Is PBSA now more popular with students than traditional HMOs?

Is PBSA now more popular with students than traditional HMOs?

by Priscillia Mudiaki Uncategorized
  • 85% of HMO landlords not up to scratch with new regulations (Simple Landlords Insurance)
  • 84% of students worry about having enough to live on (National Student Money)
  • 22% increase in first-year students choosing PBSA accommodation (Collegiate)

 

Tuition fee hikes, soaring rents of HMO properties and rising concerns from students over the value for money of accommodation have all changed the landscape of UK student housing. Tighter restrictions around HMO properties, which have long been a popular choice of accommodation for higher education students, whilst many would argue necessary have made it even harder and more costly for private landlords to accommodate the demands of 21st century students.

New government proposals, outlined originally in a consultation paper in October 2016 suggest that landlords who own HMOs will require new mandatory licenses to operate. The government also plans to impose a new minimum size of 6.52 square metres for a single person resulting in some HMOs needing to be reconfigured, potentially losing an income generating room.

However, recent research by Simple Landlords Insurance reveals that more than 85% of landlords are not familiar with these new laws set to come into effect in Spring 2018 with students the first to suffer from the confusion, inevitable disruption and potentially higher rents imposed to cover costs.

Burdened with sizeable debt upon graduation, today’s students are already struggling to fund rising rents with the National Student Money Survey reporting that 84% of students are worried about having enough to live on at the end of the month.

“Students just want a decent home. They want to enjoy the standards of housing that they are accustomed to but unfortunately, some private landlords fail to understand today’s students’ needs.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

Although most higher education students in the UK live in privately owned rental properties, levels of satisfaction with this type of accommodation have fallen in recent years.

The relationship between landlord, letting agent and student is often a difficult one, sullied by horror stories of the rental experience coming from all sides. But with the boom in investment in purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) over the past decade, students are seeing a more desirable, and in many ways, better value for money, alternative.

This growing interest for PBSA units is witnessed by luxury accommodation provider Collegiate which has seen a 22% increase in first-year students opting for PBSA accommodation for the 2017/18 academic year compared to traditional university-operated halls.

With PBSA sites such as those operated by Collegiate, students can count on a more reliable housing provider where they benefit from living in a place where safety and security is paramount, utilities are included in the rent and a wide range of on-site amenities are complementary.

“PBSA provided by Collegiate is more reliable and less disruptive for students. We strive to ensure a consistently high quality of accommodation and service across all our sites, taking away the hassles of renting and allowing residents to just focus on their studies.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

 Take Collegiate Crown House in Sheffield as an example. One of Collegiate’s Prestige Collection, the purpose-built development offers students 24-hour concierge services with CCTV cameras, contemporary accommodation all with en-suite bathrooms and complemented by first-class amenities including fitness suite, indoor and outdoor cinemas, gaming rooms and cold stores.

The benefits of living in accommodation owned by a professional, registered company versus a private landlord are significant. Collegiate sites are specifically designed with students in mind with bedrooms configured to maximise space and light, providing ample room to study and rest.

Professional interior designers are employed to deliver a stylish and modern look and feel to both the accommodation itself as the communal areas. The amenity spaces from the study rooms through to the private dinner party rooms and outdoor terraces are also carefully crafted to create the ideal community environment.

Not just this but the on-site concierge teams mean that there is always someone on hand to answer queries, not matter how small, and deal with any maintenance issues in a timely fashion.

Being an award-winning limited company and with an established track record in the market, over 60,000 residents have trusted Collegiate to deliver the exceptional experience they demand. Collegiate’s scale and scope also offers students (and their parents) extra reassurance.

“Our focus is on delivering excellence in all that we do – from the very first conversation with our development partners through all the stages of design and construction, to delivering an exceptional experience for all of our residents. Why? Because we believe that this combination delivers superior value for everyone.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

Not satisfied with changing the face of student accommodation in the UK alone, Collegiate has plans to wider its property portfolio with a launch of new PBSA sites across Europe in 2018 with its first, Marques de Pombal, in Lisbon.

“Collegiate Marques de Pombal will provide domestic and international students with a unique living experience, enabling them to make the most of their university careers both studiously and socially. The lifestyle-led apartments and social spaces have been carefully designed to create an environment where students can feel safe and looked after.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

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.   

The future of property marketing: What’s in store for 2018 and beyond?

The future of property marketing: What’s in store for 2018 and beyond?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom

 

 The UK property industry’s first step in future-proofing itself should be to look outside of itself at how consumers are communicating with and purchasing from other verticals.

