Star players roar into Wembley Park this autumn as NFL fever grips London

by Charly United Kingdom Quintain

Wembley Park chosen to host 3 NFL International Series games
Londoners to take over Regent Street as part of NFL celebrations
New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs draw in the crowds

London is awash with global sporting events and nowhere is the excitement more palpable than Wembley Park. Not only is the area hosting Rugby World Cup 2015 matches but some of the US’s hottest National Football League (NFL) teams have descended on Wembley Park once more this October and November.

The NFL is the most popular sports league in the States, generating an eye-watering USD $7.24 billion in revenue during 2014, most of which from television deals. Not happy with simply conquering US sports’ fans hearts, the NFL International Series takes some of the league’s star teams around the globe each year. This autumn, three matches will be played in Wembley Park: Jets-Dolphins, Bills-Jaguars and Lions-Chiefs.

The NFL’s arrival in London causes a considerable sensation each year. In 2013 and 2014, Regent Street hosted a traffic-free street party to celebrate, with thousands of fans flocking to London to join in the celebrations and take part in the festivities. This year, the massive NFL fan festival will once more take place, with the crowds going wild for the US’s biggest sporting stars.

Over in Wembley Park, where NFL teams have visited several times before, residents and local workers are excited about the three huge matches. James Saunders, COO of Quintain, the developer behind the regeneration of Wembley Park over the past decade, comments,

“The NFL’s visit to London is always a really exciting time for Wembley. Famous for decades for sports and music events, Wembley has hosted the NFL International Series for the last 10 years. With NFL community outreach programmes, cheer leader demonstrations in London Designer Outlet and in store promotions, the whole Wembley Park comes to life at these special weekends.”

As the redevelopment work has breathed new life into Wembley Park, the area is now known as much more than just an entertainment destination. Nowadays, Wembley Park attracts visitors from across London and the Home Counties to the thriving London Designer Outlet, as well as being home to some of the city’s most stylish and sought-after apartments. It’s an area packed with green spaces, with a welcoming, family atmosphere.

Those looking for a home at the heart of London’s NFL action this year are invited to visit the show apartments at the just launched Alto Apartments. One of the most popular buildings at Alto, Pienna Apartments offers 133 one, two and three bedrooms homes, set around a private, residents-only courtyard garden. The building also boasts a gym (including studio and spa treatment rooms) and a 24 hour concierge. Most apartments boast their own private balcony or outdoor space and residents of the upper floors can even enjoy views of the famous Wembley arch.

Prices at Pienna Apartments start at £375,000 for a one bedroom home and £495,000 for two bedrooms.

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.

Buy now for the future – Manchester’s population set to double in 10 years as house builders race to keep up

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden

Manchester’s population to grow from 7 million to 15 million by 2025 (BNY Mellon)
Manchester city centre is number 1 UK property hotspot for next 10 years (HouseSimple)
Victoria Station expansion to allow 700 more trains per day by 2019 (BDP)
X1 The Plaza at Eastbank to provide homes worthy of the Northern Powerhouse (Surrenden Invest)

The Manchester 2025 vision freshly set out by global investment firm BNY Mellon projects an exciting, prosperous future for the city at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse. The city is likely to attract ‘significant investment’ over the coming decade, as well as creating more than 5,000 new jobs per year, according to the detailed report.

One of the most fascinating points of Manchester 2025 is its population prediction. The report states that Manchester’s travel to work population will increase from the current 7 million residents to 15 million in 2025 – that’s a doubling of the population in just ten years.

The astonishing figure would place huge pressure on the city’s resources. While road and rail link improvements are already well underway – they are some of the reasons behind the projected growth – Manchester will need to build a large number of houses in order to welcome so many new residents.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, comments,

“Manchester is a modern, thriving city and the Northern Powerhouse initiative has focussed a lot of attention on it. It is already a great city in terms of transport links and the modern railway revolution that is currently taking place there is going to be a game-changer in terms of improving access. The population projection, though an incredible figure, is definitely realistic once you look at everything that is already underway or that is planned for Manchester over the next ten years.”

