Triple uncertainty puts the brakes on international students’ plans to study in UK

Triple uncertainty puts the brakes on international students’ plans to study in UK

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Housing Hand reports international students are “holding back”
  • Travel restrictions, potential double vaccination requirement and housing shortage all causes for concern
  • New immigration route provides option for international graduates to launch UK careers

UK rental guarantor service Housing Hand has raised concerns that international students, especially European students, are holding back their plans to come to the UK to study.

“We are working with many international students looking to study in the UK. However, the uncertainty around travel restrictions/quarantine requirements and what universities will be offering in terms of face to face, blended learning or virtual lectures is leading to some students holding back. The additional uncertainty over whether students will need to be double jabbed to attend lectures has created a further cause for concern for many of those due to start courses in the UK this autumn.”

James Maguire, Head of Sales and Business Development, Housing Hand

Travel restrictions are the first hurdle to overcome. Changing rules around quarantine requirements are creating plenty of uncertainty and making it difficult for international students to plan ahead effectively, though the recent announcement around EU and US travellers not needing to quarantine if they have been double jabbed should help somewhat. There’s also the uncertainty of how easy it will be to return home for the holidays, once they’ve arrived in the UK to commence their studies.

“We’ve seen that when the guidance is clear, it leads to increased activity. When Portugal was added to the UK’s travel green list in May, we saw high demand from Portuguese students. They were second only to UK students in terms of applications here at Housing Hand for our rental guarantor services. International students need that level of clarity in order to plan ahead.”

James Maguire, Head of Sales and Business Development, Housing Hand

Recent confusion over whether or not students will need to be double jabbed before they can attend lectures and stay in halls isn’t helping. Education Minster Vicky Ford has so far said that students won’t need to be fully vaccinated but also that being fully vaccinated, “is the way that they can have that freedom and confidence that they’ll be able to have that full university life.”

“This lack of clarity over the need to be fully vaccinated has thrown up another barrier to international students, who now have to worry about whether they will be allowed to attend lectures or stay in halls. Even for those who have had both jabs, there will be the worry of how they will be required to evidence this in a format that is acceptable to the UK authorities.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

Despite all of this, UCAS has seen a record number of students – including mature students and those from overseas – apply for university places for the 2021/22 academic year. The total stands at 682,000 applicants, of whom 311,000 are UK 18-year-olds (another record, and an increase of 10% over the 281,000 who applied last year).

This creates a further issue for international students: housing. The UK has a well-documented shortage of housing for its growing population – a situation made worse by the pandemic.

“This year we’ve seen a sharp decline in the number of rental homes coming onto the market. Would-be tenants are now faced with significantly less choice, which in turn is pushing up rents. And with many landlords having multiple offers on the table, half of investors have been able to increase the rent they charge.”

Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research, Hamptons

Add into the equation those landlords turning their properties into short-term lets to take advantage of the staycation boom, and questions quickly arise about precisely where these record numbers of students are going to live.

Housing Hand’s free House Finder Service at least goes some way to addressing this. The new service matches students with agents and landlords who are specifically seeking student renters, easing the process of finding accommodation in the UK. All of the agents accept Housing Hand as a guarantor, meaning that students won’t face the stumbling block of not having a guarantor when they find the property they want to rent.

For those international students who can overcome the hurdles of travel restrictions, potential double vaccination requirements and finding housing to access higher education in the UK, there is good news to look forward to when they graduate. As of 1 July 2021, a new immigration route means that international graduates can remain in the UK for up to two years to kickstart their careers.

Designed as a talent retention scheme, the graduate route doesn’t require applicants to have a job offer and there is no minimum salary. Graduates can switch jobs and work flexibly during their stay, providing plenty of potential to build their careers. There is also some Covid-related flexibility around when students must arrive in the UK, with those who start courses this autumn having until 6 April 2022 to arrive in the UK.

“The deadline extension sends out a strong message to those looking to complete their studies and launch their careers in the UK. Now the government just needs to boost that messaging by providing international students with the clarity and certainty they need in relation to travel, quarantine, vaccinations and housing – and it needs to do so fast.”

