Top 10 hottest homes perfect for a winter escape

Top 10 hottest homes perfect for a winter escape

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As freezing weather grips the country with recent snowfalls across UK, it’s time to escape somewhere warmer. There are plenty of winter sun destinations easily accessible for Brits such as Spain, Turkey or the USA being the obvious choices but there are some more exotic options available too.

To help, here is a selection of the 10 hottest homes on offer this winter – whether you are looking to invest into a luxury villa outside Europe or buy a second home in a jet-lag-free Mediterranean destination, we have it all!

  1. Marina Golf, Mallorca (Spain)

 

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The residential complex, developed by Taylor Wimpey España, has spacious 3 and 4 townhouses with private terraces and gardens surrounded by a solarium area with views over the Santa Ponsa golf course. It is in one the island’s most exclusive and in-demand areas. Prices start from €549.000 +VAT.

       2. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA)

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Available through InternationalPropertyForSale.com investors can get these well-designed beachfront residences that boast a rich array of indoor and outdoor amenities such as a world-class spa. With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering breath-taking views over Atlantic Ocean and more, the properties have wonderful features. Prices start from £1,041,724.

         3. Fumba Town, Zanzibar (Tanzania)

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Exclusive to investment agency Property Frontiers, Fumba Town is a brand-new development of villas and apartments offering breath-taking sea views. Located close to the centre, the property offers the chance for residents to completely emerge within the paradisiac lifestyle on this African beach heaven. Prices start from £123,000.

         4. La Vila Paradis, Costa Blanca (Spain)

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With this development, Taylor Wimpey España gives the chance for residents to feel proud about living in an enviable beachfront location in Villajoysa. The 2 and 3 apartments are built to an excellent standard and include swimming pools, beautiful gardens and direct access to Paraiso beach. Prices start from €269,000 + VAT.

        5. Westmoreland, St James (Barbados)

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Elegant townhouse villas are available through InternationalPropertyForSale.com on Barbados’ stunning west coast benefitting from an all year-round tropical climate. Within this exclusive 5-bedroom development, each property has the option for a sun terrace with access to swimming pool, spacious rooms and other first-class features. Prices start from £1,085,909.

        6. Becyk Villas, Antalya (Turkey)

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This beautiful development, available through Spot Blue, is comprised of 2 bedrooms villas with large private terraces well situated within a relaxed mountainous environment. All villas are built in a traditional Turkish holiday home style and the time difference of just 3 hours make up for the 6-hour flight. Prices start from £69,000.

       7. La Floresta Sur, Costa del Sol (Spain)

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This Taylor Wimpey España residential development is unique as it is surrounded by a striking natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO in Marbella. Owners at La Floresta Sur will live in a healthy environment with better breathing, access to pure water and lots of trees for natural beauty. Prices start from €192,000 + VAT.

         8. The Peak Towers, Pattaya (Thailand)

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With this new 30 floor residential building located within a premium beach area, Property Frontiers is offering investors an excellent opportunity to expand their portfolio internationally. Residents will enjoy the Thai lifestyle living in a perfect environment to soak up on some warm tropical sun during winter.  Prices start from £60,617.

           9. Tamarin, Mauritius

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Also available through InternationalPropertyForSale.co, this development of 25 apartments and penthouses, situated on the beautiful beach of Tamarin on the west coast of Mauritius, is surrounded by sea and mountain views. The properties are eco-friendly and have been designed modern and elegant featuring comfortable living experience. Prices start from £674,082.

           10. Acquamarina, Mallorca (Spain)

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With coastal properties always in high demand, Taylor Wimpey España has unveiled the brand-new development Acquamarina which offers 2 bedroom apartments designed with pure Mediterranean style architecture, where the predominant colour is white. Prices from £214,000.

All hail Halifax – A materially different property market

All hail Halifax – A materially different property market

United Kingdom
  • 250,000 visitors descend on Halifax in response to Piece Hall opening in August 2017
  • Average Halifax property value is £70k below national average (Zoopla)
  • New Martins Mill provides investors with a piece of Halifax’s textile history (Property Frontiers)

Best known for its history as a wool and textile centre, the West Yorkshire town of Halifax is undergoing an exciting revival – and its former cloth mills are firmly at the heart of its new life.

