• Surrenden Invest presents Hotel 52 Stanley to investors, after £1.5 million renovation
• Budget hotel rooms traditionally operate at higher occupancy rates (PWC)
• Affordable boutique hotels are redefining budget accommodation (Surrenden Invest)
• UK hotel RevPAR to reach 2.3% in 2018 (PWC)

The March 2018 PWC UK Hotels Forecast Update has noted “solid metrics and in many cases record occupancies” in key regional cities around the UK.

Indeed, regional occupancy levels have been climbing since 2011, with budget rooms traditionally operating at high occupancy rates, according to PWC. There is an ongoing structural supply shift towards more affordable rooms, as new contenders seek to redefine expectations of ‘budget’ rooms.

As a newly opened affordable boutique hotel, Hotel 52 Stanley does just that. Nestled between Durham and Newcastle, in the former mining community of Stanley, the hotel offers exceptional style at a budget price.

“There’s a stark difference between ‘budget’ and ‘basic’ these days in the UK hotel sector. Chic furnishings, free Wi-Fi, sumptuous breakfasts… all of these are contributing to a new breed of budget-boutique hotels that appeal to travellers looking to get more for their money. Holidaymakers want the best, but at a decent price that’s affordable for the whole family. Business travellers are also looking to get more for their money, which has created a real opportunity for this corner of the hotel market.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Hotel 52 Stanley underwent a £1.5 million renovation in 2017, before opening its doors to the public in December. The hotel now offers elegant rooms at affordable rates, with the adjacent, well-regarded Pazzo restaurant hosting lavish breakfasts and offering a wide range of lunch and dinner options. There’s also a cocktail menu, which is proving particularly popular with holidaymakers looking to unwind after a long day’s sightseeing.

And there’s certainly plenty of that to do in the local area. City break devotees have the historic architecture of Durham, with its UNESCO World Heritage protected cathedral and castle, as well as the lively shopping and dining scene of Newcastle within easy reach. Meanwhile, those who prefer a rural escape will find the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few minutes from Hotel 52 Stanley. The area is also home to the ‘living’ Beamish museum – an open-air experience of life in years gone by that’s not to be missed.

“One of the exciting aspects of Hotel 52 Stanley is the breadth of entertainment and business options that surround the hotel. Durham, Newcastle and Gateshead are all nearby, with excellent transport connections in place. Meanwhile, the surrounding rural beauty means that the hotel appeals to a wide variety of guests. It’s a very versatile establishment that provides the perfect-price point for travellers who want a fantastic base for their break, at an affordable price.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Hotel 52 Stanley has cause to delight investors as well as guests. The hotel’s 23 apartments include doubles, twins, triples and family suites (all of which come with a fully equipped kitchen), meaning that investors have an excellent range of price points to choose from. Furthermore, PWC has projected average daily rate growth of 2% for UK hotels in 2018, with revenue per available room reaching 2.3% over the course of the year. Whichever way you look at it, it seems that regional budget-boutique hotels will continue to be big business in 2018 – for travellers and investors alike.

Investment into Hotel 52 Stanley is from £57,500 with 10% NET yield offered for years 1-5.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499

• Loneliness and not belonging are two of the challenges young people face (ONS)
• Building solid foundations for positive mental wellbeing can have a lifelong impact (Fusion Students)
• Fusion Students residents engage in everything from yoga to zip wires for the ultimate university experience

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Measuring of National Well-being programme has highlighted loneliness, having someone to rely on and a lack of sense of belonging to their neighbourhood as two of the key issues facing young people today. For young people who are living away from home at university, these issues can be intensified.

“We are thankfully becoming more open as a society to talking about mental health and wellbeing. Young people’s experiences can influence their mental health for life, so it is essential that we ensure a positive, supportive environment is provided for students during their time at university. The importance of building a solid foundation, where young people can feel safe, nurtured and part of a community, has never been more fully appreciated.”

Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

With this in mind, leading student accommodation and lifestyle provider Fusion Students is working to create the ultimate environment for today’s university students. The strategy involves providing a ‘home away from home’ for all students, whether they come from the local area or half a world away.

There are two main elements to the Fusion Students strategy – the physical environment and the social calendar.

Working in partnership with site operator Collegiate, Fusion is delivering safe, secure accommodation that provides a careful balance between luxurious private rooms and superb social spaces in which students can relax and have fun with their peers. Eclipse in Cardiff, for example, features an on-site cinema, a gym and fitness suite, a dinner party room and a themed party/events room. Such facilities form the core of the Fusion Students offering when it comes to spaces in which residents can enjoy their leisure time.

At properties such as Fusion Tower in Bristol, 24-hour concierge staff also serve to help students feel secure and know that there is always someone around that they can turn to for support.

For the social calendar element, Fusion arranges a diverse series of events aimed not just to combat loneliness, but also to allow young people to discover new interests, form lasting friendships and build their confidence. Activities are as varied as workshops with motivational speaker Pete Cohen and weekly yoga sessions. Cocktail masterclasses are planned for the end of May, while dining clubs, which see chefs teaching residents the secrets of their craft, take place between February and June. A glamping trip, gin tasting, BBQs and a zip wire adventure are all being held in the coming weeks.

“We put a lot of thought into offering a range of events that will appeal to our diverse group of residents. Some, like the dining clubs, build life skills. Others, such as the zip wire adventure, are about building confidence. Then there are events that are purely for fun, relaxation and making friends. It’s a winning combination that provides our residents with a real sense of community and belonging.”

 Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

Fusion Students also arranges seasonal events throughout the year, from Easter egg hunts to pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Domestic and international cultural considerations are taken into account, with Welsh cakes on St David’s day and celebrations galore for Chinese New Year. The social calendar culminates with a lively summer party at the end of the academic year, offering students the chance to celebrate the end of term in style, with those to whom they have grown closest over the course of the past year.

Overall, the ONS’s Measuring of National Well-being programme paints a broadly positive picture of UK life. By giving such consideration to the way young people experience their first instance of living away from the parental home, companies such as Fusion Students are doing much to ensure that future surveys report rising levels of satisfaction, as those young people grow into confident, well rounded adults.

For more information about Fusion Students please call 0117 405 7852 or visit https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/residence/eclipse/ for information about Eclipse, Cardiff, https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-nottingham/ Nova in Nottingham, https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-bristol/ Fusion Tower in Bristol or https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-newcastle/ for Plummer House in Newcastle.

To book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

• Surrenden Invest becomes main sponsor behind Nick Yelloly for 2018 season
• Young, aspiring company and young, aspiring driver have the perfect synergy
• Nick enjoys strong result coming fifth in this season’s opening race in Barcelona

Combining his passion for motorsports with his respect for those who follow their dreams, Jonathan Stephens of leading property investment agency Surrenden Invest last year announced that his company was sponsoring promising racing driver Nick Yelloly. Now, Jonathan has announced that Surrenden Invest will be the main sponsor backing Nick’s championship hopes for the 2018 season as well.

Nick is racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which started the new season in style in Barcelona over the weekend of 11-13 May. Having worked his way up from racing karts at the tender age of 15, Nick raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany last season, racking up three wins and eight podium positions across the cup’s 14 races. Now, he’s taking to Europe for the 2018 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, racing across the continent before heading over to Mexico for the season’s grand finale.

“It was a real privilege to sponsor such a talented driver and to see Nick flourish in Germany last year, so I’m delighted that he has accepted Surrenden Invest as his main sponsor as he tours Europe and South America this summer. Nurturing young talent in this way is a key part of keeping the racing industry alive. Having followed my own entrepreneurial vision from a young age, it’s fantastic to be able to support others in doing so.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

With the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup underway, Nick’s hopes are high. The determined young driver is raring to go, with his sights set on fighting for the championship win in 2018. Boasting more crowds and greater hype than the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup delivers an outstanding atmosphere. It also delivers greater exposure to sponsors, which to Nick is an important factor.

