Asian buyers will pay more for your property: True or False?

Asian buyers will pay more for your property: True or False?

by Charly World
  • Investorist finds that educated Chinese buyers are doing their homework – at home and abroad
  • Two-tier pricing seen as representative of ‘cowboy’ selling agents
  • Safety of investment trumps yields for majority of Asian investors

Off the back of their latest China Connection event, Investorist, the world’s leading B2B off plan property platform, is ready to dispel the urban myth that Asian buyers will pay more for your property.

Jon Ellis, Founder and CEO of Investorist, explains,

“Chinese buyers are extremely educated when it comes to buying property in overseas markets. Many choose to invest in the same property as their family, friends or colleagues and they seek local advisors in the country that they intend to buy in. Prior to the purchase, Chinese buyers will verify what they are being told by their agent in China and may well also arrange to film inside the project showroom simply by using their mobile phone, a practice which is common for apartment sales in several countries.”

This verification of details includes serious attention to the price of the development. If there’s a discrepancy between the price given by the Chinese agent and the price from the local advisor in the country where the development is based, the buyers will want to know why. According to Investorist’s findings, this can be make or break the deal. Developers seeking to be truly successful in Asia need to price their properties fairly for the market. Investorist’s Jon Ellis continues,

“Two-tier pricing was often introduced as a result of aggregators and middlemen. However, such an approach has become representative of ‘cowboy’ selling agents and as a result has largely disappeared from the industry now. Developers looking to roll out two-tier pricing for new projects should think very carefully about how this will be perceived by Asian buyers.”

For developers and selling agents looking for repeat buyers – which most should be, given how much easier it is to sell to a repeat buyer than a new contact – fair and transparent pricing makes even more sense. If buyers are put off by two-tier pricing, developers who insist on sticking with it may well find themselves with unsold completed apartments on their hands, while those who’ve priced fairly manage to sell everything off-plan.

At the recent China 2016 International Property Outlook, Investorist reported that the desire for  safe investment locations would be the main driver of Chinese investment in overseas property in 2017. The report also found that security and longer-term capital appreciation were considered more important than investment yield. Developers’ approach to pricing structure is one way in which the safety of the investment can be judged.

Investorist’s Jon Ellis concludes,

“We’re dealing with a market of mature buyers in China now and developers need to respect their desire for safety and for clarity. Chinese investment in overseas property is showing no signs of slowing down and the developers who are appropriately respectful of Asian buyers can look forward to achieving healthy sales in 2017.”

For more information about global off-plan property, contact Investorist by visiting www.investorist.co.uk or calling the team on +44 (0)203 761 7380.

Maximising Profits in 2017: 5 Top Tips for Developers from Investorist

Maximising Profits in 2017: 5 Top Tips for Developers from Investorist

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • Assemble a list of motivated, product-specific selling agents
  • Building networks is essential in hot buyer markets such as the UAE, China and South East Asia
  • 2017 will see technology become an integral element of the UK property industry

As competition within the UK property market intensifies in the New Year, developers will need to work harder to ensure their projects stand out and attract the most desirable cashed-up buyers. Jon Ellis, Founder and CEO of the world’s largest off plan B2B property marketplace, Investorist, offers his expert advice on how to maxmise your chances of success in 2017:

  1. Adapt marketing content to be accessible on a global scale

“Developers must ensure that when marketing projects to potential investors in non-English-speaking nations, materials are translated into the native language. For example, Mandarin for the Chinese market, Arabic for buyers in the UAE and Spanish and Portuguese for investors from South America, you may be missing valuable opportunities to connect with non-English speaking buyers otherwise. Having someone within the team who speaks the native language will also significantly enhance overseas investors’ experience.”

  1. Be aware of new and existing legislation

“Developers must be constantly monitoring all legislation in place and seek approvals from the necessary regularity bodies in the nation in which they are marketing projects. This would be the Dubai Land Authority or the RERA, the regulatory arm of the Land Department in Dubai for example, which has recently implemented new rules.”

  1. Assemble a list of motivated, product-specific selling agents

“When putting together a list of selling agents that would best suit your residential or commercial product, developers should remember the need to engage with these agents in a similar manner as they would with direct buyers. Agents may well already have a full book of projects, so in order to engage them, developers must present their project in a way that excites and motivates the agents. Often agents have a preference for developers they have worked with previously and will have regular clients whose projects may take priority. This means new developers will need to compete for attention, build relationships and not just rely on any one agent or market.

