The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • 73% of students research accommodation before accepting a university offer (UCAS)
  • Competition is increasing – 2016 saw 2.3 students per available bed, up from 2.1 in 2015 (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Demand is so high that students who don’t book early miss out on the best facilities (Collegiate AC)
  • 48% of students book their university accommodation before August (UCAS)

 

May and June will see A-level students across the country racing to fit in last minute revision and make sure they know everything they need to in order to sit their exams. Those looking to go on to university will already have applied to their preferred institutions, and many will already have received conditional offers. Others can expect to receive their offers over the coming days and weeks, with A-level results day scheduled for 17 August.

 

However, the days of leaving it until then to search for university accommodation are long gone. According to the just-published Accommodation Survey 2016 from UCAS, 73% of students now research available accommodation before accepting an offer from a university.

 

22% even start researching before they have submitted their UCAS application. Meanwhile, a staggering 48% book their accommodation before August.

 

“Demand is so strong for university accommodation in the UK that students are having to book earlier and earlier in order to secure their home of choice. Research has shown that there were 2.3 students per available bed in 2016. Even with purpose built student accommodation springing up around the UK, demand continues to outstrip supply. Students looking to live in the newest accommodation with the best facilities can’t afford to wait until they have their A-level results.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

Figures from UCAS show that the increased range of accommodation on offer, thanks to significant investment in purpose built student accommodation over the past few years, has meant that students now view a much larger number of properties than they did just two years ago.

 

In 2014, 67% of students viewed (either online or in person) between two and five properties. That figure dropped to 44% in 2016. Meanwhile, those viewing between six and ten properties rose from 14% in 2014 to 24% in 2016.

 

Viewing pictures online was the most popular method of viewing a property, with 58% of students researching their accommodation options in this way.

 

With this in mind, many leading student accommodation providers include a large number of high quality images on their websites, so that potential residents can get a feel for the property.

 

Students curious about Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, can flick through images of the site’s en-suite apartments (including bedrooms and kitchens), glass-walled Sky Lounge, rooftop terrace, gym, cinema, dinner party room, common room and sauna.

 

“We aim to share as many visual elements of the property as possible online, to help students make informed choices about where they would like to live. While we also talk about the interior design elements of our properties and the vision behind their look and feel, it is the images that many students are most interested in – they want to see the site and be able to picture themselves living and studying there.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

The first-rate facilities on offer at Collegiate’s range of accommodation around the UK mean that apartments get booked up very fast. At Plummer House in Newcastle, it’s the cinema, gym, games area and club lounge that tend to turn heads, while those viewing Halsmere Studios in London are often delighted at the thought of having a tranquil garden with barbecue area in an optimum South London location.

 

The breadth of facilities on offer means that students have to leave plenty of time for researching their accommodation options. This is another reason why many choose to get doing so out of the way before they have to focus entirely on their exams.

 

“Your choice of accommodation can impact your entire university experience. That’s why it’s key to begin your research early and book a property that offers the ultimate lifestyle experience. Booking early can shape the entire course of your time at uni.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Swedish buyers heads for sunny southern Spain as the market heats up

Swedish buyers heads for sunny southern Spain as the market heats up

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Swedes in top 3 foreign purchasers in Spain (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Number of Swedish buyers up 31% in the last year (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Almost half of all Swedish buyers choose the Costa del Sol (Taylor Wimpey España)

Swedish buyers looking to Spain as a second home destination have increased by just under a third; they are amongst the top 3 nationalities of foreign purchasers according to the latest data from leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España.

Total year to date sales by Swedish nationals, as of April 2017, are up by 31% and now account for 16% of all purchases made.

Loose monetary conditions, rising wages and general optimism in the economy have fueled prosperity in the Swedish economy with SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken A/B) forecasting growth of 3.1% this year and 2.6% in 2018.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed firsthand the rise in demand from Swedish buyers.

