Huddersfield – A ‘Fresher’ Investment for 2017

Huddersfield – A ‘Fresher’ Investment for 2017

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Healthy development pipeline and strong demand from domestic and international students to be defining factors for PBSA success in 2017 (Knight Frank)
  • Cormorant House, Huddersfield is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to PBSA market (Aspen Woolf)
  • Cormorant House will provide 168 PBSA apartments all with high end hotel apartment style finishes (Aspen Woolf)

As the UK’s student population continues to grow, so too does the demand for appropriate housing in university towns and cities across the country. And welcoming an increasing number of students is causing many places to expand their student accommodation offering, allowing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to take centre stage.

Rachel Pengilley, partner in the Knight Frank student property team, is confident in the future prospects of PBSA, explaining that “as we look to 2017, rental growth, strong demand from domestic and international students and a healthy development pipeline are set to be the defining factors in the sector’s success.”

Now home to four major educational institutions; the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees College, Greenhead College and Huddersfield New College, Huddersfield is now very much in demand with both domestic and international students. With over 48,000 students from more than 120 countries currently studying in the West Yorkshire town, 2017 will see a growing need for appropriate accommodation.

Leading investment agency, Aspen Woolf’s latest offering in the PBSA market is located for just this reason in Huddersfield. Cormorant House is situated within a key redevelopment area of the town, less than 150m from Kirklees College and under half a mile from the University of Huddersfield making it an excellent choice for potential student tenants.

Fellow Yorkshireman and Director of Aspen Woolf, Oliver Ramsden, believes Huddersfield is the ideal place for first time or ‘fresher’ investors to start a PBSA portfolio. He explains,

“Cormorant House is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to the PBSA market. Currently there is a significant imbalance between the demand for PBSA in Huddersfield and the available units for rent. And as student numbers moving to the town continues to grow, so too will this imbalance with breaking point not too far away.

“With a comparatively low entry price, we see Huddersfield as a lower risk investment, expecting the area to blossom over the course of the next few years.”

Self-contained studio apartments start at just £57,995, giving investors an assured 5-year NET rental of 9%. With the first phase already well under construction and nearing completion, Cormorant House will provide a total of 168 purpose built modern student apartments for the Huddersfield student housing market. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from modern, high-end hotel apartment style finishes.

Set to be the premier student accommodation in Huddersfield, its residents will also benefit from an excellent range of on-site amenities including a games and television room, private cinema, study rooms and an impressive I.T. suite as well as onsite laundry facilities and parking.

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

The hidden dragon – What do Chinese New Year and Golden Week mean for financial markets?

The hidden dragon – What do Chinese New Year and Golden Week mean for financial markets?

by Charly World
  • Commodity and stock market volatility expected in the run up to Golden Week (easyMarkets)
  • Shipping industry and oil prices to be impacted by import/export disruption
  • Chinese stocks traded in the US projected to respond positively

Chinese New Year, which in 2017 marks the start of the Year of the Rooster on 28 January, is the beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year Golden Week – a week-long national holiday which can have a big impact on global financial markets.

Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets, explains,

“Golden Week was implemented by the Chinese government in 2000 to promote internal consumption and boost domestic tourism, while giving people a break to visit their hometowns. The success of this initiative has played a role in China’s economic growth. The one thing that has been consistent during this period is the significant increase in volatility in financial markets.”

Two Golden Weeks are celebrated annually in mainland China: The Chinese Lunar New Year Golden Week (or Spring Festival) in January or February and the National Day Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival in October. Both last for seven days, with all workers given the week off for each Golden Week.

The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar, which means that the dates of Golden Week shift every year. This makes it more difficult to use historical data to predict the impact on the financial markets.

In addition to China, the lunisolar calendar is used by Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Even Malaysia and Indonesia, which have a large Chinese population, observe the holidays, albeit not for the complete week. Thus, the New Year Golden Week has a meaningful impact on the Asian markets.

A little over a decade back, China’s impact on the world economy was not as significant as now, and its impact on the global financial markets was limited.

