Portuguese property market snapshot – a tale of two rates

Portuguese property market snapshot – a tale of two rates

by Charly Portugal
  • Pound to euro exchange rate tempting British buyers to Portugal (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Portuguese interest rate dropped from 13.85% (Jan 2012) to 2.41% (May 2015)
  • Exchange rate could reach €1.54 to the pound by 2017 (Goldman Sachs)

Circumstances have combined to make Portugal one of Europe’s most tempting property purchase options, a leading estate agency has revealed. Algarve-based boutique agency Ideal Homes Portugal has highlighted the impact that low interest rates and favourable foreign exchange rates have had when it comes to the country’s real estate sector. Founding Director Chris White comments,

“We’ve seen interest rates in Portugal drop from 13.85% in January 2012 to 2.41% in May 2015 and this has led to many mortgage providers slashing their rates. At the same time, the best FX rate for eight years means that UK buyers can now get a lot more property for their pound. It’s the ideal combination for those looking to pick up a bargain dream home in the sun.”

The low interest rate and excellent exchange rate are set against a background of slowly rising prices in Portugal. The property market has bottomed out since values plummeted back in 2007 and the early stages of a sustained recovery are underway. For British buyers, the timing is perfect – they can purchase property at bargain prices now, when borrowing is cheap and the pound is strong, and then look forward to capital growth over the coming years as the Portuguese recovery gathers momentum.

So just what can British buyers get for their money in Portugal right now?

Portuguese property snapshot

Around €100k is enough for a studio apartment with shared pool in the popular town of Albufeira, which boasts plentiful restaurants and bars, along with some beautiful stretches of golden sand.

€200k will buy a two bedroom apartment with sea views and communal pool in the attractive town of Quarteira or, for those looking to undertake something of a project, a 15 acre plot of land with two country cottages ripe for renovation.

Buyers with €300k can look forward to owning a beautifully renovated apartment in a converted convent in the eastern Algarve town of Tavira. Views over the salt plains of the Ria Formosa natural park stretch all the way to the sea and the stunning Tavira Island can be reached by water taxi in just a few minutes.

For €400k, buyers can purchase a four bedroom villa with its own pool, barbecue area and sea views in the pretty little town of Moncarapacho – home to the world’s best olive oil, according to the New York International Olive Oil Competition 2015. Or for just a few euros more city lovers can opt for an exquisite, contemporary one bedroom apartment in Lisbon, in an exclusive development complete with swimming pool and onsite parking.

Those happy to spend €500k have a vast range of options. From a six bedroom country villa with sea views and mature fruit trees to a three bedroom villa with panoramic sea views and its own pool on a gated complex in Praia da Luz, the choices are plentiful and varied. And of course for those with even more to spend the properties keep getting bigger and better.

With the pound to euro exchange rate tipped to climb even higher (Goldman Sachs has forecast that a 15 year high could be on the cards, at €1.54 to the pound by 2017), UK buyers are being delighted by just how far their money stretches when it comes to Portuguese real estate. A rate of €1.54 would mean that only £325k was needed to pick up that €500k Portuguese property – hardly a bad price for a six bedroom home in the sunshine!

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.

Brilliant Barcelona – home to the most sought-after property in Spain

Brilliant Barcelona – home to the most sought-after property in Spain

by Charly Spain
  • Average Barcelona property price reaches record-breaking €617k (Kyero.com)
  • Barcelona welcomed 7.4 million international visitors in H1 2015 (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
  • Spain to become leader of Eurozone by 2023 (Harvard)

Depending on who’s counting, Barcelona regularly ranks somewhere between the 10th and 25th most visited city in the world. Visitor numbers have increased vastly since the Catalonian capital hosted the Summer Olympics back in 1992, to the point where new Mayor Ada Colau is having to look at ways to limit tourist numbers in order to preserve the city’s rich character.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of the Gaudi’s incredible Sagrada Familia in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers’ Choice awards for the world’s top landmarks (it was the only European landmark to make the top five), demonstrates the love that visitors have for this ancient and historic city. Already in 2015 Barcelona has attracted some 7.4 million international visitors, according to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

But Barcelona is not just a tourist mecca – it’s a bustling working city that 1.6 million inhabitants are proud to call their home. It is a rising economic star within the European community and seen as increasingly important thanks to Spain’s impressive financial recovery, which has led to Harvard University predicting that Spain will be the leader of the Eurozone in 2023, enjoying an average annual GDP growth rate of 3.7%.

Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, observes,

“Barcelona consistently tops the charts when it comes to real estate prices in Spain. It’s a fascinating and magnificent city, not just from an architectural standpoint, but also culturally. It blends ancient Spanish traditions and values with a hip, modern culture. The gourmet La Boqueria Market just off Las Ramblas is the perfect example – hams cured to the same recipe for centuries hang opposite stalls of bright fruit shakes made using the latest superfoods. The city is a real melting pot but with a truly authentic heart.”

According to the latest Kyero Spanish House Price Index, Q2 2015, the price of the average home in Barcelona province has risen to €572,500, a staggering 243% higher than the national average. In Barcelona city, the figure rises to a record-breaking €617,000.

The Kyero.com data reveals some interesting insights into what it is that buyers are looking for from their Barcelona property. The largest share of enquiries (27%) are for properties costing between €150,000 and €250,000. Searches for two bedroom homes just beat those for three bedrooms, at 31% and 29% respectively. When it comes to property type, though, apartments win hands-down, with 89% of enquiries focusing on this type of property.

The lower half of the most popular price bracket provides property buyers with an ample choice of two and three bedroom apartments in the city, while the upper end of the price bracket is sufficient for anything up to five bedrooms.

Buyers looking to spend closer to the average property price can enjoy this stylish, four bedroom/two bathroom apartment, which benefits from an outdoor terrace, underground parking and a central location.

For further details on properties to rent and buy in Barcelona and across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

Are kitchens and bathrooms a second home’s best selling points?

Are kitchens and bathrooms a second home’s best selling points?

by Charly Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey España property buyers up c.28%
  • Kitchens and bathrooms ‘give a home its soul’
  • Light and quality are most important features

The stunning apartments of Cala Magrana III on the Spanish island of Mallorca bask in the afternoon heat haze. The noise of the gently lapping waves can just be heard as owners enjoy the magnificent view of the sea sparkling in the bright sunlight, while they sip cooling drinks on their generously proportioned terraces. In the grounds, children splash happily in the large communal pool.

The importance of kitchens and bathrooms is probably the last thing on their minds, yet Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which built the development, believes that it is those very rooms that led to many of these owners buying their second homes in the first place. He explains,

“Sea views and terraces provide the initial wow factor, but it is the kitchen and bathroom that enable buyers to picture themselves actually spending time in the property – they give a home its soul. It’s why we place such emphasis on these rooms in every development that we design.”

Light and quality are the two features that contribute to the perfect kitchen, according to Marc.

“We always ensure that kitchens have at least one large exterior window, so that they are full of light. Kitchens are true family spaces and we want people to be able to image themselves spending time in them, from Mum or Dad preparing a feast for the whole family to teenagers grabbing snacks from the fridge and little ones pestering for treats.”

High quality appliances and materials are also essential. An attractive appearance backed by practical considerations is ideal, believes Taylor Wimpey España. Plentiful cupboard and drawer space, alongside high spec fixtures and fittings, will ensure that owners have the tools they need to enjoy their kitchens fully.

Apartment layout is also important when it comes to kitchens, with open plan kitchens flowing into indoor and outdoor living areas in order that family and friends can share time together comfortably, even while preparing meals.

For bathrooms, the same rigorous standards are applied to the quality of fixtures and fittings. As Marc Pritchard observes,

“Little details can make a real difference. A modern mixer tap, an easy-to-clean shower screen, carefully positioned plug sockets… they’re not the most exciting details but every element contributes to making the perfect bathroom.”

Lighting is important in bathrooms, as well. Materials are chosen based on how they will reflect or absorb light and contribute to the overall luminosity of the room. It’s a delicate balance – a bathroom that is too bright can feel clinical and impersonal, yet one that is too dim offers a poor environment for completing tasks like shaving or putting on makeup.

“There’s so much more to kitchens and bathrooms than meets the eye!” concludes Marc. “A huge amount of thought goes into their design and though they might not initially come across as the property’s most exciting features I really do believe that they can be the rooms that turn prospective buyers into happy owners.”

