London’s newest Housing Zones in the crosshairs for property investors

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden

Ilford town centre designated as new London Housing Zone (GLA)
Ilford property values rise 24.53% in 5 years (Zoopla)
Housing Zones driving investor interest in London (Surrenden Invest)

London’s Housing Zones are areas that have been identified as part of the Mayor’s Housing Strategy as locations that are in desperate need of new housing and which have high development potential. The Housing Zones have created a new way to speed up house building in the capital. They have also acted as a magnet for property investors keen to be part of London’s rapidly evolving future.

According to data presented by BBC Inside Out, London needed more than 250,000 new homes built from 2011-2014, yet actual build numbers languished almost 100,000 units below that target. It’s a disparity that Londoners are all too familiar with and is one of the reasons that prices in the capital have risen to steeply. The situation is such that Rightmove predicts that the average London home could reach a price tag of £1 million by 2020.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, observes,

“London’s Housing Zones have been designed to speed up the rate at which new property is built and brought to market. The city’s housing crisis needs urgent attention and this is one way in which the Mayor’s Office is seeking to help alleviate the situation. It’s a smart move that looks set to benefit Londoners in each of the designated zones. At the same time, it has captured the attention of investors by flagging up areas with outstanding potential.”

Ilford, in the borough of Redbridge, is a great example of one such area. Already a well-resourced, family-focused area packed with shops and restaurants, Ilford town centre is set to benefit hugely from its new Housing Zone status. New homes will see up to 4,000 construction jobs created, with Helen Coomb, Redbridge Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning Councillor, commenting,

“Receiving this funding is great news for Redbridge and will allow us to deliver much needed housing in the area. This level of investment from the GLA will bring improved transport along with the arrival of Crossrail and new jobs will boost the local economy and provide great new facilities for our community.”

Plans for those facilities have already reached a value of £1 billion, including work to improve Crossrail stations such as Seven Kings and Ilford, street improvements, the enhancement of open spaces and town centre regeneration work.

Ilford is certainly an area that is welcoming new development. Property values there have risen by 5.71% in the last year, according to Zoopla, and by 24.53% in the past five years, as the lack of new housing and the Crossrail effect in this popular location have served to impact on the market. Of all the areas set to benefit from Crossrail, Jones Lang LaSalle has projected that Ilford will lead the way in terms of price growth.

All of this is great news for those investing in the housing schemes that are being developed. One of the latest in Ilford is Horizon Ilford, a mixed use building including studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The sustainable design includes green ‘living’ walls, photovoltaic cells on the upper levels, rainwater harvesting and a centralised heating system that combined with smart design will ensure that less heat escapes from the building, lowering energy consumption and reducing residents’ energy bills. It’s being hailed as a sustainable building for a sustainable community.

Just a short walk (5-7 minutes) from Seven Kings station and a slightly longer stroll (10-12 minutes) from Ilford station, Horizon Ilford is certainly well within the Crossrail catchment area. It’s also ideally located for good local schools, shops and restaurants. Investment will include a 15% down payment, with the balance due on completion some two years from now.

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

The demographics of Portuguese property ownership – who’s buying what and where?

by Charly Portugal Ideal Homes Portugal

Portuguese house prices up 2.9% (INE)
Portuguese rents rise for the first time in 3 years (RICS/Ci)
Chinese buyers opt for homes in Lisbon (Savills)
Brits make up 80% of buyers at Ideal Homes Portugal

Things are looking up for the Portuguese property market. The House Price Index (HPI) from Statistics Portugal (INE) has reported that house prices in Q2 2015 were up 2.9% on a year before. When compared to Q1 2015, the HPI increase reached 3.7%.

In addition, the latest RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey reported that demand has outpaced supply when it comes to the Portuguese property market. Rents have risen for the first time in more than three years and house prices are continuing their modest recovery.

