UK student property investment makes the grade

by Eleanor United Kingdom Properties of the World

Over 100,000 students arrived in Manchester and Salford for Fresher’s Week 2015 (MEN)
Salford University expecting increase in applicants for 2016/17 (Salford University)
PBSA remains a good bet for investors post-Brexit (Properties of the World)

Northern Powerhouse city of Manchester’s undergraduate population is booming. Over 100,000 students headed to Manchester and Salford for the start of Fresher’s Week last September and even more are expected this academic year.

Home to one of the largest student populations in Europe, Manchester will host higher education students both from UK and overseas with a spokesperson from the University of Salford stating that they are expecting to see an increase in applicants for the start of the 2016/17 year (official figures to be published in December).

This expected increase in students studying at the University of Salford will come as no surprise with the institution, founded 120 years ago, being voted the second most improved university in the UK’s 2015 National Student Survey (NSS) with an impressive score of 83%.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World comments on the appeal of Salford University,

“Salford is a vibrant university city attracting UK and international students alike. With 18,920 students enrolled last academic year and numbers looking to rise this year, the University of Salford is making a name for itself. In the 2015 NSS results, Salford scored a minimum of 80% for teaching quality in more than three quarters of the university’s undergraduate courses, with nearly half scoring 90% or above. The student community at Salford is also appealing to new applicants with the union operating over 120 different clubs, societies and activities open to all those looking to get involved in uni life.”

With the University of Salford improving year on year and Greater Manchester renowned as an international student destination, more and more are making their way to the UK’s number one city to live (Global Liveability Ranking 2015, EIU) pushing up the demand for housing, especially purpose built student accommodation (PBSA).

Indeed post Brexit, it seems that PBSA still remains a good bet for investors as a growing sector with sustainable demand and fixed returns. Jean continues,

“UCAS statistics show that student numbers are still rising. Yesterday’s A-level results revealed that a record number of UK university places have been offered, some 424,000, up 3% on results day last year. An increase of students goes hand-in-hand with an increase in demand for student accommodation, subsequently increasing rents, thus, providing higher returns for those who decide to invest in this sector.”

Investors are also attracted to PBSA investment post-Brexit as it provides a fixed rate of return, is exempt from stamp duty and units are fully managed with no additional costs incurred during ownership. Purpose built student property ownership is also appealing as there is no contact with the tenant when compared with traditional, private student buy-to-lets. Jean continues,

“Statistics from London Shared reveal that 76% of private student landlords feel they are permanently ‘on-call’ and 83% forced to splash out around £5,000 every year on maintenance and repairs. Student accommodation investments such as X1 The Campus in Salford offer much better ROI’s with all bills included and buildings managed 24/7. These really are hands-off, hassle-free, income generating assets with fixed rate returns.”

X1 The Campus is situated on the corner of the University of Salford Frederick Road Campus, just ten minutes’ walk from Salford Crescent station, an ideal location for discerning undergraduates, postgraduates and international students alike.

With an array of vibrant pubs and bars close by as well as green spaces such as Peel Park a short stroll away, students can enjoy their local area whilst having easy access to transport links to Salford and Manchester city centres.

Comprised of 271 stylish apartments ranging from standard studios to stunning penthouse studios, X1 The Campus is a competitive buy-to-let opportunity with an estimated annual NET rental return of 6.6%.

Each apartment is fully furnished with a modern feel and includes a spacious double bed, comfortable sofa, plenty of desk and storage space as well as a kitchen and bathroom with fixtures and fittings of the highest quality. Facilities include an on-site private gym, cinema room, laundry room and large common rooms as well as secure bicycle storage and a management office for added peace of mind. Prices start from £89,995.

For more information please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/, email info@propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555

Has the oil industry combusted?

by Eleanor World easyMarkets

Oil prices dealt triple blow by reduced demand, electric cars and renewable energy (easyMarkets)
Renewable energy to account for 26% of global energy supply by 2020 (IEA)
35% of cars worldwide will have electric capability by 2040 (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

Oil prices may have rallied slightly over the past week, but it’s little consolation for producers who are now two years into the protracted slump. In late July, West Texas Intermediate crude futures plunged back down to $40 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, wasn’t far behind. With hopes of a production freeze fading, the reality of oversupply continues to bog down the market.

