Want to add value to your property? Be sure to keep a metro map handy!

Want to add value to your property? Be sure to keep a metro map handy!

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Proximity to tram stop increases home value by 4.6% (Nationwide)
  • Manchester Metrolink area house sales up 15% in 2014 (JMW Solicitors)
  • Contemporary apartments 150m from tram stop for just £127,000 (Property Frontiers)

It’s official – Manchester property owners are mad about the Metrolink. In fact, data from Nationwide has revealed that buyers in the city are prepared to pay 4.6% more on average for a home that is within 500 meters of a tram stop. This equates to a tram stop adding £8,300 to the value of a typical home.

Smart investments

The finding is great news for buy-to-let property investors savvy enough to do their homework on the location of the property that they are buying. Custom Quay, in the Salford Quays area of Greater Manchester, is a perfect example. The property is just 150 metres from the nearest tram stop, meaning that central Manchester is accessible in just 15 minutes. Such a quick connection adds instant appeal to a rental property, attracting commuters who want to live outside of the city centre but who need easy access to it for work.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers, comments,

“Having a Metrolink so close to a property is excellent news all round. For the investor, it makes their property a more valuable asset. It also means that demand from potential tenants is likely to be higher and that the property can command a higher yield as a result. It also makes properties easier to sell, should investors wish to do so.”

This is certainly the case in Manchester, where house sales in the Metrolink region rose by an average of 15% in 2014. In some regions, sales even doubled, according to law firm JMW Solicitors LLP. The company’s Andrew Garvie, head of Private Client, observes,

“It makes the home more attractive and easier to sell, coupled with sustainable house prices.”

Metrolink Madness

Metrolink, which in 2013/14 transported some 29.2 million passengers along its seven lines according to the Department for Transport, was the UK’s first modern, street-running rail system, having opened in 1992. Today, it is an essential component of Greater Manchester’s transportation network, with three new lines having opened in 2014. Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee, comments,

“With three new tram lines opening in 2014, Metrolink is now connecting more people with more places than ever before – making it easy to get to employment and leisure opportunities across Greater Manchester.

“Metrolink offers excellent, direct links to the city and further afield, making the areas it passes through popular with homebuyers.”

Many of those buyers are purchasing their property not to live in it but as an investment and the Metrolink effect is an important consideration for those who want to maximise profits, such as buyers at Custom Quay, where a selection of one and two bedroom duplex apartments are available from £127,000. With plans in place for a further line to be added by 2019, which would bring the Trafford Centre into the network, it looks like the Metrolink’s impact on everything from yields to property value is here to stay.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Spain becomes the new EU buy-to-let hotspot in wake of surging demand for rental property

Spain becomes the new EU buy-to-let hotspot in wake of surging demand for rental property

by Kate Spain
  • Spanish rental sector doubles in size in 5 years (National Statistics Institute)
  • Yields of up to 7.6% available for long-term lets (Idealista)
  • Strong demand from both Spanish nationals and foreign residents (Kyero)

In Spain, as in many other countries, home ownership has historically been seen as preferable to renting a property, due to the security and investment that ownership provides. However, the economic events of the past decade have brought about a shift in the Spanish long-term rentals market, with increasing numbers of people opting to rent either as a lifestyle choice or due to an inability to get onto the housing ladder.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, the portal which lists property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals, explains,

“The past few years have seen a significant increase in the number of people in Spain looking to rent property on a long-term basis. Kyero’s long-term rentals site has experienced strong demand, from Spanish nationals and from foreign residents, while our sales site has received interest from investors looking to build up buy-to-let portfolios while property prices remain low.”

The promise of improving yields has prompted many investors to turn to Spain as the next buy-to-let destination of choice. Figures from Idealista reveal that yields have increased from 4.7% a year ago, to 5.3% currently. Popular tourist areas, such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offered returns of up to 6%. A modern, one bedroom apartment with sea view can be rented out for €700 per month, while a spacious three bedroom townhouse with sweeping views of the bay and port costs from as little as €145,000.