  1. 4. Establish a strategy for relationship building with your networks

“Building networks and relationships is essential within many hot buyer markets, including the UAE, China and South East Asia. The agent-developer relationship is on based on immense trust and takes time to develop. The agency will likely invest a lot of money and time educating their sales teams about the product they are selling.  In China for example, we undertake a number of pre-vetting activities to find agents who have a strong interest in selling each type of project before arranging the face to face meetings which are crucial in building trusted relationships”.

“Anecdotally, we know that many of the individual agents will spend upwards of £7,000 on attracting each end buyer. Due to the significant investment they make in their sales team, lead gen and education, agents are not prepared to take a risk on people or businesses they don’t know well or have not met either in person or online. Listing on Investorist is a good way to build an online profile and trust and live events like Investorist’s China Connection work well in overcoming barriers and enable potential partners to meet and discuss opportunities to do business.”

  1. Embrace technology

“2017 will see technology become an integral element of the UK property industry. Those who don’t embrace it could find themselves losing business to more progressive companies. Developers can use Investorist’s portal to access thousands of selling agents, build relationships, attend events and present stock in the most effective way. It is even possible though the platform to launch projects simultaneously in multiple countries and languages, effectively re-creating the hype of a live auction event to really engage competitive buyers to secure their preferred properties. ”

Investorist specialises in off plan property, providing an online, global B2B marketplace. With offices in the UK, Australia, China, Singapore and United States, $45B in listed property and more than 5,500 users, Investorist is the world’s leading property network and management tool connecting thousands of property professionals globally.

For more information, contact Investorist by visiting www.investorist.co.uk or calling the team on +44 (0)203 761 7380.

Chinese love affair with Manchester property to strengthen as government welcomes new investment

Chinese love affair with Manchester property to strengthen as government welcomes new investment

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • UK government plans to attract foreign investment from China for new development projects in the Northern Powerhouse
  • Chinese investors interest in Manchester stems from President Xi Jinping visiting the city in 2015 (Chinese diplomat Sun Dali)
  • “Accessibility is crucial for overseas investors… Chinese buyers able to fly in regularly now, sometimes for less than 24 hours, to inspect and purchase property” (Surrenden Invest)

The government announced its desire to attract 5bn of foreign investment for 13 major development projects with the Northern Powerhouse, with specific interest in those investors from China.

These projects include but are not exclusively residential developments; however overseas interest in property located in the North of England has increased significantly throughout the course of this year with Chinese buyers specifically attentive of Manchester’s housing market.

Chancellor Philip Hammond, who is due to reveal his first Autumn Statement next week, has voiced his thoughts on the UK’s relationship with China, explaining the significance of tapping into the current Chinese market as “our trade relationship with China is now more important than ever”.

And it seems Brexit is no deterrent as China’s already healthy appetite for UK property is only growing. According to Chinese diplomat Sun Dali, Chinese investors’ love affair with the Northern Powerhouse, Manchester in particular, began when President Xi Jinping visited the UK’s second city last year.

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 Chines buyers as Manchester’s credentials as an investment hotspot continue to increase, not only leading the Northern Powerhouse but also challenging London as the buy-to-let capital of the UK.

“Accessibility is crucial for overseas investors and with Manchester’s regional airport now welcoming regular direct flights from China, investment to the city is subsequently thriving. We have already witnessed this improved connectivity impact the Manchester housing market, with Chinese buyers able to fly in regularly, sometimes for less than 24 hours, to inspect and purchase property in the city centre.”

Surrenden Invest’s most recent addition to its Manchester’s portfolio is Artillery House. Situated in a prime position in the heart of the city, Artillery House epitomises the kind of modern, luxury development that investors are keen to profit from and tenants are keen to rent.

The low-carbon technology, boutique development in Manchester’s ‘Golden Triangle’ boasts 12 high end apartments from £120,000, with assured returns of 7.5% NET. To discover more about Artillery House, please visit the following link https://vimeo.com/178165870.

