What Students Want: High-speed internet, inclusive bills and double beds

What Students Want: High-speed internet, inclusive bills and double beds

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Student top priorities revealed as fast internet, inclusive bills and double beds (Glide Utilities)
  • The continued ‘flight to quality’ is set to continue (Savills)
  • Collegiate AC provides all of aspects highlighted by report and undertake own tenant surveys

Mel Gibson’s classic film ‘What Women Want’ famously shone a light on the supposed truth of the inner thoughts and needs of the female of species, purportedly revealing their secret ‘wants’ and allowing men to learn some very enlightening aspects about the feminine psyche. Now, in a similar guise, the ‘What Students Seek’ report by Glide Utilities has revealed the hitherto unknown aspects that are key to modern students’ property needs.

The 2015 survey has revealed that the top priority by far for this year’s students is fast internet, with 83% of those asked placing this form of technological communication and online research tool above all other important aspects. Next in line was inclusive bills, with almost three-quarters, or 74%, of respondents saying that this was something they specifically looked for when choosing their accommodation, rating it as either ‘essential’ or ‘important’, revealing that today’s students like to know where they stand up-front with their student property, and in turn their finances.

The survey also showed that 61% required their rooms to have double beds and 59% needed their property to offer big, functional communal rooms, something that is often thought of as lacking in the stereotypically cramped student flats of old.

As the leading provider of luxury students properties in the UK, Collegiate AC pride themselves on knowing precisely what students seek, also undertaking regular surveys of their tenants to determine their priorities. Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains more,

“The demands of today’s student is very different even to, say, a student of five years ago and keeping abreast of these evolving demands is key to providing the very best student accommodation. At Collegiate AC, we provide all of the aspects highlighted in the new ‘What Students Seek’ report, with our inclusive billing covering super-fast broadband and Wi-Fi in every room, fabulously comfy double beds, and a variety of common rooms, reading rooms and work rooms to provide our residents with the spaces they need to live and study in comfort.”

The ‘What Students Seek’ survey also found that respondents are looking for their property to have a top location (55%) and good transportation links (31%). Again, Collegiate AC opt for properties that are close to the city centre, so that residents can enjoy easy access to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and other facilities, also ensuring that they are well-located for access to university campuses, giving residents the convenience of having everything they need on their doorstep.

James Villarreal, CEO at Glide Utilities explains that the results of the ‘What Students Seek’ report provide an insight into the wider context of evolving student demands,

“The secret to gaining student appeal in 2015 is definitely ‘more is more’. While the majority of students are satisfied with their accommodation, we can’t ignore the fact that this figure is gradually falling. This isn’t because conditions are slipping, necessarily, but that student expectations are rising.”

These increasing expectations of the modern student reveal that university accommodation today is not just seen as a place merely to lay your head, with this also being highlighted by the newly released Savills Spotlight report on ‘UK Student Housing’ 2015. The report confirms that,

“The introduction of higher fees appears to have continued to drive a flight to quality… The attractiveness of universities in terms of the quality of the education they provide, their value for money, employment prospects and even the student lifestyle offered by the town or city will continue to play an important role in where prospective students choose to go…. We expect the ‘flight to quality’ to continue with higher ranking institutions benefiting most.”

As Savills indicates, the importance of additional aspects and facilities to enhance both study success and lifestyle experience are key, something which Collegiate AC is at the forefront of, through providing a wide range of student accommodation of the very highest standard in some of the UK’s very best university cities.

All properties are thoughtfully-designed and beautifully attired to meet the needs of the discerning modern student. Incorporating features such as on-site gyms, private cinemas, study spaces and luxury lounges, as well as concierge services, 24-hour security and even airport transfers, Collegiate AC properties are luxurious and hugely desirable.

Cuanalo concludes, “We work hard to make sure that our accommodation is perfectly suited to students’ needs to ensure that we get it spot on, every time. This is something that is at the very centre of our ethos to provide ‘Student living. Just better’. We know what students want.”

