Housing Hand launches in Ireland as the next step in its expansion strategy

Housing Hand launches in Ireland as the next step in its expansion strategy

by Louise Uncategorized
  • Housing Hand is the only rent guarantor service in Ireland
  • International student numbers in Ireland up 45% between 2013 and 2017 (European Migration Network)
  • Irish base positions Housing Hand for future expansion into Europe

The challenge of having to stump up 6 to 12 months’ rent in advance when you don’t meet strict letting criteria affects renters around the world. That’s why trusted rent guarantor service Housing Hand is officially launching in Ireland. Following a soft launch in the Emerald Isle last year, the company has named Ireland as the first step in its strategy to expand across Europe and beyond.

The demand for Housing Hand’s service following the soft launch contributed significantly to the official launch of the first full Irish service. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is growing in popularity in Ireland, but the fact that students sign licences instead of leases means that rents can rise dramatically. While leases are capped at increases of 4%, no such protection currently exists in the purpose-built student accommodation sector (though future changes to the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill will cover those living in PBSA developments).

“We’ve spent the last year establishing partnerships in Ireland and working with local accommodation providers to put the structure in place for delivering our rent guarantor service in major urban areas across the country. Now, we are delighted that Housing Hand is officially launching in Ireland, with a brand new Irish website to boot, ensuring that international students and working professionals can enjoy fairer access to purpose-built and other types of student accommodation there.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

Dublin is very much the core of Ireland’s academic offering. The city accounts for 43% of the country’s total student population, with some 183,475 young people studying there. However, existing PBSA schemes only cater to 13.2% of the student body.

Thankfully, the 2017 National Student Accommodation Strategy is seeking to address this, with a target of constructing at least 16,374 additional PBSA bed spaces by 2024 (taking the total in Dublin to 28,806). Some 6,180 of these were already under construction by mid-2018, according to Cushman & Wakefield, although the Union of Students in Ireland argues that the rate of development is still insufficient to meet current demand, let alone future requirements. That body estimates that the shortfall stands at 16,000 PBSA bed spaces as at 2019.

While developers race to cater to the growing demand for PBSA bed spaces, Housing Hand is supporting both them and the international students who need to access them. With neither a local credit history nor access to a guarantor with a local credit history, demands to pay as much as a year’s rent in advance are not uncommon. Understandably, having to find upfront rent payments of 50-100% of a year’s accommodation is a huge barrier to studying in Ireland.

The European Migration Network highlights how significantly demand for Irish higher education has surged and what a problem it is for those coming from overseas to study in Ireland to find affordable accommodation. It reports that the number of international students heading to Ireland rose by 45% between 2013 and 2017, with residence permits increasing from 9,300 in 2013 to 13,500 in 2017.

Part of the surge in Ireland will undoubtedly be due to the Brexit effect, where uncertainty about attending UK higher education establishments for international students means that Ireland is more attractive, as it will remain part of Europe.

The huge jump in demand was one reason that Housing Hand began to establish its presence in Ireland in the first place. It is the only such guarantor service operating there. The company already supports large numbers of students and working professionals to move into private rented accommodation in the UK. To date, Housing Hand has received over 70,000 applicants from 141 countries. The company works with more than 3,000 accommodation providers and has guaranteed rent for thousands of students and working professionals, across both the UK and Ireland. Since its creation in 2013, Housing Hand has covered more than £120 million in rent.

Officially launching in Ireland means that Housing Hand not only cements its position there, but also gains a trading base within the EU, in preparation for the UK’s potential departure from the bloc – whatever form that exit may take. When Brexit occurs, the company will no longer trade as a UK service with a branch in Ireland, but as an Irish service in its own right, with payments taken in euros instead of pounds. The service is currently available to international students studying in Ireland. In future, the intention is to roll it out further to include all students and working professionals living in Ireland.

