All eyes on Cumbria, as Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status inspires rush of investment

All eyes on Cumbria, as Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status inspires rush of investment

by Georgina United Kingdom World

· Properties near UNESCO sites enjoy 27% higher value than the average UK home (Zoopla) 

· UK staycations up 24% this summer (Sojern) 

· Hotels outside London projected to reach record occupancy levels in 2017 (PwC) 

· Spa hotels now account for 40% of £1.5 billion UK spa industry (Spa Creators) 

The Lake District in Cumbria has become the latest area of the UK to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The honour is conferred on those sites that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization deems to be important to humanity due to their cultural, historical and/or scientific significance.

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful UK regions, with stunning rolling mountains and the iconic lakes for which the area is named providing an outstanding natural environment. It has long been popular with walkers, hikers and those seeking peace, away from the trappings of modern life.

Now, Cumbria is also drawing in investors, from property buyers to those picking up hotel rooms.

“A UNESCO World Heritage award often brings with it an increase in property prices and interest from investors. Zoopla figures show that properties near UNESCO sites command a price premium averaging 27% when compared to the average UK home. As such, a lot of investors are appraising Cumbria right now.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers 

It’s not just buy-to-let property investments that investors are keen to examine in Cumbria. With an area of such incredible beauty, investments with lifestyle benefits are highly prized. The Eden Country Spa Hotel is a great example of this trend.

Well placed for access to Hadrian’s Wall and the Cumbrian countryside, the Eden Country Spa Hotel offers investors two weeks’ personal usage per year. The site is currently being developed into a micro-destination in its own right. As well as top-of-the-range spa facilities, the hotel will offer adventure trails, woodland walks and an equestrian centre, as well as a superb, five-star dining experience, magnificent orangery and laidback cocktail lounge.

“What we see at the Eden Country Spa Hotel is just what investors in areas like Cumbria are seeking – an attractive package of lifestyle benefits on top of solid numbers. In this case, that means returns of 10% NET per annum for up to 10 years, with a low entry point of £45,000. It’s the whole package.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers 

With the UK in the midst of a staycation boom (travel company Sojern has reported a 23.8% rise in those planning domestic breaks this summer), spa hotels are an attractive option for investors looking to capitalise on current trends. According to Spa Creators, UK consumers make 6 million visits to spas every year, while Diagonal Reports estimates that the UK spa market is now worth more than £1.5 billion.

Hotel spas account for 40% of that market and projections certainly look promising for 2017. PwC forecasts that hotel occupancy levels outside London will reach record highs, with growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 2.3% during 2017.

“Hospitality is a key sector for growth, employment and overseas earnings in the UK. It is our 6th largest contributor to export earnings and 4th largest employer – accounting for 4.49 million people or 10% of the workforce and over 180,000 businesses.” 

Andrew Sentance, Senior Economic Advisor, PwC 

All of this is good news for hotels like Cumbria’s Eden Country Spa Hotel. With the UK’s hospitality and spa industries booming, and the Lake District’s new UNESCO World Heritage status attracting considerable attention from tourists and investors alike, the future is looking very rosy indeed.

For more information on investment opportunities around the world, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

Londoner’s scream for ice-cream as new Marine Ices apartments launch in Camden

Londoner’s scream for ice-cream as new Marine Ices apartments launch in Camden

by Georgina United Kingdom World ,
  • 9% increase in Camden house prices forecast by 2021 (Barclays)
  • Living near a supermarket boosts a property’s value by an average of £21,512 (Lloyds Bank)
  • Marine Ices Apartments located in Camden’s iconic former ice-cream parlour, opposite the Roundhouse (Bellis Homes) 

Camden Town has always been considered an interesting hybrid area of London. Not only does it boast one of the best markets in the capital but it is home to a diverse community from affluent young professionals, students, artists and celebrities, dead and alive, from Charles Dickens to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Whilst some may be cautious about the prime central London market, the experts at Barclays wealth and investments paint a more positive outlook forecasting that the capital’s house prices are set to rise by an average of 11.88% by 2021, almost double the national average (6.1%).

Average house prices in Camden are forecast to rise by a whopping 33.9% by 2021, second only to Richmond-Upon-Thames, reports Barclays. Indeed, the latest Zoopla data reports a 43.07% growth in house prices in Camden over the past 5 years and 3.33% over the last 6 months alone.

Boasting a highly prized NW1 postcode, you might be surprised however to know that reasonably priced, well sized property gems can still be found.

Luxury homebuilder Bellis Homes is launching this summer’s hottest development in Camden Town – Marine Ices Apartments.

Conveniently located, on Haverstock Hill, opposite Chalk farm station and within sight of the hugely popular Roundhouse complete with rooftop beach in the summer months, Marine Ices Apartments enjoy a rich heritage.

