From ballroom to bedroom – 21st century students experience life ‘upstairs’

From ballroom to bedroom – 21st century students experience life ‘upstairs’

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Plummer House in Newcastle incorporates early 1900s ballroom in modern student lounge
  • Online food shopping becomes more accessible with ‘Cold Room’ to store deliveries
  • 24-hour concierge, free tea and coffee facilities and a private gym with a variety of classes are included

A world away from the drab digs of yesteryears, Plummer House is the most recent student accommodation to arrive in the city of Newcastle and promises to offer its residents the finest living experience available.

Welcoming students this September, ready for the new 2016/17 academic year, Plummer House will form part of the UK’s leading luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC’s Fusion Students portfolio.

With the elegance of 19th century architecture combined with modern, contemporary design, Plummer House provides luxurious student accommodation unparalleled by others. Making the very most of the original high ceilings, many student rooms will benefit from mezzanine levels and a range of individual studios to four-bedroom en-suites. All rooms have been fitted with a filter in order to regulate the air and remove pollution, ensuring the wellbeing of each student.

Famous for hosting Tilley’s tea dances in the ballroom, the original building was established in 1910, and key period features have been preserved and celebrated throughout the renovation in order to retain a sense of the property’s original character. This includes the beautiful historic dance floor which has been granted a new lease of life in what is now the student lounge.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing to its new residents, Plummer House is home to an array of exclusive onsite facilities and services set to enhance their high-end student experience even further. A 24-hour concierge team is on hand to help with anything you may need and there is even a ‘cold room’ which will take delivery of those tech-savvy students’ online food shopping, even if they are not home to receive it.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to launch their Fusion Collection in Newcastle and is looking forward to introducing students to all that the Collegiate AC lifestyle has to offer. He comments,

“The previous life of the building has gifted Plummer House with a unique blend of striking Edwardian features with new sleek modernized interiors. Add to that the all-inclusive service offered by Collegiate AC residences and students can live in an environment where they are both social and safe. We are thrilled to be able to offer students a luxurious living experience in the thriving city of Newcastle and look forward to welcoming the first residents this September.”

After students have settled in they will be presented with a welcome pack, containing information and a discount voucher booklet for local pubs, cafes and restaurants to help explore their new surroundings. Free tea and coffee facilities will be accessible to all students, 24-hours a day, to ensure every problem-solving tea or energy boost coffee is accounted for.

A private gym with a variety of classes, a games room and an onsite cinema, complete with free Netflix, are available to all residents, as well as a chic in-house bar and VIP lounge, including ice machines and a sound system, providing the perfect setting for any student social. Staying connected is easy with high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout and secure electronic door entry adds, not only a sense of security and reassurance, but also to the 5-star feel that is central to Plummer House.

Priced from £20 per day, Plummer House is ideally situated just 10 minutes from the University of Newcastle on Market Street in the city centre and provides convenient access to the shops, cultural attractions and quayside area of this cosmopolitan city.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Beat the exchange rate and buy that dream holiday home – by paying in pounds!

Beat the exchange rate and buy that dream holiday home – by paying in pounds!

by Charly Portugal
  • Sterling dropped to a post-Brexit low of under $1.31 on 5 July 2016
  • Purchasing in pounds avoids holiday home buyers suffering Brexit’s financial impact
  • Three bed townhouse with private pool costs just £239k in Albufeira (Ideal Homes Portugal)

The political whirlwind stirred up by the UK’s historic vote to leave the EU on 23 June 2016 will have far-reaching consequences. The pound has proven particularly sensitive to the news, falling below $1.31 in early July, a low it hasn’t seen for more than 30 years.

Those holidaying overseas this summer have found that their break is noticeably more expensive than it would have been pre-referendum, but the same doesn’t have to be true for those buying property abroad.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,

“We’re working with our clients to offer them a way to avoid being stung when it comes to the exchange rate over the coming months. Many of our vendors – over 200 of them, in fact – want to sell their homes in Portugal and then access the proceeds of the sale in the UK. At the same time, we have buyers in the UK whose sterling is suddenly worth less if they convert it to euros.

