A new era for Turkish investment property as Akbuk Resort Group signs deal with Ramada

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Turkey’s economy has been strengthening for years. By 2011 the country was ranked 18th in the world in terms of GDP(World Bank) while its economy was the fastest growing in Europe at 8.5 percent. With inflation falling and healthy growth predictions for the coming years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is confident in his country’s ‘2023 Vision’ of becoming one of the top ten economies in the world.

Overseas investment makes up a significant part of the economy: in the past nine years, Turkey has absorbed $110 billion of overseas investment according to CNBC, while A.T. Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index ranked it as the 13th most attractive destination for foreign investment in 2012.

With the number of tourists arriving in Turkey increasing year on year (reaching 31.78 million visitors in 2012), and overseas investment in the Turkish property market predicted to rise from $2.5 billion to $10 billion over the next few years, it is easy to see why award winning developer Akbuk Resort Group has identified Turkey as the ideal place for its stunning new Harmony Bay Resort & Spa.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the resort is attracting a healthy blend of business partnerships and individual investments. Agreements have just been finalised with Wyndham Hotel Group and Sophos Hotels, who manage a large proportion of the Wyndham Ramada resorts, meaning the resort will come under the Ramada brand as ‘Ramada Resort Akbuk.’

The resort, which boasts magnificent panoramic views across the beautiful Akbuk Bay and the Aegean Sea beyond, will feature a delightful hotel and a range of luxury suites. Its exclusive spa, fine dining restaurants and extensive leisure and fitness options will add to the attractions of the area’s stunning coastline and wealth of historical sites.

Lee Harley, Operations Director of Akbuk Resort Group, explains the development’s investment opportunities,

“Harmony Bay Resort & Spa has something to offer every investor. We are excited to be part of Turkey’s bright future and are offering a flexible range of investment options, in line with the country’s forward-thinking economic outlook. From full purchase to fractional ownership SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) investments, we are enabling our investors to generate lucrative returns by becoming part of one of the world’s fastest growing and strongest economies.”

Investment options begin at just £11,688 for fractional ownership, with full ownership prices ranging from £61,600 to £107,800. In line with its reputation for innovation, Akbuk Resort Group is proud that the development is Turkey’s first fully SIPP-compliant resort. Depending on the chosen investment option, returns can include 4% interest paid until completion, Rental Assurance of 8% for the first two years following completion and a clear exit strategy with buy-back options in year five.

With flexible, investor-friendly options such as these being offered, it is no wonder that overseas investors continue to be attracted to Turkey and to being part of the country’s bright and dynamic future.

In the face of a generally gloomy world economy, it seems there is nothing but good news for Turkey. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek has reported that the economy grew around 3 percent in 2012 and is expected to grow by 4 percent in 2013 with The World Bank adding that it anticipated a further 4.5 percent growth during 2014.

For further information contact Akbuk Resort Group on +44 (0)845 230 5210

With confidence on the wane in H2 2012 according to latest data, should UK landlords be bullish or bearish in 2013?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

According to new figures released by Upad, the leading online lettings agency, a mere 63 per cent of landlords remain bullish on the outlook for the UK private rental sector in 2013, a drop of nearly 10 per cent compared to this time last year.

Upad’s latest Landlord Confidence Index (December 2012) reveals that whilst confidence overall in the UK buy-to-let market remains positive, not all landlords may be quite so bullish in 2013.

James Davis, CEO of Upad, comments,

“The overall trend for 2012 shows a decline in confidence in the 2nd half of the year (barring an Olympic blip) as economic growth failed to pick up – generating concerns about tenant’s personal finance with bank lending continuing to be challenging and increases in rental values slowing.

“The problems affecting the wider economy are highly unlikely to disappear in 2013 with the recent snow even tipped to trigger a triple-dip recession, so for that reason I suspect landlords to be cautious about over-exposing themselves. However, that said many of our landlords do appear to be in a far stronger place than might have been anticipated a couple of years ago.”

Indeed, this more optimistic outlook for the next 12 months is supported by IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer who explains that despite the lack of confidence, falling house prices and low interest rates, on-going demand for rental property in the UK and higher yields have created the perfect environment for UK landlords to thrive with over 8% achievable in some UK cities such as York, as revealed by Zoopla last week.

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) has also seen an upward trend in landlord investment over the past 12 months with the number of buy to let properties owned by landlords rising to eight in Q4 2012, up from seven at the beginning of the year.

