out there. If you want readers to notice yours, it needs to be a cut above the rest.

  1. Don’t proofread your own work

The human brain has a well-documented ability to read what it thinks should be in a word or sentence, rather than what actually is. This is particularly true when you are rereading something that you have written yourself – the brain can skip over errors as it knows what the sentence should say and not what it does say. The moral? Always opt for a fresh pair of eyes and get someone else to proofread your work.

  1. Know when to write

Get to know your circadian rhythms and find the best time of day to let the muse take you. If you’re at your best in the mornings, write then, or if you’re a night owl then adjust your schedule accordingly. Don’t force the words if they don’t come easily – step back and let your subconscious work out the knots and you’ll find your writing flows more freely as a result. Unless, of course, you’re on a tight deadline in which case grab a double shot latte and knuckle down!

  1. Never be complacent

No matter how good the press release that you’ve just written is, the next one can always be better. Writing is a craft that can be improved over time, just like any other skill. So seek to make each press release you write the best one yet.

For all your property marketing and public relations needs, contact AB Property Marketing on +44 845 054 7524 or visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk

Redefining renting: Tipi launches ‘The best way to live in London’

by Kate United Kingdom

A new living experience is coming to Wembley Park, brand new apartments with iconic views and rent inclusive of heating, electricity, and superfast broadband, aiming to be ‘The best way to live in London’.

Tipi is the latest launch from Quintain, the London-focussed property developer and combines brand new, high quality apartments with exceptional service. Reversing years of frustration for Londoners, the focus of the new management company is to take the hassle out of renting by including all utility bills in the rent and to provide an offering that is flexible, with no agent or end of tenancy fees to pay.

Recognising that London life is busy, seeing people juggling home and work responsibilities whilst managing a family and social life, the Tipi goal is simply to make the whole living experience easier. Providing a hotel-inspired service that helps residents break free from day-to-day life admin, Tipi enables them to spend more time doing the things they really value by offering additional services such as laundry, dry cleaning and domestic cleaning.

Aiming to change the way Londoners view rental accommodation, Tipi offers a flexible range of lease terms, with security deposits set at under a month’s rent, no agency fees, no inventory fees and no end of tenancy cleaning costs, Tipi handles this.

Michael Allen, Head of PRS at Tipi who recently joined the team from America explains more,

“We know that people want to live in a place where they can connect with neighbours, relax in great surroundings and socialise with family and friends, a place that they can call home, and this is exactly what we are proud to be providing at Tipi.

“Tipi has flexibility, ease and customer service engrained in every aspect and it is the attention to detail, in both design and delivery, that means we can help give Londoners the kind of lifestyle they have always wanted. It is really exciting to be launching this brand new kind of rental experience in the iconic location of Wembley Park and we can’t wait to welcome the first residents this weekend.”

The range of high specification apartments are ideally located at the heart of Wembley Park, just two stops to Baker Street and next door to the world famous Wembley Stadium, SSE Arena and  London Designer Outlet, with its 50 shops, 20 restaurants and coffee shops, and nine-screen cinema. Super-connected, Tipi is just a five minute walk from Jubilee, Metropolitan and overground lines, with London Marylebone just nine minutes away and the West End just 19 minutes away.

The two debut Tipi buildings, Montana and Dakota, boast brand new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom modern apartments, with most offering their own private balcony or terrace, available furnished or unfurnished.

With the hotel-inspired service at its core, Tipi tenants are supported by a 24-hour concierge and night security, secure underground parking and bicycle storage, and also benefit from the friendly on-site Tipi Team, on hand to ensure that Tipi living is always simple, smart and exceptional.

Two social spaces, or lounges, provide an extension to the private apartments, each offering differing options for work or relaxation. The “Deckhouse” benefits from a pool table, HD TV with Sky Sports, kitchenette and outside terrace, whilst the quieter space of the “Nest” has 100Mb/s broadband for home working, soft seating and an HD TV. A well-equipped gym and screening room, available for all residents, will open in autumn 2016 and outside there is an acre of private landscaped gardens, perfect for relaxation and catching up with friends.