Nor is it just tourist areas that offer strong returns. The highest yielding area, according to the Idealista figures, is the Catalonian regional capital of Lleida, where returns have reached 7.6%. A two bedroom, three bathroom, high spec apartment with balcony there can be picked up for €207,800.

The news that Spanish rents rose for the first time in seven years in Q1 2015 is further piquing the interest of buy-to-let investors with their eye on solid returns. According to Fotocasa, the average price of rental accommodation rose by 2.8% during the first quarter of this year, to €6.96 per square metre per month.

Added to all of this is the surge in demand from tenants, with the size of the rental sector more than doubling from 7% just over five years ago to 16.6% in 2014, according to figures from the National Statistics Institute’s Continuous Household Survey.

While more than half of rented homes house foreign tenants, Spanish nationals are increasingly looking to rent due to the flexibility that doing so provides. Following nearly a decade of high unemployment, the Profile of the Tenant in 2014 study has revealed that labour mobility is the main reason that many opt to rent a property rather than purchase one.

The same study provides an interesting insight into the average tenant, who is aged between 35 and 44 years old, married and with a university education. They are professional tenants with families, looking to rent due to the freedom that this provides for employment purposes (22%), the ability to rent in a city other than where they ultimately intend to settle (16%) and the possibility of accessing homes that they could not afford to buy (15%).

This last point is particularly interesting to buy-to-let investors, as it emphasises the increasing focus of tenants on high spec properties with luxury features. Whether it is proximity to a beach, a stunning roof terrace or fabulous sea views, a property with something extra special will certainly attract heightened demand from potential tenants.

With rental yields in the UK and other popular buy-to-let destinations beginning to be squeezed due to rising property prices, the combination of healthy yields, soaring demand and low purchase prices might just see Spain emerge as Europe’s next buy-to-let hotspot.

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

Welcome to Spain – holidays don’t get easier than this

Welcome to Spain – holidays don’t get easier than this

by Kate Spain
  • Spain tops Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index for first time (World Economic Forum)
  • Spanish visitor numbers up 4.4% on previous year (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
  • Buying property in Spain is a ‘swift and easy process’ (Taylor Wimpey España)

There are some people for whom the idea of the perfect holiday involves exploring almost unchartered corners of the globe: following goat trails up remote mountains, or paddling a tiny canoe through a rainforest alive with the buzz of insects and the calls of colourful, exotic birds. Then there is the much larger group of tourists whose vacation demands are much simpler: they want somewhere warm to relax, with a nice pool, a beach nearby and a few good restaurant options for dinner.

While the first group of travellers are online trying to charter tiny propeller planes to take them to the back of beyond, following 20 hours of exhausting travel by plane, boat, bus and donkey, the second need look no further than the sunny shores of Spain, which has just been voted the world’s most tourist-friendly country.

It is the first time that Spain has topped the global biennial World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, having come fourth in 2013 and eighth in 2011. The Iberian country took top marks for its cultural resources and was ranked fourth globally both for supporting tourists’ online searches for entertainment and for infrastructure. Essentially, Spain is the very essence of an easy holiday in the sun.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España and resident of the Spanish island of Mallorca, comments,

“Spain is such a friendly country that it really deserves the top spot. It’s a wonderful place to visit and makes everything so easy, even for tourists who speak no more Spanish than a simple ‘gracias.’ Even buying property here is a swift and easy process compared to many other countries, so Spain is the ideal location for a second home.”

Second home ownership in Spain is extremely popular with buyers from the UK, Scandinavia and Belgium, as well as from other areas of Europe and beyond and, of course, owning a second home there makes the holiday booking process even easier. There’s no worrying about reading hotel reviews, trying to work out where the nearest beaches are or whether or not the villa you want to rent will be available. All that needs booking is a flight and away you go.

In keeping with all things easy, those looking for key-ready Spanish properties would do well to consider Cala Magrana III, at Porto Cristo, Mallorca. With two bedroom apartments available from €230,000, the complex enjoys close proximity to the sea, the marina of Porto Cristo and several excellent golf courses. Ground floor apartments feature spacious terraces and private gardens, while those on the top floor have wonderful roof terraces. The development is finished off with a sizeable swimming pool and richly scented communal gardens.