The figures certainly seem to back the theory. Cumulative data to July 2015 shows that Taylor Wimpey España buyer numbers have increased by c.28%. Meanwhile just-released data for July shows that Brits are leading the charge, accounting for 20% of purchases, while German buyers account for 15% and Scandinavians for 14%.

The two last key ready properties at Cala Magrana III are available from €220,000.

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.

Overseas Property Show launches 2015 national tour as highest FX rate for 8 years makes Brits eager to buy abroad

Overseas Property Show launches 2015 national tour as highest FX rate for 8 years makes Brits eager to buy abroad

by Charly World
  • 12 dates announced for 2015 Overseas Property Show national tour
  • Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
  • 2015 tour to kick off in Bolton, 29-31 August

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show has just announced its 2015 tour dates. With a total of 12 shows planned up and down the nation, this year’s tour will be bigger and better than ever.

In 2014, 3,000 visitors attended the shows, which showcase properties from the sun-drenched paradises of Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida. The 2015 events are set to attract way in excess of this number, as Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“Everything about the Overseas Property Show this year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. We’ve got more tour dates, more properties and more experts on hand to provide advice. We’re expecting a huge turnout this year.”

The show’s 2015 tour will include:

Bolton – 29, 30 and 31 August, Marcron Stadium

Birmingham – 4, 5 and 6 September, Motorcycle Museum

Norwich – 12 and 13 September, Mercure Norwich

Surrey – 18, 19 and 20 September, Epsom Racecourse

Crawley – 26 and 27 September, Arora Hotel Crawley

Brighton – 9, 10 and 11 October, Hilton Brighton Metropole

Guildford – 16, 17 and 18 October, Holiday Inn Guildford

Watford – 23, 24 and 25 October, Mercure Watford

Hertfordshire – 31 October and 1 November, Holiday Inn London Elstree

Newbury – 7 and 8 November, Hilton Newbury

Crawley – 20, 21 and 22 November, Arora Hotel Crawley

Birmingham – 27, 28 and 29 November, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport

The free to attend show is popular with everyone from those with firm plans to move overseas to individuals with just the vaguest notion that they might one day like a second home in the sun. With experts on hand to discuss each country in detail – from the property market to the paperwork requirements – the show has built a reputation as an essential resource for anyone interested in property overseas.

That interest is surging in the UK, as the best foreign exchange rate since November 2007 saw sterling reach €1.434 in July, meaning that holiday home buyers can now get vastly more for their money. Not only do they benefit when buying a property overseas, but their spending money also stretches further when they go to stay in it. Everything from a simple ice-cream on the beach to dinner at a swanky restaurant in a newly purchased frock has become cheaper thanks to the favourable exchange rate.

With experts predicting that the exchange rate could improve even further – €1.50 to the pound has been bandied about more than once – the Overseas Property Show tour could not have come at a better time.

Whether buyers are dreaming of a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus or a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be. Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what their pounds will get them if they buy a property abroad and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

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

Value of second homes overseas revealed as 91% of holidaymakers opt for repeat destination breaks

Value of second homes overseas revealed as 91% of holidaymakers opt for repeat destination breaks

by Charly Portugal Spain , ,
  • UK workers entitled to just 5.6 paid weeks of leave per year (Gov.uk)
  • 91% of Britons prefer to repeatedly visit the same holiday destination (Staysure)
  • 1 in 5 returns within a year (Staysure)

Almost all UK workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year, though that can include bank holidays. With so little precious time to spare, is it any wonder that the latest survey from Staysure has revealed that as a nation we opt for the comfort of a known quantity when it comes to holidaying overseas?

The Staysure research has revealed that 91% of Britons prefer to visit the same holiday destination repeatedly, with one in five returning to the same place within the course of a year. The known quantities of great weather, good food and convenient travel times were cited as the most common motivations for returning to the same place. This was weighed against the fear that a new destination would not provide as much enjoyment and result in a disappointing holiday.

With so little paid holiday available, this attitude is entirely understandable and is precisely why second homes overseas are so popular. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“When it comes to travelling overseas, most holidaymakers have a fixed idea of where they want to go and so a home from home in their favourite spot makes absolute sense.”

