New year, new resolutions – and maybe a new home for Benelux citizens?

New year, new resolutions – and maybe a new home for Benelux citizens?

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • Spain’s property market ranked the fourth best investment opportunity in the world. (Afire)
  • Belgians and Netherlanders holidaymakers represented 9% of the recording total of international tourists in Spain. (Frontur)
  • Belgium and Netherland buyers account for 15% of total reservations of second homes. (Taylor Wimpey España).
  • Taylor Wimper Espana to offer a wide range of choices at Second Home Expo in Belgium.

 

New year is traditionally the best time of year to think about lifestyles changes with healthy resolutions, new job or a potential second home. Savvy investors thinking of making a move in 2018 should start preparing their house hunting in order to make the best of their purchase for spring and summer holidays. And it terms of the location, Spain seems to be a winner!

Spain’s property market is roaring back to life, with experts forecasting prices and sales to rise in 2018. The holiday hotspot has moved from sixth in the ranking by Afire to the fourth most rewarding investment opportunity in the world.

The changes might tempt many buyers to see now as the perfect time to pick up their second home in Spain.  The Second Home Expo – titled Flanders Expo Ghent – will take place from 3rd to 5th of February for potential buyers who are ready to grab this investment opportunity.

Set in Ghent in Belgium, the exposition is a forum where Belgians and Netherlanders citizens can find the extensive offers from reliable estate agents and housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey España. Whether it is a second home to enjoy unforgettable holidays or to use it as an investment, promoters insure that it all starts at the Second Home Expo.

For Belgian and Netherlanders buyers, Spain remains a popular destination with INE reporting some 424,133 Belgians and 565,723 Netherlanders holidaymakers who visited the Iberian Peninsula last summer. Their number have increased by 13%, accounting for 9% of the total of international tourists in July 2017.

It is not surprising then to see an extensive offer of Spanish homes during the exposition. Spain’s leading housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, operational in Spain for 60 years, will participate in the expo to answer the rising demand of Belgium and Netherland buyers for their houses as they represent 15% of total reservations.

“We’re seeing much more interest from Netherland buyers this year – our sales to them were up 80% last year. Belgium and Netherland buyers now account for 15% of the total of 32 nationalities who showed interest to our houses in 2017. Our Costa Blanca properties have proven particularly popular with them.”

 Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Among its extensive offer of properties in Costa Blanca, La Villa Paradis stand out with its wide range of apartments and townhouses. Located in a wonderful seafront location in Villajoyosa, this large development offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available from just €269,000 + VAT and 3 bed townhouses priced from €429.000. Each one of them boast a well-designed layout, with a private terrace with owners able to enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea, swimming pool and private gardens of the development. Its great location – 20 minutes from central Alicante – make apartments at La Villa Paradis one of the best options when buying a home in Costa Blanca.

 

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

An Iconic Art Deco building is for the taking in Doncaster

An Iconic Art Deco building is for the taking in Doncaster

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom

As Doncaster is set to benefit from the government’s new £15 million Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund, the town is extending its cultural offering to investors.

The major renovation of historical landmark Danum House is among one of these inspirational projects aimed to boost the Northern Powerhouse. Housed in a five-floor art deco building in the heart of Doncaster town centre, Danum House – also known as Duke Street – is being turned into a stylish residential building with open plan apartments, complete with rooftop cinema and concierge service.

Built in the 1930’s, originally as a department store, the Grade II listed building, which boats 29,950 sq of space, sits in an imposing corner location at the other end of popular Frenchgate Shopping centre, where its distinctive V-plan layout and bold curved angles form a striking landmark. It gained its Grade II-listed status in 1997 but the premises began to fall into despair after the closure of TJ Hughes department store.

Designed by T.H Johnson & Son, the building is an impressive example of the art deco style of architecture, which highlights the appeal of own and live in there. This iconic building needed a new lease of life to save its great character from the scrap heap.

