Rents reach record heights, while Northern Ireland leads the UK’s housing market

Rents reach record heights, while Northern Ireland leads the UK’s housing market

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Rents reach record high of £761 pcm (Your Move and Reeds Rains)
  • NI records strongest UK house price gains (RICS)
  • £13,000 instant equity for those investing before 01/10/14 (Property Frontiers)

Northern Ireland’s housing market is leading the UK when it comes to price gains, according to the latest data from the RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey for Northern Ireland. The market is tied with East Anglia for the strongest price momentum and demand in the UK, while other areas are wobbling in the face of the speculation concerning a Bank of England base rate rise.

Successive success

“Northern Ireland’s leading position comes hot on the heels of the news that August was the 15th successive month of price rises, according to data from local surveyors,” comments Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers. “The market there is really showing itself as a robust, long-term prospect, particularly when it comes to residential property investment.

The commercial property is also thriving, with agents CBRE projecting that activity is expected to continue at a lively pace as winter approaches. The market’s buoyancy is accredited to a combination of banks clearing their property loan books and a number of high profile properties coming onto the market. Investor announcements such as the 250 jobs to be created by US legal firm Baker & McKenzie are also contributing to Northern Ireland’s progressive commercial property market.

Belfast buy-to-let

Within the residential market, buy-to-let is booming, particularly in urban centres such as Belfast, where young professionals have flocked to the cities for work and are demanding high end, long-term rental apartments in which to settle.

Property Frontiers’ elegantly designed one and two bedroom apartments and duplexes encapsulate the desires of this new generation of professionals. Within walking distance of Belfast city centre, they offer luxury accommodation with high end internal finishing. Available from £96,000 until 1 October 2014 (after when a price increase will ensure those buying now benefit from £13,000 instant equity), the apartments offer the potential for strong returns to investors. Withers explains,

“Prices in many parts of Northern Ireland are still as much as 50% below their 2007 peak. As prices are now on the move, it’s the perfect time for investors to buy, before the market really turns around and prices shoot up again.”

Rising rents

The most recent Buy-to-Let Index from Your Move and Reeds Rains has given investors even more reason to look closely at buy-to-let property. The figures reveal that rents are now at an all-time high, with an average of £761 per month across England and Wales, beating the previous record of £758, which occurred during October 2013.

Certainly Property Frontiers have found that their buy-to-let properties in leading UK cities are much in demand. No doubt this latest confirmation of record rents will encourage even more investors to discover the benefits of buy-to-let, with Belfast’s strong price growth and excellent potential continues to turn heads around the globe.

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Greenwich means time for relaxation, as new ibis Styles Hotel adds to area’s mounting appeal

Greenwich means time for relaxation, as new ibis Styles Hotel adds to area’s mounting appeal

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Greenwich generates 9 million day visitors and 600,000 overnight stays (LGA)
  • Investment in new ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsular, from £134,995 (One Investments)
  • £5 billion regeneration scheme set to put Greenwich Peninsular firmly on the map (Meridian Delta)

London’s Greenwich is known across the world for its connection with time. An area steeped in chronological and meteorological history – it was from the Greenwich Royal Observatory that the world’s first weather forecast was made in 1848 – and in existence far back enough to have been mentioned in the Domesday Book, Greenwich is now a vibrant and fascinating community.

The area’s chronological heritage was celebrated in the creation of the Millennium Dome, now known as the O2, which is both the largest single roofed structure and the largest dome in the world. The building is 365m in diameter, reaches a height of 52m in the middle and has 12 supporting poles, representing the days, weeks and months of the year respectively. Tourists flock from across the world to visit the O2, both inside for its live music events (the O2 is the world’s busiest music arena) and outside for the spectacular views of London to be had from climbing to the top.