Be they bullish or bearish, first and foremost in landlord’s minds should be the avoidance of void periods in 2013 as this will directly affect their yields. And for those looking for an innovative new way to find tenants then the UK´s market leading online lettings agency, Upad, is the answer. Standing out from the crowd, Upad specialise in helping professional tenants rent properties from landlords directly by allowing landlords to manage their own viewings. As a result, Upad receive around 20,000 tenant enquiries per month.

Upad offers a complete lettings service for a flat fee of only £299 (+ VAT) which includes professional photography and a floor plan, a ‘To Let’ board erected outside the property and advertising across all major UK lettings sites as well as comprehensive tenant referencing, drawing up of the tenancy agreement, deposit registration and crucially, rent collection. For more information please contact Upad, on 0333 240 1220 or visit www.upad.co.uk.

Indulge your passion for Italy for a fraction of the cost with Appassionata’s fractional ownership offer

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Whether you are looking for fine food and wine, historic surroundings, bright sunshine or incredible scenery, Italy has something to offer everyone. According to a recent survey from Fly.com, Italy has topped the list of countries that travellers from the US most want to visit, far outstripping traditional destinations such as the UK and France.

It seems that Italy is transforming into the exclusive European holiday destination. Recent figures from the Bank of Italy show that whilst the country received fewer visitors in 2012 than in the previous year, international tourists spent almost 3% more while there – a strong indication that Italy is fast becoming the destination of choice for wealthier travellers.

And indeed smart tourists are making the most of the unspoilt essence of Italy by visiting regions like Le Marche. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains in central Italy, this undulating landscape is dotted with picturesque villages offering a true taste of rural Italy – the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern living.

The Hobbs were one such family quick to recognise Le Marche’s potential. In 2004 they purchased the stunning Estate Giacomo Leopardi and a short time later founded their company, Appassionata, as a means of sharing their love of the Italian lifestyle with a select few individuals. Appassionata now offers fractional ownership of the two properties on Estate Giacomo Leopardi, as well as a share of the organic produce from its extensive olive groves, vineyards, lavender plantation and truffle orchard.

The five acre estate is home to these two exceptional properties, lovingly restored by this family-owned and family-run company. Casa Giacomo is a newly built four bedroom, three bathroom property, which has already sold out, while Casa Leopardi has been sympathetically restored to create a stunning five bedroom, five bathroom ´home away from home.’ As a qualified interior designer, owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs has ensured that the properties have a luxurious, boutique feel, while remaining in keeping with their tranquil surroundings. Dawn explains:

“With a setting this stunning, we wanted to ensure that the homes were as beautiful as their environment, with unique features and indulgent décor. We offer people the chance to own a luxury property and share in the wonderful lifestyle ventures made possible by the breadth of the estate. Fractional ownership means that buyers can enjoy the dream Italian lifestyle at only a fraction of the cost.”

A one tenth share of Casa Leopardi is currently available for the special price of just £175,000. For this, buyers can enjoy exclusive use of the property for five weeks per year, including the estate’s landscaped gardens, swimming pool, all weather tennis court and spectacular panoramic views. Within the house, spacious, light-filled rooms combine with outside terraces and unique touches to create an elegant, relaxed vibe.

The rise of Italy as an exclusive destination combined with the benefits of fractional ownership make Appassionata’s Casa Leopardi a truly exceptional lifestyle investment for smart purchasers seeking to indulge their passion for Italy and possess their own slice of the Italian dream. For more information contact Appassionata today on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Love for “la dolce vita” is in the air as Appassionata appoints AB Property Marketing Ltd

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems perfect timing for husband and wife team, Dawn and Michael Cavanagh-Hobbs of Fractional Ownership company Appassionata to appoint leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd to spread the word about their passion for Italy.

 

Dawn and Michael first fell in love with Le Marche on their travels to the region back in 2004 and soon decided that the alluring combination of unspoilt countryside, sea, mountains and an incredible quality of life was where they wanted to call home.

 

After acquiring the Estate Giacomo Leopardi, Michael, an entrepreneur and Dawn, a qualified interior designer with over 20 years’ experience, selected the Fractional Ownership route for their two properties, Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, enabling more than one single owner to fall in love with these unique homes located near the gorgeous medieval town of Montefiore dell’Aso.