“Following the success that Housing Hand has achieved in the UK, we are looking forward to working with accommodation providers, students and other tenants across Ireland. A presence in Ireland also means that we are well positioned to deliver services there post-Brexit, as well as in the EU, in line with our expansion strategy.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

 

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

 

 

Leading global trading platform AxiTrader launches tighter spreads on cash CFDs

Leading global trading platform AxiTrader launches tighter spreads on cash CFDs

by Louise Uncategorized

One of the world’s largest brokers, AxiTrader, has just announced extra tight spreads on cash CFDs, offering one of the most competitive pricing structures in the market.

Contracts for differences (CFDs) allow traders to follow an asset price both up and down, with cash payments used for the differences in settlement, rather than physical goods or securities.

AxiTrader’s UK customers can now take advantage of the low spreads and incredibly competitive financing, which are available for cash CFD trades on the S&P index.

“The S&P can be very volatile, as recent fluctuations have demonstrated. As such, there’s a huge advantage to being able to trade both long and short as a cash CFD – it allows traders to benefit from that volatility. That’s why we felt the time was right to launch our exceptionally competitive cash CFDs offering.”

Louis Cooper, Global Head of Retail Services, AxiTrader

AxiTrader is offering 15 markets with promotional spreads, including the DAX at just 0.6 pips and the UK100 at 0.8 pips. The launch marks one of the lowest spreads that the leading trading platform has ever offered, and one of the most competitive prices on the market.

MT4 Symbol Instrument Description Spread
GER30 Germany 30 cash 0.6
UK100 UK 100 cash 0.8
EU50 EU Stocks 50 cash 1
US30 US 30 cash 1.2
US500 US 500 cash 0.3
FRA40 France 40 cash 0.8
HK50 Hong Kong 50 cash 6
IND50 India 50 cash 5
JPN225 Japan 225 cash 8
SG30 Singapore 30 cash 0.25
USTECH US Tech 100 cash 0.8
UKOIL UK Crude Oil Cash CFD 2.5
USOIL US Crude Oil Cash CFD 2.5
SPI200 Australia 200 cash 0.8
CN50 China 50 cash 10

 

“Cash CFDs are particularly exciting for spread betting, as traders are at present exempt from paying taxes on their profits with these accounts. With some of the lowest financing fees available on the market today, traders are able to enjoy maximum returns from the cash CFDs.”

Louis Cooper, Global Head of Retail Services, AxiTrader

At present, the tighter spreads and ultra-low financing for cash CFD products are available to AxiTrader’s UK customers. The innovative offering means that traders can use CFDs with confidence to make the market work to their advantage, no matter whether prices fluctuate up or down.

For further information, visit www.axitrader.com.

 

Investing in over-the-counter derivatives carries significant risks and is not suitable for all investors. You could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial asset. AxiCorp is not a financial adviser and all services are provided on an execution only basis.

First Build-to-Rent development in Hayes celebrates its 1st Anniversary

First Build-to-Rent development in Hayes celebrates its 1st Anniversary

by Priscillia Mudiaki Uncategorized

February marks the 1st anniversary of the opening of the rental development be:here Hayes delivered by BTR developer Be at the former EMI record label building – now named the Gatefold Building – in West London.

Located In the heart of Hayes, be:here Hayes is a brand new development of high quality homes with private gardens and outstanding communal spaces which opened its doors to the first residents on 1st February 2017.

It is part of the wider £250 million regeneration project of Old Vinyl Factory by U+I, which is expected to deliver 4,000 jobs, 642 homes, 750,000 sq ft of commercial and leisure space, all by 2020. Being always ahead of the curve, Be was the first BTR developer to open stunning 119 homes to tenants last year.

A year later, the development has proved to be a huge success, having won two industry leading awards within a week. First, it has been awarded Silver in Best-Build-To-Rent Project category at the WhatHouse? Awards and then it was named Best build to rent development 2017 in the Inside Housing Development Awards.