Despite the area’s already massive popularity, a massive regeneration scheme is set to make Greenwich even more attractive. The £5 billion redevelopment of Greenwich Peninsula is being tackled jointly by Meridian Delta, the National Regeneration Agency, English Partnerships, Anschutz Entertainment Group and the London Borough of Greenwich. The O2 will benefit from the development of a new world-class arena, while the Greenwich Peninsula area will see some 33,000 sq m of retail space and 340,000 of commercial space added. Around 10,000 new homes will also be built under the scheme.

Zeeshaan Shah, Chief Executive Officer of One Capital, who is active in the Greenwich area thanks to the development of the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula comments,

“Greenwich is a fantastic part of London. Its royal connections date back centuries and to this day it is one of only three royal boroughs in the capital. Greenwich is one of those rare places that has everything to offer right on its doorstep and the huge development scheme that is currently underway will secure Greenwich Pneinsula’s position on the world stage for years to come.”

The new ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula is one of the most exciting parts of the scheme. A joint venture between Cherif Investment Properties (the property development arm of the Beaverbrook Family Office) and London-based development and private equity firm One Capital, the hotel will be the latest offering from the ibis Styles brand, which has made a name for itself through its non-standardised hotels in sought-after locations.

One Investments is the master agent for the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula, with investment beginning at £134,995 for a double room and rising to £179,995 for a family suite. The prestige of the project is such that accumulated returns are projected to reach up to 65.63% over five years.

With a young population – 21.8% are under 15 years, while only 10.3% are of retirement age, according to the 2011 Census – Greenwich is a thriving borough richly packed with entertainment and leisure options. Indeed with figures from the Local Government Association showing the borough as attracting in excess of 9 million day visitors and 600,000 overnight stays, the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula has arrived just in the nick of time!

For more information please contact One Investments on +44 845 548 5454, infor@oneinvestments.co.uk or visit www.oneinvestments.co.uk.

This is no ordinary village; this is an M&S village

This is no ordinary village; this is an M&S village

by Viv United Kingdom

This is no ordinary village; this is an M&S village

  • Marks & Spencer set to open 150 new Simply Food stores in next 3 years
  • New Simply Food store announced for Virginia Water, Surrey
  • Presence of M&S food store set to positively impact house prices reports estate agent
  • 55% of M&S turnover is from Food, some £5.1 billion per annum

It is little surprise to know that all major supermarkets spend great sums of money on market research.  Entire departments carry out in-depth research into potential new locations in which to open and it appears that for some higher end brands, it’s more about the quality of an area than its quantity.

A prime example of this is high street favourite, Marks & Spencer, which has announced the opening of 150 new food stores nationwide over the next 3 years. With 55% of Marks & Spencer’s turnover from Food, some £5.1 billion per annum, it’s essential the company makes the right choices.

And it appears they have correctly identified the affluence and opportunity present in the north Surrey village of Virginia Water as a new M&S Simply Food store is due to open in the near future.

Indeed the announcement of the new food store, which could occupy the former site of Barclays Bank, next door to multi award-winning estate agency, Barton Wyatt, has been well received by local residents.

As James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt and Virginia Water resident, comments,

“Virginia Water might have a population of less than 6,000 but those residents pack a mighty punch in terms of wealth. The village is the first outside London where house prices average more than £1 million yet the area is underserviced in my opinion when it comes to higher end supermarkets.

“The nearest Waitrose is in Sunninghill and the nearest M&S is housed within a petrol station in Egham, both a drive away. There has been much speculation about the change of use of the former site of Barclays Bank with talk of a Sainsbury’s store coming into the village but with the well-known “Waitrose Effect” on property prices, the news of a similar grade supermarket in M&S Simply Food has gone down very well.”

Indeed the Waitrose Effect on house prices has been well documented. According to a Yahoo survey, a Waitrose is one of the top five most desirable things to live close to with Savills reporting that the presence of a Waitrose store can push up house prices by some 25% or more in certain locations.