The situation has changed dramatically in the last ten years. China’s ranking among the world’s economic superpowers rose to #1 in 2015, according to the IMF, and the country is expected to retain this position for the foreseeable future. China’s contribution to world GDP was estimated at 18% in 2016. With the Asian dragon becoming the single largest contributor to world GDP, its economic performance has a massive influence on world markets.

A number of factors lie behind Golden Week’s influence on global markets.

Firstly, since Chinese companies are closed for the week, the financial markets witness a great deal of profit-taking activity prior to this time, resulting in fluctuations in the commodity and stock markets.

At the same time, importers of goods from China scramble to complete orders before Golden Week, while retailers stock more inventory. The shipping industry and, in turn, oil prices are impacted. The week creates disruptions for importers and exporters worldwide.

Equity, forex and commodity trading in the financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are also impacted, coming to a near standstill on some of the days during Golden Week. Trading volumes in Asia fall dramatically during this time and there is a notable ripple effect on worldwide trading. Meanwhile some Chinese companies and even government agencies have been known to reserve announcing bad news for this period. This is done in an attempt to reduce the impact of the news on the financial markets.

In addition, the past few years have seen a large number of people travelling overseas during Golden Week, giving the tourism and retail industries a significant boost. Moreover, China receives a huge influx of tourists during this time. These trends influence CNY (yuan) trading, which in turns affect the offshore renminbi trading, the CNH. The business of overseas retailers, especially those in the luxury segment (including gold jewellery), gets a fillip, which is why we sometimes see a shift in gold prices around this time of year.

Finally, positive sentiment during the run-up to Golden Week lifts the FTSE China A50 Index, as well as the stock markets in the emerging economies. Chinese stocks traded in the US (as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs) also respond positively. However, this trend typically reverses in the weeks after Golden Week.

For individual investors, the volatility leading up to the Golden Week, the market calmness during the week and possible gaps that may appear when everyone returns to business at the end of the week represent some exciting opportunities.

Whether trading the CNH, oil, gold or CNX index, there’s plenty of action for investors to be on the lookout for around this time. And for those who are new to trading, Golden Week may be the perfect opportunity to get a feel for trading the Fear Index (VXX).

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Liverpool’s New Chinatown perfectly positioned for property investment this Chinese New Year

Liverpool’s New Chinatown perfectly positioned for property investment this Chinese New Year

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Just 3% of potential tapped from Chinese property investors (CBRE)
  • New Chinatown tipped to be particularly attractive to Chinese buyers (Properties of the World)
  • North West to achieve higher than average property price gains in 2017 (RICS)

Not content with being home to the UK’s oldest Chinatown, Liverpool is now gearing up to be home to the country’s newest Chinatown as well. Billed as a ‘city within a city,’ the £200m new district will embody the spirit and dynamism of both the Northern Powerhouse initiative and contemporary China.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World, believes that the 850 homes of New Chinatown will attract keen interest from investors in China. She comments,

“The impending Chinese New Year and Golden Week are a key time for Chinese property investors . With a whole week off for Golden Week, it’s an ideal time for buyers to scour the planet for enticing investment opportunities and Liverpool’s New Chinatown has all the elements needed to be a big hit.”

Chinese interest in Liverpool encompasses everything from its businesses and football team to its bricks and mortar. The UK’s political and economic stability (despite the Brexit vote) makes it a key location for Chinese investors. Liverpool is one of the cities being actively promoted by Chancellor Philip Hammond and was included in the Northern Powerhouse portfolio presented to China’s vice-premier Ma Kai when he visited the UK in November 2016.

For Chinese investors looking for UK buy-to-let properties, New Chinatown ticks all the boxes. The one, two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses are priced from £121,095, with 7% NET assured returns for two years. The outstanding blend of traditional and modern Chinese architecture is creating a district unlike any other in the UK, with newly launched apartments already selling fast.

“2017 looks set to be a key year for Chinese investment in the UK,” explains Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett. “China is such a vast market and interest in UK property is increasing with each passing year. Projects like New Chinatown, where construction is well underway, are particularly attractive as their looming completion dates mean that buy-to-let investors can already see their end goal. Of course, New Chinatown also stands out due to its architectural inspiration!”