Marc and his team now translate all property brochures and contracts in Swedish as a matter of course and for the last 3 years have a Swedish version of Taylor Wimpey España website to meet demand.

 

“The past twelve months have seen a real boost in sales to North Europeans, especially Swedish buyers. The regular, direct, low cost flights from Sweden and neighbouring countries to the Costa del Sol on Spain’s southern coast has made it a hotspot for buyers in 2017.

“Almost half of all Swedish buyers are choosing the Costa del Sol with the new ‘Acqua’ development being very high demand. A major pull of this development is its perfect location for a perfectly competitive price. The new homes are strategically situated very close to the well-known harbour of Puerto Banus and just a few minutes away from the beaches of Nueva Alcantara de Marbella. Swedish buyers are excited to live the high life without the high price tag.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Another aspect of Acqua’s appeal is it’s community vibe with 130 homes set across 4 buildings, each of 4 storeys. As the name suggests, Acqua has its own residents’ swimming pool with each 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home boasting ample space for families and lots of natural light.

With prices starting from just €265,000 +VAT, the modern homes are just a 4 minute walk from Alcantara beach and seafront promenade. It is just 5 minutes from the harbour of Puerto Banus and has great transport links to enjoy the best in leisure and entertainment, not to mention the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Malaga airport it couldn’t be situated in a much better location.

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 34 971 706 972.

Expectations rocket as university students prepared to pay more for their accommodation

Expectations rocket as university students prepared to pay more for their accommodation

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Proportion of students paying higher rents has shot up (UCAS)
  • Students who pay more, demand more (Collegiate AC)
  • 88% of students are happy in their accommodation (UCAS)
  • Durham’s Ernest Place, with sauna, gym, cinema and rooftop bar, highlights new standards being set (Collegiate AC)

 

Newly published data from UCAS has shown that 88% of the UK’s students are happy in their accommodation. That’s despite rising rent costs. In fact, it may well be directly because of rising rent costs.

 

“The UCAS figures show that student rents have been rising over the past couple of years, but that’s because there are now a wider range of superior accommodation options available to those at university. Older style accommodation does still exist, but the satisfaction and rent data seems to indicate that students are prepared to pay more but also demand more from higher priced accommodation.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

The UCAS data reveals that the vast majority of students living in first year accommodation now pay between £401 and £600 per calendar month in rent. The Accommodation Survey 2016 reports that:

 

“In general, respondents paying lower rent have declined… whilst the higher costs of rent are on the rise.”

 

The evolution of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), which is attracting massive investment in the UK right now (£3.1 billion in 2016, according to Knight Frank), means that students’ choices have improved considerably over the past few years when it comes what they can expect from their accommodation.

 

The chandeliers, huge ferns and stylish, comfortable armchairs of the common room at opulent Plummer House in Newcastle highlight how sophisticated student residences have become.

 

More reminiscent of a swanky, boutique hotel than a hall of residence, the spacious, split-level studio apartments, with their bright, contemporary interiors and high end furnishings are better than many young working professionals can expect.

 

Then there are the on-site facilities – students can access their own club lounge and bar, private cinema, gym and games area, as well as a dedicated study room designed to provide a peaceful environment for academic pursuits.

 

When it comes to choosing their accommodation, students ranked location, cost and quality as the top three ‘very important’ factors, at 67%, 63% and 52% respectively, according to UCAS.

 

Location is important both in terms of access to the university, but also to the amenities of their local city. Ernest Place in Durham, for example, which is due to open to residents in September 2017, allows residents to access both the city centre and the university’s Durham city location in just 10 minutes.

 

Ernest Place is also an excellent example of how the student accommodation sector continues to evolve. The first Collegiate Prestige Collection site, it features a stunning sauna, glass-walled Sky Lounge with contemporary rooftop terrace, private fitness centre, cinema, dinner party room, concierge service and plenty of dedicated study zones. The accommodation has been beautifully interior designed to create an environment that is at once stunningly contemporary yet homely and warm. All from just £125 per week.