Those plans include the expansion of Victoria Station to allow 700 extra trains to run per day by 2019 according to architects BDP – a yearly passenger capacity increase of 44 million. Manchester’s Oxford Road, Ordsall Chord and Piccadilly are also on track to be substantially upgraded.

Manchester Airport is also on the list of beneficiaries when it comes to expansion, with a £1 billion plan to add more than 10 million passengers in a just one decade. The airport expansion is said to be the biggest single construction project ever to take place in the Greater Manchester area.

With such large-scale development in the pipeline and a booming population, Manchester needs to race to provide sufficient housing as the coming decade unfolds. According to HouseSimple, Manchester city centre is the number one property hotspot in the UK for the next ten years. The average house price there is currently £155,029, compared to a national average of £204,674, revealing substantial scope for rises as the population increases so swiftly.

“Remember, too, that these new urban dwellers are going to have pretty high standards when it comes to housing,” continues Surrenden Invest’s Jonathan Stephens.

“The young professionals flocking to the city are going to want well-located, high spec homes with plenty of amenities like secure parking and on-site gyms. If Manchester is serious about being the centre of the Northern Powerhouse then its property sector needs to be building homes that are worthy of that position.”

X1 The Plaza at Eastbank perfectly embodies the quality of housing that Manchester needs to be building. Consisting of 196 one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with 11 penthouses and seven townhouses, the development is within walking distance of the city centre. It is also ideally positioned for access to Manchester Piccadilly Station and Manchester Airport, providing a host of easy local, national and international travel options. The building also features 102 private, secure parking spaces and an on-site gym for residents’ exclusive use. Prices range from £124,000 to £180,000, with 6% assured net return.

UK investors with an eye for buying now for the future are expected to take a huge interest in Manchester over the coming years. Nor is investment limited to those from the UK. David Cameron has recently been selling the Northern Powerhouse to the US in order to encourage investment from across the Atlantic, in much the same way that George Osborne has previously pitched the concept to China.

As the BNY Mellon Manchester 2025 vision becomes reality and global attention increasingly focuses on the city, all signs are that residential real estate investors in Manchester are set to have a very happy ten years ahead of them.

For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

Wall Street Heads East: Istanbul International Financial Centre sees investors look to cash in on bricks and mortar

by Charly Turkey Universal21

London named as world’s leading financial centre (GFCI)
Istanbul set to become a global financial centre with new master plan underway
The new International Financial Centre expected to generate growth in Turkish property market

According to the newly released 2015 edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), London has now become the world’s leading financial centre. Stealing New York’s crown, this important report ranks the world’s 84 leading financial cities based on a survey of industry professionals and data from both the World Economic Forum and the UN.

Although New York holds on to second place comfortably, it is Asian cities that take the next four spots: Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul, raising the question: Is the dominance of Wall Street starting to move eastward?

With this in mind, it is no surprise that the master plan for Istanbul’s International Financial Centre (IFC) has been developed, with the Turkish government’s goal to establish the city as a global centre for finance taking firm shape. The project is progressing in correlation with the main aim that Turkey will become one of the 10 largest economies in the world by 2023, the country’s 100^th anniversary.

The vision of the Istanbul International Financial Centre project is defined in the notion that “Istanbul will become a regional, and then a global financial centre”. With proven success as a property investment hotspot, making its mark on the international housing market, Istanbul’s global presence will go from strength to strength now the construction of its International Financial Centre has begun.

Adil Yaman, Director of South-West Istanbul’s leading property agency Universal21, comments on the exciting potential the IFC will bring,

“We have always believed in Istanbul’s potential as a global hotspot, from tourism to property and now, in the wake of this new master plan, the world of finance. As we experience ever increasing buyer enquiries it is apparent that international interest in Istanbul is mounting, and this will only build further with the introduction of the new International Financial Centre.

“The International Financial Centre will create endless opportunities for the global development of Istanbul, as well as a host of possibilities for its property market. Demand for housing in Istanbul is likely to rise due to those finding working in the new financial district, with investors looking to capitalise during this exciting period of change in the city. I look forward to a future where Istanbul will rival London and New York as the world’s financial capital.”