“As such, we’re offering a win-win to both parties: they can buy and sell entirely in pounds. This means that the buyer doesn’t lose out as a result of the pounds fall in value and the seller gets to have their money in the UK, where they want it. Both vendor and buyer save money by not having to pay for currency exchange services.”

The service is already proving popular with clients at both ends of the transaction.

Portugal offers one of the most family-friendly holiday destinations in Europe, along with abundant sunshine and a short flight time. Properties there provide excellent value for money, particularly for those still able to buy in pounds through Ideal Homes Portugal.

A smart, three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse with private pool and built in barbecue in the popular town of Albufeira, for example, costs just €285,000 (around £239,000 at the time of writing).

Many of those who buy holiday homes in Portugal do so with rental income in mind, as well as personal usage. Tax on rental income in Portugal is just 3.75%, regardless of where the property owner lives. Add to that the fact that the Algarve’s population increases between three- and four-fold over the summer season and the potential for excellent returns is clear.

Using rental income to offset mortgage costs is a popular choice, according to the Ideal Homes Portugal team. Ever keen to support those who buy from them, Ideal Homes Portugal is also offering free property management for the first year to anyone who buys through them at the moment.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Are precious metals the only winner of the UK’s Brexit vote (aside from Theresa May)?

Are precious metals the only winner of the UK’s Brexit vote (aside from Theresa May)?

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • Silver prices up 18% since Brexit referendum
  • Gold up by more than $100 per ounce
  • easyMarkets uses historical lessons to anticipate further precious metal price rises

With the shock of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union beginning to fade into acceptance, and Theresa May bringing at least some degree of political certainty back to the country as she takes over from David Cameron as Prime Minister, it’s time to take stock of the last few weeks of upheaval.

The UK’s ‘leave’ vote will have lasting repercussions, on the country itself, on the EU and on global financial markets. Stocks plummeted following the outcome of the Brexit referendum and, while they have since rebounded, are likely to be on something of a rollercoaster over the course of the two years between the UK invoking Article 50 and officially leaving the EU.

The impact of Brexit on UK property prices remains to be seen. Knight Frank reported a 38% surge in London real estate sales in the week following the Brexit decision, with the pound’s plummeting value spurring many overseas buyers to purchase UK properties at bargain prices. However, this temporary boom is expected to be just that – temporary. Many sellers lowered house prices just before and after the referendum in order to sell fast, before the much anticipated slowdown in sales and prices began. Combined with foreign bargain hunters capitalising on the pitiful performance of the British pound, this led to a marked surge in the market.

The ongoing picture does not look quite so rosy for property. Chancellor George Osborne has warned that house prices could fall by as much as 18% by 2018 and analysts have projected that London offices could lose 20% of their value by 2019. Seven investment firms have temporarily suspended the trading of their UK property funds in order to avoid a massive fire-sale that could undermine the entire market, with more than £15 billion-worth of UK real estate funds have been frozen.

Amidst all of this uncertainty, gold and silver are enjoying a sustained spike in demand. Seen as safe-haven assets in times of uncertainty, gold and silver are certainly benefiting from the Brexit plebiscite. Gold prices have reached multi-year highs: the yellow metal has gained over $100 per ounce (8.5%) since 23 June. The rally in silver prices has been even more dramatic. Since June 23, silver has gained a staggering 18%.

The Bank of England’s easing of monetary policy is also expected to benefit precious metals.  Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, comments,

“If history is any indication, gold prices are set to rise as investors look to buy an inflation hedge for cheap. Buying gold “cheap” makes it more likely to outperform real estate in the long term on an asset price basis. Fears about Brexit are expected to drive more investors away from London’s real estate market and gold may well capitalise on the adjustment.”

The Brexit dust has begun to settle and precious metals have emerged as the clear winners. Gold has entered into a bull market and is unlikely to let up anytime soon without a major shift in the macroeconomic outlook.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Tipi’s designer living offers ‘beyond home’ experience to London’s residents

Tipi’s designer living offers ‘beyond home’ experience to London’s residents

by Charly United Kingdom

The growing popularity of build to rent developments and the professional landlord in the UK has kick-started a wave of interest in building and space design. The race is on for innovative new features that go over and above what tenants might reasonably expect from their rented accommodation.