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

Potty about Pools

Potty about Pools

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Swimming burns anywhere from 500-650 calories per hour (medicinenet.com)
  • Regular swimming can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke as well as boosting mood and keeping weight under control (NHS)
  • 1 in 4 homes for sale through Barton Wyatt boast swimming pools (Barton Wyatt)

“Open water swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK which is why now is the perfect time to consider buying a house with a swimming pool.”

Says James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the leading prime estate agent in Virginia Water, Surrey.

“It seems to me that ever since David Walliams swam the length of the River Thames people have taken to swimming like ducks to water and it’s become a trendy way to keep fit” James continues. “Testament to our love of swimming here in Surrey, you can’t move at the weekends without bumping into a triathlon – particularly in the summer months!”

Although the name Virginia Water might suggest utopia for the avid swimmer, the man-made lake cannot itself be used for swimming leaving those more at home in the water looking for an alternative. For many this means purchasing a home complete with onsite swimming pool.

According to Barton Wyatt the number of houses coming onto the market in Virginia Water in 2015 with swimming pools has nearly doubled– with currently 1 in 4 homes for sale having either indoor or outdoor pools.

Swimming is unquestionably one of the finest ways to keep fit.  Few, if any other, sports works as many muscle groups at the same time giving swimmers a total body workout every time they get in the pool.  Swimming reduces the risk of illness, it keeps your body trim and is very low impact making it ideal for those of all ages.

James Wyatt, an avid swimmer himself, goes onto say:

“Swimming pools are one of those enigmas when it comes to selling houses.  Buyers know that they can be hard work to look after but the lure of a pool in your back garden is often a clincher. The family turns up to view a property and once the children have seen the pool it’s almost impossible for them not to want it.”

So for those ready to take the plunge, here’s a selection of the finest homes available through Barton Wyatt with swimming pools:

Winbar, South Ascot                                                                                      £2,600,000

Entrance hall, Cloakroom, Dining room, Drawing room, Study, Utility, Conservatory, Five bedrooms (three en-suite) Family bathroom, Garage with separate guest/staff flat with living room/bedroom six and bathroom, Large outdoor area with swimming pool, BBQ, Jacuzzi, Kitchen, Large tiled terraced entertainment area and pool house, Gardens of 0.62 of an acre, Approximately 4,000 sq ft.

Roundbarrow House, Sunningdale                                                          £3,950,000

Seven bedrooms, Five bath/shower rooms, Second floor sitting room, Drawing room, Dining room, Sitting room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Games room, Basement plant room, Large two bay garage with one bedroom staff flat over, Swimming pool beautiful gardens amounting to approximately one acre in all.

The Ridge, Wentworth, Surrey                                                                  £8,750,000

Six bedrooms with en-suite bath/shower rooms, four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, entertainment room, cinema, staff kitchen/utility room, gymnasium/games room with adjoining shower room, double garage, outdoor swimming pool, gardens of approximately 1.1 acres facing south to the rear. A stunning Georgian style family home beautifully presented with high ceilings and large windows. The property is situated in the very heart of the Wentworth Estate backing onto the Executive Course and set in delightfully secluded gardens of approximately 1.5 acres with an outdoor swimming pool.

Broomfield House, Windlesham                                                              £4,350,000

Five bedrooms (three bedrooms with en-suite facilities, master with en-suite dressing room and bathroom) family bathroom, reception hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, family room, study, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, two cloakrooms, indoor swimming pool complex, triple garage with one bedroom staff flat above, tennis court, secluded landscaped gardens and grounds of approximately 1.68 acres.

For more details on these lavish homes with swimming pools contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Want to add value to your property? Be sure to keep a metro map handy!

Want to add value to your property? Be sure to keep a metro map handy!

