Tee Time on Wentworth but will it be a Chai latte rather than Earl Grey?

Tee Time on Wentworth but will it be a Chai latte rather than Earl Grey?

by Viv United Kingdom
  • PGA European tour returns to Wentworth, Virginia Water, Surrey 21 – 24 May
  • Wentworth’s new Chinese owners captain the helm for first time in 2015
  • Asian duck and noodle salad hits the menu at Wentworth

May 21st – 24th 2015 will see the 86th PGA tour swing into action at Wentworth, Surrey. Owned by infamous restaurateur Richard Caring until last year, Wentworth now has new masters in the Chinese-based Reignwood Group, who thus far have made little change to this long established country club.

Visitors will flock in their thousands to the beautifully groomed fairways to watch the crème de la crème play golf this May. Wentworth is reputedly one of the most exciting courses in the UK and for keen golfing voyeurs the ticket price of just £36 is great value for a day out – particularly for a family as under 16’s enter for free.

Golfers at Wentworth are treading in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest players of all time – legends such as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Steve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods. Last year’s champion golfer, Rory McIlroy, will be hoping to retain his title as the golfing greats battle for victory over three days of intense play later this month.

The European Tour’s flagship event once upon a time rotated on several of Britain’s finest courses, Wentworth being among them, but in 1984 it returned to the West Course at Wentworth and never left.

Local resident and businessman, James Wyatt, runs prime estate agency Barton Wyatt, on the picturesque shopping parade in Virginia Water, which abuts Wentworth. James describes the buzz that comes with PGA week:

“I’ve lived in Virginia Water for almost 50 years and never tire of the sporting season. The PGA Tour is a highlight for us locals, it adds drama and glamour to our village and creates a fantastic atmosphere as hordes of golf fans descend upon the area.

“Wentworth is quite unique and must be seen to be believed.  The tree-lined fairways twist and turn around vast rhododendron displays and behind these you get the occasional glimpse of staggeringly large homes. The houses that have access directly onto the course are highly sought after and command eye watering price tags.”

There are several palatial mansions being built on the course at the moment and visitors will be sure to gasp at the enormity of some of the homes that are currently under construction.

Wyatt continues,

“We’re expecting to have a couple of homes sold at the £25-30 million mark this year but whether they actually ever reach the open market remains to be seen. These types of houses will almost definitely be sold in a highly discreet, off-market fashion.”

When asked about the likelihood of Chinese property buyers James explains,

“I would be surprised for a pad that size. These monster mansions tend to attract Russian and Middle Eastern buyers looking for an impressive way to display their wealth. The Chinese buyers that we have worked with over the years tend to opt for more subtle homes – smaller English style homes.

“We’ve been waiting for an influx of Chinese buyers after the purchase of Wentworth by Reignwood, and indeed we saw quite a few enquiries soon after the transaction, but not many have actually bought.” He laughs: “But I did notice that Asian duck and noodle salad has hit the menu in the club house – which is marvellous as I love Chinese food!”

For more information on the PGA event or homes in the area contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

by Kate Italy Portugal Spain United Kingdom , , ,
  • Balance elegance with warmth for perfect appeal (Barton Wyatt)
  • Opt for clean, neutral shades with bright splashes of accent colours (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Remember the simple touches that make a room complete (Taylor Wimpey España)

Home staging is a skilled art. Done poorly, it can put off prospective purchasers the moment the front door is opened. Done well, it can be the deciding factor that inspires buyers to commit to a property purchase on the spot.

In fact, home staging in the right hands can be award-winningly good, as demonstrated by Alexander James, who are famed for dressing (amongst others) the stunning new Silverwood residence on the main island of the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. On the market at £4.6 million through Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a cinema room and a games room. James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Dressing a property as impressive as Silverwood takes real flair, which is why we were delighted to work with Alexander James. The company is able to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and homely warmth that makes such grand properties so attractive to those viewing them. It is a balance that is key when it comes to home staging at this level – prospective buyers have to be able to imagine themselves at home the moment they step over the threshold.”

Clean, neutral shades, with splashes of brighter accent colours here and there, are a great way to appeal to the majority of buyers, advises Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal.

