Five Top Tips to Bring Christmas Cheer to a Student Home

Five Top Tips to Bring Christmas Cheer to a Student Home

by Charly United Kingdom

Christmas can be a difficult time for overseas students who are studying in the UK whilst their families and loved ones are at home. For those unable to travel back to be with them over the festive period, both in the UK and overseas, there are certain ways that today’s students can ensure that they still feel truly Christmassy this year.

The leading provider of luxurious student accommodation in the UK, Collegiate AC, allows their student residents who would like to, the opportunity to stay in their property over Christmas. To help them make the very most of this joyous time of year, CEO of Collegiate AC, Heriberto Cuanalo, gives his five top tips on how to bring Christmas cheer to a student home:

1) Deck the Halls!

With crafting and vintage styles increasingly popular, this year is set to see a resurgence of the traditional Christmas decoration. One of the most traditional and easiest to create decoration that is making an elegant comeback is the paper chain. Full of charm and cheap as chips to create, yet able to be customised to your very own style, paper chains can be strung up throughout a student apartment to create an instant Christmassy feel. Use coloured or metallic paper, left-over wrapping paper, sprinkle with glitter or even glue on sequins, paper chains will make sure your home is merry and bright this wintertime.

Alternatively, gather some of nature’s natural treasures. Pine cones, ferns, holly and ivy make beautiful Christmas decorations when dabbed with glitter or tied with red ribbon to create a bespoke decoration that brings a natural festive charm to any student property.

2) Christmas Jumpers!

Once thought of as tacky and untasteful (think Bridget Jones’ Mark Darcy!), the Christmas jumper has taken on a life of its own in recent years and is now an annual style icon. Where this trend is concerned, the cheesier the better so think snowmen, 3D santas, reindeer and sparkle – some even light up or play a festive tune – all of which are guaranteed to make you feel in the Christmas spirit.

Ensure that your housemates also don their own this year by taking part in the official ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ on 18th December and raise money for charity Save the Children or hold your very own Christmas jumper competition with a prize for the most outrageous!

3) Have a Movie Marathon!

‘Elf’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Love Actually’, The Snowman’, ‘The Holiday’, ‘Home Alone’… there are so many fantastic Christmas films so why not line them up and plan a movie marathon? The weather outside may be frightful but watching a whole host of classic movies will warm up a frosty day, whether on your TV or in a Collegiate AC on-site cinema room. Grab your friends, some festive treats, stay in the warm and add a sprinkling of fairy lights and you’re ready for a Christmas Movie Marathon like no other!

4) Secret Santa!

With many people complaining that Christmas is becoming over-commercialised, remembering that the festive period should be about giving is guaranteed to provide a heartwarming glow. Why not organise for those within your student property to take part in a Secret Santa? Setting a low budget not only means that presents won’t break the bank but also that you and your fellow housemates will have to get creative with the gift buying, adding far more fun to proceedings!

Place all your names in a Santa hat and pick one out at random, keep the name of who you’ve chosen secret, buy a gift for within your agreed budget and then, once bought, place all the gifts in a sack for people to find the one with their name on. The element of surprise will add to the festive fun and is sure to generate much discussion and laughter.

5) Host a Carol Concert!

Whether traditional carols (think ‘Silent Night’, ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’, ‘Away in a Manger’, and ‘Deck the Halls’) or modern Christmas tunes (such as ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Last Christmas’, and ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’), everyone loves singing at Christmas! Get all your housemates together, invite the neighbours, and organise your very own Carol Concert.

Buy a Christmas karaoke CD or print song sheets, or just Google the lyrics, what’s important is that you simply have fun, belt out the songs and share the Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas everyone!

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

Experts agree – Portugal’s property market is booming once more

Experts agree – Portugal’s property market is booming once more

by Charly Portugal
  • Sales up 79% at leading Algarve estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal
  • Sales volumes showing monthly growth at fastest level since 2010 (RICS/Ci)
  • Investors overtake second home owners as main buyer group (Ideal Homes Portugal)

The recently released September 2015 RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) has revealed a swiftly moving market, with sale indicators pointing to the fastest level of monthly growth in sales volumes since they survey began in 2010. A sustained rise in demand has led to an acceleration in prices, with the market seriously gathering momentum.