There has been a rapid and significant evolution in the sophistication of these interactions, driven largely by the rising importance of brand storytelling, targeted content delivery, customised channel experiences and – finally – the technology able to support these marketers’ ambitions.

So, what’s in store for 2018 and beyond? James Fenner, Founder of Silk Road, has highlighted 5 top strategic marketing trends that he believes will impact most property organisations in 2018.

 

  1. Rise of the robots – from mobile first to AI first.

 

For marketers, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning is creating a world where advertising and branding are becoming increasingly invisible, smart and automated. Smart off-the-shelf tools now include machine-learning algorithms which can churn vast quantities of data to identify which of your ads perform best on which audience at what stage of the buying process. Chatbots have also joined the fray – it allows you to provide a reliable, 24/7 service that is both mobile responsive and completely pressure-neutral.

 

AI is driving efficiency in marketing automation across industries and property should be no exception. Given that research indicates that 90% of estate agents’ time can be taken up in prospecting, (Real Estate Marketing Academy 2013) it is unsurprising that AI-powered property chat platforms are already amongst us as customer service tools. “Rebecca” from iProperty Group and “Zoombot” from Zoomsquare can initiate conversations with potential customers in the process of researching property.

 

  1. Marketing to Alexa

 

What does your brand sound like? A decade ago this would have been about a jingle or pneumonic, for 2018 it’s about your tone of voice in the Alexa era. Personal digital assistants are transforming consumer research, discovery and purchase behaviour. It is estimated that there will be 1.8bn users of voice-enabled digital assistants worldwide by 2021. (Tractica 2016). By 2020 30% of web browsing will be done without a screen. (Gartner 2016). It is clear that these invisible gatekeepers will force a shift in the way brands in every industry target and respond to consumers.

 How can a development be described verbally? Take away the CGI and tell me why I should buy a home at your development. Often the messaging and verbal strategy is left to the end if it is tackled at all and this needs to change.

 

  1. Niche Engagement

 

There is no mainstream. The biggest opportunities for brands and marketers lie in engaging with niches. Brands from Citroen to All Saints have shifted focus towards online micro-influencers, who can now galvanise their fan bases more effectively than the big social media stars. As technology enables marketing to become ever more hyper- focused in 2018, brands targeting the niche will turn customers from loyal fans into powerful advocates.

 

  1. Take a stand

 

In the property industry, it means that you must stand for something. It could be local to where your development is. It could be a cause that means a lot to you and your team. Whatever it is be prepared for some negativity but that’s a good thing. It means you’re getting noticed. But you’ll get disciples and it’s always better to be loved than liked. Think Marmite.

With consumers struggling to make sense of an increasingly volatile world, there’s a big opportunity for brands to play a more meaningful role in their lives. But this is no time to sit on the fence – be prepared to take strong positions or risk irrelevancy. Savvy marketers are striving to reshape culture, rather than simply reflect it.

 

  1. Storytelling

 

Much importance has been placed on storytelling in the past and this isn’t going away. It’s particularly relevant to property as it helps to create the emotional connection – something a floorplan and spec sheet can’t do.

Storytelling works because stories:

  • Make people react to emotion
  • Put a face to an issue (nobody cares about process; they care about people)
  • Connect us
  • Humanise brands (people want to see your personal side)
  • Raise the stakes (appeal to universal, shared values)
  • Are about “show/don’t tell.” It’s one of the best things stories do. Don’t just make claims. Tell the stories that substantiate them.

In the property industry, the story could be about the area, history of the building, the design. If there isn’t one, developers should create a story and develop the product around it.

 

For more information on the top property marketing trends for 2018, contact James at Silk Road by visiting www.wearesilkroad.com or calling +44 (0) 20 7024 8977.

Buy a home today and have yourself a merry little Christmas in Spain

Buy a home today and have yourself a merry little Christmas in Spain

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain

 

  • 41% of Brits feel low when the clocks go back (David Lloyd Clubs)
  • 58% of Brits want to head overseas for Christmas (MyVouchersCodes.co.uk)
  • Villas ready for Christmas are found in sunny Mallorca (Taylor Wimpey España)

 

The weekend just gone was that time of the year when the clocks change again to mark the transition into winter.

Research by David Lloyd Clubs reveals that almost half (41%) of Brits say they feel low when the clocks go backwards. Days are shorter and grey skies are coming – it’s certainly time to look at way to beat the winter blues.

