When property investment gets personal – meet the new breed of global real estate experts

When property investment gets personal – meet the new breed of global real estate experts

by Kate United States
  • Ethics and integrity shine through
  • Localised services see charitable and community activities brought to the fore
  • Property investments focus on stable, well-established markets

The face of international property investment is changing. While some more archaic companies might still be trying to meet with clients in hired hotel rooms and convincing them to invest in countries they have never heard of, a new breed of global real estate experts are revolutionising the sector.

Their focus is on ethical, secure investments that provide clients with a stable and balanced international property portfolio, containing investment properties in some of the world’s most well-established markets.

Essex-based Brookes & Co perfectly epitomises this new breed. The company is presenting leading investments in both Florida – The Fountains at ChampionsGate – and the Bahamas – the Royal Ocean Club – to the UK market, but Managing Director Philip Button was determined to take a new approach to global property investment. He explains,

“I’ve always been passionate about high quality, financially sound property investment. My background as a Certified Chartered Accountant means that I look at each investment from all angles, seeking the best returns for Brookes & Co’s clients by sourcing leading deals in well-known markets.

“I believe the key to Brookes & Co’s success is the way it approaches the delivery of its business. We might be global property investment specialists, but we also like to keep a local, personalised perspective when it comes to working with our clients.”

The approach sees Brookes & Co holding regular events at its Maldon head office, with investors and potential investors welcome to drop in at any time. The emphasis at the events is on a relaxed and fun presentation of investment opportunities – the exact antithesis of the old, hard-sell approach. The most recent event, a Florida experience day that involved a virtual ‘flight’ to the Sunshine State, all-American breakfast and casino-style entertainment, was so over-subscribed that another one has been planned for Saturday 26th April.

With their resounding emphasis on an ethical approach to investment, Brookes & Co also run regular inspection trips. The next Florida inspection trip is planned for 15-18 May and will see staff accompanying potential investors to The Fountains in order that they can meet with local property and financial experts, including the developer, Feltrim. The company’s enjoyable approach is reflected in the inspection trips as well as their local events – the last Florida trip included both a trip to Disney World and a helicopter flight over the development.

Back on this side of the Atlantic, Brookes & Co is actively involved in the local community, following Managing Director Philip’s belief in giving something back. The company has just agreed a sponsorship deal for theSamStock 2014 charity music, comedy and arts festival in Maldon on 21 June. Brookes & Co will be the official headline sponsor of leading act Toploader and Philip has generously paid for his team to attend the event.

This engaging approach is carried through into every aspect of the company’s property investment activities. For example, Brookes & Co only ever offers investment opportunities that the company has put its own money into. Philip’s belief is that if the company is not prepared to invest, why should the clients be?

He also believes in providing a full, 360 degree service to every client, meaning that Brookes & Co has built up partnerships with a range of experts from developers to mortgage specialists, so that each client can receive a personalised package of advice and guidance.

The company has further demonstrated its credentials by joining the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), thus signalling its commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct within the industry.

Such is the new breed of property investment companies that are taking the sector by storm. Open, clear and personalised in their approach, they invite investors to get to know their team members, visit them in their office and explore their developments first-hand, all while giving something back to the local community. With such integrity and attention to detail in place it seems that so far as global property investment is concerned, the future’s bright – the future’s Brookes & Co.

For more information, contact Brookes & Co on 01621 875 925 or info@brookesandco.co.uk, visitwww.brookesandco.co.uk or meet the team online.

US housing market surges back to life with Florida stepping forward as latest investment hotspot

US housing market surges back to life with Florida stepping forward as latest investment hotspot

by Kate United States
  • US house prices rise by 11.5% in a year (National Association of Realtors)
  • High end property sales in Florida increase 24% in 2013 (Florida Realtors)
  • US dollar exchange rates best they have been for British buyers since 2009 (Brookes & Co)

The outlook is bright for the US housing market, according to the latest figures. The median sales price for homes across the nation increased 11.5% in 2013 compared with the previous year, to $197,100 according to the National Association of Realtors.