Taylor Wimpey España offers holiday homes in two of the locations that the survey respondents voted as being the most popular: the Spanish island of Mallorca, which took third position, and the Costa del Sol, which came in sixth.

On Mallorca, key-ready apartments with wide terraces and a fantastic communal pool, all within strolling distance to the beach such as those at Cala Magrana III, can be purchased from €220,000. On the Costa del Sol, a luxury two bedroom apartment near Puerto Banus can be picked up for €310,000, at Avalon.

A third Spanish location made it into the top 10 favourite repeat destinations: the Catalonian capital city of Barcelona. The much-loved city attracts hordes of visitors every year, as Martin Dell, Founder of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, observes,

“Barcelona has everything a holidaymaker could want. Its architecture simply cannot be beaten. The weather is amazing throughout the summer months. The restaurants and street food markets are a gourmet paradise. There are countless cultural attractions and the city has a vibe unlike any other.”

Second home options in the city abound and the current exchange rate means Brits can get a lot more for their money, such as this five bedroom apartment with spacious roof terrace, available in the central El Eixample area of the city for a cool €1.1 million.

One other Iberian destination also made the top 10 – Portugal’s sun-drenched southern Algarve region. Popular with holidaymakers from the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, as well as (seemingly) half the population of Lisbon, which decamps southward for a month every summer, the Algarve offers stunning beaches, family-friendly restaurants, water parks, world-class golf courses and even a mountain of two for those who prefer to holiday at a height.

Ideal Homes Portugal, one of the area’s leading estate agencies, has homes across the region, ranging from city centre apartments for under €100,000 to luxury villas with their own pools and unique features. For €335,000 you can even pick up a villa with a pool and its own windmill.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com 

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

 

UK buyers look to the rest of the world with the return of international property investment

UK buyers look to the rest of the world with the return of international property investment

by Charly Uncategorized World

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, answers investors’ questions on the highly anticipated rise of the foreign market

After years of UK buyers being thoroughly taken by their own domestic property market, recent figures have shown that the allure of international investment has returned. According to the Knight Frank Global House Price Index, Europe is at the forefront of the market in terms of price growth, with Africa recording a respectable growth rate of 2.6%.

With the potential to become a daunting minefield of opportunities and decisions, Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers, offers expert opinion and advice on the current international property market.

 

What has kept UK investors focussed on domestic property for the last few years?

To begin with there was an element of fear due to the perceived risk in the wake of the financial crisis. It’s not that international property became more risky per se, but that people’s attitudes towards the risk changed. On top of that, people had a booming opportunity on their doorstep within the UK buy-to-let market.

How has the global market changed to start attracting UK buyers back to international property?

Again, the change that reports are suggesting is mainly about investor attitude. Good international opportunities never actually went away; it’s just that people feel confident enough now in their own finances, and the global outlook, to start investing abroad once more.

With interest in international property investment on the rise, what impact could this have on the UK market?

I don’t think there will be any impact on the UK market. It is not an either or case for most investors and even if it were, the numbers are not large enough to have a significant effect on the juggernaut that is the UK property market.

Where in the world is generating the most excitement and where should UK investors be looking at?

This is a heavily weighted question with where to invest depending greatly on the buyer, what they want and where they feel comfortable. There are several ‘safe’ locations, Germany for example, and also more speculative opportunities throughout Southern Europe. For those with the appetite, there are of course excellent opportunities in the emerging markets, especially regions in Africa that are now booming.

Is this positive growth in the global market sustainable or will UK buyers eventually return home?

Property markets move in cycles. What is a great time to invest in one market may not be a good time in another. However if we have learnt anything from history, it is that market movements will present myriad opportunities in the future. At some point the UK market will slow, but will then quicken again; it’s all about the right place at the right time. With global coverage it is our job to spot the markets when opportunity presents itself.

The UK is still part of this exciting new world of property investment and there are some excellent buy-to-let opportunities on home soil right now. It’s just that they are no longer the only ones to pique the global investment community’s interest.