“It’s not just new builds that can benefit from home staging,” he explains. “Those looking to sell their homes can use a few simple tricks, like swapping out hectic patterns for fresh, white linens, to add instant appeal to any room. The key is to think like someone viewing the property for the first time – what is the eye immediately drawn to? Is the place clean? Is it tidy?”

Many of those buying through Ideal Homes Portugal are looking for a second home and won’t necessarily be bringing their own furniture, the way one would when moving into a main residence. The company offers furniture packs that provide all of the essentials, from beds to paintings and mirrors for the walls. Colin and Moira Hutchinson, who bought a two bedroom apartment with shared pool on the lovely O Pomar development in the town of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve, offered purchasing furniture well in advance as their top tip to those buying second homes overseas.

For new build homes overseas, home staging is an incredibly important marketing tool. The majority of buyers will inspect a property online before travelling out to their second home country of choice to view it, so having a well staged home to post details of online is the perfect way to reach out to potential buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The key to home staging for high end holiday properties is to provide not just the main furniture items, but also the right amount of finishing touches. A simple bowl of fruit or bunch of flowers can make a room feel complete when placed correctly and can help those looking at images online to picture themselves relaxing in the property. Décor must be tasteful and stylish, with a contemporary edge that exudes comfort and relaxation.”

Over in Italy, home staging takes on a new dimension for luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata. Owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

“With fractional ownership properties, home staging has to appeal to prospective owners at the same time as perfectly meeting the needs of current owners. It’s a delicate balance but one that can lead to a truly fantastic home for all concerned.”

The approach includes furnishing the Appassionata properties with a unique selection of antiques, hand-chosen restored items and other pieces that fit with the style of each individual property. For Dawn’s creative nature, one of the delights of fractional ownership is the ability to re-stage slightly in between each owner’s arrival – an act that is often well received. Owner Chris Everard comments,

“The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby’s cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness.”

From luxury new builds in the UK to ancient restorations in the rolling hills of central Italy, the value of home staging cannot be underestimated.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

Design-led student accommodation breathes new life into UK university cityscapes

Design-led student accommodation breathes new life into UK university cityscapes

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Student accommodation sector now worth in excess of £20bn (AMA Research)
  • Collegiate AC’s Gateway Apartments in Edinburgh win RICS Residential Award 2014
  • Gateway Apartments are ‘a stark contrast from the site’s former use’ through juxtaposition of old and new architecture (Susan Stephen Architects)

For the majority of people, the term ‘student housing’ will conjure images of damp, overcrowded buildings in a less than picturesque setting. However, in recent years this infamous vision of student ‘digs’ of old has been gradually abandoned as luxury new build, design-led accommodation has caused the evolution of the student housing market, making choosing a property a lifestyle choice for both current and prospective students.

Modern, innovative buildings with all the latest technologies and trends built in as standard are now an almost irresistible option and as the student accommodation landscape expands and transforms, so too does the university cityscape to allow for this 21st century experience.

The most recent ‘Higher Education and Student Accommodation Construction Sector Report – UK 2014-2018’ from AMA Research, highlights that the student accommodation sector is now worth in excess of £20bn. With investment in the sector continuing to expand and develop, the report focuses on purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) and the shifting imbalance between supply and demand figures.

New properties are being erected throughout the UK as a reactive solution to this exacerbating problem, however, not only is there increasing demand for readily available accommodation, there is also demand for that accommodation to fit within the emerging student lifestyle that requires a more design-led approach.

Unique external facades of more recent student accommodation are modernising university city landscapes, whilst ensuring that the properties blend cohesively amidst their often traditional locations. This could be seen to be a microcosm of the new student lifestyle, with the contemporary take on university life having not totally abandoned the established conventions of its roots.

A company at the forefront of innovative design for luxury student properties is Collegiate AC. Their newest edition to the Edinburgh skyline, Gateway Apartments, was the winner of the prestigious RICS Scotland Residential Award in 2014, a showcase of the most inspirational regional developments in land, property, construction and the environment throughout the UK.

Gordon Beaton, Design Director for Susan Stephen Architects who led the project, explains the effect of the building’s exterior on the city landscape,

“Many design options were discussed with planning in order to ensure an appropriate yet contemporary design which sits sympathetically within its surroundings.  Natural stone was used on the main facade to complement the tenements with a beige brick however, the courtyard uses white facing brick and lightweight glass staircases to create a bright open space.