Since its opening, pioneering build to rent developer Be has announced last October that it is moving to a no fees model for its be:here Hayes development, reinforcing its success towards tenants who want the moving process to be as hassle free and cost effective as possible.

Due to its proximity to Hayes and Harlington station, quality design and finish, on-site team, not to mention pet-friendly homes, the apartments at be:here Hayes hold broad appeal with young professional renters as well as families and the over 50s adults for an affordable London rental offering.

“The Gatefold Building is one of the first genuine developments in London that have been designed especially for renters, based on what they told us they want to live their lives. So it is no surprising to see how popular be:here Hayes has been since its opening. Residents are happy to see good value for the money they spend on their home. Demand has been so strong that we have very few apartments left.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Spacious apartments, furnished by Habitat, are available at be:here Hayes from £1,195 pcm for a one bed and from £1,425 for a two bed. Either a garden or a balcony is provided with every home.

 

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/.

Look to Lisbon for an exciting investment in 2018

Look to Lisbon for an exciting investment in 2018

by Georgina Uncategorized

Affordable mortgages, value for money property and new flight connections with the UK make Lisbon one of the most appealing European capital cities for investment in 2018, said InternationalPropertyForSale.com in November.

 

Investors put off the UK market by cooling property prices and the likelihood of further interest rate hikes next year should instead consider Lisbon, where conditions are more favourable.

Mortgage rates available to foreign buyers in Portugal remain less than three per cent for variable deals, with Portuguese banks typically offering 65-70 per cent loan-to-value and terms of up to 20 terms, depending on personal circumstances. “Clever investors, who would usually be cash buyers, are taking advantage of these excellent mortgage deals to reduce their exposure to today’s poor £/€ exchange rate,” said Julian Walker, director at InternationalPropertyForSale.com. When your funds are in Sterling, getting a euro mortgage to buy in Portugal that can be paid off in full or part, with negligible penalties, once the euro weakens could be wise move.” Combining a cheap mortgage with a savvy property purchase in an up-and-coming district of Lisbon could make sound financial sense. A new report by Portugal’s Office for National Statistics reveals an average price across the municipality of Lisbon of €2,231 sq/m for the year to end of June 2017, which represents a 15 per cent rise on the previous year. Looking closer, the central districts of Santo António (which includes Avenida da Liberdade) and Misericórdia (which includes Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré) achieved the highest prices, namely €3,294 sq/m and €3,244 sq/m respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 46 per cent and 38 per cent. While this growth is significant, prices are low compared to prime real estate quarters of other major European capitals. “Other fashionable Lisbon districts where prices are lower, although still higher than the city’s average, include Estrela, Belém, Alvalade and Avenidas Novas,” added Mr Walker. “Average prices there are around the €2,500 sq/m mark, so there could be room for healthy capital appreciation. Meanwhile, districts that are below the city average include Olivais, Santa Clara, Benfica and Campolide, which again could offer appreciation potential for the long-term.”

 

Elsewhere, confidence in the UK market was highlighted by the deposit launch on 29th October of the first ever flight between London City and Lisbon. Operating twice-daily on weekdays and once a day at weekends by TAP, the service complements the Portuguese national carrier’s existing Lisbon services from Heathrow and Gatwick.
Supporting its commitment to the UK market, TAP recorded a 20.3 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of passengers travelling between London and Lisbon in the first quarter of 2017.

 

On The Market:

Portugal, Lisbon, Bairro Alto

Priced from850,000 euros

Three Bedroom Apartments for sale in Bairro Alto, Lisbon

  • Renovated facade and building
  • Choice of 1 to 3 bedrooms, 61 to 139 sqm
  • Private patio area
  • Very high standard finishes
  • Located in Bairro Alto
  • 25 minutes from Lisbon airport
  • Low Notary and Legal Fees
Apartments for sale in Belem, Lisbon
Priced from 390,000 to 1,450,000 euros