Certainly Spain’s charms are working for the masses. 16 million international tourists visited the country during the first four months of 2015, up 4.4% over the previous year, according to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism. Brits accounted for 3.3 million visitors, followed by the French at 2.6 million and Germans at 2.5 million. Regardless of their origin, all of these travellers have had the chance to enjoy the ease of visiting Spain and the chance to soak up some sunshine with barely a moment’s hassle.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Let’s look at Lisbon – investing in the Queen of the Sea

Let’s look at Lisbon – investing in the Queen of the Sea

by Kate Portugal
  • Portugal property prices up 1.81% in the year to March 2015 (INE)
  • Lisbon buy-to-let market ‘experiencing strong demand’ (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Yields of up to 6.41% on Lisbon apartments (Global Property Guide)

Lisbon is a city of many faces. Known as A Cidade das Sete Colinas (The City of Seven Hills), Rainha do Mar (Queen of the Sea) and A Cidade da Tolerância (The City of Tolerance), it is an intriguing destination that combines an old-world charm with a sleek modern offering. From the chic shopping streets of the Chiado to the vibrant nightlife of the Bairro Alto, it is a city with delights hidden around every corner.

Lisbon’s history as a port is an important part of the city’s heritage and still offers a bustling trade today, with cruise ships, pleasure boats and goods vessels docking in the Queen of the Sea’s harbour from all over the world. At present, the dockside is humming with boats participating in the Volvo Ocean Race, ready for the In-Port Race on 6 June 2015, with the leg to Lorient starting the following day.

As well as sailing enthusiasts and tourists, Lisbon is increasingly on the radar of buy-to-let property investors, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, reveals,

“Lisbon has long been overlooked for its potential as a rental property investment destination, but the combination of price reductions, heightened demand and competitive yields has led to a surge in investment in the city, particularly among those looking for long-term buy-to-let investments. Investors are looking for modern apartment properties that are perfect for professional tenants. The market is all about the added extras right now, with upscale buy-to-let properties experiencing strong demand.”

White cites the example of the Ávila 81 apartments, on Avenida Duque d’Ávila. Located in an upmarket borough of the city, just steps from the Saldanha and the Jardim do Arco do Cego, the high end apartments are close to transport links and schools, as well as a host of retail outlets, restaurants and other amenities. A typical four bedroom contemporary apartment in the development offers a host of attractive modern essentials, including a home automation system, under-floor heating in the bathrooms, HVAC system chiller, whirlpools, mirror defrosters, LED lighting, natural stone in the kitchens and bathrooms and a high gloss kitchen complete with AEG appliances. Security doors and intrusion alarms also come as standard and all for under €1 million – prices start at €986,250 for a four bedroom property (and at €560,000 for a two bed).

Many buyers see now as the perfect time to look at Lisbon’s property market. After years of falling prices, values finally began to increase again in 2014 and have risen by 1.81% in the year to March 2015 according to data from Statistics Portugal (INE), with an average current price of €1,011 per square metre. At the same time as prices are rising, the number of properties being built is falling. The Global Property Guide reports,

“Dwelling completions continue to plunge in 2014, with completions down by 54% y-o-y to 9,429 units.”

With fewer properties on the market as a result, one can reasonably expect that heightened demand will serve to push prices up further. At the same time, the Global Property Guide is reporting “moderate to good yields on Lisbon apartments, ranging up to 6.41%.”

The lowered prices and potential for healthy returns are drawing in property investors from around the globe. According to a market report from Jones Lang LaSalle, foreign investment in Portugal’s property market rose from 45% in 2012 to a staggering 70% in 2013. Portugal’s tax benefits to foreign buyers are the icing on the cake: the Non-Habitual Residents scheme and the Golden Residence Permit make it an attractive investment destination for buyers both inside and outside of Europe.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

From the swinging 60’s to the present day: Celebrating 50 years of Barton Wyatt

From the swinging 60’s to the present day: Celebrating 50 years of Barton Wyatt

by Kate United Kingdom
  • 2015 sees Virginia Water’s leading estate agency turn 50
  • Average GU25 house price leaps from £10,000, in 1965 to £1,083,175in 2015
  • Property prices increased nearly 11,000% between 1965 and 2015.