 

Dawn and Michael have spent years lovingly restoring the stunning properties on the Estate Giacomo Leopardi, successfully selling all fractions of Casa Giacomo and now offering one tenth fractions of the 420m2 Casa Leopardi for £175,000.

 

Now, almost a decade after first setting foot in Le Marche, known as “Italy all in one region” which borders Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Abruzzo, Lazio and the Adriatic Sea, Appassionata have appointed leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd to share their passion for “la dolce vita” with the world.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Dawn Cavanagh -Hobbs says,

 

“We have worked very hard as a family over the years to sympathetically restore Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi to their former glory. Michael and I are proud of what we have achieved and simply want to share our experience and what the Estate has to offer, via the experts at AB Property Marketing, with other like-minded people who are passionate about Italy and Italian property.”

 

With a superb personal story, hundreds of high resolution images of the properties (before, during and after the renovations) and the five acre Estate complete with vineyards, olive groves and a truffle orchard, access to a number of international owners as well as first-hand knowledge of both the Fractional Ownership and Italian property market and interior design expertise, Appassionata has a wealth of information to offer the media.

 

As Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, explains,

 

“It is rare that you come across such a unique property company such as Appassionata. What Michael and Dawn have created over the last decade is something really special and the sheer number of delighted Fractional Owners is testament to this. I personally have always had a soft spot for Italy and so it is wonderful to be able to blend business with pleasure and promote Appassionata and their properties.”

 

For more information about Appassionata and media requests please contact the team at AB Property Marketing on +44 845 054 7524, email Charlotte at charlotte@abpropertymarketing.co.uk, visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk or www.appassionata.com. 

From behind the iron curtain and now centre stage, Albania shows Europe how things should be done

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Despite the general doom and gloom of the European economy, some countries have managed to buck the trend. Albania is a shining example. It is not in recession; Moody´s has confirmed its B1 rating and Standard and Poor´s has indicated that it expects Albania´s growth performance to continue to improve.

 

 
As Albania works towards EU membership – it formally applied in April 2009 – the country is expected to continue operating the solid fiscal and economic policies that are currently in place and that have seen its economy grow while others have been in decline.
 
 
This positive picture, backed by Prime Minister Sali Berisha´s commitment to support business and innovation in Albania, has created an attractive environment for foreign investors looking to take advantage of the country´s open-market economy and the diversification of its economic base. The property market is already feeling the effects of this, giving rise to some exciting new leisure and tourism developments, such as the Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa.
 
 
Lalzit Bay is a luxurious 5 star resort village tipped to become the most exclusive beach community in Albania. Construction has progressed swiftly during 2012: from an empty piece of land in January, through the completion of the superstructures in August, to interior work being well underway in December. Holidaymakers will be able to start enjoying Phase 1 of the resort when it is completed a little later this year. The rapid progress is a clear demonstration of the new business-minded approach that is flourishing in Albania. 
 
 
Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, explains:
 
 
"Albania is changing. The country is fired up and ready to take on the new world created by the global economic crisis. We´re doing things differently now, allowing businesses such as Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa to progress. At the same time, we´re ensuring that environmental factors are considered, so our resort village is being built in harmony with the local environment and the feeling of space and seclusion that the beach, the sea and the distant mountains provide. Our low-rise design will ensure that the natural delights of the area can be enjoyed to their full, while ensuring luxury and privacy for our guests.
 
 
"With foreign investment on the rise in Albania, it was essential for us to create a resort village that exceeded expectations and offered more than the dated resorts in other Mediterranean countries. Nestled in amongst our landscaped and meditation gardens are secluded pools, tennis courts with qualified coaches on hand, beach clubs, a residents´ club and our stunning spa, wellness centre and state of the art health club."
 
 
The resort epitomises the emergence of Albania as a key country for foreign investment. It combines careful planning with a bold, innovative approach, just as the government´s economic policies have done. The environment that has been created as a result of these policies is allowing business and the economy to flourish, while neighbouring countries still struggle to get to grips with their fiscal problems.
 
 
Smart investors looking to capitalise on the rising Albanian economy via the country´s property market will find prices starting from as little as €35,000 for a studio apartment at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa. In keeping with the country´s progressive approach, the resort is offering investment opportunities in its hotel units as well, with discounts available for multiple purchases, affording investors multiple ways to be part of Albania´s dynamic economy.
 
 
For more information on Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, please contact 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com .