Nowhere is this felt more keenly than in London. Tipi, the lifestyle-focussed rental operator at Wembley Park, is the perfect example. The team at the Manser Practice, who were responsible for the design of the Nest and the Deckhouse – Tipi’s two social spaces – were encouraged to look ‘beyond home’ for the perfect balance of public and private space.

The Nest offers residents a relaxed way to work from home while enjoying the company of their fellow tenants, with 100Mb/s broadband, soft seating and an HD TV. The Deckhouse is more social in nature, with a pool table, HD TV with Sky Sports, kitchenette and outside terrace and seating area leading on to an acre of private, landscaped gardens.

Rob Owen, Senior Interior Designer at The Manser Practice, shares his secrets of designing ‘the best way to live in London,’ as Tipi strives to be.

What was your inspiration for the Deckhouse and Nest?

We aspired to create spaces that strike the right balance between public and private – places that go ‘beyond home.’ We looked at various spaces that we felt achieved this, such as informal hotel lobbies, student accommodation common areas, break-out spaces in offices and espresso bars where the customer is comfortable enough to stay all day. Inspiration can come from the most unusual places. In this instance we were motivated by vintage games, and even repurposed an old pinball machine. A playful combination of pastels and bright colours pick out key features in the space while a soft and neutral background ties in with the building’s architecture and the finishes in the apartments.

Why did you design the spaces as you did?

We wanted our entrance lobbies to work hard and answer the many requirements of the residents, and we were keen that the whole space felt ‘designed’ and carefully considered from the moment you cross the threshold. The communal entrances and external spaces are integral to the overall resident experience. Both lounges are for relaxing, socialising and entertaining but in different ways.  The Nest has a more restrained palette to give a comfortable and cosy atmosphere ideally suited to working from home or socialising in smaller groups whereas in the Deckhouse the design is more vibrant and conducive to larger gatherings. These differing groups are reflected in the range of spaces and seating provided.

What features did you feel were important to include for private rented sector accommodation?

The spaces had to feel like an extension of the tenant’s private space but also be inviting and exciting enough to be well used, offering a variety of facilities, from places to work to areas to host guests in the evening. Our goal was to create a sense of community through simple yet effective ideas ranging from a book exchange library to pool tables and board games. Superfast broadband is essential in any modern space, and here we have combined this virtual offering with other more tangible amenities like live sport showcases and self-service coffee machines.

Which particularly innovative or standout features would you like to highlight?

The flexibility of both the Deckhouse and the Nest are absolutely key to the design. We designed bespoke and playful modular seating which can be separated to open up the floor space as well as using multiple types of seating that can be used indoors and out. Hidden partitions in the Nest screen off a private area that can be rented out by residents.Apartments at Tipi are priced from £1,550 pcm with no agency fees and include all utility bills and superfast broadband. Ultra-fast broadband is available as an upgrade to 1Gb/s as well as a range of hotel-inspired services such as domestic cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning services.

For more information or to book a viewing with the Tipi team, visit www.tipi.london or call 020 3151 1927.

Notes to Editors

About Tipi @TipiLondon

Tipi is a subsidiary of Quintain, the London focussed property development specialist and the team behind Wembley Park. Tipi is a ‘Build to Rent’ or Private Rental Sector (PRS) management company which builds, manages and leases contemporary apartments to customers without charging agents’ fees. Unique to Tipi is that Quintain owns and operates the wider Wembley Park estate which ensures the environment surrounding the apartments is safe, controlled, clean and well connected.

Tipi’s first PRS buildings, Montana & Dakota offer brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with rents inclusive of all utility bills and superfast broadband. Most apartments boast a balcony and all benefit from access to an acre of private gardens. 24 hour concierge and night security meet customers’ everyday needs and additional services can be added to tenancy agreements such as secure underground parking, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning services.