James Wyatt continues,

“In some areas the presence of a Waitrose on house prices has been undeniable but I do not think impacts such as this are restricted to this brand alone. Property prices in and around Virginia Water have always been high compared to the national average with a number of factors driving them ever higher so whilst I believe the presence of the new M&S food store will contribute to future growth, it won’t be the only driving factor.”

“I am also looking forward to a positive effect on my waistline! Currently if I step out the door I could be lured by the bakers on my left.  If I have a choice to turn right into M&S I could choose mango over a sausage roll!”

For more details on some prime property available close to Virginia Water High Street contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Not just for affluent retirees – Golf looks to attract the younger generation

Not just for affluent retirees – Golf looks to attract the younger generation

by Louise Portugal Spain United Kingdom , ,
  • Only 22% of under 33s played golf in 2013 (D.K Shifflet)
  • Round of golf equivalent to 3.5 mile run (JC Golf)
  • Golf tourism to increase for 3 consecutive years (IAGTO)

The impact of leading golf tournaments, such as this year’s exciting Ryder Cup, is felt around the world – not just amongst the sporting community, but also within the property sector, as those with a love for the sport decide to turn their passion into purchasing power by picking up a property on a golf resort.

Global golf tourism is a big industry. According to Peter Walton, Chief Executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), golf tourism expanded by 9.3% in 2012 and “reported further growth in 2013.” 2014 is set to be the third consecutive year of growth, as keen players travel the world to indulge their habit.

Many players who find a course that they particularly love, or an area with several courses in the vicinity, are tempted to take the next step, as Chris White of Ideal Homes Portugal, which offers a selection of exclusive Algarve golf properties to the market, explains,

“Owning a golf resort property combines the traditional benefits of a holiday home with indulgence of a sport that for many is a lifelong passion. Many golfers dream of owning a second home on a golf resort and we tend to notice an upsurge in interest following the main tournaments each year.”

While the Algarve’s obvious choices of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo may be beyond the budgets of many – a four bedroom villa with sea and golf views at Vale do Lobo costs a cool €11m – those looking past the obvious choices can pick up good value properties for far less. A three bedroom semi-detached villa at Carvoerio’s delightful Vale da Pinta golf resort, for example, costs just €465,000.

Golf is a fantastic way to keep in shape. Though viewed by many as a leisurely sport, research compiled by JC Golf has shown that playing 18 holes and carrying your own clubs burns 2,000 calories, equivalent to going for a 3.5 mile run. It also aids balance and control, boosts brain power by stimulating blood flow and improving neural pathway connections and increases life expectancy by the equivalent of five years.

It’s also a great way to enjoy the sunshine of some of the world’s most tempting holiday destinations, as Marc Pritchard of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España observes,

“Many of those buying Costa del Sol apartments and penthouses at our popular Avalon golf resort have mixed motives for their purchase. They want the resort’s swimming pool for the children to enjoy, proximity to Marbella for dining, shopping and people-watching and spacious terraces on which to relax and appreciate the stunning sea views. The golfing element is of course a huge draw as well, with keen players loving the views across the whole golf valley, inspiring them daily to get out on the course and hone their skills.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s luxury Avalon properties can be picked up from as little as €265,000 for a two bedroom apartment. Their location is an attractive one for young adults who aren’t prepared to wait until their golden years to own a golf resort property, as the popularity of ‘Marbs’ with that generation continues to increase.

Young adults are being courted particularly hard by the global golfing industry at present, in the face of research by D.K Shifflet and Associates that has shown that only 22% of travellers under the age of 33 played golf in 2013. Keen to ensure that a new generation takes to the courses, many resorts are looking to attract younger players. Certainly the luxurious modernity of the Avalon apartments does just that.

Of course, it’s not just those looking to buy overseas who can enjoy the advantages of owning a golf resort property. Those buying in the UK have a fantastic choice of courses in the Surrey area, many of which have the added advantage of offering great deals for youngsters, as well as plentiful coaching and matches. James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning UK estate agency Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Courses at locations such as the Wentworth Club and Sunningdale in Surrey offer some fabulous golf for UK players and many are working hard to attract a new generation of players to the sport. I’ve even just signed my 10 year old son up to be a member! While we find that it’s the baby boomers rather than their children who are purchasing resort properties in the area, many families are certainly doing so with a view to encouraging their children to play.”

