• Investment properties offering added extras now have the edge (Surrenden Invest)
• Bespoke furnishings benefit investors and residents alike (Surrenden Invest)
• “We are tasked with not only providing your furniture but augmenting your environment and lifestyle through award-winning services” (David Phillips)

As the UK’s residential property market matures, leading developers and agents are forming new partnerships in order to drive up standards for both residents and investors.

“Investors used to be happy to purchase unfurnished apartments, but we’re seeing a maturation of investor interest. Properties that make being an investor/landlord easier have the edge over those that don’t. At the same time, those properties need to offer something exciting and fresh to tenants to make them stand out. These considerations are driving developers to innovate not just in the design and facilities of their buildings, but also in terms of the additional extras.”

 Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Furnishings are the perfect example. There was a time, not so long ago, when investing in a property meant buying an apartment, then arranging how to furnish it in order to appeal to tenants while not spending any more than was necessary. Now, increasingly, developers are connecting with professional furniture companies in order to offer investors (and tenants) a more complete package.

The Tannery in Liverpool is one such example. Apartments within the new luxury development are available with David Phillips furniture packages. The bespoke furniture packs have been created to suit the particular style, location and aspirational image of The Tannery, setting a tone that perfectly suits the property and those who will live there.

“As the UK’s largest and most design-led furniture provider, David Phillips are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Surrenden Invest. We have put together an exclusive furniture collection completely bespoke to The Tannery development. We are tasked with not only providing your furniture but augmenting your environment and lifestyle through award-winning services, honed through nearly two decades of experience.”

Alistair Dickson, Head of Residential Sales (North), David Phillips

It’s a winning situation for all concerned. The property is less hassle for investors who can purchase turnkey, ready-to-rent properties meanwhile residents can enjoy living in a professionally styled home from the moment they move in.

As the rental market comes of age, the nature of furniture packs is also changing. Standards are being raised, with packages including far more than just the essentials. Framed prints, mirrors, luxury linens and kitchen packs are all becoming increasingly common.

Contemporary residents are often sold on the idea of the show home at new build developments and an increasing number of them expect to enjoy a similar standard of furnishing in their own apartment.

“The days of landlords furnishing their rental apartments with odd bits of furniture that they no longer have a use for in their main residence are long gone. Investors and tenants are both seeking a complete package now – and that includes premium furniture and soft furnishings. That’s why partnerships with companies such as David Phillips have become essential for those developers who are looking to remain at the forefront of the market.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

For more information visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499

• New Four5Two development designed to suit Hampstead buyers’ every whim (Bellis Homes)
• Local market remains strong and steady, despite wider wobbles (Glentree Estates)
• Hampstead homeowners looking to blend access to London with country-style greenery (Bellis Homes)

The lush greenery of Hampstead Heath comes alive at this time of year, with buds on flowers, bushes and trees all adding their scents to the air. It’s also that time of year when Hampstead’s property market springs back into action, with busy season running from April to August, according to local residential property agency Glentree Estates and family-run housebuilder Bellis Homes.

“Hampstead offers a fantastic environment for family life, as it offers the perfect blend of serene, outdoor space and proximity to central London and the West End. The spring and summer months are particularly busy, with professionals and families looking to purchase superior quality homes in this delightful area.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

The Glentree team reports that properties up to the £1.5 million mark are currently the most sought after in Hampstead. Priced from £1.1 million, Bellis Homes’ new Four5Two development certainly fits the bill. The 13 apartments offer contemporary luxury within walking distance of Hampstead Heath, complete with floor to ceiling windows, high ceilings and balconies for blending outdoor living with warm, spacious interiors.

While the Hampstead market has softened, in line with prices evening out or falling across the capital, demand from residential buyers remains strong, with Glentree pointing out that local purchasers are seeking out homes, rather than investment properties. Local down-sizers, young professionals (both singles and couples) and small families seeking to move into the catchment area of the excellent local schools are driving the market. This means that price drops are rare in the Hampstead area, as demand continues apace.

According to Glentree, buyers are looking for two and three-bedroom apartments set across one floor, with good security and outside access, such as balconies or garden areas. New build homes are particularly popular – hence Bellis Homes’ focus on delivering its exquisitely designed Four4Two development within walking distance of Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park. The apartments also feature views over Elm Park from their well-appointed balconies.

“Our market research showed strong demand for two and three-bedroom apartments near the Heath, so we were keen to meet that demand by ensuring that Four5Two had the perfect location. With professionals driving the market, we also wanted to deliver an exceptionally high quality finish that would match the aspirational family lifestyle vibe that is so intrinsic to this area of London.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Hampstead buyers are drawn to the latest designs and specifications that new build homes offer, along with the convenience of the Hampstead location for local amenities and easy access to London’s shops, restaurants and theatres. Views over the greenery of local parkland are particularly sought after.