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

Birmingham beats Brooklyn and Brisbane when it comes to off-plan property investment

Birmingham beats Brooklyn and Brisbane when it comes to off-plan property investment

by Charly World
  • Brisbane almost twice as expensive as Birmingham; Brooklyn over 5 times pricier (Investorist)
  • Birmingham International Airport reports 19 months of record-breaking growth
  • Off-plan Birmingham investment combines value for money with strong market conditions (Investorist)

Birmingham has already achieved international renown as the UK’s second city, but now new data from revolutionary trading platform Investorist has revealed that “Brum” is beating other second cities around the world when it comes to off-plan property investment.

There’s no doubting Birmingham’s popularity as a travel destination. Birmingham International Airport has recorded 19 consecutive months of record-breaking growth, with 1,207,796 passengers travelling through the airport in September 2016 alone, up by 15.8% on the previous September. Long-haul growth rates are ahead of short-haul, at 21.5% and 15.1% year-on-year respectively.

But its not just visitors Birmingham is attracting. The city is hugely popular with investors, as Jon Ellis, Founder and CEO of Investorist, comments,

“Birmingham offers an excellent investment landscape, from high end retail space to some outstanding residential property developments. It’s a city that appeals to investors on many levels and the post-Brexit drop in the sterling’s value has made it even more attractive to those who have other investment currencies to spend – particularly dollars or currencies pegged to the dollar.”

Investorist’s latest data brings Birmingham’s excellent value for money into sharp focus by comparing it with two other world-class second tier urban centres: Brisbane and Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, the best value apartment listed came in at £10,793 per square metre, making it the most expensive of the three centres. Brisbane was next, at £3,976 per square metre, while Birmingham offered the best value for money at just £3,068 per square metre.

  • Brooklyn apartment      £723,189
  • Brisbane apartment £246,543
  • Birmingham apartment £135,000

The figures compared off-plan one-bedroom/one bathroom apartments in the three centres. The cheapest one-bed/one bath apartment listing on the Investorist site in each location was considered.

Not only was the Birmingham property the best value of the three, it was also significantly closer – only 0.8km from the central business district and the employment opportunities that the UK’s second city has to offer. The Brisbane apartment was 3km from the CBD, while the Brooklyn unit was 2.6 km away.

Investorist’s Jon Ellis continues,

“Quite simply, investors can get more for their money by looking at off-plan buy-to-let homes in the UK right now than they can in many destinations around the world.

“Demand for good quality rental properties in the UK is underpinned by a range of factors that should see it weather the Brexit fallout, such as the increasing size of the private rental sector and the significant deposit requirement faced by first time buyers.

“Both the underlying market conditions and the value that UK second cities offer should stand the sector in good stead as far as off-plan residential investment over coming years is concerned.”

For more information about global off-plan property, contact Investorist by visiting www.investorist.co.uk or calling the team on +44 (0)203 761 7380.

Downsizers in the big city – why Wembley Park is the place to be for those who want more for less

Downsizers in the big city – why Wembley Park is the place to be for those who want more for less

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Downsizers welcomed into one of London’s newest and most exciting neighbourhoods
  • Wembley Park is the ideal place to live, work and play for buyers who want stylish homes
  • Downsizers at Wembley Park enjoy great local facilities and fantastic transport connections

There are many reasons for downsizing your home, from ‘empty nesters’ whose children have grown up and left, to those who simply want fewer rooms to clean and a reduction in their household bills and mortgage cost. A study by Key Retirement Solutions has found that one in five of those aged 55 and above would like to downsize, with the average person looking to raise £78,000 of equity by doing so. Helping their offspring get together a deposit for a home of their own was a key reason for downsizing.

Whatever the reason, the convenience of the new Alto Apartments at Wembley Park, north west London, is the perfect choice for those looking to downsize within, or move to London, whilst maintaining an active lifestyle, busy social life and great transport connections. The apartments come with a 24-hour concierge service and on-site gym – perfect for those looking for a property that offers the added benefits of life in the big city.

Paul Hogarth, Head of Residential Sales for Quintain, the developer behind the contemporary one, two and three bedroom apartments at Wembley Park, comments:

“Downsizing can be a very liberating experience. It’s a chance to clear out clutter and enjoy a neater, more stylish home in a great location. Those looking to downsize who view our Alto show homes are pleasantly surprised by the space and superb quality of our homes and the surrounding area. We have also included generous cupboard space inside the apartments, as well as additional basement space where residents can access private storage for non-everyday items, stored securely for their peace of mind.”