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Proximity to tram stop increases home value by 4.6% (Nationwide)
  • Manchester Metrolink area house sales up 15% in 2014 (JMW Solicitors)
  • Contemporary apartments 150m from tram stop for just £127,000 (Property Frontiers)

It’s official – Manchester property owners are mad about the Metrolink. In fact, data from Nationwide has revealed that buyers in the city are prepared to pay 4.6% more on average for a home that is within 500 meters of a tram stop. This equates to a tram stop adding £8,300 to the value of a typical home.

Smart investments

The finding is great news for buy-to-let property investors savvy enough to do their homework on the location of the property that they are buying. Custom Quay, in the Salford Quays area of Greater Manchester, is a perfect example. The property is just 150 metres from the nearest tram stop, meaning that central Manchester is accessible in just 15 minutes. Such a quick connection adds instant appeal to a rental property, attracting commuters who want to live outside of the city centre but who need easy access to it for work.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers, comments,

“Having a Metrolink so close to a property is excellent news all round. For the investor, it makes their property a more valuable asset. It also means that demand from potential tenants is likely to be higher and that the property can command a higher yield as a result. It also makes properties easier to sell, should investors wish to do so.”

This is certainly the case in Manchester, where house sales in the Metrolink region rose by an average of 15% in 2014. In some regions, sales even doubled, according to law firm JMW Solicitors LLP. The company’s Andrew Garvie, head of Private Client, observes,

“It makes the home more attractive and easier to sell, coupled with sustainable house prices.”

Metrolink Madness

Metrolink, which in 2013/14 transported some 29.2 million passengers along its seven lines according to the Department for Transport, was the UK’s first modern, street-running rail system, having opened in 1992. Today, it is an essential component of Greater Manchester’s transportation network, with three new lines having opened in 2014. Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee, comments,

“With three new tram lines opening in 2014, Metrolink is now connecting more people with more places than ever before – making it easy to get to employment and leisure opportunities across Greater Manchester.

“Metrolink offers excellent, direct links to the city and further afield, making the areas it passes through popular with homebuyers.”

Many of those buyers are purchasing their property not to live in it but as an investment and the Metrolink effect is an important consideration for those who want to maximise profits, such as buyers at Custom Quay, where a selection of one and two bedroom duplex apartments are available from £127,000. With plans in place for a further line to be added by 2019, which would bring the Trafford Centre into the network, it looks like the Metrolink’s impact on everything from yields to property value is here to stay.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

From the swinging 60’s to the present day: Celebrating 50 years of Barton Wyatt

From the swinging 60’s to the present day: Celebrating 50 years of Barton Wyatt

by Kate United Kingdom
  • 2015 sees Virginia Water’s leading estate agency turn 50
  • Average GU25 house price leaps from £10,000, in 1965 to £1,083,175in 2015
  • Property prices increased nearly 11,000% between 1965 and 2015.

Fifty years ago, in 1965, specialist estate agency Barton Wyatt first opened their doors to the public in Virginia Water. It was the start of a business venture that was to span five decades, helping thousands to find the home of their dreams in leafy, peaceful Surrey.

James Wyatt, Partner of this highly respected and multi award-winning Virginia Water business coincidentally also celebrates his 50th birthday this year, having been just a babe in arms when the business started trading from the High Street in Virginia Water in the peak of the swinging sixties.

The private estate in Virginia Water – well known as Wentworth was already starting to attract celebrities who liked the idea of having an out-of-town address for the weekends.  At that time, Diana Dors was often spotted cruising around Wentworth in her open-top azure blue Rolls with pimped-out white leather interior.

James Wyatt remembers,

“Wentworth has always been rather well-known for its lavish parties.  In the 60’s the growing celeb crowd wanted to make their mark and where better than hosting a ‘do’ in your Surrey pad a short drive from Carnaby Street!  Babycham and Vermouth were being liberally mixed with fashionable substances such as mescaline and LSD as the swinging 60’s melded into the 70’s and our village became recognised as a magnet for A-listers.”