It all began with an inspirational vision for Piece Hall, a Grade I listed cloth hall for handloom weavers consisting of 315 rooms set around a central courtyard. After a three year, £19 million restoration project, Piece Hall opened to the public on 1 August 2017 as a centre for trade, heritage and culture. Since it reopened, more than 250,000 people have visited Piece Hall – and many have discovered Halifax as a result, from property investors to business owners.

“This is a period of transformation for our town. We have wonderful buildings, a highly skilled workforce and, being close to the M62, great road links. In fact, everything new businesses need.”

Barry Collins, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Calderdale Council

 

The flurry of interest in Halifax and its heritage is already having a noticeable impact, with local estate agents highlighting an uptick in interest in the town’s property market as a result of the increased visitor numbers.

Piece Hall has served to pique the interest of many buyers. Halifax’s excellent value for money has then furthered that level of attention. The average property price in the town is just £154,217, according to Zoopla, following an increase in prices of 14.6% over the past five years. By way of comparison, the UK House Price Index for August lists the UK’s average property price as £225,956.

Halifax has a real up-and-coming vibe to it right now, with Piece Hall having kick-started an elevated level of interest in the town. Buyers and renters are particularly interested in being a part of the town’s cultural heritage, and the textile industry is the epicentre of that.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

The most recent textile-related offering in Halifax is the superbly redeveloped, six-storey Martins Mill. The building, which harks back to the 1800s, offers 60 unique one and two-bedroom apartments, the majority of which enjoy spectacular views of Shibden Valley’s rolling hills.

Exclusively available through Property Frontiers, the apartments will allow investors to capitalise on Halifax’s current notoriety and tap into the town’s huge potential for turning its history into its future.

“Martins Mill is perfectly positioned for those interested in the Halifax market and looking to profit from property in the town. The development blends a stunning external façade with delightfully contemporary interiors that have been designed with professional renters and their families in mind. It’s an excellent investment opportunity for those with their finger on the property market’s pulse.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

Let’s get regional – investors hone in on powerful potential of UK’s top 10 provincial cities

Let’s get regional – investors hone in on powerful potential of UK’s top 10 provincial cities

United Kingdom
  • New Property Frontiers report flags up the top 10 UK regional cities
  • New metrics create a compelling case for regional city investment
  • Doncaster, Halifax and Bradford all currently exciting investors

A new report from property investment experts Property Frontiers has highlighted investor interest in regional cities – those urban areas that don’t make the list of the top ten biggest cities in the UK, but which make up the country’s top 100 towns and cities by population.

“Far from being promising underdogs, regional cities frequently outperform much bigger and better-known cities on a wide range of metrics that signal dynamic economies, changing fortunes, and promising housing markets.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Property Frontiers has noticed a growing trend in interest from investors looking at city metrics in depth, from population growth rate to number of business start-ups. These factors are increasingly influencing investors decisions about both where to buy and how much to spend.

Based on its own analysis, Property Frontiers has highlighted the UK’s 10 regional city star performers, each of which is leading the country in one or more metrics.

These are presented in the 2017 Regional Cities Market Insight report.

Three of the cities highlighted in the report are Doncaster, Halifax and Bradford.

Doncaster is home to high tech employers including Amazon, BAE Systems, IBM, and McLaren. Halifax has been enjoying a notable surge in interest in its property market since the newly renovate Piece Hall opened, drawing in 250,000 visitors since August. Bradford, meanwhile, is home to more FTSE 100 companies than any other Northern city.

“Each of these cities displays unique characteristics that are serving to draw investors away from larger urban areas and out into the regions. Regional prices are often lower than those in larger cities, creating the potential for higher rental yields. This factor is adding further weight to the attractions of regional investment.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Danum House in Doncaster is a prime example of the kind of regional city investment that is capturing investors’ attention. The Grade II listed department store is home to 78 spacious apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms. One-bedroom homes there cost from as little as £83,000, with yields of 8.5% per annum assured for five years. With mortgage finance available, investors can be a part of the city’s future for as little as £25,000.