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that 13.2% of the population of the London Borough of Brent (where Wembley Park is located) is aged over 65. Projections indicate that the figure will rise to 32.8% by 2024. The rapid increase is likely to lead to increased demand from those who are keen to remain in the capital but looking for a smaller home in which to do so.

Quintain’s emphasis on building homes for real Londoners at Wembley Park means that those who buy at the site can pick up the perfect property surrounded by an established community, including LDO, with 50 shops, 20 restaurants and cafés and a nine screen Cineworld, making it the perfect place for shopping, eating and relaxing. There’s also The SSE Arena, Wembley and Wembley Stadium for entertainment and plenty of local running clubs, sports teams and nautical activities at the nearby Brent Reservoir for keeping fit. As if that wasn’t enough, the beauty of the Oxfordshire countryside is easily accessible by train, for those looking to spend their weekends outside of London.

Downsizers at Wembley Park not only have a lively local scene to enjoy, but can also pop into central London with ease thanks to the area’s excellent transport connections. Two Overground stations and three Tube lines (Jubilee, Metropolitan and Bakerloo) open up London through exceptionally quick journeys: Marylebone in 9 minutes; Baker Street in 12; Bond Street and Kings Cross in 19; Clapham Junction in 22; and London Bridge in 25.

When it comes to outside space, owners can enjoy not only their own balcony or terrace (almost all apartments have outside space in one of these forms), but also the attractively landscaped water courtyard and gardens. It’s the perfect way to enjoy being outdoors without the hassle and expense of maintaining a garden. While others are weeding, mowing and maintaining garden furniture, those living at Alto Apartments can relax and enjoy being at the heart of so much greenery within London.

Available to purchase from £450,000, Alto Apartments provide downsizers with a cost effective means of relocating to a superb community in an exciting new neighbourhood for London.

For more information on Alto Apartments, visit www.alto-apartments.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

 

Notes to Editors

About Wembley Park New Homes @WembleyPark

Wembley Park is the development by Quintain which is transforming the 85-acre (34 hectare) area around Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, bringing new shopping, leisure facilities, homes and public spaces to create a major new destination and neighbourhood for London.

Alto Apartments is the current phase of Wembley Park. Alto’s striking towers set a new benchmark for sophisticated urban living, reaching 19 storeys high and offering stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments. Most apartments have their own private outdoor space or a balcony and are finished to the highest specifications, with designer kitchens, bespoke bathrooms and generous living and storage space.

The final phase of Emerald Gardens is also currently for sale. Set in nearly an acre of landscaped gardens, the 475 one, two and three bedroom apartments are spread across seven buildings. The development includes a gym (opening autumn 2016), 24-hour concierge, private cinema and residents’ club room. The majority of apartments enjoy their own private patio, balcony or terrace.

Wembley Park Boulevard and Arena Square are some of the new public spaces open for visitors and residents to enjoy, along with a new all-weather playpark.

Wembley Park is extremely well connected with two overland train stations (nine minutes to Marylebone), two tube stations (20 minutes to the West End) and excellent road links to motorways including the M1, M40 and M25. There are also over 3,000 on-site parking spaces.

For further details, visit:

  • Alto Apartments: alto-apartments.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.
  • Emerald Gardens: northwestvillage.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

www.wembleypark.com

A day in the life of a property PR

A day in the life of a property PR

by Charly United Kingdom World

One of the best things about working in property PR is the fact that there is no typical day. Opening up the laptop each morning brings with it a wealth of possibilities, where requests from journalists and new announcements from clients can instantly change the shape of the next several hours.

Of course, there are some standard things that have to be fitted in to each week. Press releases have to be written, to present clients’ information in an engaging fashion that will delight those who read it and entice journalists to find out more. Pitches have to be crafted perfectly for individual publications and requests from journalists need to be responded to quickly and expertly.

Client liaison is also an important part of the day. Property PRs need to have an intimate knowledge not just of their clients’ current projects, but also of future plans, new properties and any new sectors or markets that are being considered. Regular phone calls, meetings and site visits are essential for keeping up to date.

Staying up to date with current research, upcoming trends and relevant events is also an essential part of the day-to-day work of a property PR. Clients need to be positioned ready to share their expertise on the latest policy decisions, global financial developments and sector-specific news. Having up-to-the minute commentary is essential if clients’ voices are to be heard in relation to current affairs.