James Maguire, Head of Sales and Business Development, Housing Hand

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

Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Golf Resort celebrate €100 million of property sales, with further 700 homes planned

Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Golf Resort celebrate €100 million of property sales, with further 700 homes planned

by Louise Spain ,
  • 300 homes delivered in past 6 years
  • High-quality homes complement outstanding golf, spa and restaurant facilities
  • 6 more years of partnership working will see total homes at La Cala Golf reach 1,000

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced that it has sold over 300 properties at the Costa del Sol’s La Cala Golf Resort, with plans in place to build a further 700 homes. The total sales volume of properties at La Cala Golf so far has surpassed €100 million.

“With its outstanding facilities and top-notch international reputation, we knew from the outset that homes at La Cala Golf Resort would need to deliver something special. We are delighted to have reached this important milestone in our joint venture with La Cala and look forward to many more years of successful partnership working.”

Javier Ballester, General Manager, Taylor Wimpey España

Six years ago, Taylor Wimpey España Managing Director Javier Ballester and David Kelly, Chief Executive of FBD Property & Leisure Group, revealed plans to build an exciting new range of homes at the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, on the Costa del Sol. Their vision began with the construction of apartments at Miraval and of townhouses at Horizon Golf. Both sites have long since sold out, as have the apartments at Grand View that followed them.

At present, a number of key-ready homes are available at La Cala Golf, including the lovely Sun Valley apartments, which overlook the Europa golf course, and the townhouses of Natura, priced at €251,000 plus VAT and €440,000 plus VAT respectively. A further phase of Sun Valley has just been launched, as have homes at Harmony, which deliver impressive views over the valley of La Cala de Mijas, the golf course and the sea.

The partnership between Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Golf Resort will run for a further six years, delivering 1,000 homes in total. Buyers from around the world have been attracted to the properties that Taylor Wimpey España has built there so far. The selection of homes has found favour with buyers from the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

“The facilities at La Cala Golf are world-class. We’ve found that they appeal to second home buyers of many different nationalities over the years, all of whom are united by their love of the Costa del Sol and its fairways.”

Javier Ballester, General Manager, Taylor Wimpey España

Facilities at La Cala Golf Resort include three challenging golf courses and a golf academy providing everything from golf school lessons to one-on-one coaching. There’s a luxurious hotel on site, along with four restaurants and a poolside bar. The La Cala spa offers a range of treatments, along with wellness activities and hydrotherapy circuit.

Meanwhile, each of the low density Taylor Wimpey España developments comes with one or more pools and beautifully landscaped gardens, in addition to the extensive gardens, terraces and/or solariums that come with each property.

“We are delighted to have built so many high-quality homes at this very family-orientated development. Sustainability and family will continue to be at the core of our new buildings, as we seek to preserve and celebrate the wonderful natural environment that gives so much joy to second home owners from around the world.”

Javier Ballester, General Manager, Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

Should you ditch your pension in favour of a property portfolio?

Should you ditch your pension in favour of a property portfolio?

by Louise United Kingdom
  • 21% of Brits have no pension (Unbiased)
  • The right properties can provide lifelong income potential (Fabrik Invest)
  • Average UK pension pot is £42,651

Should you be putting money into a pension ready for your retirement or would you be better focusing on building up an alternative income stream, such as from a property portfolio? It’s a question that’s relevant to anyone who is planning for retirement and one that requires very careful consideration. The right decision could make a huge difference to the quality of the retirement in question and there are risks to both strategies.

“Sound financial planning is incredibly important when it comes to retirement, yet so many of us don’t focus on it until quite late in life. Both pensions and property have their attractions when it comes to funding your retirement, so it’s well worth investing time in discovering what will best suit your individual circumstances and plans.”

Matt Harper-Penman, Group Director, Fabrik Property Group

According to recent data from Unbiased, 21% of Britons have no private pension. Meanwhile, according to pension statistics from Finder, the average UK pension pot is just £42,651. The average retirement age is 64.7 years old for men and 63.6 for women, and life expectancy stands at 79.4 years and 83.1 years respectively. This means that £42,651 pension pot will need to last around 15 years for the average man and around 20 for the average woman.

While it’s true that retirees don’t spend as much as working professionals, Which? reports that the average two-person retiree household spends £26,000 per year. That covers the basics and some luxuries (hobbies, eating out and European holidays). Those looking for a more luxurious retirement (buying a new car every five years and enjoying long-haul holidays, for example), spend around £41,000 per year. Clearly, that average pension pot isn’t going to cut it.