Following two successful open days last month, Tipi is now open for viewings, with the first residents moving in on 5th March.

Apartments are priced from £1,600 pcm with no agency fees and include all utility bills and superfast broadband.

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

Notes to Editors

About Tipi @TipiLondon

Tipi is a subsidiary of Quintain, the London focussed property development specialist and the team behind Wembley Park. Tipi is a ‘Build to Rent’ or Private Rental Sector (PRS) management company which builds, manages and leases contemporary apartments to customers without charging agents’ fees. Unique to Tipi is that Quintain owns and operates the wider Wembley Park estate which ensures the environment surrounding the apartments is safe, controlled, clean and well connected.

Tipi’s first PRS buildings, Montana & Dakota offer brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with rents inclusive of all utility bills and superfast broadband. Most apartments boast a balcony and all benefit from access to an acre of private gardens. 24 hour concierge and night security meet customers’ everyday needs and additional services can be added to tenancy agreements such as secure underground parking, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning services.

Two lounges are available for Montana & Dakota residents to use and include superfast 100 Mb/s broadband, Sky TV and Sky Sports and later this year a gym and cinema room will open within the building.

About Wembley Park @WembleyPark

Wembley Park is the development by Quintain which is transforming the 85-acre area around Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, bringing together new shopping at London Designer Outlet, leisure facilities, new homes and beautiful public spaces to create a major new destination and residential neighbourhood for London.

Wembley Park will be home to thousands of high-quality homes and a vibrant new community who will enjoy everything Wembley Park has to offer including tree-lined boulevards, regular outdoor market programmes and more.

The SSE Arena and Wembley Stadium continue to attract the best names in sport, music and entertainment.

Wembley Park is extremely well connected with two overland train stations (nine minutes to Marylebone), two tube stations (19 minutes to the West End), over 3000 parking spaces and excellent road links to motorways including the M1, M40 and M25.

How Lead Galaxy helped Shankly Hotel score major sales success

How Lead Galaxy helped Shankly Hotel score major sales success

by Charly United Kingdom ,

Real estate marketing specialist Lead Galaxy helped a hotel in Liverpool score a major success and sell out in a matter of months.

The football-themed Shankly Hotel, named after the famous manager Bill Shankly, features a mix of suites and studios, boasting 50-inch TVs, whirlpool spa baths and free Wi-Fi, plus a gym, a 500-capacity conference centre and a museum containing Shankly memorabilia from his career in the 60s and 70s. It has been so well received that it has been ranked Liverpool’s number one hotel on TripAdvisor since opening in 2015.

The rooms, with an average selling price of £95,000 and guaranteed 10.5 per cent return over 10 years, were snapped up by investors in 22 different countries, led by the UK, Europe and South East Asia.

Lead Galaxy teamed up with site owner Signature Living, trusted local market specialist Ascot property and lead sales agent United Property to help sell out all 93 units.

Using a variety of digital channels to provide high quality leads to the agents selling the project, Lead Galaxy had an immediate impact when it kicked off its marketing activity in April 2015.

Over six months, Lead Galaxy generated a total of 982 leads and 25 sales. Campaigns through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google AdWords, Bing ads, email, portal listings and phone calls all contributed to the winning performance, with a conversion rate of 2.55 per cent.

OPP Ventures, which the company acquired in 2014, also distributed the project to industry players, signing up 112 agents in 40 countries.

“Our role is to amplify the success of the sales agents we work with, fuelling them with high quality leads to convert into deals,” explains Dan Johnson, CEO of Lead Galaxy. “In 2016, we plan to work with more agents in different markets and languages, so we can increase the speed, shorten the project timeframe and relentlessly scale our virtual sales capacity.”

“Having a trusted team that takes care of the sales and marketing means that there’s much more time to focus on delivering a ¬first-class guest experience, which is what I’m most passionate about,” comments Lawrence Kenwright, owner of Signature Living. “The Shankly has been a great success – so much so that we’re moving our offices from the hotel to create another 30 rooms!”

To see a full infographic breaking down the Shankly Hotel’s sales, visit http://tinyurl.com/shanklyhotel.