Properties in the area include the wonderful, seven bedroom Roundbarrow House, which benefits from its own swimming pool, landscaped gardens and one bedroom staff flat and the equally attractive five bedroom Longbourn, with swimming pool and tennis/sports court, valued at £3.95m and £5.95m respectively. Roundbarrow is situated just minutes from both Sunningdale Golf Club and Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, making it the perfect choice for golfing couples who love the sport but don’t want to let competition on the fairway ruin their otherwise harmonious relationship!

Whether overseas or abroad, it seems that the enduring allure of golf resort properties is not to be underestimated.

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Ideal Homes Portugal: on +44 (0) 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Barton Wyatt: +44 (0) 1344 843 000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

A secret service for 50 years, now to be publically launched on 1st October 2014 – Award-winning Barton Wyatt Launches Private Office

A secret service for 50 years, now to be publically launched on 1st October 2014 – Award-winning Barton Wyatt Launches Private Office

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Need a private jet to fly you to dinner?
  • Want some help organising a gastronomic luncheon for 100 guests?
  • Too busy to do your Christmas shopping and gift wrapping?

Then help is at hand!

Barton Wyatt, the prime multi award-winning Surrey estate agency, has been offering a concierge service to their clients since 1965, designed to fulfil the needs of international royal families, non-doms, celebrities and high net worth individuals who wanted more than “just an estate manager”.

Over the past five decades, Barton Wyatt has further honed and developed this incredibly discreet and specialised service and today they launch their service under the name of Private Office as more and more clients seek this type of assistance.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt and Head of Private Office explains,

“We have been fulfilling a concierge facility for clients for fifty years but as demand has risen, we felt it was time to give the service a separate identity and more credence.

“Our clients include those who hold properties all over the world but may only use their Surrey homes for one or two months of the year, whilst others may visit at weekends.  Some live here all the time but want to enjoy their own time to the maximum. We sit in the background of these luxurious lifestyles ensuring that homes and households continue to run seamlessly whilst the client is here or away.”

The Barton Wyatt Private Office offers a fully bespoke and customised service for clients although typical services include:

  • Recruiting and managing household staff, ensuring they are fulfilling their role both within the house and the grounds
  • Handling the utilities, ensuring best value and arranging maintenance of household equipment – this could be anything from swimming pools to whirlpools, kitchen and / or gym equipment, Wi-Fi, electronic gates and even internal lifts for both people and cars!
  • Undertaking basic “running of the house” errands from the dry cleaning through to servicing the cars, cleaning windows and chimneys
  • Arranging private transportation from limousine airport picks up through to private jets for national and international travel
  • Organising social gatherings from lavish children’s birthday parties through to gastronomic luncheons for 100 guests plus
  • Assisting with finding suitable schools for off-spring – from pre-school to seniors, traditional English schooling and international schools, day or boarding
  • Re-opening the house upon a client’s return includes a deep clean, fresh flowers and filling the multitude of fridges and freezers with food that is often quite specialist and pertains to country and culture
  • Closing the house upon a client’s departure including once again a deep clean, laundering bedrooms, replacing any broken items during their stay and ensuring the house is safe and secure whilst they are away

James goes on to say:

“Wentworth and the surrounding area has a unique set of families who live here; many are from overseas, often of high standing or famous but almost exclusively they are all very wealthy.  With wealth comes very high expectations and offering the Private Office is not something that we have taken lightly. Our staff must have exemplary customer service skills and an in-depth knowledge on how to make things happen seamlessly.  Thankfully I have no hesitation in stating that we hold these skills and are looking forward to taking on more clients to assist them with running their households.”