Building a property portfolio as a viable alternative to a pension therefore has its attractions. Property can provide a regular income through rent and is also an asset that can be sold, should the retiree need access to a larger amount of money.

It’s an approach that Steve Jacob, CEO of Fabrik Property Group, figured out early on. Steve took out a residential mortgage to buy his first home, as so many people do. However, he very quickly realised that he could do much more with his money by investing it in property instead. As such, Steve sold his home and moved back in with his parents. He began investing in property with the money from the sale and now has a portfolio of 50 properties, worth notably more than the average pension pot.

“Each member of the team at Fabrik Invest is passionate about the potential that property has to provide a long-term, stable income stream. We’re drawing from our own experiences and strategies – and learning from our mistakes – to support our investors to use those same strategies to build their wealth. In many cases, those investors are using property as part of their retirement planning.”

Matt Harper-Penman, Group Director, Fabrik Property Group

The property versus pension debate is one that will continue over many years. Retirees in the UK have greater freedom over how they fund their golden years these days and many are taking an approach that balances their pension with other streams of income. Those just starting to build their property portfolio are often looking for a low entry point, which makes northern cities such as Manchester particularly attractive.

Manchester is home to Michigan Towers, a collection of 375 contemporary apartments and townhouses with on-site gym and cinema. At the heart of the £1 billion MediaCityUK expansion in Salford Quays, the waterside homes have huge appeal when it comes to attracting renters, while the latest Zoopla UK House Price Index shows that Manchester property prices were growing at the second-fastest rate in the UK in May, increasing 7.2% over the past year. Manchester’s average property is now worth £187,800, while the UK average stands at £229,300, emphasising the northern city’s value for money for those looking to start building a retirement-funding property portfolio.

“Manchester is a city with excellent long-term potential in terms of its property market. With a robust economy and ambitious urban development plans, as well as affordable prices, it’s a key city in many property investors’ portfolios – and rightly so.”

Matt Harper-Penman, Group Director, Fabrik Property Group

For more information, please contact Fabrik Invest on 020 8175 9891 or enquiries@fabrikinvest.com or visit http://www.fabrikinvest.com

New House Finder Service makes renting easier for both tenants and landlords

New House Finder Service makes renting easier for both tenants and landlords

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Agents, landlords and tenants all benefitting from Housing Hand’s new service
  • Free to use platform is helping partner agents increase their revenue
  • Working professionals and students both eligible for free House Finder Service

Hot off the heels of the launch of its new partner portal, UK rental guarantor service Housing Hand has revealed its new service to connect tenants and agents across the UK.

The free House Finder Service allows agents to set preferences for the kind of tenants they are seeking, such as students or working professionals. Those looking for accommodation can then register with the service to connect with agents and find the perfect property. All of the agents accept Housing Hand as a guarantor, meaning that tenants won’t face the stumbling block of not having a guarantor when they find the property they want to rent.

“We wanted to take some of the pain out of the property finding experience. Searching for a new home can be a really stressful time, whether you’re moving in order to study somewhere or you’re a working professional simply looking to relocate. By providing a free service to connect renters with agents in a way that matches both parties’ requirements, we’re making renting easier.”

James Maguire, Head of Sales and Business Development, Housing Hand


Housing Hand’s partner agents are based around the UK. The company guarantees rent for more people in the UK than anyone else and works with more letting agents and landlords than any other company. The result is plenty of choice for tenants, while partner agents enjoy increased revenue through the delivery of potential leads.

Renters and agents can make direct connections through the House Finder Service, communicating within the platform or through the contact details that both parties provide.

“Every property that tenants find through the House Finder Service already accepts Housing Hand as a guarantor, so renters have additional peace of mind when using the service, as they know they won’t be dealing with requests for six or more months’ rent upfront. Agents have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their tenants will have a professional rental guarantor service in place. And a free lead is a free lead!”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

The House Finder Service is one of a range of new measures that Housing Hand has put in place to make renting easier for students and working professionals. The company provides a comprehensive knowledge base that serves to educate renters, landlords, universities and others about the role of guarantors. Its partner portal supports agents in the UK and the Republic of Ireland to increase revenue and reduce cost and risk through connecting with renters faster. Meanwhile, its Only My Share company ensures that renters won’t be liable for their housemates’ rent, if one member of the household doesn’t pay.