“Racing as we know and love it would simply not be possible without sponsorship; the industry as a whole owes so much to its sponsors. For me personally, Surrenden Invest’s sponsorship is allowing me to live my dream and be the best driver that I can be – I wouldn’t be able to race in a top team without this kind of funding. However, there’s also the personal element of the support – Jonathan was out in Barcelona this weekend, and plans to be in Monaco for the second race of the season.”

 Nick Yelloly

The Monaco circuit is a firm favourite with many racing drivers and Nick is no exception. Silverstone also makes for a very special race, in part because of its legendary status and in part because, living just 40 minutes away, Nick always has plenty of hometown support behind him when he races there. Surrenden Invest’s Jonathan Stephens intends to be among those cheering Nick on.

“The race day atmosphere is always an electric one, and having a vested interest in seeing Nick drive makes it even more exciting. Surrenden Invest is proud to be a young, aspiring company sponsoring a young, aspiring driver – there’s a real synergy there, and we wish Nick every success for the coming season.”

 Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499

• Investment properties offering added extras now have the edge (Surrenden Invest)
• Bespoke furnishings benefit investors and residents alike (Surrenden Invest)
• “We are tasked with not only providing your furniture but augmenting your environment and lifestyle through award-winning services” (David Phillips)

As the UK’s residential property market matures, leading developers and agents are forming new partnerships in order to drive up standards for both residents and investors.

“Investors used to be happy to purchase unfurnished apartments, but we’re seeing a maturation of investor interest. Properties that make being an investor/landlord easier have the edge over those that don’t. At the same time, those properties need to offer something exciting and fresh to tenants to make them stand out. These considerations are driving developers to innovate not just in the design and facilities of their buildings, but also in terms of the additional extras.”

 Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Furnishings are the perfect example. There was a time, not so long ago, when investing in a property meant buying an apartment, then arranging how to furnish it in order to appeal to tenants while not spending any more than was necessary. Now, increasingly, developers are connecting with professional furniture companies in order to offer investors (and tenants) a more complete package.

The Tannery in Liverpool is one such example. Apartments within the new luxury development are available with David Phillips furniture packages. The bespoke furniture packs have been created to suit the particular style, location and aspirational image of The Tannery, setting a tone that perfectly suits the property and those who will live there.

“As the UK’s largest and most design-led furniture provider, David Phillips are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Surrenden Invest. We have put together an exclusive furniture collection completely bespoke to The Tannery development. We are tasked with not only providing your furniture but augmenting your environment and lifestyle through award-winning services, honed through nearly two decades of experience.”

Alistair Dickson, Head of Residential Sales (North), David Phillips

It’s a winning situation for all concerned. The property is less hassle for investors who can purchase turnkey, ready-to-rent properties meanwhile residents can enjoy living in a professionally styled home from the moment they move in.

As the rental market comes of age, the nature of furniture packs is also changing. Standards are being raised, with packages including far more than just the essentials. Framed prints, mirrors, luxury linens and kitchen packs are all becoming increasingly common.

Contemporary residents are often sold on the idea of the show home at new build developments and an increasing number of them expect to enjoy a similar standard of furnishing in their own apartment.

“The days of landlords furnishing their rental apartments with odd bits of furniture that they no longer have a use for in their main residence are long gone. Investors and tenants are both seeking a complete package now – and that includes premium furniture and soft furnishings. That’s why partnerships with companies such as David Phillips have become essential for those developers who are looking to remain at the forefront of the market.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

For more information visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499

• New Four5Two development designed to suit Hampstead buyers’ every whim (Bellis Homes)
• Local market remains strong and steady, despite wider wobbles (Glentree Estates)
• Hampstead homeowners looking to blend access to London with country-style greenery (Bellis Homes)

The lush greenery of Hampstead Heath comes alive at this time of year, with buds on flowers, bushes and trees all adding their scents to the air. It’s also that time of year when Hampstead’s property market springs back into action, with busy season running from April to August, according to local residential property agency Glentree Estates and family-run housebuilder Bellis Homes.

