After spending 20 years in the media industry, you founded Properties of the World back in 2011. What made you swap journalism and advertising for bricks and mortar?

I enjoyed working in the media but felt it was time for a change. I’ve always loved architecture and buildings and can remember being in Venice with my family when I was 15 years old and finding I preferred looking at the buildings as opposed to the paintings! I wanted to take control and stop working for large organisations as well as have the freedom to set my own rules and raise the bar on what other property agents were doing.

What makes Properties of the World stand out from other investment agencies in the market?

At Properties of the World we ensure that we visit each of the developments we offer and share our experience of the visit. We avoid using CGI images and share real pictures of the properties and surrounding areas. Our team has years of combined experience in blue chip organisations – finance, insurance, recruitment, management consulting and the media – which truly sets us apart from the average agency. Most importantly our buyers say we have a highly personalised approach and feel we become friends with them over time.

Talk us through a typical day at your St John’s Wood HQ?

It’s a real team effort. We check our emails to ensure we are up to date with client enquiries, then the sales team meet to review where each of our clients are at. I regularly meet with Jade, our Marketing and Communications Manager to discuss media coverage, promotions, lead generation and online activities. I also speak to developers and prospective partners to ensure existing projects are on track as well as source fresh opportunities.

What has been your biggest challenge over the last 5 years in property?

My biggest challenge was deciding to employ staff. Until March 2014 I was doing everything myself and I wanted to ensure that I had enough revenue to pay an employee before I employed them. My mother wanted me to stop working 24/7 and offered to lend me some money to help pay an employee’s wages. Well it worked; within two weeks of my first employee Beverly being at the company, we made three sales and things took off from there.

Property has traditionally been a male dominated industry, how have you found being a woman in property?

I don’t think about myself as being a ‘woman in property’. I just happen to be a woman. Perhaps, this is a function of how I was raised by my parents who encouraged me to go for anything I wanted to. When I worked at EMAP in Peterborough on the motoring and motorcycling magazines, there were almost all men working there. I quickly got used to mucking around with the chaps and gender was never anything to go by when determining someone’s skills or capabilities.

Properties of the World offers a range of investment opportunities across the UK, what types of properties and locations would you recommend investors to consider in 2017?

In an uncertain climate following the UK’s Brexit decision I would recommend hotels and care homes. In times of economic and market uncertainty, these two property classes provide certainty and security for investors. To list just a few reasons why; these types of investments provide a fixed rate of return over 10 years, have a considerably higher yield than residential buy to lets of up to 10%, and incur no extra costs during ownership. Investing in a hotel room or care room will give the investor peace of mind as they are exempt from stamp duty and are fully managed which mitigates risk.

What opportunities have you invested in personally and why?

I invested in a hotel room at Llandudno Bay Hotel in Llandudno, a World Heritage seaside town in North Wales that attracts visitors all year around. The property was being converted into a four-star hotel of which there was a shortage and the returns were excellent at 10%. It was also fully managed with no extra costs incurred during ownership. To me, it was a no-brainer.

If you could give investors one piece of advice, what would it be?

To be open-minded about what they’d consider purchasing. Buyers tend to stick to one type of property purchase such as a residential buy-to-let, yet their investment objectives can be better met by buying into say, the commercial property sector.

Lastly, you are originally from across the Pond, what do you miss most about the USA?

I miss seeing my friends and family and just how friendly and open Americans are – you can make a friend in the time it’s taken to read this interview!

For more information, please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/ or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555

• Personal care sector occupancy at 91.7% in H1 2016 (Colliers International)
• Long-term stability and excellent prospects are a win with investors (Properties of the World)
• Income up and costs down across personal care sector (Colliers International)

The newly released Colliers International Healthcare Market Review 2016 has provided the very latest insights into the healthcare property and business sector, revealing that the personal care sector performed well over the past year, with total income levels reaching a new high while costs have fallen.

Rising occupancy levels of personal care services for elderly people were behind the trend, with the elderly care sector seeing occupancy rates of 91.0% or higher for all types of provision in H1 2016.

Average weekly fees were also up for the personal care sector, rising to £536 per week in H1 2016 from £526 per week in H2 2015. At the same time, payroll costs fell from 51.0% of total revenue in H2 2015 to 50.7% in H1 2016 and non-payroll costs dropped from 17.1% to 17.0%.

Jean Liggett, Founder and Managing Director of Properties of the World, comments,

“The personal care sector is attracting keen interest from investors thanks to its long-term stability and excellent future prospects. The UK has an ageing population and thus healthcare properties are becoming an increasingly popular asset class.