Empire Property Concepts developer acquired in August 2016 permission to convert its upper storey into 78 luxurious Art-Deco flats. Their transformation is unique as it breathes fresh life to the historical features of the building by retaining them.

Jeffrey Taylor, who is the developer partner, commented: “The redevelopment of Danum House has fulfilled an empty historical landmark within the town centre helping towards the regeneration of Doncaster and the surrounding areas along with the power house of south Yorkshire. The new building will be particularly appealing to those with an Art-Deco flair looking to live in Doncaster as it will provide a high standard of town centre accommodation.”

Everything about the Art Deco look of Danum House –  the Vitrolite tile cladding, glazed central rounded staircase and bronzed metal frame windows – will be retained in the revamp of the building, giving its admirers and art aficionados the chance to live there.

Designed for open plan living, the new homes will make the most of natural daylight with floor-to-ceiling windows and private interior balconies. Not only will the new flats combine classic period touches with contemporary comfort but also, they are extremely spacious as the smallest apartment in this development is 465 sq. ft. – the size of some two bedroom apartments in London or Manchester!

Investors can buy these 1,2 and 3 bedrooms apartments through Properties in the world from just £83,000 and the benefit of a 5.7% NET assured returns for five years. Works will be completed in March 2018.

“Doncaster could soon be seeing average values rising at similar rates to those in Manchester. Prices in the town are extremely low, so for those who invest early, rental yields are likely to be substantially stronger”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

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

 

What can you buy in Spain for the price of a home in England?

What can you buy in Spain for the price of a home in England?

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • Average house price in England is £243,339 (HM Land Registry)
  • House sales to foreigners on Costa Blanca up 17.5% (Ministry of Development)
  • Average house price in Alicante province is £200,000 (Kyero)

For many Brits aiming to purchase a second property in 2018, the idea of owning a sun-drenched home within a short distance of the sea is the dream. But with the price of the average house in England now £243,339 (HM Land Registry, November 2017), turning this dream into reality is unlikely.

More and more Brits therefore are heading abroad to Spain to get their dream beach house with the holiday hotspot of the Costa Blanca on Spain’s south-eastern coast, also a favourite second home destination.

The Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast’, has seen its popularity rise once again with a record 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2017 according to the Valencian Tourism Agency.

“The Costa Blanca remains very much at the top of the list for British second home buyers. British citizens are looking for quality homes that offer great value. Spacious, beachfront homes are the biggest winners and when you can buy the same house for half the price overseas, it makes you think twice.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Indeed, official figures reveal that foreigners were the biggest buyers on the Costa Blanca with 4,906 homes sold in Q3 2017, a 7.5% rise in sales to foreigners compared to the same period in 2016, recorded the Ministry of Development.  With data from Kyero.com revealing that the average property price in Alicante province is just €225,000 (£200,000) and properties in hotspots such as Torrevieja and La Marina costing just €132,000 (£117,000) and €148,000 (£130,000) respectively, it’s not hard to see why Brits are flocking to the Costa Blanca.

Always conscious of buyers’ budgets, leading housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, operational in Spain for 60 years, is answering this rising demand for second homes in the area with a selection of seaside properties, far more affordable than those in England.

La Villa Paradis is a large development in a wonderful seafront location in Villajoyosa. Available from just €269,000 + VAT, its 2 bedroom apartments boast a well-designed layout, each with a private terrace with owners able to enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea, swimming pool and private gardens of the development. Its great location – 20 minutes from central Alicante – make apartments at La Villa Paradis one of the best options when buying a home in Costa Blanca.

Arenal Dream is a 47-unit development comprised of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments built and finished with the highest quality materials. For just €239,000 + VAT, owners can enjoy a property that offers ample space, gardens or terraces, communal swimming pool, underground parking, air con and storage – better value than the average UK home! Located in Javea, known as the Pearl of Costa Blanca, Arenal Dream also boasts panoramic sea views and is only 300 meters from Blue Flag beaches.