Going against the grain. Another successful year for The Real Estate Agency as Spanish sales soar in 2012

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

 

The widely reported trials and tribulations of the Spanish economy, which is predicted to continue shrinking in 2013, have painted a rather bleak picture of late. However, it seems that certain sectors such as the second homes market are going against the grain with opportunities abounding for foreign investors looking to pick up bargains.

The Real Estate Agency, the Spanish division of Fastighetsbyrån, Sweden’s leading real estate firm, has reported sales volumes soared by an astonishing 90% during 2012. With the Swedish economy continuing to grow, the company has seen increasing numbers of Swedes – as well as investors from the UK and elsewhere in Europe – attracted to properties in Spain.

The delights of the scenery, sunshine and laidback lifestyle of the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are proving particularly popular, with both the new-build and resale property markets showing strong sales. Daniel Nilsson, Regional Manager of The Real Estate Agency, comments:

“The last 12 months have been very positive for us having received over 5,200 enquiries for Spanish property and conducting some 1,600 viewings. From this we have seen the volume of deals and revenue rise by 90% and 104% respectively in 2012 compared with the previous year. Those are not the sales figures of a dead market!

“Buyers are looking for second homes and investment properties in locations offering great weather, fantastic food and a friendly and welcoming culture such as the Costa Blanca which accounted for nearly two thirds of our sales in 2012.”

Other real estate agencies are reporting the same story and it appears that the boom in Spain’s second homes market is set to continue into 2013. Nilsson continues:

“The glut of properties available in Spain presents not a problem but an opportunity for overseas buyers, there is something to suit everyone at every budget! Whether buyers are looking for newly built developments or more traditional Spanish resale properties (which 80% of buyers purchased in 2012), choice and bargains abound. In the last quarter of 2012 alone The Real Estate Agency saw a 22% increase in viewings of properties on the coast of southern Spain, compared with the previous quarter.

“The market continues to expand, as more and more investors are attracted by cost-effective purchases in idyllic locations. Buyers no longer feel constrained to purchase only in their own country, instead they have the confidence to invest in their dream home overseas through trusted real estate companies with proven track records.”

The Real Estate Agency is just that. The company’s Swedish heritage brings with it over 45 years of experience of the property market. It has been operating in Spain since 2008 and has a network of offices along the Mediterranean coast, with new branches due to open in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona as a result of the success of 2012. From January 2013, The Real Estate Agency will also be offering its services outside of Spain, initially in Cannes on the French Riviera.

This blend of established experience and enthusiasm for the blooming Spanish market has led to an extremely successful year for the company, and with investors still hungry for what Spain has to offer, 2013 is tipped to be even more exciting.

For more information please call +34 617 343 846 or visit www.therealestateagency.com.

 

Getting to know… Michael & Dawn Cavanagh- Hobbs from Appassionata

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 

How would you describe your business title?  
 
Michael Hobbs – Entrepreneur, Adventurer and Truffle Grower! I am also the owner and founder of Appassionata, the boutique fractional ownership business in the heart of the Le Marche region of Italy. 
 
What made you decide that Italy was the best country to set up a new business?
 
Italy is one of the most iconic countries in the world. The landscape, people, food, wine, history and culture all create the rich tapestry that is Italy…………“la dolce vita”. It is also one of the top countries in the world that people would like to visit on holiday.
 
What was the vision behind Appassionata?
 
To create something magical, reflecting our life experiences and incorporating our strong family values.
Appassionata was born from the hearts and minds of my wife Dawn, a successful interior designer and I. We wanted a way of sharing our love of Italy with a discerning and select group of people.
 
The business is boutique in nature and style, family run and aimed at like-minded people who want to experience the real Italy and a luxurious lifestyle. We are not a large faceless corporation; our philosophy is to exceed owner’s expectations.
 
Why do you think Le Marche makes the ideal location to spend time?
 
Le Marche is one of Italy´s best kept secrets.The area still remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism and retains a taste of authentic Italy. Close to the Adriatic Sea and Sibillini Mountains it has something for everyone. It’s Italy in one region.
 
Is it still safe to buy in Italy?
 
Of course, Italy operates a very effective land registry system with strong legal controls. It is an integral part of Europe and has great appeal to international property buyers especially Americans who love to holiday here.
 
As part of our operating model we have created a simple and straightforward ownership structure, based in the UK. The property is owned by a non-trading, UK registered company which has been established to operate the estate on behalf of all its owners.  Title to the estate is held in perpetuity by the UK based company, fully protecting the owners.
 