Two lounges are available for Montana & Dakota residents to use and include superfast 100 Mb/s broadband, Sky TV and Sky Sports and later this year a gym and cinema room will open within the building.

About Wembley Park @WembleyPark

Wembley Park is the development by Quintain which is transforming the 85 acre area around Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, bringing together new shopping at London Designer Outlet, leisure facilities, new homes and beautiful public spaces to create a major new destination and residential neighbourhood for London.

Wembley Park will be home to thousands of high-quality homes and a vibrant new community who will enjoy everything Wembley Park has to offer including tree-lined boulevards, regular outdoor market programmes and more.

The SSE Arena and Wembley Stadium continue to attract the best names in sport, music and entertainment.

Wembley Park is extremely well connected with two overland train stations (nine minutes to Marylebone), two tube stations (19 minutes to the West End), over 3000 parking spaces and excellent road links to motorways including the M1, M40 and M25.

Top of the Props: Demand for Spanish property hits 10-month high

Top of the Props: Demand for Spanish property hits 10-month high

by Charly World
  • Spain most popular country for first time since September 2015
  • Interest rises in French and Portuguese property
  • Irish property in TheMoveChannel.com’s Top 10 for first time

Demand for Spanish property has reached a 10-month high, TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props report reveals. The country raced to the top of the property portal’s charts in June 2016, becoming the most popular country among overseas property buyers for the first time since September 2015.

Spanish property accounted for one in eight (12.27 per cent) of all enquiries on the site in June 2016, overtaking US property for the first time this year. America, which has regularly been the most sought-after destination on TheMoveChannel.com in the last year, accounted for 8.14 per cent of June’s enquiries, falling to third place in the Top of the Props chart – behind the UAE, which climbed into second place with 1 in 10 (10.12 per cent) of all enquiries.

Investors continue to look favourably upon alternative and emerging markets, with Turkey rising two places into seventh with 2.5 per cent of enquiries. India (1.17 per cent) rose one place into 12th, while Canada held on to its eight position with 2.43 per cent of the month’s activity. Slovenia also emerged as a summer hotspot, entering June’s Top 10 with 1.28 per cent of enquiries.

America’s property appeal has not ended, though: on a quarterly basis, the USA was the most popular destination of Q2 2016 on TheMoveChannel.com, ahead of runner-up Spain.

On a quarter-on-quarter on basis, TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props report also highlights buyers’ enduring interest in European property: Italy, Portugal and France completed the Top Five destinations across the three months to June 2016. Italy and Spain saw their enquiries rise 14 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, compared to the first quarter of the year.

In June, Portugal and France also completed the month’s Top Five, with Portugal climbing two places to reach fourth place and France sliding into fifth, above The Philippines and Turkey.

“The rise in Spain’s popularity arrives in the same month as the UK voted to leave the European Union. It is too early to see the impact of that decision, but with UK buyers accounting for a significant portion of TheMoveChannel.com users, June’s Top of the Props report proves that Brits are far from out of love with Europe,” comments Dan Johnson, Director of TheMoveChannel.com. “Enquiries for Cypriot real estate rose 20 per cent in Q2 2016, while June saw Irish property enter the Top 10 for the first time, which may be a result of Remain voters looking to move abroad to a place in the EU.

“Spain, however, is not just a European lifestyle favourite, but a sought-after opportunity for investors. The country’s economy has been steadily growing each quarter since Q3 2015, with property prices also having bottomed out in key areas. Even with the pound weakening in the wake of the Brexit vote, the euro has weakened too, meaning that property remains good value for buyers in the UK and elsewhere, boosted by mortgage rates at their current lows.

“In fact, Spain’s share of activity in June 2016 was its highest since July 2013, when it accounted for 30 per cent of activity on TheMoveChannel.com. Demand is below that peak, but is higher than 2015’s best months, when Spain recorded 11.99 per cent and 11.25 per cent of enquiries respectively. The country remains attractive for EU and non-EU buyers alike.”

Click here to see the full top 40 property destinations for June 2016.