“As the Colliers Healthcare Market Review points out, the statistical stability of such investments is incredibly appealing. The industry is growing and adapting to the changing needs of the population and investors are in a position to take full advantage of the new breed of provision that is coming online.”

Wagon’s Way near Sunderland, which is available for investment from £58,500, is representative of this new style of elderly care provision. The 58 bed, high quality, nursing and dementia specific care home is the latest offering from a developer that is meeting and exceeding Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements across its extensive provision.

Already open and operational, Wagon’s Way provides a modern twist on vintage décor, along with a host of touches designed to make life easier and happier for residents, such as cherished photographs on key boxes by bedroom doors rather than impersonal (and easily forgettable) numbers.

The dual appeal to investors in developments such as Wagon’s Way lies in the profitability of the investment (circa 8% NET rental returns for 25 years) and in the ethical considerations. The innovative investment model means that everyone wins: the investor, the residents, their families, the community, the care professionals and the CQC. It’s investment that really does make a difference.

While the impact of the UK’s Brexit vote is still very fresh, the Healthcare Market Review certainly points to healthcare investments standing up well, particularly when compared with other sectors. The report concludes that, “the long-income prospect and underlying stability of demand remain intact.” As the report observes, the UK’s political maneuverings do not affect the infrastructure required to meet the needs of its ageing population, and therein lies the final piece of the puzzle, making healthcare sector investments one of the most attractive asset classes over the longer term.

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

• Regional hotels to hit record-breaking 77% occupancy in 2017 (PwC)
• Brexit creating double boon for UK hotel sector (Properties of the World)
• 10.45 million overnight trips made by Brits to Wales in 2015 (Welsh Government)

Britain’s hotel sector has been riding the wave of the Brexit vote for three months now, with domestic staycations on the up and many European travellers rushing to the UK as a result of finding their euros are suddenly go a lot further.

But will the trend last? Are hotel investments a wise move as we head into 2017?

The latest industry figures and projections certainly seem to indicate that the hotel sector – at least in certain areas – is looking forward to a strong 2017. PwC has projected record occupancy levels for regional hotels over the year ahead and revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 2.3% even in the face of the anticipated economic slowdown. An increase in domestic travel and the weak pound has led the company to predict a record occupancy of 77% for provincial hotels during 2017.

Figures from ContentSquare highlight the increased European appetite for British hotels, one of the driving factors behind the rosy outlook for the sector. Their analysis has shown that the average spend on holiday packages to the UK booked through online travel agents by Europeans following the Brexit vote rose by 38%, while searches for UK destinations increased by 10%.

The UK hotel sector is certainly working hard to respond to the increased demand. STR’s August 2016 pipeline report revealed that the UK has more hotel rooms under construction currently than any other country in Europe. Meanwhile figures from AM:PM have shown that the number of new hotel rooms opening in the UK in 2016 looks set to reach its highest level for four years.

Jean Liggett, Founder and Managing Director of Properties of the World, which is offering hotel room investments at Caer Rhun Hall Hotel in Wales from £75,000, emphasises the dual role that Brexit has played in boosting the sector,

“The impact of Brexit has been a double boon for the UK’s hotel industry. European visitors are keen to head to the UK while it’s cheaper for them to do so and cautious domestic holidaymakers are opting for staycations while they wait for the Brexit dust to settle. Spikes in demand from two different sources are always good news and the hotel sector, particularly in the regions, is looking forward to a strong year ahead in 2017.”

The first rooms at the stunning, grade II listed Elizabethan-style Caer Rhun Hall are due to come online in 2017, with investors able to choose from 14 room types with returns of circa 10% per annum. The lack of stamp duty on hotel room investments has made this a popular asset class, particularly as the UK’s stamp duty changes earlier this year made buy-to-let investment a less profitable venture than once it was.

Wales is certainly a popular destination for staycation-ers in the UK. British residents made 10.45 million overnight trips to Wales during 2015, 60% of them for a holiday according to government figures, with an associated spend of £1,975 million. Wales also welcomed 970,000 visitors from overseas during 2015, with an associated spend of £410 million.

“Look at it from any angle and hotel investment makes sense right now, particularly regional hotel investment” concludes Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett. “London may be facing declining occupancy and decreasing RevPAR over the coming year, but it’s full steam ahead in the regions for the foreseeable future!”

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

• Green and ethical retail funds account for £15 billion of UK investment (EIRIS)
• Ethical investment accounts for around 1.2% of all funds (Investment Management Association)
• Ethical property investment set to go mainstream as investors no longer need to balance ethics with their bottom line (Properties of the World)

“Ethical investment is not a new concept in the UK, but it could well be on the brink of a revolution that will see a sharp and sudden rise in popularity.”