Already a prominent metropolitan city, Istanbul’s geographical location will bring together investors as well as financial companies within the triangle of Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. A prime location for both the financial and real estate markets, a key criteria in order to develop an International Financial Center, the future looks bright for Turkey’s most populous city.

Located just an hour away from the upcoming financial district, the more relaxed area of Beylikduzu could offer a serene atmosphere to come home to whilst still being in close proximity to the new District. One project currently benefitting from growing interest is Universal 21’s Diamond Residence, just 20 minutes from the main Ataturk international airport and only a short drive from the beach.

Diamond Residence is comprised of 148 beautifully designed apartments, of both one and two bedrooms, and it also offers an array of excellent and functional facilities. These include 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s games room and cinema room.

One bedroom apartments are priced from £57,000 / €78,000, with two bed apartments priced from £98,000 / €132,000

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

Ten reasons millionaires buy their millionaire homes in Wentworth

by Charly United Kingdom Barton Wyatt

Average house price in past year £7,161,042 (Barton Wyatt)
715,000 millionaires in the UK (Barclays Wealth)
Barton Wyatt predict further rises in house prices in their area

It is no longer uncommon to be a millionaire. Barclays Wealth conducted a survey that suggests there are 715,000 millionaires in the UK – one in every 65 adults. They predict that in another ten years there will be almost 800,000 millionaires living on these shores.

In 2010, last time Barclays Wealth carried out their study, there were 40% fewer millionaires. The report surmised that booming house prices, bonus payments and good returns in equity markets had all had a hand to play in the rise.

Needless to say the economic powerhouse remains as London and the South East but areas outside of this have boomed too – nearly half of the ‘new’ millionaires created since 2010 live outside the southern money bubble.

The first village in the UK to have an average house price of over a million in June 2013 was Virginia Water according to Zoopla at the time, when the average house price scraped over £1,00,000. Today that has not changed significantly – Zoopla figures state £1,122,082 is the average price paid for a property in the area, representing a 5.5% increase over the past year.

Local estate agency Barton Wyatt has been in Virginia Water for 50 years and the Wyatt brothers who run this exclusive agency are no strangers to millionaires. Indeed, the average house price sale for Barton Wyatt in the past year sits at an eye watering £2,879,032.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, comments:

“It has been fascinating watching Virginia Water – which encompasses the elite Wentworth – over the past 50 years. House prices have always been high here. The area has attracted kings, queens, celebrities and superstars over the years, which has in itself encouraged the inflow of further wealthy families.

“I predict that house prices in Virginia Water will continue to rise over the next ten years by something like 60%. The houses that are being built on Wentworth to replace others that have been demol

demolished are often colossal. These homes are being bought by international buyers very discreetly as an alternative to buying in overpriced London”

And why is Virginia Water and Wentworth a top spot for the jetset looking for a peaceful home in the UK?

Here are Barton Wyatt’s top ten reasons why their village has it all:

Covenants – the covenants in Wentworth have restricted owners and developers alike from taking down houses and in-filling with lots of homes. One plot has to remain one plot and this has secured exclusivity and driven the prices up.
Golf – the Wentworth Club has attracted top golfers for decades. Since its inception in the 1920’s Wentworth has been famed for its interesting fairways discreetly lined with large homes, which are tucked behind deep foliage. Golfers peer at the homes and owners often have good views of the course from raised vantage points.
The PGA tournament – this has kept Virginia Water and Wentworth in the limelight. Wonderful TV footage of lush greens, huge conifers and enormous houses with top flight golfers vying for the number one spot has assured fame for the area.
The Wentworth Club – is far from all about golf. 13 tennis courts feature a combination of surfaces for optimum seasonal playing conditions including: all weather, artificial clay and acrylic – nine of which are also floodlit. A fabulous multi gym, indoor pool and very large outside pool all add to the mix. Whether you want swimming lessons for the children, a personal trainer or just to make new friends the Wentworth Club is likely to be on the agenda for any family living nearby.
Polo – There is something extremely classy about hanging out with people who do or know about Polo. They are generally extremely rich and/or very beautiful – all of which goes down very well in VW. Guards Polo is now the largest polo club in Europe and sits within Windsor Great Park . The Club is set in the outstanding natural surroundings of Smith’s Lawn, which is thought to have been named after a game keeper at the time of the Restoration in the 17th century and is just a short walk from the lake at Virginia Water.
Virginia Water Lake – the lake was first dammed and flooded in 1753. Until the creation of the great reservoirs, it was the largest man-made body of water in the British Isles. This is a beautiful spot and wonderful to have on the doorstep. The circuit around the lake is about 4.5 miles, half paved and the other half a “natural” path, which provides easy walking conditions even with a pram or pushchair.
Getting to London – easily achieved in under an hour. Trains run regularly to Waterloo and you could be at your desk in little over an hour – or of course shopping at Selfridges or Harrods.
Transport Links – Heathrow airport is just 10 minutes away – essential for most residents who have homes and businesses in other parts of the world. Virginia Water sits close to the M3, M25 and M4, so getting around the UK is easy too.
Schools – Some of the UK’s finest public schools are within easy reach of Virginia Water: Eton, Wellington and St Georges are popular. For international students there is a choice of two international schools tutoring the International Baccalaureate alongside the British education system.
People like us – Virginia Water/Wentworth is a wealthy village – it attracts wealthy people and you know your neighbours’ children will go to the same schools, go to pony camp together and eventually as they grow – date each other. Your neighbours will have nice cars, well-kept homes and gardens and have similar values to yours. You will meet at drinks parties, go to restaurants and bump into them in the village. They will be like you and this is why they live here – because they are People like us.

An example of two houses that are on the market and would suit ‘People like us!’

Windsor House, Woodland Road East £6,950,000

Magnificent master bedroom suite with his and hers dressing rooms and bath/shower rooms, five further bedroom and bath/shower room suites, drawing room, dining room, study, family room, garden room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, three ground floor cloakrooms, gymnasium/staff accommodation over a triple garage, outdoor swimming pool, south facing gardens amounting to approximately one acre in all.

A stunning brand new Wentworth mansion house ready for immediate occupation and fully furnished if desired. Set in a wonderful south facing one acre plot in a highly desirable location within the Wentworth Estate, just a short walk from the picturesque village shops and mainline station, and approximately one mile from the world renowned Wentworth Golf and Country Club.

Wellington House, Wentworth £7,450,000

This virtually brand new residence was completed in 2011 to an exceptional style and quality in this superb location. The property offers in excess of 11,000 square foot of luxury!

The specification is of the highest order using individual and hand built craftsmanship. There is a superb entrance way which leads to a dining hall with casement doors onto the garden. The principle rooms lead off the main hall and there is a grand staircase to the first floor. Approached off the hall is the cloakroom, study, drawing room and magnificent kitchen/breakfast room which measures 45ft x 27ft. This room is equipped with a comprehensive bespoke range of hand painted wall and floor Shaker style cupboards with stone work surfaces and a good range of appliances including Wolf cooker, sub-zero American style fridge freezer etc.

For leisure there is a superb indoor pool, and sauna.

There is an annexe kitchen with a comprehensive range of cupboards and work surfaces for entertaining on a grand scale. The bathroom en-suites and cloakrooms all have Villeroy and Bosch sanitary ware. On the first floor, there are four bedroom suites, the master bedroom suite is truly sumptuous with a sitting room, dressing area and en-suite bathroom. There is also access to the balcony overlooking the beautiful south facing grounds. On the second floor, there are two further bedrooms, both en-suite and a large storeroom.

The property is in private and well screened grounds of approximately one acre with a southerly aspect and this view is enjoyed from the principal rooms of the house. French doors on the ground floor lead out onto a sizeable sun terrace which stretches the width of the property and provides excellent space for al fresco dining. The main part of the garden is made up of a well maintained area of lawn surrounded by a wealth of mature shrubs and beds. To the front of the property there are wrought iron electric gates with brick piers opening onto the large driveway which leads to the triple garage with staff flat above. There is ample parking for vehicles.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Portugal v Cyprus – which makes the best second home location?

by Charly Cyprus Portugal World Ideal Homes International

Portugal’s Algarve is Europe’s cheapest beach resort (Post Office)
Cyprus offers summer average of 26°C (Holiday Weather)
Properties in both locations offer excellent value for British buyers (Ideal Homes International)

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, stunning beaches and a wealth of good value luxury property, Portugal and Cyprus have a great deal in common. So which makes for the better second home location?