The building was once home to an ice cream parlour, founded by gelato pioneer, Gaetano Mansi in 1931 who wanted to bring the exquisite taste of real Italian gelato to discerning Londoners. His reputation for the finest gelato spread and so did his parlours with the same ice creams now enjoyed in many places including his new parlour a few steps from the new Marine Ices Apartments.

“Camden is one of the most sought after places to live in London and with that in mind we set out to create a selection of vibrant new homes as vibrant and exciting as the area itself. We really loved the story behind the Marine Ices building and its connection to Camden as well as the location of the site, it’s perfectly situated between a number of landmarks, travel links and local amenities.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

 

Only a short walk from the fashionable Camden Market and Camden Lock, Marine Ices Apartments are currently under construction and when completed in 2018 will offer 19 apartments ranging between 566 sqft and 1221 sqft with fabulous amenity spaces. The apartments vary from one to three bedrooms with vibrant finishes, CCTV, large balconies and composite oak paneled front doors with security features.

Residents of Marine Ices Apartments will also be able to enjoy the convenience of retail stores and / or supermarket on the ground floor – perfect for those everyday essentials as well a future capital growth.

Indeed, proximity to supermarkets can positively affect house prices; known as ‘The Waitrose Effect’, research by Lloyds Bank suggests that homes within a near reach of any local supermarket are worth on average £21,512 more than others in the same area.

“We know these apartments will be in great demand due to their prime location and high specification and we have already had interest in the units off-plan. London is and will remain one of the top global cities in which to live and we are proud to be able to deliver new homes of this standard to the capital.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

 

Marine Ices Apartments are available from £650,00 to £1.5 million, for more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

Surrenden Invest gets in the fast lane by sponsoring racing driver Nick Yelloly

Surrenden Invest gets in the fast lane by sponsoring racing driver Nick Yelloly

by Georgina United Kingdom World

Jonathan Stephens MD of leading property investment agency, Surrenden Invest has announced sponsorship of racing driver Nick Yelloly.

A keen motorsports fan and amateur driver himself, it was an easy decision for Jonathan to make and he is relishing in the fact that he can now attend and support Nick on a regular basis.

 

“After starting Surrenden Invest at a young age, I understand the struggles of going out there alone and fighting for your position amongst other contenders, that is why I am keen to support others doing the same in whatever field they choose. Nick is a great guy with heaps of potential and I am thrilled to be part of his journey”.

 

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

Born in Stafford, Nick Yelloly started his racing career by competing in karts at the age of 15. He made his debut in 2005, working his way from Junior TKM Intermediate to ICA and finally the Super 1 International KF1 Championships in 2008 where he finished eighth.

Currently lying second in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup after grabbing a win and second place in the last race at Norisring in Germany, Nick is speeding to great successes.

To date Nick’s personal career highlights include:

  • Test and simulator driver for Force India F1 since 2014
  • Race Winner in Formula Renault 2.0L, GP3, Formula Renault 3.5 & Porsche Carrera Cup Germany
  • Currently lying 2nd in the Carrera Cup Germany Championship in after winning then finishing second in the last race at Norisring in Germany

Last weekend Jonathan attended the F1 demonstration at the Silverstone Classic. Nick drove the Williams Racing FW14b World Championship winning car of Nigel Mansell where he displayed the car to the public at full speed, celebrating 25 years since the car’s historic win at the British Grand Prix.

 

“It is amazing to have the solid support of Surrenden Invest behind me, I am looking forward to what the future has to hold for myself and the Surrenden team.”

 

Nick Yelloly, Racing Driver

 

 For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 4999.

Launch of new IMPRSS interior design service certainly impresses the PRS

Launch of new IMPRSS interior design service certainly impresses the PRS

by Georgina United Kingdom World , ,
  • Alexander James Interiors launches dedicated PRS interior design service
  • Proportion of young people renting privately has nearly doubled in past decade
  • IMPRSS works with builders, landlords & developers to meet the needs of Generation Rent

 Renowned interior design company Alexander James Interiors has announced the launch of its brand new IMPRSS service.

IMPRSS is a dedicated service that caters to the design needs of the UK’s rapidly expanding private rented sector (PRS) and build to rent market

The 2015/16 English Housing Survey revealed that 20% of all households now rent privately, meaning that the PRS has doubled in size since the 10% of the population that it accounted for throughout the 1980s and 1900s. Renting is particularly prevalent among younger people, with 46% of 25 to 34 year olds renting privately (up from 24% just ten years ago).

It was the needs of these young renters in particular that first gave rise to the idea of IMPRSS.

 

“We created IMPRSS to service the needs of Generation Rent. The service designs beautiful, aspirational homes for those who rent privately. We work with housebuilders, developers and corporate landlords to help them shape their properties to the needs and desires of contemporary tenants.”