As with other real estate, ownership may be sold, willed, transferred or placed in a trust at any time. Transfer of ownership is straightforward and Appassionata has handled all of the complexities and substantial costs involved in purchasing an Italian property, on behalf of its owners. 
 
What has been Appassionata’s biggest success so far?
 
Selling out of our first phase of the development (Casa Leopardi) in just over a year, selling two shares in our second phase (Casa Giacomo) before we had finished the property and the number of very positive testimonials we continue to receive from our owners and their guests.
 
The UK press indicate that the Italy is in decline, what is it like for you living much of the year there and what would you say to prospective clients to allay any fears?
 
What the press say and what we experience are two different things. There is no doubt that Italy, like the rest of Europe has economic challenges to deal with. What you experience when staying in the area though is quite different.
 
The Italians have such a zest for life and make the most of their environment and culture. On a day to day basis we really don’t see many changes and the local Italians, with their strong family values, keep their community together and enjoy their lives with the same pace and passion. Come and visit us and decide for yourselves how wonderful Le Marche is and experience its sweet life.
 
Who is buying in Italy? Has there been a change in demographics?
 
A mixture of nationalities and demographic types but it depends on the type and location of property. At Appassionata we have a cross section of European, Scandinavian and American owners and generally high net worth individuals buying without finance.
 
With the fall in the euro, what advantage does this offer British buyers?
 
Your pound certainly goes further, especially in Le Marche where a glass of wine is between €1 and €2.50.
An excellent, six course Italian meal, including wine, water and coffee for £20.00, need I say more?!
 
Why do you feel fractional ownership is a better option for people considering buying in Italy?
Fractional ownership is fast becoming the smartest way to enjoy the benefits of owning a luxurious holiday home in Italy at a fraction of the cost of buying a holiday home outright. Fractional Ownership allows you to increase your buying power and significantly reduce the annual running costs.
Our fractional ownership opportunity also offers exclusive occupancy of your chosen property and access to shared grounds for each of your residency weeks, a share of wine, olive oil, lavender oil and truffles/truffle oil produced from the estate as well as the opportunity to generate income from rentals.
 
For more information about Michael and Dawn Cavanagh- Hobbs and the opportunities available through Appassionata contact them today on 0039 0734 658 775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

