Spanish Law specialist David Fuster offers advice on all things property

by Charly Spain Fuster&Associates

‘The most common mistake buyers can make is to not seek legal advice about the purchase process before signing a contract’ (Fuster&Associates)
‘A ‘healthy’ community will always keep the value of your property’ (Fuster&Associates)
‘It’s now more important than ever to make sure a building license has been granted before making any payments for off-plan properties’ (Fuster&Associates)

The Spanish property market is enjoying yet another successful month after eight consecutive quarters of price growth. This is an indisputable positive trend and one which is making property in Spain an attractive investment once again.

With an increasing number of buyers returning to Spain, Fuster & Associates are on hand to provide legal and tax services to international clients with their sights set on the Mediterranean coast. With offices in Alicante, Cadiz and Murcia, they have successfully helped over 15,000 international clients, ensuring a constant level of customer satisfaction through their collective expertise and commitment.

We caught up with Founder David Fuster as he gave an insight into the current market;

Have you noticed an increase in overseas buyers returning to Spanish property?

“As a region, the Costa Blanca was hit extremely hard when the Spanish property bubble burst in 2007 and prices fell further than in many other areas of Spain. Second home buyers seemed to disappear and the large amount of stock built during the boom created an over-supply problem. However, fast forward to 2016 and the situation has changed dramatically; the coast now looks in good shape once again with the number of new-build developments multiplying and prices having already increased significantly from their recent lows.”

Are any areas in particular proving popular with overseas buyers?

“The Mediterranean Coast has been one of the principal beneficiaries of the upturn in sales and the Costa Blanca South is now buoyant, with sales also recovering on the Costa Blanca North. Costa del Sol (Málaga) has also recovered.”

What will prospective buyers need, before they start their overseas property search?

“Before they start their overseas property search, buyers need to know what their rights are and what will be needed from them during the sales process. They need to know about all costs and taxes related to the property purchase as well as social security rights, personal tax implications, education rights (if they have children) and employment rights.”

What is the most important question to ask when viewing an overseas property?

“I would ask about the community charge; maintenance costs must be considered especially when buying within resorts. Also I would ask about the property developer and their portfolio. Even if you are buying a resale property, you will be able to access more information about the quality of the developer’s work.”

What are the warning signs to avoid when viewing property overseas?

“1. The conditions of the community – When buying a property within a community, even more important than the condition of the property itself is the condition of the communal areas. A “healthy” community will always keep the value of your property while an “unhealthy” community could decrease the value of your property significantly.

“2. Off-plan properties: Always ask for the background of the developer and view the show house. Would you buy a car from a manufacturer that has never made one?

“3. Don’t be rushed into the buying process. Be alert! For example, when the developer won’t even hold the property as reserved for one day, take that as a warning sign.”

What is the most common mistake buyers make?

“From a legal perspective, the most common mistake buyers can make is to not seek legal advice about the purchase process before signing a contract. Even though is a very fast moving market it is important to know the legal implications before signing any document.

“From a property perspective, I think often the most common mistakes are;

Buying on impulse. ‘Falling in love’ with a property and buying it without assessing the pros and cons, simply because it was a great day.
Not knowing the area. Many buyers of second homes know nobody in the area except for the seller of the property or the estate agent.
Forgetting about the community charge. Maintenance costs that must be considered even though buyers may not be there for most of the year.
Going somewhere too remote. During the pre-crash years, it became fashionable to purchase second homes far away from established urban areas. They were promoted as places close to the airport and were sold at reasonable prices in comparison to what was being sold on the Spanish Costas. Taking a plane and renting a car for a few days might seem entertaining on paper but could soon become tiresome after the third trip. Many people stop using a second home when getting there becomes a hassle.”

Once prospective buyers have found their dream property, what is the next step in the buying process?

“Once you have found the property you want to buy, I would recommend appointing a solicitor to represent you in the conveyancing process, letting him/her know the conditions you have agreed e.g. property, price, completion date. A solicitor will them liaise with all the different parties involved (agents, vendors, developers). As it is a very fast paced market, our clients normally grant power of attorney as soon as they have decided on a property. We, then, can sign all legal documents on their behalf.”

Approximately how long will the buying process take to complete?

“The process of buying a resale property takes between 4-6 weeks, and off-plan property depends on the stage of the construction; it could be between 6-12 months.”