When it comes to buyers from overseas, every country has their preferred location for second homes. Recently released data from Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has highlighted Germans’ love of Mallorca, with purchases by Germans increasing 160% in the year to August, while Italian fractional ownership company Appassionata has been flooded with enquiries from the US of late.

So, who’s buying in Portugal, where and why?

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

“The demographics of Portuguese property ownership are really interesting right now, particularly when it comes to buyers from overseas, as there are clear national preferences being shown. Portugal offers several distinctly different regions, so buyers can choose according to what they prefer.”

According to Savills, many Chinese buyers are opting for homes in Lisbon, where a four bedroom apartment in an exclusive area can be snapped up for €986,250. Portugal’s golden visa scheme has been a major draw for Chinese property investors looking to move to Europe. By June 2015, some €1.46 billion had been generated by the scheme, with more than 80% of the visas issued going to Chinese buyers.

While the Chinese are enjoying city life in Lisbon, British buyers are overwhelmingly heading for the sun, sea and golf courses of the Algarve, preferring the relaxed beach lifestyle to the pace of the city. Some 80% of Ideal Homes Portugal’s buyers hail from the UK, with the rest made up of Portuguese, Irish and French buyers.

According to Savills, the established, luxury resort of Quinta do Lago is enjoying a sustained recovery, with sales there increasing by 34% in 2014. Quinta do Lago has long been popular with British buyers. Properties range from furnished two bedroom apartments for around €350,000 to sumptuous mansions with terrace, pool, Jacuzzi, wine cellar, elevator, library and extensive grounds with fountain and barbecue pavilion (price on application).

According to Rightmove, buyers from France and Norway are also keen to be part of the Portuguese property market right now, while Diogo Gasper Ferreira, President of the Association of Portuguese Resorts is considering future demographic shifts in Portuguese property ownership. He comments,

“Approximately 15% of people in northern Europe with free wealth of more than €2 million have a second home in Southern Europe. But if you apply the same criteria to wealthy individuals in Eastern Europe it’s less than 05%.

“I think in future we’ll see Polish buyers here. It’s a big market of almost 40 million people and they’re becoming richer. I think we will see Russian buyers, too. Russia is a market of 140 million people, more than twice the size of the UK, and there are many Russians with the potential to buy property at €500,000 to €1.5 million.”

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White agrees, but also highlights the potential for buyers from the UAE to embrace Portugal as their second home destination of choice, adding,

“It will be interesting to see the impact that the granting of visa-free access to Emiratis visiting the Schengen zone has on property ownership in southern Europe and particularly in Portugal. This is a hugely wealthy market and the Algarve has some fine villas just waiting for the right owners to come along.”

When it comes to buyers’ age, Rightmove’s data has shown that the average buyer is between 55 and 64 years old. The company has also revealed that island living on Madeira is buyers’ third location preference, after the Algarve and Lisbon, and that 57% of those looking to buy currently plan to fund their purchase with cash.

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.

Zone 4 – it’s closer than you think!

by Charly United Kingdom Quintain

Wembley Park in zone 4 ‘closer’ to Central London than many zone 3 locations
London Marylebone in just 9 minutes and the West End in 19
Heathrow and London City airports reachable within 45 minutes

London’s transport infrastructure is a curious thing. Broadly banded into six zones, radiating outward from the central zone 1, it is a quirk of the system that due to the varying speeds of overland train and Tube lines, zone 4 locations such as Wembley Park can often be ‘closer’ to the city centre than many of those in zone 3.

With three train stations, three Underground lines, the over-ground network and two National Rail lines, Wembley Park is certainly extremely well connected. James Saunders, COO of Quintain, the company behind Wembley Park’s substantial revitalisation, comments,

“One of Wembley Park’s many attractions is its connectivity. As well as being a fantastic lifestyle destination in its own right, the West End is just 19 minutes away, providing residents with access to world-class theatres, shops and restaurants. With over-ground trains, the Metropolitan line, Bakerloo line and Jubilee line to choose from, residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to transportation options.

