Housing Hand highlights pressure on UK universities as political and economic factors take their toll

Housing Hand highlights pressure on UK universities as political and economic factors take their toll

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Enhanced further education sector in China may dent UK’s international student numbers
  • Potential tuition fee cuts could jeopardise course quality
  • Brexit’s impact on the 18% of academic staff who hail from the EU is not yet known

The UK’s universities are under increasing pressure to do more for their students, even as resources are being cut, UK rent guarantor service Housing Hand reports. Housing Hand is working in partnership with select universities in order to better support students in accessing safe, appropriate accommodation during their studies. Most recently, it launched a year-long trial with Goldsmiths, University of London, that sees the Housing Hand rent guarantor service available to all Goldsmiths students at a significantly reduced rate.

“Academic institutions in the UK are trying to deal with a range of issues at present, while still trying to fulfill their duty of care to all those who study at them. We’re looking for innovative ways to try and help universities support their students in the face of diminishing resources, so that they can ultimately deliver greater value.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

Housing Hand helps students with no UK-based rent guarantor to secure suitable accommodation, whether that be through a landlord, agent or other student housing provider. By using Housing Hand, students can mitigate the need to pay 6-12 months’ rent upfront – a standard requirement for those who have no guarantor. The service is available to domestic students, as well as those from the EU and further afield. At present, domestic students account for around 40% of those that the company serves with the other 60% coming from overseas.

International students are a particular point of concern for many universities at present. China, which sends more students to the UK than any other country, accounting for 106,530 students in 2017/18, has recently done much to improve its own higher education offering, creating more attractive degrees at home. The UK also compares unfavourably with countries such as Canada when it comes to visa terms for those who’ve graduated here, even accounting for the recent announcement that international students will be allowed to stay in the UK for two years after graduating.

Then there’s Brexit. Not only does Brexit have the ability to cause a drop in EU student numbers, it can also cause headaches for those establishments employing foreign teaching staff. Universities UK reports that 18% of the UK higher education sector’s total academic staff in 2017/18 had an EU nationality. And that’s not to mention the loss of EU research funding.

“It’s no wonder that universities are doing all they can to support international students and increase their numbers. Part of this includes using services such as Housing Hand to help students deal with the chronic undersupply of suitable student housing in many UK cities and ensure that they can access safe, appropriate places to live.”

Saasha Verma, University Partnerships Manager, Housing Hand

The pain felt by universities as a result of international competition and domestic political pressures is exacerbated by potential fee cuts. Earlier this year, a landmark review commissioned by the government recommended that tuition fees be capped at £7,500, instead of the current rate of £9,250. Such a move would have a dramatic impact on the funding available to the UK’s higher education establishments and likely an inescapable knock-on effect on the quality of the courses on offer.

The UK’s universities have been turned into businesses – businesses that are trapped between government controls and deregulation. Competition is fierce, with the 450+ institutions struggling to find the flexibility to generate additional income.

“Housing Hand doesn’t have the power to solve every issue that our universities are facing, but when it comes to student welfare, we are here to help. Higher education faces a tough few years ahead, which is why a plethora of independent services are needed to work alongside the UK’s universities in order that they can remain attractive to bright young people from around the world.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0) 207 205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

Who’s buying in Spain and where?

Who’s buying in Spain and where?

by Louise Spain ,
  • New build home prices up by 7.2% in past year (INE)
  • Germans snapping up holiday homes faster than any other nationality (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Coastal locations with golf resort access among most sought-after homes

The Spanish property market is alive and well, as a combination of domestic enthusiasm and ongoing foreign appetite for Iberian properties keeps things moving apace. The latest Housing Price Index figures from the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica show a 5.3% rise in prices over the past year across Spain. New build homes have performed particularly well, with a price increase of 7.2% during that time.

Whether its urban Spaniards looking for second homes on the coast or foreigners seeking a reliably sunny location for their holidays, certain areas in Spain are perennially popular. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been building homes along the mainland coastline and in select Spanish island locations for the past 60 years, so has seen plenty of buyer trends come and go during that time. However, certain elements of Spanish holiday homes have remained remarkably constant.