Liggett’s projections are backed up by those of CBRE’s Victor Li, who estimates that just 3% of potential investors in overseas property have so far been found in China. He comments,

“I think it is just beginning. You do the figures: China has a population of 1.4 billion. If you target only 1% of China’s population, that’s 14 million people.”

Add to that the fact that RICS is projecting average property value increases of 3% in 2017, and highlighted the North West as a region likely to record higher than average gains, and 2017 looks set to be a good year for Chinese investment in the UK indeed!

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

Manchester goes green – Airport significantly reduces energy usage & city centre properties follow suit

Manchester goes green – Airport significantly reduces energy usage & city centre properties follow suit

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Manchester airport becomes first carbon neutral airport in the UK
  • From 1st April 2018 it is unlawful to rent a property with poor energy efficiency rating
  • Mason Street uses low-carbon tech to be one of the city’s most energy-efficient properties (Surrenden Invest)

After a decade of striving to significantly reduce its energy usage and investing more than £7.5 million in efficiency projects, Manchester airport has become the first carbon neutral airport in the UK.

By installing more than 25,000 low energy LED lights throughout the airport, including the first on any UK runway, and saving the same amount of energy as used by 10,000 homes each year, Manchester airport has been awarded carbon neutral status (Level 3+), certified by the independent carbon management programme Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of Manchester Airport commented, “At Manchester Airport we are committed to being one of the leading European airports when it comes to environmental management. As an organisation we recognise that climate change is an important global challenge. This achievement demonstrates the lengths we go to ensuring we balance our role as economic generator, alongside caring for the environment.”

And now this sentiment of protecting the local environment through energy efficiency is emerging as essential within the UK property market, and more importantly to its investors. New legislation, due to take effect from 1st April 2018, will make it unlawful to rent a property with a poor energy efficiency rating.

With properties currently graded from A to G, any property rented out in the private rental sector will require a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). However, there are opportunities arising within Manchester city centre that provide energy efficient solutions to investors, making the impending legislation a redundant worry.

Property consultancy Surrenden Invest’s most recent development in the heart of Manchester, Mason Street, uses modern low-carbon technology to ensure the building is one of the city’s most energy-efficient.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, comments,

“This expected change to legislation for buy-to-let landlords will cause savvy investors to seek out opportunities that already meet the new requirements, a future-proof investment. With a Band A energy efficiency rating, Mason Street is win-win, allowing investors to benefit in terms of enhanced rental yield and a “future-proof” investment and ultimately its residents to profit from significantly lower running costs.”

Located in the historic New Cross neighbourhood and 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 luxury, contemporary living spaces.

This modern, low-carbon property will host 10 high end apartments from £170,000, 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.

Playa Del Ingles knocks Torrevieja off the top spot

Playa Del Ingles knocks Torrevieja off the top spot

by Charly Spain
  • More second home buyers searching in Playa Del Ingles than Torrevieja (Kyero.com)
  • Average property value sought in Gran Canaria hotspot, Playa Del Ingles, is €165k
  • Torrevieja remains firm favourite with buyers on a budget

New data from innovative Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that Playa Del Ingles has knocked Torrevieja off the top spot of trending location searches for the first time ever.

Figures from the past month show that more buyers are searching for properties in the stunning Gran Canaria location than in the traditional favourite within Alicante province.

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com, comments,

“Torrevieja is such a renowned hotspot and so popular with buyers of overseas property that we were surprised to see it had lost its crown to Playa Del Ingles. While both destinations are incredibly popular with those seeking sun, sand and good value homes, it’s the first time that our monthly search data has shown Playa Del Ingles to be the favourite.”

Buyers are searching for properties with an average value of €165,000 in Playa Del Ingles, which is sufficient for a two-bedroom apartment in a good location, with either sea views or a pool.