“The concept of a ‘regional city’ is a very broad one. Not every such location will perform well in terms of an investment location, so it’s essential to do some homework and identify those regional cities that offer the most compelling cases for investment. Just being a regional urban area doesn’t automatically qualify a location as a successful investment opportunity – that’s why we’ve produced the 2017 Regional Cities Market Insight report! It’s a way of highlighting those cities – like Doncaster – where property is presenting some really exciting opportunities.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

Yorkshire stares down Brexit uncertainty to become property investment honeypot

Yorkshire stares down Brexit uncertainty to become property investment honeypot

United Kingdom
  • House prices in London falling at fastest rate since 2009 (Acadata)
  • Yorkshire projected to enjoy average price rises of 3.6% for next 5 years (Barclays)
  • Vast array of investment options & locations turning Yorkshire into investment honeypot (Property Frontiers)

Uncertainty lingers over much of the UK property market. London’s house prices are falling at a pace not seen since 2009, according to the latest figures from Acadata and LSL Property Services, with September prices dropping by 2.7%. Meanwhile, Hometrack data reveals that property turnover in the capital has plummeted by 17% since 2015.

However, while investors may have their jitters about London, the same can’t be said for property in Yorkshire. Prices in the northern county are projected to rise by an average of 3.6% over the coming five years, according to the Barclays UK Property Predictor.

Steady, stable growth of this nature – in addition to the potential for decent rental yields – is precisely what investors are looking for from the UK property market right now. Property investment is about beating the Brexit uncertainty to find those pockets of the country where property markets are holding their nerve. That’s why investors are turning to northern counties like Yorkshire.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Yorkshire is home to a number of bustling cities. In addition to Leeds and Sheffield, Bradford, Doncaster, Scarborough, Halifax and Wakefield all offer plentiful employment opportunities and a great location for professionals and families looking to enjoy the urban lifestyle.

Bradford is the fourth largest metropolitan district in the UK, with an economy worth more than £8.3 billion. Outside of London, it is the UK’s fifth fastest growing city. Investors are increasingly being drawn to its hotel sector, with developments such as Fabric, in the city centre, offering a low entry point (rooms from £65,000) and yields of 10% NET per annum for up to 10 years. Bradford’s economy is supporting exceptional 5% annual growth in hotel revenues. Occupancy is on a gentle incline, while rates are steeply rising according to Armstrong Watson.

Meanwhile, other opportunities across the county abound. Investors who prefer apartments have been excited by Danum House, just a two-minute walk from Doncaster train station. One bedroom apartments are available from as little as £83,000 thanks to the exceptional value to be had in this Yorkshire city. Yields of 7% per annum are assured for five years in this popular, art deco style department store conversion.

“One of Yorkshire’s attractions is the range of investments and locations that it offers. This is truly a county with a property to suit every budget – hence it’s rapidly growing status as a top UK investment honeypot.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

Over in the much-loved seaside resort of Scarborough, investors can buy into the next chapter in the history of the majestic Harland Hotel. The building oozes traditional charm, just as one would hope for from a hotel overlooking the bay of one of the UK’s most traditional seaside hotspots. The luxurious rooms are available for as little as £60,000, with ongoing income of 10% NET over 10 years proving a strong lure for investors looking to beat Brexit with strong returns.

The latest Yorkshire development set to tempt investors will be Martins Mill in Halifax. The 60 apartments, due to hit the market imminently and exclusively through Property Frontiers will breathe new life into the former textile mill, which dates back to the 1800s. The development will be the latest in a long line of Yorkshire successes for the Property Frontiers team.