On the ground, agents are equally positive about the state of the market. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Portugal’s property market is booming once more! Sales have increased hugely this year and we’ve seen a significant shift in buyer profile as increasing numbers of investors realise the potential of the Portuguese real estate sector.”

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2014 Ideal Homes Portugal sold a total of €14 million worth of property. In the first nine months of 2015, sales have already topped €25 million, an increase of 79%. Over the same period, the total number of properties sold by the company has increased by 69%.

In 2014, 90% of those buying property in Portugal through Ideal Homes Portugal were looking for a holiday home. Now, just 40% are after second home, while 50% are after an investment property (with the remaining 10% of buyers looking to relocate).

Two bedroom apartments costing around €200,000 are the most sought-after type of property. That kind of money is sufficient to buy a two bedroom penthouse apartment just a short walk from Praia da Rocha beach, one of the Algarve’s largest stretches of sand, backed by an array of shops, bars, restaurants and a glamorous casino. The same amount could also be used to purchase a two bedroom townhouse on a closed condominium with pool.

The Ideal Homes Portugal data also reveals an upturn in the mid-market property sector, for homes costing between €400,000 and €1,000,000. €400,000 is sufficient to purchase a superb two bedroom apartment with 100m2 roof terrace and shared pool on a luxury resort near Carvoeiro. For just under €1,000,000, buyers can enjoy a five bedroom detached villa with heated swimming pool close to the beaches and golf, in Varandas do Lago, Almancil.

Resale properties are currently outstripping new builds, with the Ideal Homes Portugal figures showing a 40/60 split in favour of resale homes. The findings are in line with the August 2015 RICS/Ci PHMS, which reported faster growth for the existing dwellings market than for new builds.

The massive surge in interest, particularly from British buyers, is thanks in large part to the on-going favourable exchange rate.

“Buyers are feeling safer in the UK market and are thus more confident about buying overseas,” observes Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White. “They’re looking for somewhere to invest in property that’s close to home and that means they can take advantage of the pound’s continued strength against the euro. Portugal is the obvious choice.”

RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn also recognizes the increased confidence in the Portuguese market. He comments,

“The September results show the ongoing improvement in market activity is gathering steam. This is being driven by consumer confidence toward making major purchases reaching a post-crisis high as the economic backdrop continues to brighten.”

The swift pace of the market certainly shows no indication of slowing down. At Ideal Homes Portugal, the team hosted 61 client visits during the month of October 2015, compared with 44 in the same month the year before. After a difficult few years, it seems as though the Portuguese housing market has finally found the confidence that it was lacking, with investors and second home buyers looking to pick up a property swiftly in order to take advantage of rising prices.

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.

International investment soars as Albania steps into global spotlight

International investment soars as Albania steps into global spotlight

by Charly Albania
  • United States and Sweden join forces to support the development of Albania’s tourism industry through a $6 million project
  • Capital investment in Travel & Tourism expected to rise by 3.6%pa over the next 10 years (World Travel and Tourism Council)
  • Increase in international enquiries from the UK, Sweden and France in luxury Albanian property (Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa)

As Albania continues to step out into a more international spotlight, it is apparent that other countries are starting to recognise the untapped potential that this Balkan nation has to offer. The most recent expression of support comes from The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Albania, to promote sustainable tourism and spur local economic development in Albania.

Over the next five years, this $6 million project will aim to contribute to improvements within Albania’s tourism sector that in turn will serve as catalysts for job creation and economic growth. According to the latest figures released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to Albania’s GDP is expected to grow by 4.1% per annum for the next 10 years.

With the economy’s positive trajectory becoming inextricably linked with the success of the tourism sector, international projects like USAID’s are not simply investing in one industry but in Albania as a country with an extremely promising future. Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director of Albania’s first affordably luxurious resort, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, is thrilled by this new surge of overseas interest,

“Albania is definitely becoming more attractive to overseas investors, with the country gaining momentum as an international hotspot. With the rise of GBP against the Euro we’ve seen a significant increase in enquiries and sales in recent years from the UK, making up 70% of total sales in the last two years. In addition to the UK, buyers are showing notable interest from Sweden, Germany, Austria, France, the US and the Middle East.

“Hopefully this latest investment project will work cohesively with those already established in Albania and enhance the already encouraging success of the country’s tourism industry. We can’t wait to see this fascinating nation reach its full potential and are very excited to be a part of it.”