Is there any new legislation to consider for buyers set on Spain?

“Years of depression in the Spanish property market ended in a recent landmark judgment, with the Spanish Supreme Court ruling that Banks are responsible, together with property developers, to refund any amounts provided by homebuyers in cases where these amounts were not then guaranteed. As a result of possible banking lobby pressures the law has changed, cutting buyers rights and making banks only responsible for those payments when a building license is in place. It is now more important than ever to make sure a building license has been granted before making any payments for off-plan properties.”

What advice would you give to those starting their overseas property search now?

“From a legal perspective, do your homework before starting the search – what is involved in preparing for the purchase, completing and after the purchase – so that when you find the property you like you just have to make that final decision. From a property perspective, get to know the area first by doing some research. Think about the type of property, the location, price per square metre. Research first to ensure it is the best choice for you.”

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

Brexit no obstacle as Chinese overseas property investment doubles

by Charly World Investorist

H1 2016 Chinese overseas property investment 2x that of H1 2015 (CBRE)
Political and economic factors look set to support a sustained trend (Investorist)
Investorist Live: China Connection exclusive event 5-8 September 2016

Brexit is proving no obstacle to Chinese investors, who remain hungry for a slice of the UK’s property sector. In fact, the drop in sterling’s value has created an excellent opportunity for overseas investors in the UK.

Jon Ellis, Founder and CEO for revolutionary trading platform Investorist, comments,

“The fall in sterling’s value after the Brexit vote led to many investors rushing to pick up property in the UK, which had suddenly become much more affordable. What we’re seeing now is the continuation of that trend, but with purchases by more risk-averse investors. The continuing reduction of the pound’s value has given many investors time to consider the Brexit implications from all angles and most have decided that the UK is still a strong, viable option.”

The weeks since the referendum have been busy ones. Affinity Sunny Way, the overseas investment arm of Affinity Global Real Estate, has observed a 10% increase in Chinese people travelling, with managing director David Wei commenting that,

“…lots of them come to buy property. A few companies dealing with [property investment] from China in the UK have become really busy, and they’ve had to hire more people.”

Firms such as Investorist have also noticed a significant rise in interest in the weeks since the Brexit vote. The rise comes after what has already been a significant period for Chinese interest in UK property – Chinese buyers accounted for 23% of all new residential property purchases in London over the past 18 months, according to Savills.

The UK is not alone however in experiencing a huge Chinese appetite for its properties. According to CBRE, Chinese investment in overseas real estate totalled $16.1 billion in H1 2016, more than double the amount invested in H1 2015. The US was the firm favourite in terms of total investment, while in terms of properties it was hotels and offices that topped the tables.

Manson Zhao, Investorist’s General Manager in China comments,

“China’s economic slowdown has had a big impact in terms of pushing investors to look overseas for their property investments. Countries like the US and UK offer the attraction of a stable environment – even despite Brexit– and higher returns than domestic investments. It’s a win-win for Chinese property investors and the political and economic factors look well positioned to sustain the trend for quite some time.”

Investorist is responding to the much-increased level of demand with the latest in its series of hugely successful Investorist Live events – China Connection. Commencing on 5 September 2016 in Beijing, the exclusive event will move to Shanghai on 8 September.

China Connection will connect ten leading global property developers with handpicked senior level executives from real estate selling agencies across China. Hundreds of stock-hungry agents are expected to attend in order to snap up the hottest property stock from the UK, USA, Europe and Australia for their clients.

With global forces continuing to draw money out of China for property investment around the world, China Connection’s timing couldn’t be better. It looks like 2016 will be a good year indeed for overseas nations looking to benefit from the Yuan.

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

Investment Inspection Trips bring Liverpool to life for Asian property investors

by Charly United Kingdom Prime Centrum

Liverpool one of the UK’s top B2L investment cities
Prime Centrum host Guided City Tours for investment agents from across Asia
‘We give our global representatives a chance to see for themselves so they are best placed to consult with their clients’ (Prime Centrum)

Global interest for property in Liverpool is rising as it emerges as one of the UK’s top B2L investment cities. However, it’s one thing to read about a place, and quite another to actually visit it.

This is the idea behind Prime Centrum’s Investment Inspection Trips, which are bringing Liverpool to life for property investment agents from across Asia. The tours follow the release of the company’s latest free-to-download Liverpool City Guide 2016.