But it’s not just the global glut of oil, generated largely by increased production in the US, Canada, Iraq and Russia, that is responsible for the industry’s continued struggle to make production worthwhile.

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, explains,

“We’re facing a substantial glut in oil thanks to new production techniques and more efficient production, but that’s only half the story. Global demand for oil is dropping and that is keeping prices bobbing around at the low levels we’ve seen for the past couple of years. China’s slowdown means there is less need for oil in Asia, which has had a notable impact on demand levels. Supply has increased at the same time as demand has fallen, so we’re not likely to see oil prices pick up significantly any time soon.”

Following the historic climate deal in Paris, in which nearly 200 countries participated, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other major oil producers have announced plans to overhaul their energy strategy in order to diversify away from fossil fuels. Crude oil is no longer seen as reliable in generating the state revenues needed to foster economic growth and development. Instead, investment is being diverted to renewable energies, with environmentalists around the world rejoicing that market forces are now pushing nations towards cleaner fuel forms.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable sources accounted for 13.2% of global primary energy supply in 2012, rising to 22% of worldwide electricity generation in 2013. Looking forward, the IEA has projected that the share will rise to 26% by 2020.

Hybrid and electric vehicles look set to deal a further substantial blow to the oil industry over the coming years. According to analysts, a shift is under way that will lead to growing adoption of electronic vehicles in the next decade. Battery prices fell 35% in 2015, meaning electric vehicles have suddenly become more affordable. This says nothing of the growing efficiencies automakers are introducing to make their hybrid and electric vehicles more affordable.

By 2040, long-range electric cars will cost around $22,000 in today’s dollars, according to a new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. By then, about 35% of new cars worldwide will have electric capability.

While electric vehicles are not expected to impact crude oil demand in the short term, this will change over the next decade, plunging another stake into a market that is already struggling with an oversupply of around 2 million barrels per day.

In the longer-term, the rise of greener forms of transportation could be the death knell for the oil industry. Some analysts are predicting that it will be at least a decade until oil returns to commanding prices of $90-$100 per barrel, as was considered the norm up until about mid-2014. Others believe that the development of alternative fuels over that decade might mean that oil’s heyday has passed once and for all. Only time will tell.

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

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Ethical investment opportunity provides ‘win-win’ for UK care homes and investors alike

by Eleanor United Kingdom Properties of the World

Over 65’s population across England set to grow over 40% in the next 17 years (AgeUK)
Sunderland’s over 65’s population to rise over 30% by 2025 (sunderland.gov.uk)
Care home investments are ‘win-win’ opportunity to invest in the future of UK care (Properties of the World)

Life expectancy in the UK is on the rise; Brits are getting older and living longer. According to the charity AgeUK, 11.4 million people are aged 65 or more and over the next seventeen years, this figure is projected to jump close to 16 million, an increase of over 40%.

With an ever ageing population comes an ever growing demand for quality housing and care provision. The percentage of people in England over the age of 85 increased by 289,000 between 2005 and 2014, a growth of almost 30% that is expected to accelerate further over the next 20 years.

In order to meet the inevitable need for increased health and care services in the coming years, the UK government committed in 2015 to transferring £3.8 billion from the NHS for joint NHS and local council decision-making about the funding of health and care services.

Despite this move, social care funding and supply within the UK still remains under pressure creating a ‘win-win’ opportunity for the care industry as it seeks external private investment.

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

“With such pressure on care funding, care home owners and operators are no longer able to rely solely on antiquated models of supply and finance. Private investment in the care industry will help to maintain the supply of care to those who need it most. Take Wagon’s Way care home in the North East of England, this opportunity to purchase rooms, open to individuals, delivers an ethical ROI, based upon a sustainable model that takes into account the needs of both residents and investors.”

Wagon’s Way is located in the historic town of Washington, Sunderland. According to Sunderland council’s Sunderland Strategy, the number of people in the region aged over 65 in 2005 was 45,800. This number is expected to rise by over 30% to 59,000 by 2025.

Sunderland’s ageing population has sparked renewed focus on meeting the needs of older people throughout the city via projects such as Wagon’s Way. The 58-bed facility will soon be transformed into a high quality nursing and dementia-specific care home. Providing specialist nursing and palliative care, Wagon’s Way will ensure high occupancy and long-term success in a sector that already generates £14.5bn a year for the UK economy.