It is expected that Albania’s travel and tourism industry has attracted significant capital investment that amounted to ALL19.6bn in 2014, with the WTTC predicting that this figure will rise by 3.6% per annum to a substantial ALL28.5bn in 2025. Such promising projections suggest that international interest is set to continue, if not increase, with Albania’s international magnetism growing ever stronger.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa provides a vast selection of investment and lifestyle opportunities to suit each individual buyer’s needs. The beautiful beachfront resort comprises of one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom villas as well as a select number of five and six luxury freehold villas.

Apartments are well designed and generously proportioned, while the villas are the height of luxury, each benefitting from the option of a private pool, with prices ranging from €50,000 for apartments and from €180,000 for villas. Just 30 minutes from Tirana International Airport, the resort is situated in the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday or a trip of a more adventurous nature exploring Albania’s entire coastline and stunning mountainous interior.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa also boasts an assortment of 5-star amenities including a beach club, tennis courts and a range of shops and eating and drinking facilities, alongside a 24 hour on-call medical service onsite and 24/7 security presence.

For more information, contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

by Charly Spain
  • More visitors and rising property prices set the scene for Costa Blanca boom in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spanish visitor numbers up 3.7% during best summer season for a decade (Exceltur)
  • Property values up 6.6% on average across Spain (Spanish Registrars Association)

The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most popular coastal areas thanks to its delightful blend of white sandy beaches, sunshine and delicious local food. With the New Year rapidly approaching, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed its predictions for the Costa Blanca for 2016.

“2016 is looking like it could be a bumper year for the Costa Blanca,” comments Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España’s Sales and Marketing Director. “We’re expecting the area to benefit from Spain’s increasing visitor numbers and also from local initiatives like the attention being paid to golf tourism to really give tourist numbers a boost.”

The Costa Blanca is increasingly being seen as one of Europe’s essential destinations for international golfers. The sport has become so important in areas such as Alicante that the Chamber of Commerce will be undertaking a study of golf tourism’s impact. Alicante’s Provincial President César Sanchez explains,

“This report will allow us to see first hand the economic impact that golf has in our province, a sport that attracts many visitors and that brings in our fields over half a million people a year. This tourist product generates considerable business figures in our economy, which has positive effects on job creation.”

The projected rise in golf and other tourism levels along the Costa Blanca in 2016 comes in light of the excellent summer that Spain has reported this year. Visitor numbers from July to September 2015 were up by 3.7% on the previous year, according to Exceltur, making it the best summer for a decade. And Alicante-Elche Airport is still enjoying record numbers of travellers as the winter months approach. The airport has just registered its best October ever, serving 1,027,071 passengers during the month – an increase of 6.3% on October 2014, according to AENA.

The property market has also enjoyed an outstanding year. The median property price in Alicante was up 19.07% year-on-year as of October 2015, according to data.kyero.com, while figures from the official registrars for Q2 2015 show an annual increase in property transactions of 14.73%. The flourishing market is also being backed by a noticeable jump in domestic mortgage approvals where, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), approvals in Alicante were up 56.06% in August 2015, compared with a year earlier.

Rising confidence in the Spanish property market is set to have an impact in 2016, according to Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard,

“We’ve seen a steady rise in buyer numbers in the Costa Blanca over the course of this year and expect that to continue as we head into 2016. Second home buyers are becoming increasingly confident both in their domestic property markets and here in Spain, with buyers from Russia, Belgium, the Ukraine, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK all keen to be home owners along the southern Spanish coastline. The Costa Blanca looks set to be one of the areas to benefit from this next year, thanks to its wide appeal. From golf to shopping to beaches, it’s a location for the whole family to enjoy, as more and more visitors are discovering.”

With house prices rising in Spain, many of these buyers look set to benefit from the growth of their real estate asset(s) during 2016. According to the Spanish Registrars Association, prices rose nationally by 6.6% in the year to the end of September 2015.

“It’s a combination of factors that make buying property on the Costa Blanca a particularly appealing prospect at the moment and that should impact positively on the number of properties purchased here during 2016. The market is responding appropriately to this keen level of interest. The Association of Surveyors, Architects and Engineers Technical Building Alicante (COAATIEA) has just reported that housing starts have increased by 45% this year.

“Certainly Taylor Wimpey España has felt confident in launching new releases at La Recoleta III and La Vila Paradis. We’ve also got two excellent new developments lined up for 2016. Apartments are going to be particularly sought-after next year, with two and three bedroom homes the most in demand,” concludes Pritchard.