One of best ways to handle the transition is to turn attentions to winter sun destinations. According to The Weather Channel, a number of Spanish holiday hotspots have enjoyed an October with temperatures soaring well above normal.

The weather is the main motivator for second home buyers, especially those in the UK and Northern Europe, to look to Spain over the winter months as the perfect escape.

“The journey into winter is not always easy as days grow shorter, the temperature falls and grey skies loom. Only a couple of hours away and things are very different – Spain is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and warm temperatures near enough year-round and with second homes on the “Sunshine Coast” that is the Costa del Sol, Brits can easily beat those winter blues. “

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

A second home under the Spanish sunshine can be of benefit to the whole family as children also are susceptible to the lack of sunshine. Trips to the seaside and alfresco dinners are what British people miss when the winter months arrive, according to a poll conducted by David Lloyd Clubs.

But it’s not just the good weather alone that motivates Brits to seek sunnier climes.  For 13 million of us, Christmas is ‘boring’ and a winter break is the ‘perfect escape’, according to discount website MyVouchersCodes.co.uk. Over half (58%) of Brits are more likely to book a trip over Christmas this year.

 

“Spending Christmas overseas in a hotel can be nice, but to truly experience a Spanish Christmas it is better to feast in your own private home where you are free to decorate the living room and cook in your own kitchen. At this this of year, many clients are purchasing with a view to spending Christmas in their new home in Spain.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Indeed, the latest data from leading Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España reveals a significant rise in Christmas property related enquiries for the Balearic island of Mallorca where latest key-ready homes at Marina Golf development are located.

Nova Santa Ponsa, where the development is situated, boasts some brilliant sunny beaches. With prices starting at €549,000, the townhouses and villas stand out for their terraces where owners can let the sunlight – and Santa! – in. The complex also has a large communal swimming pool ideal for kids and gardens for those who are keen on organising community events for the festivities.

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

Hayes is happening as West London town chosen as home of new “Lidl of the Future”

Hayes is happening as West London town chosen as home of new “Lidl of the Future”

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • New Lidl store opens in Hayes on November 2nd 2017 (Lidl)
  • Store to be the “Lidl of the Future” with glass fronted façade, LED lighting, in-store bakery & customer toilets (Lidl)
  • Be:here Hayes and the rest of the Old Vinyl Factory development are just a short walk away

Top supermarket chain Lidl is pressing ahead with rapid expansion in West London with a new store opening this Thursday 2nd November in Hayes. After recently launching stores in Shepherds’ Bush and South Ruislip, Lidl will open a large store well located in the Hayes town centre on the site of the former municipal swimming pool site.

The new store will be one-of-a-kind, set to be the ‘Lidl of the Future’ with a glass fronted facade, LED internal lighting, in-store bakery and customer toilets. It will also offer an ample parking for both cars and bicycles. The German food retailer, voted ‘Best Supermarket 2016’ by readers of Good Housekeeping, is expanding at a time when customers are making more frequent trips to local convenience stores than ever before.

It is widely known that homes within easy reach of a high-end supermarket such as Waitrose are highly valued however recent Lloyds research also revealed that homes located near lower priced grocers such as Aldi and Lidl have seen the most rapid value growth in recent years.

The new Lidl store opening in Hayes will bring 40 new jobs to the town as well as increased choice and convenience for nearby residents at be:here Hayes. The Gatefold Building is just a 12 min walk from the new Botwell Lane store making picking up those everyday essentials even easier.

 

 “Hayes is a great location to live and work, and its selling points seem to be growing almost every day, with new businesses and shopping options popping up regularly. With the new Lidl alongside the retail, entertainment and food offerings being developed across the rest of the Old Vinyl Factory development, our residents at be:here Hayes will be spoilt for choice.

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

The wider regeneration of The Old Vinyl Factory will bring shops, restaurants, a cinema and more at more residents’ doorstep. Spacious apartments, at be:here Hayes completed with either a private garden, terrace, or a balcony, are available to rent today from £1,200 pcm for a one bed and from £1,450 for a two bed.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 020 3369 1646 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Holiday homes get personal with new customisation options from Taylor Wimpey España

Holiday homes get personal with new customisation options from Taylor Wimpey España

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain

With the Spanish property market showing strong signs of recovery once again (so far this year sales have risen by 14.7% over the same period in 2016, according to latest data from JLL), buyers are becoming more demanding when it comes to choosing what they purchase and where.

No longer satisfied with four white walls and a terracotta roof, Spanish property buyers want more from their dream home in the sun, the realise one of the true joys of homeownership – the ability to truly make your home yours by customising and personalising it to your taste.

