2017’s ultimate kitchen trends

Zoning being used to create cutting edge kitchens
Metallic finishes featuring strongly this year
Kitchen tech providing everything from hidden hobs to vanishing taps

The kitchen is the heart of the home. The epicentre of a family’s nourishment, a space for informal socialising with family members and close friends, and the place from which all manner of delicious scents and flavours emanate.

An outstanding kitchen should also be a feast for the eyes, as well as the other senses, explains John Harvey, Managing Director at Lida Cucina. He comments,

“We’re seeing some amazing innovations in terms of kitchen design and dressing at the moment. 2017 is going to be an exciting year from new tech to exciting materials, there has never been more choice when it comes to kitchen interior design.”

The kitchen designers at Lida Cucina are experts at creating kitchens that both serve a practical purpose and look superb. Based on their knowledge, MD John Harvey has put together his list of top kitchen interior design trends for creating the ultimate 2017 kitchen.

Lida Cucina’s 2017 ultimate kitchen interior design trends

Zoning

“The concept of the traditional working triangle has gone,” comments John Harvey. “It’s all about zoning in 2017 – the ultimate kitchen this year will have a prep zone, a cooking zone, a wet zone and a refrigeration zone.”

The type and number of appliances in the kitchen has changed dramatically in recent years. Oven types now include single, combi, steam, sous-vide, microwave, and those complemented by warming drawers. The cooking zone needs to accommodate these and a wide range of other appliances.

The prep zone is also gadget-heavy, with everything from juicers to spiralizers needing to be accounted for, along with a prep sink. The main sink is obviously in the wet zone, along with the dishwasher. Meanwhile the refrigeration zone is home to the fridge, freezer and wine chiller.

Islands

Islands remain a hugely popular trend, and 2017 sees them combined with the zoning concept to create a kitchen that is at once practical and beautiful.

The ultimate kitchen this year has islands linked by bridge-style counters and a breakfast bar. A formal, built-in table connecting the islands is also on trend.

Kitchen tech

Kitchen tech is certainly not limited to portable appliances. Hidden features and opening functions are allowing kitchens to appear incredibly sleek and stylish, with only a wave of the hand or the push of a button needed to make taps, sinks, hobs and more miraculously appear.

Under-worktop induction hobs will be a key trend in 2017, according to the Lida Cucina team, with just a small panel used to control an essentially invisible hob.

Boiler taps are also coming of age, with more manufacturers joining the marketplace and driving both innovations in design and reductions in price. Top brand ZIP’s latest tap, for example, now supplies not just boiling water, but also hot, cold, chilled and sparkling filtered water.

Metallics

Kitchens are all about metallics when it comes to appearance in 2017. Warm metal finishes, achieved either through multi tonal lacquers or the use of actual metals, will be present for doors and cabinetry. For doors, a range of superb, ultra-thin metal doors is about to hit the market and will be an important trend this year.

“2017 kitchen design is all about sleek design that accommodates the latest advances in technology while also looking stunning,” concludes Lida Cucina’s John Harvey. “Taking a professional approach to designing or redesigning your kitchen can make it the true heart of your home, while also adding value to the property. It’s going to be a big year for kitchens!”

For more information, visit Lida Cucina at www.lidacucina.co.uk, email info@lidacucina.co.uk or call 0118 932 0828.

All you need is love to succeed in Liverpool’s lucrative property market

by Charly United Kingdom Aspen Woolf

“Parts of the city that never benefitted from the early 2000s property boom are starting to come to life” (Aspen Woolf)
“Everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor” (Aspen Woolf)
New Eldon Grove carefully designed to preserve the site’s heritage while serving the needs of a new generation

“Liverpool has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years and this is set to continue over the short to medium term. There are parts of the city which never really benefitted from the early 2000s property boom; so many areas were left behind compared to neighboring Leeds & Manchester. Now Liverpool’s certainly making up for lost time and we’re seeing run down areas of the city really start to come to life.”

Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director, Aspen Woolf

Speaking with Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors through property, it’s clear that Liverpool’s housing market is definitely one to watch in 2017.

Sharing his expert insight into the city’s current property climate, he advises that savvy investors will start to use both heart and head when choosing the next addition to their portfolio.

“Whilst of course there’s a lot of new stock coming to market, we would advise investors to go for strategic locations and unique builds like historic Grade II listed Eldon Grove. With new builds sprouting up, it is the historical developments, the ones with a real story behind them that have the highest resale value.

“At the end of the day, everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor. Eldon Grove is one of those buildings, it instantaneously invokes emotion. It’s a beautiful building and there’s nothing that compares on the market today.”

Eldon Grove provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council. Forming part of a labourers’ village, it set a new standard for the whole country and was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912. The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents. Eldon Grove was deemed an integral part of local history in 1993 when the building was granted Grade II-listed status.

Oliver continues,

“I think there is definitely room for more new-build homes within Liverpool but investors should start looking more selectively. Don’t just go for any new-build simply because there is a demand for housing. Even though there are about 11 people scrambling to buy any one property, an investor should really start paying stronger attention to the resale value of an investment. As mentioned, a building that has strong local roots will really go a long way as it offers the same benefits as any new build development would but with the added value of having a real ‘life’ behind it.”

Oliver goes on to explain how Eldon Grove, exclusively available through Aspen Woolf, is strongly supported by the council and that the local community is excited to see the building brought back to life.

“We are excited to help revitalise such a beautiful and historic part of Liverpool. The New Eldon Grove is investing in the community and bringing new possibilities to this proud area.”

Set within peaceful surroundings, yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre, the New Eldon Grove offers the perfect balance of past and present comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units.

Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three new blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Victorian buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

British love for Spanish islands on the up as Valentine’s Day approaches

by Charly Spain Kyero.com

60% of top trending locations based in the Canaries (Kyero.com)
New ‘rising star’ locations reflect British hunt for value
Lliria, Oliva and Santa Pola all ready to boom this summer

Love is in the air across the UK as Valentine’s Day approaches, from couples opting for an evening out to families looking to fan their passion for holidays in the sunshine. And when it comes to second homes in Spain, British love for overseas property has rarely burned more strongly.

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Spanish property portal Kyero.com, reveals,

“The Brexit referendum back in June seems to have started a snowball effect. Each month we’re seeing record-beating numbers of searches for second homes in Spain, with Brits eager to pick up bolt-holes within the confines of the EU.”

The latest data from Kyero.com (Jan 2017) reveals that enquiries into Spanish property are up by 36.07% year-on-year, while Kyero.com’s overall audience has grown by 42.32% over the same period. The most popular locations are Playa del Ingles, Torrevieja and Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico.

Island life is certainly drawing in plenty of enquiries, with six of the top ten most popular second home destinations located across the Canaries. However, buyers are still being cautious with their expenditure while facing the uncertainties that the Brexit process holds. Of the top ten locations, only two had an average price of more than €200,000.

The latest Kyero.com figures also reveal that buyers are increasingly falling in love with areas of Spain that are less well-known as second home hotspots.

Lliria and Oliva in Valencia, and Santa Pola in Alicante, were all new entrants into the top 20 most popular destinations, at positions 16, 19 and 17 respectively. The average price is €110,000 in Lliria, €130,000 in Oliva and €159,500 in Santa Pola, again emphasizing the push for reasonably priced properties in run up to Article 51 being triggered.

“The trend is becoming clearer as each month’s figures come in,” observes Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal. “Brits aren’t letting Brexit affect them in terms of their Spanish property ownership goals. In fact, more than ever seem to be falling for the sun-kissed lifestyle that Spain can offer. But that doesn’t mean they’re not thinking carefully about the future. Caution is very much the watch-word when it comes to Brits buying in Spain these days.

“The new entrants into the top 20 trending locations definitely reflect that. It means that Lliria, Oliva and Santa Pola are all names that are going to become increasingly familiar to Brits over the coming months.”