 

With accommodation evolving to this degree, it’s no wonder that students are prepared to pay more for their university digs and still report an incredibly high level of satisfaction with living there.

 

Ernest Place will be welcoming the first student residents this September. For more information and to book this and other Collegiate sites, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

What’s in a name? “Everything” say leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España

What’s in a name? “Everything” say leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey is one of the UK’s most trusted housebuilders, constantly evolving to stay on top
  • The housebuilder’s Spanish arm, Taylor Wimpey España founded in 1958
  • More than 4,000 happy clients can testify their satisfaction with Taylor Wimpey España

 

“Buying a Spanish property from Taylor Wimpey España means more than investing in a stunning home in a great location, it means you’ll be calm and carefree”.


That’s the commitment made by Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish arm of one of the UK’s leading and most trusted housebuilders, established almost 60 years ago in 1958.

Constantly evolving and changing to remain the very best, buying a home in Spain has never been easier due to the trust and confidence that many Brits have with this household name.

The expert team at Taylor Wimpey ensure that buying a property in Spain is easy and efficient from start to finish with one of their homes consultants in regular contact with clients every step of the way.

More than 4,000 happy clients can testify their satisfaction, in fact 98% have stated that they would buy again from Taylor Wimpey España.

The longstanding company is nonetheless constantly changing with the times and making sure that it is developing in order to meet the needs of 21st century Spanish homeowners. The company’s recent initiative to brand their developments with names that reflect the unique identity of each project is proving a popular and worthwhile campaign.

Behind the scenes, the Taylor Wimpey España team hold competitions to decide on the name of a new development, enabling everyone involved to get creative. Only once the team become familiar with the project and its unique appeals, are they comfortable naming it.

With the development brand names put to a vote, the lucky winner receives a prize to enjoy such as a dinner for two at a top restaurant. Recent developments launched in this manner include Cala Vinyes Hills and Serenity on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Arenal Dream on the Costa Blanca and Botanic on the Costa del Sol.

Cala Vinyes Hills and Arenal Dream are aptly named with links to the stunning areas in which they are located – In Cala Vinyes, the development slopes down into the warm crystal waters of the Mediterranean and the ‘dream’ apartments are close to Arenal Beach in charming Javea, near Alicante.

The homes of Botanic, located in the ecological La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Benahavis, are surrounded by a variety of trees and unique botanical gardens representing the five continents. Finally, Serenity is set in the most gorgeous and tranquil part of Mallorca and allows buyers to live in complete ‘serenity’.

“Just one year shy of our 60 wonderful years of service, providing homes in Spain, we have made some big changes, to not only peoples’ lives by providing dream homes, but to the way we deliver those homes. “By involving the team that have worked firsthand on the sites and know the areas inside out, the naming of Taylor Wimpey España developments has become very personal and speaks volumes for the feel of the homes on sale.

“We have noticed that this approach is really helping our team create a personal connection with the developments as well as customers having a clearer idea of the homes they are purchasing and our vision. Taylor Wimpey enjoyed an amazing 2016, celebrating double operating profit to a massive £20.6 million and we are keen to carry on with this success for the next 60 years!’

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

On the Market

Botanic is a lavish yet eco-friendly development located on the Costa del Sol that boasts its exaggeration of the greenery that surrounds it. The stunning 4.5 acre grounds include pine trees and cork oaks representing Europe to more exotic varieties of flora such as the ginkgo tree and the Himalayan cedar to represent Asia, taking you through the 5 continents of the world.

The development itself comprises 92 bright and spacious 3 bedroom homes with large terraces, all of which are southwest facing. The 4 storey buildings are crowned by spacious penthouses of modern design with spectacular solariums from which you can enjoy the views from dawn to dusk.