“The use of white bricks in a coordinated landscaped setting has created a bright and peaceful sanctuary from the city – a stark contrast from its overdeveloped former use.”

This design choice has made an impression on the city landscape, emphasising the juxtaposition between Edinburgh’s old and new. The disparity between Gateway Apartments and the development that was there initially illustrates the influence that student accommodation is having on university towns and cities across the UK. New build projects designed for students are breathing new life into areas of a city which may have become worn or forgotten, enhancing the complete landscape.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC explains the need for new purpose built student accommodation and the importance of its design on the city within which it sits,

“The revolutionary designs now being used for new build student properties are not only changing the overall student experience, but also the physical landscape which is housing these additional structures. New build student accommodation alleviates the pressure felt by university towns and cities to manage the ever increasing undergraduate applications, as well as altering the landscape in keeping with the new student population’s demands and expectations.”

Gateway Apartments are set in a peaceful and elegant enclave, within walking distance of all the main colleges and university campuses. These student apartments are well served with a variety of retail outlets creating an almost ‘village’ feel about the area, whilst offering easy access to transport links and central Edinburgh. These high-specification and beautifully designed student apartments are equipped with contemporary high-gloss kitchens, individual en-suite facilities, flat-screen TVs, double beds and ample study and storage space.

As part of the innovative design, amazing on-site facilities include a private gym, common room, in-house cinema, laundry room and spacious study rooms combined with high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the building. To add to the student experience offered by Gateway Apartments, the building has secure electronic access, CCTV, on-site management and a concierge team with a 24-hour helpline.

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

Enter the Dragon: Rising numbers of Chinese students demand private members’ club style UK student accommodation

Enter the Dragon: Rising numbers of Chinese students demand private members’ club style UK student accommodation

by Kate United Kingdom
  • 54.2% growth in Chinese students studying in the UK over past 5 years (HESA)
  • Increase of 26.5% in Chinese students booking luxury accommodation in past year (Collegiate AC)
  • Private members’ club style features of luxury lounges and airport transfers heighten appeal to Chinese students

The UK’s higher education institutions are undoubtedly growing in popularity with international students, registering a growth of 0.6% in the past year, and taking the number of non-UK students studying in our universities to 388,255 for 2013/14, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). However, whilst this growth is noticeable, it is the number of non-EU students, and specifically the Chinese, that are increasing on a dramatic level.

Year-on-year from the 2012/13 academic year to 2013/14, there was a substantial increase of 4.9% in the number of students arriving in the UK to study from outside of the European Union, with China the top non-EU nation producing the greatest numbers of students with a UK university education ambition.

There was a close to 5% growth in the levels of Chinese students studying in the UK in 2013/14 and a breathtaking increase of 54.2% in the past five years. Alongside this there has been an interesting reflection in the student accommodation market.

Leading provider of luxury student accommodation, Collegiate AC, has noticed their own marked increase in interest from Chinese students, as CEO Heriberto Cuanalo explains,

“It is fantastic for the UK higher education system that more and more students from outside the EU are choosing to study here in the UK, proving that we really do offer an enviable university education to be proud of. This has certainly been reflected in the type of students booking with us to live in university accommodation that is of a higher quality and offers additional facilities that traditional ‘student digs’ do not.

“Students from China arriving to study in some of the UK’s top university cities are increasingly demanding more from their accommodation of choice, finding the benefits of having not only break-out study areas a huge draw but also extra on-site facilities such as private gyms and cinemas, allowing for maximising their efficiency and time-management.”

And it seems that the growth in interest from Chinese students in superior accommodation is far outweighing even the growth in their student numbers. Collegiate AC has seen a rise of 26.5% in just one year in the number of such students booking luxurious university accommodation, meaning that Chinese students make up over 50% of bookings for the coming 2015/16 academic year.

With life in a Collegiate AC property almost like living in a private members’ club – with luxurious lounges and even airport transfers arranged by the company, ideal for students arriving from China and other overseas nations – the focus is on providing the best possible university living experience, making not just the UK higher education system one that is enviable, but the entire living experience hugely desirable too, certainly an evolution from the scruffy university accommodation of old.