13 ‘must haves’ in your home for 2013

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

Barton Wyatt, the leading Estate Agent in Virginia Water acts on behalf of high net worth individuals looking for homes in North Surrey and South Berkshire. Their clientele are predominantly those who will fly first class and stay in seven star hotels around the globe.
Second class is not in their vocabulary and these captains of industry, celebrities and even royalty know what they want and make sure they get it. Working with such lucrative buyers on a daily basis, the team at Barton Wyatt have used their unique insight to produce a succinct list of ‘must haves’ for every home in 2013.
1.       Dress to Impress
Literally no one at this high-end level would consider a house without a substantial dressing room in the master suite. A recent study by De’Longhi revealed that 45% of modern women choose a walk-in wardrobe as the ultimate status symbol but Barton Wyatt would put this figure at 100% for their clients and they usually want two – a his and hers versions ideally decked out in beautiful oak paneling. A well fitted and kitted dressing room screams luxury and glamour at prospective buyers.
2.       Time for Tea
The latest in kitchen wizardry is the constant boiling tap. Gone are the days of waiting for the kettle to boil, at the push of a lever choose between filtered boiling and chilled water which appears almost instantly from the same tap. And it is worth mentioning that they can be more economical to run than a conventional kettle which often heats more water than is actually needed.
3.       Thank you for the music
No home is complete without a state of the art music streaming system. Modern homes these days will have speakers cleverly sunk into the ceiling of many of your rooms. These unbelievable music systems will wirelessly manage all your music; you can create playlists and individually control the volume in every room.
4.       Bath time
The absolute luxury for those with enough space in the home is to have a Mr and Mrs bath-suite. Busy executives are likely to be dashing through the bathroom at the same time in the morning and having your own space is as good as it gets for ensuring a calm and peaceful start to the day.
5.       Wine o’clock
A top end home would be incomplete without a wine cellar. Either designed within the basement or quite often fitted as an after build project. A watertight, pre-cast cylindrical system that´s sunk into the ground, it can be located anywhere from kitchen to conservatory, workshop to study. Built to house in the region of 1,500 bottles you might want to consider the fun you would have just filling it! 
6.       We gotta move these colour TV´s
Televisions are one of the items in most homes that have changed more than anything else in the past 10 years. Out with the old bulky CRT and in with massive flat screen 3D HD TVs. The size and sheer number of TV’s in your home will be of great importance to your children even if it is not for you. The new standard size for a home in Wentworth is nothing under 80”, however the 108” models are starting to drop in price and are the new in-thing, it will not be long before ‘whole wall’ models will become the very latest in TV fashion. And a serious show-off you might have their own private cinema room, a TV in the Jacuzzi, the end of the bath or even as a splash back on your cooker!
7.       Get green fingered
There is nothing more impressive to a prospective client than being met by the sight of a fabulously maintained and well thought-out garden. New homes built and not landscaped will not attract the big money. Savvy developers spend huge amounts on planting established trees, box hedging and on occasion some lavish topiary will work wonders for a sale.   With all this greenery going on a built in irrigation system will be a must to keep those lawns the perfect shade of green. The latest new homes are designed with water collection from the roofs and driveway fed into vast underground storage tanks to make sure you are as environmentally friendly as possible.
8.       Petrol Heads
Garaging might seem a little dull and purely functional but let’s be honest if you are living in a multi-million pound home there is a good chance that you will have a few cars floating around and they need housing. The fanciest garages are hidden underground – one particularly fabulous one had a car lift to whisk the cars underground and away from prying eyes. Here below the house was parking for 4 or 5 vehicles at a car friendly temperature to keep them pristine.
9.       Super-size means super quick sale
Traditional homes were built with small rooms to keep them warm but with the advent of under-floor heating and huge capacity boilers small rooms are a thing of the past. The houses that race out the door at Barton Wyatt have massive super rooms up and downstairs that give houses a tremendous feeling of light and space. These rooms will incorporate a lavish kitchen, dining area and seating for many guests as well as huge master bedroom suites. 
10.   A safe as houses
State of the art security is all the rage for your mansion-pad. Your home might not be MI5 HQ but keeping you and the family safe is going to be a priority. With some homes designed with panic rooms, CCTV cameras littered around the grounds and a direct phone to the police, this might seem a little over the top however, for some families, especially royalty, this might be a good investment.
11.   A helping hand
Busy families with busy lives often means a live-in nanny or house keeper is required to keep things ticking over and they will require accommodation. For the absolute best results staff accommodation will include its own entrance and en-suite bathroom with a kitchenette. This way both you and your staff get their own space and this living space can also be used at some point to accommodate an ageing relative or a grumpy teenager.
12.   I’m hanging on the telephone – not any more
The drive for universal mobile phone coverage has seen masts hung from every street corner and disguised as fir trees, clocks and even church windows. Now miniature versions containing a 3G transmitter and receiver have been made available for your living room. Don’t worry the radiation levels are minimal, no more than a regular Wi-Fi router and you can connect the ‘mast’ to your router enabling it to carry the calls, emails and mobile Wi-Fi through your existing broadband connection.
13.   The cupboard was bare
Have you ever dreamed of having too much storage space? Well this is a very in-vogue thing to impress your friends. Throwing open the cupboards of your new home to show them just how much space you have has become a sign of luxury. To be bang on trend the items hanging should all match and be colour coded too!
 
For more information or advice on the 13 ‘must haves’ for your home in 2013 talk to Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Fury over Property Live closure at Surrey NAEA meeting

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Sparks flew yesterday in usually sedate Surrey as the county’s NAEA members expressed their anger at this week’s announcement of the closure of Property Live. 

 

Attending the quarterly meeting of over 60 Surrey NAEA and ARLA members in Guildford was NAEA MD and President Mark Haywood who acted as ‘messenger’, relaying the Board’s decision to close the association’s Members Only portal at the end of January 2013 due to poor performance.
 
 
Launched 4 years ago and rumoured to have cost Members in excess of £2 million, Property Live was the long-awaited portal dedicated to NAEA members. Well supported across the country and intended to be a real alternative to major portal players, there was widespread disappointment and dismay in Surrey upon hearing about the closure with one member at the meeting exclaiming, “Property Live was the best Member benefit we’ve had for years or maybe even ever!”
 
 
The Board’s decision to cease operations at Property Live from the end of the month was taken after much discussion with low volume of lead generation cited as the reason although concerns over the management and availability of sufficient marketing budgets were also voiced at the meeting by Surrey NAEA members. 
 