— ENDS —

 

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 1.4 million listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

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Proper, pristine pads, not pods – Tipi dispels the myths of build to rent

Proper, pristine pads, not pods – Tipi dispels the myths of build to rent

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Size matters when it comes to renting in the capital
  • London’s Tipi showcases the value and services that build to rent can offer
  • Spacious homes, hotel-inspired service and trendy social spaces available from £1,700 pcm

Say the words ‘build to rent’ and many people picture miniscule, pod-style homes with tenants packed in like sardines. However, lifestyle-focused rental operator Tipi, based in Wembley Park, shows there is an alternative, even in superbly well connected parts of London.

Michael Allen, PRS Director at Tipi, explains,

“Build to rent is still an emerging concept in the UK and it’s exciting to be able to shape what the term is going to mean for future generations of tenants. At Tipi we’re delighted to be able to show just how much our customers can get for their money; from the spacious nature of the apartments, to the hotel-inspired service and facilities that residents have at their disposal as well as ultra-fast enabled broadband throughout. It’s about building value into the concept as it takes shape in the UK.”

At Wembley Park, build to rent means well designed, high specification apartments ranging from studios to three bedroom homes, all with exceptional service and a professional landlord you can trust. Living space is open plan, with rooms flowing beautifully into each other and into the outside spaces (almost all apartments come with either a balcony or a terrace and some open out onto the acre of private landscaped gardens). Storage space is built in for a clutter-free life. Bedrooms are full size and bathrooms are spacious.

The generously sized apartments are supplemented by a range of superior shared features. There’s the Nest, a social space which is perfect for working from home or relaxing in the comfortable seating, an HD TV with Sky Sports and superfast 100 Mb/s broadband. Then there’s the more social Deckhouse, with its pool table, kitchenette, HD TV with Sky Sports, 100 Mb/s broadband and an outdoor terrace. The spaces can be used informally and also reserved for special occasions. An on-site cinema room and residents-only gym are due to be added in the autumn.

That is not all though. At Wembley Park the build to rent concept also incorporates a plethora of services and amenities. There’s a dedicated on-site Tipi team to provide information and support, a concierge to sign for parcels and assist with queries, and the MyTipi portal to help with everything from arranging a cleaner to having your dry cleaning and laundry done. Within each apartment and included in the rent 40 Mb/s broadband is available from the moment the customer moves in, and the option to upgrade to 100Mb/s or event 1Gb/s is open to everyone at a reasonable cost. Utility bills are also included in the rent and there are no agency fees.

Surprisingly, such a comprehensive service is available from as little as £1,700pcm, which is incredible considering Wembley Park’s location – residents can travel to Baker Street in 12 minutes, Marylebone in 9 and a whole range of central London stations within 20 minutes. There are direct Over and Underground routes from Wembley Park, Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central stations.

Tipi also showcases the flexibility that the build to rent sector offers. Tenancy agreements offer a range of terms and are adaptable in case current tenants wish to upsize or downsize. They suit singles, families and sharers (the two bedroom/two bathroom apartment is particularly well suited to professional sharers due to its layout).

For more information or to book a viewing with the Tipi team, visit www.tipi.london, take a video tour of a Tipi apartment or call 020 3151 1927.

Costa del Sol set for a hole in one as international tourism soars

Costa del Sol set for a hole in one as international tourism soars

by Charly Spain
  • Andalusia’s international tourism increases by 18.1%, the largest rise in Spain (INE)
  • More than 25% of Spain’s top 100 golf courses are located on the Costa del Sol (Top 100 Golf Courses)
  • Taylor Wimpey España launch new phase of Horizon Golf development within famous La Cala Club Resort

As Spain’s thriving summer season continues, it is the Costa del Sol that has emerged as the 2016 favourite amongst international tourists. According to the most recent Tourism Movement Survey from the National Statistics Institute (INE), Andalusia has experienced the greatest rise in international tourists so far this year, increasing by 18.1% in comparison with 2015.

The Costa del Sol welcomed 1 million visitors during May, and increase of 11.9% from last year, and the region is anticipating a record level of over 6 million tourists during the 2016 peak season. Undoubtedly, a driving force behind the Costa del Sol’s growing popularity is its deserved status as an exceptional international destination for golf.