With minimal energy consumption (holding a ‘B’ energy certificate) each home protects the environment by using solar panels, high quality thermal insulation and sound-proofing. With prices from just €350,000 +VAT, this new build residential complex is found in one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis – La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, situated between the golf courses at Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta and Zagaleta.

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 34 971 706 972.

Taylor Wimpey España reaches new heights as they tackle the 14 Peak Charity Challenge

Taylor Wimpey España reaches new heights as they tackle the 14 Peak Charity Challenge

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey’s Charity Challenge for 2017 sees teams head to the Lake District
  • Teams will compete in an inter-BU ‘It’s a knockout’ before trekking 14 Peaks in just 10 hours
  • Taylor Wimpey España employees have already raised almost €5,300 for Youth Adventure Trust

This month will see the return of Taylor Wimpey’s annual Charity Challenge as employees from across the UK and Spain take part in a weekend filled with testing trekking.

This year two teams from Taylor Wimpey España will participate in the Tizzie Wizzie Challenge set in the beautiful Lake District.

Legend has it that a Tizzie Wizzie is a shy mini-monster, said to live on the shores of Lake Windermere, with the body of a hedgehog, tail of a squirrel and the wings of a bee. Although the teams aren’t guaranteed a sighting, they will compete in an inter-BU ‘It’s a knockout’ which will include activities such as zorb football, Segway racing and monster volleyball.

After a detailed safety briefing the teams will set off the following morning on their 14 Peak Challenge, with a target time of just 10 hours!

All teams are required to fundraise a minimum amount in order to take part and once again the two teams representing Taylor Wimpey España have chosen to support the Youth Adventure Trust. The charity helps vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to gain the skills, confidence and courage needed in order to face the challenges in their daily lives.

Established in 1992 by David Hempleman-Adams and Major Richard Mitchell, both well known for their record breaking Arctic, Antarctic and mountain climbing expeditions, the Youth Adventure Trust provides young people with the opportunity to start the ‘believe – achieve’ process and make the most of their lives.

With the main event this weekend, the Taylor Wimpey España teams have raised almost €5,300! And this figure is set to rise before the challenge’s conclusion.

 

 “The Taylor Wimpey Challenge has become a key event on the company calendar with many employees looking forward to the opportunity to participate. This year we were delighted to have two teams representing the Spanish division of the company.

“As well as being able to develop essential team building skills, the challenge gives Taylor Wimpey employees the opportunity to give something back to the community. We wish them all the very best on the trek and are extremely proud of our Taylor Wimpey España team’s involvement.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, has been building award-winning homes that complement the natural beauty of the Balearics, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol for almost 60 years. If you would like to sponsor the team or view more about the event including their list of sponsors, please do click on this link.

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 34 971 706 972

5 top tips on why you should choose a new build home in Spain

5 top tips on why you should choose a new build home in Spain

by Sophie Evans Spain

Marking the start of #NewHomesWeek today, Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director at leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España highlights his top 5 reasons why choosing a new build property in Spain is a great option:

1)      The right paperwork – It can be complicated when it comes to the purchase paperwork, especially when looking to move to Spain. All of our new build homes are sold with final building certification and guaranteed to have complied fully with all relevant planning permissions. This ensures that life is made a lot easier and Taylor Wimpey España will give you all the relevant information needed to move abroad.

2)      Guarantees – As in the UK, all Taylor Wimpey España new build homes comes with a 10 year structural guarantee to ensure that your new home is built to the highest standard.

3)      New fixtures & fittings – With a new build, you can guarantee that all the fittings and fixtures will be brand new. No leaking taps, no broken door handles, no loose light fittings. As part of the UK’s largest home builder, Taylor Wimpey España properties can be trusted to be fitted to the very highest standard.

4)      24/7 assistance – Most new build properties are built as part of a community meaning that the developer will be on hand to help with any issues. Taylor Wimpey España offers a 24 hour help-line for emergencies and are committed to dealing with all other requests within 15 days. Another consideration is the language barrier, all communication with Taylor Wimpey España will be to a high standard of English.