“Hampstead offers a fantastic environment for family life, as it offers the perfect blend of serene, outdoor space and proximity to central London and the West End. The spring and summer months are particularly busy, with professionals and families looking to purchase superior quality homes in this delightful area.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

The Glentree team reports that properties up to the £1.5 million mark are currently the most sought after in Hampstead. Priced from £1.1 million, Bellis Homes’ new Four5Two development certainly fits the bill. The 13 apartments offer contemporary luxury within walking distance of Hampstead Heath, complete with floor to ceiling windows, high ceilings and balconies for blending outdoor living with warm, spacious interiors.

While the Hampstead market has softened, in line with prices evening out or falling across the capital, demand from residential buyers remains strong, with Glentree pointing out that local purchasers are seeking out homes, rather than investment properties. Local down-sizers, young professionals (both singles and couples) and small families seeking to move into the catchment area of the excellent local schools are driving the market. This means that price drops are rare in the Hampstead area, as demand continues apace.

According to Glentree, buyers are looking for two and three-bedroom apartments set across one floor, with good security and outside access, such as balconies or garden areas. New build homes are particularly popular – hence Bellis Homes’ focus on delivering its exquisitely designed Four4Two development within walking distance of Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park. The apartments also feature views over Elm Park from their well-appointed balconies.

“Our market research showed strong demand for two and three-bedroom apartments near the Heath, so we were keen to meet that demand by ensuring that Four5Two had the perfect location. With professionals driving the market, we also wanted to deliver an exceptionally high quality finish that would match the aspirational family lifestyle vibe that is so intrinsic to this area of London.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Hampstead buyers are drawn to the latest designs and specifications that new build homes offer, along with the convenience of the Hampstead location for local amenities and easy access to London’s shops, restaurants and theatres. Views over the greenery of local parkland are particularly sought after.

The high specification new build homes at Four5Two are particularly attractive to Hampstead buyers thanks to their fabulously high ceilings, park views, outside access and use of the latest technology throughout, including Miele appliances, fitted wardrobes, comfort cooling and underfloor heating.

The building also boasts an impressive entrance, security and a hotel-style concierge, affording residents the comfort and peace of mind that comes with a luxury lifestyle. Secure underground parking comes with lifts to all floors, which is a real asset in light of the local shortage of parking, let alone underground parking.

Based on their expert, local market information on Hampstead, both Glentree Estates and Bellis Homes are confident in the future of the local property market. Glentree points out that buyers are becoming accustomed to the recent Stamp Duty Land Tax and that demand has remained strong locally.

“Hampstead buyers are looking for high end homes that they can enjoy for years to come, so any slight wobbles in the market don’t hugely phase them. This is particularly true of new build homes, where buyers are looking to settle for a number of years in order to be close to the plentiful employment opportunities, high achieving schools and outstanding outdoors lifestyle that Hampstead can provide.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

To purchase an apartment off plan or for all other enquiries please contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or via www.bellishomes.co.uk or their sole agents Glentree on 0208 731 9500.

• 2 Collegiate competition winners to attend prestigious awards event in May
• Just 21% of UK SMEs led by women (House of Commons briefing)
• Veuve Clicquot awards competition recognises future female talent at Collegiate

Just 21% of the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises are led by women, according to the December 2017 House of Commons Business Statistics briefing. The figure for female board members of FTSE100 companies is marginally better, but still sits at only 28%. The statistics, coupled with recent revelations about gender pay gaps across a vast range of UK industries, confirm that the country may have enshrined gender equality in law, but certainly not in practice yet.

Aspirations and expectations are set at a young age, including those relating to employment. However, it’s never too late to break the cycle and inspire women towards greater success in business. Innovative student accommodation and lifestyle provider Collegiate is working to prove just that. After firmly establishing its position as a market leader in the provision of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) in the UK, Collegiate is now at the forefront of developing world-class student residences in Spain and Portugal.