Golf tourists looking for a second home will be delighted by Brisas de Alenda Golf, at Elche. Three bedroom properties on the popular golf development are priced from €155,000, with some properties enjoying direct access. The site includes private gardens, a communal pool, a supermarket, a club house and even a bilingual English-Spanish school. The townhouses include superior fixtures and fittings and fully fitted gas central heating and air conditioning, as well as generous outdoor spaces, many of which overlook the golf course.

Of course the Costa Blanca also boasts some excellent properties for those who prefer the beach, such as the aforementioned La Recoleta III, where buyers can currently benefit from a free furniture pack (offer open until 31 December 2015 or when stocks run out). The picturesque development includes two and three bedroom beachfront apartments, just an hour from Alicante Airport. Private terraces, sea views and a large communal pool make this the ideal spot for those who have been charmed by the Costa Blanca. Prices start at €175,000.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal supports Dragon’s Operation Smile whilst in I’m A Celeb jungle

Ideal Homes Portugal supports Dragon’s Operation Smile whilst in I’m A Celeb jungle

by Charly Portugal

Whilst former Dragon Duncan Bannatyne languishes in the jungle, his friend and ally Chris White, founder of Ideal Homes Portugal  has been dreaming up a way to support him.

Duncan has been facing some interesting challenges including handling the rather tricky Lady C whilst competing on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but he seems to be doing a terrific job of being peacemaker in the camp.

His close friend Chris White was with him the day before he flew to meet Ant and Dec in Australia.

White says:

“I was supporting Duncan’s charity, Operation Smile at a dinner in Hastings on the Friday night before he jetted off Down Under. With the charity foremost in his mind, he’s committed his ‘I’m A Celebrity’ fee to Operation Smile.  Duncan is currently planning the charity’s next mission to Ghana to change the lives of children suffering from hair lips and cleft palates, raising £139,000 for this project which takes place this winter.”

Back in his Portuguese home, pondering his friend’s fate in the jungle, White has decided to further support the charity by donating a generous €1,000 towards Operation Smile every time Duncan wins a vote.

He hopes this action will help keep Duncan busy in the jungle and is a way of aiding this wonderful charity that gives so much back to children who wouldn’t ordinarily receive this life changing help.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this fabulous charity can visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/The-Bannatyne-Charitable-Trust/.

For further details of Operation Smile, visit www.operationsmile.org.uk.

For more information on this project please feel free to contact Chris White on info@idealhomesportugal.com or call 0800 133 7644. 

Turkey’s ‘Golden Visa’ pledge heralds bright future in 2016 for property market

Turkey’s ‘Golden Visa’ pledge heralds bright future in 2016 for property market

by Charly Turkey
  • Turkish Minister of Economy announces country is to grant citizenship to foreigners who invest in property market
  • Number of overseas buyers in Turkey grows by 19% from January to September, compared to same period in 2014; 26.1% in Istanbul (Turkstat)
  • Newly launched 7th Avenue project already welcoming great overseas interest (Universal21)

A groundbreaking announcement by the Turkish Minister of Economy has revealed that the country looks set to follow in the footsteps of Portugal and Cyprus and launch its very own ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, a move that could revolutionise the Turkish property market.

Minister Nihat Zeybekci has stated the intention by Turkey to grant citizenship to those foreigners who impart a certain level of investment in the country’s property industry, suggesting levels of investment would be around the $500,000 to $1 million mark. With the success of the 2012 launched Portuguese Golden Visa scheme bringing in €1.47 billion of investment, €1.33 billion of which was via property purchase, in less than three years, it is easy to see why this would be a welcome move for the country.

Compounding the notion that the nation is focussed on expanding the already flourishing property market, the government has now made their intention to expand overall foreign investment clear, aiming to take figures to groundbreaking $10 billion levels. The knock-on effect of the proposed scheme to the sector and those who operate in it, as well as to the country’s coffers as a whole, is clear and one that has been welcomed by leading property agent, Universal21.

Adil Yaman, Director of the largest management company based in Istanbul, explains,

“Turkey, and the country’s biggest city of Istanbul, is widely lauded as a cultural melting pot and this is certainly – increasingly – the case in the property market. In recent years growing numbers of external buyers have looked to purchase property in this wonderful country, and the exciting new announcement by the Minister looks set to escalate this to impressive levels in 2016.