According to the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer 2015, Portugal’s Algarve is Europe’s cheapest beach resort. In terms of overall holiday cost, Portugal took the number two spot in this year’s survey, while Cyprus was in ninth place. But while cost of living is an important consideration for second home owners, a host of other factors also come into play.

Portugal enjoys extremely easy access from the UK, with a host of budget airlines (including easyJet, Tap, Monarch, Ryanair and Flybe) offering regular, year-round flights of around two and a half to three hours in duration. Budget airlines also fly to Cyprus throughout the year, with a flight time of roughly four and a half hours.

Climate-wise, both Portugal and Cyprus have long, hot summers. According to Holiday Weather, Cyprus’ popular city of Paphos averages 26°C in August and 13°C in January and February. Portugal’s Algarve averages 24°C in July and August, with a low of 12°C in January. So Cyprus just takes the lead when it comes to climate – an important consideration for weather-obsessed Brits.

Portugal has the advantage when it comes to a supply of clean, family-friendly beaches, netting 299 Blue Flags during the last round of awards, compared to just 57 in Cyprus. However, Cyprus may just have the edge when it comes to sea temperatures. Both countries are blessed with powdery sand and remarkably un-crowded coastal spots, even in the height of summer (if you know where to go). Yet Cyprus’ Mediterranean waters enjoy an average sea temperate of 27.8°C in August (Paphos area), while Portugal’s Atlantic temperature averages just 20.8°C – a big difference for those who enjoy splashing around in the waves.

Both Cyprus and Portugal also offer tax incentives to foreigners who may be considering buying property or moving there, which are an important consideration for those looking at a second home as a potential retirement option. Portugal’s non-habitual residents regime can offer tax-free living for up to ten years for those claiming pensions from overseas, as well as for certain other types of income.

Meanwhile Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades this summer announced a 50% cut in property transfer fees as part of a raft of measures designed to attract high net worth foreigners to his country’s shores.

Both countries also offer a citizenship-by-investment (golden visa) programme, allowing wealthy foreigners essentially to buy the right to residency and to travel freely within the Schengen Area. Cypriot citizenship can be obtained for a €300,000 real estate purchase. Portugal requires an investment of €350,000 to €500,000, depending on the location of the property being purchased. Both programmes have been influential in attracting Chinese, Russian and Middle Eastern buyers.

When it comes to properties, both countries have a lot to offer. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes International, which sells homes in both countries, comments,

“Second homes in Cyprus and Portugal represent incredibly good value compared to house prices in the UK. The exchange rate has made a difference in recent years as well. This time in 2010 the pound was worth €1.16. Now, it’s up to €1.35. That makes a big difference when it comes to what you can get for your money property-wise.”

By way of comparison, €150,000 is enough for a two bedroom townhouse in a gated condominium with adult and children’s pools in Branqueira in Portugal’s Algarve. Over in Paphos, the same money is sufficient for a modern, two bedroom townhouse with veranda, roof terrace and shared pool. Both are fantastic value for those buying with sterling.

With so much to offer, the two countries are neck and neck when it comes to offering the ideal location for a second home. Really it comes down to personal preference and circumstances. Keen surfers might prefer to opt for the heavy rollers of the western shores of the Algarve. Windsurfers may prefer to head to Cyprus. As Chris White concludes,

“Whether Portugal or Cyprus is your personal favourite, both provide a wonderful, sun-kissed location for a second home and offer great value for money when it comes to buying property there.”

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.

Leading property PR agency AB Property Marketing celebrates 10 years at the top

by Charly United Kingdom World

AB Property Marketing celebrates 10 years at the top of its game
Property sector glams up and descends on Mayfair for glitzy reception
From Albania to Wembley Park, ABPM has promoted developments worldwide

The great and the good of the property sector descended on Mayfair last Thursday as property PR agency AB Property Marketing celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a glitzy reception.