“Property Frontiers has been operating in Yorkshire for many years. Apartments at Hebble Wharf in Wakefield were particularly well received back in 2015 and highlighted the investment appetite for this part of the world. With Brexit creating uncertainty in London and the surrounding area, investors are increasingly looking to areas like Yorkshire for longer-term stability. As such, we expect investment in this county to continue to expand.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

Zanzibar – the hottest new island paradise for real estate investors

Zanzibar – the hottest new island paradise for real estate investors

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  • Zanzibar visitor numbers doubled from 2015 to 2016 (Zanzibar Commission for Tourism)
  • Unguja Island is attracting investment from well-heeled locals and international jetsetters (Property Frontiers)
  • Tanzanian economy has averaged growth of 6-7% over past decade (World Bank)

Zanzibar – the semi-autonomous string of islands located some 25-50 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania – has long been popular with local divers and snorkelers, thanks to its rich offering of coral, dolphins and tropical fish.

Now, the unspoilt island paradise is also attracting keen interest from residential real estate investors, as an exclusive new gated development springs up on the main island of Unguja.

“We’re delighted to be presenting the Fumba Town Development to investors in the UK, with properties ranging from three-bedroom duplexes with pools to five-bedroom townhouses with roof decks and ground level pools. Unguja is a wonderfully unspoilt island and the development is perfect for well-heeled locals and international tourists looking for a peaceful place to escape to.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Fumba Town, sited on the Fumba peninsula on the western side of the island, offers the perfect blend of escapism and modern luxury.

Spectacular sunsets, secluded sandy beaches, local snorkelling and a mangrove forest provide a wonderful sense of isolation, while fibre optic internet, an on-site security team and a host of amenities take care of practical needs.

It’s a combination that has already won the interest of one-time Chelsea centre forward Islam Feroz, who has already purchased his own Fumba Town property.

Just 15 km along the coast from Fumba Town, passing the airport along the way, is Stone Town, the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Zanzibar City (birthplace of Freddie Mercury).

The former seat of the Sultan of Oman, the city has a rich heritage, having been a key 19th century hub of the spice and slave trades. It is home to the best bars and restaurants on the island, as well as fascinating landmarks such as the House of Wonders, an ancient Arab fort and numerous coffee houses and spice bazaars.

 “Zanzibar is one of those wonderful locations that is on the cusp of being ‘discovered’ by international tourism, but currently remains almost untouched. Tourism figures are rising and it enjoys the strong stability of the Tanzanian economy in the background, which adds significant weight to the potential of the investment.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

The Tanzanian economy has enjoyed growth of 6-7% for the past decade, according to the World Bank. The country is politically stable, as well as economically, with a population of 50 million that is growing at more than 3% per year. The economy enjoys healthy diversity, with agriculture, industry (including non-manufacturing), electricity generation, quarrying, mining and services all playing their part.

In terms of tourism, Zanzibar welcomed 376,000 visitors in 2016, double of the 2015 figure, according to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism. The growth is an indication of the rise in Zanzibar’s popularity as a tourist haven, as holidaymakers seek out the unspoiled paradise that the islands offer in such abundance.

The first homes at Fumba Town will be completed by mid-2018. Investors looking to get ahead of the curve can purchase them now, with three-bedroom duplexes priced from $159,900 and five-bedroom seafront townhouses starting from $289,900.

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

All eyes on Cumbria, as Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status inspires rush of investment

All eyes on Cumbria, as Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status inspires rush of investment

United Kingdom World

· Properties near UNESCO sites enjoy 27% higher value than the average UK home (Zoopla) 

· UK staycations up 24% this summer (Sojern) 

· Hotels outside London projected to reach record occupancy levels in 2017 (PwC) 

· Spa hotels now account for 40% of £1.5 billion UK spa industry (Spa Creators) 

The Lake District in Cumbria has become the latest area of the UK to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The honour is conferred on those sites that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization deems to be important to humanity due to their cultural, historical and/or scientific significance.

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful UK regions, with stunning rolling mountains and the iconic lakes for which the area is named providing an outstanding natural environment. It has long been popular with walkers, hikers and those seeking peace, away from the trappings of modern life.

Now, Cumbria is also drawing in investors, from property buyers to those picking up hotel rooms.