“From a work perspective, Wembley Park residents can reach London Marylebone in 9 minutes, Baker Street in 12 minutes and Bond Street and Kings Cross in 19 minutes. London Bridge is just 25 minutes away and Canary Wharf can be reached in 32. And of course from September there is the added advantage of the Jubilee line running round-the-clock on Fridays and Saturdays to suit London’s 24 hour lifestyle.”

The area also benefits from excellent road connections, with easy access to the M1, M40, M25 and A406 and the planning of Wembley Park includes 3,000 parking spaces on site (residents’ secure underground parking spaces available at additional cost).

As well as swift access to Central London, Wembley Park is also well positioned for a range of other national and international destinations. It is possible to reach both Heathrow and London City airports within 45 minutes by train. Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports are just a little further away, at 65, 71 and 77 minutes by rail respectively, according to Transport for London. All five airports can also be reached even more swiftly by road.

“Whether you want to head into London daily for work, or jet off around the world for your holidays, it’s easy to do from Wembley Park,” continues James Saunders. “Many of those who have bought apartments here are delighted at just how well connected the area is.”

Nagesh and Jayasri Duvvuri are two of those to benefit from Wembley Park’s excellent location. The couple moved to the area from Reading with their son in order to be closer to Jayasri’s work. Her commute from Reading to Canary Wharf was just too much of a chore and so the family looked at parts of London to relocate to. They dismissed living in Canary Wharf itself, then Harrow, then Sudbury. Then they came across Forum House in Wembley Park. The family fell in love with both the location and the property. The selection of excellent local primary schools sealed the deal.

Quintain’s current residential offering at Wembley Park is the stylish, contemporary apartments of Alto Apartments. The one, two and three bedroom residences are ideal for those who want to get the most out of London, whether they are enjoying their local area or travelling to another part of the capital. Prices start at £375,000 for a one bedroom home, with show apartments launching on 10/09/15 – book your place now at www.alto-apartments.com.

For further details, visit www.alto-apartments.com or call the Savills Sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

Top 10 reasons to take a closer look at Africa

by Charly World Property Frontiers

Nearly 40% of world’s population will live in Africa by 2010 (Knight Frank)
Uganda to face 8 million unit housing shortage by 2030 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics)
Africa is final frontier for property investors (Property Frontiers)

In the wake of President Obama’s recent visit to Africa, many have taken note of an increased emphasis on Africa’s role in the global economy. It is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and the market is ripe for investment. International Monetary Fund GDP growth forecasts for 2015-2016 paint a promising picture of Africa’s growth prospects: an expanding population, a rise in foreign investment and nine of the world’s fastest growing economies located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

So is Africa’s growth potential ready to be unlocked? Buy-to-let investment specialists Property Frontiers believe so. The company, which is known for being at the forefront of global property investment trends, has recently launched a collection of luxury apartments at Jakana Heights, in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala. Available for investment from just $80,000 USD, the exclusive gated community is offering yields in the region of 15% NET.

Property Frontiers CEO Ray Withers is excited about the potential that Sub-Saharan Africa holds when it comes to property. Seen by many as the final frontier so far as investment is concerned, here he shares his top 10 reasons to take a closer look at Africa.

1. Double population growth expected

Africa’s population is expected to double over the next 25 years, the fastest growth rate of any continent. According to Knight Frank’s Africa Report 2015, by 2100 nearly 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa. This rapid increase in population will cause a huge disparity between supply and demand for housing.

2. Youngest population in the world

According to the World Bank, Africa’s median age was 19.7 years in 2012 and is expected to increase to 25.4 years in 2050, making it the continent with the youngest population. With this comes a boom in consumerism, bringing about both opportunities and challenges as the working-age population grows.

3. Political stability

Increased political stability on the continent and participation in local partnerships will continue to ease investors’ concerns. Uganda, for example, has experienced political stability and continuous economic growth for nearly 30 years. With neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, it has created the most advanced international political group in Africa and is benefiting from free trade between member countries and cooperation on major infrastructure projects, including the planned high-speed link from Mombasa to Uganda.