Just five minutes’ walk from the picturesque River Tyne, Wagon’s Way is ideally situated. With a park and St Peter’s Church just a stone’s throw away, residents will feel safe and secure in this peaceful location.

For £53,820, investors in this ethical purchase opportunity can look forward to fixed rate rental income of 8% per annum for up to 25 years and an ROI of up to 225% compared with high street bank savings generating returns of up to only 1%.

For more information, please visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/, email info@propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555

AB Property Marketing appointed to represent Spanish Real Estate Law specialists Fuster & Associates

by Eleanor Spain United Kingdom

Property sales in Spain increase by 19% in Q1 2016 compared to same period last year (General Council of Notaries)
Since 1997 Fuster & Associates have helped over 15,000 international clients on the Mediterranean coast
Leading property PR agency ABPM appointed to promote Fuster & Associates legal expertise and outstanding customer service

Spain’s property market is set to continue on its route to recovery as the latest report from the General Council of Notaries confirms that home sales increased by 19% in Q1 2016, compared to the same period last year.

With enquiry levels for Spanish property on the rise, so too is the demand for the necessary legal services required throughout the process.

Founded in 1997, Fuster & Associates provide both legal and tax services to international clients 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.

Lawyer Antonio Vidal, an integral member of the Fuster & Associates team, has built up a thorough knowledge of Spanish legal practice which he uses to the benefit of all his clients. He comments,

“Fuster & Associates are dedicated to providing both a professional and personal service to our clients. Our multilingual solicitors and tax advisors are experts in their respective fields and have a profound knowledge of the laws and taxes that affect foreign property owners in Spain.

“As interest in Spanish real estate continues to increase, we look forward to working with both new and existing clients, ready to go above and beyond to ensure their requirements are met.”

Now with almost 20 years of experience, Fuster & Associates are continuing to offer 5-star service to clients and striving to build on their established reputation within the market. In order to remain at the forefront, Fuster & Associates have appointed leading property PR agency AB Property Marketing.

Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“Fuster & Associates have a wealth of experience and expertise in providing the very best legal and tax services to international clients. We at AB Property Marketing are thrilled to be working alongside Fuster & Associates as they continue to deliver high quality legal services, combined with an outstanding level of customer service.”

Fuster & Associates are available to provide the media with expert industry comment in relation to Spanish property law as well as its dynamic property market.

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

Liverpool shines as one of UK’s leading ladies for house price growth

by Eleanor United Kingdom Prime Centrum

Liverpool prices up 6.1% (Hometrack)
City centre population doubles in a single decade (Census)
Waterside buy-to-let homes from £109,000 (Prime Centrum)

Recently released figures from Hometrack have shown that Liverpool is one of the UK’s leading ladies at present when it comes to property price growth. The UK Cities House Price Index for June revealed growth of 6.1% for the northern city, increasing further from May’s figure of 5.4% and flagging it up as one of the best places to buy in the UK for capital gains.

Not only is this good news for homeowners in Liverpool, but also for investors looking for a leading location for their UK buy-to-let purchase. Stuart Johnson, Business Development Manager at Prime Centrum, which is offering investment at Liverpool’s Parliament Residence, comments,

“Liverpool is an incredibly strong contender so far as buy-to-let property investment in the UK is concerned right now. There are a range of factors supporting the city’s growth and quality homes in central areas are enjoying high levels of demand. The Hometrack data emphasises how active Liverpool’s property market is right now and the potential that it holds.”

According to Census figures, Liverpool’s city centre population doubled between 2001 and 2011, highlighting the huge rise in demand for well-located, central properties, like Parliament Residence. Investors there can own their own slice of Liverpool’s thriving property market from as little as £109,900 for a one-bedroom apartment, with 7% NET income per annum assured for the first three years.

Homebuyers and investors alike seem to have shrugged off the possibility of a post-Brexit housing market crash. As the Hometrack report states,

“The referendum result will impact turnover far more than house prices in near term.”