Staff, clients, journalists, editors, writers and many more came together to toast the agency’s success over the past decade. Founder and Managing Director, Charlotte Ashton, comments,

“After ten years of working with property clients in the UK and overseas, it is fantastic to look back and reflect upon the success that AB Property Marketing has achieved. We’ve supported clients across the world from Albanian to Wembley Park, to gain recognition for their developments, boosting their sales figures and helping them to achieve their goals.

“It’s both gratifying and a little humbling to realise how much we have achieved. I’m proud to have been a part of the sector for so long and to have such a great team to work with in order to support our clients. I’ve also made some life-long friends over the years – all told it’s been a fantastic decade!”

Guests hailed from across the UK and Europe, joining with the AB Property Marketing team to raise a glass of prosecco to toast the company’s birthday.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt estate agency, Surrey NAEA Chair and long-standing client of AB Property Marketing, observes,

“Many years into using ABPM and I’m still amazed at their drive, their top-drawer contacts, their inventive ideas and their wonderful sense of fun.”

As with all good things, the night had to come to an end eventually and Managing Director Charlotte is, as ever, firmly focused on the future. Thanking all those who attended, she comments,

“It’s been wonderful that people have come from so far to celebrate with us. I’d like to thank each and every person here tonight for their continued support; AB Property Marketing is very much a team effort and without you, we would not exist. The last decade has been amazing and I look forward to celebrating with you once again in 2025!”

For all your property marketing and public relations needs, contact AB Property Marketing on +44 845 054 7524 or visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk

Live, work and play at Wembley Park

by Charly United Kingdom Quintain

Revitalised Wembley Park drawing in visitors and residents alike
Developer Quintain creating a community as well as a skyline
Pienna Apartments available from just £375,000

Wembley Park is rapidly becoming one of London’s most desirable residential districts. Extensive revitalization by London-based property developer Quintain has given the area a brand new lease of life with Londoners flocking to live, work and play in Wembley Park.

Quintain’s COO James Saunders comments,

“When we began redeveloping Wembley Park we knew that this was going to be a huge project. It’s about so much more than just constructing buildings – it is about creating a community, a place where people want to spend their time. Of course, it’s also about building beautiful residences that enhance the skyline of this world-class city.”

Wembley Park has long been a popular destination for day visitors, thanks to its sporting and music venues, but adding soul to the area and developing it into somewhere that Londoners would want to spend their evening and leisure time was an ambitious undertaking. The goal has been to create a community where people want to live, work and play and that is precisely what Quintain is achieving.

Helen Chan purchased a studio apartment in Wembley Park’s Forum House when it launched. She also owns a shop with a long lease in London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park’s shopping and leisure complex.

Helen bought the apartment as an investment to rent out and has been delighted with the purchase. She lets it via Wembley Park Residential, Quintain’s dedicated letting team subsidiary. The team has already completed more than 500 lets across the Quadrant Court and Forum House buildings. To date, Helen hasn’t had a single void period for her apartment.

When London Designer Outlet launched, Helen purchased a unit in order to open bubble tea outlet Chaboba. Serving a handful of selected Asian fast food dishes, as well as the popular Taiwanese bubble tea, Chaboba is thriving and Helen is thrilled that she opted for both a commercial and a residential investment in Wembley Park.

The area’s combined appeal is precisely what Quintain has been so keen to achieve. Wembley Park has been transformed from a destination just to visit into a bustling community that is attracting permanent residents and workers from across London and beyond. With excellent transport facilities and local amenities ranging from top restaurants to cultural attractions and retail outlets, Wembley Park really does have everything one could wish for.

Those seeking a home in the fantastic new Wembley Park can purchase a one bedroom apartment from £375,000 or a two bed from £495,000 at the recently launched Pienna Apartments, which form part of Quintain’s Alto Apartments. On-site benefits include a 24-hour concierge service and residents-only gym complete with studio room and spa treatment rooms. As well as stylish, contemporary interiors, most apartments also enjoy their own private outdoor space or balcony.