“Having a home with large terraces, bright sunlight and access to beaches, golf courses and good restaurants, all with the convenience of an on-site pool, is a winning combination that has been charming buyers for decades. Yes, building styles have changed over the years, as have the demographics of those buying second homes, but these core requirements remain firmly in place.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In terms of who’s buying in Spain right now, Taylor Wimpey España reports that German buyers are leading the field right now. Germans have accounted for 19% of the company’s reservations so far in 2019, followed by Britons and Russians at 11%. Spanish and Belgian buyers each account for 9% of 2019’s reservations. Other buyers hail from the Scandinavian countries, Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, France and more, with a total of 37 different nationalities reserving properties.

When it comes to location, both the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are strong contenders. The latter, in particular, provides excellent value for money. At Kiruna Residencial in Elche (Alicante), for example, buyers can pick up a beautiful three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse from as little as €178,000 plus VAT. Each property comes with outdoor terraces (including a roof terrace) and a good-sized garden, with views of either the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas mountains or the stunning course at Alenda Golf. The golden beaches of Alicante and Alicante Airport are a 15-minute drive away.

Less budget-conscious buyers are often drawn away from mainland Spain, with islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca offering some outstanding locations for second homes

“There’s something very special about owning an island home. Island life is unique in many ways and can offer an incredible degree of relaxation. The fact that you’re surrounded by the ocean also means that a huge variety of water sports tends to be available, so there are plenty of exciting ways to keep active when you own an island holiday home.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Cala Vinyes Hills II, located at Calvia (Mallorca), offers premium, three-bedroom townhouses with spacious terraces and private gardens from €637,000 plus VAT. A large communal pool is surrounded by landscaped gardens for all residents to enjoy. Some of the homes feature views of the Mediterranean, while all are finished to the same incredibly high standard. 60% of the impressive homes have already been bought off plan.

Summer’s rapid descent into autumn is a popular time for those living in colder European climes to seek out their perfect holiday home in the sun. Not only are new builds proving particularly popular at present, as well as enjoying higher-than-average price rises, they also offer a degree of style and comfort that many older properties lack. For many buyers, therefore, new build is the ideal solution for their dream second home.

 

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

Housing Hand to meet Housing Minster in bid to support those who find it hardest to access housing

Housing Hand to meet Housing Minster in bid to support those who find it hardest to access housing

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Rough sleeping up 165% between 2010 and 2018 (MHCLG)
  • Housing Hand meeting Ester McVey to discuss UK housing solutions
  • Supporting people at risk of becoming homeless is key CSR priority

The number of people sleeping rough in the UK rose by 165% between 2010 and 2018 according to figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Supporting people to get off the streets and back into mainstream housing is a complex issue and one that is better addressed by supporting those at risk of becoming homeless in the first place. As such, local councils need to do all they can to support those who find it harder to access housing, according to UK rent guarantor service Housing Hand.

The Museum for Homelessness reports that a homeless person dies every 19 hours in the UK. With homelessness rising so sharply over the past eight years, a solution is needed fast. Housing Hand is one organisation seeking to be part of that solution. The company is due to meet with Housing Minister Esther McVey this month to discuss supporting those who find it harder to access housing, including working with local councils.

Housing Hand acts as a guarantor for students and working professionals who rent their homes and don’t have a UK guarantor. The company has covered £120,000,000 in rent to date and has worked with over 3,000 accommodation providers. Now, it is piloting a scheme working with local councils to support some of those who are most in need of support with accessing appropriate housing.

“Local authorities have a complex task ahead of them when it comes to meeting the housing needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Doing so requires them to work with a range of external agencies and to find new ways of supporting their constituents. As such, Housing Hand is trialling a new way of working with local councils to ensure that those who need housing are better able to access it.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

Housing Hand’s service involves it stepping in to act as a guarantor should the tenant not be able to pay their rent. The company works directly with landlords, local councils and tenants in order to provide stability within the rented accommodation sector. It is undertaking the trial with local councils as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda.