Home to the largest concentration of golf courses in Continental Europe, the region has been granted the nickname of the ‘Costa del Golf’ and continues to attract both professional and amateur players of the sport. And it is not only the quantity of courses available but also the majestic quality of them. The latest rankings published by online UK guide Top 100 Golf Courses revealed that more than 25% of Spain’s top 100 golf courses calls the Costa del Sol home.

This opinion resonates throughout the golfing community, with the Golfer’s Choice ranking of Spain’s top 50 courses placing the Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande top of the list for the second year running. Many other courses found on the Costa del Sol also feature, with La Cala Club in Mijas forming part of the country’s top 25 once more in 2016.

With Spain’s golfing landscape only set to increase further, Taylor Wimpey España have revealed the most recent addition to their Horizon Golf community. Situated in the beautiful Valley of Mijas, Horizon Golf is Taylor Wimpey de España’s second development at La Cala Resort within the complex’s famous Campo Asia golf course. Already home to 55 beautiful terraced houses, this latest phase introduces two and three bedroom apartments as well as luxurious penthouses.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is confident in the expansion of Horizon Golf. He explains,

“The Costa del Sol has always been a popular destination with second home buyers and its scenic golf courses and idyllic climate only enhance it as a favourite, not only in Spain but in mainland Europe. We are delighted to launch the newest property options available within our Horizon Golf development and look forward to introducing prospective buyers to all that La Cala Resort has to offer.”

From just €267,000+VAT for an apartment and €397,000+VAT for a penthouse, residents of these exclusive properties will enjoy breathtaking view of the prestigious golf course and the Costa del Sol’s sunkissed coastline, spacious terraces perfect for al fresco dining, and the convenience of a private garage space.  Horizon Golf features luxury finishes including fully equipped furnished kitchens, air conditioning, designer bathrooms, bedrooms with motorized blinds, and secure, fully lined wardrobes.

All properties benefit from 24-hour security, the communal gardens and swimming pool, as well as three 18-hole golf courses, a hydrotherapy centre and spa, a golf school (La Cala Golf Academy) and an array of sports facilities all close by. Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just 10 minutes, with Malaga airport only 30 minutes away.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +0034 971 706 972.

Will global commodities suffer as a result of Brexit? The experts at easyMarkets think not!

Will global commodities suffer as a result of Brexit? The experts at easyMarkets think not!

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • Agricultural commodities shrug off UK’s referendum result
  • WTI Oil and Brent Crude prove somewhat more sensitive
  • Gold comes out on top, with ‘higher highs’ still likely to be seen

The UK is still reeling from the result of the recent EU referendum. Political parties have descended into chaos, the value of sterling has plummeted and the country is suddenly facing a future that is awash with uncertainty.

Nor is it just the UK that has been shocked by the Brexit decision. Markets around the world reacted to the ‘leave’ vote on 23 June and analysts and investors have been working overtime to make the most of the new situation.

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, comments,

“Markets and currencies can be extremely sensitive to political events, as we’ve seen time and again. What has seemed interesting in relation to Brexit is the surprising lack of volatility that commodities have shown. After years of tumbling prices and sensitivity to even small-scale events around the globe, commodities are holding up rather well in light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.”

Agricultural commodities seemed to largely shrug off the politics of Brexit, though of course all commodities strengthened against sterling after its spectacular fall on 24 June and the further fall of 5 July, when the pound dropped 1.5 cents to its lowest value against the dollar for more than three decades. Sterling’s value of $1.3117 (as at 5 July) is now 12% lower than before the Brexit vote.

WTI Oil and Brent Crude showed greater sensitivity to the UK public’s leave decision. Both took a few hits on the day of the referendum result, spreading ripples of nerves in relation to economic growth, but both have since rallied admirably and retracted most of their losses, although they are still trading below their pre-referendum levels.

While it’s still early days in the new post-Brexit era, and much will change over the coming years, so far as commodities are concerned the initial reaction has been far less wild than many feared it could be prior to the referendum.