For more details on Lead Galaxy’s range of marketing services, visit www.leadgalaxy.com.

 

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

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

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

Collegiate AC breathes new life into Derby’s student accommodation offering

Collegiate AC breathes new life into Derby’s student accommodation offering

by Kate United Kingdom

A former Derby council office block is being transformed into a residential development that will become the city’s most luxurious student accommodation as part of an exciting new regeneration scheme.

Roman House, situated on Friar Gate in the heart of Derby, has previously been home to the city council but will soon become home to a new generation of students studying at the University of Derby.

Fitting into a wider regeneration programme of the Cathedral Quarter, the change of use of the property has been granted following an alteration in the Permitted Development Rights (PDR) that allows former office buildings to be turned into residential dwellings.

Roman House will be managed by the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, Collegiate AC, and is part of a much-anticipated expansion by the company that sees them launch 11 new projects this year.

Whilst Collegiate AC are prevalent in many of the top university cities throughout the UK, this will be the first Collegiate AC site in Derby. The scheme, exclusively available for 126 residents, will provide a new standard of student accommodation in the city, offering a wide range of luxurious facilities. These will include an on-site cinema, private gym, social hub and seminar rooms, alongside high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi to ease every aspect of student life.

The newly developed Roman House will also place student security as a key priority, with features that include electronic door entry, an out-of-hours service, an on-site manager and CCTV to provide peace of mind round the clock. All of these features are central to the Collegiate AC ethos of providing ‘Student living. Just better’.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains how much they are looking forward to launching in Derby,

“We are proud to be able to now offer students at the University of Derby the option of a luxurious student living experience, and see Roman House transformed into a desirable and sought-after city centre residential scheme. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the first residents to Roman House and hope they will love their new surroundings as much as we do.”

A range of accommodation will be available at the newly launched Roman House, with 72 studios and 54 twodios to suit individual preferences, with double beds, en-suite bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens offered as standard.

Currently under refurbishment, with new windows being installed to add a sleek finish to the red brick façade and interiors redesigned to create the feeling of space and luxury synonymous with the Collegiate AC brand, Roman House is breathing new life into the city centre and is set to welcome its first student residents in September.

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

Last homes available at Emerald Gardens as Wembley Park proves a hit with Londoners

Last homes available at Emerald Gardens as Wembley Park proves a hit with Londoners

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Only 25 apartments remaining at Emerald Gardens
  • Brand new development just 12 minutes from central London by Tube
  • Part of the vibrant Wembley Park lifestyle destination
  • Outside space found to be one of most popular selling points

Developer Quintain is delighted with the popularity of its homes at Emerald Gardens, the latest new apartments to be delivered by the developer at London’s Wembley Park. The final allocation of apartments was released at the start of 2016 and Quintain has seen strong interest from owner-occupiers looking to purchase and move into their new homes within a matter of weeks. The first completions are expected in spring 2016.

Paul Hogarth, Head of Residential Sales at Quintain, comments:

“Emerald Gardens has proven particularly popular with Londoners looking for contemporary homes in the capital. We are delighted to offer the final allocation of homes, launching in spring 2016, giving would-be residents a range of options, from tranquil apartments overlooking the courtyard and gardens, to stylish residences for those wanting a view of Wembley Stadium’s iconic arch along with the all buzz and excitement that Wembley Park has to offer.”

The final 25 apartments include studios, one and two bedroom homes. The differing sizes and aspects epitomise the level of choice that Quintain has sought to introduce at all stages of the development: Wembley Park offers something for everyone.

Not only are the apartments ideally positioned for access to central London (Baker Street is 12 minutes away on the Underground, Bond Street and King’s Cross 19 minutes), but they also enjoy an impressive setting within Wembley Park. The area is fast becoming London’s most sought after new district, with residential accommodation balanced perfectly by shopping and leisure facilities. The SSE Arena, Wembley Stadium* and the popular London Designer Outlet shopping centre, complete with nine screen cinema, mean that entertainment options abound.