“There’s nothing that can’t be solved when it comes to addressing the problems with the UK housing market – it just requires the right combination of vision, practicality and funding. Our business has evolved significantly since we first started providing rent guarantor services and we are delighted to be in a position now to support some of those who find it hardest to access housing to do so with a sense of security.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0) 207 205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

Sunshine, quiet beaches and wine tasting – welcome to September in Spain

Sunshine, quiet beaches and wine tasting – welcome to September in Spain

by Louise Spain ,
  • Dissipation of summer crowds allows for a more relaxed holiday experience (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Sea temperatures in September equal or exceed those in July (Holiday Weather)
  • Holiday home buyers should sense-check their purchase for all seasons (Taylor Wimpey España)

For those without school-age children, September is the ideal time to head to Europe for some autumn sunshine. Here in the UK, the temperature is dropping and the nights are drawing in, but Spain still has sunshine in abundance.

“September in Spain means low-cost travel, quieter beaches and golf courses and plentiful sunshine. The summer crowds are dissipating and it’s time to experience this fabulous country in a more relaxed fashion. From lingering over meals on pretty terraces to cooling dips in the pool, visitors can take the time to enjoy Spain at its very best.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

September is also the ideal time for wine connoisseurs to visit Spain. At locations around the country, visitors can enjoy the experience of collecting and treading grapes as part of the annual wine harvest, with plenty of opportunities for tasting sessions. Mallorca even hosts a grape-throwing festival as part of the harvesting celebrations.

For second home buyers, the autumn months still afford plenty of opportunities to enjoy spending time on outdoor terraces, such as those at the key-ready homes of La Floresta Sur, which were designed and built by leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España.

Located by the beautiful Elviria Beach in Marbella, the apartments deliver outstanding sea views from their spacious terraces, along with lush communal gardens and communal pool. The development is also just a 10-minute drive from two of the best-known golf courses on the Costa del Sol: La Cala Golf Resort and Santa Maria Golf. It also boasts direct access to El Soto Golf Club, the facilities of which all La Floresta Sur residents can access free of charge.

Interiors at La Floresta Sur are roomy and flooded with light, with thermal and acoustic insulation and air-conditioning. The latter both cools and heats, making these apartments ideal for year-round enjoyment. Prices start from €222,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with southeast orientation.

September in Spain is particularly exciting for those who like to spend their down time on the beach. The average sea temperature in September is as warm as it is in July in many coastal areas, if not warmer. Along the Costa del Sol, it averages 22°C, according to Holiday Weather. And with the summer crowds all back at work and school, beaches are comparatively quiet.

“For those holidaying in Spain over the summer months and dreaming of a more permanent base in the country, autumn is the ideal time to visit and experience what life is like here in a new season. Second home ownership brings with it the potential for year-round access, so it’s important to invest in a property that delivers a superb holiday experience throughout the seasons, not just during the summer.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Meghan Markle brings royal sparkle to Ibiza, inspiring holiday home buyers to focus on the island

Meghan Markle brings royal sparkle to Ibiza, inspiring holiday home buyers to focus on the island

by Louise Spain ,
  • Duchess of Sussex celebrated her 38th birthday in Ibiza
  • Frontline homes at Sunset Ibiza offering peace and serenity (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Foreigners account for 31% of property purchases across Balearic Islands (Kyero)

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, opted for Ibiza earlier this month, when it came to finding the perfect location to celebrate her 38th birthday with husband Prince Harry. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why the island held such appeal to the royal couple.

There’s far more to Ibiza than its world-leading club scene. The island also offers plenty to those looking for quiet, serene breaks. It is home to incredibly beautiful beaches, wild vistas, quaint, sun-kissed villages and everything from yoga retreats to hippy markets. Ibiza also has a thriving culinary scene, with visitors enjoying a wide range of local dishes. The island’s seafood rice dishes and spicy sausages (which themselves crop up in a range of other traditional Ibizan recipes) are particularly noteworthy.