Needless to say the sky is the limit when it comes to the services on offer to members of Private Office.  Time is often short for the rich jet set and despite an army of staff, having someone on the ground at the Surrey country mansion enables better planning and organisation.  It is hard to organise dinner for 20 from Malibu or a champagne reception with a string quartet from Dubai.  But with Private Office no job is too hard, the team have the know-how and the savvy to be on hand to make things happen on time and as requested.

Wyatt says:

“Clients sometimes need assistance with interior design which will all come under the Private Office banner.  We are highly experienced with applying for planning for new extensions, assimilating quotes and ensuring work is carried out to the highest standard.  We create new bathrooms and kitchens, re-design any room in the house, select new curtains, carpets and often furniture for our clients.  No job is too big or too small.”

The Private Office is available to client’s who live in the vicinity of the Barton Wyatt Wentworth office in Virginia Water, Surrey. Prices are available on request but are generally calculated on the size of each property.

For more details of this luxury service please contact James Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit their website at www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

London to lead European hotel sector into 2015 and beyond

London to lead European hotel sector into 2015 and beyond

by Louise United Kingdom
  • London hotels to lead Europe with RevPAR growth of 5.2% in 2015 (PwC)
  • Average daily rates for London hotels up 12.7% in 2013 (Statista)
  • Returns of up to 65.63% over 5 years at new ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula (One Investments)

London’s hotel sector is set to lead Europe into the future, according to the European Cities Hotel Forecast for 2014 and 2015 from PwC. The report forecasts that London will be second for RevPAR growth during 2014 and first during 2015, with 3.8% and 5.2% respectively, ahead of the 17 other leading European cities that the report covered.

The figures follow a positive year for London’s hotel sector during 2013. Average daily rate of hotels in the capital rose by 12.7% during the year, from £122.70 during Q1 to £138.26 by the end of the year, based on data from Statista. At the same time, Statista’s figures show that occupancy rose from 75.2% at the start of the year to 81.1% during Q4.

Naturally, certain elements of the sector have outperformed others. Zeeshaan Shah, Chief Executive Officer of One Capital, comments,

“While the overall picture for the London hotel sector has been positive in recent years – a trend which has continued into 2014 – we’ve seen the budget share of the market flourish particularly. Innovations in the budget offering, such as ‘all inclusive’ packages and new brands such as ibis Styles, from Accor’s ibis offering, are redefining budget hotel accommodation.”

Popular with everyone from tourists to business professionals, budget hotels from leading brands are certainly enjoying sharing in London’s success. Competition within the sector has driven up standards to the point where ‘budget’ can only truly be used to describe their price point. Ibis Styles for example, is a non-standardised brand that features establishments with distinct personalities in the heart of major cities, with a colourful, bright and energetic style complementing an all-inclusive package, with room rates including breakfast and internet access.

The latest ibis Styles hotel, the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula, which is being built through a joint venture between Cherif Investment Properties (the property development arm of the Beaverbrook Family Office) and development company One Capital (with One Investments as the master agent), has just been launched for investment, much to the excitement of those looking to be a part of London’s thriving hotel sector. Investment prices range from £134,995 for a double room, through £147,995 for an executive room, to £179,995 for a family suite. Accumulated returns are projected to reach up to 65.63% over five years.

Just ten minutes from London City Airport, the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula is part of the massive regeneration project underway on the Greenwich Peninsula, which will see some £5 billion of investment across the area, overseen by the London Mayor’s office. One of only two budget hotels on the peninsula, it is perfectly positioned to attract international tourists visiting London, domestic tourists visiting the O2 and other local attractions and professionals in the area for business purposes. One Capital’s Zeeshaan Shah concludes,

“Greenwich is the place to be when it comes to investment in the London hotel market at the moment. The development work underway there is set to drive up visitor numbers to the area for years, while being home to ‘the world’s busiest music arena’ and having London on its doorstep means that Greenwich is already popular with everyone from family groups to international business travellers. With so much to offer already, the impact of the current regeneration work and of the launch of the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula really is going to be exciting for this vibrant area of London.”