And of course gold, as ever, is the winner in these times of uncertainty. Its value rose by more than 5% in the 48 hours following the referendum result and reached a high it hasn’t seen since July 2014. easyMarkets’ Nikolas Xenofontos observes,

“On Friday last week gold jumped a massive $100, but profit-taking brought prices back to the $1,300 range. What is interesting about the rise in gold is that it pushed out of a predictable price range so we may see higher highs. Along with other precious metals, the fundamentals are providing a lot of support for gold.”

Overall, the situation remains surprisingly positive, with commodities proving more resilient than expected in the light of such a shocking political move by the UK. It’s certainly an encouraging starting point for the coming two years, as the country’s Brexit negotiations really get underway.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Wembley Park: London’s newest round-the-clock all-round destination

Wembley Park: London’s newest round-the-clock all-round destination

by Charly United Kingdom ,
  • Night Tube service to begin in the Autumn
  • 1,300 new residents and 2,000 students now living in Wembley Park
  • Friday and Saturday night Tube passenger numbers up 70% since 2000

With the introduction of the Night Tube service, Wembley Park is on track to become one of London’s best connected 24-hour neighbourhoods.

Some 1,300 new residents and 2,000 students now live in the area, a number set to rise considerably over the next few years, many of whom fall into the lively millennials age range.

The buzzing district provides the “work hard, play hard” generation with the perfect life balance, thanks to an array of late-night shopping and dining options at London Designer Outlet as well as music and sports events at venues across Wembley Park.

Demand for a Night Tube service has soared over recent years, with passenger numbers on Friday and Saturday nights up by around 70 per cent since 2000. Trains will run every 10 minutes on average across the entire Jubilee line.

Developer Quintain’s COO, James Saunders says: “The plethora of rail and road connections, including the much anticipated Night Tube, mean the area is well connected for those returning home late from central London to Wembley. It will be especially welcomed by our residents who work in Canary Wharf, go for an evening out in the West End and return home to Wembley Park late in the evening.”

Equally, those travelling into the neighbourhood for a gig at The SSE Arena, Wembley, or a match at Wembley Stadium will never have to dash for the crowded last tube home again. In addition the thriving Wembley Park entertainment and restaurant scene is already attracting new visitors to an upcoming corner of London that’s full of surprises.

James Saunders continues: “We’ve designed Wembley Park to be the ideal urban lifestyle location. For the daylight hours the thriving area is packed with shops, green spaces and community venues. After dark there are many bars and restaurants open late.”

In response to the increased demand from those wishing to live at Wembley Park, apartments are available to buy off-plan and to enjoy a 24-hour concierge service, a residents’ gym and spa treatment rooms as well as private and public landscaped gardens. The apartments are located just five minutes’ walk from Wembley Park station affording you access to the west end in less than 20 minutes.

Tipi, the lifestyle-focussed rental operator at Wembley Park opened in March 2016 with 141 brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, the rental offer includes all utility bills and 40 Mb/s broadband, secure underground parking and spacious social spaces. As the apartments are owned and professionally managed by the on-site team there are no agents’ fees to pay.

For more information and to book a time to visit the show apartments, visit www.alto-apartments.com or call the on-site Savills Sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

Notes to Editors

About Wembley Park New Homes @WembleyPark /About Alto @WembleyParkHome

Wembley Park is the development by Quintain which is transforming the 85-acre (34 hectare) area around Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, bringing new shopping, leisure facilities, homes and public spaces to create a major new destination and neighbourhood for London.

Alto Apartments is the current phase of Wembley Park. Alto’s striking towers set a new benchmark for sophisticated urban living, reaching 19 storeys high and offering stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments. Most apartments have their own private outdoor space or a balcony and are finished to the highest specifications, with designer kitchens, bespoke bathrooms and generous living and storage space.

The final phase of Emerald Gardens is also currently for sale. Set in nearly an acre of landscaped gardens, the 475 one, two and three bedroom apartments are spread across seven buildings. The development includes a gym (opening summer 2016), 24-hour concierge, private cinema and residents’ club room. The majority of apartments enjoy their own private patio, balcony or terrace. The first completions are due in May 2016.