With its new accommodation considered to be some of the leading student residences in the world, Collegiate enjoys a unique position in terms of inspiring its female residents to know no limits in relation to their employment prospects. In that vein, Melanie Cuanalo, Director of Collegiate, was personally invited, along with two young, talented and entrepreneurial females, to attend the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards in May.

The awards champion the qualities of courage, enterprise and determination in businesswomen around the world. They were created in 1972 to honour Madame Clicquot, who single-handedly took on her husband’s champagne business when he passed away in 1805, and went on to pioneer a number of industry innovations.

To nurture future female leaders, Collegiate launched a competition for the two tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards. The entrants were tasked with describing what makes them a future female leader.

Winners Kamakshi Palli and Laura Blackshaw will accompany Collegiate’s owner and director, Melanie Cuanalo, to the event. Kamakshi is a final year design student at London College of Fashion. She won as a result of her detailed start-up plans for her own fashion brand, as well as her confidence in combining innovative designs with cotemporary technology and traditional techniques in order to conceive new ideas.

Laura Blackshaw, an apprentice at the Collegiate head office, won her place at the Veuve Clicquot event as a result of her appreciation for what it takes to be a successful female leader and her understanding of how professional networks are built and how to include inspiring (female) individuals within those circles for the benefit of all.

“We are delighted to be further building on our strong relationship with Veuve Clicquot by supporting the 2018 Business Woman Awards. We’re also thrilled to have the opportunity to recognise the achievements of two of Collegiate’s future female leaders – Kamakshi and Laura – and to nurture their professional development in this way.”

 Melanie Cuanalo, Director, Collegiate

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

• Famed motivational speaker Pete Cohen to run workshops with Fusion Students’ residents starting 10^th May
• Cohen’s clients include Ellen MacArthur, Roger Black and Arsenal FC
• Nationwide event delivery to address North/South divide in business distribution

Leading student accommodation and lifestyle provider Fusion Students, is working in partnership to develop the potential of the UK’s future businesspeople. Fusion Students’ are committed to the principle of not only providing an amazing place for students to live, but to also provide them with an opportunity to achieve their goals and succeed after University too.

Business opportunities vary significantly across the UK. According to the House of Commons’ December 2017 Business Statistics briefing paper, the number of businesses per 10,000 residents in London was more than double that for the North East, at 1,519 and 657 businesses respectively.

Fusion Students has arranged for business motivational speaker/coach Pete Cohen to speak at the first in the series of the events at four of their properties starting 10^th May 2018. This incredible series is available for every single resident, plus their friends.

Pete is one of the world’s leading keynote speakers, as well as a mentor for celebrities who appears regularly on television. He will be delivering motivational workshops with Fusion residents as part of the companies’ ‘Be Inspired’ series.

Pete’s experience includes working with world class sporting stars and teams to help them reach their peak performance, with clients including Sally Gunnell, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ellen MacArthur, Roger Black, the England cricket team and Arsenal football team.

“At Fusion Students, we provide the best opportunity for students to succeed. We want to ensure that our residents not only get the most out of their university years by living in outstanding accommodation, but also that they are as well prepared as possible for life after graduation. The Be Inspired events will give our residents the chance to think about their future potential in new ways and feel inspired to achieve their goals. We’re delighted that Pete Cohen will be a part of that inspiration.”

 Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

The workshops have been designed to develop students’ self-confidence and provide them with the tools to stay motivated during stressful times, from sitting their exams to engaging with the business world.

Running during May, the events will launch at Nova in Nottingham. The tour will then take in the North East (at Plummer House in Newcastle) and the stunning Eclipse student accommodation in Cardiff. The final workshop will be presented at the flagship Fusion Tower in Bristol.