“A UNESCO World Heritage award often brings with it an increase in property prices and interest from investors. Zoopla figures show that properties near UNESCO sites command a price premium averaging 27% when compared to the average UK home. As such, a lot of investors are appraising Cumbria right now.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers 

It’s not just buy-to-let property investments that investors are keen to examine in Cumbria. With an area of such incredible beauty, investments with lifestyle benefits are highly prized. The Eden Country Spa Hotel is a great example of this trend.

Well placed for access to Hadrian’s Wall and the Cumbrian countryside, the Eden Country Spa Hotel offers investors two weeks’ personal usage per year. The site is currently being developed into a micro-destination in its own right. As well as top-of-the-range spa facilities, the hotel will offer adventure trails, woodland walks and an equestrian centre, as well as a superb, five-star dining experience, magnificent orangery and laidback cocktail lounge.

“What we see at the Eden Country Spa Hotel is just what investors in areas like Cumbria are seeking – an attractive package of lifestyle benefits on top of solid numbers. In this case, that means returns of 10% NET per annum for up to 10 years, with a low entry point of £45,000. It’s the whole package.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers 

With the UK in the midst of a staycation boom (travel company Sojern has reported a 23.8% rise in those planning domestic breaks this summer), spa hotels are an attractive option for investors looking to capitalise on current trends. According to Spa Creators, UK consumers make 6 million visits to spas every year, while Diagonal Reports estimates that the UK spa market is now worth more than £1.5 billion.

Hotel spas account for 40% of that market and projections certainly look promising for 2017. PwC forecasts that hotel occupancy levels outside London will reach record highs, with growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 2.3% during 2017.

“Hospitality is a key sector for growth, employment and overseas earnings in the UK. It is our 6th largest contributor to export earnings and 4th largest employer – accounting for 4.49 million people or 10% of the workforce and over 180,000 businesses.” 

Andrew Sentance, Senior Economic Advisor, PwC 

All of this is good news for hotels like Cumbria’s Eden Country Spa Hotel. With the UK’s hospitality and spa industries booming, and the Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status attracting considerable attention from tourists and investors alike, the future is looking very rosy indeed.

For more information on investment opportunities around the world, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

Winter round-up: the 2017 Where To… list

Winter round-up: the 2017 Where To… list

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  • The best locations for spending your money in 2017
  • Buy a second home in Spain, invest in a hotel in North Wales and holiday in Tenerife
  • Stick with the UK for buy-to-let investment and play the stock market from the comfort of your bed

With one eye on the future and one on the hottest property and location trends of 2016, it’s time to look at the best places to spend your money in 2017. The 2017 Where To… list covers everything from holidays and holiday homes, to property investments and playing the stock market.

Where To… Buy a second home

When it comes to buying a second home, Spain is the obvious choice for many. Post-Brexit vote reports are that property sales and enquiries from British buyers have ramped up noticeably. Leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com has reported record enquiry numbers since the referendum. Head of Research Richard Speigal comments,

“Spain offers a great climate, fabulous food and excellent value for money. Brexit doesn’t seem to have deterred British buyers in the slightest. In fact, it seems to have spurred many on to purchase their dream second home sooner rather than later.”

The golf courses and beaches of the Costa del Sol are ideal for those looking for a second home in Spain. Taylor Wimpey España is offering spacious apartments and townhouses at Horizon Golf near Mijas from €270,000+VAT.

Where To… Invest in a hotel

An up-and-coming asset class, hotel investment looks set to take off in a big way in the UK over the next couple of years. Jean Liggett, pioneering CEO of Properties of the World, comments,

“Hotel investment offers excellent returns and benefits from not being subject to stamp duty. It’s ideal for property investors who are looking to get more for their money.”

Those investing in Caer Rhun Hall Hotel in Conwy, North Wales (rooms available from £75,000), can look forward to returns of circa 10% per annum, 125% developer optional buy-back and two weeks’ personal usage of their hotel room per year.

Where to…Holiday over the winter months

When it comes to winter sunshine, Tenerife is one of the top short-haul destinations for those travelling from the UK. Idyllic beaches with a sea temperature of 21°C and an average December temperature of 17°C, combined with excellent value for money make this an enticing destination. There’s plenty on offer to entertain the whole family all year round, and some outstanding value hotel rooms available over the winter months.