According to the report, house price falls are not expected during H2 2016, although some deceleration of growth nationally could occur, as buyers pause to see what Brexit brings about. However, with a new Prime Minister already taking firm action to shape her Cabinet and the Bank of England demonstrating their confidence in the economy by holding interest rates at 0.5%, there’s certainly a great deal more confidence in the housing market and the wider economy than many expected following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

In Liverpool, where city centre living is increasingly sought after, there is certainly no lack of positivity in the market. Prime Centrum’s Stuart Johnson concludes,

“Buy-to-let investors and owner-occupiers are being drawn to Liverpool by the potential of its housing market. The city’s dynamic economy and fantastic array of entertainment options make it an extremely enticing place to live, particularly in the centre where you can have areas like the fashionable Baltic Triangle and Albert Dock within walking distance. City centre living also means that families can take advantage of economic opportunities by living near the central business district: it’s the ideal contemporary urban environment.”

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

The political wildcard: What is Trump’s US presidential nomination doing to financial markets?

by Eleanor United States easyMarkets

Donald Trump highlights benefits of weaker dollar
Wall Street in the process of recording 4^th consecutive quarter of earnings decline
S&P 500 Index has averaged 9.7% CAGR under Democrats and 6.7% under Republicans
easyMarkets warns against Trump’s ‘wildcard factor’ on financial markets

Stocks, currencies and bonds are all sensitive to political change and a US presidential election is always a period of uncertainty for the markets. So how are the various markets likely to be impacted by the run up to the 2016 US presidential election, which takes place on 8 November?

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, believes that the wildcard factor of Donald Trump in this year’s election could have a big impact on the US economy. He explains,

“The rise of an anti-establishment candidate like Donald Trump speaks volumes about the desire for change in the US. Party-line politics have been left behind, with Trump standing out as a self-financed candidate who isn’t beholden to any special interest groups and doesn’t plan on following the usual script that most successful candidates use to reach the White House. This independence is both refreshing and worrying when it comes to the financial markets, as there are a lot of unknown factors at play, which could serve to make investors nervous over the coming months.”

Donald Trump’s musings on economic change and policy, should he become president, have already caused a stir. He has floated the idea of replacing Janet Yellen as Chair of the Federal Reserve and has highlighted the benefits of a weak dollar, commenting,

“While there are certain benefits, it sounds better to have a strong dollar than it actuality it is.”

Currency intervention is a risky business. A weaker dollar could benefit US multinationals, which have been struggling of late in the face of the greenback’s strength: Wall Street is in the process of recording its fourth consecutive quarter of earnings decline, in the face of weak international demand. However, currency intervention could easily prompt countries with a history of intervention, such as Japan, China and South Korea, to introduce additional measures to make their currencies more competitive.

In true establishment fashion, Mrs. Clinton has refused to make explicit comments on how to handle currency devaluation.

The US’s international trading position could also be under threat from Donald Trump’s approach to trade deals. His hardball approach includes large tariffs on imports, which could lead to both rising prices for consumers and tariff retaliation from other countries, making US exports less attractive. Trump’s planned major overhaul of US-China trade relations is also likely to cause a shift in the status quo. He has commented that he is not, “too afraid to protect and advance American interests and to challenge China to live up to its obligations.” However, the businessman has also promised to “win more” deals and successful negotiations certainly have the potential to strengthen the US’s trade position.

The uncertainty created by an upcoming election often weighs most heavily on stocks. Uncertainty is the bane of the financial markets, and investors react in unpredictable ways when they’re worried about the future. Investors are already wary of healthcare stocks, which Donald Trump’s repeatedly mentioned repeal of the Affordable Care Act could throw into a tailspin.

Hilary Clinton, as the establishment candidate, certainly has the backing of Wall Street, which has provided her with huge donations in support of her candidacy. She has said nothing that would be considered risky to the stock market and the support of Wall Street indicates a strong preference from financiers for the status quo, rather than the unknown.

However, it’s also a possibility that the huge corporate tax cuts proposed by Donald Trump could bolster US companies’ profitability and thus support stocks. John Stoltzfus of Oppenheimer comments,

“Markets always worry when uncertainty is a factor, and it is unclear which policies Trump would execute if elected. However, I’d expect him to enact policies that reflect his ability to successfully negotiate with people. He relies on good relationships with politicians and Wall Street, and I don’t expect that to change.”