Located throughout some of the country’s finest university cities, including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Southampton, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh, Collegiate AC residences also include fast broadband and free Wi-Fi, and incorporate key security features such as CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems.

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

Homes fit for a princess

Homes fit for a princess

by Kate Portugal Spain Turkey United Kingdom , , ,
  • Speculation rife that Royal princess is due to arrive on 25 April
  • Palatial Surrey homes available from £3.5 million (Barton Wyatt)
  • Overseas buyers seek sea views and Jacuzzis from €1.75 million (Ideal Homes Portugal)

With speculation rife that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting the arrival of a little princess on 25 April, despite the official party line being that the new baby’s gender is unknown, the world is watching and waiting for the patter of tiny Royal feet at some point this month.

The new princess (or prince, if the rumours and the bookies turn out to be wrong) will reside with her parents and older brother Prince George in the ten bedroom Anmer Hall, close to the Queen’s residence at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The luxury homes of the British Royal family are part of the country’s heritage, but you don’t have to be blue blooded in order to live in sumptuous surroundings. In Surrey, which is home to some of the most exclusive properties that England has to offer, £3.5 million is sufficient to purchase an eight bedroom, four bathroom Ascot house, from Surrey’s leading estate agency Barton Wyatt. The tastefully restored, unique Victorian home boasts a cinema, pool and gym, as well as a large sunny garden for making the most of the British summertime.

On the nearby Wentworth Estate, a brand new Georgian style five bedroom, five reception room home set in an acre of grounds costs a cool £4.6 million. Arranged over three storeys, the house is perfect for a family looking to house their little princes and princesses in style. For those with a nanny in tow, the Wentworth Estate offers a fantastic contemporary home with annex, for £4.95 million. The six bedroom detached home is ideal for those looking to accommodate a nanny on site, while the extensive gardens and ‘secret clearing’ in the woodland would be fantastic for older children.

But it is not just the UK that is attracting buyers of luxury homes, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Many British families are taking advantage of the current excellent exchange rate to purchase a palatial second home overseas and Portugal is one of Europe’s best destinations when it comes to luxury homes that don’t cost the earth. A south facing seven bedroom villa with sea views and pool, with under-floor heating, Jacuzzi and tennis court will set you back just €1.75 million, which really is incredible value.”

Martin Dell, director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has noticed that prestigious Spanish homes are also attracting the interest of buyers from the UK. He comments,

“Both high end city apartments and luxury coastal villas are piquing the interest of international buyers right now. Spain has a lot to offer those looking for peace and serenity in luxurious surroundings. For €1.2 million you can pick up a five bedroom, four bathroom villa with pool on the coast near Barcelona. Terraces and a summer veranda enjoy stunning sea views, while the basement provides a gym and home cinema for those rare days when the Spanish weather doesn’t oblige.”

For buyers who want to preserve the environment for the future, as well as provide the perfect home for their family in the present, Istanbul offers some fantastic eco homes, such as Oceanic Bay View from prime property agency Universal 21. An exquisite family home spread across three floors on the outskirts of Istanbul, the detached villa with pool combines eco friendly building materials with features such as reclaimed rainwater and solar power. Contemporary features such as earthquake resistance, ergonomic design and a smart house system complete this stunning dwelling.

Whether it’s a palace at home or abroad that your family needs, the right home is out there, just waiting for your little princes and princesses to make it their own.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Universal 21: 0203 287 8700 or www.universal21.com

It’s time to get green fingered and in the garden as National Gardening Week kicks off

It’s time to get green fingered and in the garden as National Gardening Week kicks off

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Royal Horticultural Society celebrates National Gardening Week, 13th – 19th April
  • Gardening makes 82% of people happier (RHS)
  • Outdoor space a key factor when searching for the right property (Barton Wyatt)

Today marks the start of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society National Gardening Week, bringing with it an array of events and activities taking place across the country, with thousands of people, charities, retailers and culture and heritage organisations getting involved. In light of this, and with the UK sunshine starting to make an appearance and the evenings growing longer, people will be looking outside for their own patch of springtime.