4. Huge housing shortage

Rapid urbanisation and rising income levels due to robust economic growth has created significant demand for residential property across Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda is facing a current housing shortage of 550,000 units, with 100,000 of these in Kampala alone. With the population expected to increase from 38 million to 63 million by 2030, current estimates project a housing shortage of close to 8 million units in 20 years’ time, with 1 million of those in Kampala.

This disparity in supply and demand for quality accommodation in Uganda presents an exciting and lucrative opportunity for both developers and investors.

5. Sustained economic growth

Much of Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing strong economic growth. In Uganda alone, the economy grew by 5.3% in 2014 and is forecast to grow by 5.8% in 2015/2016. This is producing significant demand from multinational corporations, local businesses, start ups and consumers for high-quality commercial real estate.

To add to the success story, oil has been discovered in Uganda in significant quantities, and will give rise to the requirement for office space and oil refineries, which will therefore create a ripple effect on other areas of the economy.

6. Rapid urbanisation

Urbanisation is occurring faster in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world as migrants move from rural to urban settlements. The real estate sector will play a major role in shaping Africa’s urban future, as city infrastructures develop and demand for low and middle income housing increases.

7. Expanding middle classes

Africa’s rapidly expanding middle class is attracting overseas investors looking to capitalise on this growing market. According to South Africa’s Standard Bank, studies suggest that within the next decade, the number of middle class households across 11 Sub-Saharan African countries are expected to boom in the next 16 years from today’s 15 million to over 40 million by 2030.

8. Wealth of natural resources

Across the continent, new discoveries of oil, natural gas and minerals are promising to completely transform national balance sheets. This is leading to the need for further infrastructure – including transport routes and hubs, energy power stations and telecommunication networks.

With a wealth of oil, natural reserves and vast amounts of land for agriculture, the continent will likely play a greater role in servicing global oil and gas consumption. The continent holds one third of global mineral reserves and one tenth of global oil reserves, and produces two thirds of the world’s diamonds, according to PwC.

9. Rise in technology

Technology use is expected to increase rapidly across the continent in the coming years, according to McKinsey & Company. In 2013, 67 million people in Africa used smartphones and 16% of the population was online. By 2025, the report projected, Internet penetration will reach 50%. That’s 600 million Internet users, using 360 million smartphones. As a result, emerging technology, media and telecom companies will urgently require office space and housing.

10. FDI has reached highest level

Africa’s share of global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has reached the highest level in a decade, according to the Executing Growth, Ernst & Young Africa Attractiveness Survey. The study found that two of the main drivers of investment in Africa were a growing middle class and increased urbanisation, both of which support investment in real estate.

To play your part in Africa’s bright future, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Gulf buyers make Turkey top choice as property market thrives

by Charly Turkey Universal21

Number of Turkish exhibitors at Cityscape Global in Dubai doubles in 1 year
Foreign buyers in Turkey increase by 15.2% in August 2015 vs 2014
Iraqis top nationality buying in Turkey, followed by Saudi Arabians and Kuwaitis (Turkstat)

This year’s Cityscape Global, the world’s largest exhibition to promote property development to the Gulf market, was held in Dubai to great success. Placing international property investment at the fore, one nation making firm use of the opportunity to increase its standing within the region was Turkey, with over 50 exhibitors, double that of last year’s figure.

The Turkish market has witnessed a rapid expansion in recent times, with the most recent statistics released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat) revealing a 6.5% increase in house sales in August 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

In August overseas buyers made up a growing number purchasing property in Turkey, with foreign buyers increasing by 15.2% year-on-year. And as indicated by the Turkish presence at the recent Cityscape Global, the top nations today buying from outside of Turkey are from Gulf States.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21 explains more,

“The annual Cityscape Global exhibition, held this year at the Dubai World Trade Centre, provides an important focal point for UAE and Gulf investors to investigate emerging opportunities within the international property market. This month’s exhibition highlighted the interest in the Turkish market from such investors and this is also something we have noticed.