Cheap Holidays Tenerife has rooms available from as little as £93 per night for those looking to stock up on vitamin D before Christmas and from just £98 per night for holidaymakers planning a break in the New Year.

Where To… Invest in a buy-to-let property

Despite the increase to stamp duty on second homes earlier this year, the UK’s buy-to-let market is still faring well. There are plenty of cities around the UK that offer great returns and the potential for capital growth. One of the most exciting for 2017 is Belfast.

Property prices in Northern Ireland remain some 40% below their 2007 peak, but they’re rising fast. Buy-to-let investors with an eye on capital gains as well as healthy yields are examining the market there closely. With Belfast accounting for 43% of Northern Ireland’s total rental transactions, it is the natural choice for those looking to invest in buy-to-let.

The Frontiers’ Collection at The Sandford, located in Belfast’s thriving Titanic Quarter and available through Property Frontiers, offers one bedroom apartments from £114,750 and two bedroom homes from £141,750.

Over in England it is Manchester that is turning heads as a buy-to-let destination. Surrenden Invest is supporting would-be landlords to avoid paying the proposed ‘Green Tax’ by offering the low-carbon technology Artillery House for investment. The contemporary development enjoys a prime city centre location in Manchester’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and will be one of the city’s most energy efficient buildings. The 12 high end, boutique apartments are available for investment from £120,000.

Where To… Play the stock market

If stocks and shares appeal more than bricks and mortar, 2017 could be the perfect time to try out your skills as a trader. easyMarkets is on a mission to democratise trading, making it possible for anyone with an interest in the markets to dabble from the comfort of their own home. Not only do they offer learning resources and regular insights for those who are new to trading, but their innovative dealCancellation product means that losing trades can be cancelled within 60 minutes of making them – perfect for nervous newbies!

 

For more information, please contact:

Kyero: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: 08000 121 020 (00 34 971 706 972 from outside of the UK) or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Properties of the World: +44 20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk

Cheap Holidays Tenerife: 0800 0124 300 or www.cheap-holidays-tenerife.com

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com

easyMarkets: +44 203 1500 748 or www.easymarkets.com

Exclusive new Frontiers’ Collection launch to capitalize on Northern Ireland housing supply shortfall

Exclusive new Frontiers’ Collection launch to capitalize on Northern Ireland housing supply shortfall

United Kingdom

·         New homes being built at less than half the rate needed (Savills)

·         Anticipated UK housing market downturn unlikely to impact significantly on Northern Ireland (NIHE)

·         Frontiers’ Collection Belfast apartments newly launched by Property Frontiers 

House prices in Northern Ireland remain some 40% below their 2007 peak, but lack of supply is pushing them steadily upward. In light of rapidly increased demand for new homes, Property Frontiers has launched the second phase of the Frontiers’ Collection apartments at The Sandford in Belfast.

According to Savills, house prices in Northern Ireland increased faster than in any other UK region in 2014. In 2015, they shot up by 8%, and over the coming three years they are expected to rise by 6% per annum. Lack of supply of new dwellings is one of the main reasons behind the projections, despite construction output having grown by 4.1% in Q2 2016, based on data from the Department for the Economy.

Social housing figures back up the need for new housing. According to official government estimates, some 37,000 households are on the registered waiting list for social housing. Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities has stated an ambition to start a further 9,600 new social homes by 2021, at a rate of 2,000 per year. Meanwhile the Housing Executive’s Northern Ireland Housing Market Review and Perspectives 2014-2017 report has forecast that some 190,000 new homes will be needed between 2008 and 2025. That equates to 11,200 new dwellings per year, but Savills has confirmed that less than half of that number were completed in 2015.

The worsening lack of supply is impacting on prices across the country. Property Frontiers CEO Ray Withers comments,

“We’ve seen prices rise across Northern Ireland over the past couple of years and the Belfast housing market is benefitting from that trend. With buyers able to look forward to the prospect of capital gains paired with steady buy-to-let income, now is the ideal time to launch the Frontiers’ Collection.