This year’s event will introduce the first ever National Open Gardens Day, on the 17th April which will see gardens that usually charge an entrance fee, or those that are ordinarily closed to the public, opening their gates for free, allowing as many people as possible the chance to experience the enjoyment and tranquillity that a beautiful garden can provide. The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Garden Wisley, set in the scenic Surrey landscape will be one of many offering free entry for the day.

There is a wealth of stunning garden space in Surrey. The World renowned Royal Landscape of Windsor Great Park, bordering Virginia Water is location to the celebrated Savill Garden and Valley Gardens.

James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt located in Virginia Water, comments on the inspiration that can be found in the local scenery,

“As spring approaches we are once again reminded of Surrey’s striking landscape and all that its nature has to offer. This is my favourite time of year with fabulous displays of camellias, magnolias and the incredible rhododendrons in the Royal Park starting to bloom. Outdoor space can be a key factor when searching for the right property as the garden and outside facilities are an important extension of a house. From a secluded area of tranquillity to an additional space to entertain, a garden is an asset to any property and the two are often inextricably linked.”

Britain is now a nation of budding gardeners, with a 2014 RHS survey showing that 77% of people garden and 82% admit that it does make them feel happier. With gardens becoming an integral part of home life, their significance when purchasing a new property also increases.

With unlimited potential, Barton Wyatt’s detached bungalow, Amraoti, featured on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water would be the perfect project for any budding gardener. The property sits in a level plot of approximately 0.42 of an acre and is available for £1,500,000. Surrounded by Surrey’s natural splendour, this is the perfect landscape to inspire and create a completely personalised stunning outdoor haven.

Another property within this beautiful estate is Tangle Copse, a charming original Tarrant Wentworth family home set within stunning gardens of approximately 1.6 acres facing due south to the rear. The outdoor facilities also include a tennis court, a pool and a summer house. The property is available for £5,500,000.

In the equally picturesque neighbouring town of Ascot is Winbar, a beautifully refurbished and modernised family house, available for £2,600,000. The rear garden includes a large heated swimming pool, BBQ with kitchen, a Jacuzzi and a wide tiled terrace area that is ideal for entertaining.

For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Number 13: Unlucky for some but not for Virginia Water’s millionaire home owners

Number 13: Unlucky for some but not for Virginia Water’s millionaire home owners

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Virginia Water, GU25, ranked 13th highest value UK postcode (Zoopla, 2015)
  • Average property price in Virginia Water at £1,211,271 (Zoopla, 2015)
  • Kensington and Fulham lag behind GU25 in 14th and 16th place

Property owners in GU25 (Virginia Water, Surrey) have hit the jackpot once again being ranked one of the highest value areas for property outside London.

Extraordinary that this sleepy enclave, just 45 minutes outside of central London has beaten West Kensington, Paddington, Fulham and Chiswick – all areas of London that attract big money buyers.

Virginia Water resident and property expert, James Wyatt of Barton Wyatt has a view on these eye-watering figures released this week by Zoopla,

“As with all data it is a snapshot in time and it just so happens that there has been some big money changing hands on the property front around here recently. The number of units selling is comparatively small compared to London as a whole but the value of each property transaction has been very, very large.”

The next postcode down the list that was not within London itself was KT11 which includes the footballers’ havens of Cobham and Esher. This salubrious postcode saw the average property value changing hands at £1,021,435 according to Zoopla, in the last year.

It is Virginia Water however that wins the Surrey Pricing Award at a hefty £1,211,271 average property price and also boasting a 11.8% increase in a year.

This is great news for property owners in the area.  James Wyatt, who resides in one of the premier roads in the village and says,

“We are waiting in keen interest for the outcome of the General Election.  It is all well and good to be living in a wealthy area such as Virginia Water but if Labour get their way then the dreaded Mansion Tax is going to be felt very hard around here.

“Houses are selling like hot cakes in the price bracket up to £1.5 million but after that it is a lottery.  Certainly a few more lottery winners around here would be helpful to get the million pound plus market moving again.”

For example local developer Bridgewater New Homes Limited have just completed a delightful detached home within a one-acre plot on the Wentworth Estate.  Wyatt says:  “A year ago this house would have been snapped up very quickly – new homes were being fought over by international buyers. At £4.5 million it is extremely well priced on an estate where houses go for up to £30 million.”