“Whilst buyers from Gulf States have long been the top nationality purchasing properties within our Istanbul projects, there has been a noticeable uplift in enquiry levels in recent months from such buyers. With a focus on newly built projects that offer a good mix of properties and onsite facilities, there certainly seems to be a trend towards the upmarket district of Beylikdüzü and schemes that offer a rent guarantee, maximising the ROI for purchasers.”

This trend being noticed by Universal21 is certainly being reflected in official statistics too. Turkstat has revealed that in August, Iraqis were the most prevalent nationality buying in Turkey, accounting for 19.6% of foreign property sales, followed by Saudi Arabian buyers with 13.3% and purchasers from Kuwait taking 11.1% of foreign home sales in the country.

And the trend is looking set to continue with rising numbers of Arab visitors arriving in Turkey’s major tourist destination of Istanbul in 2015. Recent data released by the Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate has revealed that the number of Arab tourists has near-on doubled since 2010, taking the tourist share to nearly 20% today and rising. In relation to this, private residential buyers from the Middle East are also increasing their hold in the property market, with the growing tourist interest being reflected in the expanding second-home market.

Diana Doğan, CBRE Turkey’s Head of Research explains,

“In the second-home holiday market, there has been a significant increase in private investors in the residential sector from the Middle East with activity firmly focused in the country’s northwest, particularly the Marmara Sea and Black Sea regions, as well as Istanbul, Bursa, and Yalova.”

One project that is witnessing particular attention from the Gulf market, on both the holiday home and investment side, is Diamond Residence from Universal21. Located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, the upmarket district of Istanbul, Diamond Residence is well situated to be close to Ataturk airport, the beach and a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Comprised of 148 beautifully designed apartments, with both one and two bedroom apartments available, Diamond Residence also boasts an array of excellent facilities. These include 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s games room and cinema room. One bed apartments are priced from £57,000 / €78,000 and two bed apartments from £98,000 / €132,000.

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

German second home buyers just can’t get enough of Mallorca

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Second home sales to German buyers increase 160% (Taylor Wimpey España)
Germans account for more than 40% of all international visitors to Mallorca (Ibestat)
Winter temperatures in Germany commonly reach -10°C (World Travel Guide)

Mallorca is one of Spain’s most popular summer tourism destinations. Domestic travellers and international visitors head to the Balearic Island’s sandy shores in their millions each year, hungry for its signature blend of sunshine, water sports, dramatic scenery and fabulous cuisine.

While Mallorca attracted more than a million Brits this summer, it was the Germans who just couldn’t get enough of what the island had to offer. So far in 2015, German visitors have accounted for more than 40% of all foreigners to visit Mallorca, according to data from Ibestat, the statistics institute of the Balearic Islands. The figures show that more than 2.1 million Germans have enjoyed a break on the island so far this year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is one German who loved the island so much that he couldn’t bear to leave. He has now lived there for over two decades. Nor is he alone in his passion for Mallorca. August data from Taylor Wimpey España shows a 160% year to date increase in sales to German buyers, almost all of whom have opted for a second home on Mallorca. Marc Pritchard comments,

“There is something about Mallorca that really captures the German imagination. From the plethora of sporting activities to the stunning landscape, there is so much to do and admire here. It’s a great place for an active holiday, but it’s also a wonderful destination for those looking to relax.

“We’ve seen a sharp increase this year in the number of German buyers on Mallorca. Our Cala Anguila and Costa Beach sites have both proven popular with second home buyers from Germany who want to own their own special part of this wonderful island.”

Cala Anguila offers key-ready properties from €230,000. One of the last remaining developments with direct access to the beach on the island, it provides two bedroom apartments set in delightfully landscaped grounds. A large swimming pool and sunbathing area provide plenty of room for everyone from those who enjoy a rigorous daily swim to families splashing in the shallows and teaching their youngest members how to doggy paddle.