Fifty years ago, in 1965, specialist estate agency Barton Wyatt first opened their doors to the public in Virginia Water. It was the start of a business venture that was to span five decades, helping thousands to find the home of their dreams in leafy, peaceful Surrey.

James Wyatt, Partner of this highly respected and multi award-winning Virginia Water business coincidentally also celebrates his 50th birthday this year, having been just a babe in arms when the business started trading from the High Street in Virginia Water in the peak of the swinging sixties.

The private estate in Virginia Water – well known as Wentworth was already starting to attract celebrities who liked the idea of having an out-of-town address for the weekends.  At that time, Diana Dors was often spotted cruising around Wentworth in her open-top azure blue Rolls with pimped-out white leather interior.

James Wyatt remembers,

“Wentworth has always been rather well-known for its lavish parties.  In the 60’s the growing celeb crowd wanted to make their mark and where better than hosting a ‘do’ in your Surrey pad a short drive from Carnaby Street!  Babycham and Vermouth were being liberally mixed with fashionable substances such as mescaline and LSD as the swinging 60’s melded into the 70’s and our village became recognised as a magnet for A-listers.”

In the 70’s the gaggle of notorious Wentworth celebs expanded.  Diana Dors was joined by chart topping musicians – a couple of Bee Gees, Elton John  and singer Chris Squire from Yes.

The other big-name celeb who James Wyatt remembers arriving in the 70s was England’s much loved Sir Bruce Forsythe, who still enjoys his property on the estate today.

During the 80’s the celebs moved on and city gents and international businessmen and women moved in. Today we like to think of the estate as demure and private, with a sedate pace of life. What happens behind huge imposing gates, stays behind the gates, where families enjoy privacy and tranquility in this beautiful part of Surrey.

Back in 1965, Barton Wyatt quickly established itself as the local, loyal and trustworthy estate agency and those qualities are as much present today as they were 50 years ago.  The great work that Wyatt Senior put into building this immense agency has been taken even further forward by his charming sons, James and Rupert.

Rupert Wyatt comments,

“I was born with estate agency coursing through my veins.  From the early years James and I were involved in the business.  Starting with good old fashioned leaflet dropping, which was so popular in the 80’s – not much fun on an estate where each house has a ridiculously long drive – thank goodness for my Raleigh chopper!”

The changes in running an estate agency over 50 years are remarkable, although the foundations that make a good estate agency haven’t altered as James explains,

“People buy from people; my father was a stickler for manners and keeping promises.  This is in our genes and I hope my children will be true to these Wyatt values.  The other thing that hasn’t changed is the increase in property prices.  Apart from the odd little blip, prices have continued to soar here for 50 years.”

While sticking with traditional values, Barton Wyatt is also embracing the contemporary touches that have enabled the company to thrive as the information age progresses. This year sees the implementation of a giant touch screen window display.  Gone are the days of static printed property details – the next generation screen really makes the office ‘open all hours.’  Viewing property details, making an enquiry and asking for advice are at the tips of customers’ fingers, 24/7.

Estate agency brochures are also blending the old with the new. Customers love them but they have evolved from simple paper prints to glossy, high quality publications. On occasion for particularly luxurious properties, Barton Wyatt even includes a watchable video within the brochure.

Of course, the style of houses has changed considerably over the years, with older style Tarrant properties slowly being replaced by Russianesque mansions and neo-Georgian piles, many with deep underground living areas to maximise house size.

The facilities at the prestigious Wentworth Club have also scaled up over the years – in 1965 there were two 18 hole courses, a handful of tennis courts and an outside swimming pool.  Today there are three 18 hole courses, 13 beautiful tennis courts and a wonderful indoor pool and spa with multi gym.  Even the coffee has (thankfully) improved with age – goodbye jar of instant, hello luxury ground coffee.