  • One to four bedrooms, 60 – 195 sqm
  • Sustainable project
  • Noble district
  • Stunning views
  • Parking included
  • Pool and garden
  • Delivery first quarter 2019
Key ready apartments near Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon
Priced from 1,226,000 to 1,329,000 euros
  • Close to Av. da Liberdade
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Stunning city views
  • Fully restored
  • Great rental yields
  • Delivered

ENDS

 

For further information about InternationalPropertyForSale.com, or quotes for media purposes, please contact:

Julian Walker International Property For Sale Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 6036    Email: info@internationalpropertyforsale.com Website: www.internationalpropertyforsale.com

 

 

About InternationalPropertyForSale.com InternationalPropertyForSale.com is owned by Spot Blue International Property, one of the UK’s leading international property specialists that markets hundreds of properties around the world across its portfolio of websites, which includes Turkish property site SpotBlue.com. As well as helping developers promote their projects to the UK and other foreign markets, www.spotblue.com features properties for sale by private individuals. Spot Blue International Property only promotes property of developers that pass its due diligence assessment. The company’s high profile in the UK means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.

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.   

Flights and resort update for 2017-18 ski season

Flights and resort update for 2017-18 ski season

by Georgina Uncategorized

Resorts across the Alps are gearing up for start of the 2017-18 ski season with many set to benefit from extra air routes and new investment into lift systems and infrastructure.

Looking first at the French Alps, flying to Grenoble this season has got easier thanks to both British Airways and Jet2 adding Saturday flights from Heathrow and Stansted respectively, while Jet2 also is operating Saturday and Sunday flights from Birmingham. Grenoble is the main gateway to the popular resorts of Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes, amongst others. In addition, Jet2 has launched its first routes to Geneva, Salzburg and Lyon from Stansted, and Geneva, Salzburg and Turin from Birmingham.

Elsewhere, on 11th December a new airline called Powdair kicks off with new routes between Sion in the Swiss Alps and six UK airports, namely London City, Southend, Luton, Bristol, Southampton and Manchester. These new services, starting from £125 one-way, will cut transfer times to resorts, including Verbier, Crans Montana and Nendaz, significantly.

Reaching Austria is getting simpler too, thanks to new EasyJet flights from Gatwick to Klagenfurt, commencing on 16th December, which are complemented by the four flights British Airways is running from Heathrow to Salzburg each week.

Travelling to an Austrian resort by rail gets easier this year too, thanks to a new overnight service that sees Eurostar linking up with two other services across Europe. The new train route delivers skiers to key stations in the Tirol region in time for breakfast. In particular, it delivers improved access to the ski areas of SkiWelt, including the resorts of Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going, Ski Juwel, Zillertal Valley and Innsbruck. The journey starts with a Eurostar from London to Brussels, followed by a connection with a Thalys or ICE train to Cologne, from where you board an ÖBB NightJet sleeper train to the Tirol. Meanwhile, Eurostar has announced it is dropping its London-Lyon service for this winter season.

Turning to resort improvements, a new 247-kilometre ski area launches in the French Pyrénées this year. Called Pyrénées 2 Vallées, it is formed by the joining together of St-Lary, Peyragudes, Piau-Engaly and Val Louron, all of which can now be accessed by one lift ticket as well as being linked by shuttle bus.

One of the largest additions in any resort this season is the development of a brand new skiing bowl between Morillon and Samoëns in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The new ski area will include a new six-seater ‘Coulouvrier’ chairlift, two new blue pistes and two new red pistes (open for 2018/19). The chairlift will be Europe’s longest, stretching for 2,850 metres and transporting skiers from 1200m to 2120m during a journey lasting nine minutes.

Still in Savoie, world famous Courchevel has a new bubble lift at Moriond, which runs alongside a hair-raising 3,000m toboggan run with a 450m vertical descent. Across the border in Switzerland, Andermatt will be connected for the first time by a new chairlift – with more to come to Sedrun.