A day in the life of a property PR also means being highly organised with paperwork and files. The right images for each property need to be at hand, ready for use at a moment’s notice, along with a detailed factsheet providing all of the relevant data. You never know which angle of a property a journalist might focus on and so it’s important to have as much info as possible, just in case.

Finally, there are those weeks when as well as fitting in all of the regular tasks, a press trip, property show or series of meetings with journalists about a new project is in the diary. These weeks tend to be hard work and great fun all rolled into one – it’s all part of the wonderful variety of being a property PR!

For more information about property PR and the ABPM team and how they can assist with your promotional needs, get in touch today on 0845 054 7542 or visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

Indulge in a spa property for total body, mind and financial wellbeing

Indulge in a spa property for total body, mind and financial wellbeing

by Charly Spain United Kingdom , ,
  • Global spa services market to reach $154.6 billion by 2022 (Allied Market Research)
  • Increasingly hectic lifestyles, rising wellness tourism, demand from teenagers and improving standards of living driving spa services market (Allied Market Research)
  • “Holiday homes with spa facilities are a luxury that owners are thoroughly enjoying and paying a premium to purchase.” (Taylor Wimpey España)

According to the most recent report published by Allied Market Research, the global spa services market is forecast to reach an incredible $154.6 billion by 2022.

Far from being a rare indulgence for the affluent, wellbeing has increasingly become a part of everyday life for many around the world with a marked rise in demand for medical spa treatments a key driver of this shift.

The report explains that other factors driving the spa services market include increasingly hectic modern day lifestyles, rising wellness tourism, demand from teenagers and improving standards of living. An increase in the population of working women and the rising popularity of spas amongst male customers also add to the demand.

With all these factors in mind, it seems clear that spa and wellbeing services will become an even bigger industry in the near future – and a great selling point for properties.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Spanish developer Taylor Wimpey España, has observed the popularity of holiday homes with spa facilities rising. He comments,

“From speaking with potential buyers seeking their ideal holiday home, it’s becoming increasingly common that developments with spa facilities sway their decision to buy. With 21st century living becoming gradually more stressful, it seems that more and more people are opting to spend their free time in the most relaxing and tranquil environment possible.

“Holiday homes with spa facilities are a luxury that owners are thoroughly enjoying and paying a premium to purchase.”

A perfect example of exclusive spa facilities for second homeowners is Taylor Wimpey España’s Horizon Golf, on La Cala Resort in Spain. The luxury on-site spa is full of natural light, totally immersed in a breathtaking landscape surrounded by plenty of manicured green gardens, trees and a variety of indigenous plants. With a range of massages, detox, ageing, hand and foot treatments, herbal steam bath, igloo and Finnish sauna day packages available from €35, this is the location to relax and rewind.

Prices for properties at Horizon Golf start from €267,000+VAT for an apartment and €420,000+VAT for a townhouse. Properties within this private gated development offer stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas. Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just 10 minutes, with Malaga airport only a 30 minute drive away.

In the neighbouring Iberian country of Portugal, you can go one better by owning your very own commercial property with spa, health club and restaurant included. With a one-bedroom apartment included for the owner’s residence, you can then personally offer amazing spa services and use of the facilities to nearby holidaymakers!

Ideal Homes Portugal’s amazing commercial opportunity in Algoz, Silves can be found on an idyllic and tranquil residential urbanization of detached villas, semi-detached villas and townhouses. The majority of residents are members of the health and sports club, as they have no communal swimming pool or areas as part of their development. It is an amazing opportunity for those wishing to kick start a spa and health-club business with the added bonus of being in sunny Portugal.

From only €499,000, the vast amount of land on offer covers some 2,560 square metres with spa and massage facilities, Turkish steam room, changing rooms and showers, fully equipped gymnasium, large swimming pool and tennis courts.

The site also hosts a charming restaurant and bar, fully licensed and equipped for 100 guests with both an indoor and outdoor children’s play area. With facilities all positioned in a peaceful setting with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, it is only a 15-minute walk from local beaches such as Gale, Evaristo, Salgados and Sao Rafael.