“The contemporary style of the apartments is perfectly suited to the needs of Belfast’s dynamic workforce. Many recent graduates and other professionals working in the city’s booming digital tech sector are keen to make the Titanic Quarter their home and demand for rental property in the city is strong.”

Belfast is the most significant rental market in Northern Ireland, accounting for 43% of all rental transactions in the country. The city’s e-commerce, app and software development and cyber security companies recently led the Tech National 2016 report to put it on a par with London and Manchester as one of the key digital tech clusters in the UK. Professionals working across the industry are keen to rent modern, stylish homes located in the heart of the city, with the Titanic Quarter proving particularly attractive thanks to its unique blend of leisure activities and employment opportunities.

As Northern Ireland’s economy strengthens and housing demand continues to fall further behind supply, many buyers are keen to capitalize on the opportunities that Belfast offers, according to Property Frontiers. Interestingly, Brexit worries are not being felt so strongly in the city as they are in some other areas of the UK, despite Northern Ireland voting overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. As the Northern Ireland Housing Executive summarises,

Unlike in the mid-2000s, Northern Ireland has over the past few years only experienced steady, sustainable growth. It is therefore unlikely that the expected downturn in the UK housing market will impact significantly on house prices in Northern Ireland.

What better time to invest?

Contemporary apartments at The Sandford, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, are available from £114,750 for a one-bedroom home and £141,750 for a two-bed. Already under construction, the apartments are available through the Frontiers’ Collection from Property Frontiers.

For more information on investment opportunities around the world, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

To invest or not to invest… that is the Brexit brainteaser

To invest or not to invest… that is the Brexit brainteaser

United Kingdom
  • Pound lingering at record lows
  • British property c. 20% cheaper than before the referendum for buyers with dollars
  • Demand up in September but average stocks on agents’ books close to historic lows (RICS)

With the pound lingering at record lows and UK politics changing by the day, British buyers and international investors alike are rightly wondering where the property market is heading.

While they don’t have a crystal ball, the experts at Property Frontiers are feeling increasingly confident in their answer to the question they’ve been hearing most lately: “Should I invest now, or wait and see?”

The answer of course depends on your individual circumstances, but the evidence is mounting in favour of moving now.

Property Frontiers CEO Ray Withers explains,

“Brexit is undoubtedly a game-changer, and when the playing field shifts like that, it creates opportunities to get ahead as well as potential pitfalls. Some investors thrive on situations like these, hunting uncertainty around the world, while others let themselves be paralysed into not investing at all. I wouldn’t particularly recommend either course, but there is a happy medium.”

The clearest reason the UK falls into this category at the moment is sterling’s recent plunge: the currency play represents a huge opportunity for international investors. Heated debate about whether the pound will climb, settle, or fall further is pure speculation. It is a fact, on the other hand, that British property is around 20% cheaper than it was before the referendum for buyers with dollars and/or many other currencies, especially those pegged to the dollar (e.g. BHD, HKD, QAR, SAR and AED). Savings of that magnitude may render further gambling – in the form of delaying an investment – unnecessarily risky.

Delaying in order to beat the pound could go either way. Delaying in order to beat the property market, however, is very wishful thinking. Every week, more and more statistics confirm the industry consensus that (barring a full-blown recession) house prices are not going to get any cheaper any time soon, and the fundamentals in most markets still point to chronic undersupply.

Last week the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest house price index, which reports price increases in the year to August 2016 of 8.4%, up from 8% in July and never dropping below 7% this year. Even the Nationwide index, based on less optimistic survey data (rather than actual registered sales), reports that the worst monthly change since the referendum was a 0.2% increase (in July, just after the vote).

Property Frontiers’ Ray Withers continues,

“In my view, what we have seen in the past few months is a temporary slowdown in a long period of excellent growth underpinned by strong fundamentals. This plateau offers a vanishing window of opportunity before prices ramp up again, and even if we get more surprises next year they may not offer anything better.”