In the 70’s the gaggle of notorious Wentworth celebs expanded.  Diana Dors was joined by chart topping musicians – a couple of Bee Gees, Elton John  and singer Chris Squire from Yes.

The other big-name celeb who James Wyatt remembers arriving in the 70s was England’s much loved Sir Bruce Forsythe, who still enjoys his property on the estate today.

During the 80’s the celebs moved on and city gents and international businessmen and women moved in. Today we like to think of the estate as demure and private, with a sedate pace of life. What happens behind huge imposing gates, stays behind the gates, where families enjoy privacy and tranquility in this beautiful part of Surrey.

Back in 1965, Barton Wyatt quickly established itself as the local, loyal and trustworthy estate agency and those qualities are as much present today as they were 50 years ago.  The great work that Wyatt Senior put into building this immense agency has been taken even further forward by his charming sons, James and Rupert.

Rupert Wyatt comments,

“I was born with estate agency coursing through my veins.  From the early years James and I were involved in the business.  Starting with good old fashioned leaflet dropping, which was so popular in the 80’s – not much fun on an estate where each house has a ridiculously long drive – thank goodness for my Raleigh chopper!”

The changes in running an estate agency over 50 years are remarkable, although the foundations that make a good estate agency haven’t altered as James explains,

“People buy from people; my father was a stickler for manners and keeping promises.  This is in our genes and I hope my children will be true to these Wyatt values.  The other thing that hasn’t changed is the increase in property prices.  Apart from the odd little blip, prices have continued to soar here for 50 years.”

While sticking with traditional values, Barton Wyatt is also embracing the contemporary touches that have enabled the company to thrive as the information age progresses. This year sees the implementation of a giant touch screen window display.  Gone are the days of static printed property details – the next generation screen really makes the office ‘open all hours.’  Viewing property details, making an enquiry and asking for advice are at the tips of customers’ fingers, 24/7.

Estate agency brochures are also blending the old with the new. Customers love them but they have evolved from simple paper prints to glossy, high quality publications. On occasion for particularly luxurious properties, Barton Wyatt even includes a watchable video within the brochure.

Of course, the style of houses has changed considerably over the years, with older style Tarrant properties slowly being replaced by Russianesque mansions and neo-Georgian piles, many with deep underground living areas to maximise house size.

The facilities at the prestigious Wentworth Club have also scaled up over the years – in 1965 there were two 18 hole courses, a handful of tennis courts and an outside swimming pool.  Today there are three 18 hole courses, 13 beautiful tennis courts and a wonderful indoor pool and spa with multi gym.  Even the coffee has (thankfully) improved with age – goodbye jar of instant, hello luxury ground coffee.

For more details on Barton Wyatt’s 50th year please contact them on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

New Northern Powerhouse Minister set to take on the South

New Northern Powerhouse Minister set to take on the South

by Kate United Kingdom
  • James Wharton becomes first Northern Powerhouse Minister
  • PM David Cameron heads North for first post-election visit
  • Salford Quays tourism revenue up to £544 million annually (STEAM)

Stockton South MP James Wharton has become the first Northern Powerhouse Minister under the new Conservative government. Under his leadership, the cities of the north are expected to unite to take on the South and redress the economic imbalance of the North-South divide.

MPs in London have been looking up at the North of England for some time, conscious of the importance of the area’s manufacturing, scientific and technology sectors. Manchester has become something of a favourite for speeches by ministers and is seen by many as the capital of the North. Leading companies have ditched London in favour of areas like Salford. Stockton-on-Tees was the setting for Prime Minister David Cameron’s first post-election visit.

The Northern Powerhouse concept was one first coined by Chancellor George Osborne. In simple terms, the idea is for the North of England to present a united front, harnessing its industrial might to take on the established powerhouse of the South-East. Businesses are certainly aware of the North’s potential and even some of the country’s peers are taking up the cause, with Labour peer Andrew Adonis suggesting relocating the House of Lords to Salford Quays.