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

Achieving Advantage – Top student accommodation provider Collegiate offers full service partnerships for 2018

Achieving Advantage – Top student accommodation provider Collegiate offers full service partnerships for 2018

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom

 

  • Record 30,000 student bed spaces delivered in 2017 (Cushman Wakefield)
  • Collegiate Advantage delivering superior services to partners around the world
  • 2018 to see key corporate focus on innovation, capacity and capability at Collegiate

 

The number of new student bed spaces delivered in 2017 hit a record high of 30,000 in 2017, according to the Cushman Wakefield Student Accommodation Annual Report 2017. The figure means the total number of purpose-built bed spaces in the UK has now reached 602,000 for the 2017/18 academic year.

One of the leading contributors to the development of the market in 2017 was Collegiate. The company also has big plans for 2018. Far from being purely an accommodation management company, Collegiate has built a unique full service offering, delivering development, design, construction support, specifiers and long-term operations services to a range of corporate partners.

“Too many companies position themselves as student accommodation managers, without considering the bigger picture. That’s why we’ve developed the Collegiate Advantage programme, based on our work on over 500 development projects in the UK and overseas, where we’ve served students from more than 100 countries.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

Developers and investors seeking excellence in 2018 can benefit from a range of Collegiate services. Quality and excellence are built in at every stage of the process, which delivers an end-to-end package designed to focus on corporate partners’ needs and students’ future desires. This blend of experience is what gives Collegiate the edge, allowing the company to deliver unparalleled value while future proofing its operations and the work it undertakes with its partners.

“We have worked as partners with Collegiate on three prestige schemes over three years and their design and specification support, and operational capacity, have helped Studious to achieve a strong reputation with both consumers and with the investment market. Our schemes have durable high-quality specifications and a sense of style that will see them succeed over the long term. We receive excellent feedback from students and their parents alike, our schemes have always been 100% full and we are well positioned for sustainable rental growth.”

 

Sevi Rixson, Managing Director, Studious

 For the cross-sector experience Collegiate team, the focus in 2018 will be about continuing to innovate, in partnership with organisations in the UK and overseas. From viable, intelligent design to extensive operational capacity, Collegiate has the breadth of delivery needed to operate with multiple partners across multiple countries. The organisation has doubled in size every two years – and 2018 looks to continue the trend.

 

For more information on achieving advantage in 2018 contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

 

Taylor Wimpey España hails strong 2017 with positive demand for Spanish homes

Taylor Wimpey España hails strong 2017 with positive demand for Spanish homes

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to British (TWE)
  • Modest price increase is expected in dynamic markets such as Costa Blanca (Tinsa)
  • 32 nationalities bought with Taylor Wimpey España in Spain during 2017

 

2017 was an excellent year for leading Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, stating that the Spanish market remains ‘strong’ in their trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The company has seen continued growth in the Spanish housing market with a total order book standing at 329 homes at the end of the year. This represents a 12.3% increase on the equivalent period in 2016 (293 homes) with the housebuilder, which celebrates its 60th year of operation in 2018, expecting the business to report a significant improved operating profit* in 2017 (FY 2016: £20.6 million operating profit*).

“We achieved a strong operational performance in 2017 with healthy figures. The order book increase shows that even in challenging environments, the right property in Spain is still very much in demand. We believe that the business is well positioned for further growth in 2018”

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Spain has long been a preferred second home destination for buyers from across the world. In fact, Taylor Wimpey España sold properties to buyers of 32 different nationalities in 2017 with German buyers leading the way. Despite Brexit uncertainty, demand from British buyers grew with December 2017 seeing the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to Brits.

 

“Spain really does offer everything that a second homeowner wishes for: sunshine, spacious properties in traditional Mediterranean styles, affordable flights, beautiful beaches – it’s all here. With record levels of tourists coming to Spain last year, we expect even greater demand for our homes in 2018.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Many second home enquiries made in 2017 were for the holiday hotspot of the Costa Blanca on Spain’s south-eastern coast. Taylor Wimpey España recorded a significant increase of 50% in reservations made for houses in the area last year and interest for this market is set to continue with Tinsa forecasting a prosperous 2018 for the property markets in coastal locations.  In line with last year’s figures and these expectations, the ‘White Coast’ will be key to the Spanish homebuilder’s year ahead. Taylor Wimpey España is ready to provide a range of new homes across the Costa Blanca, starting with new development Arenal Dream.