For more information please contact One Investments on +44 (0)845 548 5454, infor@oneinvestments.co.uk or visit www.oneinvestments.co.uk.

Barton Wyatt welcomes Chinese purchase of The Wentworth Group

Barton Wyatt welcomes Chinese purchase of The Wentworth Group

by Viv United Kingdom

The announcement of the acquisition of The Wentworth Group in Surrey by a large Chinese Investment company, Reignwood Group, spells good news for Surrey’s Wentworth and Virginia Water.

 

The Wentworth Club is one of the world’s finest golf and country clubs set in an oasis less than an hour from central London.  Consisting of a famous castellated Clubhouse, three championship golf courses, a Tennis & Health Club, an active social calendar and dining inspired by The Ivy and Le Caprice also owned by Richard Caring.

 

Leading estate agency in Virginia Water, Barton Wyatt are delighted with the news.  James Wyatt, partner of the firm explains:

 

“Rumours have been flying around for months about the sale of The Wentworth Club.  Richard Caring has been open about his ambition to sell this part of his empire and release capital for other ventures.

 

“It was all just a case of who had the money for this hugely expensive slice of Surrey.  We are delighted it is now settled and we are most excited by having internationally renowned Chinese owners at the helm.

 

“This purchase by a major Chinese group will undoubtedly expand the Wentworth Brand globally.  This in turn will open new doors, bring new markets to our estate and of course more wealth outside of London to the Home Counties.”

 

The Reignwood Group has purchased Wentworth for a jaw dropping sum of £135m. Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang, founder of The Reignwood Group in 1984, commented,

 

“Reignwood has a long history in golf development, a profound respect for excellence in every form and deep interest in East-West cooperation.

 

“As a world famous golf institution, Wentworth is a key strategic acquisition for our rapidly growing luxury lifestyle division, whose unique culture we are dedicated to preserving and whose exceptional expertise will inform our golf operations across Asia.”

 

Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang is also known more familiarly as Yan Bin andhas a multitude of feathers in his cap including being the man who brought the energy drink Red Bull from Thailand to China. Three years later, he started building the Wonderland Amusement Park, not dissimilar to Disneyland near Beijing.

 

In 2000, he built China’s largest golf resort, the Pine Valley Resort in Beijing, which caters to a luxury crowd: in 2009 the course was awarded the Multimillionaires’ Most Favourite Golf Course in Beijing.

 

Yan Bin has grown his fortune on the back of a strong performance in sales of Red Bull energy drinks in China, and with sales expected to hit US$800 million this year, it is estimated that his personal wealth is $8.17 billion.

 

James Wyatt says:

 

“In my mind golf and the Chinese sit in harmony together.  Asia has become golf mad over the past few decades and are already regular visitors to Wentworth.  Hopefully now they will move into leafy Surrey and become part of our rich and diverse international tapestry.

 

“I for one would be thrilled to see some dim sum on the menu at The Wentworth Club!”

 

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

 

Editors Note

 

Homes that would suit Chinese buyers include:

 

The Glade, Spring Woods, Wentworth, Surrey                                                  £4,950,000

 

A brand new house set in private wooded grounds at the end of a cul de sac, on the main island of Wentworth. This modern home amounts to approximately  8,374 sq ft and is finished to a very high standard.

 

The property comprises a large entrance hall, 3 receptions and a magnificent kitchen/breakfast.  A large utility room, study and cloakroom complete the ground floor.

 

Master bedroom suite with large dressing room and en-suite bathroom,  a guest bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room and 3 further  bedroom suites on the first floor.

 

The second floor has bedroom 6 with en-suite bathroom.

 

Externally there is a detached annexe/studio,  Integral double garage, landscaped grounds and approximately 1 acre.

 

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

 

September Song,  Wentworth                                   £4,150,000

 

September Song is situated on one of the most prestigious roads on the Wentworth Estate, West Drive, being on the ‘Main Island’ of Wentworth with the golf courses and clubhouse nearby.