Trump’s aggressive tax cuts could actually lead to massive growth in US GDP, with higher wages and more plentiful jobs. On the flip side, the tax cuts could reduce federal revenues by more than $10 trillion, leading to a massive deficit that could result in creditors demanding higher interest rates on US bonds. A promised overhaul of the tax code, including a one-time repatriation of corporate profits held overseas at a much lower tax rate could be extremely beneficial. The last such repatriation amnesty, in 2005, saw the dollar rise by 5%.

While it’s impossible to see the future, history has shown that US stocks perform better under Democratic administrations. The S&P 500 Index has averaged a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% under Democratic regimes versus 6.7% under Republican ones, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence figures. easyMarkets’ Nikolas Xenofontos adds,

“Analysis has also shown that the third year of a president’s office normally yields the highest average return. That means that those looking to the future can expect a strong US economy in 2018 and 2019, if historical patterns are borne out, regardless of who is elected this November. Having said which, the wildcard factor of Donald Trump really is something to watch – his success so far is shifting the fundamentals of US politics and nothing is certain as this election progresses!”

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

Spain named in Top 10 most attractive countries for real estate investment

by Eleanor Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Spain now listed in top ten countries in the world most attractive to prospective investors (Ernst & Young)
Residential property sales increase by 23.6% in May, highest recorded since January 2013 (INE)
“This season is looking to be one of the best, if not the best ever for Spain and the Islands” (Taylor Wimpey España)

As the Spanish summer heatwave continues, so too does the growing optimism surrounding its real estate market. According to the most recent findings published by Ernst & Young, Spain is now one of the top ten countries in the world most attractive to prospective investors.

The ‘Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction Capital Confidence Barometer’ report revealed Spain has climbed seven places to be ranked ninth amongst the top countries of greatest interest to investors looking to make an acquisition in the upcoming months. This substantial rise up the ranks has led to Spain overtaking destinations including France and Italy.

And it seems that savvy investors are already seeking out real estate within the Spanish market, as the latest figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) show that residential property sales increased by 23.6% in May this year. These numbers are the highest recorded since January 2013, confirming the confidence being placed in the current property landscape.

Having observed the market for over twenty years, Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, joins those who are confident in the future of Spanish real estate. He explains,

“Momentum is definitely building within the Spanish property sector and I think we can say that this season, in all terms, is looking to be one of the best in many years, if not the best ever for Spain and the Islands.”

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s latest opportunity is the beautiful sea front development, Panorama Mar, situated on Punta Prima Beach close to the beautiful town of Torrevieja. A Joint Venture project with Grupo Gomendio, this private residential complex offers an array of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed for both comfort and convenience, with 2 bathrooms and an underground parking space and storeroom.

With prices starting from just €234,000+VAT, every resident will be able to use the three communal swimming pools and Jacuzzi facility, as well as being granted direct access to the beach promenade. Each apartment in the first phase is south facing and therefore blessed with spacious terraces and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Whilst being an area of natural beauty right on the waterfront, Punta Prima is also blessed with excellent transport links. The San Javier Airport in Murcia is only a 30 minute drive and Alicante’s International Airport is just 45 minutes away.

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

‘World’s best islands’ bring holidaymakers and investors flocking to the Philippines

by Eleanor The Philippines Property Frontiers

International visitors account for 8.2% of GDP (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Domestic travellers spend 6 times as much as international tourists (Department of Tourism)
3 Filipino islands make it into World’s Best Islands list (Time and Leisure)
Investors rush to meet surge in demand for high end resorts (Property Frontiers)

The 7,000 islands of the Philippines provide a stunning landscape of sandy beaches, lush vegetation and sparkling seas. Teeming with aquatic life, as well as reefs and shipwrecks ideal for snorkelers and divers, the islands offer a tropical paradise that is charming holidaymakers and investors alike.

JLL’s newly published Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2016 shone the spotlight on the Philippines this month, when it found that the Asia Pacific region is the most improved in the world for real estate transparency. Meanwhile, Time and Leisure magazine has included three of the islands – Palawan, Boracay and Cebu – in its World’s Best Islands list.