It is understandable, given the islands’ attractions, that the Balearics draw in so many foreign property buyers, as well as tourists. They attracted 2.4 million of the latter in June 2019 alone, according to Ibestat, while Kyero reports that the Balearics are the fifth most popular Spanish location when it comes to foreign buyers, who account for 31% of property purchases there.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been building homes in Spanish coastal hotspots for the past 60 years and this year chose Ibiza’s beautiful Cala Gració area as the location for its new Sunset Ibiza development.

“As soon as I saw Cala Gració, I knew it was the perfect holiday home location. The quiet, turquoise waters and fine sands of the beach feel like a hidden oasis. The curve of the bay makes visitors feel like they are in a crystalline pool, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying Ibiza’s incredible sunsets – hence the name Sunset Ibiza.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As well as its serene natural beauty, Cala Gració also provides all of the services and facilities that holidaymakers appreciate having close to hand when they use their second home. The two- and three-bedroom Sunset Ibiza homes are packed with luxury touches, as befits their frontline location. Porcelain floors and large windows provide plenty of natural light, while top quality kitchens and bathrooms deliver an elegant finish. Private underground parking and communal gardens and pool complete the offering, with homes priced from €410,500 plus VAT.

Enjoying the outdoor lifestyle is a key part of Ibiza’s charms and the homes at Sunset Ibiza have been designed with that in mind. As well as providing direct beach access, the properties come with large terraces that are perfect for outdoor dining or simply relaxing in the sun with a book and a refreshing drink.

“Ibiza is synonymous with relaxation, from its beautiful natural parks to its tranquil, turquoise waters. We’ve captured and distilled that essence of serenity at Sunset Ibiza, providing owners with somewhere that they can feel at peace and truly relax.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

2020 here we come! Taylor Wimpey España reveals hottest holiday home trends for next year

2020 here we come! Taylor Wimpey España reveals hottest holiday home trends for next year

by Louise Spain ,
  • Spanish coastal areas will see most demand – Costa Blanca already showing 24% increase in sales (Colegio de Registradores)
  • Technology and sustainability features to top buyers’ list of demands
  • Foreign buyers in Alicante accounted for over 40% of property sales in Q1 2019
  • Brits still buying more homes in Spain than any other foreign nationality

As we’re already well over halfway through 2019, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has shared its insights into the hottest holiday home trends for the coming year. 2020 will have much to offer second home buyers, though budgets will be tight, according to the Spanish property experts.

“We’re already seeing buyers tightening the purse strings, which has an impact on both the type of properties they are seeking and the locations. The Costa Blanca, in particular, is likely to benefit as this trend carries on into 2020, as it’s combination of beautiful beaches and low prices proves a winning one for many buyers.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Buyers in the Costa Blanca can certainly get a lot for their money and interest in the area is growing. The Colegio de Registradores reported a 24% increase in sales there during the first three months of 2019. It also highlighted the ongoing importance of British buyers to the Spanish property market, with Britons accounting for 13.79% of all foreign buyers – more than any other nationality – during Q1 2019.

Kiruna Residencial in Elche, Alicante, epitomises the reason that the Costa Blanca is increasingly on budget-conscious buyers’ radars. Spacious three-bedroom properties there cost from just €173,000 plus VAT. The light-filled homes come with balconies, roof terraces and gardens for blended indoor and outdoor living set against the backdrop of the Alenda golf course and the stunning Sierra de las Aguilas mountains.

With private gardens, a communal pool, a supermarket, a clubhouse and a bilingual school on site, plus lively beachfront nightlife just 15 minutes away, there’s plenty to keep owners of all ages entertained. This variety, along with a well-connected airport, is much of the reason that Alicante Province is leading Spain when it comes to foreign buyers. The Colegio de Registradores reports that 40.92% of all home buyers there were foreigners during Q1 2019.

As well as the temptation of lower prices, second home buyers in 2020 will also be prioritising both technology and sustainability features, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team. USB chargers, WiFi and electric blinds will all be essential features, while energy-saving devices such as solar panels and rainwater harvesters will also be much in demand. That’s in addition to more traditional demands such as large windows, generously sized terraces and open kitchen/dining areas.