According to Jean Liggett, Founder and Managing Director of Properties of the World, ethical investment in the UK is long overdue a shakeup.

While investors have had access to ethical funds since 1984, uptake has remained low, at a fairly static rate of around 1.2% of all money invested in funds for the last decade or so, according to the Investment Management Association. Indeed, figures from sustainable investment research specialists EIRIS released in 2015 indicate that total investment in green and ethical retail funds in the UK was just over £15 billion: a drop in the ocean when one considers the overall investment picture.

But this formerly ‘niche’ form of investment could be about to hit the mainstream. Jean Liggett explains,

“A lot of ethical investment opportunities relate to particular causes or to the environment. That’s a great idea, but it relies on the investor being interested in those particular causes over and above the attractions of making money elsewhere.

“What we’re seeing now – and where Properties of the World is seeking to lead the way – is a new breed of ethical investment opportunity that appeals to a far broader pool of investors. We’re working with regular property investors looking to make their money do more – a stable, profitable investment with ethical benefits included.”

Bricks, mortar and ethics is not a new concept and there have been some notable successes, mainly in the form of companies providing office space for third sector and community organisations, but again the target market was restricted. The beauty of new ethical investment opportunities, according to Liggett, is that they don’t differ from those that are, well, less ethical.

A regular property investor, for example, looks for healthy yields. An investment offering circa 8% NET rental returns for 25 years holds instant appeal. A low price point (say, £58,500) and a developer with established credentials further add to the attractions. Indeed, many investors in the Wagon’s Way care home in northern England don’t even discover the ethical element of the investment until they’ve already been won over by the numbers.

At the same time, investors ‘with a conscience’ are pushing for property investments that stand out from the crowd based on their social or ethical credentials. At Wagon’s Way, the concept is simple: everybody wins. The 58 bed, high quality, nursing and dementia specific care home from Qualia Care Developments is raising the bar for standards of care for elderly individuals with dementia, regularly exceeding the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC – the UK government regulatory body for care homes).

Qualia Care specializes in purchasing purpose-built, completed facilities in the North of England and using private funds to renovate and reinvigorate them. When an investor purchases a room, they buy a 125-year leasehold with a fixed rental. The money enables Qualia Care to renovate to an extremely high standard to make the home available to elderly residents who would otherwise be unlikely to be able to afford such a superb standard of care. The investor wins and so does the resident.

Incidentally, so does the local authority and the government, which is faced with an ageing population and the fact that a longer life doesn’t always mean a better standard of living.

In the area of northern England in which Wagon’s Way is based, one in four people will be aged 65+ by 2050, according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics. That’s an increase of 56.3% since 2012. Meanwhile the Alzheimer’s Society has reported that the 850,000 UK residents with dementia in 2015 is on track to grow to more than 1 million by 2025 and to over 2 million by 2051.

Demand for high quality care is set to continue increasing and the government needs to find new ways to fund it in order to provide dignity for all in later life. The increasing engagement of property investors with the care sector has certainly come at the right time.

“It’s one of those rare moments when everything comes together at once to usher in the start of a new era,” concludes Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett. “We’ve seen the ethical property sector in Australia really flourish over the last few years and now it’s the UK’s time to shine. Let’s shake up the concept of mainstream property investment by showing that every investor can afford to have decent ethics, without it being at the expense of their bottom line.”

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

• London retains status as world’s greatest city for opportunity (PriceWaterhouseCoopers)
• Royal Docks transformation will deliver 24,000 new homes and 60,000 jobs (Boris Johnson, former Mayor of London)
• New Hoola residential development provides sustainable living in the heart of a vibrant metropolis (Properties of the World)

A recent global ranking compiled by PriceWaterhouseCoopers has named London as the world’s greatest city for opportunity for the second year running. According to the report, the city’s innovation, economic clout and ease of doing business were just a handful of reasons why London remains on top.

The UK’s Brexit decision, far from being Armageddon has become one of many opportunities London can seize with PwC partner David Snell stating that the vote has created a “major opportunity” for the number one city to “work with regulators, investors and clients in order to shape a new rulebook to fit the new climate”.

London has forever been a city of innovation and the current multi-billion-pound regeneration of the Royal Docks in the east of the city is yet another opportunity for the UK capital to flourish.

The transformation, complete with Crossrail connections and Chinese company ABP London’s Asian Business District, is set to deliver 24,000 new homes and 60,000 jobs according to London’s former Mayor, Boris Johnson, who announced the proposals in March this year.