The luxury end of the market has recovered particularly well. In fact, the Demand Institute’s ‘A Tale of 2000 Cities’ report has revealed that the value of stock at the top end of the market has risen by an impressive 73% since 2000. The report belies the belief that snapping up bargains at the bottom end of the market is the best way to profit from real estate: over the same period, the stock at the lower end of the market rose by a comparatively low 59%.

The favourable exchange rate at the moment is making the US property market particularly attractive to British buyers, who effectively have an additional £6,500 per £100,000, compared to February 2013, thanks to the strength of the pound against the dollar.

Regarding the US’s recovering economy, Jeff Korzenik, chief investment strategist for Fifth Third Bank in Chicago, states,

“We believe the U.S. is going to see accelerated growth in this year, the best growth since 2005.”

Korzenik’s analysis includes confidence in the US’s resurgent housing market and, as ever with an improving market, certain areas of the country are emerging as investment hotspots, attracting investors from around the globe due to their potential for high returns. He observes,

“The way Florida has worked historically is if the U.S. is doing well, Florida tends to do very well. It’s widely perceived as a business-friendly state. Because Florida has run its fiscal affairs very prudently, Florida should be able to increase its investments better than many other states, and we think that’s a competitive advantage for Florida.”

The figures certainly seem to back up the investment expert’s predictions. At the start of 2014, Florida’s housing market marked the 26thconsecutive month of year-on-year increases in median property sale prices. The number of single-family home sale closures in 2013 was up 11.8% compared with the previous year according to Florida Realtors and the median sale price reached $168,000 – an increase of nearly 16% on 2012. Sherri Meadows, the company’s president, comments,

“The positive fundamentals of Florida´s housing sector continue into 2014.”

Philip Button, Managing Director of Florida property investment specialists Brookes & Co, agrees. He has seen interest in leading development The Fountains at ChampionsGate – which Brookes & Co is presenting to the UK market in partnership with established developer Feltrim – increase massively so far in 2014. Only 12 of the original 50 units at the stunning resort remain available for investment. Button explains,

“The market has been so buoyant in Florida recently that UK buyers are eager to invest in the Sunshine State. The strength of the pound against the dollar at the moment means that they get more for their money than they would have done a few years ago, while the resurgence of the US housing market creates scope for huge NET annual returns on cash invested – such as 14.61% at The Fountains. In fact, US dollar exchange rates are currently the best they have been since 2009 for British buyers.”

Of course the improving market means that prices of investment properties are increasing and The Fountains is no exception. Investment in the luxurious three and four bedroom villas now begins at £53,128 deposit, with full villas available from £212,512 and US mortgages available. Located in a secluded development scattered with oak and pine trees, along with a state of the art clubhouse and fitness centre, plus a resort-style pool, The Fountains offers peace and tranquillity at the same time as being just minutes from the buzzing attractions of Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando’s numerous other attractions.

As has proven the case nationally, upscale properties such as these are showing strong returns in Florida, with Florida Realtors reporting a year-on-year jump of 24% in 2013 on the number of sales of properties at the top end of the market.

With prices set to increase further over the course of 2014 and beyond, those keen to benefit from Florida’s real estate investment hotspot status will need to move fast. Thankfully, Brookes & Co organise regular inspection trips to the Sunshine State, so no potential investor need miss out on the fantastic opportunity that Florida currently affords.

For more information, contact Brookes & Co on 01621 875 925 or info@brookesandco.co.uk, visitwww.brookesandco.co.uk or meet the team online.

Florida’s housing market attracts global attention as Orlando prices rise 24% in a single year

Florida’s housing market attracts global attention as Orlando prices rise 24% in a single year

by Kate United States
  • Pending sales in Florida up 17.6% in 2013 (Florida Realtors)
  • Orlando house prices up 24% in one year (Orlando Regional Realtor Association)
  • Florida’s GDP set to increase by 3% in 2014 (BMO Economics)

The news for Florida’s housing market just keeps getting better. Not only has data from Florida Realtors confirmed that the state ended 2013 with more closed sales, more pending sales and higher median prices than in 2012, but it has also attracted the largest share of foreign buyers of any state in the US.