“Benefitting individuals looking to purchase in a growing market, providing welcome advantages alongside their property purchase, as well as the economic benefits for Turkey as a whole, this is a positive move from the government for a country open to, and welcoming of, foreign investment.”

And this is already being reflected in the current levels of foreigners buying in Turkey. The most recent figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat) have shown that such sales grew by 19% from January to September this year, compared to the same period the previous year. Impressive gains by anyone’s standards, there are certain locations even within the country that are witnessing far greater growth levels.

September saw Turkey’s largest city of Istanbul overtake Antalya as the top Turkish location for house sales to foreigners, registering a growth of 26.1% from January to September 2015, compared to 2014 figures.

Universal21 are providing new projects in response to this growing demand in the city for high quality, affordable housing. Having just launched their new project, 7th Avenue, the leading agent is already seeing impressive interest levels. Situated in the middle class neighbourhood of Old Beylikdüzü, in close proximity to local amenities and restaurants, a 20 minute drive from Ataturk international airport, a short drive from the beach and a 10 minute walk from the area’s major shopping centre, Marmara Park, 7th Avenue is perfectly located.

Comprised of 13 floors of 260 beautifully designed apartments, with a choice of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments available, there is also an array of facilities that include 24 hour security, a fitness centre including spa, hamam and gym, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts. All apartments are offered with a universal21 guarantee of their unique superb rental management package.

Studios are keenly priced from £30,000 / $51,000, one bed apartments are priced from £44,500 / €71,000, and two bed apartments from £62,000 / €104,500. These are pre-launch prices and are 20% discounted from current price list which is to be implemented from the beginning of the New Year.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

Wembley Park looks great inside and out as Alto Apartments’ interior designers share their vision

Wembley Park looks great inside and out as Alto Apartments’ interior designers share their vision

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Mid-market homes for Londoners available from £375k (Alto Apartments)
  • Inside-out flow brings light and life to apartments and communal areas by Alto’s Interior Designers (FLINT)
  • Furniture packs put stylish interior decor into the hands of every buyer (David Phillips)

Wembley Park is fast earning a reputation as one of London’s most desirable residential districts. The transformation underway by developer Quintain has brought the area alive with contemporary apartments, fashionable retail outlets, top restaurants, funky bars, street food stalls and more. Nor does the area just look good on the outside. Quintain’s COO James Saunders comments,

“When you take on a project the size of Wembley Park, every single detail counts. There are so many factors involved in creating a place where people can feel a true sense of community. It’s hard work and requires great attention to detail but as each stage of the revitalization plan is reached it’s exciting to see another part of the community taking shape.”

The recent launch of Alto Apartments marked a key milestone in the Wembley Park transformation and provided the opportunity for Quintain to display just how much vision has gone into the work being undertaken.

The Alto show apartments are simply stunning, astounding buyers by demonstrating just how much you can get for a mid-market price tag in such a well-connected part of the capital (prices at the Pienna Apartments building start at £375,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £495,000 for a two bed).

The interior design for Alto, by FLINT, places emphasis on the importance of an open plan layout, focusing on the flow of space, orientation, light and a palette of high quality materials. FLINT also designed the concierge super lobby, an impressive, double-height space that opens up to reveal superbly landscaped gardens beyond, creating the feeling of a modern boutique hotel. The drama of the main entrance is enhanced by the presence of a long monolithic reception desk clad in dark stone, while a sculptural spiral stair leads up to a galleried mezzanine area.

Vesna Aksentijevic, of Interior Designers FLINT, comments,

“Our design strategy was to create complete synergy between the exterior and interior of Alto Apartments. We established an early collaborative relationship with both Quintain and the architects, Flanagan Lawrence, and this resulted in a real sense of spatial integrity and coherence. The apartments are designed from the inside out, with spatial and functional needs influencing the external form of the building. Clean, rational apartment layouts were developed together with the façade to create high quality interior space, maximising on daylight via large and expansive balconies that offer stunning views across London.”

Buyers at Alto Apartments can personalise their space choosing from a darker or lighter palette of materials and finishes from a subtle range of interchangeable colour tones selected by FLINT.

Kitchens feature durable finishes and are both practical and minimal in style; bedroom wardrobes echo the overall colour palette and bathrooms exude tranquillity with surfaces of soft ceramic and glass, creating a sense of luxury and calm.