Jean Liggett, CEO of London-based visionary property consultancy Properties of the World comments,

“A lot has changed in the 161 years since the first of the Royal Docks was built. Today, the area is undergoing extensive regeneration that will transform it into a vibrant metropolis thanks to the upcoming Crossrail and Asian Business District drawing new developments and private investment in.

“Some may feel that the London market has peaked and this indeed might be true in prime central areas (zone 1) however, the Royal Docks is witnessing similar regeneration to that of the Canary Wharf which was transformed into the thriving financial district it is today. Rest assured that during and after the Royal Docks regeneration, property prices will inevitably shoot up making today the best time to invest in an opportunity.”

The opportunities that Jean alludes to include new developments such as Hoola, a sustainable residential complex in the heart of London’s Royal Docks. Available for a time-limited discounted price of £463,000, the 360 apartments will have as little environmental impact on the area as possible through the building’s insulation, as well as the use of surplus heat from the ExCel exhibition centre to provide Hoola’s heating and hot water.

The two vertically identical 23 and 24 storey towers boast stunning rippling glass balconies that surround the apartments as well as floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking skyline views. Offering a range of studio, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each home will benefit from a range of facilities including a gym, resident’s business lounge and concierge services for added peace of mind. A spectacular garden is available to all residents; with soft and hard landscaping that includes semi-miniature trees and dramatic water features. Jean comments,

“Hoola is a stunning building – far superior to other high rise apartments that are being built in London. I was extremely impressed with the generous sizes of the apartments and their large balconies, tiled floors and under-floor heating. As one client said, ‘these are luxurious and spacious apartments that differ from the ‘boxes’ being sold in London.’ No surprises, he is buying. It is also only a 2 minute walk from the DLR.”

Situated within walking distance of London’s upcoming Crossrail, due to be running in 2018, and just minutes from London City Airport and the DLR, Hoola’s transport links are perfect for commuters, tourists and frequent travellers. The apartments are also a just few minutes’ walk away from the Royal Victoria Docks as well as exciting future proposals such as a floating shopping village.

For more information, please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/ or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555

• UK student property predicted to be “top of the asset class” for investors (JLL)
• Enquiries for student property investments up 11% in H1 2016 (StudentProperty.Investments)
• Salford PBSA student accommodation scene thrives offering 6.6% NET returns (Properties of the World)

With a record 493,100 individuals placed for the 2016/17 academic year (UCAS, 30/8/16), more students than ever are choosing the path of full-time higher education in the UK.

Since A-level results were announced, the experts at Jones Lang LaSallle (JLL) have released predictions that UK student property will be “top of the asset class” for investors with rental growth of up to 5% projected.

The JLL UK Student Housing Quarterly Bulletin (2016 Q2 Review) also stated that the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector looks “less vulnerable to the Brexit shock in comparison to other property sectors” with the student housing team projecting strong occupier and investment demand as well as student occupancy and appealing income growth for the new academic year.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property consultancy, Properties of the World, which has successfully sold numerous PBSA units across the UK, comments,

“The PBSA market has been rising exponentially for a number of years now with transaction volumes of £1 billion in 2011 growing to £5.7 billion in 2015 accordingly to the latest JLL data. Even with the uncertainty left by Brexit, the outlook for the UK student housing sector remains bright with JLL projecting transaction volumes of £3.5 billion this year. It’s time savvy UK property buyers got back to school and invested in PBSA.”

This positive outlook is echoed by Dan Johnson, Director of StudentProperty.Investments which has already seen a significant rise in student property investment enquiries this year. He comments,

“In H1 2016, we have seen a substantial 11% rise in overall enquiries for UK student property investments compared to the total number of enquiries received in 2015. Demand for student properties is not just from UK buyers but from all over the world as international investors seek to take advantage of a weak Pound and higher than average residential buy-to-let returns.”

One UK university city, named by Savills as offering “First Class” opportunities for student housing development, is Manchester. Home to one of the largest student populations in Europe, Greater Manchester ranked in StudentProperty.Investments’s top 10 most popular counties in England for student property investment in H1 2016 with enquiries in July rising 19% month-on-month along with the city of Salford.

Despite being home to 19,678 students (2015/16), university-operated accommodation at the University of Salford accounts for only 14% of rooms making new PBSA opportunities such as X1 The Campus, available to invest in through Properties of the World, more attractive than ever for both students and investors alike.