On the market
 
  • Priced of 3,100,000 – 4,650,000 euros
  • 5 New-build apartments
  • 3-4 bedrooms with large interiors
  • Centre of Val d’Isère Village
  • High specifications
  • Views of the resort
  • Multiple orientations
  • Private parking
  • Delivery end 2016

These apartments enjoy an unbeatable location right in the centre of Val D’Isere Village. The resort has a huge variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and café’s which are all on your doorstep and the Solaise ski lifts are situated just a 300m walking distance away.

  • Priced from 315,000 – 1,640,000 euros
  • Studio to 4 bedrooms, 37 to 165 sqm
  • Luxury new build properties
  • Ski-in ski-out, stunning views
  • Close to shops and restaurants
  • Terraces available
  • Delivery December 2018, 2.5% notary fees

The apartments, ranging from studios to four bedroom duplexes, have been designed with a focus on functionality and wellness to provide as much comfort as possible to the future owners of a luxurious property.

  • Prices from 1.95M – 2.60M Euros
  • Two bedroom new-build apartments
  • 2 & 4 bedrooms, 106-114 sqm
  • 150m from the slopes
  • In the heart of Courchevel
  • Luxury, fully furnished, garage
  • Views across the valley
  • 90 minute drive from Grenoble
  • 2 hours drive from Geneva
  • Delivered/Key ready

As well as impressive views across the mountains and valley, these apartments are furnished to an extremely high standard for which the developer has become renowned.
Finally, the finish is traditional yet with modern influences, using the highest quality wood and stone to complete a 21st century Savoyard design.
For further information:
SkiingProperty.com
Tel: +44 20 8150 9502
 www.skiingproperty.com

 
About Skiingproperty.com
Skiingproperty.com, which is owned and operated by international property specialist Spot Blue International Property, works with developers in the French and Swiss Alps to promote new and off-plan developments to the UK and wider international market. Since its foundation in 2003, Spot Blue International Property has established itself as a leading international property specialist and is a member of the AIPP and NAEA. The company’s high profile in the UK and worldwide means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.

 

Japanese elections – it’s business as usual with easyMarkets

Japanese elections – it’s business as usual with easyMarkets

by Louise Uncategorized

While most brokers are increasing margins and changing trading conditions for JPY crosses ahead of the Japanese general elections happening on 22 October, easyMarkets and its clients’ trading conditions will remain unaffected.

“We are happy to announce that easyMarkets will be conducting its business as usual and not changing our trading conditions whatsoever. We would like to ensure our customers that we are dedicated to client safety – proven by our handling of events such as the US elections last November, the Brexit referendum in June 2016 and the Swiss Franc collapse at the beginning of 2015.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

easyMarkets clients will have the exact trading conditions they had when they began with the company, regardless of what is affecting markets. As such, they will be able to continue trading any JPY crosses without any hindrance.

The confirmation comes as part of a raft of easyMarkets Risk Management tools and conditions. These include:

  • Guaranteed stop loss
  • Guaranteed take profit
  • No requotes or amendments
  • Negative balance protection
  • Fixed spreads – always

In addition, the easyMarkets team is available to assess and help traders with any concerns or inquiries they may have.

 

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

Risk Warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to our full risk disclaimer. Easy Forex Trading Ltd (CySEC – License Number 079/07).

 

About easyMarkets

easyMarkets is a trading name of Easy Forex Trading Limited, registration number: HE203997. This website is operated by Easy Forex Trading Limited

By using easymarkets.com you agree to our use of cookies to enhance your experience.

Restricted Regions: easyMarkets Group of Companies does not provide services for residents of certain regions, such as the United States of America, Israel, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq ,Sudan, South Sudan, British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba.

 

Bellis Homes – Building for the needs of tomorrow, today!

Bellis Homes – Building for the needs of tomorrow, today!

by Georgina Uncategorized
  • Multi–generationalhouseholds in the UK up 38% (NHBC)
  • 7% of UK households contain two or more adult generations (NHBC)
  • Bellis Homes install lifts and separate living quarters for multi-generational families

 

Luxury housebuilder, Bellis Homes strive to keep up to date with the latest building trends and in line with rising life expectancies, are considering the needs of tomorrow when it comes to designing their homes and interior features today.