The high specification new build homes at Four5Two are particularly attractive to Hampstead buyers thanks to their fabulously high ceilings, park views, outside access and use of the latest technology throughout, including Miele appliances, fitted wardrobes, comfort cooling and underfloor heating.

The building also boasts an impressive entrance, security and a hotel-style concierge, affording residents the comfort and peace of mind that comes with a luxury lifestyle. Secure underground parking comes with lifts to all floors, which is a real asset in light of the local shortage of parking, let alone underground parking.

Based on their expert, local market information on Hampstead, both Glentree Estates and Bellis Homes are confident in the future of the local property market. Glentree points out that buyers are becoming accustomed to the recent Stamp Duty Land Tax and that demand has remained strong locally.

“Hampstead buyers are looking for high end homes that they can enjoy for years to come, so any slight wobbles in the market don’t hugely phase them. This is particularly true of new build homes, where buyers are looking to settle for a number of years in order to be close to the plentiful employment opportunities, high achieving schools and outstanding outdoors lifestyle that Hampstead can provide.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

To purchase an apartment off plan or for all other enquiries please contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or via www.bellishomes.co.uk or their sole agents Glentree on 0208 731 9500.

• 2 Collegiate competition winners to attend prestigious awards event in May
• Just 21% of UK SMEs led by women (House of Commons briefing)
• Veuve Clicquot awards competition recognises future female talent at Collegiate

Just 21% of the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises are led by women, according to the December 2017 House of Commons Business Statistics briefing. The figure for female board members of FTSE100 companies is marginally better, but still sits at only 28%. The statistics, coupled with recent revelations about gender pay gaps across a vast range of UK industries, confirm that the country may have enshrined gender equality in law, but certainly not in practice yet.

Aspirations and expectations are set at a young age, including those relating to employment. However, it’s never too late to break the cycle and inspire women towards greater success in business. Innovative student accommodation and lifestyle provider Collegiate is working to prove just that. After firmly establishing its position as a market leader in the provision of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) in the UK, Collegiate is now at the forefront of developing world-class student residences in Spain and Portugal.

With its new accommodation considered to be some of the leading student residences in the world, Collegiate enjoys a unique position in terms of inspiring its female residents to know no limits in relation to their employment prospects. In that vein, Melanie Cuanalo, Director of Collegiate, was personally invited, along with two young, talented and entrepreneurial females, to attend the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards in May.

The awards champion the qualities of courage, enterprise and determination in businesswomen around the world. They were created in 1972 to honour Madame Clicquot, who single-handedly took on her husband’s champagne business when he passed away in 1805, and went on to pioneer a number of industry innovations.

To nurture future female leaders, Collegiate launched a competition for the two tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards. The entrants were tasked with describing what makes them a future female leader.

Winners Kamakshi Palli and Laura Blackshaw will accompany Collegiate’s owner and director, Melanie Cuanalo, to the event. Kamakshi is a final year design student at London College of Fashion. She won as a result of her detailed start-up plans for her own fashion brand, as well as her confidence in combining innovative designs with cotemporary technology and traditional techniques in order to conceive new ideas.

Laura Blackshaw, an apprentice at the Collegiate head office, won her place at the Veuve Clicquot event as a result of her appreciation for what it takes to be a successful female leader and her understanding of how professional networks are built and how to include inspiring (female) individuals within those circles for the benefit of all.

“We are delighted to be further building on our strong relationship with Veuve Clicquot by supporting the 2018 Business Woman Awards. We’re also thrilled to have the opportunity to recognise the achievements of two of Collegiate’s future female leaders – Kamakshi and Laura – and to nurture their professional development in this way.”

 Melanie Cuanalo, Director, Collegiate

For more information about purpose built student accommodation in university towns and cities across the UK and Europe, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

• Famed motivational speaker Pete Cohen to run workshops with Fusion Students’ residents starting 10^th May
• Cohen’s clients include Ellen MacArthur, Roger Black and Arsenal FC
• Nationwide event delivery to address North/South divide in business distribution

Leading student accommodation and lifestyle provider Fusion Students, is working in partnership to develop the potential of the UK’s future businesspeople. Fusion Students’ are committed to the principle of not only providing an amazing place for students to live, but to also provide them with an opportunity to achieve their goals and succeed after University too.

Business opportunities vary significantly across the UK. According to the House of Commons’ December 2017 Business Statistics briefing paper, the number of businesses per 10,000 residents in London was more than double that for the North East, at 1,519 and 657 businesses respectively.