Salford is certainly enjoying its position in the spotlight. Recently release figures have highlighted the area’s tourism credentials, with a £24 million boost in tourism revenue recorded by the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) in 2013, pushing the total year figure up to £544 million. The increase generated some 184 new fulltime equivalent jobs over the course of the year, according to the STEAM data.

Leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers have been aware of Salford’s potential for some time. Chief Executive Ray Withers comments,

“Salford is one of the most exciting housing markets in the UK right now. A steady stream of high profile companies moving into the area has brought with it an influx of young professionals looking for high quality apartments with a touch of luxury. Added to that is the influence of the Lowry Theatre, which has been Greater Manchester’s top tourist attraction for a number of years.

“Salford Quays has a real energy to it these days. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and yet retains the elegance of lifestyle that only waterfront living can provide.”

Property Frontiers is delighted to be able to offer investors their own part of Salford Quays for as little as £127,000 for a duplex. The Custom Quay development will consist of 60 one and two bedroom apartments and duplexes in an iconic waterfront building, with yields of 8.4% and full management option available. Stylish, light-filled space is at the heart of the design, which is in perfect tune with the area’s current renaissance as one of the most influential parts of the Northern Powerhouse.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Concierge service, airport transfers, room cleaning service… 5 star hotel? No, this is today’s Collegiate student accommodation

Concierge service, airport transfers, room cleaning service… 5 star hotel? No, this is today’s Collegiate student accommodation

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Hotel-esque services, such as concierge and airport transfers, part of new student accommodation offering
  • Hotel industry concierge recruitment up 25% in Q4 2014 (Caterer.com)
  • Collegiate AC provide hotel-style lobbies, club lounges and concierge in luxurious UK student properties

The door-to-door service of a private airport transfer and a 24-hour on-demand concierge provision, ready to serve each and any whim, are usually the luxurious extras associated with the world’s very best 5 star hotels. Yet these are the very services, alongside many other additional luxury facilities, which are being offered in today’s new student accommodation.

A far cry from the student properties of old, where dilapidated, cramped conditions often came as standard, this very modern take on student ‘digs’ provides a much-needed evolution to the market, putting first-class living to the absolute fore of design and innovation in this growing sector.

Leading provider of luxury student property, Collegiate AC, whose message is ‘Student living. Just better’, has launched a range of standout university accommodation options around the UK that turn the notion of what constitutes a student property on its head, paving the way for luxurious student living.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains more,

“Student life can be stressful, pressured, busy and adjusting to a life away from the family home, which for many is also a move overseas, is often not an easy transition. In answer to this, a student property should not only provide a comfortable and safe living environment, today it can also provide a home with a sense of community that is unique and luxurious, with a focus on lifestyle, making student living fun, exciting and a reflection of ambitions. It is through our additional extras that we add a wow to the university experience.”

This new high end student accommodation is being launched in line with a growing demand in the wider world towards greater luxury. Increasing numbers of HNWIs are making the UK their home, with London at the centre of this growth in a moneyed population who demand more from their bricks and mortar.

It is for this reason that the concierge industry is booming, with IBISWorld’s Business Concierge Services market research report predicting that the contribution of the sector to the economy will grow at an average rate of 4.2% annually to 2019. In line with this, concierge recruitment in the hotel industry is also increasing by an impressive extent, with the Caterer.com Quarterly Hospitality Employment Index showing a 25% growth in such recruitment in Q4 2014, compared to the same period the previous year.

The demands of modern urban life are unavoidable: smart phones flash at every turn with an incoming communication, notifications appear from social media activity begging for unerring attention, time is undoubtedly at a premium, and this is especially true for university students. This is where the use of an on-site concierge, a service offered in many of Collegiate AC’s properties, is hugely valuable, ensuring that some of the stress is taken out of student life. From top restaurant bookings to the best places to visit and help to source valuable resources and the hottest tickets in town, this service, usually the domain of the finest hotels, is now the mainstay of the finest student accommodation too.