Wembley Park Boulevard and Arena Square are some of the new public spaces open for visitors and residents to enjoy, along with a new all-weather playpark.

Wembley Park is extremely well connected with two overland train stations (nine minutes to Marylebone), two tube stations (20 minutes to the West End) and excellent road links to motorways including the M1, M40 and M25. There are also over 3,000 on-site parking spaces.

For further details, visit:

About Tipi @TipiLondon

Tipi, the all-inclusive professional rental service, is a subsidiary of Quintain, the London focussed property development specialist and the team behind Wembley Park. Tipi is a ‘Build to Rent’ or Private Rental Sector (PRS) management company which builds, manages and leases contemporary apartments to customers without charging agents’ fees. Unique to Tipi is that Quintain owns and operates the wider Wembley Park estate which ensures the environment surrounding the apartments is safe, controlled, clean and well connected.

Tipi’s first PRS buildings, Montana & Dakota offer brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with rents inclusive of all utility bills and superfast broadband. Most apartments boast a balcony and all benefit from access to an acre of private gardens. 24 hour concierge and night security meet customers’ everyday needs and additional services can be added to tenancy agreements such as secure underground parking, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning services.

Two lounges are available for Montana & Dakota residents to use and include superfast 100 Mb/s broadband, Sky TV and Sky Sports and later this year a gym and cinema room will open within the building. Apartments are available to rent and move in immediately.

For more information on Tipi or to book a viewing, visit www.tipi.london or call 020 3151 1927.

There’s no such thing as a free launch… apart from Kyero.com’s brand new Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain!

There’s no such thing as a free launch… apart from Kyero.com’s brand new Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain!

by Charly Spain
  • Average Spanish property price is €139,924 – about £116,338 (Nestoria)
  • Average UK property price is £200,251 (Nationwide)
  • Free Kyero.com Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain provides comprehensive info on retiring to Spain

Spanish property portal Kyero.com is well known for connecting would-be property buyers with fantastic properties across Spain, from sun-kissed villas in Mallorca to high-end apartments with pools in Barcelona. The company is also viewed as a leading authority on facts and figures relating to the Spanish property market, thanks to its in depth Data.kyero.com site. Now, Kyero.com has launched the first in a new series of guides, which are set to cement the company’s position as the go-to resource for anything and everything relating to the Spanish property market and living in Spain.

The Kyero.com Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain is available completely free as a download for all those considering spending their later life warming their bones under the Spanish sunshine. The comprehensive guide covers everything from pension and taxation considerations to helpful hints and tips about medical care, the Spanish diet and the local lingo.

The free Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain is also packed full of luscious and inspiring imagery, designed to bring to life the dream of retiring to Spain.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, comments,

“We wanted to provide a free guide that offered real value to those who read it. Deciding to retire overseas is a big life change and one that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Armed with the right information in advance, moving abroad can be an incredible adventure, so that’s what we’ve tried to do with the Guide to Retirement – we’ve crammed in anything and everything we can think of that will be useful to those considering spending their golden years in Spain.”

Spain is certainly a welcoming country for Brits looking to retire abroad. According to the Spanish Ministry of Employment and Social Security, there are 275,558 British residents in Spain, though other estimates put this figure considerably higher. The plentiful sunshine, excellent value food and drink, pristine golf courses and golden beaches have all served to attract plenty of foreigners, many of whom are retirees looking to live overseas in order to achieve a better quality of life than their pension could afford them in the UK. The fact that Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in the world also comes into play.

Property prices are of course a key factor for those looking to head overseas to enjoy their retirement. According to Nestoria’s March 2016 figures, the average property price in Spain across all regions is €139,924. That’s about £116,338 at today’s exchange rate (although the recent Brexit decision means that this is subject to a great deal of variation at the moment!). In the UK, the average home costs £200,251 according to Nationwide, so retirees can get nearly twice as much for their money when buying in Spain.

And now, thanks to the free Kyero.com Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain, they can do so in an informed and enjoyable fashion.

For further details on retiring to in Spain, visit www.kyero.com and download the free Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit data.kyero.com.