Situated right on the corner of the University of Salford Frederick Road Campus, X1 The Campus is within walking distance of an eclectic range of local pubs, bars, public transport (Salford Crescent station is just ten-minute’s walk away), green spaces and much more. Ideally located for Salford students, many of the department buildings where lectures are held are less than five minutes’ walk away from the stylish studios.

Attracting both UK and international students, X1 The Campus consists of 271 modern apartments across eight floors ranging from standard studios to stunning penthouse studios. All apartments are furnished to the highest of standards and boast a variety of exclusive facilities including a state-of-the-art private gymnasium, cinema room, laundry room and large common rooms, as well as secure bicycle storage and a management office for added peace of mind.

With prices starting at £89,995, X1 The Campus is offers a competitive, hassle-free buy-to-let opportunity, that is exempt from stamp duty, fully managed 24/7 with no additional costs and an estimated annual NET return of 6.6%. Completion is due in August, 2018 perfectly in time for the 2018/19 academic year.

For more information, please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/ or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555

• Over 100,000 students arrived in Manchester and Salford for Fresher’s Week 2015 (MEN)
• Salford University expecting increase in applicants for 2016/17 (Salford University)
• PBSA remains a good bet for investors post-Brexit (Properties of the World)

Northern Powerhouse city of Manchester’s undergraduate population is booming. Over 100,000 students headed to Manchester and Salford for the start of Fresher’s Week last September and even more are expected this academic year.

Home to one of the largest student populations in Europe, Manchester will host higher education students both from UK and overseas with a spokesperson from the University of Salford stating that they are expecting to see an increase in applicants for the start of the 2016/17 year (official figures to be published in December).

This expected increase in students studying at the University of Salford will come as no surprise with the institution, founded 120 years ago, being voted the second most improved university in the UK’s 2015 National Student Survey (NSS) with an impressive score of 83%.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World comments on the appeal of Salford University,

“Salford is a vibrant university city attracting UK and international students alike. With 18,920 students enrolled last academic year and numbers looking to rise this year, the University of Salford is making a name for itself. In the 2015 NSS results, Salford scored a minimum of 80% for teaching quality in more than three quarters of the university’s undergraduate courses, with nearly half scoring 90% or above. The student community at Salford is also appealing to new applicants with the union operating over 120 different clubs, societies and activities open to all those looking to get involved in uni life.”

With the University of Salford improving year on year and Greater Manchester renowned as an international student destination, more and more are making their way to the UK’s number one city to live (Global Liveability Ranking 2015, EIU) pushing up the demand for housing, especially purpose built student accommodation (PBSA).

Indeed post Brexit, it seems that PBSA still remains a good bet for investors as a growing sector with sustainable demand and fixed returns. Jean continues,

“UCAS statistics show that student numbers are still rising. Yesterday’s A-level results revealed that a record number of UK university places have been offered, some 424,000, up 3% on results day last year. An increase of students goes hand-in-hand with an increase in demand for student accommodation, subsequently increasing rents, thus, providing higher returns for those who decide to invest in this sector.”

Investors are also attracted to PBSA investment post-Brexit as it provides a fixed rate of return, is exempt from stamp duty and units are fully managed with no additional costs incurred during ownership. Purpose built student property ownership is also appealing as there is no contact with the tenant when compared with traditional, private student buy-to-lets. Jean continues,

“Statistics from London Shared reveal that 76% of private student landlords feel they are permanently ‘on-call’ and 83% forced to splash out around £5,000 every year on maintenance and repairs. Student accommodation investments such as X1 The Campus in Salford offer much better ROI’s with all bills included and buildings managed 24/7. These really are hands-off, hassle-free, income generating assets with fixed rate returns.”

X1 The Campus is situated on the corner of the University of Salford Frederick Road Campus, just ten minutes’ walk from Salford Crescent station, an ideal location for discerning undergraduates, postgraduates and international students alike.

With an array of vibrant pubs and bars close by as well as green spaces such as Peel Park a short stroll away, students can enjoy their local area whilst having easy access to transport links to Salford and Manchester city centres.

Comprised of 271 stylish apartments ranging from standard studios to stunning penthouse studios, X1 The Campus is a competitive buy-to-let opportunity with an estimated annual NET rental return of 6.6%.

Each apartment is fully furnished with a modern feel and includes a spacious double bed, comfortable sofa, plenty of desk and storage space as well as a kitchen and bathroom with fixtures and fittings of the highest quality. Facilities include an on-site private gym, cinema room, laundry room and large common rooms as well as secure bicycle storage and a management office for added peace of mind. Prices start from £89,995.

For more information please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/, email info@propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555