With 5 weeks to go until the election, estate agents in the South East of England that are focused on the prime sector are holding their breath with anticipation.  A conservative win and life will continue as normal.  But if Labour wins then this will write a completely different story for the millionaire property owners and the real winners here will be the people that are cruising comfortably under the £2 million mansion tax threshold.

Wyatt says:

“There has never been an election that will decide our fate more than this one.  We found the changes in the stamp duty quite onerous but the mansion tax will be a whole different level of pain for many.  I have many elderly clients that have been quietly living out their days in Wentworth, they might live in large houses but they will shudder to pay these taxes and I worry what will be their outcome.”

Silverwood, Wentworth Surrey                                                £4,600,000

Silverwood is a uniquely designed brand new residence which has been constructed to an excellent standard to provide bright & airy, adaptable living and entertainment accommodation.

The property is situated in a tranquil location on the main island of Wentworth.

Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, entrance hall, cloakroom, five reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, annexe, cinema room, games room, triple garage, gardens of approximately one acre.

A brand new Georgian style home built by award winning Developer Bridgwater New Homes Ltd arranged over three floors and situated on Wentworth Estate in grounds of one acre.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Number of university students living in privately owned halls across the UK doubles in 7 years

Number of university students living in privately owned halls across the UK doubles in 7 years

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Over 100,000 higher education students now live in privately owned halls in the UK (HESA)
  • Privately owned purpose built student accommodation can provide a premium living experience (Knight Frank)
  • Students are striving to get more of a university lifestyle from their residences (Collegiate AC)

As the majority of UK universities struggle to house all first year students through their traditional halls of residence, demand for alternative accommodation has expanded dramatically.

Research from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveals that the number of students now living in privately owned halls has more than doubled in recent years. Between 2007 and 2014 the figure increased from 46,000 to 102,000, with those in the industry forecasting that this trend is set to continue.

This rise in privately owned student accommodation, which it based upon the shared halls experience, can be inextricably linked with the preferences of today’s students. Further investigation, led by Knight Frank, into the desires of students highlights that they are now active consumers and can recognise the added value that purpose built student accommodation can bring to university life. Offering high quality residences, rent costs inclusive of bills, enhanced internet access and a secure environment, Knight Frank acknowledge that privately owned purpose built student halls can provide a premium living experience.

One company listening to students’ accommodation ideals is Collegiate AC, who provide a variety of luxurious properties across Great Britain that offer a wide range of additional facilities to support not only study but also all aspects of student life.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC explains this move towards privately owned halls and how his company are dedicated to the needs of students,

“There has definitely been a significant change within the student accommodation landscape, with privately owned halls becoming one of the more sought after options available. With students now striving to get more of a lifestyle from their accommodation, communal areas and extra facilities are increasingly important.

“At Collegiate AC we aspire to not only provide students with well maintained, quality accommodation but also with a university experience that meets their needs and expectations. Our combination of comfortable and contemporary apartments and a secure and relaxing environment is what makes us a top choice amongst university students.”

Indeed recent Collegiate AC analysis shows that two-thirds of their current occupancy for the 2015/16 academic year are second and third year students, a 40% increase on 2014/15, highlighting that the demand for privately owned hall style accommodation is not just from first year students, but is also growing within the entire student populace.

Collegiate AC accommodation is comprised of modern living and learning spaces, alongside communal facilities that can include on-site gyms, private cinemas and reading rooms. Located throughout some of Great Britain’s finest university cities including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Southampton, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh, Collegiate AC residences include fast broadband and innovative work spaces, as well as incorporating additional safety features such as CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems.

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

Liverpool set to be HS3’s greatest beneficiary

Liverpool set to be HS3’s greatest beneficiary

by Louise United Kingdom
  • HS3 to result in 36% fall in Liverpool unemployment by 2030 (JLL)
  • 82% of Liverpool businesses foresee economic growth over next 5 years (Liverpool Business Survey)
  • L1 buy-to-let apartments available from just £68,198 (Property Frontiers)

The Northern Powerhouse report, launched by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin last week, represents the most exciting thing to have happened to the north of England’s railways in decades and analysis from JLL has shown that Liverpool looks set to be its greatest beneficiary.