All four sites encapsulate the innovation and luxury for which Fusion Students have become so well known. Student wellbeing is a core priority, as is the overall lifestyle experience. It is these commitments that have led to the planning of the Be Inspired initiative, which will allow residents to make the most of the university experience.

For more information please call 0117 405 7852 or visit https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/. Students interested in attending can click here to sign up for the events.

• Contemporary service design needs to attract loyal tenants (be:here Hayes)
• Renters increasingly looking for wide-ranging services and amenities
• Pet-friendly homes with no fees, 3-year tenancies & on-site concierge shaping the future of rental sector in London

With private renters outnumbering homeowners in London, competition is fierce from landlords looking to attract loyal tenants. The average age of a first-time buyer is now 30, according to Halifax, with property prices in the capital meaning that many of those who rent there may well be much older than this before they can afford to get a foot onto the first rung of the housing ladder. As such, there is an unprecedented opportunity for rental developments to shape their services to attract and maintain long-term tenants.

be:here Hayes is a shining example of this. The company’s 119 homes, just 300 yards from Hayes & Harlington station (a Crossrail station from 2019), provide a host of benefits that are turning renters’ heads and causing them to view The Gatefold Building as the model for future rental homes.

The company starts by appealing to renters’ wallets, with no agency, admin or referencing fees and lower deposits (just one month’s rent – in London!). It also includes free, super-fast 30 mbps broadband for all tenants.

Everything at Gatefold is managed start to finish by the local Hayes team.  The on-site concierge and management team are available to assist residents with a range of matters, from shopping deliveries, booking taxis through to maintenance and repairs.

Be have invested for the long term and want their residents to do the same.  They offer flexible long term tenancies, initially up to 3 years.

Security comes next with 3-year tenancies now available at the multi award-winning development offering residents peace of mind. Followed by services

Next, be:here Hayes takes care of the social aspect. The sharer-friendly accommodation provides regular events in order to enable residents to get to know one another. With the Campaign to End Loneliness reporting that loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26% as we age, life at the Gatefold Buildings embraces all that community life has to offer.

“As the number of renters continues to increase, landlords must evolve their offering if they are to provide developments that are viable over the longer term. Modern tenants expect far more than those of years gone by – they want superb homes with good services and additional amenities that enable them to live a modern, urban lifestyle.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Renting from a build-to-rent provider like be:here Hayes, rather than an old-fashioned private landlord, comes with other benefits too. The company’s apartments are furnished by Habitat and pet-friendly, for example – a long way from the shabby, second hand furnishings and ‘no pets’ rules that old-school rental accommodation still tries to get away with.

Developers must continually up their game if they are to remain competitive. At the Gatefold Building, for example, the on-site team is in the process of installing Laundry Republic lockers. Tenants will be able to have their dry cleaning taken care of without being home for the collection or delivery times – and without having to set foot inside a dry cleaner’s.

“The face of rental accommodation is changing. Old-fashioned landlord practices and attitudes have no place in the modern marketplace. Landlords that don’t appreciate that fact will soon find themselves left behind.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Spacious apartments at be:here Hayes are available from £1270 pcm for one bedroom and from £1,450 for two. 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 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

• Parkside living commands price premium, with prices almost double national average (eMoov)
• Home buyers looking for proximity to green space and entertaining potential this spring (Bellis Homes)
• Stunning Four5Two development makes most of premium Hampstead Heath location

Goodbye grey skies, hello sunshine! It’s that time of year when London springs to life with renewed energy once more, as residents smile in the spring sun as they go about their daily lives. For many, spring brings with it a new sense of purpose and this spring, Londoners are looking to pick up the perfect property for enjoying the warmth, according to family-run housebuilder Bellis Homes.

 “Despite properties being in use year-round, buyers definitely view them with a seasonal focus in mind. In the winter months, it’s all about grand fireplaces and cosy living spaces. As we move into spring, buyers are looking more closely at entertaining spaces, as they plan ahead for the summer months.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Homes near premium green spaces such as Hampstead Heath are therefore hot property at this time of year. Indeed, an eMoov study from 2017 found that properties near parks command a price premium of almost double the average home price (£393,000 versus £206,000 at the time the study was carried out).