For more details on Barton Wyatt’s 50th year please contact them on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Hooked on Health: Why wellness begins at home

Hooked on Health: Why wellness begins at home

by Kate Turkey
  • Wellness tourism economy to increase 9.1% annually until 2017 (Global Wellness Institute)
  • Middle East wellness tourism market rises by 39% in just one year (Spafinder Wellness 365)
  • Significant growth of wellness Tourism features being transferred to the home (Universal21)

According to the latest report from the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism economy is worth $439 billion, accounting for an incredible 14% of all tourism spending worldwide in 2013. This figure is projected to increase by 9.1% annually until 2017, totalling a growth rate that is nearly 50% higher than that of overall global tourism.

A trend set to impact tourism on an international scale, wellness has indubitably started to influence property markets around the world, with health and wellbeing related facilities becoming key features in many homes.

Indeed with travel now an integral part of everyday life, this emerging demand to make healthy choices whilst on the go is growing, for both business and leisure travellers. And although the success of wellness tourism is affecting the global market, it is the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa which have seen the most growth. The 2015 Spafinder Wellness 365 report highlights this industry development, with the former region showing a 39% growth and the latter 57% from 2012 to 2013.

With many wellness travellers now choosing a destination for cultural experiences, as well as its ability to optimise their health, Turkey is a becoming a favourite location due to its modern-day dedication to wellbeing. A recent study by Euromonitor International indicates that this touristic trend is now developing within Turkey’s domestic population, with their findings suggesting that as income and education levels rise, so does the consciousness of Turkish consumers when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

Monica Anca, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in Istanbul, Turkey, further explains how this change is being implemented, with features of wellness tourism entering the home,

“The World Health Organisation defines ‘wellness’ as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. There has been a definite shift in the tourism market towards wellbeing and the demand to provide services that do not only maintain a level of health, but also encourage and enrich such a lifestyle. Inevitably this trend is beginning to appear within the property market, with owners looking to benefit from similar features on a more day to day basis in their homes.

“We have certainly noticed an increase in health and wellbeing related enquiries especially within the Middle Eastern market, as investors look to ensure that properties are able to meet this growing demand. Constantly striving to guarantee client satisfaction, we take all the needs and demands of potential buyers into account when choosing new projects and hope to continue leading the market with original and contemporary real estate facilities.

“We are certainly surprised at how many people are using Istanbul for health reasons including such treatments as hair transplants, eye laser treatment and a whole host of operations and treatments. It is certainly a booming market especially when you consider that the city of Istanbul provides medical services with fifty-five public hospitals, five University hospitals and one hundred and six private hospitals from which twenty-one are in the process of being accredited. It’s the city with most accredited private hospitals by JCI.”

Universal 21’s latest development, Diamond Residence, is one such example of a development where we have organised an array of health and wellbeing amenities that are often more associated with luxury resorts and spas, the innovative design of this modern property allows for exclusive features, including a vitamin bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, massage room and a Turkish bath.

Diamond Residence is located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, a district of Istanbul renowned for its green open spaces. Similar to many European cities in relation to high amount of green space per person, Beylikdüzü houses an abundance of nature, with trees lining roads and walkways in addition to a stunning botanical park. Research published in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2014, demonstrates that living near parks and green spaces in towns and cities boosts your mental well-being, making Beylikdüzü a perfect setting to enhance a lifestyle of proactive health and wellbeing.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

At a Glance: Demand climbs for Christ Church property

At a Glance: Demand climbs for Christ Church property

by Kate World
  • Saint James most popular property destination in Barbados
  • Overseas demand rising for Christ Church
  • Hastings most sought-after location
  • One to watch: Brighton (Saint George) rising hotspot for 2015

Demand is climbing for property in Christ Church, TheMoveChannel.com’s new Barbados infographic reveals. The portal’s At a Glance report, which compares buyer activity in the past 12 months to two years ago, shows that the popularity of Christ Church is catching up with Saint James.

Saint James remains the number one destination for buyers of property in Barbados, accounting for 38.98 per cent of enquiries in the 12 months to April 2015 – up slightly from 38.83 per cent in the year to April 2013. Interest in Christ Church, though, is rising. The surfer hotspot accounted for 36.67 per cent of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com, up from 30.06 per cent in 2013.