Looking ahead as far as 2030, the JLL report has projected that unemployment in Liverpool will fall by 36% as a result of the planned HS3 rail network, which will stretch across the Pennines and connect the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Newcastle. Speeds of up to 140 mph mean that travellers could be whisked from Liverpool to Manchester in as little as 20 minutes.

The impact on Liverpool’s unemployment rate is the most dramatic drop of any of the cities to be connected by the HS3 line, but the good news doesn’t end there. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is also set to improve its travel offering, with plans for a hub link to Heathrow under consideration. If they go ahead, the plans would mean that business and leisure passengers could benefit from access to global flights through Heathrow, with a huge boost to Liverpool’s economy anticipated as a result.

With economic growth being a key driver of a robust property market, the transportation plans are excellent news for Liverpool’s accommodation sector, as Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, explains,

“Liverpool is one of the most exciting cities in the north in terms of property investment right now. With the HS3 rail network plans and the hub link between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and London Heathrow, Liverpool is facing increased employment and enhanced prosperity. These factors lead to greater demand for premium housing, so now is the perfect time to invest.”

High end apartments such as those at Parker Street are particularly popular with buy-to-let investors looking for the optimum combination of sought after, city centre location and healthy yield. The high spec studios and one bedroom apartments are available from £68,198, with 8% NET yield for cash buyers. Their L1 location ensures that tenant demand is strong and that rental income is thus at a premium rate.

Liverpool has already enjoyed the impact of some transportation infrastructure improvements, with the initial part of the refurbishment of Merseyrail’s five underground loop line stations already complete. The final station to be refurbished, Moorfields, will see work start next month, with the £8 million work completing the overall £40 million of the network’s upgrade.

Improving infrastructure and brightening economic prospects have served to make Liverpool’s businesses much happier and more confident over the past year. The 2014/2015 Liverpool Business Survey found that 76% of businesses scored Liverpool either four or five out of five, with 82% predicting economic growth over the next five years.

Of course, happy companies mean happy workers and happy workers demand high quality accommodation. Thankfully, with developments such as Parker Street bringing in investment and driving up standards in the private rented sector, that is just what Liverpool’s residents are going to get.

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

Foreign Secretary attends Annual Enterprise Forum at Wentworth

Foreign Secretary attends Annual Enterprise Forum at Wentworth

by Viv United Kingdom

Philip Hammond, local MP and Foreign Secretary was an esteemed guest of Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt last Friday.

 

March 20th saw the Runnymede & Weybridge Enterprise Forum annual lunch take place in the graceful dining room at The Wentworth Club.   As a keen supporter of the enterprise, James Wyatt Partner of Barton Wyatt hosted tables and invited the two local international schools as his guests.

 

Wyatt comments:

 

“I am a staunch supporter of this group and indeed was Chairman a few years ago.  I believe this forum is an excellent way of getting local businesses together to encourage economic discussion and the effect of politics on our lives.  As Mr Hammond is the Foreign Secretary I thought that it would be tremendous to include our two local international schools – ACS Egham and TASIS – both of which have quite an impact on our patch of North Surrey.”

 

The two schools combined take in the region of 1500pupils who are mainly being educated on the International Baccalaureate and their being in the local area attracts a wealth of international families to the Virginia Water area.

 

James Wyatt continues:

 

“I believe without these two schools in our locality, Wentworth would be a very different patchwork to the rich diversity of cultures that it is today.  I love the mix of nationalities and cultures that we have on our doorstep.  It creates a terrific international environment and one that I am very glad my children are growing up in.

 

“It was with this in mind that I decided to include some sixth formers from TASIS and ACS Egham to join my tables. These youngsters will be our future and I hope that they will go back to their respective schools and talk freely to their peers about this experience.”

 

Philip Hammond, Member of Parliament for Runnymede & Weybridge and Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs attends all the meetings for the Enterprise Forum. He says:

 

“Personally, I greatly value the opportunity which the Forum gives me to discuss current issues and political developments with the local business community. All members of the Cabinet value the opportunity to hear the views and concerns of the business community – thus helping to ensure that we achieve our stated ambition – to be a business-friendly administration. I want to remain a champion of private sector-led growth within Government and I value my links with the local business community highly.”

 

For more information on the Enterprise Forum, the local schools or property please speak to James Wyatt at Barton Wyatt, 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.