And a 24-hour concierge service is not the only luxury being offered in today’s new Collegiate AC breed of student property. Hotel-style lobbies are standard, cleaning services are a highly popular option, free high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi are a given, 50 channels are viewable via digital TV, and a Club Lounge, an ultra-luxurious feature, provides the feel of an exclusive private members’ club.

Meeting the expectations of the Millennials, who are at the centre of this modern way of living, such luxurious hotel-style features make it easy to forget that you are in a student property once you step through the door of these hospitality-led living environments.

Fusion Tower in Bristol, for example, offer the services of an onsite, round-the-clock concierge and management team, that can even take delivery of groceries and place them in refrigeration for busy students, as well as the security and electronic access usually found in a top hotel. The luxury Club Lounge is an expertly tailored social space that is second to none, modern and sleek, with a design-led feel.

With Collegiate AC properties also offering the option of airport transfers, perfect for those students arriving from overseas, as well an optional cleaning service, akin to the traditional maid service of a 5 star hotel, individual properties have their very own special luxurious facilities.

Saxon Court Apartments, Reading’s premier student accommodation, boasts a range of high-specification studio apartments, complete with 32″ flat screen TVs, and benefits from 24-hour on-call support. 333 Bath Street in Glasgow, meanwhile, offers luxurious touches such as an exclusive private dining room, enabling students to host their friends in style, and a private gym with the very latest fitness equipment.

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

Magna Carta celebrations to be held on the historic meadows of Runnymede

Magna Carta celebrations to be held on the historic meadows of Runnymede

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Magna Carta 800th year celebrations to be held on 15th June
  • Runnymede, Surrey marks the spot where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215
  • Barton Wyatt reflects on this historical significance of Surrey

It is hard to picture England in 1215.  Knights in armour, poverty, castles and mud dwellings all spring to mind but one spot that has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries is ‘the meadow which is called Runnymede, between Windsor and Staines.’  These words are lifted straight from the infamous charter – the Magna Carta.

Runnymede came close to having major development undertaken in 1929 but thankfully the application was denied and the meadows remain intact for all to enjoy today.  Now the property of The National Trust, it is in safe hands and will remain as such ad infinitum.

Monday 15th June marks the 800th year since the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede with an official ceremony and some 4,500 guests attending. Tickets for the event sold out a long time ago as local resident James Wyatt, owner of prime Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt, comments,

“It was extraordinary, these tickets sold like hotcakes. Before we had a chance to consider purchasing a number the Americans had got in there and bought the lot!  Half the tickets have gone to our friends over the Pond!”

The official celebrations will also be shown on big screens a short distance away, so those keen to be a part of this extraordinary historical event can still participate.

The afternoon of 15 June will be an informal family picnic affair, which many members of the local community attending.  Boat rides will be running after 2pm across the river to Ankerwycke, just as the emissaries from the Royal Camp attacked back and forth to the Barons Camp 800 years ago.  Here visitors will be able to visit contemporary British artist Hew Locke’s new Magna Carta Memorial.

On the weekend leading up to this important event a grand Pageant is being organised on the River Thames.  This fabulous flotilla of boats is to be led by Gloriana, the Queen’s Row Barge.  The boats will assemble on the River Thames and make its way from near the Thameside village of Hurley to Runnymede. This stretch of the River Thames provides plenty of viewing opportunities for the pageant, including Boveney Lock, Eton Dorney, Windsor Bridge and Windsor Great Park.

Many will also be keen to get a glimpse of a new statue of HRH Queen Elizabeth II which is being erected to mark the significance of this event. The 4m bronze sculpture will be situated beside the River Thames at Runnymede and shows the Queen dressed in full ceremonial attire of the Order of the Garter. The unveiling of the statue will coincide with a wonderful Thames River Pageant.