Prime Centrum’s Business Development Manager, Stuart Johnson, explains,

“We’ve already published a comprehensive guide to Liverpool and why residential accommodation in the city is such an excellent investment opportunity, but we wanted to give our global representatives a chance to see for themselves so they are best placed to consult with their clients.

“Our Investment Inspection Trips in Liverpool allow interested parties to get under the skin of this fascinating city and to tour the development sites that are currently available for investment.”

Held regularly and hosted by Johnson personally, the one day exclusive trips give agents and principles from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and other Asian countries the opportunity to walk the streets and see first-hand the amazing growth underway in Liverpool, as well as the shortage of quality rental accommodation in the city.

An hour-long presentation and Q&A session on the Liverpool market, Prime Centrum’s excusive projects and the key features of the company’s investment model complete the tour, arming agents with expert, on the ground knowledge that they can take back and share with their clients.

Experiencing the city for themselves positions selling agents perfectly for passing information along to investors and to answering queries regarding the appeal of investing in Liverpool. Agents visiting the site have the opportunity to understand what it is that makes Liverpool the most exciting UK city when it comes to residential property investment – and can then share that knowledge when they return home.

Prime Centrum’s most recent addition to the Liverpool skyline is the beautiful Parliament Residence. An exclusive waterfront development, Parliament Residence is just a few minutes’ walk from Liverpool’s central business district, trendy Baltic Triangle and Albert Dock region. Comprised of 44 contemporary, high-end apartments and a private roof terrace lounge, Parliament Residence benefits from beautiful views over Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront.

With prices starting from just £109,900, these spacious one and two bedroom apartments are furnished to the highest quality and decorated in a luxury, modern style. As well as enjoying the communal roof terrace facilities, residents will also have access to a convenient concierge service and secure car parking and bicycle storage.

For further details please visit www.primecentrum.com, email enquiries@primecentrum.com or call 020 7183 6332.

From Edinburgh to Exeter: School leavers celebrate Result’s Day and select their uni digs

by Charly United Kingdom Collegiate AC

Tomorrow will see next class of undergraduates confirm university places
Collegiate AC dedicated to providing a luxurious living experience for students
New student residences in Newcastle, Birmingham and Cardiff complete with ‘cold rooms’, private gyms and free Netflix (Collegiate AC)

Tomorrow, A-Level students across the country will be awaking to the news of their results. After two years of studying, it’s a day filled with both nerves and excitement as university placements are confirmed and celebrations can commence.

Whether they’re staying in county or moving across the country, the accommodation that students choose will play an integral part of their university lives. From Edinburgh to Exeter, the leading provider of luxury student properties in the UK, Collegiate AC are dedicated to offering those attending university unrivalled service, outstanding facilities and prime locations.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, appreciates how stressful Result’s Day can be for prospective students and the importance of securing that perfect student accommodation.

He comments,

“After working hard to complete multiple A-Levels, Result’s Day marks the next step in many students’ lives. For the majority moving on to a university career will be their first time away from home and finding an environment where they feel comfortable and safe is imperative. We want our residents to thrive both socially and academically and are committed to providing the very best living experience.”

All of Collegiate AC’s residences benefit from exclusive on-site services, with a management team available to take care of anything you may need, from booking your taxis to arranging social events. To ensure total peace of mind for both students and parents, security is made a priority with electronic door entry and CCTV.

Welcoming students this September, Plummer House in Newcastle will form part of Collegiate AC’s Fusion Students portfolio. With the elegance of 19th century architecture combined with modern, contemporary design, Plummer House makes the very most of the original high ceilings with many student rooms benefitting from mezzanine levels.

Home to an array of exclusive onsite facilities and services, there is even a ‘cold room’ which will take delivery of those tech-savvy students’ online food shopping, even if they are not home to receive it.

Offering a range of individual studios to four-bedroom en-suites, priced from £140 per week Plummer House is ideally situated just 10 minutes from the University of Newcastle on Market Street. A private gym with a variety of classes, a games room and an onsite cinema, complete with free Netflix, are available to all residents, as well as a chic in-house BYO bar and VIP lounge, including ice machines and a sound system.

Another favourite university choice is Birmingham and 800 Bristol Road is the newest addition to the city’s student residences. As part of Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection, 800 Bristol Road will provide students with the perfect environment for study and socialising. In the heart of the city’s vibrant Selly Oak student district, the property offers contemporary, spacious studio apartments with en-suite shower rooms, kitchens and desk areas.