The delightful natural setting of the Philippines is certainly proving a winner with holidaymakers. International visitor numbers have risen to the point that spending by foreign visitors accounted for 8.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 (equating to US$6.6 billion) and meaning that tourism is now officially the country’s third biggest export, according to the 2015 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts from the Philippine Statistics Authority. This increase in tourism has been marked in recent years: only five years ago, tourism accounted for just 4.3% of GDP.

The rise in visitor numbers has carried through into 2016. Department of Tourism data showed that international visitors increased by 8% in May 2016 compared with the previous May. In fact, the first five months of the year has seen international arrivals surpass the 2.5 million mark for the first time, representing a 13% increase over the same period in 2015.

Visitors are flocking to the Philippines from around the world. South Korea is the largest source of tourists at present, accounting for 1.3 million visitors in 2015 (25% of the total). The trend has held true so far in 2016, with South Korea accounting for 23.22% of visitors from January to April. The US comes second, accounting for 14.66% of international arrivals, with China in third place at 11.5%.

Hong Kong-based investment house CLSA has projected that the next few years may see Chinese visitors come to outnumber those from the US, following a rise in Chinese tourism to the Philippines of 62.44% in the year to April 2016. Philippine Airlines’ president and chief operating officer, Jaime Bautista, has echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence that the number of Chinese visitors to the Philippines could double in just three years. The airline has announced its intention to add another Chinese city to its range of destinations by the end of 2016 as a result of the rapidly increasing visitor numbers.

At the same time as international visitor numbers are rising to record levels, domestic tourism has also leapt. Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo is actively encouraging domestic travelers to discover more of their significant country, not least because Department of Tourism figures have shown that they spend six times as much as international visitors. Domestic tourists spent P1.5 trillion during 2015, compared with the P227 billion spent by visitors from abroad.

The increase in both domestic and international visitor numbers has created significant opportunities for investors in Philippines real estate. Ray Withers, CEO of specialist international property investment company Property Frontiers, explains,

“Demand for high end hotel accommodation in the Philippines has never been greater and the country is racing to increase supply enough to keep up with demand. With high quality new resorts required in key tourism hotspots, international investors are keen to buy into the Philippines now in order to be part of the wave of new construction that is required to service the increased level of visitors. JLL’s finding that the Asia Pacific region is the most improved in the world for real estate transparency has furthered this significant trend of international demand for resort investments in the Philippines.”

Portofino Ocean’s Edge resort is a prime example. The ultra-luxurious, 5* clifftop resort on Carabao Island, minutes by boat from top island Boracay, boasts a private jetty and helipad for stylish arrivals, an infinity pool, spa and wellness centre for perfect pampering and a restaurant, bar and cliff edge clubhouse for socializing. There’s also an idyllic private beach for making the most of the stunning scenery that the Philippines provides.

Investors can own their own piece of Portofino Ocean’s Edge resort for just USD 109,000, including 10% interest during construction (now underway) and expected 15% NET return (underwritten at 10% minimum). Investment in the resort also includes 14 days of personal use per year, for the ultimate lifestyle benefit.

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

Happy parents head to the sunshine as UK councils drop term-time holiday cases

by Eleanor Spain United Kingdom Kyero

• 10 councils drop cases against parents for taking term-time holidays
• Spanish house prices to rise 5% this year (Moody’s)
• Bargain buys in top locations available across Spain – but not for long! (Kyero.com)

Parents across the UK are enjoying their summer holidays and heading into the sunshine with their families, while back home the news spreads that 10 councils have now dropped cases against those who took their children on holiday during term-time. A further six councils have stopped issuing fines and 11 more are reviewing their policies, after Isle of Wight father Jon Platt won his High Court case earlier this year, with the court backing his refusal to pay a penalty for taking his daughter to Disneyworld during term-time.

Seen as a victory for parents across the country, Platt’s case has meant the body of support for the lifting of the term-time holiday ban has grown rapidly. The current law means that parents are forced to take their children away only during holiday periods, when travel costs are considerably higher. The lifting of the ban would give greater flexibility to families and allow them to reduce the costs of their trips abroad.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, comments,

“Nobody wants to pay over the odds and a lifting of the term-time holiday ban would certainly put parents in a stronger position when it comes to affording their family holidays, although of course any such move would need to be balanced by ensuring that children’s education was not disrupted in any way. It’s a difficult matter to rule on, hence Mr Platt going all the way to the High Court!