With the newly launched House Finder Service, Housing Hand has provided an additional tool to make renting easier for all concerned.

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

Taylor Wimpey España reports double digit growth as buyers rush back to Spain

Taylor Wimpey España reports double digit growth as buyers rush back to Spain

by Louise Spain ,
  • Web visits, leads and sales all experiencing double digit growth as demand booms
  • Costa del Sol sales up 59% year-to-date
  • New launches – such as Marbella Lake – proving popular with international buyers

As pandemic-related restrictions continue to ease, Taylor Wimpey España has reported a surge in demand for Spanish second homes, with web visits, leads and sales all enjoying double digit growth in June. The leading Spanish home builder’s experience is being reflected across the market more broadly, as well. Q1 2021 figures from Spain’s Colegio de Registradores show a 23.42% surge in the purchase of new build homes, along with an increase of 11.08% in previously owned property sales. Prices are up too, by 4.83%.

“Spain is, without question, back in business. We saw demand building gradually earlier in the year, but buyers are now back en masse and seeking the ideal sun-kissed retreat after what has been an exceptionally tough year for everyone. We’re seeing sales ramping up across the board, with Mallorca and the Costa del Sol in particular proving popular right now.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Currently on the UK government’s green list for travel, Mallorca is welcoming a surge in holiday makers and second home buyers. Jet2 reported a 3,000% increase in bookings for the Balearics for July, while a British buyer has already snapped up the first property at Taylor Wimpey España’s just-launched Es Llaut, on Mallorca’s north-eastern coast.

The Costa del Sol is also extremely busy, with Taylor Wimpey España reporting a 59% increase in year-to-date sales there in June. Buyers of 15 different nationalities have purchased property there through the company so far this year, with Belgian buyers leading the charge and Britons in second place.

It is perfect timing then, for details of the brand new Marbella Lake development to be revealed. Just 5 kilometres from Puerto Banús, in Nueva Andalucía at the heart of Marbella’s Golf Valley, the residential complex will deliver 98 apartments. Spread across several three-storey buildings, the homes will be set within beautifully landscaped gardens, with four communal pools on site.

“It’s exciting to have such a lovely new development to launch just as the market is booming in the Costa del Sol. We have plenty of potential buyers looking for homes that offer a sense of escape and peace, which is precisely what Marbella Lake provides in such abundance. We’ve designed the development so that each home can benefit from impressive panoramic views, as well as generously sized terraces and living spaces, for the ultimate relaxing escape.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The lakeside homes are located on the banks of the Viejo del Angel reservoir. The hilltop position provides panoramic views of the reservoir, the Marbella coastline and the golf courses at Los Naranjos, Las Brisas and Aloha. Buyers can choose between two- and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes, with prices starting from €285,000 plus VAT.

Marbella Lake’s communal areas have been inspired by the “Boho Chic” and “Country Chic” aesthetic concepts. Natural materials and colours combine to blend into the local scenery in a balanced way, adding to the development’s sense of relaxation and harmony with its peaceful surroundings. Sustainability also features heavily, with solar-powered hot water, pre-installation for electric cars and LED lighting all contributing to the development’s energy rating of B.

As well as the delights of Puerto Banus, the Marbella Lake development, which has a total investment value of €35.5 million, provides easy access to Marbella’s best beaches and restaurants, making it ideal for holidaymakers who want to get the best out of their time away. The presence of the nearby Aloha College international school also provides plenty of potential for those looking to make a longer-term move.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

European property investors shun the UK, as Middle Eastern buyers step up

European property investors shun the UK, as Middle Eastern buyers step up

by Louise United Kingdom
  • New figures from Fabrik Invest reveal who’s buying property in the UK
  • Buyers from the Middle East, Africa and Asia all profiting from UK property
  • Buyers from continental Europe account for just 5% of those who are buying

Figures from leading property investment firm Fabrik Invest have provided some fascinating insights into who is investing in the UK’s property market right now. In its first year of trading, Fabrik Invest saw investors from 25 countries put their money into UK property, selling over 125 apartments – and all against the backdrop of the pandemic with its travel restrictions and multiple lockdowns.