 

With purchasers becoming ever more savvy when it comes to buying property, especially when they are looking for ‘the forever home’, Bellis Homes are seeing a rise in enquiries from buyers looking for multi-generational friendly features that can adapt to our ageing population.

 

Indeed, NHBC data reveals that the number multi-generational households in the UK rose by 38% between 2009 and 2014 and that nearly 7% of UK households contain two or more adult generations, whether that be young adults living with parents or grandparents sharing the same quarters.

 

In the same report, only 16% said that their home would be suitable for multi-generational living although two thirds believed the solution to Britain’s ageing population would be to move towards multi-generational living.

 

Bellis Homes has embraced this growing demand for multi-generational friendly features in one of their latest developments in Hadley Wood, North London.

 

Mulliner House is a 7-bedroom detached family home set over four floors, with en-suite bathrooms for each bedroom and quarters on the very top floor, ideal for boomerang kids or grandparents, completely self-contained from the rest of the house. In addition to this, a cinema room and pool & spa area has also been installed for the added entertainment and leisure use from all the family.

 

But not just this, Bellis Homes has taken the concerns of older residents a step further by installing a lift within Mulliner House to ensure that everyone can have ease of access to each floor of this impressive home, from the spa leisure complex in the basement through to the self-contained quarters on the fourth floor.

 

 

“Over the last couple of years, we have seen a rise in demand for features that can make multi–generational living easier. More and more we are seeing grandparents and young adults opting to live with their parents / children for one reason or another and so we have started to embrace features within our new homes designs to facilitate this.

 

“At Mulliner House in Hadley Wood we know the lift has been a very popular feature. It’s sleek design blends seamlessly into the property adding a stylish yet very useful feature for the future, enabling those who call Mulliner House home easy access to every part of the house.

“Usually only seen in hotels, a lift within the home is the ultimate statement in luxury living. No end of our clients are interested In having this in their homes; it takes a property to another level, making it stand out amongst more traditional houses as well as providing uplifting dinner party conversation.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes 

 

 

 

Mulliner House is on the market for £5.5m, for more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk. 

 

Investing in property for their children’s future: BOMAD still choose bricks & mortar

Investing in property for their children’s future: BOMAD still choose bricks & mortar

by Georgina Uncategorized
  • Surrenden Invest reports rising number of parents purchasing property for their children
  • House prices forecast to grow by 28.2% in Manchester by 2021 (Hometrack)
  • Darren Booney purchased three waterside apartments in Stretford for his children and is hoping for a 6-7% return (Surrenden Invest)

Surrenden Invest has witnessed a growing number of parents investing in bricks and mortar for their children’s future over the past 12 months.

Shunning historically low bank interest rates and volatile stocks and shares, the bank of Mum and Dad (BOMAD) is acting now to invest in property for their children’s future which, when the right location and unit type is chosen, can still deliver market busting returns.

And when it comes to location, as the capital continues its decline, the property-hungry BOMAD is turning to secondary cities such as Manchester.

Growing faster than any other city in the UK, it is predicted that house prices in Manchester will rise by an impressive 28.2% by 2021 according to Hometrack, making the city an attractive bet for cash-rich parents looking to invest.

 

“Here at Surrenden Invest, we have seen more and more parents investing in property for their children over the past 12 months. Whether it’ll be their first home after school or university or an asset which can be sold for a profit to enable them to get onto the property ladder themselves, bricks and mortar seem to be one the number one investment choice for parents today.”

 “In terms of locations, the northern cities, especially Manchester, are the most enquired about mainly due to the superb value for money and market-busting returns available.”