From £193 a week, students will also be able to take full advantage of the residents’ club lounge providing the ideal atmosphere for listening to music and relaxing in good company, the on-site cinema to watch the latest movies in comfort and style and an exclusive dinner party room that will allow you to show off your culinary talents… or simply get together with friends for a delivery pizza feast.

For those heading West of the Severn Bridge, Windsor House is ideally located for undergraduates as Cardiff University and one of the UK’s largest shopping precincts is just moments away, with Cardiff Queen Street Station less than 5 minutes’ walk. From £175 a week the stylish studio and linked studio apartments, with individual en-suite facilities, come complete with a fully equipped kitchen.

Every apartment in Windsor House also offers plenty of storage space and residents will have access to their own on-site VIP BYO residents’ bar, games room and in-house cinema and dinner party zone. All facilities have been beautifully decorated and designed to be stylish and comfortable in equal measure to ensure a luxury student experience.

For more information on Collegiate AC’s accommodation options, please visit www.collegiate-ac.com or call 01235 250 140.

Digbeth is simply Divine to young urbanites and investors alike

by Charly United Kingdom Property Frontiers

Birmingham house prices up 8.3% in past year (Hometrack)
Digbeth creating a name for itself as ‘Birmingham’s Shoreditch’
Brand new Divine Collection apartments available from £159,500 (Property Frontiers)

Digbeth, which is increasingly referred to as ‘Birmingham’s Shoreditch’, is an area on the up. Hip bars and arty coffee shops rub shoulders with independent stores and some of the funkiest clubs in the UK’s second city.

Young, creative professionals work in huge, converted warehouses where businesses ranging from performing arts companies to new media hubs feel right at home. Art meets culture meets creativity, all with a good-sized helping of retail therapy and top restaurants thrown in for good measure.

The architecture of Digbeth is reflective of the area’s creativity, with brightly coloured buildings and motivational murals creating a complex, stylish urban landscape that oozes contemporary appeal. The Custard Factory is the heart of the area’s creativity. Offering office space, shops, salons, venues for special events, films, fairs, festivals and an ‘art of the month’ initiative, the complex is packed with independent companies staffed by bright young things who work hard by day and play hard by night.

Many of those who work in Digbeth are keen to live in the area too and demand for high end, contemporary accommodation is on the up, according to Ray Withers, CEO of specialist international property investment company Property Frontiers. He comments,

“Digbeth is turning into Birmingham’s most stylish location and we’ve seen interest in rental accommodation pick up significantly there. There’s a really unique vibe to the area and always something going on. It’s so much more than a 9-5 destination, which is why so many professionals are looking to make it their home, as well as the place they work.”

In response to such keen interest, Property Frontiers has just launched The Divine Collection at St Anne’s Court, in the heart of Digbeth. The hand-picked selection of 30 apartments will offer sophisticated, elegant homes to just the kind of tenant looking for something a cut above the rest in Digbeth.

Investors in The Divine Collection apartments can look forward to strong demand from tenants, not just because of the excellent location, but also thanks to the spacious design, exclusive roof garden and luxurious fit-out. Prices begin at £159,500 for a one-bedroom apartment (investment from £47,850).

Birmingham is currently the eighth best performing city in the UK when it comes to house price growth, according to the June 2016 Hometrack UK Cities House Price Index, having enjoyed year on year growth of 8.3%. The fact that The Divine Collection is available at prices some 10% lower than neighbouring developments provides the apartments with excellent potential for capital growth over the build period (construction is already underway, with completion due in Q1 2018).

Another part of Digbeth’s appeal is the area’s location within Birmingham. Residents can reach the Bullring and Selfridges on foot in 10 minutes. City centre locations don’t get much more convenient and Digbeth is perfectly suited to those who want to live somewhere where they can have the best that Birmingham has to offer right on their doorstep.

Digbeth is also set to benefit from the huge redevelopment due to take place at Birmingham Smithfield, which adjoins Digbeth’s western border. One of the biggest single ownership redevelopment sites in the country, Birmingham Smithfield will see the city’s wholesale markets relocated to one unique, vibrant market district. The area will include a new public space (Market Square), a family leisure quarter, a vast market space and integration with Midland Metro.