If you are looking for a holiday property closer to home, Properties of the World showcase the gorgeous spa facilities at the Caer Rhun Hall resort in North Wales. There will be a spacious and relaxing Canovium Spa, named after the Roman fort upon which it is built. The spa will house six single treatment rooms and one couples room, where guests can experience tandem therapy. The state-of-the-art spa will also boast an extensive heat experience including aromatherapy room, salt inhalation chamber, sauna, monsoon shower and foot spas.

Nestling in the heart of the Conwy Valley, Caer Rhun Hall is a Victorian country retreat of timeless elegance that is being transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel and spa. The Grade II listed house, surrounded by 20 acres of grounds, will provide the perfect venue for an indulgent weekend escape. With prices starting from £75,000 for an annex room, the incredible buy-to-let opportunity is the perfect relaxing and traditional retreat.

With the growing need for stress-relief in the modern day lifestyle, properties with a spas onsite or close-by are on trend and predicted to be the next ‘must-have’ amongst holiday homes.
For more information, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: 08000 121 020, +34 971 706 972 or http://taylorwimpeyspain.com

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

Properties of the World: +44 20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk

UK developers embrace new Brexit era sales & marketing strategy by attending Investorist Live event in tech-hub Shenzhen

UK developers embrace new Brexit era sales & marketing strategy by attending Investorist Live event in tech-hub Shenzhen

by Charly World

“Only the most forward-thinking and nimble developers are changing and evolving their strategy in light of Brexit to become more innovative in their search for buyers, and investing accordingly.”

That is the sentiment of property marketing expert and proptech entrepreneur, Jon Ellis, Founder of Investorist, the world’s largest off plan B2B property marketplace.

Selling successfully in a post Brexit era should be at the forefront of every UK developer’s mind as 2017 approaches and Article 50 is triggered but as Jon observes, too many operators, especially within the UK apartment sector appear to be continuing with the ‘same old, same old’ selling strategies they were using pre Brexit, and as a result, properties are taking much longer to sell as buyers consider their options and their investments much more carefully.

Jon comments, “The smartest developers are looking globally in light of Brexit rather than waiting for buyers to show up on the doorstep.”

Last month’s China Connection event, organized by Investorist Live, is the perfect example of how smart developers are taking proactive steps to selling. Senior representatives from more than 50 agencies from across China attended, with in excess of US$1b of property on offer from six international developers. Investorist set up one-on-one meetings between the selling agents and developers, carefully matching each project with the most relevant parties.

The event’s success and the fact that many missed out on attending, has led to the next Investorist Live: China Connection event being scheduled for 31st October – 4th November 2016 in the rapidly expanding tech hub of Shenzhen and then Shanghai.

Ellis comments, “Our China Connection events have been likened to speed dating for property developers and hand-picked agents. These events have resulted in some very positive new partnerships which will ultimately deliver wealthy Chinese and South East Asian buyers.”

With ever increasing numbers of UK developers keen to develop global sales channels and Asian selling agents urgently seeking UK stock, not least due to the fall of sterling, Investorist Live: China Connection is the ideal event at which information can be shared and deals done.  NOTE – DEVELOPERS PAY TO ATTEND

For more information on Investorist Live: China Connection or details of how to attend please contact Andy Grimley, Business Development Manager on andy.grimley@investorist.com or call +44 203 761 7383.

—————————————-ENDS—————————————–

Note to Editors

Investorist is the world’s largest marketplace for the off plan property industry, a B2B sales and business development platform promoting and distributing properties around the globe. Our platform is used daily by leading property developers, brokers, real estate businesses, financial advisors and migration agents.

In just three years Investorist has grown dramatically; now with 10 offices in the UK, US, China, SE Asia and Australia, US$45 billion in listed property in 25 countries, 5,500 plus members and more than 500 projects. These include globally significant projects valued in excess of US$1 billion in London (Battersea Park), Manchester (Media City), New York (Hudson Yards), Miami and Queensland, Australia.

Investorist.com

50% of Costa Blanca property sold to overseas buyers with even more expected in 2017

50% of Costa Blanca property sold to overseas buyers with even more expected in 2017

by Charly Spain
  • 50.21% of sales in Alicante region to foreign buyers during Q2 2016 (Ministry of Development)
  • Rise in Costa Blanca sales to foreigners from resale properties (Fuster & Associates)
  • Legal specialists Fuster & Associates unveil brand new Costa Blanca Property Market Report

The sun kissed Costa Blanca has long been a firm favourite with both domestic and foreign buyers looking to purchase that dream second home. However, the most recent statistics to be released by Spain’s Ministry of Development confirm that it is the significant rise in sales to overseas buyers that is re-establishing the region’s property market.