However, those still opting for Torrevieja are on something of a tighter budget, with the Kyero.com figures revealing an average search price of €116,000. That’s enough for a two to three-bedroom apartment with sea views, or even a three-bedroom villa with pool for those happy to live on the outskirts of town.

So, has Playa Del Ingles knocked Torrevieja off the top spot for good?

Unlikely, believes Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal. “Torrevieja has all the elements that make up the perfect Spanish holiday home destination,” he explains. “Playa Del Ingles does too, with both destinations boasting stunning coastline, fantastic food, a welcoming community and great weather. However, Torrevieja has the added advantage that buyers can get more for their money. Ultimately I believe that’s what will push Torrevieja back to the top spot before long.”

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Think big – make your New Year’s resolutions to buy a holiday home in 2017!

Think big – make your New Year’s resolutions to buy a holiday home in 2017!

by Charly Spain United Kingdom World , , ,
  • Political and economic volatility to create big opportunities in 2017 (easyMarkets)
  • Emphasis on quality of life will be key this year (Kyero.com)
  • Sun-kissed Spanish holiday homes available from just €190k (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Achieve second home serenity through interior design in 2017 (Alexander James)

Let’s face it, New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat more healthily and drink less are all well and good, but they’re hardly likely to get 2017 off to an exciting start. So ditch the traditional resolutions to enjoy life less and instead resolve to enjoy it more – by buying a holiday home!

Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets, explains,

“In many ways – certainly politically – the world was turned on its head in 2016. Thus many people are entering 2017 with a new mindset and looking at the way they live and their personal finances in a new light. Political and economic volatility may lead to big shifts in currency values and investors playing the markets successfully may consider putting their profits into property this year.”

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

“I think we’re going to see a lot of emphasis on enhancing quality of life in 2017. Certainly our own data has shown that since the Brexit vote British buyers are looking more intensively than ever at the possibilities that a second home in Spain opens up. Sterling’s drop has made them seek out cheaper destinations – Almeria and Alicante are the big winners so far – but we’re experiencing a record level of interest in Spanish property that we expect to continue throughout the year.”

The prices offered by the Spanish property market (as well as Spain’s fabulous climate, excellent cuisine, stunning golf courses and superb beaches), means that British buyers can pick up good value property, even once the drop in sterling has been taken into account.

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, for example, is selling spacious two and three bedroom apartments with generous terraces at La Floresta Sur (close to Marbella), from as little as €190,000+VAT. As well as the development’s two large shared pools, owners can enjoy free access to the facilities of El Soto Golf Club. Each apartment comes fully fitted with white goods and with private parking.

But an overseas holiday home isn’t the only option for those looking to buy in 2017. Robert Walker, Managing Director of Alexander James Interior Design, explains,

“We’re seeing a big trend for staycations at the moment and many holiday home buyers are looking at what they can pick up in the UK, rather than overseas. Jumping in the car and driving to your holiday home whenever the mood suits you is far less hassle than having to plan ahead and book a plane and the money you save on flights can be spent on the property itself.”

Using interior design architects to create a serene, harmonious environment within a holiday home is money well spent. The desire for relaxation is a key driver for many second home owners and with the right interior design service, the feeling of calm and peace as you walk through the front door can be almost palpable. Compare that to the stress of dealing with airports, flights, hire cars and the other trappings of a second home overseas and the attractions of owning a holiday home within the UK are clear.

If you still haven’t decided on how to improve your life in 2017, make buying a holiday home your goal this year!

For more information, please contact:

easyMarkets: +44 203 1500 748 or www.easymarkets.com

Kyero: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: 08000 121 020 (00 34 971 706 972 from outside of the UK) or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Alexander James Interior Design: 020 7887 7604 or www.aji.co.uk

Hotspots Index: Spain’s international appeal stays strong

Hotspots Index: Spain’s international appeal stays strong

by Charly Italy Spain Thailand World
  • Spain enjoys rebound at the end of 2016
  • Rome and Florence occupy top spots for property interest
  • Toronto appears in top 50 for first time

Spain’s appeal to international property buyers shows no sign of waning, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Hotspots Index.