It’s easy to see why. An average-price, €110,000 property in Lliria is enough for a smartly decorated three-bedroom villa with its own pool, terrace and orchard complete with fruit trees. In Oliva, €130,000 is enough for a stylish second line beach apartment with sunny terrace, on a complex with pools for adults and children, garden areas and communal terraces.

Meanwhile in Santa Pola the average cost of €159,500 is sufficient for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment overlooking the sea with shared pool on a gated complex, with private solarium with barbecue and kitchen.

With properties and prices like these available, the British “Brexit, what Brexit?” attitude looks set to continue working wonders for the Spanish property market over the months ahead.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Add romance to your room this Valentine’s Day (for less than you’d think)

by Charly United Kingdom Alexander James Interior Design

Look, feel and scent of a room all impact on its romantic credentials (Alexander James Interior Design)
Romance doesn’t have to cost the earth – fresh flowers can be used to great effect
Create a mood board to get a sense of the completed room before you spend a penny

The approach of Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to give your property a makeover and bring some romance into your home.

There is a growing trend for individuals with smaller homes to seek out the professional talents of interior designers, and this is the ideal solution for those looking to add romance to their rooms.

However, you don’t have to be a pro to add some pre-Valentine’s Day romantic touches, as

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James Interior Design, explains,

“There are some really cost effective quick wins when it comes to adding romance to your home. Look at your rooms not just with your eyes but with all your senses. How does a room feel? What scents are in the air? Then drop in a little instant passion and love with a few additional touches.”

Fresh flowers are the obvious place to start. In this traditional Buckinghamshire home, dressed by the team at Alexander James, oversize vases of cream roses, with the fireplace in the background, add the scent of romance beautifully. Giant displays of lilies, roses and gypsophila all work wonderfully, as do simpler touches like single vases of red, pink and cream tulips.

Scented candles are another quick win. They look and smell appealing and the vast range available means that they can be chosen to suit any colour scheme. Antique silver hurricanes and glass holders with long, elegant stems both work particularly well when it comes to creating a romantic feel.

Candles are perfect for providing soft lighting, which adds a really romantic element to a room. Table lamps, uplighters and standing lamps can also be used to great effect and again don’t have to cost the earth.

“When it comes to selecting accessories, soft furnishings and artwork, picture how it’s all going to connect before you buy everything,” advises Alexander James Interior Design’s Stacey Sibley. “Put a mood board together with the pieces you have in mind – from lamps to rugs to paintings – and build a vision of how well it’s going to blend and how romantic it’s going to feel. If one or two elements don’t fit, don’t try and force them in. Find alternatives instead.”

For those going for a large-scale overhaul, Stacey advises steering clear of anything too dark when it comes to colour schemes. Pastel colours work well for romantic interiors, with splashes of bold colour used sparingly for a touch of passion. Metallic fabrics are big news this season and silvers and golds, when used delicately, can add a lovely element of romance to a room. Little touches like antique silver photo frames can also make a big difference.

“Ultimately, the room needs to emanate a sense of warmth and safety,” concludes Sibley, “but with a streak of passion thrown in as well. Creating the ultimate romantic interior is a really delicate balance but can have a fantastic impact on a home when done well.”

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk, email info@aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.

Belgian buyers head to Spain’s Costa Blanca as sales increase by 156%

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Belgian buyers up 43% in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
Belgians demand Costa Blanca property with sales growing 156% (Taylor Wimpey España)
“European buyers enjoy the friendly atmosphere on our Costa Blanca developments” (Taylor Wimpey España)

The number of Belgian buyers looking to Spain as a second home destination increased by 43% in 2016 according to Taylor Wimpey España.

In comparison to the previous year, the leading Spanish homebuilder experienced growing interest from Belgian buyers, representing 13% of all Taylor Wimpey España reservations made in 2016.

The latest figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed that as of November, over 2.2 million Belgian tourists had visited Spain in 2016 and it seems there is one location in particular that has caught their attention.