Florida’s closed sales of single-family homes were up 11.8% in 2013 over the 2012 figure, with pending sales (where contracts have been signed but not completed) up by an even more impressive 17.6%, according to the latest figures from the Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department. The state-wide median sale price jumped 15.9% for the same period, to $168,000.

Florida’s success is set against an improving picture across the US, with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recording a national increase in the median sale price for single-family homes in 2013 of 11.5% compared to 2012. The median price reached $197,100 for the year.

The figures show that not only are prices in Florida increasing faster than the US average, making it an attractive location for those looking for capital gains from real estate investment, but that they still have some way to go before they reach the national median figure of $197,100. These two factors have been responsible for a recent surge in foreign investment in Florida’s real estate, which data from the NAR Profile of International Home Buyers has shown accounted for 23% of the US total.

The figure confirms Florida’s position as capturing the largest share of foreign real estate investment in 2013 of any state in the US, with non-resident foreigners accounting for $6.4 billion of investment in the state in 2013. Interestingly, the NAR data has also shown that foreign investors’ desire for ‘above-average properties’ means that they purchase more luxurious (and expensive) homes than the state’s median price.

The high end three and four bedroom villas at The Fountains at ChampionsGate in Orlando are just the type of property that foreign investors are looking for. With gourmet kitchens, outdoor terraces, a resort-style pool and a clubhouse within walking distance, the villas provide the luxurious standards that overseas buyers demand. Surrounded by pine and oak trees, they offer peace and seclusion in which to enjoy Florida’s year-round sunshine, yet Walt Disney World and Florida’s myriad other attractions are just minutes away.

Orlando is one of Florida’s most popular areas when it comes to foreign real estate investment. Philip Button, Managing Director of Brookes & Co, the property investment specialists who are presenting The Fountains to the market in partnership with leading developer Feltrim, explains,

“Orlando has everything – a fantastic climate, world-class theme and water parks and some of the best golf courses in Florida. We’ve seen prices here increase by 24%

during 2013, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, and the picture continues to improve. It’s an extremely exciting time for those looking to invest in Florida’s real estate market.”

Despite the increase, prices in the Orlando area remain well below their median peak of $264,000 in 2007, leaving investors excited about how much further prices may be expected to rise. Their confidence has strong foundations. According to a recent report from BMO Economics, Florida’s GDP is expected to increase by 3% during 2014, the state’s job growth rate was up 2.6% year on year in December 2013 (against a national rate of 1.7%) and housing starts rose by 35% for the year.

By 2020, Florida’s population is expected to increase by some 1.9 million people, according to the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. The increase will push the state’s population past 21.1 million, making it the third most populous state in the US. The increased population is expected to mean that Florida surpasses the population of New York in the near future.

With so many new residents needing housing, along with Florida’s record-breaking year for tourism in 2013, it’s no wonder that investors across the globe are so excited about the possibilities of the Sunshine State’s dynamic real estate sector.

For more information, contact Brookes & Co on 01621 875 925 or info@brookesandco.co.uk, or visit www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Oxford continues to shines with Millgate’s luxury detached homes contenders for an Evening Standard New Homes Award 2013

by Louise United States

Not only is a place at Oxford University still one of the most hard won in the world but the ‘city of dreaming spires’ has also roared in at second place in a recent Santander poll for the top UK towns and cities for business competitiveness.