The quarterly report, which analyses location searches on the property portal, reveals that Spain is enjoying a rebound in popularity at the end of 2016, led by Barcelona and Benidorm.

Italy’s Florence remained the most sought-after hotspot on the property portal in Q4 2016, accounting for 3.37 per cent of location searches, up from 2.86 per cent in Q3 2016. This is the second quarter in a row that Florence has been the top hotspot on TheMoveChannel.com, after overtaking Rome in Q2 2016.

Rome remained the second most popular market for house-hunters. While Italy dominated search activity in Q3 2016, though, making up seven out of the Top 10 hotspots, the country’s share in Q4 2016 fell to three out of 10, just ahead of Portugal’s two. Spain, on the other hand, saw a rebound in searches, accounting for four out of the Top 10 destinations. In Q3 2016, Spain accounted for none of the Top 10, highlighting the significant rise in interest quarter-on-quarter.

Spain’s renewed international appeal was fuelled by Barcelona (sixth place, 1.06 per cent of searches) and Benidorm (seventh place, 0.99 per cent). Torrevieja and Tenerife completed the Top 10 in ninth and 10th place respectively. Spain also dominated the overall Hotspots Index, accounting for 18 out of the Top 50 hotspots – up from 10 in Q3 and higher than any other country. Italy was the second most in-demand, accounting for 13 out of the Top 50. Portugal was third, with 10 out of the Top 50.

Thailand’s Pattaya held onto its 18th place ranking. Liverpool also remained the UK’s only entry in the Top 50, sliding from 34th to 36th in the chart. Canada saw its first entry in the Hotspots Index, with Toronto receiving the 32nd highest share of searches in Q4 2016.

“There has been talk in recent months of declining demand for Spanish property in the wake of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, thanks to the pound’s weakness,” comments TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson. “Spain, though, still shows signs of being as popular as ever among lifestyle buyers, with the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava and British expat favourite Benidorm all among the most searched-for destinations on TheMoveChannel.com in Q4 2016. For US or other non-EU buyers, Spain is also an attractive investment, for either buy-to-let or capital growth opportunities. It is perhaps no surprise that Barcelona, which combines both tourist and investor markets, is the most popular hotspot in Spain.

“One impact of Brexit that can be seen in search behaviour is Liverpool’s continuing appeal in the UK. As the weaker pound draws buyers to the country, the city’s economy is growing, with new developments and strong rental yields all reinforcing the city as a major regional hotspot. It is interesting also that Canada’s first entry in the Hotspots Index was Toronto, rather than Vancouver, following the city’s introduction of a foreign buyer tax in Q3 2016. Will 2017 see that trend continue? And will buyers continue to flock to Spain?”

Click here to see the full top 40 property destinations for November 2016.

 

— 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 1.4 million 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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New Year, new project – 2017 set to see the resurgence of ruins says Kyero.com

New Year, new project – 2017 set to see the resurgence of ruins says Kyero.com

by Charly Spain
  • Demand for Spanish properties under £50k more than 4 x supply levels
  • Ruins available from as little as £5k
  • Politics and pressures of modern life pushing many to live the rural renovation dream

New Year is a time for making changes and taking on new projects – and few projects bring with them the challenges, excitement and rewards of renovating a ruined property.

In fact, data from Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that demand for properties below £50,000 is hugely outstripping supply. The portal’s latest figures show that demand for such properties is more than four times supply levels.

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com, explains why 2017 looks set to be a big year for property renovations in some of the most beautiful parts of rural Spain,

“There are a host of factors pushing buyers towards ruin renovation at the moment. We’ve seen from the huge boom in searches for Spanish property that the Brexit vote seems to have, if anything, whetted Brits’ appetite for Spanish homes rather than driving down interest. At the same time, buyers from the UK are looking for cheaper solutions as a result of the pound’s decline, so buying a dilapidated farmhouse and doing it up is an attractive option.”

Owning a property in Europe ‘just in case’ is certainly something that appeals to many of those facing the UK’s rather uncertain, post-Brexit future.