Property Frontiers’ Ray Withers concludes,

“Digbeth these days feels like Deptford and Shoreditch used to – there’s a sense of excitement in the air, a feeling that the area is beginning to really define itself. It’s a great time to invest in property in an area, as many of those who bought homes in Lewisham and Hackney back when Deptford and Shoreditch were on the rise can attest. There are exciting times ahead for those who live, work and invest in Digbeth!”

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/ or calling the team on +44 1865 202 700.

35 days after the Brexit vote, UK bricks & mortar are far from crumbling

by Charly United Kingdom Ideal Homes Portugal, Prime Centrum, Property Frontiers

UK house price growth remains steady at 10.2% (Hometrack)
Market fundamentals support strong Brexit response (Property Frontiers)
Look to second tier cities for the best investments (Prime Centrum)
Innovate when it comes to selling homes overseas (Ideal Homes Portugal)

35 days on from the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and the property market doomsayers seem to have gone awfully quiet. The predicted cataclysmic crash seems to have translated to a mild slowdown of the market, with the June 2016 Hometrack report finding that year-on-year growth has held fast at a rate of 10.2% nationally. The report suggests that prices will moderate during Q2 2016, in part due to the Brexit vote but also due to house prices in the south of England having reached near-record affordability highs.

Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, which specialises in buy-to-let opportunities such as Parker Street Residences in Liverpool, comments,

“We’re a long way from the housing market disaster that many predicted would result from the UK voting to leave the EU, though of course it is still early days. What is encouraging is that despite the Brexit vote, the UK’s market fundamentals have not changed: we didn’t have enough houses before the vote and we don’t have enough houses after it. The shortage in stock should continue to keep the market fairly well balanced during the Brexit negotiations, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see prices in London undergoing some adjustment as a result.”

The Hometrack report agrees, giving the view that, “London will bear the brunt of any slowdown.”

Stuart Johnson, Business Development Manager at Prime Centrum, concurs, observing,

“It’s time to look to the UK’s second tier cities and leave London to weather the aftermath of the referendum outcome, particularly when it comes to property investment. Cities like Leeds and Liverpool are the places to focus on right now.”

Both of these cities benefit from (comparatively) affordable house prices and yields that are above average, according to Hometrack’s June data, and this is reflected in the real estate investment opportunities available in them. Parliament Residence in Liverpool, for example, is available for just £109,900, including a 22% discount for early investors.

Nor is it just the UK property market that still offers excellent opportunities. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, has found that the post-Brexit environment has brought about new ways to connect those buying and selling homes in Portugal.

His company, which sells everything from island properties with incredible views to countryside mansions, has launched an initiative that allows buyers and sellers of properties in Portugal to complete the transaction entirely in pounds. Both parties save money on currency exchange services and Brexit’s impact on sterling is taken out of the equation.

There’s still a lengthy journey ahead in terms of the process of the UK disengaging from the EU, but one month in, the property market – both at home and overseas – seems to be handling Brexit far better than many expected.

For more information, please contact:

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Prime Centrum: 020 7183 6332 or www.primecentrum.com.

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

Flat-sharing, caring and definitely daring – Wembley Park has it all

by Charly United Kingdom Tipi

Flat-sharing up 300% for 45-54 year olds (Spareroom)
Newly built Tipi apartments cater for sharers’ needs right from the blueprints
Individual bathrooms, social spaces with pool table, on-site gym & cinema reshape sharing in London

Flat-sharing in London is on the increase, with many renters staying in multi-occupancy homes for longer. According to figures from Spareroom, during the five years up to 2014, flat-sharing rose by 186% for those aged 35 to 44 and by 300% for those aged 45 to 54. At Tipi, the lifestyle-focused rental operator at Wembley Park, the 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments have been designed to create the ideal environment for flat-sharers with bedrooms of equal size, a bathroom for each bedroom and rents that include all utility bills and superfast broadband.

Michael Allen, PRS Director, comments on this new generation of shared accommodation available in London,

“The great thing about build to rent apartments is that you can shape them to suit sharers’ needs before the first brick has even been laid. This isn’t about adapting pre-existing properties into shared homes and trying to fit the design into a building that was never intended for that purpose. With build to rent developments like Tipi, features designed for those looking to share their apartment are part of the blueprints.”