 
Surrey NAEA Chairman, James Wyatt, comments, 
 
 
“With over 90% of property buyers starting their search online and the likes of Jessops and HMV going into administration because of the seemingly insatiable growth of online consumerism, it seems madness that the NAEA Board has decided to close the main online presence of the NAEA!
 
 
“Our Members here in Surrey bought into and supported the Property Live model for 4 years with some even cutting ties with the likes of Rightmove and Zoopla, where does that leave them now? As the ones who funded this ambitious project, the Board has a duty to provide a full and detailed explanation about the decision to its Members.”  
 
 
With the NAEA retaining the Property Live URL pending further discussions according to Mark Haywood, questions have already been raised as to the future of the portal? 
 
 
Sentiment was clear in Surrey with Members holding a long heated debate and concluding that a viable commercial future was possible for Property Live but that it needed to be discussed with the Board as a matter of urgency.  
 
 
James Wyatt concludes, 
 
 
“Within minutes of hearing the news about Property Live’s intended closure I received a number of emails from interested parties keen to take the now defunct site on. It will be very interesting to see what steps the Board takes next.”
 
 
So with this latest news of yet another property portal going to the wall, it seems that there’s nothing, even the 14,000 strong members of the NAEA and ARLA, can do to stop the might of the Rightmove and Zoopla – even if it is much to the displeasure of NAEA Members.
 
 
For more information please contact Surrey NAEA Chairman James Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or email jw@bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Belgravia based developer Oakvest committed to restoring Grosvenor Gardens to its former glory

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Walk just a few minutes west from one of London’s busiest terminuses, Victoria train and coach station, and you’ll find Grosvenor Gardens.

This triangular oasis in the midst of SW1 is rather a hidden gem with grand 18th and 19th century, ornate buildings lining two flanks and the charming Grosvenor Garden forming a central focal point. Occupying a prime location in the City of Westminster, Grosvenor Gardens is a mere stone’s throw from the iconic Westminster Cathedral, the Victoria Palace Theatre, Cardinal Place shopping centre and luxurious Tophams Hotel.
 
And it is in this hotspot that top Belgravia developer, Oakvest, is situated and the location of two of their most successful projects to date as well as the home of their exciting new venture for 2013.
 
Acquired in 2005, 42–44 Grosvenor Gardens comprises two buildings on this prestigious terrace. Working alongside their in house project management and interior design team at Medici, Oakvest transformed the previously dilapidated serviced offices at 42-44 into Grade A commercial space. With raised access floors, full VRV comfort cooling throughout, new core (incorporating lifts with increased speed and capacity), stair core and wash rooms, the buildings set the rental standard for Victoria when they were let.
 
Following the successful redevelopment and subsequent sale back to Grosvenor Estates, the classic stucco fronted property 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens was purchased by Oakvest and once again fully refurbished into over 16,600 sq ft of contemporary Grade A office space.
 
Commenting on the transformation, Oakvest Founder Mark Holyoke, said:
 
“42–44 and 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens were in need of serious attention both internally and externally when we acquired them. Being such iconic buildings, the sympathetic restoration of the 19th century facades was of great importance to us with over £2.4 million being spent on these works alone. Yet whilst one eye was on preserving the past, we also looked to the future adopting a modern and fresh interior designed to meet the requirements of the most discerning occupier.”
 
In fact such was the high appeal of 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens that the property was sold earlier this year for an undisclosed sum to the same Russian millionaire who purchased the £13 million Rolex Retail Unit at One Hyde Park, London. 
 
Now, honouring their on-going commitment to restoring Grosvenor Gardens to its former glory, Oakvest have purchased Grosvenor Gardens House, the stunning mansion block, located across the gardens from 42-44 and 46-48.
 
Due for full restoration and redevelopment from commercial office space to first class serviced apartments by Oakvest in conjunction with Medici in 2013, Grosvenor Gardens House is based on the Continental idea of ´Hôtel meublés´ (furnished hotel). The iconic mansion was built in the late 18th century, with the frontage designed by Thomas Cundy III and is reputedly the house where the Queen Mother was born.
 
Respectful as ever of the building´s heritage, extensive research has been undertaken by Oakvest and a responsible planning application submitted to restore the mansion block with £7 million alone allocated for the façade. For more information on Oakvest´s completed projects and indeed Grosvenor Gardens House please call 0207 811 3855 or visit http://www.oakvest.co.uk/.