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

Spanish property market update – the situation on the ground

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Q2 2015 Spanish property sales up 11.1% (Property Registrars)
The Costa Blanca is the place to buy right now (Taylor Wimpey España)
Prices jump 5.12% in the year to June 2015 (Property Registrars)

According to the headlines, the Spanish property market has bounced back. The latest figures from the Association of Property Registrars show a 5.12% increase in Spanish house prices in the year to June 2015. The jump is the fastest rate of increase since the downturn, with a quarter on quarter rise of 2.8%.

So should buyers rush to Spain in search of that dream holiday home or investment property? It depends on the area, counsels Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España.

“There are vast differences across Spain in terms of the property market’s recovery,” he explains. “Some areas, particularly coastal resorts that are popular with foreign buyers, are showing a marked recovery in prices and a really healthy market. Other regions are still struggling to turn their markets around though, so you need to do your homework regarding where to buy.”

While prices nationally remain some 29% below the market’s former peak, areas like the Costa Blanca are enjoying steady and sustained progress.

“Right now, if it’s a stable market that you are after in Spain then the Costa Blanca is looking particularly attractive,” continues Marc. “The market there has picked up pace beautifully over the course of the past year and confidence has really returned to the local property sector. Coastal areas are definitely the place to buy at the moment, but the confidence is spreading slowly across the rest of the country.”

That confidence is reflected in recent sales figures. According to the Association of Property Registrars, some 87,187 property purchases were registered during April, May and June. The figure represents an increase of 11.1% compared to a year previously.

Buyers looking for property along the Costa Blanca are keen to take advantage of the traditional attractions of the area, including its stunning coastline and world-class golf courses. Taylor Wimpey España’s popular Brisas de Alenda Golf development is perfectly attuned to buyers’ wishes. The contemporary three bedroom townhouses are available from just €155,000 and are ideally located for those buying from overseas, being just 18 km from Alicante Airport.

As well as enabling buyers to pick up a superior Alicante golf property for an excellent price, the development also affords them a number of luxurious touches, from private gardens to a large communal swimming pool. The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex also includes a supermarket, a club-house and a bilingual English-Spanish school, as well as the par 72, Roland Favrat-designed course. And all of this is within 20 km of a variety of fantastic, family-friendly beaches.

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.

Property porn available on the High Street 24/7 at the touch of a button

by Charly United Kingdom Barton Wyatt

Ingenious touch pad window installed in Barton Wyatt’s High Street office
Intelligent 60-inch screen able to capture client details 24/7
Barton Wyatt has welcomed a steady stream of house hunters viewing multi-million pound pads

Luxury Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt is frequently ahead of the technology game – Partner brothers James and Rupert Wyatt were the first Surrey NAEA members to have an Apple and Android app, the first local agent to outsource telephone answering in busy periods and the first to utilize video books as 21^st century property particulars.

Now Barton Wyatt have taken their love of new technology to the next level by installing an ‘intelligent’ window in their High Street office display.

This incredible, 60-inch touch screen is embedded into the office window and acts exactly like an enormous tablet. Passers-by are able to search for new homes to buy and rent, registering their details 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The quintessentially English village of Virginia Water, which could be considered a sleepy hollow by some, has been highly entertained by the equipment.

Jaqueline Chambers from Wentworth Patisserie, which is next door to Barton Wyatt;

“Trust the Barton Wyatt boys to come up with such a brilliant device! Several of my customers have mentioned it, you could call it the talk of the town.”

James Wyatt comments:

“I’ve always loved ingenious devices and this is definitely a brilliant new tool for selling homes and connecting with our clients. The touch screen is high resolution, the screen can even be seen in bright sunlight and it’s incredibly easy to use. Prospective buyers who arrive home from work in London can browse our stock, tell us they want a valuation or just ask us to give them a call even when the office is closed.

“We’ve only had the intelligent screen in situ for four weeks and have already had a great deal of activity. It’s proving incredibly popular.”

So if you’re passing by Barton Wyatt’s window on Virginia Water High Street, why not give it a try?