In terms of interior design, 2020 will be all about minimalism and light colours. Holiday homes will be places to escape the hectic pace of modern life, with light tones used to create a sense of serenity and peace. Fabric choices will focus on ease of maintenance as well as style, minimising the owner’s effort when it comes to keeping the home clean.

“We’re focusing on all of these trends as we design and build homes ready for 2020’s buyers, while also remembering all of the usual expectations. From proximity to the beach and local shops to air conditioning and on-site parking spaces, we’re ensuring that buyers’ demands are well catered to in advance of the start of 2020.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Pending A level results and rising room costs drive interest in Only My Share’s housemate rent arrears protection

Pending A level results and rising room costs drive interest in Only My Share’s housemate rent arrears protection

by Louise United Kingdom
  • 54% of all students rent their homes privately (Save the Student)
  • Over 500,000 HMOs in England alone (National HMO Network)
  • Room rents up 11% over past year (Ideal Flatmate)

With A level results due out in just a couple of days, the question of student accommodation is uppermost in many parents’ minds right now. 54% of all students rent their accommodation from private landlords and estate agents, according to Save the Student. Many of them live in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), of which there are more than half a million in England, based on National HMO Network figures.

For students and those who act as guarantors for them, renting a room in a shared home like this carries a particular risk: if one housemate doesn’t pay their rent, the others (and their guarantors) may end up liable for their share. That’s why rent arrears protection service Only My Share exists.

“There are countless cases of students and their guarantors having suddenly become liable for monies owed to HMO landlords as a result of other tenants not being able to pay their rent. Only My Share seeks to protect students and their guarantors from being in this situation so that they can have peace of mind and enjoy their university experience to the full.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Only My Share 

The problem of rent arrears is widespread. The National Landlords Association reports that 32% of landlords have suffered from rent areas, while court order eviction rates and rental default claims are rising. Meanwhile, the LIN reports that 25% of tenants fear that they will fall into rent arrears.

Against this worrying backdrop, Only My Share provides up to £10,000 of housemate rent arrears protection for just £99 per year. When tenancy agreements are ‘joint and several,’ all tenants are equally liable for each other’s obligations under the contract. However, if a housemate fails to pay their rent, Only My Share will stand as a guarantor in order to protect others from becoming liable for that housemate’s share.

With a simple, online application and payment process, which has been streamlined as part of the company’s new website, Only My Share makes it easy for students and their guarantors to enjoy far greater peace of mind.

“Issues around providing rent guarantors can be a real source of stress for students. With little to no credit history, many have to rely on their parents to act as guarantors. While many parents are happy to do so, they are less keen to sign up to potentially cover their child’s housemates’ rent as well – and with one in ten students dropping out in their first year, that risk is far from insignificant.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Only My Share 

The average yearly student rent is £6,792, according to 2018 figures from Save the Student, while Cushman & Wakefield report that private rental sector increases are outstripping those of university bed spaces, at 3.0% and 2.6% respectively from 2017/18 to 2018/19.

Only My Share is part of the Housing Hand group. Housing Hand provides a UK rent guarantor service, while Only My Share protects the guarantor… and the tenant.

“We discovered, through running Housing Hand, that there was a necessity for a separate service that worked with those at risk of paying another’s rent arrears. We created Only My Share in order to fill that gap, ensuring that as many students’  needs as possible are met through the Housing Hand group.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Only My Share 

Only My Share is also available to others who rent accommodation in HMOs, with a commission structure in place for letting agents that are keen to see their constituents benefit from the scheme. Outside of the student sector, room rates are also rising, with Ideal Flatmate reporting an increase of 11% over the past year. London’s rooms are the most expensive, at an average of £745 pcm, followed by Glasgow (£588 pcm) and then Bournemouth (£575 pcm). The organisation projects further rises over the remainder of 2019, with high demand and insufficient stock fuelling the increases.