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

Desert island bricks – luxury, seclusion and sea views prove a winning combination

Desert island bricks – luxury, seclusion and sea views prove a winning combination

by Charly Cyprus Spain , ,
  • Private jet flights to islands increase 69% in past 10 years (NetJets)
  • Online island property viewings up 21% in 2014 (Knight Frank)
  • Demand for affordable and luxury properties on a par (Kyero.com)

Island living is on the up. According to the latest Island Report from Knight Frank, luxury, seclusion and sea views are inspiring many buyers to opt for an island second home rather than one on the mainland.

The report challenges the perceptions about island property ownership. It is no longer something enjoyed only by high net worth individuals, though of course they play their part. In fact, data from NetJets has shown a 69% increase in private jet flights to island destinations between 2004 and 2014, with the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca each registering an increase of 100%.

But even for those buyers limited to airfares closer to the EasyJet price range, island property ownership is an affordable and exciting prospect. Martin Dell, Founder of Kyero.com, which covers both sales and rentals of Spanish island properties, comments,

“Ibiza is really popular at the moment and presents an interesting case study in terms of property purchases. There’s a really even split between enquiries for luxury properties costing €500k to €1m and those at the more affordable end of the market (€150k to €200k). The figures demonstrate the broadening appeal that island property ownership has – it is increasingly seen as an achievable goal that everyone can aspire to.”

Issue 24 of the quarterly Kyero.com Enquiry Report, covering April to June 2015, shows just how even the split is, with 21% of Ibiza enquiries in the €150k to €200k price range, compared with 20% in the €500k to €1m bracket.

Ibiza was one of the islands highlighted in the Knight Frank Island Report as well, with tourists numbers there reported to have risen 12% in 2014. Prices for luxury residential properties there rose by 5% over the course of last year and Knight Frank’s Ibiza property website viewings shot up by 11% in Q1 2015, compared with the previous quarter.

Mallorca viewings have also risen sharply, with Knight Frank reporting a 31% surge in traffic during Q1 2015. The largest of the Balearics and the setting of ITV’s recent ‘Love Island’ series, Mallorca offers just the right combination of sea, sand and seclusion to tempt holiday home buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España was drawn in by the island’s charms and has now lived there for more than 25 years. He comments,

“Mallorca’s appeal lies not just in its fabulous scenery and pristine beaches, but also in its connectivity. It has year-round flights to the UK and other European destinations, which make it an ideal spot for a second home. It also benefits from some good international schools and top-range facilities, just as Ibiza does. Of course, the exchange rate right now adds to its attractions as well so far as UK buyers are concerned, with purchasers able to get a lot more for their money.”

For €230,000, for example, buyers can pick up a stunning property at Cala Anguila II. With direct beach access, delightful sea views, a sizeable communal pool and prettily designed gardens, the two and three bedroom apartments provide luxurious island homes for buyers looking to escape to the serenity of Mallorca.

Beyond the Balearics, Cyprus is a popular island location for second homes, particularly with UK-based buyers. The third largest and third most populous of the Mediterranean islands, Cyprus has seen some 28% of its property market made up of overseas buyers, according to the June Land Registry figures. Paphos, on the west coast, is one of the most popular areas, with sales there increasing by 20% in June according to the Land Registry data.

Cyprus offers some incredible properties and it is easy to see why so many overseas buyers seek out this island location for their second home. This four bedroom, three bathroom villa with infinity pool at Alexander Heights, in the Aphrodite Hills, is available for a cool €2,797,501. The careful design has ensured that each villa at the development enjoys its own private landscaped garden, with spectacular views out over the sea, affording a high degree of privacy. As well as the heated pool, the villa benefits from a Jacuzzi and a versatile basement area that can be used as an additional bedroom, games room, TV room or even have a sauna installed.

According to Knight Frank, online viewings of its island-based properties increased by 21% in 2014 and the leap in interest looks set to carry through to 2015, as increasing numbers of second home buyers leave the mainland behind in their search for the ultimate island getaway.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com 

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes International: +44 1543 325316 or www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk

Behind the scenes of student life: How do they really spend their money?

Behind the scenes of student life: How do they really spend their money?