Fusion Students has arranged for business motivational speaker/coach Pete Cohen to speak at the first in the series of the events at four of their properties starting 10^th May 2018. This incredible series is available for every single resident, plus their friends.

Pete is one of the world’s leading keynote speakers, as well as a mentor for celebrities who appears regularly on television. He will be delivering motivational workshops with Fusion residents as part of the companies’ ‘Be Inspired’ series.

Pete’s experience includes working with world class sporting stars and teams to help them reach their peak performance, with clients including Sally Gunnell, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ellen MacArthur, Roger Black, the England cricket team and Arsenal football team.

“At Fusion Students, we provide the best opportunity for students to succeed. We want to ensure that our residents not only get the most out of their university years by living in outstanding accommodation, but also that they are as well prepared as possible for life after graduation. The Be Inspired events will give our residents the chance to think about their future potential in new ways and feel inspired to achieve their goals. We’re delighted that Pete Cohen will be a part of that inspiration.”

 Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

The workshops have been designed to develop students’ self-confidence and provide them with the tools to stay motivated during stressful times, from sitting their exams to engaging with the business world.

Running during May, the events will launch at Nova in Nottingham. The tour will then take in the North East (at Plummer House in Newcastle) and the stunning Eclipse student accommodation in Cardiff. The final workshop will be presented at the flagship Fusion Tower in Bristol.

All four sites encapsulate the innovation and luxury for which Fusion Students have become so well known. Student wellbeing is a core priority, as is the overall lifestyle experience. It is these commitments that have led to the planning of the Be Inspired initiative, which will allow residents to make the most of the university experience.

For more information please call 0117 405 7852 or visit https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/. Students interested in attending can click here to sign up for the events.

• Contemporary service design needs to attract loyal tenants (be:here Hayes)
• Renters increasingly looking for wide-ranging services and amenities
• Pet-friendly homes with no fees, 3-year tenancies & on-site concierge shaping the future of rental sector in London

With private renters outnumbering homeowners in London, competition is fierce from landlords looking to attract loyal tenants. The average age of a first-time buyer is now 30, according to Halifax, with property prices in the capital meaning that many of those who rent there may well be much older than this before they can afford to get a foot onto the first rung of the housing ladder. As such, there is an unprecedented opportunity for rental developments to shape their services to attract and maintain long-term tenants.

be:here Hayes is a shining example of this. The company’s 119 homes, just 300 yards from Hayes & Harlington station (a Crossrail station from 2019), provide a host of benefits that are turning renters’ heads and causing them to view The Gatefold Building as the model for future rental homes.

The company starts by appealing to renters’ wallets, with no agency, admin or referencing fees and lower deposits (just one month’s rent – in London!). It also includes free, super-fast 30 mbps broadband for all tenants.

Everything at Gatefold is managed start to finish by the local Hayes team.  The on-site concierge and management team are available to assist residents with a range of matters, from shopping deliveries, booking taxis through to maintenance and repairs.

Be have invested for the long term and want their residents to do the same.  They offer flexible long term tenancies, initially up to 3 years.

Security comes next with 3-year tenancies now available at the multi award-winning development offering residents peace of mind. Followed by services

Next, be:here Hayes takes care of the social aspect. The sharer-friendly accommodation provides regular events in order to enable residents to get to know one another. With the Campaign to End Loneliness reporting that loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26% as we age, life at the Gatefold Buildings embraces all that community life has to offer.

“As the number of renters continues to increase, landlords must evolve their offering if they are to provide developments that are viable over the longer term. Modern tenants expect far more than those of years gone by – they want superb homes with good services and additional amenities that enable them to live a modern, urban lifestyle.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Renting from a build-to-rent provider like be:here Hayes, rather than an old-fashioned private landlord, comes with other benefits too. The company’s apartments are furnished by Habitat and pet-friendly, for example – a long way from the shabby, second hand furnishings and ‘no pets’ rules that old-school rental accommodation still tries to get away with.

Developers must continually up their game if they are to remain competitive. At the Gatefold Building, for example, the on-site team is in the process of installing Laundry Republic lockers. Tenants will be able to have their dry cleaning taken care of without being home for the collection or delivery times – and without having to set foot inside a dry cleaner’s.

“The face of rental accommodation is changing. Old-fashioned landlord practices and attitudes have no place in the modern marketplace. Landlords that don’t appreciate that fact will soon find themselves left behind.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Spacious apartments at be:here Hayes are available from £1270 pcm for one bedroom and from £1,450 for two. Either a garden or a balcony is provided with every home.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.