As Figure 1 above reveals, the percentage of foreign buyers in the province of Alicante has increased dramatically from 25% to over 50% since the beginning of 2011, with no sign of slowing down. In Q2 2016, over 50.21% of sales in the region of Alicante were to foreign buyers. And it is one type of property in particular that seems to be welcoming the most attention.

Spanish legal specialists Fuster & Associates, who provide both legal and tax services to international clients on the Mediterranean coast, believe that the rise in sales to foreigners in this region has been made almost entirely on resale property. After the Spanish property crash of 2007, house prices dropped dramatically and subsequently for the next five or six years there were just resale properties on the market.

David Fuster, Founder of Fuster & Associates, from his office on the Costa Blanca explains further,

“It wasn’t until approximately 2013, when the Spanish banks had resold the majority of properties built pre-crisis, that developers could start competing in the market once more. Sales of off-plan properties are now increasing, but at a much slower in comparison to resales.

“Legally, the key difference between the two is that with a resale you do not pay anything until you complete on the property, there is no risk. In contrast, off-plan properties require a higher level of precaution as buyers make payments in stages while the property is being built and must ensure those payments are guaranteed 100%.

“The bargains available to buyers remain in the resale sector where prices are considerably lower. However, with market growth set on a positive trajectory once more, we would expect this disparity to equalise in the next couple of years.”

These in-depth market findings can be found in Fuster & Associates’ newly unveiled Costa Blanca Property Market Report. The first in a series of free to obtain market reports, Fuster & Associates are committed to providing a detailed insight into specific regions in Spain, designed to aid prospective buyers. To download your own copy of the report, please visit http://fuster-associates.com/lp/costa-blanca-property-report/?src=newsletter.

To find out more about Fuster & Associates and the services they offer, please visit http://fuster-associates.com/

Manchester property market remains in a league of its own

Manchester property market remains in a league of its own

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Manchester properties on the market for just 60 minutes before being let (Purplebricks)
  • Surrenden Invest experience influx of overseas investors during latest sterling slump
  • Artillery House epitomises the luxury development that investors are keen to profit from and tenants are keen to rent (Surrenden Invest)

Manchester continues to lead the Northern Powerhouse as the strength of its housing market builds. As one of the UK’s thriving second cities, Manchester has become an investment honeypot for more and more domestic buyers and those from overseas.

Demand for high quality property stock in Manchester is rising rapidly and competition is fierce, with online estate agent Purplebricks revealing that properties in the city have been on the market for only 60 minutes before being let.

And this fast-paced market promises to advance on a positive trajectory, with the Greater Manchester Housing Investment Fund announcing plans this month for more than £20 million in loans to support the development of new housing in the city.

Combine this with a significant slump in the value of sterling over the last few days and Manchester’s market quickly becomes the picture-perfect environment for foreign investors looking to the UK.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of leading property consultancy Surrenden Invest, has certainly witnessed this growth in overseas buyers looking to Manchester for their ideal investment.

He explains,

“Here at Surrenden Invest we have already seen an influx of overseas buyers over the last nine months, with enquiry levels going through the roof when the pound falters, a perfect example being last Friday’s ‘flash crash’. Overseas buyers who may have been sitting on the fence are presented with a window of opportunity to exploit a volatile sterling.

“Our international investors are especially prevalent in Northern UK cities such as Manchester, where rental yields far exceed that of their South Eastern counterparts. And that, combined with a lower entry point and strong market fundamentals, will further drive the sales of new build developments in the North as the market opens itself not just to portfolio buyers but one-time investors looking to cash in on the current exchange rate.”

Surrenden Invest’s most recent addition to its Manchester’s portfolio is Artillery House. Situated in a prime position in the heart of the city, Artillery House epitomises the kind of modern, luxury development that investors are keen to profit from and tenants are keen to rent.

The low-carbon technology, boutique development in Manchester’s ‘Golden Triangle’ boasts 12 high end apartments from £120,000, with assured returns of 7.5% NET. To discover more about Artillery House, please visit the following link https://vimeo.com/178165870.

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