“Certainly by being to travel outside of peak season, parents would be able to save money on their holidays. For some families, such a move would also make owning a holiday home a more viable prospect. Being able to use their second home at times when flights are cheaper is yet another addition to the attractions of owning a home in the sunshine.”

Dell goes on to recommend Spain as an excellent choice right now. International ratings agency Moody’s has forecast that Spanish house prices will rise by 5% this year, meaning buyers can look forward to the expectation of capital growth, as well as having a wonderful home of their own in Spain to enjoy. Couple with that is the fact that prices are still low in many areas of Spain, even in top locations.

A beautiful four bedroom, three bathroom villa with sizeable pool in the olive-growing region of Seville can be purchased for €133,000. A summer house on the edge of the garden and a self-contained studio above the garage offering flexible entertaining and living space for families of all shapes and sizes.

Even in the tourist hotspot of Marbella, bargains are still to be had. This two bedroom apartment with several pools boasts sea views, marble floors and a large covered terrace, all within a private, gated complex. Costing just €99,500, it would make an ideal family holiday apartment for those wanting to enjoy the Marbella lifestyle but without the usual hefty pricetag.

Barcelona also still offers some surprising bargains. This bright, modern apartment with three bedrooms is available for €95,000 and would make an ideal second home for families looking for a base from which to enjoy the cultural sights and gourmet pleasures of this fascinating city.

From rural retreats to coastal complexes to big city bolt-holes, Spain has serious bargains available to those who know where to look. But with property prices due to rise and greater flexibility over holiday times making second home ownership more attractive to parents, buyers need to act fast if they want to get maximum value.

For further details on Spanish second homes for the whole family, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit data.kyero.com.

Construction commences to bring iconic central Liverpool Beatles ballroom back to life

by Eleanor United Kingdom Property Frontiers

Reece’s Ballroom being restored to former glory as Parker Street Residences
More than 50% of Liverpool city centre population aged 22-29 (Centre for Cities)
Liverpool City Region economy worth £23.1bn (Local Enterprise Partnership)
Iconic L1 apartments available from £69,950 (Property Frontiers)

An iconic Liverpool institution, Reece’s Ballroom, is due to be given a new lease of life, with construction now underway on the tasteful transformation of the disused commercial property into residential apartments.

Work began this month on the development, known as Parker Street Residences, which will offer spacious apartments with 24/7 on-site concierge service, security, bicycle storage and gym membership.

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, which has just 11 units left for sale at the development, comments,

“It’s fantastic to see work beginning at Parker Street Residences. This building has such a rich history and I’m delighted to see this new chapter in its story getting underway. Properties like this in such a central location are few and far between and we’ve already seen an exceptional level of demand for the apartments.”

Reece’s Ballroom was the jewel in the crown of a string of cafés owned by Reece & Sons, who also boasted their own dairy and bakery. A popular social spot, Reece’s Ballroom included not just a dancehall but also a café and restaurant, where the great and the good of Liverpool in days gone by would meet to dine and dance the night away.

One of the venue’s most famous hires was by Beatle John Lennon, who held his wedding reception there after marrying his first wife, Cynthia Powell, mother to his son Julian Lennon.

Parker Street Residences, which is due for completion by June 2017, will begin a new phase in the building’s history, restoring this piece of Liverpool’s heritage to its former glory in a new form for a new generation.

The soft strip works have commenced, with the demolition and structural alterations of the building beginning early next month. The steelwork and structure for the roof is due to commence in September. October will see the windows replaced, while construction of levels six and seven will begin in November. Those levels are due for completion by April 2017, with the internal fit out works completed by June 2017 and overall completion in August 2017, ready for the first tenants to move in.

Employment opportunities in Liverpool city centre have fuelled rapid population growth in recent years. The Liverpool City Region is a £23.1bn economy according to the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership and the thriving financial situation has led to an influx of young professionals looking for a city centre lifestyle. The city centre’s population more than doubled in the decade to 2011 according to Census figures, with Centre for Cities reporting that over 50% of those residents were between the ages of 22 and 29.

Apartments at Parker Street Residences are available for investment from £69,950 for a studio, with yields of 8% NET.