Tipi’s two bedroom, two bathroom apartments offer the perfect balance of privacy and shared space. The kitchen, living room and terrace /balconies are open plan and spacious, while the double bedrooms are light and airy. Additionally, many currently flat-sharing in London, will find the novelty of having a separate bathroom in each flat a welcome surprise. The layout has been designed in such a way that tenants can opt to spend time on their own if they feel so inclined, or socialise together in the flat or in the shared social spaces or acre of private landscaped gardens.

For those who are feeling particularly sociable, Tipi’s first two buildings – named Montana and Dakota – feature two delightful shared lounge areas. Montana is home to the Deckhouse, a bright and lively social space complete with pool table, HD TV with Sky Sports, outdoor terrace and kitchenette. Neighbouring Dakota is the home of the Nest, a peaceful shared space (still with HD TV with Sky Sports) that is perfect for home working or quiet relaxation in good company. Both the Deckhouse and the Nest have superfast 100 Mb/s broadband, as well as plentiful comfy seating, with the potential to reserve them for special occasions, enabling residents to use the spaces flexibly to suit their needs.

Flat-sharers at Tipi are also set to benefit from a residents-only gym and an on-site cinema room which are due to be available in the autumn.

The monthly cost of Tipi will also delight many. Prices for the apartments, which range in size from studios to three bedrooms, come furnished or unfurnished and start at £1,700 pcm, with utility bills and 40Mb/s broadband in all apartments included in the cost. There are also no agency fees to pay, which will be music to the ears of the many Londoners.

Tipi offers a host of other benefits to sharers. London Designer Outlet is next door, providing tenants with discounts of up to 70% off recommended retail price (RRP) across 50 high-end retail stores, a 9-screen Cineworld and 20 cafes and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. There is also the iconic SSE Arena, Wembley and Wembley Stadium for those who enjoy live music and world-class sporting events.

And if that wasn’t enough, central London is just a short Tube ride away: Marylebone 9 minutes; Baker Street 12 minutes; Bond Street and Kings Cross 19 minutes; London Bridge 25 minutes and Canary Wharf 32 minutes.

With the private rented sector stepping up so spectacularly, offering a professional landlord flat-sharers can trust, they can have the beautiful new home in a great location and at a reasonable rent that they have been looking for, for so long!

For more information or to book a viewing with the Tipi team, visit www.tipi.london, take a video tour of a Tipi apartment or call 020 3151 1927.

Notes to Editors

About Tipi @TipiLondon
www.tipi.london

Tipi is a subsidiary of Quintain, the team behind Wembley Park. Tipi is a ‘Build to Rent’ or Private Rental Sector (PRS) management company which builds, manages and leases contemporary apartments to customers without charging agents’ fees. Unique to Tipi is that Quintain owns and operates the wider Wembley Park estate which ensures the environment surrounding the apartments is safe, controlled, clean and well connected.

Tipi’s first PRS buildings, Montana & Dakota offer brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with rents inclusive of all utility bills and superfast broadband. Most apartments boast a balcony and all benefit from access to an acre of private gardens. 24-hour concierge and night security meet customers’ everyday needs and additional services can be added to tenancy agreements such as secure underground parking, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning services.

Two lounges are available for Montana & Dakota residents to use and include superfast 100 Mb/s broadband, Sky TV and Sky Sports and later this year a gym and cinema room will open within the building.

About Wembley Park @WembleyPark
www.wembleypark.com

Wembley Park is the development by Quintain which is transforming the 85 acre area around Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, bringing together new shopping at London Designer Outlet, leisure facilities, new homes and beautiful public spaces to create a major new destination and residential neighbourhood for London.

Wembley Park will be home to thousands of high-quality homes and a vibrant new community who will enjoy everything Wembley Park has to offer including tree-lined boulevards, regular outdoor market programmes and more.

The SSE Arena and Wembley Stadium continue to attract the best names in sport, music and entertainment.

Wembley Park is extremely well connected with two overland train stations (nine minutes to Marylebone), two tube stations (19 minutes to the West End), over 3000 parking spaces and excellent road links to motorways including the M1, M40 and M25.