Christ Church is now the most sought after area on the island, as Hastings overtook Holetown in Saint James to top the list of searched for locations. Hastings now accounts for more than 1 in 10 Barbados searches on the site (11.02 per cent, up from 9.4 per cent two years ago).

Demand also stayed strong for Atlantic Shores, Silver Sands and Maxwell: Christ Church is now home to four of the top 10 most popular locations in Barbados on TheMoveChannel.com. Saint James, on the other hand, accounts for three of the top 10, including the resorts of Sandy Lane and Westmoreland. Holetown fell to fourth in the search rankings, as Atlantic Shores rose into third place. Brighton, in Saint George, is a rising hotspot on the island, becoming the second most searched for location (up from 55th place in April 2013).

Saint Peter, next to Saint James, saw its share of enquiries rise from 13.57 per cent to 14.73 per cent. Saint Philip, next to Christ Church, on the other hand, saw enquiries drop from 13.68 per cent to 8.22 per cent. Saint Lucy, Saint Andrew and Saint John continued to attract no enquiries at all.

The At a Glance infographic also charts buyer behaviour on Google. Internet searches for “property for sale in Barbados”, “Barbados property” and “property in Barbados” have all increased in the past two years. Most notable of all, though, are searches for “houses for sale in Barbados”, which became the most used keyword relating to Barbadian real estate between August and October 2014.

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments: “The Barbados property market has always been fuelled by wealthy buyers, with prime property in Saint James attracting the most attention. The resilience of the luxury real estate sector during times of wider economic uncertainty has helped to support activity on the Platinum Coast in the past two years

“Christ Church, though, is rising in popularity, thanks to its appeal among surfers and holidaymakers, as well as its more affordable property prices. The rising interest among less wealthy buyers has helped to drive up searches on Google. The increasing interest in houses for sale in Barbados, though, which are searched for significantly more than apartments, highlights just how stable demand for prime property on the island remains.”

Click here see the full Barbados At a Glance infographic.

 

— ENDS —

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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New Northern Powerhouse Minister set to take on the South

New Northern Powerhouse Minister set to take on the South

by Kate United Kingdom
  • James Wharton becomes first Northern Powerhouse Minister
  • PM David Cameron heads North for first post-election visit
  • Salford Quays tourism revenue up to £544 million annually (STEAM)

Stockton South MP James Wharton has become the first Northern Powerhouse Minister under the new Conservative government. Under his leadership, the cities of the north are expected to unite to take on the South and redress the economic imbalance of the North-South divide.

MPs in London have been looking up at the North of England for some time, conscious of the importance of the area’s manufacturing, scientific and technology sectors. Manchester has become something of a favourite for speeches by ministers and is seen by many as the capital of the North. Leading companies have ditched London in favour of areas like Salford. Stockton-on-Tees was the setting for Prime Minister David Cameron’s first post-election visit.

The Northern Powerhouse concept was one first coined by Chancellor George Osborne. In simple terms, the idea is for the North of England to present a united front, harnessing its industrial might to take on the established powerhouse of the South-East. Businesses are certainly aware of the North’s potential and even some of the country’s peers are taking up the cause, with Labour peer Andrew Adonis suggesting relocating the House of Lords to Salford Quays.

Salford is certainly enjoying its position in the spotlight. Recently release figures have highlighted the area’s tourism credentials, with a £24 million boost in tourism revenue recorded by the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) in 2013, pushing the total year figure up to £544 million. The increase generated some 184 new fulltime equivalent jobs over the course of the year, according to the STEAM data.

Leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers have been aware of Salford’s potential for some time. Chief Executive Ray Withers comments,

“Salford is one of the most exciting housing markets in the UK right now. A steady stream of high profile companies moving into the area has brought with it an influx of young professionals looking for high quality apartments with a touch of luxury. Added to that is the influence of the Lowry Theatre, which has been Greater Manchester’s top tourist attraction for a number of years.

“Salford Quays has a real energy to it these days. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and yet retains the elegance of lifestyle that only waterfront living can provide.”