“Buyers today yearn for something more from their second property, they want a space that they can truly make their ‘home away from home’. We have taken this demand on board and can help makes their dreams a reality by giving buyers on our newest development on Mallorca the opportunity to personalise their home before receiving the keys.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

At the new exclusive development Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita on Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey España is offering buyers a wide range of customisation options for the minimialist villas located on the south coast of the island. And it’s not only a choice of tile colours and bathroom suits on offer, Taylor Wimpey Espana has gone one step further by offering a wide selection of optional extras.

Depending upon the build stage, clients can choose to add to a swimming pool, heated flooring, air conditioning, a garage or a fireplace to their villas.

“We are open to suggestions! From minor layout changes to more substantial alterations, everything can be considered. It is part of the beauty of buying off-plan – purchasers can shape their homes to perfectly suit their needs and desires.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

With prices start from 390.000€, the villas in the Dalt de Sa Rapita complex are situated in a beautiful spot where residents and visitors can enjoy typical Mediterranean coastal surroundings.

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 34 971 706 972.

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields” says Jean Liggett

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields” says Jean Liggett

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • London’s house price slump continues with growth rate of just 1.9% (Hometrack)
  • Haircuts of 15-20% common across the Home Counties (Properties of the World)
  • Off-plan properties once again pique investors’ interest (Properties of the World)

Whilst the financial crash a decade ago saw investor appetite for off-plan properties fall as concerns over the financial ability of some developers to complete, now experts are seeing investor interest once again in off-plan properties in light of stalling house prices and impeded rental yields.

Whether it’s ‘because of Brexit’ or not, the stalling of UK house prices over the past 12 months has not only been well-documented in the media but also physically felt across the nation.

Those peering through estate agents’ windows in London will see reductions of between 5-10% whilst anyone residing in the Home Counties, unfortunate enough to have their home valued of late, will be reeling from sweeping haircuts of between 15-20%.

Property buyers can no longer rely on never-ending upward house price trajectories thus savvy investors are looking to other methods of securing capital gains such as buying off-plan. With off-plan units traditionally cheaper than completed stock, up to 20% in some cases, investors are more willing to accept the risks of buying off-plan in return for such an attractive and swiftly realised capital return.

And with recent tax changes impeding the returns available, buy-to-let landlords too are increasingly looking to off-plan properties, especially those nearing completion, for their next purchase.

 

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields is what I say when clients ask me what they should do.

“With the imposed tax changes, every penny counts for today’s landlords so purchasing a brand new, modern buy-to-let property which requires no refurbishment and thus additional expenditure or void period whilst works are being done, is highly appealing.

“90% of our sales for UK residential buy-to-let are for off-plan properties with northern cities, especially Manchester, in high demand due to their lower entry prices and strong rental market.”

Jean Liggett, CEO Properties of the World

Manchester Waters, is currently the largest off-plan development that Properties of the World is offering investors. Comprised of 500 apartments ranging from studios to 3 beds, the award-winning development presents units available from just £109,995, with a 6% return for investors and house price growth rates of 7.3% recorded for Manchester, the fastest in the UK (Hometrack).

With excellent views of the Manchester Ship Canal, private residents’ gym and cinema room and being located just 10 minutes from the city centre, demand for these apartments, due to be completed Q4 2019, is high. Over 85% of units have already been sold off-plan since launch in July 2017.

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

Be creates the perfect Habitat for renters

Be creates the perfect Habitat for renters

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • Average cost to furnish a first home in London is £5,495 (Santander)
  • 46% of 25 to 34 year olds now live in private rented sector (English Housing Survey)
  • Partnership between Be and Habitat offers stylish homes to renters in Hayes (UB3) & East India (E14)

Furnishing a home is no small expense. Research by Santander has revealed that the average first-time buyer in the UK spends £3,872 on furnishing their property, while the average first-time buyer in London has to fork out an even more eye-watering £5,495.

Those moving into rented accommodation have the opportunity to avoid these costs by opting for homes that are already furnished. However, many landlords put low cost ahead of style and quality when it comes to furnishing the apartments they rent out, leaving tenants with poor quality, cheap furniture that they would never choose themselves.

Residents of Be Living Ltd’s built-for-rent developments be:here Hayes in West London (UB3) and be:here East India in E14, now have an alternative.

Be’s new be:here Hayes development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments and be:here East India offers studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, all furnished by Habitat UK.

The partnership between Be & Habitat sees each development and each apartment type reviewed in order to determine the best possible furniture for the layout/area.