 

September Song was built in 2008 for the current owners to a very high level of specification and finish. The house is totally unique having been designed by Lewandowski Willcox Architects. A contemporary design with interesting shaped rooms and split levels gives the house an abundance of character and charm all of its own, ideal for entertaining and contemporary family life. The choice of bathroom fittings and the kitchen are all of a contemporary nature and flow consistently through the property. Of particular note is a fabulous glass staircase as you enter the house.

 

The house boasts 4 reception rooms, a master bedroom with en-suite dressing room and bathroom, two further bedrooms suites,  a further two bedrooms with a shared jack and jill bathroom.  The house also has a laundry, study, a lift from the garage which houses 5 cars and landscape gardens of 1.86 acres.

 

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

Overseas Property Show hits Surrey on new 3 month UK tour

Overseas Property Show hits Surrey on new 3 month UK tour

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • Overseas Property Show to hit 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Watch the brand new TV advert featuring Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne

Following a hugely successful start in Birmingham from 5th – 7th September, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show has hit the road to begin its UK tour.

Heading over to the Hilton Cobham in Surrey from 13th – 15th September, the show will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Surrey event will be followed by:

  • Leeds (19-21 September)
  • Glasgow (26-29 September)
  • Manchester (11-13 October)
  • Newmarket (25-27 October)
  • Aberdeen (31 October to 3 November)

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for UK buyers looking to turn that dream of owning an overseas property into reality.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be attending the shows with his expert team, ready to answer any questions that prospective buyers may have about owning property in Portugal. He comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the show for anyone who is interested in buying overseas. As well as an incredible range of properties, it offers access to some of the sector’s key professionals all in one location – an opportunity not to be missed for those who are serious about owning overseas.

“Earlier this year, a Rightmove Overseas report revealed that 51% of those planning to buy abroad were doing so in order to have a holiday home, around 1/3 were looking to emigrate and 13% as an investment. Expert advice on all three of these options will be on hand at the Overseas Property Show, along with the perfect property to suit every attendee’s desires.”

One well-known individual who has found their perfect Portuguese property through Ideal Homes Portugal is Dragons’ Den star and Scottish entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne. So impressed has Duncan been by the service offered from Chris White and his team, he is encouraging other UK buyers to attend the Overseas Property Shows through his new TV advert – available to watch now at http://www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com/.

 

Don’t suffer for the sake of a sofa: feature furniture to fill your wallet

Don’t suffer for the sake of a sofa: feature furniture to fill your wallet

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Furnished flats command 8.1% premium (Countrywide)
  • Young professionals demand accommodation furnished to high standards (Property Frontiers)
  • UK rents up 3.7% year on year in July (Countrywide)

Buy-to-let is the cornerstone of many investors’ portfolios these days, as the allure of capital gains combined with rental yields tempts ever-increasing numbers of individuals to become investor landlords.

Gaining an income through buy-to-let is about more than just buying a property, as Ray Withers, Chief Executive of property investment specialists Property Frontiers, comments,

“Becoming a successful investor landlord means paying attention to a wide range of factors. There is of course the financial aspect of calculating yield accurately and buying at the right time in terms of the housing market, but other elements are equally important. Buying in the right or wrong area, for example, can be the difference between a successful investment that generates excellent returns and a disaster that sucks in more capital than it generates.”

Even seemingly minor factors such as furniture can make a big difference when it comes to renting out a buy-to-let investment property. New research from lettings agency Countrywide has shown that furnished flats command an 8.1% premium over their unfurnished counterparts.

The Countrywide research shows that overall the best rental returns are to be had from flats in towns and cities, due to their appeal to young, mobile tenants. As many of these tenants have minimal or no furniture of their own, a furniture pack can mean the difference between attracting a tenant and not.