The development Is comprised of 47 apartments built and finished with the highest quality materials and available from €239,000 + VAT. Located in Javea, on the northern coastline of the province of Alicante, the development is only 300 meters from Blue Flag beaches and just 1 hour drive from either Alicante international airport or Valencia international airport.

 

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

 

* Operating profit is defined as profit on ordinary activities before net finance costs, exceptional items and tax, after share of results of joint ventures.

Brand new Lisbon site redefines luxury student living, as private sector makes its mark

Brand new Lisbon site redefines luxury student living, as private sector makes its mark

by Priscillia Mudiaki Portugal United Kingdom
  • 87% of UK student bed spaces delivered by private sector (Cushman Wakefield)
  • Collegiate is leading student accommodation development in both UK and Portugal
  • Launch of Collegiate Marquês de Pombal announced for 15 January 2018

 

The recent Cushman Wakefield UK Student Accommodation Report revealed that 87% of all new purpose-built student bed spaces in the UK were delivered by the private sector. A record 30,000 new beds were delivered in 2017, with leading provider Collegiate proud to have expanded both its portfolio and reputation for excellence within the student accommodation sector.

Nor is it just the UK where Collegiate is making its mark. On 15th January 2018, the brand new Collegiate Marquês de Pombal site in Lisbon will open its doors to the first cohort of students looking for outstanding accommodation in the Portuguese capital.

 

“We’re delighted to be launching our spectacular new site at Collegiate Marquês de Pombal on 15 January 2018. With outstanding facilities, a residents’ club lounge and dinner party room, this site will mark a new standard in student accommodation in Lisbon.” 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

 

A range of study zones provide calming settings for students to read, undertake research and write essays. Meanwhile, carefully designed rooms also ensure that each individual can study in private should they prefer. The site also features an on-site library for the peaceful absorption of knowledge.

The locally-inspired interior boasts extensive natural elements and stylish artwork, reflecting the character of the surrounding city.

The site has been designed with contemporary young people firmly in mind, from international students living in Portugal for the first time to domestic pupils looking forward to completing their studies in the capital.

On-site amenities include a stylish swimming pool, sauna, private fitness suite, luxurious cinema and private dinner party rooms.

“Each Collegiate site is unique, with the interior design shaped to suit the city around it. At Collegiate Marquês de Pombal, that meant bringing to life the sophistication and grandeur of Lisbon, while also recognising the importance of outdoor life.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

With a 24/7 professional concierge service, state-of-the-art security and high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi, Collegiate has set the scene for an outstanding and secure university experience, designed to enable each individual student to flourish, both academically and socially.

 

For more information and to book accommodation in university towns and cities across the UK and Europe, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s 2018 outlook for Spanish property

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s 2018 outlook for Spanish property

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • Spanish housing market bounced back in 2017 with 16% increase in sales (Fomento)
  • Record-breaking 77.8 million foreign nationals visited between Jan – Nov 2017 (Frontur)
  • British buyers splash out more on Spanish properties with a view to Brexit in 2019 (TWE)
  • Costa Blanca goes international with buyers from over 20 nationalities recorded (TWE)
  • Benahavis and Santa Ponsa are areas to watch in 2018 (TWE)

2017 was a good year for Spain’s residential property market. The market enjoyed steady growth with the Ministry of Development (Fomento) reporting a surge in housing sales since last October, giving a 16% rise on 2016 figures. Over 510.000 homes were sold from September 2016 to September 2017.

2017 was also a record-breaking year for Taylor Wimpey España. During the summer season, the leading Spanish housebuilder witnessed the largest growth of the last six years with a 13% increase in enquiries for Spanish holiday homes.