Based on 20 factors that can drive private business competitiveness and success for towns and cities including enterprise, talent, connectivity, cost and well-being, the index is a comprehensive study of the largest 74 conurbations in the UK as well as 32 London boroughs.
Corporations such as Mini have brought wealth and jobs to the area and sales of the Cowley built iconic car have reached an all-time global high this month. In response to business demand a new hotel is earmarked for the area and DHL are hoping to open a new courier base nearby. Indeed these are not the signs of a depressed recession-hit county but one that is progressive and forward thinking.
Another business tapping into Oxfordshire potential is house builder Millgate. Developing their first eight homes in Marcham near Abingdon in early 2012 these luxury homes sold out in less than six months. Millgate went on to construct four further country mansions in Oxford’s exclusive Boar’s Hill area. This elite development was unique to the area as there has been almost zero new home construction in Oxford for the past couple of years – especially at the top end of the market where these homes sit.
Once again sales have been swift and just one of the four stunning homes, Highview Manor, remains. Featured in the Daily Telegraph, Oxfordshire Life and the Financial Times, this gorgeous house is now being considered for a prestigious Evening Standard New Homes Award 2013 for best luxury home.
Due to the success at Boars Hill, Millgate remained committed to the appeals of south Oxfordshire recently completing a third development at nearby Hinksey Hill. Named as one of the Top 20 places to live in the UK by Knight Frank, it is an area favoured by families for its easy commute into the city yet retaining all the benefits of a country location, Hinksey Hill is somewhat of a hidden gem.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments on the house builder’s achievements to date and plans for the future,
“Being based in Berkshire, Oxfordshire was virgin territory for us but after quickly establishing the high demand but lack of supply for luxury detached family homes which Millgate excel in building, it has been a hugely positive move. I have been delighted at the reaction buyers have had to our developments and indeed the Evening Standard New Homes Award we received last year for Beech House at Boars Hill.”
The Evening Standard best luxury home hopeful is Highview Manor. The Manor house is set in the grounds of former Warnborough College, believed to be the very first mansion to be built on Boars Hill.
The property has commanding views to the North over the Preservation Trust land towards the Oxford Spires and to the South backing onto ancient woodland and to the Downs beyond.
This inspired Georgian style mansion is set within south facing grounds in excess of four acres. The accommodation, set over four floors is large and spacious combining the splendour of a traditional country manor house with modern 21st century conveniences.
Highview Manor comprises: a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, family room, orangery/breakfast room, games room, five bedrooms and five en-suites, an indoor swimming pool, leisure zone, cinema, wine cellar, gymnasium, all weather tennis court and pavilion, four car garage and courtyard.
The house also benefits from a detached cottage with kitchen/breakfast room, living room and two bedrooms.
Also awaiting a hopeful accolade from The Evening Standard for best family home is Rushton House, one of four country homes built on Hinksey Hill. This is a superb three storey, detached house set in half an acre plot of mature gardens.
Designed for modern family living. A magnificent open plan kitchen/family room extends the full length of the house including an orangery that is flooded with light.
Upstairs the expansive master-suite includes a walk-in fitted dressing room, a luxurious en-suite and a large private timber decked terrace. A guest suite and a further two double bedrooms and family bathroom complete this floor. The second floor has the fifth bed with en-suite shower room and a spacious games room offers flexibility of use.
Rushton House is priced at £2,100,000. 
Highview Manor is priced at £5,950,000
For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Colliers names United States most attractive region to invest in for 2013

by Charlotte Ashton United States

The future is looking bright for the United States with President Obama back at the helm, positive GDP forecasts of 2%  growth in 2013, rising to 2.8% in 2014 (OECD Economic Outlook 2012) and the residential real estate market finally emerging from its recession hangover with the construction sector creating 30,000 new jobs in December 2012.

Global investor confidence is in fact so high at present that the experts at Colliers International in their Global Investor Sentiment Survey 2013 name the US as the most attractive region in which to invest immediately.

Continuing to beat off increasingly stiff competition from Canada, Western Europe, SE Asia and the BRIC nations, the world’s largest economy remains top choice for savvy investors, especially those keen to capitalise on its ever more appealing housing market.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive Officer of the multi award-winning international property investment agency, Property Frontiers, comments,

“We have for some time now been tracking the US residential market, from its peak in 2006 to its recession low and gradual recovery. We, along with many experts, firmly believe that the bottom of the market has been reached and that now is the time to invest.