5)      Recourse – If you move in and there are snagging issues or any questions at all regarding your home, Taylor Wimpey España are on hand to fix them. You won’t be left high and dry once you’ve got the keys.

Taylor Wimpey España offer a range gorgeous new build holiday homes across Spain including the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Balearic island of Mallorca.

A current favourite on the market is Botanic, currently under construction on the Costa del Sol.

Botanic comprises 92 bright and spacious 3 bedroom homes with large terraces, all of which are southwest facing. The 4 storey buildings are crowned by spacious penthouses of modern design with spectacular solariums from which you can enjoy the views from dawn to dusk.

The lavish yet eco-friendly homes are delivered fully equipped with high quality finishes. Cream coloured marble throughout, wide patio doors to the terrace, top of the range kitchen appliances and sanitary fittings, LED lighting, air conditioning and heated flooring in bathrooms, are all included as standard.

With minimal energy consumption (holding a ‘B’ energy certificate) each home protects the environment by using solar panels, high quality thermal insulation and sound-proofing.

With prices from just €350,000 +VAT, this new build residential complex is found in one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis – La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, situated between the golf courses at Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta and Zagaleta. An extremely well connected location, the amenities on offer in Benahavis, Marbella, Puerto Banús or the new San Pedro Boulevard are all within close proximity.

For more information about investing in a beautiful new build Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Spanish beaches take the blue ribbon with the highest number of Blue Flags in 2017!

Spanish beaches take the blue ribbon with the highest number of Blue Flags in 2017!

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Spain’s beaches top the table with 684 Blue Flags (FEE)
  • Spain has topped the league table since it was first launched in 1987 (FEE)
  • “Punta Prima beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and our stunning La Recoleta III and Panorama Mar developments have the ideal frontline location to enjoy its sea, sand and sunshine.” (Taylor Wimpey España)

Every year countries across the world eagerly await the awarding of Blue Flags to their beaches and marinas.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label that identifies a beach as clean, safe and committed to sustainability, based on strict criteria addressing water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

This year, Spain has once more been awarded more Blue Flags than any other country in the world – 684 in total.

Spain values its reputation as having the world’s best beaches and has topped the league table from the Foundation for Environmental Education (the body that awards the Blue Flags) since it was first launched in 1987.

The Communidad Valencia received the most Blue Flags in Spain with 129, followed by Galicia with 133 and Cataluna with 95 – the same trend as in 2016.

“It is wonderful to once again see the Comunidad Valencia receive the most awards in Spain with 129 Blue Flags. Alicante and its award-winning beaches is a hotspot for holiday makers and those looking to buy a holiday home in Spain.

 

“Punta Prima beach, just south of Alicante, with its fine sandy beaches and clean waters has for example been awarded a Blue Flag for 2017 and our stunning La Recoleta III and Panorama Mar developments have the ideal frontline location to enjoy its sea, sand and sunshine.”

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Panorama Mar is Taylor Wimpey Espana’s latest frontline development on the hugely popular Costa Blanca, situated on the Blue Flag Punta Prima beach in Torrevieja.

This private residential complex offers an array of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed for both comfort and convenience, with 2 bathrooms and an underground parking space. Each apartment in the first phase is south facing and therefore blessed with spacious terraces and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

With prices starting from just €240,000 + VAT, every resident will be able to use the three communal swimming pools and Jacuzzi facility, as well as being granted direct access to the beach promenade. Whilst being an area of natural beauty right on the waterfront, Punta Prima is also blessed with excellent transport links. The San Javier Airport in Murcia is only a 30 minute drive and Alicante’s International Airport is just 45 minutes away.