Buyers also have the opportunity to purchase a furniture pack from David Phillips as part of their reservation and many of those who have viewed the show apartments are planning to do just that.

Interior designer Stacey Winn, Head of Design at David Phillips who furnished the Alto show homes, reveals that much of the inspiration for their look and feel came from their being in such an iconic location. She explains,

“The location and architecture of the building were a great source of inspiration when it came to the interior of the apartments. It was important to echo the building’s contemporary design in the internal finish. Each of the show apartments features high-end furnishings to complement the modern, aspirational lifestyle that Alto offers and the ample space in them was very inspiring in terms of furnishing a flexible space for living and entertaining.”

The Alto show apartment interiors colour palette and lighting were inspired by key themes dominating this year’s Milan interiors fair, with textiles featuring menthol greens, burnt terracotta and nude pink. The furniture designs are timeless and contemporary, featuring block colours as opposed to decorative patterns. The apartments feel minimalist yet hospitable, with relaxation space flowing into tranquil bedrooms. Defined dining and terrace areas make it easy to imagine long, relaxed dinners with friends as well as a quiet night spent sipping wine and watching a movie, or admiring the incredible views over London.

Stacey continues,

“Instructing David Phillips to furnish your property ensures that each room is maximised in terms of functionality and your property is presented in line with the integrity of the building and the lifestyle that it offers. A professionally furnished property can make such a difference in terms of how relaxed you feel in your home – it’s really quite incredible.

“Our furnishing collections for Alto feature contemporary and design led products at accessible price points. All products are designed for modern day living: they are practical in shape, finish and durability. The result is a stylish home with a true sense of warmth and individuality.”

The furnishings echo the practical yet stylish approach taken to features throughout the apartments.

The result is a collection of wonderfully stylish, contemporary 1,2 & 3 bedroom homes for Londoners at mid-market prices, all within 12 minutes of the West End.

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

What’s in store for 2016? Leading online trading services provider easy-forex reveals predictions for the New Year

What’s in store for 2016? Leading online trading services provider easy-forex reveals predictions for the New Year

by Charly World
  • Oil set to drop below US$40 per barrel
  • US stocks to continue positive trend
  • Dollar to surge following likely December interest rate hike 

Leading online trading services provider easy-forex has just revealed its predictions for 2016. According to the company’s Strategist, Nima Siar, oil could finally break US$40 per barrel, while gold might move below US$1,000 per ounce.

He comments,

“Both oil and gold are going to receive a lot of attention in early 2016, with prices expected to continue their downward trend at least over the coming couple of months. We may see both commodities breaking significant price points, with WTI oil dropping below US$40, which is only a little way above the breakeven price for some oil producing countries. High oil production and slowing global demand, as well as falling seasonal demand, are behind the latest decline in price.

“Gold is also likely to drop below US$1,000, although we could see some interesting movements during the latter half of 2016.”

Speaking in easy-forex’s latest ‘Hot Topic’ video, Siar also covers global currencies and US stocks. The regularly produced videos are part of easy-forex’s commitment to enabling anyone with an interest to trade. It’s an ethos that has seen the company go from strength to strength since its inception in 2003, with offices now in major financial centres around the world including Shanghai, Limassol, Warsaw and Sydney.

One of the reasons for easy-forex’s success has been its provision of a vast array of training resources for its traders. From training videos to demo accounts, forex ebooks and trading simulators, the company works hard to open up trading to would-be traders around the world. That includes forecasting where currencies are likely to be headed, as Nima Siar continues,

“Last week’s better than expected non-farm payroll figures in the US increased the likelihood of a December interest rate hike which would be the first such move by the Fed since 2007 and is likely to send the dollar surging. With that being said, last week the GBP/USD saw a sharp 2.47% decline, which was its largest this year and many analysts expect sterling to lose further ground in the near term. The next downside target is now looking like 1.47.”

Like many analysts, easy-forex also sees the euro falling further, to 1.0450 against the dollar in the short term.

The picture looks brighter when it comes to US stocks. After the markets rallied hard in October, the seasonal strength of Thanksgiving and Christmas is expected to keep the positive movement flowing until early 2016.

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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).