“Indeed we are already seeing prices creep up with the Knight Frank Global House Price Index Q3 2012 revealing that prices are 3.6% higher than the same period in 2011 and vacancy rates are at their lowest since 2005. One sector of the market, previously owned homes, are in particularly high demand and are proving to be a stable investment with sales reaching a two year high in October last year according to the Trulia Housing Barometer.”

The experts at Global Property Guide also report on the US housing market recovery revealing in its Q3 2012 survey that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) seasonally-adjusted purchase-only house price index rose by 2.31% year-on-year in Q3 2012, the highest growth seen since Q2 2006.

Realtors on the ground are also seeing increased levels of buyer activity with the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Pending Homes Sales Index (which provides an early indicator of market activity) reporting an increase of 5.2% in October 2012, its highest level in 5 years.

However in addition to American nationals purchasing homes once again, the NAR also revealed the significant level of investor interest with 20% of all home sales in October last year made by this group. And it is investors such as the clients of Property Frontiers who are realising the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in the US market.

Ray Withers goes on to explain,
“There is indeed great potential in the US housing market but with seemingly endless low grade stock in poor locations often presenting itself as a ‘bargain’, investors can all too easily get it wrong. From experience we have learnt that the most successful approach is to work with reputable partners on the ground who will know the exact fabric of the local economy, the current demand for housing and the right homes to buy in the right neighbourhoods.

“In fact we have gone one stage further and taken all the stress out of buying in the US with our pioneering exclusive new investment opportunity which is 100% hands-free. Our partners on the ground across the US buy, renovate and sell property on your behalf enabling investors to enjoy fixed returns of up to 80% over 5 years, as well as a defined exit strategy and be reassured by the security offered by the FSA regulated UK Trustee.”

With investment available from as little as US$15,000, contact Property Frontiers today on 01865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com for more information.

You can also listen to their exclusive US housing market podcast here: http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/International-Real-Estate/Country/United-States/Florida/Middleton-May.aspx

Investors re-elect America Top of the Props

by Charlotte Ashton United States

Investors have re-elected America Top of the Props, reveals TheMoveChannel.com.

As millions of US residents rushed this morning to pick their President, buyers on the overseas property portal faced no such dilemma in October. Over one in five investors voted for US real estate without question last month, making it the most popular property destination in the world for the first time since December 2011.

The support for US property was so strong that not even Spain, America’s long-standing real estate rival, could compete. After seizing the top job back from the US at the start of 2012, Spanish property saw its biggest share of enquiries yet in September. But despite this late surge in the polls, votes for the US outstripped the eurozone’s most popular destination by 1.01 per cent last month, accounting for a record 20.91 per cent of all enquiries– the largest share ever recorded by a country since Top of the Props reports began.

Turnout was also strong for another young candidate, as investors came out in force for property in the United Arab Emirates. 1.38 per cent of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com went to UAE real estate. It may be a small percentage but it was enough to push the market up the polls by five places, climbing into TheMoveChannel.com’s Top 10 for the first time, an overwhelming vote of confidence in the Emirates’ stable economy, reinforcing its status as a safe haven for investors.

But even as buyers turn to places as far-flung as Dubai, the world’s spotlight is trained on America. And thanks to key states such as Florida, TheMoveChannel.com’s property ballot only has one clear winner.

Director Dan Johnson comments: “Go back several years and US property always came out on top of TheMoveChannel.com’s polls. It is only in recent years that Spain and the eurozone have dominated the overseas real estate market.

“But over the past year, the US has become the main rival to Spain’s lifestyle appeal. It replaced France as buyers’ second favourite property destination several months ago. Now the country’s recovery is really gathering steam, that demand keeps on increasing. The country’s own figures say it all: sales are up; rental yields are up; housing starts are up; market confidence is up; and investors are hurrying because prices are rising too. Hurricane Sandy’s tragic destruction will set back short-term recovery in certain states on the East Coast, but the national real estate outlook remains positive.”