Costa Beach also enjoys direct beach access, along with amazing sea views. Key-ready properties are available from €242,000 for a two bedroom apartment. As well as the on-site pool and numerous coves and white sandy beaches that surround the development, there are four excellent golf courses within a ten minute drive, making it the ideal location for keen golfers.

According to the World Travel Guide, extreme winter temperatures in Germany commonly reach 5°F (-10°C), so the appeal of Mallorca’s Mediterranean climate is immediately apparent. Add to that the island’s countless other charms and it is easy to see why more and more Germans are looking to Mallorca as the ideal place to own a second home.

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.

Wembley Park architects reveal the secrets to creating one of London’s most stylish skylines

by Charly United Kingdom Quintain

Alto Apartments at Wembley Park launched on 10^th September 2015
Emphasis is on views of the iconic landscape and sustainable outdoor space
Design complements Wembley Park’s history while leading its future

Award-winning architects Flanagan Lawrence have revealed some rare and fascinating insights into what it takes to design the skyline in one of London’s most iconic areas. Following the launch of Alto Apartments on 10^th September 2015, Chris Kallan Flanagan Lawrence’s Associate Director, has shared the firm’s vision behind the delightfully contemporary development. He explains,

“Creating a residential development in the middle of Wembley Park, which has already seen significant revitalization work, was an interesting and exciting challenge. There are a number of local landmarks to consider, as well as stunning views over London and we really wanted to maximize that backdrop.”

That meant designing apartments with deep terraces that would showcase the beauty of London’s skyline. The clean, crisp, modernist design takes inspiration from the striking Brent Civic Centre and The SSE Arena, Wembley, in terms of both form and materials.

“In an area like Wembley Park,” continues Kallan, “it’s a question of working within the existing framework to blend with the location’s history while at the same time pushing the boundaries of creativity in design to inform the area’s future.”

The result is the four residential buildings that comprise Alto Apartments. The towers sit harmoniously within the local landscape, their stepped tiers and symmetrical lines setting the tone for the development. The considered approach is demonstrated through numerous elements, including the delightful residents’ garden situated at the heart of the buildings, where landscaped gardens mark a visual procession that connects to the Paul Daisley Gardens. Careful consideration has also been given to the relevance of the North/South axis, with sunlight hours maximized for those enjoying the gardens, as well as the individual apartments.

The design of Alto Apartments began back in March 2014 when Flanagan Lawrence was appointed by Wembley Park developer, Quintain. It is the second time that the two companies have collaborated on such a large-scale project.

Quintain’s COO James Saunders has been delighted with the outcome of the partnership, commenting,

“The thoughtful design behind Alto Apartments has resulted in a new level of contemporary homes for Londoners. As you enter the buildings, the lobby is reminiscent of a modern boutique hotel, complete with 24-hour concierge. It’s a look and a feel that fits beautifully with what our customers are demanding, both inside and out.”

Inside the individual apartments, the meticulous design flows beautifully. Full height windows maximize the light that floods into the spacious, open plan living/kitchen/dining area. Generously sized balconies add a delightful outdoor element to the living space. Storage cupboards have been provided to enable residents to keep their apartments looking wonderfully elegant and uncluttered. Even the appliances are in keeping with the tone – there is a heated wall for towels in the bathroom and the kitchen features Siemens appliances.

Those keen to discover for themselves the mastery behind Quintain’s latest residential offering are invited to visit the new show apartments, open from 10^th September 2015. Showcasing the carefully considered layout and high quality internal finish available at the new Alto Apartments, where one bedroom properties are available from £375,000 and two beds from £495,000, book your place at the launch now by visiting www.alto-apartments.com or calling the onsite Savills Sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

Bracknell anticipates arrival of the Overseas Property Show this autumn

by Charly World Ideal Homes Portugal

2015 tour to arrive in Bracknell on 3-4 October
Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show
UK buyers look for sunshine overseas as autumn weather sets in at home

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is soon to arrive in Bracknell as part of its 2015 national tour, with a bumper two day event held at the Grange Hotel Bracknell from 4-5 October 2015. The show will present properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers. The huge range of properties will include everything from penthouse apartments with roof terraces for sun lovers to beachfront apartments with pools for water babies!