Going Global: New data reveals the search for university accommodation goes online

Going Global: New data reveals the search for university accommodation goes online

by Charly World
  • US, UK and Canada revealed as most searched for countries for university information (Google)
  • 46% of searches for UK higher education are from outside UK, growth of 9% in six years (Google)
  • Top overseas nations visiting luxury student accommodation website revealed as Thailand, Egypt and China (Collegiate AC)

The world is getting smaller, and a case in point for this is that of the world of higher education. With every year that passes, the number of international students that look outside of their home country in order to pursue a university career grows, with 2014 figures of non-UK acceptances at UK universities standing at a record level of 64,915 students, according to UCAS, an increase of 4.7% on the previous year.

A prominent factor in the evolution of the globe’s higher education community is the use of the internet in searching for a university. Making the world far more accessible and meaning that finding out about universities in far flung corners of the globe is far easier, new data released by Google has revealed the most popular countries searched by people looking outside of their own country of residence for information on universities.

The results make for interesting reading, with the United Kingdom ranking second only to the United States, with a 26% and 35.4% share of world university searches respectively, with Canada trailing far behind in third place, with just 8% of global reach.

With an impressive draw for the global student community, the UK has also witnessed the number of those from overseas searching for UK university information growing dramatically in recent years. Most recent figures reveal that almost half of the searches for UK higher education are today from outside of the UK (some 46% in 2014), an impressive growth of 9% in six years.

The concept of using the World Wide Web to search for university information also extends to the search for university accommodation, as has been noticed by leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, Collegiate AC. The company, that takes its bookings via its website, has noted an extraordinary influx in the last year, with overseas interest, especially, on the rise.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains,

“With students’ lives increasingly active online, as well as expanding numbers of students arriving to study in the UK from overseas, we have certainly noticed this growing trend reflected in our online booking figures and the positive feedback we are getting from both students and their parents about the online booking process.

“Feedback has shown us that the ability to clearly compare accommodation options, view the range of facilities on offer and the ease of the online booking process are all key factors when choosing their university accommodation online and therefore these are the things that we have focussed on getting right on our website.”

Collegiate AC has revealed that after those from the UK, the largest proportion of visitors to their website are from Thailand, with a share of 3.07% of visits, followed by Egypt at 2.98% and China as the third highest non-UK nation, with 2.64% of web visits. This marks an interesting change on 2014 figures when US visitors ranked top for non-UK visits, followed by India in second place with 2.36% and China third with 2.30%.

Cuanalo concludes,

“We are proud to welcome students from around the world to our luxury accommodation throughout the UK and are embracing the growing role that the internet is having in this.”

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

Final Overseas Property Show of 2015 to be held in Birmingham

Final Overseas Property Show of 2015 to be held in Birmingham

by Charly World
  • Last show of 2015 tour to be held in Birmingham on 28 and 29 November
  • Bumper show to feature properties in Portugal, Spain, Florida and more
  • Previous Birmingham show attracted more than 400 visitors

After a hugely successful 2015 UK tour, the Overseas Property Show is set to draw to a close with a bumper show in Birmingham on 28 and 29 November. The free to attend show will be held at the Ramada Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Hotel, presenting local residents with the opportunity to explore their dream of home ownership overseas.

Featuring properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida, the final Overseas Property Show of the year will provide attendees with access to information on a huge range of homes, from studio apartments overlooking the sea to colossal villas in prime golf course locations.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which has exhibited at every show this year, comments,

“It’s been a fantastic year to be part of the Overseas Property Show. The Birmingham show earlier in the year saw some 400 visitors attend and we’re excited to be expecting similar numbers at this final show.

“The beauty of the Overseas Property Show is the no-pressure approach. It’s a chance for all those planning or even just vaguely imagining owning a home overseas to come along and find out more about international property ownership. There are experts on hand to speak not just about property, but also about the legal aspects of overseas ownership and what it’s like to actually live in another country.”

This expertise has been invaluable to many of those looking to find out more about owning a second home overseas, buying commercial premises abroad and making the move to live permanently elsewhere as an expat. Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Birmingham this 28-29 November. From a four bedroom villa enjoying panoramic sea and country views in Portugal, to a detached home with shared pool on a small complex in Cyprus, to a contemporary four bedroom townhouse near to Walt Disney World in Florida, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be a great show to end the tour,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about this bumper event and we are delighted to be able to assist plenty more visitors in pursuing their dream of owning property overseas.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.