The company, which has been building homes in Spain for 60 years (1958 – 2018), also reported growth in international buyers, delivering another year of growth in operating profit* in 2017.

“We are very proud of the results that we have generated in 2017. The Spanish housing market has remained strong throughout the year as we have witnessed international demand rising again, having sold homes across Spain to more than 30 different nationalities”.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Looking ahead with optimism to 2018, Taylor Wimpey España has highlighted three key trends in the Spanish second homes market:

  1. British buyers splash out more with a view to Brexit in 2019

Whilst the UK’s decision to leave the EU did undeniably affect the Spanish second homes market, it seems this was just a blip with Taylor Wimpey España recording enquiry levels returning to pre-Brexit vote levels.

December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to British buyers for Taylor Wimpey España with the majority being made at the upper price point of €450,000 and beyond, a trend never seen before.

“Whilst conscious of the potential implications of the wider macro-European economic environment, our latest figures confirm that Spain remains very much at the top of the list for British second home buyers.

“Affluent British citizens are looking to place their money outside of the UK, in Spanish property, with view to Brexit in April 2019. Spain is deemed a safe heaven and we expect to continue to see greater number of purchasers at this higher price point.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

  1. The Costa Blanca goes international

Official figures show that Spain has once again seen record-breaking levels of tourism with 77.8 million foreign nationals visiting between Jan – Nov 2017, up from 75.6 million for the whole of 2016 (Frontur).

British tourists accounted for 18 million (23%) visitors for the 2017 period, a 7% increase on the same 11-months in 2016 followed by German and French tourists at 11.4 million and 10.7 million respectively.

Perennial favourite, the Costa Blanca (White Coast) saw its popularity rise once again in 2017 not only with holidaymakers but also second home buyers from all over the world according to Taylor Wimpey España.

A 50% year-on-year rise in Costa Blanca sales was recorded by Taylor Wimpey España in November 2017 with more than 20 nationalities in total purchasing in the region through the housebuilder last year.

Well regarded as offering a wide variety of quality homes at affordable prices, the Costa Blanca attracts those with a budget between €170,000 and €210,000. The historic fishing village of Torrevieja has become a hotspot for Russian buyers attracted by developments such as La Recoleta III whilst Scandinavian buyers are already registering their interest in the next phase of the hugely popular Brisas de Alenda Golf development in Elche.

3. Benahavis and Santa Ponsa are areas to watch in 2018

With demand set to rise further still throughout 2018, Taylor Wimpey España is on hand to provide a number of new developments for prospective buyers in the most sought-after areas.

New releases are to come in the three areas Taylor Wimpey Espana is working this year; Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Two areas to watch include Benahavis, one of Costa del Sol’s most exclusive area located In Malaga. Known for its high-class restaurants and fine cuisine, buyers from all over the world will be clambering to secure one of the stunning homes at Taylor Wimpey España’s  Botanic new development.

Situated in Mallorca’s southwest, the quiet town of Santa Ponsa will also be one to watch in 2018. Offering panoramic views of both the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and Santa Ponsa III golf course upon which the new Marina Golf development sits, these new homes will offer peace and seclusion as well as a whole host of on-site amenities and traditional village charm.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com/ for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

 

*Operating profit is defined as profit on ordinary activities before net finance costs, exceptional items and tax, after share of results of joint ventures.

Students kick-start their 2018 fitness goals with cooking and cardio in luxury pads

Students kick-start their 2018 fitness goals with cooking and cardio in luxury pads

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • England’s health is alarming with 62% of UK adults obese and 38% sedentary (NHS Health Survey for England)
  • Brits need to run 18 miles to burn off the calories consumed during the festive season (Discount Supplements)
  • Free fitness, dance and “Wellness week” sessions in state-of-the-art gyms available at Collegiate and Fusion Students accommodation

After tucking into treats, sweets and booze during the festive period, attention has now turned to the pledges that many of us make to be better over the next 12 months. As eating habits tend to change over Christmas, the most common New Year’s resolutions will doubtlessly be weight loss and the start of a healthier lifestyle.