For more information please contact Only My Share today on +44 (0) 204 579 5891  or visit https://www.onlymyshare.com/

Sisters are doing it by themselves, latest solo travel survey reveals

Sisters are doing it by themselves, latest solo travel survey reveals

by Louise Spain ,
  • Number of female solo travellers up 88% since 2015 (Hostelworld)
  • Spain is the world’s safest country to visit (Asher & Lyric)
  • Second home design catering to solo holidaymakers (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spain ahead of EU average for gender equality (Gender Equality Index)

Recently released figures from Hostelworld have shown a stark rise in the number of women choosing to travel on their own. The Evolution of the Hostel Traveller report reveals that the number of women choosing to travel solo has risen by 88% since 2015. Women from the US are making the greatest number of female solo travel plans, accounting for 20% of bookings. They are followed by female travellers from Germany (11%) and the UK (10%).

Holidaying alone isn’t only limited to those staying in hostels. Nor is it just for youngsters. A 2018 Booking.com survey of 20,500 travellers found that 40% of Baby Boomers had taken a trip on their own in the past year, while a further 21% were planning to do so in the future. Princeton Survey Research Associates meanwhile, have found that 58% of millennials are willing to travel solo, while 26% of millennial women have already done so.

The growth of solo travel has led to keen interest in destination safety. Asher & Lyric recently compared the world’s top 50 most visited countries around the globe in order to establish which was the safest. Spain came out as the clear winner.

“Spain is a superb destination for solo travellers looking for a safe, welcoming place to enjoy their leisure time. From street safety to gender equality, Spain scores highly across a wide range of factors when it comes to traveller safety. Combined with the country’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches and fantastic weather, this makes it a wonderfully inviting location for those holidaying on their own.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is well used to delivering safe and secure environments for solo holidaymakers, as well as those travelling with young children. Gated communities in popular areas, such as Horizon Golf at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas (Malaga), provide homes that are ideal for those holidaying on their own, as well as family groups.

Available from €435,000 (with 10% VAT included until the end of August as part of Taylor Wimpey España’s summer offer), the key-ready townhouses at Horizon Golf are split over three levels, with large terraces and solariums providing panoramic views. Luxury touches abound, from motorized blinds to designer bathrooms. A communal pool and garden complete the development, which also boasts access to La Cala Golf Resort’s three 18-hole golf courses, hydrotherapy centre and spa, all with 24-hour security.

Spain is known for its positive attitude towards gender equality. In 2018, women held 11 of the government’s 17 cabinet seats. The Gender Equality Index 2017 for Spain shows that Spain is ahead of the EU-28 average score and that progress is occurring at a faster pace than the EU average. In the decade to 2015, Spain made progress in every domain that the Gender Equality Index assessed: health, power, money, work, knowledge and time.

“It is no wonder that solo female travellers feel so positive about holidaying in Spain, with its safe local environment and a respectful attitude towards women. We are delighted to cater to all demographics when designing and building second homes here, including the growing market of those who prefer to travel on their own.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Housing Hand partners with Goldsmiths, University of London to help students afford their homes

Housing Hand partners with Goldsmiths, University of London to help students afford their homes

by Louise United Kingdom
  • The service marks 3rd Housing Hand university partnership in UK 
  • Just 23% of care leavers attend higher education by age 23 (NNECL)
  • Goldsmiths to fully fund service for 35 vulnerable students
  • Housing Hand service available to all Goldsmiths students, in push to prioritise academic ability over socio-economic factors

UK rent guarantor service Housing Hand has announced a new partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London. The organisation is collaborating with the university to deliver an enhanced rent guarantor service available for all its students, regardless of nationality, to secure suitable private rental accommodation.

Housing Hand works with landlords, agents and other student housing providers to help students with no UK-based rent guarantor to secure their preferred accommodation without the need to pay 6-12 months’ rent upfront. Housing Hand is working with Goldsmiths Student Support Services to establish a rent guarantor service at a significantly reduced fee for all Goldsmiths students. The service will be available to international, EU and home students, including both continuing students and those about to start in September.

Under the new partnership, Goldsmiths will also sponsor this significantly reduced fee for up to 35 students:

  • 20 international and EU students
  • 10 home students.
  • 5 care leavers and estranged students.

Housing Hand and Goldsmiths hope that their new partnership will be a success and provide a better experience for students.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London to try and ensure that higher education is available to all based on academic ability rather than particular socio-economic factors.” 