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Student spending priorities revealed as groceries, eating out and utility bills (Natwest Student Living Index)
  • Collegiate AC accommodation offers inclusive billing and luxury communal facilities to ease budgeting (Collegiate AC)
  • Students spend on average 28 hours a week studying compared with only 12.5 hours socialising (Natwest Student Living Index)

For a student leaving home for the first time, one of the key lessons they will quickly learn is how to budget, with this an often treacherous minefield that can be especially worrying for parents miles away at home, concerned about their son or daughter’s spending habits. In line with this, Natwest, in partnership with an independent research company, have produced the Student Living Index report to unearth the true realities of student expenditure, from what is considered essential spending, to the real financial impact of socialising and the true cost of students’ hobbies and interests.

Based on data from 25 UK universities, the enlightening research reveals that students spend more per week on groceries than anything else, with eating out and utility bills ranking second and third as financial drains.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, Collegiate AC, explains the importance of budgeting and how a modern student property can benefit,

“A key aspect of planning for university life is understanding your finances and creating a budget by which to stick to on a week to week basis. Every student budget will vary depending on individual circumstances and it is always advisable to create your own to include personal requirements, estimating weekly expenses as you go.

“Whilst an important skill to learn, financial planning when you have left home for the first time can be challenging and this is where modern student accommodation can help. At Collegiate AC, not only are our properties close to university ensuring that money is saved on travel, we also provide extra amenities included in our billing. This can help day-to-day expenses reduce, whilst enhancing the living and studying experience: this is the future of university living.”

Monthly utility bills can fluctuate and allowing for this within a weekly student budget can become difficult, especially when unexpected costs occur. In order to eradicate this monetary concern for residents, Collegiate AC properties have utility bills and unlimited Wi-Fi included in the rental price as standard, meaning that students know where they stand with their finances in advance.

As Cuanalo indicates, alongside inclusive billing, Collegiate AC properties also boast a variety of additional facilities that are available to residents at no additional cost, again assisting with budgeting and in turn reassuring parents and guardians from afar.

With eating out taking second place in student spending, Collegiate AC’s 333 Bath Street in Glasgow benefits from a private dining room that allows residents to throw their very own impressive dinner parties, eliminating the need to eat out so often.

Southampton’s premier student residences, Brunswick Apartments, also boasts an array of excellent inclusive facilities. These range from an on-site cinema to provide the ultimate in home entertainment, to the on-site private gym, exclusive to residents and stocked with the latest exercise equipment to allow students to save on expensive gym memberships. With the Natwest Student Living Index showing that students spend more on gym membership than any other sport or fitness activity, having free access to this facility is a key advantage when calculating a weekly budget.

With the report also highlighting that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of students’ time is spent studying – approximately 28 hours a week compared to just 12.5 hours spent socialising – Collegiate AC understand the importance of effective study areas in their properties. With reading and work rooms available for individual study or in a group, Collegiate AC’s high-specification and beautifully designed Hope Street Apartments, set in the heart of Liverpool, are equipped with seminar and common rooms, ideal for just this purpose.

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

Hotspots Index: Property buyers shrug off Greek crisis

Hotspots Index: Property buyers shrug off Greek crisis

by Charly World
  • Greece enters Top 5 Hotspots for first time
  • Demand strong for property in Zante and Corfu
  • Braga, Portugal, the most searched-for location in Q2 2015
  • Portugal makes up 1 in 3 of most popular hotspots

Property buyers are shrugging off any concerns surrounding the Greek bailout crisis, according to TheMoveChannel.com. The portal’s latest Hotspots Index reveals that Europe has never been more attractive to house-hunters, with Greece joining the Top 5 hotspots in Q2 2015 for the first time.

Portugal led the way, with Braga ranking as the most searched-for location between April and June 2015. The Portuguese hotspot accounted for 2.13 per cent of all searches by location on the site, ahead of Italy’s Rome (1.55 per cent), which fell from the top spot (Q1 2015) into second place. Spain’s Malaga (1.46 per cent) also slipped into third. The Top 5 was completed, though, by two rising stars of the European market, Protaras and Zante, as buyers returned to both Cyprus and Greece.

Marseille and Como held onto their places within the Top 10, reinforcing the appeal of both France and Italy to overseas investors. While Spain’s popular Province of Alicante fell by four to ninth place, Armacao de Pera emerged as a new hotspot in Portugal, climbing 18 places to enter the Top 10.