According to the latest statistics from the NHS, obesity and physical activity are key concerns with over half of all adults in England being obese (62%) and more than a third sedentary (38%). The report stresses more than ever the need for UK citizens to quit their unhealthy routines and 2018 could be the time for change! Amongst the most health conscious are today’s students, eager to achieve both their health and academic goals to make the most of their time at university.

With increasing pressure to attain top grades, a well-balanced body, mind and soul is becoming essential for students, at any level of study.

Providing students with the facilities essential for maintaining a healthier lifestyle, Collegiate the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, installs high-tech kitchen appliances to give their residents the opportunity to cook meals from scratch. And with tea and coffee prepared at the start of each day by the 24/7 concierge at Collegiate Plummer House in Newcastle, students are able to get ready for a day of lectures with ease.

Eclipse, provided by Fusion Students in Cardiff, also benefits from an exclusive French Renaissance themed dining room to host friends and put healthy cooking skills to the test for a fun and relaxing evening in.

As well as altering food choices, many New Year’s resolutions begin with a trip to the gym. According to new research from online retailer Discount Supplements, Brits put on 5lb between December 25 and January 1 needing to run 18 miles to burn off all these calories.

To inspire students to make time for fitness, regardless of skill level, most Collegiate residences offer on-site gym facilities, including Collegiate West Gate in Exeter, Collegiate Fontenoy Apartments in Liverpool and Collegiate Crown House in Sheffield. In Newcastle, Collegiate Plummer House provides classes such as Dance, Bootcamp and Spinning all included in the weekly rate. At Fusion Students accommodation in Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff and Nottingham, residents will enjoy around the exam period in February a ‘wellness week’ which has a number of health and wellbeing focused experiences for free. Activities will include personal trainers, free smoothies, pamper nights, yoga and much more.

“Many of our residents have said that the range of additional facilities available in our properties enhances their student experience and provides them with the tools they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is using the space to experiment in the kitchen, working up a sweat in the gym or letting off steam by exchanging stories in the common room, we believe that these aspects are essential.

“This is especially important after the Christmas break when getting back into the routine of healthy eating and exercising before January exams is important. At Collegiate we take into careful consideration exactly what students need.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

With 80% of New Year resolutions failing by the second week of February according to U.S news websites, it is crucial therefore that your surroundings help motivate your goals and Collegiate offers the perfect accommodation for focused and well-rounded student-living.

Collegiate Crown House in Sheffield is a fine example of student accommodation that helps maintain a balanced lifestyle. On-site facilities include a cinema, private gym, club lounge and a resident’s bar as well as a choice of generously-sized rooms, along with high-speed broadband, Wi-Fi and 24-hour security and CCTV.

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

The UK property market in 2018 – what does the future hold?

The UK property market in 2018 – what does the future hold?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • Investors to focus on commercial instead of residential opportunities
  • Properties of the World opening new estate agency as part of future-proofing strategy
  • High returns and capital growth will remain key when it comes to favoured investments

2018 will be a key year for the UK property market. In the run-up to Brexit in March 2019, much focus will be on what property prices are doing and why. Alongside the economic impact of the Brexit process, prohibitive levels of stamp duty have dragged the property market in 2017. This has led to a drop in the number of buyers purchasing residential buy to let apartments this year, according to innovative property investment company Properties of the World.

Many investors have turned instead to commercial properties such as offices, hotels and care homes, which don’t incur stamp duty. Investors’ inability to offset their costs (including mortgage payments) against rental income, has also led to a drop off in investment in buy to let apartments, as it has dramatically reduced the level of available profit.

“These changes, first brought in by George Osborne, will continue to reduce demand by investors for residential property in 2018. Instead, investors will increasingly shift their focus to purchasing properties that provide them with capital growth, along with non-cyclical commercial opportunities, such as student accommodation and hotel room investment. This means looking to key parts of the UK that provide high returns, such as Manchester, Doncaster, the North West and the North East.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

When it comes to capital growth, Properties of the World is projecting property price rises in 2018, though not at the same level that the market has seen in recent years.