Property Frontiers is delighted to be able to offer investors their own part of Salford Quays for as little as £127,000 for a duplex. The Custom Quay development will consist of 60 one and two bedroom apartments and duplexes in an iconic waterfront building, with yields of 8.4% and full management option available. Stylish, light-filled space is at the heart of the design, which is in perfect tune with the area’s current renaissance as one of the most influential parts of the Northern Powerhouse.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Concierge service, airport transfers, room cleaning service… 5 star hotel? No, this is today’s Collegiate student accommodation

Concierge service, airport transfers, room cleaning service… 5 star hotel? No, this is today’s Collegiate student accommodation

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Hotel-esque services, such as concierge and airport transfers, part of new student accommodation offering
  • Hotel industry concierge recruitment up 25% in Q4 2014 (Caterer.com)
  • Collegiate AC provide hotel-style lobbies, club lounges and concierge in luxurious UK student properties

The door-to-door service of a private airport transfer and a 24-hour on-demand concierge provision, ready to serve each and any whim, are usually the luxurious extras associated with the world’s very best 5 star hotels. Yet these are the very services, alongside many other additional luxury facilities, which are being offered in today’s new student accommodation.

A far cry from the student properties of old, where dilapidated, cramped conditions often came as standard, this very modern take on student ‘digs’ provides a much-needed evolution to the market, putting first-class living to the absolute fore of design and innovation in this growing sector.

Leading provider of luxury student property, Collegiate AC, whose message is ‘Student living. Just better’, has launched a range of standout university accommodation options around the UK that turn the notion of what constitutes a student property on its head, paving the way for luxurious student living.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains more,

“Student life can be stressful, pressured, busy and adjusting to a life away from the family home, which for many is also a move overseas, is often not an easy transition. In answer to this, a student property should not only provide a comfortable and safe living environment, today it can also provide a home with a sense of community that is unique and luxurious, with a focus on lifestyle, making student living fun, exciting and a reflection of ambitions. It is through our additional extras that we add a wow to the university experience.”

This new high end student accommodation is being launched in line with a growing demand in the wider world towards greater luxury. Increasing numbers of HNWIs are making the UK their home, with London at the centre of this growth in a moneyed population who demand more from their bricks and mortar.

It is for this reason that the concierge industry is booming, with IBISWorld’s Business Concierge Services market research report predicting that the contribution of the sector to the economy will grow at an average rate of 4.2% annually to 2019. In line with this, concierge recruitment in the hotel industry is also increasing by an impressive extent, with the Caterer.com Quarterly Hospitality Employment Index showing a 25% growth in such recruitment in Q4 2014, compared to the same period the previous year.

The demands of modern urban life are unavoidable: smart phones flash at every turn with an incoming communication, notifications appear from social media activity begging for unerring attention, time is undoubtedly at a premium, and this is especially true for university students. This is where the use of an on-site concierge, a service offered in many of Collegiate AC’s properties, is hugely valuable, ensuring that some of the stress is taken out of student life. From top restaurant bookings to the best places to visit and help to source valuable resources and the hottest tickets in town, this service, usually the domain of the finest hotels, is now the mainstay of the finest student accommodation too.

And a 24-hour concierge service is not the only luxury being offered in today’s new Collegiate AC breed of student property. Hotel-style lobbies are standard, cleaning services are a highly popular option, free high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi are a given, 50 channels are viewable via digital TV, and a Club Lounge, an ultra-luxurious feature, provides the feel of an exclusive private members’ club.

Meeting the expectations of the Millennials, who are at the centre of this modern way of living, such luxurious hotel-style features make it easy to forget that you are in a student property once you step through the door of these hospitality-led living environments.

Fusion Tower in Bristol, for example, offer the services of an onsite, round-the-clock concierge and management team, that can even take delivery of groceries and place them in refrigeration for busy students, as well as the security and electronic access usually found in a top hotel. The luxury Club Lounge is an expertly tailored social space that is second to none, modern and sleek, with a design-led feel.

With Collegiate AC properties also offering the option of airport transfers, perfect for those students arriving from overseas, as well an optional cleaning service, akin to the traditional maid service of a 5 star hotel, individual properties have their very own special luxurious facilities.