Wyatt says:

“I feel sure this is why so many international guests are coming to the ceremony.  We Brits seriously know how to put on a show and I imagine that this will be one that King John would have been very impressed with!”

The Magna Carta and its significance has been cited by world leaders such as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. It is one of the safeguards of freedom and is as important today as it was in 1215. It formed the modern-day legal system and has extremely powerful chapters on preventing imprisonment without trial and guaranteeing justice.

For residents of Surrey it is a time to reflect on the importance of the area in which they live. James Wyatt considers:

“It is very easy in our busy lives to forget our history and live just for today.  I feel incredibly privileged to live and work in an area that is immersed in so much history, whether I’m driving to the ancient village of Thorpe which features in the Domesday Book, or walking with my children through Windsor Great Park, which was once part of a vast Norman hunting forest, or indeed meeting a client for lunch in Great Fosters, one of Henry VIII’s lodges, we are surrounded by history.

“Many of our clients are from overseas and are attracted to North Surrey because of its superb transport links, choice of international schools and the fact there is already an enclave of other overseas residents living in harmony. They don’t come here for history and the Magna Carta but boy are they blown away when they realise where they have actually moved to!”

For more details on property in the historic Runnymede area contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

ABPM marks 10th anniversary with appointment by Quintain

ABPM marks 10th anniversary with appointment by Quintain

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Leading property public relations agency appointed to represent residential offering at Wembley Park
  • Central London based ABPM undertaking Public Relations and Social Media activities

 Leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd is delighted to be marking the company’s 10th anniversary with an appointment by London-based property investment and development company, Quintain.

Central London based ABPM will represent the auspicious developer’s residential offering, North West Village, in a Public Relations and Social Media capacity.

Located in the heart of Wembley Park, North West Village is a brand new development of high quality new homes, private gardens, parks & outstanding facilities and a cornerstone of Quintain’s impressive masterplan.

Already a huge success, the luxury apartments of the current phase, Emerald Gardens, are 90% sold with the next exciting phase due to be launched later this year.

Due to their superb location in North West London, quality design and finish, not to mention onsite facilities, the apartments of North West Village hold broad appeal with young professional renters as well as first time buyers, second steppers, investors and overseas buyers looking for an affordable London pied-a-terre. Available units start at £366,000.

MD of AB Property Marketing Ltd and Wembley born and bred, Charlotte Ashton, comments on the appointment,

“I am absolutely thrilled by this appointment by Quintain. Not only does it mark a major milestone for ABPM but is also very rewarding for me personally to be involved in promoting the area in which I was born and grew up.

“The changes at Wembley Park over the last 10 years are incredible; the investment in new facilities and infrastructure modernisation is impressive yet the warm Wembley community feeling I remember as a child still remains.”

For journalists interested in finding out more about the changing face of Wembley Park and the residential offering at North West Village, ABPM is able to arrange exclusive on-site visits including the new show apartments, supply expert market commentary, case studies, high resolution imagery and share the very latest property specifications, availability and pricing.

Charlotte and the ABPM team can be contacted for any of the above information on charlotte@abpropertymarketing.co.uk or +44 845 054 7524.

New Urban Settlers flock to Manchester’s private rented sector

New Urban Settlers flock to Manchester’s private rented sector

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Nurbs drive demand for luxury apartments in Manchester (Property Frontiers)
  • Economy driving strong growth in number of renters (Experian)
  • Manchester’s population up 19% (Census data)

For several decades, English cities enjoyed a pattern of incoming young professionals renting property, moving up the career ladder and then buying a home of their own. However, a woeful lack of housing, mortgages that are increasingly hard to obtain and rising prices have caused the pattern to change. Now, these New Urban Settlers move to the city, rent a property, climb the career ladder… then rent steadily more luxurious properties. For many, buying is simply out of the question.