The advantage of buying a ruin is undoubtedly the price: a tumbledown, four bedroom, two bathroom farmhouse in Maella, Zaragoza province, can be picked up for just €6,500. Naturally, it needs a lot of work, but the walls are in good condition and the tranquil setting is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern-day life. The coast is an hour’s drive away and the bright lights of Barcelona can be reached in around two and a half hours.

Those feeling the strain of the UK’s overcrowded cities, daily routine and chilly winter weather may well yearn for a simpler life, breathing in air scented by hundreds of mature fruit trees under the Spanish sunshine while coaxing a ruin back to life. The dream is certainly achievable to those who approach it with a keen eye for detail.

Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal explains,

“It’s essential when buying a finca to know what can and can’t be done with the property before you sign a contract. Find out whether there are any restrictions to building on the land, if water and electricity are already connected or could be connected in the future, if internet connectivity will be possible, and so forth.

“Think through what materials you will need, where you’ll get them from and whether you’ll do the work yourself or rely on local labour. Careful planning is essential with a project of this nature, but the rewards can be well worth the time it takes to find the perfect property.”

This six bedroom country house in Capse, also located in Zaragoza province, is an excellent example. The two storey property costs just €19,000 and enjoys a stunning setting just 200m from the Guadalope River. Utilities include bottled gas, water and the possibility of an internet connection. While the walls and much of the roof are in good condition, a complete renovation is recommended. To a buyer with the right vision (and approach), the property could offer an extensive country home in the sunshine at incredibly good value.

Even a ruin with a swimming pool isn’t out of the question – €31,000 is sufficient to buy a rural ruin complete with large balsa (open air water storage area), which can be converted into a charming, rustic swimming pool.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Bullish outlook for PBSA sector in 2017 as investment builds and interest heads north of the border

Bullish outlook for PBSA sector in 2017 as investment builds and interest heads north of the border

by Charly United Kingdom
  • 2016 set to become second highest year on record for investment in UK student accommodation sector (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • National student-to-bed ratio rises to 2.3 students per bed space (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • ‘Extremely positive outlook for PBSA in the New Year with Edinburgh emerging as desirable location for investment’ (Aspen Woolf)

2016 is set to become the second highest year on record for investment in the UK purpose built student accommodation sector (PBSA), according to the latest just released research by Cushman & Wakefield, with the total expected to reach £3.1bn.

The Cushman & Wakefield report shows that demand for student accommodation remains strong with more students in the system than ever before, as 1.7m are now studying full-time, an increase of 0.4% from the previous year. And despite intensive development in some areas, the ratio of students seeking a purpose-built bed has also increased.

The latest figures that the national student-to-bed ratio has now risen from an average of 2.1 to 2.3 students per bed space, and as competition builds it would seem rents in the sector have also risen, by an average of 2.7% in comparison to 2015.

The report also highlights that the geographical focus of investment throughout 2016 has been in the regions, with the proportion of transactions in London falling by approximately two thirds. This shift away from England’s capital city has made way for another of the UK’s capitals.

Edinburgh is the UK’s most educated city with a significant amount of students staying to work in the city after qualifying. Around 55% of the Edinburgh workforce hold a university degree or equivalent. And with 4 universities and over 58,000 students living and working in the city, demand for accommodation that meets student rising requirements continues to outstrip supply.

Oliver Ramsden Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors of all levels through property, is confident in the future of Edinburgh’s PBSA market and all it can offer both regional and foreign investors. He explains,

“The most recent statistics present an extremely positive outlook for PBSA in the New Year and with that Edinburgh is quickly emerging as the desirable location for investment in the sector. The QS World University Rankings 2016/17 have placed the University of Edinburgh 19th in the world, ensuring that student numbers will continue to grow heightening the need for quality student accommodation.”

Aspen Woolf’s newest offering to the PBSA market in Edinburgh is the beautifully constructed, incredibly modern structure that is Braefoot House. Studio apartments start at just £107,800, giving investors an assured 2-year net rental of 7.5%. And investing in the Scottish capital will also provide the now rare opportunity to buy freehold. Oliver continues,

“Investing in property in Scotland offers the additional advantage of freehold ownership, as opposed to leasehold opportunities south of the border, providing longevity and a sense of security. This is a huge benefit for investors, as it makes it considerably easier to sell a property onwards.”