Johnson adds: “By re-electing Obama, voters are saying that they have faith in the President’s housing policy, that the Democrats are helping the economy to recover. Investors’ votes on TheMoveChannel.com show exactly the same thing. It may have been a closely fought contest, but this month’s Top of the Props is a landslide victory for property in the United States of America.”

The full breakdown of the top 40 is as follows:
 

 

 

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

At the Frontier: New way to invest in the USA, voted top destination for real estate investors

by Charlotte Ashton United States

The United States remains the best option for real estate investments this year according to the 2012 annual survey of the members of the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE).

The survey, carried out in Q4 2011 discovered that around 60% of respondents, which together hold around $338 billion of real estate in the USA alone, plan to increase their investment in US real estate in 2012, highlighting that investors still regard the ‘land of the free’  as one of the most stable and secure global markets.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers comments,

“We are firm believers in the current value that can be achieved by investing in the US property market, we at Property Frontiers carried out our own annual Investor Survey and we were not surprised to discover that there still exists an appetite for investment in the USA with investors choosing it as the location they wanted to invest in after the UK.

“In real terms, property prices in the USA today are back to where they were around the turn of the millennium, with prices in some states up to 70% below their 2006 peak and around 50% of current rebuild cost.

“Indeed, property prices have crashed and because of the credit freeze, the rental market is booming. Properties even in good areas can be acquired at huge discounts if you have the right contacts but this window of opportunity will not remain open forever. Increasing investor activity within the foreclosure market is already starting to stabilise prices and in some instances, even rise.”

Based on this high level of interest Property Frontiers have been working hard to find a pioneering new way for investors to enter the lucrative US market.

Withers continues,

“While we remain firm believers in the value that exists in certain states in the USA, the problem for investors up until now has been how they can capitalise and act quickly enough to take advantage of opportunities in the very fast moving US property market however we are very excited to announce that we have found a new solution.

“Using the trustees that administer our hugely successful bamboo bond, our structured US property bond allows people to benefit from the excellent yields in the US property market without the risk or hassle of managing individual buy-to-let properties.”

The US property bond will allow investors to enjoy fixed returns as well as a completely hassle free investment as experts on the ground continuously assess the best properties to invest in across all 50 states. These properties are then acquired, refurbished and subsequently tenanted allowing investors to sit back and enjoy double digit rental yields.

Find out how to enjoy fixed returns of up to 17% by investing $50,000 in Property Frontiers’ US property bond call +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Investment Watch: Florida flies to the top

by Charlotte Ashton United States

Florida has flown to the top of TheMoveChannel.com´s latest  buy to let listings, according to the latest Investment Watch. The report, which ranks the monthly level of interest in the portal´s listings, saw a Florida condo follow a Michigan apartment in November to become the most popular property on the real estate site at the end of 2011.

The two-bedroom US property is an example of the current trend for buying tenanted homes, which promise investors up to 14 per cent net returns. This type of investment remains the most popular category on TheMoveChannel.com, occupying the top two spots in the Investment Watch chart. Buy-to-let demand in the UK was so strong that off-market city apartments in Leeds remained in the Top 10 for the second month in a row, rising up the ranks to attract the second highest number of enquiries in December.

While buy-to-let demand dominated, however, Spanish property was the month´s main player. After Spain´s earlier Top of the Props victory in December, the most popular country on the portal went on to occupy three positions in the Investment Watch Top 10.

The first, an Andalucian beach house, offers a mortgage that includes the sales price and VAT as well as stamp duty. Such low prices and finance options were the main cause for Spain´s consistent level of interest as lifestyle buyers continued to look for cheap overseas bargains.

Two-bedroom apartments in Marbella occupied fifth place, also boasting price reductions of 52 per cent with an inclusive finance plan, while the sixth most popular property listing in December belonged to a three-bedroom town house, similarly reduced for a quick sale.

In addition to their discounted values, the three Spanish properties have another thing in common: they are all located in the Andalucia region, suggesting that the South of Spain is a particular area of interest for investors.