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“Much of Europe is a buyer’s market at the moment, so far as UK property buyers are concerned. In Portugal, buyers have a wide choice of villas with pools or beachfront apartments, all for the same price as a shabby inner city terrace house in many parts of the UK. Over in Cyprus, it’s quite incredible to see what you can get for your money. It’s a really exciting time to buy overseas, particularly as the UK begins to cool down towards winter and buyers dream of sunshine and warmth.”

The free to attend Overseas Property Show is about more than just buying a home though. It’s also about speaking to those who have lived and worked overseas (as well as bought property there) in order to understand what life is really like when you’re faced with 300+ days of sunshine per year.

Many of those who attend the Overseas Property Show do so with a notion of moving overseas one day, either in the near future or when they retire. Speaking to local experts about the benefits of life in the sun, as well as the pitfalls to avoid, can be incredibly useful in informing such plans. From taxes to inheritance to pensions – no subject is off limits when it comes to asking for information and advice.

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.

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 Bracknell this 4-5 October. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus, to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, 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 an incredible show,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what buying a property abroad really entails and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help. It’s a fantastic way to start turning that dream of winter sunshine into a reality.”

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

History in the making: Albania revealed as archaeological haven

by Charly Albania Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa

Tourists wish to visit sites of historical significance to truly experience the past (Trafalgar Travel)
Albania home to many of Europe’s best archaeological sites, including the Roman amphitheatre in Durrës and Krujë Castle
Carolyn Perry purchases beachside apartment in Lalzit Bay as a base for Albanian archaeological studies

When asked what travel trends are expected to flourish in 2015, Julie Brooker, Sales Director of Trafalgar Travel advised, “there is a definite link between travel and history and the desire to explore this link is an emerging trend in the travel industry.” And one country, still considered uncharted land as far as mass tourism is concerned, is being revealed as a hidden treasure in relation to its fascinating history and the relics that have been left behind to be discovered: Albania.

The Balkan nation is home to some of the best well preserved, archaeological sites in Europe with a host of Classical cities that were once equal to those in Italy and Greece. As Brooker continues, today’s tourists “are no longer content with merely learning about historical periods through books and documentaries; people want to visit battlefields and sites of historical significance so they can truly feel a part of history” and Albania can certainly offer just that.

Carolyn Perry, from London, is one traveller whose love for Albania led to purchasing a 2 bedroom apartment at the stunning Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa not just as a holiday home, but also as a base for her Albanian archaeological studies. Having taken cultural heritage tours to a range of different places, Carolyn first visited Albania in 2007 and was smitten. Now a frequent visitor, Carolyn explains what first attracted her to Albania and why Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa was the perfect fit,

“For me Albania has everything, beautiful scenery, lots of really interesting historical sites, friendly locals, good food and wine and lovely weather. I had been looking to buy a property in Albania for quite a few years and needed a resort that was near to the airport so that I can spend long weekends there without spending too much time travelling. It was also important to me to have a property within a resort so that the maintenance will be taken care of, and I feel confident that this will be the case with Lalzit Bay.”

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is the country’s first luxury resort and situated on the beautiful Adriatic coastline less than an hour away from many of Albania’s historic gems, including the Roman amphitheatre in Durrës and Krujë Castle. Durrës Roman Amphitheatre was built in the second century BC and is said to be the largest structure of its kind on the Balkans peninsular, seating approximately 20,000 people. Krujë Castle is an iconic building and a great source of national pride, appearing on one of the country’s banknotes.

Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, comments,

“Those who have visited Albania have found a country with a rich history and culture just waiting to be explored. As overseas interest in its history continues to rise, so too does the latest tourist trend to witness fascinating discoveries from the past allowing Albania to emerge as a new hotspot for archaeological travel.”

Having experienced all that Albania has to offer, Carolyn is confident that other travellers will soon follow suit and begin exploring this beautiful country for themselves. She adds,

“Most people in the UK know very little about Albania, and some have quite negative ideas about it. However, that is going to change, and it won’t be long before the country’s tourism becomes more developed. I’m glad to get to know Albania at this time when it is still largely ‘unspoilt’ with miles of clean and quiet beaches, archaeological sites that aren’t overrun by coach tours, and rugged mountain landscapes.

“Development will of course be good for the country, and a source of vital income, but it is lovely to visit Albania now, before mass tourism takes over. I’ve taken lots of tour groups to Albania and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I am finding that people are now making return visits, a sure sign of satisfaction!”

The beautiful beachfront Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa 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.

The resort 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

In the dock: Why Liverpool’s Albert Dock is giving London’s Royal Albert Dock a run for its money

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden

Albert Dock visitor numbers up 21% in Q1 2015 (Albert Dock Liverpool)
Average North West property is £375k cheaper than average London property (Land Registry)
Liverpool docklands buy-to-let property available from just £109,950 (Surrenden Invest)

Liverpool and London’s dockland areas have much in common. Both played an important role in England’s shipping and mercantile history and suffered a decline as their commercial viability waned over the years. Now, both areas have been reinvented as attractive locations to live, work and play. But which has the edge?

According to Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, it is Liverpool’s Albert Dock that is turning investors’ heads these days.

“London’s Royal Albert Dock is undoubtedly a great place to live and to invest, but when it comes to residential property, Albert Dock in Liverpool is definitely the place to be right now. Unlike London, prices there are still fantastically low – well below the UK average, in fact – and offer huge scope for capital gain. Liverpool’s population is booming and tenant demand is high, with low void periods and high yields making the Northern Docklands a seriously exciting investment prospect.”

After lying derelict for nearly a decade, redevelopment work began at Albert Dock in 1982, with the official reopening in 1984. Some 30 years on art galleries, museums, swanky bars and funky independent shops sit alongside high-end new homes at Liverpool’s Docklands, backed by the stunning waterfront setting.

The Terrace at The Quarter, due for completion in Q4 2016, is the fourth phase in the award-winning ‘The Quarter.’ Just five minutes’ walk from Albert Dock, the development will offer 110 luxurious one and two bedroom apartments. The contemporary homes will be complemented by an onsite gymnasium and investors can look forward to strong capital growth and 6% p.a. assured for three years.

Tenant demand for such accommodation is strong and growing. According to the Office for National Statistics, Liverpool’s population is younger than the country’s average, with 42.3% of inhabitants under the age of 30 (compared with 37.4% nationally). These dynamic youngsters are enjoying the city’s booming professions, which include pharmaceuticals and bio-science, law, finance and wealth management, as well a booming knowledge economy thanks to new media and computer game development.

Those living in the Northern Docklands can also delight in the appeals of their area – Albert Dock attracted more than a million visitors during Q1 2015, according to official figures from Albert Dock Liverpool. Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story were two of the most popular attractions, while the inaugural Albert Dock Rum Festival also played its part.

While in London such opportunities also abound and generate strong demand from tenants, it is the low price point of Liverpool’s residential property that is proving so attractive to investors in buy-to-let accommodation. According to data from the Land Registry House Price Index issued in August 2015, the average price of a house in England and Wales is £183,861. Prices in London are well above this, with an average price of £488,782, yet in the North West the average price is just £114,064.

Such disparity makes the Liverpool docklands incredibly affordable for buy-to-let investors, compared to its London counterpart. Investors looking to be part of the Albert Dock’s bright future can purchase residential buy-to-let accommodation at The Terrace at The Quarter through Surrenden Invest from £109,950.