Emerald Gardens is at the forefront Wembley Park’s accommodation offering. Almost an acre of landscaped greenery surrounds the modern apartments, bringing a green haven into the big city for residents’ enjoyment. The grounds benefit from architecturally designed landscaping, with peaceful areas including mature trees and a water feature, in a nod to Wembley Park’s green and leafy Victorian past.

The stylish homes at Emerald Gardens are available from £305,000 and benefit from a 24 hour concierge service, cinema room, club lounge and private gym (opening autumn 2016). Underground parking and, for residents at Cedar House, the option of additional secure storage space in the ground floor, are available at additional cost.

Quintain’s work at Wembley Park has spanned over a decade, breathing new life into the area and building a thriving community as well as homes, leisure facilities and other amenities. The chance to purchase one of the last remaining homes at Emerald Gardens is not expected to last for long, given the speed with which the apartments have been snapped up to date.

Quintain’s Paul Hogarth continues:

“The outside space has been one of the most popular features at Emerald Gardens. Nearly every apartment benefits from an outdoor area in the form of a balcony, patio or terrace. Then there are the extensive grounds, gardens and a water feature for the residents to enjoy, as well as a 13th level roof terrace for residents’ use that provides a spectacular vista of the Wembley skyline and iconic Wembley Stadium. However you like to enjoy the sunshine in London – running, eating al fresco or just relaxing with a book – Emerald Gardens provides the space to do so in style.”

For more information, visit www.northwestvillage.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601. Viewings of the on-site show apartment are available from February 2016 for those seeking the first opportunity to visit the site

 

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

50% boost in enquiries announced as buy-to-let stampede takes hold

50% boost in enquiries announced as buy-to-let stampede takes hold

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Buy-to-let consultancy reveals 50% increase in enquiries following stamp duty hike announcement (Surrenden Invest)
  • “Residential property will remain the UK’s most profitable asset class long after 2016” (Jonathan Stephens)
  • Royal Victoria Residence, London, witnessing increased demand

One of the UK’s most prominent property investment consultancies has revealed the huge impact of the stamp duty hike, announced by the Chancellor late last year and due to come into force as of 1st April, on the buy-to-let market.

Surrenden Invest, based in the capital, has released new figures which show that in the past 3 months, since the Autumn Statement, new enquiries into their current investment projects have grown an impressive 50%.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, explains more,

“As soon as the news broke from the Autumn Statement our consultants received a greater volume of enquiries, the phones were literally ringing off the hook! Since then, there has been a significantly heightened level of demand from clients looking to push their purchase through by 1st April or commit to purchasing good quality stock before the revised stamp duty rates kick in.”

The new legislation introduced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in November is set to come into play from 1st April this year and will see an additional 3% added to the amount of stamp duty those buying a second property will have to pay. There have been murmurings in the industry that the impact of the changes will long-term be a negative one and that despite a potential boom-time now, the number of people purchasing for buy-to-let reasons from April onwards will drop off dramatically from pre-announcement levels.

This is not, however, a view shared by Jonathan Stephens who says,

“It is certainly all about buying at the moment, although I don’t think people should worry about any suspected negative impact of the new legislation on the market, post-April. Compared to the majority of international real estate markets, closing costs in the UK will still remain comparatively low – some overseas buyers are used to paying up to 15% to close a deal back home. UK buy-to-let looks likely to continue to be an attractive asset for those seeking a savvy investment and we believe that residential property will remain the UK’s most profitable asset class long after April 2016.”

Surrenden Invest focuses on high yielding buy-to-let properties, considering the very best investment opportunities in the UK, and currently offering projects in London, Manchester and Liverpool. One such project that is currently gaining increased attention from buyers is Royal Victoria Residence.

Located just minutes from the planned Custom House Crossrail station, the superior one, two and three bedroom apartments, due for completion Q4 2017, will benefit from premium amenities, including a 24-hour concierge service.

Curved balconies, views of the Thames and Canary Wharf and sleek interiors are bound to prove popular with the demands of modern tenants and, this combined with the projected 40% growth in the area by 2020 due to the Crossrail effect, makes Royal Victoria Residence one of London’s key riverside investment opportunities. Prices range from £390,186 to £854,459.

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