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

This time for Africa – why are property investors so excited about Kampala?

by Charly World Property Frontiers

Uganda one of the ‘last frontiers’ for property investment
Investors leading the field in changing attitudes towards Africa
Kampala residential property shortfall capturing global attention

To coincide with the much-anticipated launch of a brand new collection of luxury apartments in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the CEO of Property Frontiers, Ray Withers, interviewed Clive Kefford, CEO of ProAfCo, developer of Jakana Heights, to get his views on why investing in Uganda is an exciting and lucrative opportunity right now.

Ray: So, Uganda. That is very much an emerging property market. Do you think international investors are ready to explore such an opportunity?

Clive: Professional institutional investors already have a huge appetite for investment in Africa because it provides opportunities and returns that are hard to find in other parts of the world. The difficulty is sourcing investments that are packaged up with the due diligence and research required. Individual investors are also beginning to understand this Africa is on the brink of being seen as the latest and smartest new place to invest.

Ray: Why Africa? Why now?

Clive: The biggest single change has been the huge reduction in armed conflict across the continent. There have been long periods of peace and stability in many countries in Africa and this has allowed good economic policies to be implemented and businesses to grow and operate much more easily and successfully.

Ray: What do you think is the most common misconception people have when thinking about Africa and Uganda?

Clive: The image most people have of Africa is of war, famine and disease and this because most of the news we see is about these issues but this is very unfair. If every report from the US was filmed in an area run by drug gangs or a in a housing project with no employment, we would have a similar negative impression of the States. Our image of Africa has become very distorted. Problems do exist in Africa but they are far from the whole story: most people’s lives are largely unaffected by these issues and professional people I know in Kampala have a lifestyle that I would say is better than most developed countries.

Ray: Do you feel that attitudes towards investment in Africa are changing?

Clive: Attitudes are certainly changing as the African economies grow and they start to become more integrated at a global level. Investors are leading the way because they cannot afford to have inaccurate information and as they invest more and more, a truer picture of Africa will start to become known.

Ray: What made you feel that there was a residential property opportunity in Kampala?

Clive: Uganda’s population is growing faster than any other country’s in the region and this has created enormous demand for housing. At the same time the economy has been growing at over 5% per annum for 30 years so people are getting wealthier and more people can afford to buy homes.

Kampala is the biggest city and has the most developed markets. Its population is growing faster than anywhere in the country due to increasing urbanisation. It is also an extremely attractive city to live in. It is very safe, has an ideal climate and the people are extremely friendly.

Ray: What is the current state of housing in Kampala?

Clive: Interest rates have recently increased in the run up to the election and in the middle income housing market many people are waiting for the economy to return to normal next year before buying. However, for top end properties such as Jakana Heights, the money invested into the economy before elections is likely to increase purchases.

The rental market at the luxury end has been affected by the slowdown in oil exploration however this will pick up in 2018 when oil production starts and a new set of expatriate workers will need to find quality accommodation.

Ray: How do you think the city’s housing market will look by 2030?

Clive: By 2030 I expect more international and institutional buyers to be investing in the housing market to meet the demand. Currently most developers and investors are from Africa and are just now beginning to come from the Middle East. As the institutional investors from Europe and America start to play a large part, the market will begin to mature.

Ray: Talk us through the key appeals of your new development, Jakana Heights

Clive: The site for Jakana Heights determined everything about the development. It is a large plot right on top of a hill overlooking Lake Victoria. It is a quiet peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The site was only suitable for luxury development and we have made sure that the design, quality of build and finishing are all up to the same standard as the location.

The apartments are spaciously designed and most have great views. There is a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms, a gym, bar and clubhouse for relaxation. There are also meeting rooms that can be hired for business and shops to provide the essentials so that almost everything you need is catered for you on site.

Ray: Why is the development a great investment choice?

Clive: Jakana Heights is a great investment choice because the yield on the properties is so high. Yields in Kampala on quality residential properties are generally very good at 10% but Jakana Heights is offering much higher returns than this, suggesting that the price will rise significantly during construction. Yields are in the region of 15% NET and the purchase price is from just $80,000 USD. This means that investors can make a great return whether they sell on completion or hold on and let it out.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Menu