Spain’s Costa Blanca region is where property demand is highest, with sales to Belgian buyers increasing by 156% alone last year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed firsthand the movement from Belgian buyers towards the Costa Blanca. He comments,

“The past twelve months have seen a real boost in sales to North Europeans, especially Belgian buyers. Easily accessible, with regular, direct, low cost flights, the Costa Blanca on Spain’s southeastern coast has become a holiday home haven for them in 2016.

“European buyers in particular enjoy the friendly atmosphere on our Costa Blanca developments; a great example being Panorama Mar, where there is a strong sense of family and community with three shared swimming pools and a children’s playground. The stunning and enjoyable site encourages international buyers to socialise and appreciate the gorgeous weather in the favourable communal areas.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s complex, Panorama Mar, is a new first line development, situated on Punta Prima Beach in Torrevieja. This private residential complex offers an array of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed for both comfort and convenience, with 2 bathrooms and an underground parking space. Each apartment in the first phase is south facing and therefore blessed with spacious terraces and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

With prices starting from just €234,000 +VAT, every resident is granted direct access to the beach promenade. Whilst being an area of natural beauty right on the waterfront, Punta Prima is also blessed with excellent transport links. The San Javier Airport in Murcia is only a 30-minute drive and Alicante’s International Airport is just 45 minutes away.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

The best and brightest cities of 2017 – who’s ready for Brexit?

by Charly United Kingdom Properties of the World

Trade and investment top the priority list (Properties of the World)
North/South divide showing strongly for goods and services (Centre for Cities)
Liverpool and Manchester standing out from the crowd (Properties of the World)

Figures released only yesterday from Centre for Cities have highlighted the shape of the UK’s 63 biggest cities in the run-up to the triggering of Article 51.

The 2017 data reveals a clear divide between the North and the South, with goods being exported mainly from the North and services from the South. Centre for Cities has emphasised the relevance of trade and exports in the run-up to Brexit, while visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World has stressed the importance of inward investment.

Jean Liggett, CEO of Properties of the World, comments,

“2017 is going to be a landmark year for the UK’s cities. Seven of them will be electing metro mayors in May, with the newly elected officials having to hit the ground running in terms of dealing with the fall-out from the government’s triggering of Article 51, which should take place by the end of March. Trade, exports and investment will require firm, decisive management in order for cities to thrive over the year ahead.”

Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are two of the cities that will be directly electing their own metro mayors in May. The devolved powers associated with the move means that the two cities should benefit from greater ability to respond swiftly to the changing environment post-Article 51. Their ability to place a local emphasis on their reactions should help them to weather the storm and ensure that their manufacturing and services sectors respond appropriately to shifts in focus and demand.

Centre for Cities’ finding that the North relies far more on goods for its exports, while the South relies on services, is also likely to have an impact on cities’ resilience in the face of Brexit.

It’s easier to move services overseas than it is to move manufacturing operations: moving services simply means setting up office space and relocating people, but moving manufacturing involves specialist premises, supply chain changes and import/export considerations, as well as moving staff. The result is that the UK’s goods-producing cities are less likely to see a sudden outflow of businesses during the Brexit process.

Both Manchester and Liverpool stand out from the crowd in terms of their ability to face Brexit head-on, according to Properties of the World. Not only will their metro mayors and reliance on the production of goods stand them in good stead, but the cities have unique attributes that should be of use. Properties of the World CEO Jean Liggett explains,

“Manchester and Liverpool both enjoy property-related factors that will help to see them through the choppy waters of the Brexit process. The latest Hometrack data shows that Manchester’s property prices grew at the second-highest rate in the UK during 2016, while Liverpool topped the table for growth rate over the past three months. These dynamic urban areas are perfectly positioned to lead the UK’s cities into Brexit and out the other side.”

The Hometrack UK Cities House Price Index reveals that Manchester’s property market is growing at the fastest rate for more than a decade. It is second only to Bristol in terms of its 2016 growth rate, and is widely believed to be ready to overtake it during Q1 2017. The 8.9% year on year rise in prices experienced in Manchester is a result of a significant lack of supply – something which all UK cities are struggling with thanks to urbanisation and a rise in popularity of city centre living.