Will May’s new Minister Percy keep the Northern Powerhouse on track post Brexit?

by Charly United Kingdom Surrenden Invest

MP for Brigg & Goole, Andrew Percy appointed new Northern Powerhouse minister
“The Northern Powerhouse will continue to be a priority” (Conservative Government spokesman)
Average Manchester house price increased 9% during the past year (Hometrack)
North-South divide widens as regional cities provide exciting investment opportunities (Surrenden Invest)

An element of calm has been restored after one of the most dramatic months in the history of British politics. With Theresa May now at the helm, the UK is stabilising and looking once again to boost domestic and overseas investor confidence, not least in the Northern Powerhouse.

It has been over 2 years since former Chancellor Osborne’s brainchild, the Northern Powerhouse, was born back in 2014 with a view to boosting growth in the north of England, particularly the Core Cities and reposition the economy away from London and the South East.

Taking over the reins from James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole has now been appointed by PM May as the new Northern Powerhouse minister to ensure the continued success of this region, heavily weighted with expectation.

A proud northerner, Mr Percy said he was “keen to give this role my best shot” and has already taken steps to further devolve power from Westminster signing off plans to create an elected mayor for the Sheffield city region.

Indeed, as a Government spokesman said, “the Northern Powerhouse will continue to be a priority… and is making huge strides in rebalancing the economy – foreign direct investment has increased by 127% in the two years since the Northern Powerhouse was established.”

One of the Northern Powerhouse’s Core Cities, Manchester, has already been a recipient of significant amounts of this foreign direct investment, not least in the local property market. According to the latest EY UK Attractiveness Survey, of the 98 foreign direct investment projects awarded to the North West in 2015, over half, 54, of those schemes came to Manchester.

The construction sector (alongside software, business services and the retail sector) benefited greatly as numerous high profile domestic and international companies looked to capitalise on and address the imbalance in supply and demand of housing stock in Manchester.

The latest UK Cities House Price Index by Hometrack (June 2016) reveals just why the Northern Powerhouse city of Manchester’s property market is so appealing. The average property price in the city has increased by 9% throughout the past year and shows no imminent sign of slowing down.

Further demonstrating the growing North-South real estate divide, the relative change in sales during the last three months has decreased by 8% in London, whereas Manchester’s market is continuing to build momentum with a positive relative change in sales of 7%.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest believes that the disparity between the North and South is widening as property markets within the Northern Powerhouse continue climbing on their positive trajectory. He comments,

“Manchester has been experiencing a period of stable growth for some time now and I do not see this changing post Brexit. The city continues to provide savvy property investors with exciting opportunities in prime locations with evidence suggesting that the cities of the North are providing better returns and faster capital growth than London.”

One of Surrenden Invest’s latest investment opportunities in the heart of Manchester is One Cross Street. Situated just 5 minutes’ walk from the prime business and exclusive leisure district, Spinningfields, as well as from the luxury shopping district New Cathedral Street, one Cross Street is being redeveloped from the stunning structure of a former cotton mill circa 1907.

Modern low-carbon technology means that the building will be one of the city’s most energy efficient, making this a future-proof investment. The passive heating environment, where the building’s ambient temperature is maintained through air source heat pumps and heat recovery systems, means that running costs are incredibly low.

With prices starting at £130,323, the property is formed of 34 luxury apartments featuring elements of the existing structure left such as exposed brick and beams. The project has also included the creation of a modern new-build extension which will include two new penthouse levels featuring floor to ceiling glass walls as well as a beautiful roof terrace available to all residents. Properties also come fully furnished with high end fixtures and fittings.

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

Mallorca becomes most sought after destination for 2016 as sales soar by 39%

by Charly Spain

Mallorca 3rd most searched for destination by holidaymakers in Europe in Q2 2016 (Sojern)
Property sales on the Balearic Isles increase by 39% as of May 2016 (INE)
New Med-inspired development provides residents with rural escape on the island’s NE coast (Taylor Wimpey España)

Despite temperatures across the UK equaling those on the sun kissed island of Mallorca this week, it seems many would still much rather spend the summer on its sandy shores in Balearic bliss. According to the most recent figures from travel’s leading performance marketing engine, Sojern, Mallorca is one of the top destinations searched for during Q2 of 2016.

The Global Travel Insights report analysed international travel behaviour and revealed that Palma de Mallorca was the third most searched for destination by holidaymakers in Europe. When asked to predict the trends for Q3 of this year, the report went on to highlight that Palma de Mallorca is expected to be the leading short haul destination.