The Top 10 Investment Properties for December 2011 are as follows:

 

 

Living in Glass Houses – the secret to magnifying the value of your home?

by Viv United Kingdom United States

According to RICS, adding a conservatory can raise your house´s value by a respectable 4% to 5% but is this the reality in today’s market? James Wyatt, partner of privately owned estate agency Barton Wyatt in Virginia Water, Surrey shares his thoughts.

“If not done properly, conservatories can be design disasters resembling oversized porches crudely stuck onto the most convenient exterior wall with no consideration for the interior layout. When care is taken however they can be a work of art, lovingly designed with care and consideration to the house and the environment that it is being added to,” comments James Wyatt.

“Once highly fashionable, the demand for traditional ‘conservatories’ has declined in our area with buyers now seeking “orangeries” instead alluding to a feature of luxury and sophistication. It seems to be all about perception,” he adds.

With the type of ‘orangeries’ prevalent in many of Barton Wyatt’s clients’ homes costing anywhere from £25,000 to £250,000 to install and planning permission often required; committing to additional space is not a light undertaking but for some having the extra space has become invaluable.

One such lady is Mrs Fernando who purchased through Barton Wyatt; she was so taken with the large conservatory, located just off from the kitchen. Covering some 500 square feet, the space has been designed into an L-shape in order to connect the main house with the swimming pool complex.

“When we moved into Broomfield House I quickly realised that in order to fully utilise the living space of the conservatory that it would need some serious refurbishment. We installed a fully retractable seamless glass door system which meant that in the winter we can shut the room off and stay cosy in the kitchen and when the house needs cooling down we can throw the doors open and let the fresh air in. I also had thermal glass installed at this time to keep the heating /cooling costs to a minimum,” explains Mrs Fernando.

“We also added in an air conditioning system. This is, I believe, essential in any glass house. Although we live in England, a glass room can get ferociously hot and needs cooling on hot days. In the winter the air conditioning unit is able to quickly and efficiently heat the room so it really has become an integral feature of the house.

“The final item that must be purchased is a decent set of blinds, without which you will find yourself having friends for dinner and all sitting there in sunglasses!” she advises.

So, if living in a glass house is for you then follow these top tips on installing a conservatory:

Choose a design that complements the style of your home and make sure it doesn´t dominate your garden. Also think about its position: a south-facing conservatory needs ventilation and shade, while a north-facing room requires good heating.

Check with your local planning department whether you need permission. If you´re within your home´s permitted development allowance (your local planning department can advise on this) and your conservatory is separated from your house by patio doors, you may be exempt

Cheap doesn’t always mean the best. Obtain several quotes and do check feedback from other customers, the biggest and most vocal companies aren´t always the best either.

Do your research – make sure you are buying the highest quality structure within your budget

Do make sure you ask your builder what is included in the quote – is it inclusive of flooring and electrics or will you be

left with a bare shell?

Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements so that you can use it in all seasons

The benefits of a conservatory are multiple; they give you greater living space and can add light into your home. You can achieve the desirable feeling of bringing the garden into the home and they make fabulous spaces for entertaining.

And the downsides, well they can be very costly to build and will eat up a chunk of your garden. If they are not properly ventilated this room will end up being too hot or too cold and then unusable.

So, is it worth while? James Wyatt says a definite yes!

“There is no point adding a cheap and nasty lean-to onto your house but if you have the funds and space to build something beautiful and tasteful then I would say yes every time. Done properly, it will add more value to your home than the cost of it. Our purchasers are always wowed when they walk into a conservatory that has had time, thought and energy put into and it will definitely help to sell your home.”

For more information on homes with conservatories in the Virginia Water area contact Barton Wyatt on + 44 (0) 1344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Editors Notes:
Two examples of houses available through Barton Wyatt with conservatories are:
Broomfield House, Windlesham £4,995,000

This magnificent country retreat features an incredible array of modern day living. A CAT 5 integrated request audio system with speakers through out many rooms, in intercom facility throughout the house, security cameras and a state –of- the art Rako mood lighting system.