Liverpool, with 21.57% of households renting privately (or living rent-free) according to Centre for Cities, is also enjoying a property market boom. Prices there rose by 3% over the last three months – the highest rate of any UK city analysed by Hometrack.

Factor in rent rises as well and it’s easy to see why both Liverpool and Manchester are key UK locations for property investment from overseas buyers (as well as from domestic investors). Rents rose by 1.2% in the North West over the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics, but regional variations within the area’s cities resulted in much higher rises in urban locations. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, rents in Manchester city centre rose by around 11% in 2016.

In Manchester, it is city centre apartments like those at Barrel Yard which are attracting considerable attention currently. The brand new development offers stylish apartments from £165,000 and smart townhouses from £240,000. Jones Lang LaSalle has projected that Manchester house prices will grow by 4.5% per year for the next five years, while HSBC has identified the city as one of the top four buy-to-let hotspots in the country, reporting rental yields of 7.6%.

In Liverpool city centre, the just-released penthouse apartments at Victoria House are attracting buyers looking for something a cut above the average. Completion is scheduled for Q4 2017, meaning that investors can look forward to enjoying rental returns of around 7-10% by the end of the year. Prices start from as little as £66,250.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

Collegiate AC aid Durham University’s Sustainable Travel Plan with new student bus service

by Charly United Kingdom Collegiate AC

Durham University committed to promoting use of sustainable modes of travel
University student bus service to encompass Ernest Place, Collegiate AC’s new Durham residence
“I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals“ (Collegiate AC)

Protecting the environment is a key focus for all and many higher education institutions are supporting the cause with green schemes.

Durham University’s Environment Team, known as ‘Greenspace’, is one such organisation that promotes and coordinates environmental initiatives.

Greenspace’s latest scheme, the Sustainable Travel Plan (STP), underlines the University’s commitment to reduce the use of private cars, to utilise existing facilities in order to meet travel demands and to promote the use of more sustainable modes of travel.

As part of this STP, a new cross city bus service will be launched in 2017, linking all colleges and academic departments from July. Working alongside Collegiate AC, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, the service will enable students and staff to travel from their accommodation to the University, with the aim of reducing the number of cars.

Starting its route at Collegiate AC’s newest Durham residence, Ernest Place, the bus will travel along Sunderland Road, Claypath and New Elvet stopping near Hild Bede College, The Market Place, Elvet Riverside, Science Site and turning around at Josephine Butler College. This will deliver residents of Ernest Place to the Science site in around 9 minutes and will be open to all staff and students as well as the general public. It is due to start service in July this year.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to participate in one of the University’s green schemes and believes the new bus service will benefit students, staff and the local environment. He explains,

“Collegiate AC is dedicated to providing students with the highest level of service, alongside exceptional accommodation facilities, and residents of Ernest Place will now have the opportunity to travel from home to campus and back again on the new bus route. We have been working with our local partners BillFreeHomes in order to get the right route and the right operator, we have partnered with Scarlett Band who also run the council’s Park and Ride services.”

“With the intention of expanding their green strategy, the University is confident this bus route will become a positive addition to their STP. I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals and look forward to being a part of this latest scheme.”

Set in the heart of Gilesgate, Ernest Place is just 10 minutes away from Durham’s vibrant centre. Boasting groundbreaking features throughout such as a private sauna, glass walled sky lounge and resident’s fitness suite, this exclusive complex of 5 and 6 bed apartments and individual studios will ensure your university experience is an unforgettable one.

From £125 per week residents benefit from 24 hour concierge, can work in the dedicated contemporary study areas, unwind and sip a cocktail on the roof terrace while over-looking the city, or host their very own dinner party in the beautifully designed dinner party room.