With an increasing number of people falling in love with Mallorca and the Balearic islands this year, property sales in the region are also rising. The latest figures released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) revealed the Balearics as the property location of choice, with YTD sales as of May 2016 increasing by 39% in comparison to the same period last year. This is the highest growth registered throughout Spain and is set to continue over the coming months.

Providing the idyllic setting for a holiday home, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, offer a beautiful selection of properties on Mallorca with something to suit the requirements of each individual. Their most recent addition to the landscape is the gorgeous Bahia Sant Pere. The development is a Mediterranean-inspired residential complex situated in the traditional north east coastal village of Colonia de Sant Pere, perfect for those wanting a more rural escape for their second home.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is delighted that Mallorca is ranked such a highly sought after destination this summer and is excited for more to discover the beauty of the island. He comments,

“We have certainly experienced a growing interest in property on Mallorca as it becomes a prominent must-visit destination on the international stage. As popularity for the island continues to grow we are determined to provide an array of high quality properties in locations that reflect the best of Mallorca’s culture as well as its coastline.”

Less than an hour from Palma’s international airport, and only a short distance from the local fishing port and Mallorca’s golden coastline, Bahia Sant Pere is comprised of two and three bedroom apartments. From just €192,500 +VAT all apartments have two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar and the use of a private parking space. Each resident will have access to the development’s two swimming pools and luscious communal gardens.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the village of Colonia de Sant Pere allows visitors to experience the more rustic side of Mallorca, being the perfect location to enjoy both the stunning landscape of the mountains of the Peninsula de LLevant Natural Park and the beautiful coast with the white sandy beach of Sa Canova.

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

Liverpool property market embraces new global appeal as International Music Festival comes to town

by Charly United Kingdom Prime Centrum

Liverpool hosts fourth International Music Festival this weekend
UAE nationals account for 14% of all Liverpool Q2 sales (Prime Centrum)
Enquiries from UAE nationals increase by 65% in May while Kuwaiti buyers increase by 200% (Prime Centrum)

The fourth Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) arrives this weekend, as people from all over the world participate in the four-day celebration of new talent, household names, musical heritage and cultural diversity. Combining artists from the award-winning LIMF Academy and LIMF Presents, the festival culminates at the LIMF Summer Jam in Sefton Park, Europe’s largest free music event.

Liverpool has long been a global destination for music, for both artists and fans alike, but it is the city’s property market that is currently making its way onto the international stage. Leading real estate consultancy, Prime Centrum, have certainly experienced increased interest from overseas buyers with UAE nationals accountable for 14% of their Q2 sales, second only to buyers here in the UK, and Kuwaiti buyers listed third, responsible for 9%.

In May, enquiries from UAE nationals increased by 65% in comparison to the previous month, with enquiries by prospective buyers from Kuwait increasing by a substantial 200% in the same period. This recent trend is set to carry on throughout the coming months, as Liverpool’s growing property market continues to excite investors from all over the world.

Stuart Johnson, Business Development Manager at Prime Centrum, highlights the Brexit result as the driving force behind the continued rise in interest from international buyers. He comments,

“The short-term uncertainty in the UK market combined with a weaker Sterling, has presented a chance for overseas investors to purchase very competitively priced property in the UK. With many Middle Eastern currencies linked to the US dollar, investing in GBP denominated property assets is currently a once in a generation opportunity to buy at significant discounts. Liverpool’s culture is celebrated on a global scale and international buyers are now recognising its potential as one of the UK’s up and coming property hotspots.”

Prime Centrum’s most recent addition to the Liverpool skyline is the beautiful Parliament Residence. Parliament Residence is an exclusive waterfront development, just a few minutes’ walk from Liverpool’s central business district, trendy Baltic Triangle and Albert Dock region. Comprised of 44 contemporary, high-end apartments and a private roof terrace lounge, Parliament Residence benefits from beautiful views of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront.

With prices starting from just £109,900, these spacious one and two bedroom apartments are furnished to the highest quality and decorated in a luxury, modern style. Situated on the waterfront with a stunning rooftop garden, Parliament Residence provides a semi suburban environment from a prime city centre location. As well as enjoying the communal roof terrace facilities, residents will also have access to a convenient concierge service and secure car parking and bicycle storage.

For further details please visit www.primecentrum.com, email enquiries@primecentrum.com or call 020 7183 6332.

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