UK investors accounted for 60% of Fabrik Invest’s total sales during the past year, yet buyers from elsewhere in Europe accounted for just 5%. Instead, it was investors from the Middle East who showed the most appetite for UK property, accounting for 13% of total sales. They were closely followed by investors from Africa, who accounted for 12% of sales, and those from Asia, at 11%.

“It’s been an interesting year to work in property investment, with so many staff having to work remotely and to adapt to using Zoom and other tech. However, what we’ve seen is that there is still plenty of appetite for UK property, as investors seek out a market that is fundamentally stable in both political and economic terms.”

Matt Harper-Penman, Group Director, Fabrik Invest

In terms of individual countries (and excluding the UK), it is South Africa that is leading the charge, accounting for 7% of the total number of apartments purchased through Fabrik Invest over the past year. Next comes the UAE, which accounts for 6% of total investors, followed by Qatar at 5% and Hong Kong at 4%.

The fact that investors come from 25 countries in total emphasises just how attractive the UK property market remains around the world, even if buyers from continental Europe are largely declining to get involved.

The North, in particular, has been drawing in overseas investors over the past year. Developments such as Michigan Towers in Manchester are providing a low entry point, with investors able to take advantage of massive local regeneration schemes that look set to drive up property prices significantly over the next several years. With a premium location in Manchester’s MediaCityUK, which is in the midst of a £1 billion expansion, the luxury apartments of Michigan Towers have been selling fast to investors around the globe.

“With a booming property market and a well-regulated financial system, the UK has a great deal to offer when it comes to property investment. Overseas buyers looking for stable, long-term rental income can find everything they need here, with healthy yields and excellent potential for capital growth. With business having boomed during the pandemic, we’re excited to see what the next 12 months has in store.”

Dale Anderson, Managing Director, Fabrik Invest

For more information, please contact Fabrik Invest on 020 8175 9891 or enquiries@fabrikinvest.com or visit https://fabrikinvest.com/

Second home buyers just can’t get enough of Mallorca

Second home buyers just can’t get enough of Mallorca

by Louise Spain ,
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports 80% of development sold in just 3 months
  • Newly launched Es Llaut apartments at Cala Bona coincide with reduced travel restrictions
  • Sustainability to remain a top priority for all Mallorca properties

From Love Island to its newly won spot on the UK’s green travel list, Mallorca has a lot going on right now – and so does its property market. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has sold 80% of its Port Blau development in just three months, while its homes at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita have sold out entirely (watch this space for details of a new phase launching soon).

The news comes as Taylor Wimpey España reveals the first glimpse of its new Mallorca development, Es Llaut. Named after a traditional Mallorcan fishing boat, the development is home to 32 two-bedroom apartments with large terraces and gardens, situated in Cala Bona, close to Port Verd. Just a short stroll from the beach, harbour and town, the spacious homes are flooded with natural light, with beautifully unobstructed views from the upper terraces. Prices start from €276,000 plus VAT.

“With open plan kitchen and living areas that lead out onto generously sized terraces, Es Llaut delivers the ideal environment for enjoying long, lazy holiday days away from the cares of the world. We are delighted to be able to launch these apartments just as Britons are able to travel to Mallorca once more and enjoy the incredible natural beauty that the island has to offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España is doing all it can to contribute to the long-term preservation of that natural beauty by building sustainability into the design and build process of Es Llaut (along with all the company’s other developments). This is a key area of focus for the housebuilder.

At Es Llaut, energy efficiency is achieved through individual heat pumps for efficient domestic hot water production, three-speed mechanical interior air renewal systems and individually controlled air conditioning in each room. LED spotlights mean that very little energy is consumed for lighting the homes, taps are fitted with aerators to reduce output and toilets feature dual flush technology, as each room plays its part in terms of enhanced sustainability.

Sustainability also features strongly in the communal areas at Es Llaut. There are bioclimatic architectural elements for sun protection and control, preinstallation of charging stations for an electric vehicle in each parking space and garden irrigation using a drip system. The outdoor and pool lighting is on an automatic timer, there’s a storage take for drinking water and a rainwater tank for irrigation purposes. Grey water harvesting, meanwhile, is used for irrigation and WC cisterns.