The accommodation comprises a fabulous kitchen which was featured in Beautiful Kitchens in May 2009 and utility room. An impressive entrance hall with marbled flooring and chandelier leads to a further six reception rooms include a study and conservatory. The master bedroom includes en-suite and dressing room, four further bedrooms (2 en-suite), a further family bathroom.

The recreation area includes a pool and jacuzzi which operate an ozone filtration system thus reducing chemical use. There is a steam room and shower plus separate changing rooms. A custom built bar area which has access onto a terrace via 10m fully retractable glass doors.

The property also includes a detached triple garage block with staff flat above. The flat includes a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.

Grounds extend to approximately 1.7 acres.

Priced at £4,995,000, for more information, please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Rhodora, Wentworth Estate £2,250,000

This fabulous home offers bright and spacious accommodation and has the character of an older style home with all the modern conveniences of a contemporary luxury home such as a well fitted kitchen, TV room, beautiful conservatory extending into the garden on three sides, fine drawing room with open fireplace, modern bathrooms (master bedroom with en-suite spa bath) double glazing with leaded light windows and excellent joinery.

Four bedrooms, three bathrooms en-suite, family bathroom, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, study, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, superb conservatory, attractive mature and level gardens on three sides, triple garage, ample parking.

The gardens are very attractive and are well stocked and well tended on a regular basis. There is a brick driveway with ample parking for several and wrought iron electric gates on brick piers.

For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

From Automotives to Autobots: Detroit walks the red carpet of transformation

by Charlotte Ashton United States

The Motor City of Detroit, Michigan, has long been used as a set for numerous Hollywood movies and television series primarily for its ability to transform its surroundings which was certainly one of the biggest attractions for Michael Bay’s latest and highly anticipated visual feast Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Released in British cinemas today, the landscape of Detroit provides an extraordinary location with abundant filming possibilities for Directors and movie Producers and has been the selected location not only for Bay’s third Autobot and Decepticon installment but for his very first Transformer movie back in 2007 with Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office stating,

“We were thrilled to have ´Transformers´ return to Michigan for ´Dark of the Moon´ and are looking forward to seeing the impact Michigan´s one-of-a-kind locations will have in the film.”

Indeed, Detroit chosen for its setting and variety of buildings and structures was also selected for its high number of acting extras ready and willing to take centre stage as well as its number 1 ranked Film and Television Production Incentive Program allowing productions to recoup 42% of their expenditure.

Of course, big bucks movies like ‘Dark of the Moon’ including the other 58 productions that were shot in the Motor City back in 2010, are helping Detroit get back on its feet after experiencing an automotive collapse from the economic downturn with the new Transformers film alone said to have hired 315 Michigan residents, a full time equivalent of 30 jobs according to The Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Places like Detroit and other parts of Michigan know the long-term economic benefits that filming locally can bring to the economy from job creation to increased tourist visits and as a result of Detroit’s new economic rising from film making, foreign investors have the city firmly in their sights as a lucrative destination in which to invest in property.

Alan Forsyth, Director of property investment experts, Property Secrets explains,

“Traditionally known as the automotive epicenter of America, Detroit has certainly shifted gears, seeking to steal the spotlight from Hollywood as a filmmaking hotspot.  It would seem that there is a lot of opportunity for the local community and indeed the economy to climb its way back to the top keeping spirits high and as Detroit continues to put itself on the map, investors will certainly be keen to get in on the action.

“Attracted by the incredible rental returns and low property prices which also allow Detroit residents to have the opportunity to live in safe, modernised, and affordable accommodation, we are offering 3 and 4 bedroom, fully refurbished houses to investors from just $40,500 with uniquely up to 50% finance available. These homes were selling 5-6 years ago for over $100,000 and it is just a matter of time before they fully recover, allowing our clients to gain substantially, through our relationship with the banks in USA.”

For more information on transforming Detroit into a property haven please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0)115 985 3963, email investments@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.