La Recoleta III is also located on the beachfront of the blue flag beach of Punta Prima, with access to the sea and beach just a few metres away. La Recoleta’s Mediterranean style buildings, wide avenues leading down to the sea, immaculate garden areas and well-run services make this a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fantastic climate all year around. From €184,000 + VAT, the 2 or 3 bed apartments have a well-designed layout, each with a private terrace. Enjoy beautiful views over the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development. The unique penthouses include solariums and outstanding views.

Alicante’s international airport is just a one hour drive and the property offers a lift from the underground car park and storage rooms.

 

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 34 971 706 972

Lida Cucina appointed Contract Agent and retail distributor for hand-built kitchen manufacturer Charles Yorke

Lida Cucina appointed Contract Agent and retail distributor for hand-built kitchen manufacturer Charles Yorke

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom

Lida Cucina is pleased to announce that it has been appointed by luxury kitchen manufacturer, Charles Yorke Ltd to fulfil the role of contracts division for the southern half of the UK.

 

Enquiries from house builders and property developers will be passed to Lida Cucina where they will be handled with the care and dedication for which Lida Cucina is renowned.

 

Charles Yorke Ltd creates beautiful furniture by combining traditional cabinet making techniques, with state of the art technology and the finest hand selected materials. A wide variety of material and finishes are available including traditional hand painted, combined with glass, leather and sustainably sourced timbers.

 

For many years Lida Cucina has been successfully designing and installing the finest contemporary Italian kitchens from its own “Tailor Made Collection”.  The company can now announce that it has recently expanded its range to include hand-built kitchens by expert English manufacturer Charles Yorke.

 

This traditional range enables Lida Cucina to offer handcrafted kitchens to those clients who prefer a more classic look. The company’s “Tailor Made (Modern) Collection” already offers one of the widest ranges of profiles and doors currently available, and the addition of a traditional option enables Lida Cucina to create timeless and elegant kitchens in specially selected timber and hand-painted finishes.

 

“It is also with great pride that I can reveal the “Kensington” kitchen which is completely exclusive to Lida Cucina.  Designed by one of our top designers, and manufactured by Charles Yorke, it can only be seen in our Berkshire Showroom.

 

This beautiful, timeless and classic kitchen with a hint of contemporary styling is suitable both for modern or traditional settings, and is available with two door variations and in a wide selection of timbers and hand painted finishes. 

 

Our teams of expert designers are renowned for their attention to detail and for creating personalised kitchens and fitted furniture tailored to the lifestyle of their clients – whether traditional or modern.  We look forward to continued success with this exciting collaboration between Lida Cucina and Charles Yorke.”

 

John Harvey, Managing Director, Lida Cucina

For more information and high-resolution digital imagery, please contact

Sandra Hendry at Lida Cucina

Tel:0118 924 1608

Email: sandra@lidacucina.co.uk

 

Lisbon’s aesthetic inspires design of the city’s latest luxury student accommodation

Lisbon’s aesthetic inspires design of the city’s latest luxury student accommodation

by Sophie Evans World
  • Communal areas show industrial elements and concrete walls inspired by Lisbon’s historic LX Factory (Design Command)
  • Using warm, metallic tones accents the welcoming feeling associated with Collegiate AC residences (Design Command)
  • We felt partnering with a local artist would instill a strong sense of local heritage within Collegiate Marquês de Pombal (Collegiate AC)

 

Now expanding their exclusive student experience to Europe, Collegiate AC’s Collegiate Marquês de Pombal is set to welcome students as soon as this September.

 

Surpassing any standard seen before in the city of Lisbon, Collegiate Marquês de Pombal will provide students with a private fitness suite and swimming pool, a 24 hour concierge service and an on-site cinema, to name only a few of the luxury facilities accessible to residents.

 

With the interior design of the accommodation inextricably linked to the building’s atmosphere and ultimate comfort, we spoke with Collegiate AC’s design team from Design Command to find out what inspired this unique spectacle;

 

“Lisbon is traditionally decorated with blue and white, as you can see in the many ceramic tiles on the buildings’ facade. We wanted this tradition to be reflected in our scheme so for example we added a touch of blue to the bedrooms, warmed up with brown, brass and copper elements.