“Our challenge is to push the boundaries of what we can achieve in terms of sustainability with every new development and we’re delighted with Es Llaut’s eco-credentials. We’ve prioritised local businesses and suppliers in the construction supply chain as well, to minimise the carbon footprint of the build.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As Mallorca welcomes British travellers once more, many will be keen to use their time on the island to find the perfect second home. Given how quickly its other developments have been selling, Taylor Wimpey España’s advice is to book a site visit (either in person or virtually) without delay, particularly as interest in Balearic properties is expected to boom now that Brits are flying there once more.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

Impact of pandemic and climate crisis evident in design of new luxury homes at The Crest

Impact of pandemic and climate crisis evident in design of new luxury homes at The Crest

by Louise Spain ,
  • Taylor Wimpey España environmental strategy puts sustainability at heart of new homes
  • The Crest offers luxury living with customisable outdoor spaces
  • Climate change, nature, resources and waste all under the spotlight like never before

The way we live and the way we holiday are changing. Both the pandemic and climate change are having an impact, as leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España explains:

“The pause in international travel during the pandemic, combined with the focus on facilitating working from home, has caused us to think about how we work, live and travel in new ways. The circumstances have opened the door for longer breaks, with many families now able to combine working from home overseas with taking some time off to enjoy the sun.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Fewer, longer breaks involve fewer flights than multiple short breaks. This is a key factor in enabling holidaymakers to enjoy overseas locations in a more sustainable manner. It also means that second homes are particularly well suited to those looking to minimise their impact on the environment while also getting away from the stresses of everyday life.

Of course, sustainability is about far more than the behaviour of those using second homes – it is also about how they are designed and built. Taylor Wimpey Espana’s environmental strategy aims to account for a range of factors when the company develops new properties, from water shortages and habitat degradation to the impact of increasingly extreme weather and the need to consume fewer materials. 

All of this and more has been taken into consideration at The Crest, Taylor Wimpey España’s newly launched development on the Costa del Sol. Located at the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort and Spa, at Benahavis, Marbella, the boutique development of 14 luxurious, three-bedroom homes enjoys fabulous natural surroundings. The protection of that natural setting is a top priority, as is building the homes in a way that minimises their impact on the environment.

The Crest, which has an energy rating of B, has an electric water heater with an energy savings system, with the hot water supply produced by thermal solar energy. Each home also includes a parking space with preinstallation of an electric vehicle charging station. Prices start from €385,000 plus VAT.

“At The Crest, we were keen to show that homes that respect the environment can still be wonderfully luxurious. We’ve provided spacious living areas and large terraces, all nestled on a pretty hill, delivering a sense of privacy and exclusivity that is a step above other residential complexes in the area.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Crest’s landscape-style terraces merge into the living rooms of each home, while large patio doors make the most of the natural light available and the spectacular views. The five penthouses feature amazing private solarium areas, with owners able to choose from a range of setups for different uses, including outdoor dining, sunbathing, exercise and ultimate relaxation, with the installation of a rooftop Jacuzzi. There is also a designer communal poolwith a solarium area and showers at The Crest, along with prettily landscaped gardens. 

The prestigious La Quinta Golf, meanwhile, provides a Mediterranean sauna, aromatic steam bath, Hammam, hydromassage, aquatherapy, eight wellness treatment rooms and a fitness centre, in addition to its outstanding golf and dining facilities.

“The high specification homes at The Crest are very well suited to the prominence of La Quinta. This is a superb new development; we anticipate demand for these homes will be particularly strong.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

New partner portal delivers multiple benefits for landlords and PBSA providers

New partner portal delivers multiple benefits for landlords and PBSA providers

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Housing Hand reveals new portal, designed to reduce risk and increase revenue for accommodation providers
  • Partner portal is one of a number of new services being rolled out in 2021
  • Best-in-class solutions are raising the bar for rental guarantor services

UK rental guarantor service Housing Hand has launched a new partner portal to create a slicker onboarding experience for accommodation providers. The new feature supports providers to increase their revenue, by delivering more connections with potential tenants through Housing Hand’s House Finder Service, while decrease their costs thanks to the portals’ speedy process and ease of use.