“With money harder to borrow, larger deposits required, a lack of affordable housing and the impact of the economic downturn, one of the biggest changes we have seen is a strong growth in the number of people renting,” comments Richard Jenkings, senior consultant at Experian Marketing Services.

Experian’s research has shown the rise of these New Urban Settlers, known as Nurbs. They are up-and-coming professionals who demand high end accommodation in good locations. In the South, they flock to the Home Counties, while in the North they head to Manchester. Indeed, Manchester has enjoyed a 19% increase in population over the past ten years and Nurbs are leading the field.

Manchester’s Nurbs are driving demand for luxury apartments in the city, explains Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers,

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in those classed as New Urban Settlers in Manchester in recent years. The career opportunities in places like Salford Quays are particularly attractive to them and the waterside living that the area boasts is a textbook example of the kind of accommodation that the Nurbs are looking for. Convenient location, high quality interior and excellent local amenities are all essential for the modern professional’s rented accommodation. Priced out of the market, they take the view that if they are going to have to rent, they may as well demand the best.”

The Custom Quay development in Salford Quays is certainly that. The 60 one and two bed apartments and duplexes benefit from a communal roof garden with superb views over the quays, private gated car park and landscaped courtyard. Properties are available from just £127,000 for a duplex, with yields of 8.4% and full management option available.

As well as being a thriving area in its own right, packed with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, Salford Quays is just 15 minutes by train from central Manchester, making it the ideal location for New Urban Settlers looking for high quality living within easy reach of the city centre. Salford Quays itself is booming, meaning that residents can enjoy the area’s prosperity and the career opportunities that such economic advancement generates. Meanwhile investors can sit back and enjoy the buy-to-let property ownership opportunities that the Nurbs are generating for them.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Study Secrets: New luxury student accommodation provides the answer

Study Secrets: New luxury student accommodation provides the answer

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Just 43% of students living in private halls feel property provides facilities that allow for effective course engagement (NUS)
  • Private sector lacking additional facilities to allow for this – Collegiate AC provides answer with facilities such as common rooms, group study areas and luxury lounges
  • Top 5 Revision Tips from Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

With exam season looming ever-nearer on the horizon and students staring down the barrel of end of year assessments, there is one thing laying heavy on students’ minds right now – revision. The age-old approach of staying up into the small hours, surrounded by text books crammed onto a tiny desk, in the solitude of a small run-down bedroom may have been the mainstay of university revision as long as memory serves, but things are changing.

In line with the evolving demands of students, those paying out for an increasingly expensive university education today expect more from their study experience and this is being reflected in their accommodation requirements. The most recent ‘Homes fit for study’ research report released by the National Union of Students (NUS), has shown that increasingly students are looking for their accommodation to provide them with an environment that is a good place to study, as opposed to somewhere simply to lay their head, with around three quarters currently saying their student property offers this.

However, when looking at the figures of those who feel their accommodation offers something extra, those that think it supports them to engage effectively with their course, of utmost importance in the face of upcoming end of year exams, the figures are quite different. Just 43% of those living in private halls, and 54% of students in institution-managed halls, feel their property provides facilities that allow for effective course engagement.

The discrepancy between the two types of accommodation offering could be said to stem from the fact that, traditionally, university halls provide a more communal feel, something that is usually lacking in the private sector, meaning that shared study experiences and group revision sessions are easier when residing in university-owned or campus accommodation.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, a leading provider of luxury student accommodation, explains that this notion plays 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. Yet it is sadly hard to find in the private rented sector, with only 60% of such students feeling their home environment provided this, according to the National Union of Students.

“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 a 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 provides some of the very best student accommodation across the UK, with a range of accommodation options available, all beautifully-designed and boasting top class additional facilities to support university study and student life. These include luxury lounges, on-site gyms, private cinemas, games rooms, study rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, alongside modern bedrooms and sleek kitchens and CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems to provide peace of mind.

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