 

“Communal areas show more industrial elements and concrete walls: the inspiration for this comes from the historic LX Factory in Lisbon, which our team just love! Again our goal was to accent the warm, welcoming feeling that is typical of Collegiate AC residences. We used warm metal tones like copper and brass, soft furnishing, rugs and a new entry for us: foliage! Which is also our interpretation of the Greenery Pantone colour of the year as it brings the same fresh feeling.

 

“We chose to reflect the feel and calming effect of nature through the use of native Portuguese planting to create a relaxed and inspirational environment.  This, coupled with the extensive natural light source make this a truly amazing space to live in.”

 

Committed to incorporating the building’s heritage within the design, many aspects have involved the work of talented Lisbon locals.

 

“The street art set to be featured in the property was commissioned by a local artist. We felt partnering with a local artist would instill a strong sense of local heritage within Collegiate Marquês de Pombal.  We did provide a vague brief but we also want him to follow his own inspiration so the very final result will partly be a surprise for us all.

 

“We are still liaising with a local furnishings company which is helping us a lot. What we try to achieve is a mixture of high end and industrial chic; and obviously, furniture plays a key role in the look and feel of luxurious living spaces.”

 

Part of Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection and in keeping with the company’s commitment to ‘Superior Living’, the Collegiate Marquês de Pombal will provide students with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as an exclusive club lounge, well designed private and group study areas and even a stylish dinner party room.

 

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com. 

Birmingham property market ahead of the Capital as demand outweighs supply by 15 to 1

Birmingham property market ahead of the Capital as demand outweighs supply by 15 to 1

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Birmingham ranked higher than London in relation to house price growth (Knight Frank)
  • In Birmingham we have experienced an increasing level of interest, approximately 15 buyers to every unit (Surrenden Invest)
  • New “B5” development on Birmingham’s Southside offers highly sought after B1 postcode (Surrenden Invest)

With the new tax year now in full swing many B2L investors will be reassessing their portfolios and future residential offerings in relation to the government’s removal of financial relief.

How much of an impact this will have on the UK’s property market is yet to be determined. However, many cities across the country are still providing investors with enticing opportunities, sure to encourage a positive year for the market.

And currently it’s the UK’s regional cities with the most to offer. According to Knight Frank’s most recent Global Residential Cities Index, both Birmingham and Manchester are ranked higher than London in relation to house price growth.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, is confident that the introduction of the government’s tax changes will not dampen the growing positivity surrounding the UK’s regional property market. He explains,

“Whilst there may be a slight sense of uncertainty surrounding the B2L market as these tax changes are introduced, we expect them to deter only a minimal amount of investors, with the majority of the market continuing as normal. We have just launched a number of exciting projects that will appeal to great deal of investors and ensure a consistent growth within the market. 

“In Birmingham alone we have experienced an increasing level of interest, with approximately 15 buyers to every unit available. And this demand does not look set to falter anytime soon. Birmingham is benefiting from substantial investment in infrastructure and development and extensive job creation as many businesses move to the city. We would expect demand to continue on a positive trajectory, especially in prime, central locations in both Birmingham and Manchester.”

Surrenden Invest’s most recent addition to the Birmingham market is the contemporary “B5” development on the city’s Southside, boasting the sought after B1 postcode. This area attracts a wealth of young families, professionals and tourists who are all keen to experience its creative and urban atmosphere.

The iconic Bull Ring Shopping Centre is just a couple of minutes’ walk away and with New Street station only a 5 minute walk away, “B5” offers an excellent living opportunity to a growing rental market. With prices starting from just £155,000, all 100 apartments have been specifically designed for the shared rental market and will include features such as video entry access control, custom built kitchens and hard wood flooring.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499.