 

Jonathan Stephens, MD Surrenden Invest

Indeed, the outlook for Manchester remains bright for those looking to make a medium to long-term investment. Growth from a range of sectors such as media and technology is estimated to create around 4,000 jobs in the Manchester region over the next 10 years, with demand for and thus the price of housing also rising in line with this progression.

And with one of the highest population densities outside the capital, living space within Manchester is already at a premium forcing investors to seek alternative areas of the city within which to purchase for maximum returns.

This is just what expatriate Darren Bonney, chose to do when purchasing three units at the Royal Canal Works in Stretford, a town in Trafford, south-west of Manchester, through Surrenden Invest.

Darren was attracted to the new development as he was aware of Stretford being on the up due to the recent redevelopment including the new tram route into Manchester city centre as well as the apartments offering returns of 6-7%.

Adding to his existing property portfolio, Darren purchased these three properties for his three children, who will either live in the waterside development or rent the units out to their peers. He views his purchases as a long-term investment with capital growth and rental income propping up his pension.

“I found the investment process with Surrenden Invest straightforward with a friendly, professional service and would use their services again in the future. My top tip for other BOMAD investors? Pick a growth area but do this sooner than later to relish in the rewards!”

 

Darren Bonney, property investor & client of Surrenden Invest

Units at Royal Canal Works are still available through leading investment agency Surrenden Invest. This brand-new canal side development is adjacent to the tranquil suburb of Choltorn – one of the most sought-after areas to live in southern Manchester.

The development is a contemporary collection of 43 beautifully appointed one and two bedroom apartments with private terraces and waterfront views, Royal Canal Works offers architecturally landscaped gardens and a courtyard along with secure parking and CCTV.

Being just 15 minutes from the city centre, Royal Canal Works boasts city standard living but all of the perks of life in the suburbs. The apartments are expected to be highly prized by families and young professionals who have been priced out of the city centre but are not prepared to compromise their standard of accommodation. Apartments are available from just £105,000 with an attractive 6% NET yield.

 

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

Is social media shifting the way we buy property?

Is social media shifting the way we buy property?

by Georgina Uncategorized

Social media has had a significant impact on everything from the way we socialise to the way we meet potential partners. There are over 2 billion social media users worldwide. Now, there’s growing evidence showing that social media is affecting the way we look for and buy property.

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90% of homebuyers search for property online, with 52% using the web as their first step (Nar Realtor). For new home shoppers, 36% report using a mobile device while watching TV.

With so many people shopping for property online, social media has become a major lead generator. Buyers are increasingly using it to find their homes. As #1 estate agent in the Zoopla Property Power 100 (Zoopla), Spot Blue International Property is at the forefront of leveraging the power of social media to sell property. Social media traffic to SpotBlue.com from 1/8/17 to 12/09/17 more than trebled vs the same period last year.

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“Social media has opened up huge opportunities for those looking to buy property online. However, buyers need to be careful to ensure that they are buying safely through a credible seller. The property landscape is shifting and social media is playing a key role in that. It’s an exciting time to be part of this new model within the property sector.” 

Julian Walker, MD, Spot Blue

 

5 top tips on buying property safely using social media from Julian Walker, Spot Blue 

1. Finding a trusted seller is key. Look for a blue tick to ensure the social media account has been verified, plus look into the Klout ranking, Zoopla Power List, number of followers and company Wikipedia entry. Back this up with a Companies House web check search.

2. Read recommendations, testimonials and reviews – decent agents should have at least 98% on Google+ and 4.8/5 on Facebook (as is the case with Spot Blue).

3. Review the followers ratio – at least 3:1 in terms of followers to following. Consider the size of the company’s network too by looking at the number of followers on LinkedIn (Spot Blue has over 4,500, for example).

4. Make sure the seller is easy to contact with at least an 80% response rate and no more than a 3-hour response time.

5. Look for consistent company branding, contact details, and whether the agency is signed up to Data Protection Act (this indicates your data will be safe).

 

For more information, call +44 (0) 208 339 6036 or visit www.spotblue.com.