A new RICS survey reports that demand ticked up in September while average stocks on property agents’ books were close to historic lows. August’s drop in mortgage rates should also boost demand and support price levels. And whether values increase substantially or not, in a super-low interest world, British rental yields remain amongst the strongest across many markets. RICS has further identified a “critical rental shortage” in the UK, predicting 1.8m more households will be looking to rent rather than buy a home by 2025, while Countrywide forecasts a 4% increase in rents in 2017 and again in 2018.

As the best and brightest of the industry rubbed shoulders at MIPIM last week, congregating under the banner “extraordinary times, extraordinary returns?” investors will do well to remember that there are certainly profits to be had in the UK market and to be wary of dismissing making a move due to volatility. Property is still among the safest and most stable of many asset classes, and now remains a favourable time for those that have cash (especially in different currencies) and are seeking long term investment opportunities.

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

 

The North heads South to MIPIM en masse to corner new real estate business opportunities

The North heads South to MIPIM en masse to corner new real estate business opportunities

United Kingdom , ,
  • Manchester offering strong returns on stylish homes (Surrenden Invest)
  • Northern cities providing something ‘a cut above the average’ (Properties of the World)
  • Liverpool flagged as 2017 property investment hotspot (Property Frontiers)

The much celebrated MIPIM UK property industry extravaganza will take place at London’s Olympia from 19-21 October 2016.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, will be among those attending, along with a strong contingent of his peers from the North of England. The Northern team will be attending en masse in order to show that the North remains open for business, despite the ongoing distraction of Brexit. Bernstein comments,

“MIPIM is the first major real estate event since the EU referendum and I’m looking forward to reinforcing the importance of Manchester and the north to the UK economy. The event will be a great opportunity to discover the diverse investment and development opportunities the north has to offer.”

Manchester is certainly generating some interesting real estate investment opportunities at present. In a prime position in the heart of the city, Halo epitomises the kind of modern, luxury development that investors are keen to be profit from and tenants are keen to rent. The high profile development boasts 66 stylish apartments, with projected 6.2% NET yield through Surrenden Invest.

Manchester, along with Birmingham and London, sits among Europe’s 20 largest cities, according to Centre for Cities. Investment opportunities there are attracting both domestic and international interest. Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, offers several opportunities to investors keen to pick up northern real estate. She agrees that contemporary developments with a luxurious feel are prime targets for investors, commenting,

“Northern UK cities offer rich pickings right now when it comes to real estate opportunities. Buyers are looking for something a cut above the average in excellent locations. Popular properties are those that are well located for both local employment opportunities and retail and leisure amenities. Salford Quays is precisely the kind of area that investors can’t get enough of.”

The popularity of design-led apartments such as those at The Element add weight to Liggett’s words. The stylish homes offer urban convenience at every turn, from their prime Salford Quays location to the availability of on-site parking – an important consideration that is often bypassed by such central city developments. Apartments at The Element start from £112,970 and offer 7% NET assured returns for two years.

But it’s not just Manchester’s real estate that has got investors so excited about opportunities in the North. Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, explains,

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in the property investment opportunities available in Liverpool right now. Liverpool is a growing city and centrally located accommodation that offers something unique is winning over a lot of interest from investors. Liverpool’s prices are still a little below their 2007 peak and a lot of those in the industry are flagging it up as an investment hotspot for 2017.”

Withers cites Parker Street Residences as an example of the kind of property that stands out from the crowd. Located within the central, L1 postcode area, the development has blended the exterior façade of the former Reece’s Ballroom with an ultra-contemporary interior. As well as a low entry point (studios are priced from £69,950 for cash buyers) and yields of 8% NET, investors can enjoy owning their own piece of Beatles history, as Reece’s was the location of John Lennon’s first wedding reception.

International and local investors flock to MIPIM UK every year for just these kind of investment opportunities and the message at the October show from the North of England will be clear: the real estate sector in the North is alive and well.

For more information, please contact:

Surrenden Invest: +44 203 3726 499 or www.surrendeninvest.com

Properties of the World: +44 20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com