“With the Top 10 comprising of only six different countries, the Hotspots Index reveals an increasingly strong focus upon a select few favourites,” comments TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson. “Portugal now makes up one third of all the most popular hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com, as the country’s continuing recovery spurs confidence among investors. Spain may be bigger, but Portugal is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest markets.”

“Greece, though, is the surprise success story of the year: the country’s economic problems have sparked uncertainty across the continent and beyond, but low prices and a weak euro have encouraged buyers and investors to snap up Greek property bargains. Greece made up four of the Top 50 destinations in the Q2 2015 Hotspots Index. This is down from Q1 2015, when it accounted for six, but the country now makes up two of the Top 10 locations, as demand grows stronger for select Greek hotspots. Together with Cyprus’ rising popularity, it is proof that even the markets worst hit by the financial crisis can still be an attractive investment opportunity.”

For more information, and to see the full Top 50 hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com, click here.

— ENDS —

 

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

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

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

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

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  • Standard Ad Units: These show in 120,600, 160×600, 300×150, 300×250, 300×500, 300×750 and 728×90 formats, with a varying number of listings showing in each version.
  • Dynamic Portfolio: This is a completely configurable panel, where you can choose the number of columns and rows, plus the size of the listings and dedicate a section of a page, or even a whole page to a set of properties.

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

House building accelerates at Wembley Park, with ceremony to celebrate dual success

House building accelerates at Wembley Park, with ceremony to celebrate dual success

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Topping out ceremony at Emerald Gardens, where sales have reached 90%
  • GLA Deputy Mayor for Housing supports acceleration of London home building
  • Wembley Park is London’s latest lifestyle destination

Wembley Park has undergone significant revitalisation in recent years. While retaining the area’s rich heritage, developer Quintain has considerately added a range of stylish accommodation options, along with the fantastic LDO shopping experience, to turn Wembley Park into one of London’s hottest lifestyle locations.

Now, this exciting part of North West London has reached a significant milestone in its development of mid-mainstream housing, marked by a well-attended topping out and ground breaking ceremony on 29th July 2015.

Deputy Mayor for Housing, Land and Property at the Greater London Authority, Richard Blakeway, was the guest of honour, extolling the importance of accelerating homebuilding in London, of which Wembley Park is a shining example.

James Saunders, COO of Quintain, who also attended the event comments,

“It has been wonderful to take time to celebrate the topping out of Emerald Gardens. This is a significant step in speeding up the supply of new homes for Londoners and in building a Wembley Park that is a joy for people to live in now and for future generations.”

The topping out of Emerald Gardens, Quintain’s current residential offering at North West Village, Wembley Park, comes as sales figures for the development hit the 90% mark.  Inspired by London’s famous garden squares, Emerald Gardens consists of 475 apartments spread across seven buildings, set in almost an acre of landscaped grounds. Most have their own private outdoor space, with the contemporary design providing a range of balcony or terraced options.

The studio, one, two and three bedroom homes at Emerald Gardens combine the elegance of London living with a host of practical amenities such as a 24 hour concierge and security service, a gym, a private cinema and a residents’ club room.

Mike Higgins, Director of Sisk, Emerald Gardens’ appointed contractor, comments,

“Sisk are delighted to be involved in the construction of Emerald Gardens, which maintains our ongoing strategic partnership with Quintain over the last 10 years, driving forward the provision of stylish, contemporary new homes for Londoners at Wembley Park.”

The blending of new architecture with the existing grace of Wembley Park, as demonstrated so perfectly by Emerald Gardens, has been one of the successes of the development to date. Buildings have been carefully designed to appeal both to current Wembley Park residents and to those attracted to the area by the superb lifestyle it offers.

Not only did the 29th July ceremony celebrate the topping out of Emerald Gardens, but it also marked the ground breaking milestone for the development’s exciting second phase, Alto Apartments: 19 floors of contemporary, mid-market homes. The first phase, Pienna Apartments, will comprise 133 stylish homes, reaching up to 19 storeys, priced from £355,000 and launching in September 2015.

For further details, visit http://www.northwestvillage.com/ or call the Savills Sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.