Saasha Verma, University Partnerships Manager, Housing Hand

“We understand the challenges faced by students looking for a home and were among the first universities to offer a guarantor provision scheme.  Our new partnership with Housing Hand will enable us to extend this facility to all our students, particularly those who are most in need and provide them with an enhanced service.

Pewist Osman, Head of Student Support Services, Goldsmiths, University of London

The Housing Hand partnership with Goldsmiths is a year-long pilot. It marks Housing Hand’s third higher education venture, following a successful partnership with the University of Bristol, launched in March 2017, and a subsequent one with the University of Salford, launched in February 2019.

Goldsmiths provides its students with a wide range of support, with the university one of the first in the higher education sector to provide its own rent guarantor scheme. To enhance their existing offer, Goldsmiths opted to develop a partnership with Housing Hand to meet increased demand and to offer an improved service available for all its students.

Having already worked with over 3,000 accommodation providers and covered more than £120 million in rent, Housing Hand is in a strong position to ensure that every Goldsmiths student is eligible to apply for its service.

The partnership will help make it easier for students to find quality homes to live in during their studies and will help make the process of finding a home easier. Housing Hand is also well-positioned to support Goldsmiths – along with other higher education establishments – to deliver better services and greater value to their students in a climate of ongoing change and funding constraints.

“Partnerships like this represent a new way to help support students. Running a rent guarantor service in-house costs universities in both time and effort, as well as increasing their liabilities and insurance costs. We bring a network of industry contacts and relationships to the table, as well as the required staff expertise, insurances and the ability to cover larger amounts of debt. It’s a partnership designed to ensure that everyone wins.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0)20 7205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

 

Spain gears up for record summer tourism, while second home buyers flock to the coast

Spain gears up for record summer tourism, while second home buyers flock to the coast

by Louise Spain ,
  • Half a million more visitors expected in Spain this summer (Industry Minister Reyes Maroto)
  • Tourist spending projected to rise by 3.2%
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports 40% of sales occur over summer months

Spain’s busy season is in full swing as the UK’s schools break up and the Iberian country enjoys another major influx of holidaymakers seeking sunshine and relaxation. Despite earlier predictions of a slower summer, following six years of record visitor numbers, Spain’s Industry Minister, Reyes Maroto, has now projected that the country will receive half a million more visitors this summer than last summer.

The 29.6 million visitors that Spain is predicted to receive over the course of the summer season are also set to break another record, with summer spending tipped to grow by 3.2% for the July to September period. Minister Maroto is looking forward to visitors spending €33.9 billion as they enjoy all that Spain has to offer this summer.

It’s not just poolside drinks, postcards and paella that tourists will be spending their hard-earned cash on. The June to September period is also the busiest time of year for those selling properties in Spain. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España reports that 40% of its annual sales are concentrated in the summer months, as tourists flock to the coast and eye up potential second homes while there.

“How many of us go on holiday and dream of being able to own a property in the sunshine? Over the summer period, many of those holidaying in Spain will turn that dream into a reality. Properties with beachfront access and sea or golf views are particularly popular. Large terraces and/or gardens are also a must, along with on-site pools for cooling off from the intense heat of the Spanish sun.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Owning a property on the Spanish coast needn’t break the bank. Key-ready homes at La Floresta Sur, near the popular Costa del Sol destination of Marbella, cost from €222,000 plus VAT. The stylish, open plan interiors have been designed to offer welcoming, spacious settings for creating happy holiday memories. Close to Elviria Beach and just minutes from the famous Nikki Beach Club, the homes offer both sea and mountain views, while two of the region’s best-known golf clubs are within a 10-minute drive. An on-site pool and communal gardens complete the offering.

“At this time of year, the Spanish coastline has so much going for it. In addition to beautiful beaches and pristine golf courses, Spain offers a relaxing lifestyle, welcoming atmosphere and superb gastronomy. It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with Spain over the summer and want to make it a bigger part of their future.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

With good flight connections from the UK, Spain is easy and cost effective to access throughout the year, meaning that those who purchase second homes there this summer can continue to enjoy them long after the rest of the tourists have gone home.

 

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