To get away from it all residents can simply drift away in a luxurious bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room, stream the latest shows on their own 32” flat screen TV, or whip up a feast in their very own kitchen, complete with Corian worktop. A brand new building inside and out, Ernest Place is reserved for those who accept only the best.

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

Bring a little feng shui into your home this Chinese New Year with Alexander James Interior Design

by Charly United Kingdom Alexander James Interior Design

Create positive energy flow through furniture placement and colour schemes
Turn to the professionals to achieve a stylish, harmonious home
Increase your wealth through feng shui – or through interior design!

The ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui adheres to the principle that all things are connected through qi (energy). Good feng shui can lead to good luck for individuals, families and even whole countries. Meanwhile, poor feng shui can lead to bad fortune.

Whether or not you believe the mystical aspects of feng shui, there’s no doubt that bringing feng shui principles into your home can have positive results. Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James Interior Design, comments,

“You don’t have to believe in feng shui to benefit from its principles when it comes to things like furniture placement or colour schemes. Whether or not the placement of your sofa can really have an impact on your fortunes, it can certainly have a positive effect on how you feel in your living room. Similarly, the colours you choose for your home can enhance the living experience of the whole family.”

When it comes to furniture placement, living rooms and bedrooms can be quick wins. Place sofas and beds against solid walls to anchor them, rather than leaving them ‘floating’ in the middle of a room. Then avoid blocking natural pathways in the room and use mirrors to enhance the flow of natural light and energy.

Feng shui has at its heart the harmony between people and nature. So too do this season’s interior design trends. Natural textures and woody tones are ideal for creating a balance that soothes the spirit and sets the scene for creating happy family memories within the home.

This is demonstrated beautifully at one of the prestigious, Grade 2 listed Albury Park apartments in Surrey, where the original mansion house has been elegantly converted into apartments in Surrey. Dressed by the talented interior designers at Alexander James Interior Design as part of their ‘full rental’ service, the sumptuous apartment flows delightfully from one room to the next with rich, natural hues, tones and textures creating a positive flow of energy throughout the home. From the artwork to the polished wooden walls and curved brickwork of the pool room, the property uses the best of nature to create a harmonious environment.

However, good feng shui certainly doesn’t mean avoiding bright colours altogether, as Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley explains,

“There are plenty of ways to achieve positive energy in your home using colour. Opt for fire colours (red, orange, yellow and pink) on the southern side of rooms and water colours (blues and greens) on the northern side. Fire colours are for more active spaces and water colours are for calmer spaces, so bear that in mind when choosing colour schemes and decorative objects to place in your home.”

While there may not be a host of scientific evidence that shows the impact of feng shui on health and wealth, there is certainly evidence that good interior design services can have an impact. After the Alexander James team dressed the Albury Park Mansion apartment, it shot up in value by 65%. Belief in feng shui aside, those looking to sell their property – no matter how large or small it may be – would do well to opt for a professional interior design service this Chinese New Year!

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk, email info@aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.

All that glitters is gold as Chinese New Year brings Golden Week property investors to Manchester

by Charly United Kingdom World Surrenden Invest

Chinese New Year flight bookings to Europe up 68.5% on last year’s festival (ForwardKeys)
Chinese interest in Manchester property in Nov 2016 increased by 53.8% vs 2015 (Juwai.com)
“Golden Week provides prospective investors with time to travel and explore Manchester before making property purchases” (Surrenden Invest)

This weekend will celebrate the start of Chinese New Year festivities as the country welcomes the year of the Rooster.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, holds over 4,000 years of history and is the most important annual event in the Chinese calendar. The holiday also commemorates the first Golden Week of the year, as Chinese nationals enjoy seven continuous nonworking days.

Golden Week is also an opportunity to travel overseas and new figures released by travel experts ForwardKeys show that Chinese New Year flight bookings are up nearly 10% compared to last year. And it seems that Chinese tourists are returning to Europe with a 68.5% increase in flight bookings compared to the same festival period in 2016.

Many wealthy Chinese even combine business and pleasure by taking a holiday that enables them to investigate overseas’ property markets first hand.