Hampstead is alive with greenery at this time of year. As well enjoying 320 acres of ancient heathland, Hampstead Village is also home to a scheme to ‘green’ its high street, with Bill Oddie celebrating the centenary of the Heath and Hampstead Society by planting trees for shoppers to enjoy. Hampstead Heath itself is a stunning public space packed with ponds, playgrounds, a lido and a training track, as hilly woodlands that are perfect for exploring in the spring air. It’s one of the key attractions in the area.

Homes such as those at Bellis Homes’ new Four5Two development offer Hampstead residents the full benefits from living by the Heath. The scents of spring can be enjoyed from the spacious balconies, while all the fun of the park is on the doorstep. They are the ideal homes for those looking to throw open the windows and embrace spring life in earnest. With contemporary, luxurious interiors, the apartments at Four5Two provide an idyllic setting for those looking to entertain, as well as for daily family life.

“At Four5Two we’ve sought to provide Londoners with the perfect combination of city life and park-side living. The development is conveniently located for life in Hampstead, as well as for access to central London. It also offers all of the health benefits – both mental and physical – that come with access to such an abundance of green space. We’ve also provided a 24/7 concierge service to take care of details like booking taxis, theatre tickets and dry cleaning, so that residents can have more time to enjoy their homes and the local area.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Four5Two has been designed with residents’ every comfort in mind. Lifts run to all floors, while secure parking spaces and building security provide peace of mind, particularly when homeowners are travelling on holiday or business. The 13 apartments range in price from £1.1 million to £2.2 million. The luxurious properties are perfect for those seeking to make the most of spring by enjoying the outdoors life in London!

To purchase an apartment off plan or for all other enquiries please contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or via www.bellishomes.co.uk or their sole agents Glentree on 0208 731 9500.

• 46% of 25-34 years old now live in the private rented sector (English Housing Survey)
• More than half of tenants are happy living in a rented house (KFH)
• Partnership between Be and Habitat offers durable furniture to residents in Hayes (UB3) & East India (E14)

According to the English Housing Survey, 46% of 25-34 years old now live in private accommodation and not under duress as new research from estate agency Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward (KFH) reveales that 71% of tenants are happy living in a rented home.

For a generation which doesn’t always feel the need to own anything, renting does have its perks.

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

Be Living’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.

“Part of the be:here ethos is to offer our residents superb homes that provide them with style and comfort, as well as an excellent location. Renting – particularly in London – has become synonymous with cheap, low quality furniture. We’re turning that on its head by working with Habitat to give renters wonderfully stylish, high quality apartments that really feel like home”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

The partnership between Be and Habitat sees each development and each apartment type reviewed in order to determine the best possible furniture for the space. Longevity is the starting point as furniture should last for life and not for just a few months.

“There’s definitely a sense that people are bored of low quality “white-flat-pack” fit outs of some furnished rental properties that turn out to be identical to their neighbours,” comments Hollie Clarke of Habitat Interior Services. ”We’re seeing an emerging market that instead want home furnishings with real personality – with interesting design details, clever construction, exciting use of colour – and will make a rental property more individual and, as a result, more enjoyable to live in. These new apartments achieve that with considered layouts and contemporary, well-built designs that renters can be proud of.”

Each apartment includes contemporary designs from Habitat’s latest collection including statement dining tables, hand-made upholstery and sleek modern storage solutions that offers plentiful space for inhabitants to grow into the accommodation.

The be:here Hayes development has a friendly on-site team, 30 ft private gardens, generous balcony space and a communal roof terrace. The multi award-winning stylish development, just 300 yards from Hayes & Harlington station, soon to be served by Crossrail, also offers pet friendly homes specially designed for renting. Apartments are priced from £1,195 pcm with no agency, admin or referencing fees.

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