Withers’ own experience backs up the finding. He explains,

“Town and city centre locations are much in demand by young professionals when it comes to accommodation. They want to be near work, within walking distance of the shops and close to the local nightlife. They also demand accommodation that is furnished to a high standard, which is why Property Frontiers has taken the time to ensure that many of its leading buy-to-let properties in UK cities offer investors the option to buy furniture packs.”

Furniture packs provide landlords with a quick and easy way to furnish a new property in a modern, appealing style designed to maximise its chances of attracting tenants quickly. At Property Frontiers’ Birmingham buy-to-let development, furniture packs start at £2,250 – a bargain when one considers that the purchase not only impacts on the rent charged, but also on the time taken to rent the property in the first place. After all, the last thing an investor landlord wants is a property that is sitting empty.

With Countrywide also reporting an increase in UK rents of 3.7% year on year for July, the tide of investor landlords doesn’t look likely to turn anytime soon and the more there are, the greater the competition to attract tenants – so that furniture pack really could make all the difference!

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Millgate appoints Braxtons as selling agent for listed Woolley Hall

Millgate appoints Braxtons as selling agent for listed Woolley Hall

by Viv United Kingdom

Grade II listed Woolley Hall presents a completely unique opportunity for buyers looking to move in the Maidenhead area.  Luxury homes developer Millgate have selected Braxtons of Maidenhead to assist with the sale of this wonderful estate.

The new homes and luxury apartments are set within glorious 33 acres parkland, with the backdrop of the grade II listed Woolley Hall Mansion which dates from the late 18th Century.  This eminent estate is perched on the edge of Littlewick Green; a quintessentially English village complete with church, school, houses set around a central cricket pitch and a pub duly name The Cricketers. The grounds of Woolley Hall have survived largely intact from their original design by Thomas Mawson with innumerable fine specimen trees.

The location enjoys an idyllically secluded sylvan setting, yet Woolley Hall lies within 2.5 miles of Maidenhead town centre which will benefit from Crossrail in 2018.  The new trains are set to provide a world class rail service to Bond Street in 40 minutes and Canary Wharf in under an hour making Woolley hall a perfect choice for commuters.

With excellent road connection also (M4, M40 & M25 motorways), Woolley Hall is going to stand out from the crowd as an opportunity to acquire a beautiful home which will enjoy first class transport links and yet still remains in a pastoral location.

Robin Rixon, Senior Partner of Braxtons comments:

“I anticipate that this fabulous new Millgate development will appeal not only to local purchasers but to those that currently live in London who will recognise an opportunity to enhance their lives in this semi-rural location. The broad range of property that Millgate is creating here, from luxury apartments to detached country homes, mews and town houses is highly appealing and with such diversity the estate will attract a wide range of purchasers including families, investors and downsizers.

“The local property market remains strong in and around Maidenhead. There has been a general shortage of stock and increased interest from London buyers who are keen to capitalise on their property gains in the city. Investors are also out shopping locally attracted by the arrival of Crossrail.”

According to Zoopla data Maidenhead property prices have risen 12.3% from a year ago and 19.34% over the past 5 years.  With Crossrail coming to town and the exquisite riverside setting that this town enjoys, the future is looking bright for property owners in the area.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate said:

“Living in the local area myself I have seen first-hand the boom in property prices in the last few years.  Having the opportunity to develop this wonderful old estate at Woolley Hall is such a splendid opportunity for us.  There is nothing we enjoy more at Millgate than breathing new life into beautiful old houses.  The mansion is to become 6 luxury apartments and the original stable blocks will be converted into 5 houses, which will be unusual and charming at the same time. We have some detached family homes also going onto the site which gives further variety to buyers.”

Woolley Hall has 33 acres of land on this gated development and all the residents will be able to enjoy the spacious grounds including stunning formal gardens designed by the pioneering landscape architect Thomas Mawson which will be restored to their former glory.

Millgate are expecting to release for sale the five family villas known as Lilley, Cottingham, Loveday, Dower and Dunn after the opening of the Show Home in March 2015.

For further details contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.