Juwai.com, a Chinese property portal for buyers looking to invest in property overseas, stated that in November 2016 Chinese interest in Manchester property had increased by 53.8%, compared to the same month in 2015.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of leading property consultancy Surrenden Invest, has certainly noticed a rise in Chinese buyers directing their investment toward Manchester. He explains,

“Interest for the local property market has increased from Chinese buyers with Manchester’s credentials as an investment hotspot continuing to grow, not only leading the Northern Powerhouse but also challenging London as the buy-to-let capital of the UK.

“Chinese New Year provides prospective investors with the time to travel and explore the Manchester market before making final property purchases. We expect buyers from China to take this opportunity and believe that as interest in the market continues to rise, many will make Manchester their top destination of choice.”

Surrenden Invest’s most recent development in the heart of Manchester, Mason Street, is one such investment opportunity that Chinese buyers visiting this Golden Week might consider.

Embracing modern low-carbon technology to ensure the building is one of the city’s most energy-efficient, Mason Street is located in the historic New Cross neighbourhood, just a short walk from the Northern Quarter. Mason Street will provide a new lease of life for one of Manchester’s heritage buildings as it is transformed into 10 high end apartments from £200,000, with a 2 year guaranteed NET rental return of 6%.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499.

Investors re-inspired by “world leader” UK following PM May’s Brexit speech

by Charly United Kingdom Properties of the World

Firm leadership and underlying solidity make the UK attractive to investors (Properties of the World)
UK is 10^th most transparent country in world (Transparency International)
London tops list of Cities of Opportunity (PwC)
UK ranks 7^th for ease of doing business (World Bank)

Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech, outlining the UK’s intended Brexit process last week, gave sterling a significant boost against both the dollar and the euro.

A clear (well, clearer) path to Brexit and the PM’s firm stance have re-inspired many investors, and the UK has retained its reputation as a safe haven for international capital, particularly when viewed in a global context.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World, comments,

“Political and economic stability aren’t guaranteed anywhere in this day and age, as some of the surprise events of 2016 have certainly emphasised. Yes, the UK has the issue of triggering Article 50 to deal with however, with firm leadership in place I believe that investors will appreciate the underlying solidity of the UK as an investment option.

“We offer a transparent business environment and a real estate market that is packed with potential, from ideally located buy-to-let investments to high-yielding second homes and innovative commercial investments.”

Tony Horrell, chief executive of Colliers UK and Ireland, shares Liggett’s confidence, stating,

“The UK remains one of the most transparent and active places to do business, and currency arbitrage by international investors is opening up opportunities for new and greater investment, which will no doubt help to drive the UK real estate market in 2017.”

International factors, such as Trump settling into his presidential role in the US, and the actions of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, could well play into the UK’s continuing reputation as a safe haven for investors in 2017.

So, too, could more positive international factors, such as the UK’s leading role in fighting global corruption, as demonstrated at the 2016 London Anti-Corruption Summit, and the country’s position at number 10 of the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2015. PwC’s Cities of Opportunity Index also flags up the UK’s potential, with London ranking at the very top of the list.

The World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking adds further weight to the UK’s continuing position as an investment safe haven. The UK ranks 7th in the world for ease of doing business. Within Europe, only Norway and Denmark rank higher. The ranking means that while HSBC and UBS may be eyeing up France and Germany as potential locations to move some of the UK-based financial staff, they won’t find doing business there easier than they have been used to on British soil.

For investors, a transparent country where it’s easy to do business is an increasingly rare thing in such an uncertain world. Despite the Brexit process, the UK is holding its head high when it comes to attracting investment from both overseas and domestic investors. As Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett concludes,

“The UK remains a fundamentally sound country when it comes to investment, particularly property investment. Companies with an eye on the future are working closely with those overseas – we have a member of the team in Hong Kong right now, for example – in order to build a long-term future where investment continues to flow across borders. As PM May also stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, the UK will be a “world leader” on trade and we believe a prime target for investors looking to bricks and mortar with excellent returns.”