Regional markets will fare well, with Yorkshire and the North West demanding particular attention. Stamp duty changes, Brexit and political uncertainties will all contribute to this slowing of the market. However, those will be counterbalanced by an uplift in first time buyers, with the recent stamp duty exemption announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond doing much to invigorate this end of the market.

“2018 will be a year characterised by uncertainty when it comes to UK property investment; companies will need to prepare to weather the storm. At Properties of the World, one strand of our approach to this is to open an estate agency. Whatever occurs in the UK economy, people will need somewhere to live. As such, the estate agency arm of the business will help to future-proof the organisation while ensuring that we continue to respond to demand-led property opportunities, despite shifting priorities.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

With so much uncertainty hanging over the UK’s economy, it is perhaps unsurprising to see the property market slowing as we head into 2018. However, as Liggett points out, people will always need homes. The way in which those homes are provided may shift, such as the steer away from buy to let apartments that we saw in 2017, but this will in itself open up different opportunities to those with an eye on staying ahead of the market.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

Pets are for everyone, welcome home!

Pets are for everyone, welcome home!

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • British shoppers will spend over £750m on pets this Christmas (OnBuy.com)
  • UK pet ownership is now down to 56% (Minitel)
  • Dog owners are 15% less likely to die from heart disease than people without pets (Scientific Reports)
  • Pets are a welcome part of the community at Be:here Hayes, West London.

Christmas brings lots of presents, festive ceremonies and plenty time spent with family, friends and off course pets. According to a new survey conducted by online marketplace OnBuy.com, Britons are expected to lavish some £750 million  on their pets this season. 76% of UK pet owners will even give their pets a Christmas dinner!

And yet many pet lovers are deprived of this pleasure to spoil their furry friends during the festive period. Analysts Mintel revealed that fewer households own a pet with just over half (56%) now owning one, down from 63% in 2012.

Among other motives, another explanation for the fall in pet ownership is due to more people renting rather than owning their home.

Many pet-owning tenants have a tough time finding a suitable rental home as private landlords mostly don’t embrace the idea of an animal in their property. And since the trend of renting is set to rise even further, delivering more pet-friendly homes is a priority.

“One of the most common questions that we receive from dog owners is where can they find private landlords who will allow dogs? I know from personal experience that having a dog, or as in my case “dogs”, the choice of properties available to my family was severely restricted. 

Accommodation suppliers who welcome dogs tell us that dog owners usually take more care of their rooms and their properties than non-dog owners – so it really is time for landlords to recognise that one in three households own a dog – which is a massive potential market too many landlords are still ignoring”.

Steve Bennett, CEO of DogFriendly

However, all is not lost. In their quest to offer homes that meet tenants’ needs, build-to-rent developer Be strives to accommodate Fluffy, Fido and other animal friends by offering pet-friendly tenancies at their new be:here Hayes development in West London.

The scheme is part of the wider regeneration of the Old Vinyl Factory and delivers units priced from £1,200 pcm for 1-beds and £1,450 for 2-beds all with either a garden, terrace or balcony.

The development’s feline residents can indulge in the cat nip especially planted in the podium gardens!

“Some of our pet-friendly apartments have large, private and secure gardens perfect for furry friends to run around – that’s pretty unique in apartment living, especially in London. We try to help our four-legged residents adjust to their new homes by giving them special attention (and even some tasty treats) on move-in day.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager– be:here Hayes

Indeed, by making more room for furry pals, Be might influence tenants’ health for the better as recent research has proved that pets boost healthier lifestyles. Not only does dog ownership slow down the ageing process but also it cuts the risk of death from heart disease by 36%, a Sweden research has shown in the journal Scientific Reports. Ultimately, it adds that in households with many people under the same roof such as flatshare, deaths from heart attack are lowered by 15%.

 

For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.