Braefoot House will comprise of two phases totalling 172 executive student studio apartments, set in one of the most affluent suburbs of Edinburgh and less than 0.5 miles from Kings Campus Edinburgh University. The campus is served by a free university shuttle bus service that takes students into the city centre at regular intervals, and also gives students a hefty discount for City Car Club car use.

Residents of Braefoot House will have access to a communal lounge, private cinema room, games room, Apple computer rooms on each level, a laundry and a manned reception. As well as beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding the property and cycle storage.

Apartments are built to the highest standards with glass curtain walling to upper floors and rear elevations. All remaining apartments have brilliant floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of natural bright light to the modern living environments.

Each unit includes a microwave combi oven, a fridge/freezer and a ceramic hob. And with the free furniture pack offer, apartments will also benefit from a double bed, wardrobe, desk and swivel office chair, two seater table with two additional chairs, a mirror, waste paper bin and coat pegs.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44(0) 203 176 0060.

Top 10 interior design trends for 2017 from Alexander James Interior Design

Top 10 interior design trends for 2017 from Alexander James Interior Design

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Bring nature indoors for 2017
  • Textures and tones set to create calm, warm homes and hotel rooms
  • Graphic inspired art, statement rugs and textured glass lighting all key essentials

With 2017 set to see interior design services embraced increasingly by individuals and house builders alike, the experts at Alexander James Interior Design have used their 20 years experience to compile a list of the top ten interior design trends for 2017.

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

“While the world at large seems to be heading down a curiously unnatural path in 2017 – in terms of its politics, at least – the emphasis within people’s homes will be on an intensely natural environment. Textures and tones will reflect the beauty of nature, with a few modern touches thrown in for emphasis. With everyone from smaller home owners to boutique hotels opting to enhance their lives (and their businesses) through interior design in 2017, the UK will be looking fabulous next year – at least on the inside!”

Top 10 interior design trends for 2017:

  1. Natural textures in home accessories

Natural textures will come back with a vengeance in 2017 – think matte glazed dinnerware, wooden serving platters and beautiful earthenware bowls.

  1. Rough, natural woods

Woods will be big business in the year ahead. From floorboards to tables to shutters, forget highly polished gloss – a natural finish is the only way to go.

  1. Ceramic table lights

A big trend for 2017 will be ceramic table lights. Again inspired by nature, these will feature delicate tones and patterning, with greys, light browns and pinks blending beautifully into the other natural materials.

  1. Bold trimmings

When it comes to soft furnishings, bold trimmings will both complement and contrast the natural feel of the home over the coming year.

  1. Hand painted style wallpapers

Again with the focus on creating a harmonious natural environment, hand painted (and hand painted style) wallpapers will allow the inspiration of nature to flow through the home. These will be paired perfectly with…

  1. Pastel tones

From paints to fabrics, pastel tones are essential for on trend interiors in 2017. Yellow will also make a comeback, again in a muted, pastel tone (think evening sunlight on a windswept beach, rather than anything too bright).

  1. Textured glass

When it comes to lighting, textured glass is unquestionably the way to go. A rough, natural finish created through texture, while retaining the beauty of glass, will further contribute to the natural vibe that will be so evident next year.

  1. Patterned rugs

Rugs will be one way to make a statement in 2017. Patterns that pick up on the pastel tones and natural hues of other objects, while also standing out as a centrepiece, are the way forward.

  1. Sculptural chairs

In 2017 we’ll see chairs imitating art, blending style and comfort in order to stand out as design pieces in their own right.

  1. Graphic inspired art

Graphic inspired art will provide a contemporary take on nature over the year ahead. Natural items like pebbles and blades of grass will be given a new lease of life through the playful interaction of graphics and textures. All in all, 2017 is going to be a naturally beautiful year!

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