“Part of the be:here Hayes ethos is to offer our residents superb homes that provide them with style and comfort, as well as an excellent location. As such, we’ve partnered with Habitat to give renters wonderfully stylish, contemporary homes that they can feel instantly relaxed in, without having to worry about the cost of furnishing them.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

The Habitat furnishings complement the other conveniences of life at Be’s developments. The be:here Hayes development, for example, has a friendly on-site team, 30 ft private gardens, generous balcony space and a communal roof terrace, the development is already proving a hit with Londoners. The welcoming attitude to sharers is well received, as is the fact that numerous apartments throughout the development have been designated as pet-friendly.

Spacious, one-bedroom apartments at be:here Hayes rent from £1,200 pcm. Two-bedroom homes are available from £1,450. All apartments come with a garden or balcony.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Holiday homes in Spain could be the answer as prices of Spanish holidays set to soar in 2018

Holiday homes in Spain could be the answer as prices of Spanish holidays set to soar in 2018

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • 2018 summer holidays bookings to Spain skyrocketing (Loveholidays.com)
  • Rise in hotel demand will cause up to 10% price spike (Thomas Cook)
  • Costs of hotels and international flights set to jump by 3.7% and 3.5% (Carlson Wagonlit)
  • Holiday homes more attractive and viable than ever (Taylor Wimpey España).

With Spain on course to enjoy another record year for tourism, it’s looking likely that the Iberian nation, just 2 hours from the UK, will remain the number one holiday choice for Brits again in 2018.

According to booking platform, loveholidays.com, demand for holidays in Spain for summer 2018 is already higher than it was for this summer. But with this huge interest Spain, British tourists might have to break the bank to afford Spanish holidays this coming year.

Experts, including the chief executive of tour operator Thomas Cook, have warned that the price of a Spanish holiday could rise by as much as 10% in 2018 due to increased demand for budget flights, the call for hotel beds outstripping supply and the fall of sterling against the euro driving operational costs ever higher.

Indeed, the Carlson Wagonlit Travel report forecasts that the cost of hotels will jump by 3.7% and flights will globally increase by 3.5% in 2018.

As peak holiday seasons get busier and more expensive, increasing tourists are missing out on first-choice accommodation in Spain and are seeking another way to guarantee their ideal holiday.

Taylor Wimpey España’s, Spain’s leading developer established for almost 60 years, is seeing a steady number of enquiries from Brits who traditionally holiday in Spain but now want to make that holiday a more secure and permanent experience.

 

“As the costs of travelling and holidaying in Spain look set to sky-rocket in the coming year, the appeal of owning your own home in Spain and being sure of staying in the location and accommodation you desire is growing. There are homes for every budget here in Spain; you can turn that dream into a reality.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Taylor Wimpey España’s, Spain’s leading developer established for almost 60 years, is seeing a steady number of enquiries from Brits who traditionally holiday in Spain but now want to make that holiday a more secure and permanent experience.

One new development, located on the ever-popular holiday destination that is the Costa Blanca, in one of the most exclusive areas of Torrevieja, is attracting plenty of attention.

From just €189,000 +VAT, La Recoleta III’s 2 or 3 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.

 

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 34 971 706 972.

 

 

Sustainable living gains ground with luxury eco-homes from Taylor Wimpey España

Sustainable living gains ground with luxury eco-homes from Taylor Wimpey España

by Priscillia Mudiaki Spain
  • Eco-friendly credentials increase property values up to 38% (CBRE Residential)
  • 82% of UK buyers are willing to pay more for a sustainable residence (CBRE Residential)
  • Taylor Wimpey España deliver new homes in an eco-friendly environment

Many UK citizens are warming to the idea of being more environmentally conscious when purchasing a new property.  As eco-homes are not just for those in search of an organic lifestyle, luxury homebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey España are delivering them too. A variety of eco-friendly developments are now bursting onto the market for the growing number of international buyers flocking to Spain.

According to CBRE Residential, eco-friendly credentials can increase the value of a property by up to 38% as 8 out 10 UK buyers are ready to pay more for an eco-home. Going green is increasingly an experience that home buyers want to take, even if it means digging deeper into the pockets.

Committed to always delivering what clients want and remaining cutting-edge, leading Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is expending their portfolio of eco-friendly homes to meet these demands.

“It has taken time and careful research to create the perfect collection of homes situated in an eco-friendly environment where potential buyers can enjoy healthy living.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Launched on the Costa del Sol, in one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis, unique Botanic residence is comprised of 92 homes in accordance with the criteria of sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture.