Accommodation providers can also reduce their risk and enjoy peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that Housing Hand has paid out on 100% of all valid default claims over the past eight years.  

Housing Hand is the only award-winning provider of rental guarantor services in the UK. The trusted, insurance-backed company works with landlords, lettings agents, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers, universities and others to support students and professionals into rented accommodation. It does so by acting as a guarantor for the tenant, removing the barrier that the absence of a guarantor would otherwise present.

The new portal, which is packed with video explainers and interactive features, will make it easier and faster for accommodation providers to work in partnership with Housing Hand to ensure that their tenants won’t leave them out of pocket.

“The benefits of using a rental guarantor service extend to all those involved in the rental transaction. By making the process of working with our guarantor service even easier, we are reducing friction and risk at the heart of the rental process. This will enable landlords and other accommodation providers to maximise their revenue, while tenants can enjoy long-term peace of mind.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand


Launched in early June, the new partner portal is one of a raft of new features being rolled out by the Housing Hand team in 2021, as part of the company’s significant growth during the pandemic. Newly appointed Head of Sales and Business Development James Maguire comments:

“We’re rolling out a range of improvements and new services over the course of this year, enhancing the user experience that accommodation providers and tenants have when they work with Housing Hand. We’re flexing the business in response to current and future market conditions, including addressing issues such as lifetime deposits and other aspects of the Renters’ Reform Bill. Watch this space for further developments!”

Landlords, letting agents, PBSA providers and universities are already benefitting from the new Housing Hand portal. As the country’s largest rental guarantor service, the company is keen to deliver best-in-class solutions for its partners, serving to raise the bar across the rental sector.

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

Stark warning to parents as Only My Share’s loss ratio increases by 350%

Stark warning to parents as Only My Share’s loss ratio increases by 350%

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Only My Share warns of the dangers of joint and several liability clauses
  • Huge rise in payouts highlights the risk to parents
  • Withdrawal of pandemic-related government support creates even greater need for caution

Rent arrears protection service Only My Share has issued a stark warning to parents, after a rising number of claims has seen its loss ratio increase by 350% over the past year. The company is hoping that parents can learn from its experience in order to protect themselves financially, particularly in the face of pandemic-driven government support beginning to fall away.  

“Many families are likely to be feeling the financial pressure as this year progresses. Yet many are also unaware of precisely what they are committing to when signing a tenancy agreement with a joint and several clause in it. With students already seeking accommodation for the 2021/22 academic year, we are keen to warn parents to be cautious.”

Edmund Fulford, Relationship Manager, Only My Share

Under a joint and several clause, the tenant is liable for a housemate’s rent if that housemate doesn’t pay. This applies regardless of whether the tenants even know each other. Students looking to live in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and any parents who sign up as their guarantors therefore need to be on the lookout as they are also legally liable.

Only My Share, which is part of the Housing Handfamily, is an insurance-backed guarantee service that prevents individuals from being liable for their housemates’ rent, for a fixed cost of £99 per year for protection of up to £10,000. With the guarantee in place, if a landlord demands rent that another housemate owes, Only My Share steps in and makes the payment.

With so many students defaulting on their rent in the past year, Only My Share has come to the rescue time and again – hence the company’s 350% loss ratio increase. Relationship Manager Edmund Fulford comments:

“It’s been an expensive year for Only My Share, but the pandemic has also shown the strength and solidity of the brand. There’s a definite sense now that if we can get through everything that the pandemic has thrown at us then we can survive any challenges that the future may hold.”

Only My Share recently revealed a new partnership with StudentTenant.com, the UK’s largest online student letting agent. The company is also deep into partnership talks with two other companies, with announcements to follow in the coming months. According to Fulford, the last few months have been incredibly busy on all fronts. He concludes:

“Awareness of the dangers of joint and several clauses is growing, but at a very slow rate. We’re looking to fast-track that knowledge. The level of payouts that we’ve made as a result of the pandemic should demonstrate to students and their parents just how vulnerable their position is if they sign a rental agreement that includes a joint and several clause. Only My Share can de-risk that vulnerability by £10,000.”

Edmund Fulford, Relationship Manager, Only My Share

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