Saxon Court Apartments, Reading’s premier student accommodation, boasts a range of high-specification studio apartments, complete with 32″ flat screen TVs, and benefits from 24-hour on-call support. 333 Bath Street in Glasgow, meanwhile, offers luxurious touches such as an exclusive private dining room, enabling students to host their friends in style, and a private gym with the very latest fitness equipment.

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

Italian market one to watch in 2015 as UK and American property buyers return

Italian market one to watch in 2015 as UK and American property buyers return

by Kate Italy
  • Italy receives three times as many enquiries from potential property buyers in Jan 2015 vs Jan 2014 (Savills)
  • Favourable exchange rate with £1 = €1.40 tempts UK and American buyers back to Italy
  • Tuscany is most researched region in Italy (Rightmove Overseas, April 2015)

Since the global financial crisis back in 2007, Italy has fought hard to return as a competitor within the European real estate industry but with recent reports suggesting that the worst is now over, it’s now re-emerging as a hot property market.

Global real estate consultants Cushman & Wakefield’s provisional figures for 2014 reveal a 20%+ growth in commercial real estate investment in Italy in comparison with the previous year and it is predicted that this trend will continue in 2015.

Savills too confirms this latest movement in the Italian housing market, having received three times as many enquiries from potential buyers this January vs January 2014. Savills’ Associate Director of the international department suggests that a catalyst for this latest spark of interest in Italian property is an increase in UK and American buyers. Having diminished in recent years these buyers are now returning, with a weakening Euro creating an array of attractive property prices.

With the current exchange rate favouring the US dollar and the British pound, foreign buyers can expect to get more for their money and thus consider a wider range of properties. The PwC and Urban Land Institute’s ‘Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015’ report emphasises that Italy can offer some of the best property opportunities in Europe, with numerous options available in Puglia, Lake Como and Tuscany. These areas are traditionally popular with overseas investors and continue to appeal to potential buyers, especially those based in the United States.

Foreign buyers often have an affiliation with the region in which they purchase, be it a previous visit, family connection or a longstanding love affair with la dolce vita. Simone Rossi, Marketing Manager of Tuscany’s Terre Gialle Residence & Resort, a 20-acre estate offering a range of property options, comments further on the ideology of many buyers and the current status of the Euro in the global economy,

“When foreign buyers look to Italy for a second home or investment opportunity, the majority will have a dreamlike image of Italian life and how they can immerse themselves in the traditions and culture. We have definitely noticed an influx of inquiries from UK and American buyers looking to fulfil this dream with buyers specifically interested in Tuscany.

“With the latest expert exchange rates forecasts suggesting that the Euro is set to remain the weaker global currency for the immediate future, today’s overseas buyers are presented with the chance to purchase beautiful Italian property at a reduced price.”

According to Rightmove Overseas’ statistical data for April 2015, Italy is within the top 5 most searched for countries in relation to purchasing properties abroad. The report also highlights that Tuscany’s real estate market is currently the most researched region in Italy, confirming its status as an indisputable favourite location amongst foreign buyers.

Set in the celebrated rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside is the beautiful Terre Gialle Residence & Resort, an estate that is becoming a firm favourite with both UK and US buyers. The Residence at the heart of this distinctive estate has origins dating back to the 18th century, ensuring that the apartments housed therein are unique and full of traditional charm whilst having been restored to high modern standards.

Featuring wood-beamed or vaulted terracotta ceilings, stone walls and handmade furniture, the studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available on a whole ownership basis, reflect the original character of the building, with prices ranging from €93,500 to €176,000. Alongside this, the Resort offers a range of modern 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom villas available on a shared ownership basis, where 1/12th fractions, start from €28,000 (excluding maintenance costs), providing four weeks usage a year.

Terre Gialle Residence & Resort exudes a unique elegant atmosphere with high quality services, a swimming pool with whirlpool, a well-kept park with nature trails and sports facilities, a tennis court and bowling green. As well as an array of extensive onsite facilities, the ancient town of Castel del Piano is only a five minute drive away or a ten minute walk, offering cobbled streets, wondrous architecture, local cuisine and friendly residents.

For more information about Terre Gialle Residence & Resort, visit www.terregialle.com, email info@terregialle.com or call 0203 637 2215.