The luxury eco-friendly homes are constructed at different ground levels and the buildings, which hold a B energy certificate, are crowned by spacious penthouses with a modern design and spectacular solariums. All rooms are south-facing so the large open windows can enjoy stunning views from the sea and be open to the autumn sun.

The fully landscaped areas are a significant part of Botanic’s design, fully respecting the wide variety of fauna and indigenous flora in the area, with vertical gardens and green corridors which subtlety link each property and envelop the development within a unique natural environment.

Sustainable homes at Taylor Wimpey España don’t stop with the building though as they are delivered with eco-friendly appliances – they have a minimum energy consumption – holding a ‘B’ energy certificate- and use solar panels, high quality insulation and sound-proofing. And with prices from £329,000 +VAT (€365,000), UK buyers can get the green experience at an affordable price.

“Most people are looking for a simpler lifestyle that allows time to connect with the natural world and that’s exactly what Botanic offers. We are pleased to unveil a new phase of Botanic, which is proving very popular; 65% has been already sold off plan! With minimal environmental impact, these new homes at our Botanic site have an unusual asset that is certain to attract buyers. “

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 But it is not just about the aesthetic as the environment in which residents live in is also influencing the quality of their lives. La Floresta Sur, in Elviria, close to Marbella, is also an ideal base as the development is situated in striking surroundings, which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO and benefits from stunning views towards the oak and pine forest as well as towards the sea.

The spacious apartments are perfectly situated near Elviria beach to appreciate the area’s gorgeous scenery, from the scented forest of oaks and pines to the dazzling shimmer of the sea. With prices from £176,000 +VAT (€195,000), all owners at La Floresta Sur will live in a healthy environment with better breathing, access to pure water and lots of trees for natural beauty.

 

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 34 971 706 972.

Are freshers shunning university halls?

Are freshers shunning university halls?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • New figures from Collegiate AC show growing trend of freshers opting for luxury private pads 
  • Outstanding shared social spaces are key appeal Freshers 
  • Location also wins the day for purpose built accommodation providers 

 

New data from luxury accommodation provider Collegiate AC has shown a growing trend in freshers’ requirements from their university accommodation.  

The figures reveal that first year students are increasingly shunning university halls in favour of more luxurious private student accommodation. 

 

“Today’s freshers have more choice than ever before when it comes to student pads. They are making the most of that choice by opting for alternatives to university halls. The image of the university lifestyle has changed dramatically over the past decade or so and university halls are no longer in line with what students demand as part of their experience, so they’re voting with their feet.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

 

Collegiate’s data shows that first year students accounted for 20.19% of its residents back in 2015/16. That figure increased to 21.66% in 2016/17 and to 22.06% in 2017/18. The proportion of freshers opting for more luxurious pads is rising slowly but steadily, year on year.  

 First years increasingly expect a wide range of features from their accommodation, as showcased by Collegiate’s Ernest Place in Durham. The site is part of Collegiate’s Prestige Collection. The stylish en-suite studios offer an exclusive lifestyle that affords students peace and privacy, while also providing an on-site social scene.

The superb shared facilities include a private fitness centre, resident’s club lounge, concierge service, private dinner party room, in-house cinema, sauna and glass-walled sky lounge. Naturally, there are also a number of dedicated study zones, as well as the spacious desk area that each student enjoys as part of his/her room.  

 

 “Part of what makes the appeal of accommodation like this so strong is the blend of private space and outstanding social spaces. Tuition fees nowadays mean that students have to pay a great deal of money in order to attend university, so it’s not surprising that they want to make the most out of every minute of that experience.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

Eclipse in Cardiff, which is part of Collegiate’s Fusion Collection, is another prime example of the lure of luxury digs. As well as a dinner party room, concierge and private cinema, the site features table games, a gym and fitness suite and even a themed, on-site nightclub with its own secret entrance. 

Many purpose built accommodation providers have also used the location of their sites to tempt students away from university halls. Sites are not only well located for the university, but also for pedestrian access to the city centre, something which many university halls lack.  

 

“With location as well, it’s about going over and above that which is offered by traditional university accommodation. Most first years are excited to experience all that their new town or city has to offer and that means shopping, eating and socialising in the city centre. The more conveniently a property is located for this, the better.”  

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC 

With demand for luxury student accommodation continuing to grow, it seems that university halls of residence are going to have an increasingly tough job on their hands if they want to attract freshers for the start of each new academic year. The lure of luxury is just too strong!  

 

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