 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The rapid growth of the private rented sector and the increase in dedicated build to rent developments had led to a gap in the market in terms of interior design. IMPRSS is filling that gap

Rental properties require robust furniture and furnishings. The IMPRSS team is demonstrating that that doesn’t have to be at the expense of style. The IMPRSS brochure details five contemporary design options that private landlords can use to ensure that potential tenants are queuing up to live in their superior accommodation.

By tapping in to the aspirations of Generation Rent, IMPRSS is enabling landlords to maximise rents while minimising void periods. By seeking out low maintenance furnishings that are durable yet low maintenance, IMPRSS is also ensuring that upkeep costs are kept to a minimum.

 

“The growth of the PRS in the UK has created a unique opportunity for landlords. We are working to help them stay ahead of the competition. An outstanding show home can work wonders when it comes to signing tenants up to a new property. It can make those viewing it feel right at home, as though they belong, the moment they step through the door. Many tenants then want to see precisely that standard of décor in the apartments that they rent. That’s what we’re working with builders and developers to deliver.”

 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The IMPRSS service is available to PRS property holders across the UK. As well as furnishing PRS homes, IMPRSS offers a range of bolt-on options, in order to deliver a full service. These include electrical goods, kitchenware, pictures and mirrors, soft furnishings (towels and linen) and accessories. There are even free extras for landlords who purchase all five bolt-ons, including Nespresso machines and Sonos Play 3 systems.

 

For more information, visit IMPRSS at www.imprss.co.uk or call 020 3362 0472.

Subterranean sanctuaries: Aqua Platinum reports boom in private basement spas

Subterranean sanctuaries: Aqua Platinum reports boom in private basement spas

by Georgina United Kingdom World ,
  • 6 out of 10 workers are experiencing increased stress levels (Regus Group)
  • Basement planning permission applications more than double in a decade (Glenigan)
  • Home spas offer the ideal solution for combating rising stress levels (Aqua Platinum)

 

Stress levels around the world are on the rise. According to a survey spanning 15 countries by the Regus Group, six out of every ten workers in significant global economies are experiencing increased stress in the workplace. Those working for larger companies were the most likely to experience stress, with the likelihood almost double that of smaller companies.

“As our world becomes more stressful, we’ve noticed an increase in people seeking new ways to combat stress. Homes are becoming sanctuaries from the outside world and one notable result of this is the boom in basement spas that we’re currently witnessing.”

 

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

Basement spas make sense for a number of reasons. The stress-busting advantages of having your own on-site Jacuzzi and steam room are obvious, but there are also economic reasons why creating a home spa in your basement is a good idea. This is particularly true in some pricier areas.

“A basement costs circa £500 per square foot to build and then you have to fit it out, so once an area gets beyond an average value of circa £750 per square foot it makes sense. Most areas in the doughnut around central London are now well over £750 per square foot, with £1,000 not unusual, making these investments very good value.”

Ed Mead, director, Douglas & Gordon

 

Rising house prices in London have led to a surge in planning applications to dig basements in recent years, with 887 applications to build basements on residential properties submitted in 2015. The figure was up by a quarter on year before and nearly double that of the 2007 pre-crisis peak, according to figures from Glenigan.

One of the most well-known basement planning permission applicants last year was Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich. The Russian tycoon was granted permission to expand the basement beneath his mansion in Kensington in order to fit in a larger swimming pool.

Swimming pools are one of the most popular elements of home spas, according to the experts at luxury swimming pool design and build company Aqua Platinum, but complementary facilities are increasingly sought after.

 

“Swimming pools can be designed to suit almost any space – there’s a vast amount of flexibility when it comes to shape and size. We’ve seen a trend recently for home owners to opt for smaller pools in order to make room for other spa elements, such as steam rooms and experience showers. Many property owners are looking for the full spa experience, to bolster the enjoyment and fitness benefits of owning a private swimming pool.”

 

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

 

Not far from Roman Abramovich’s Kensington pad, Aqua Platinum was appointed to design and build a high-tech indoor swimming pool and sauna at Burnsall House in Chelsea.

The largest detached home to have built in Chelsea for nearly a decade, Burnsall House was a special home in many ways and the design of its basement spa was no exception. The seamless transition from interior wall to pool on three sides took some careful planning. The result was a stunning, bespoke pool that exudes calm and peace.

With massage jets in the pool and a superb sauna alongside it, the basement spa complex offers the ideal antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. It perfectly encapsulates the trend for turning homes into sanctuaries to combat rising global stress levels.

 

For more information, call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk

Spotlight on Salford: MediaCityUK celebrates 10 years

Spotlight on Salford: MediaCityUK celebrates 10 years

by Georgina United Kingdom World , ,
  • 2017 marks 10 years since planning permission was granted & construction began on MediaCityUK
  • Kellogg’s to relocate its UK headquarters to MediaCityUK
  • 2% positive price change in Salford homes over last 12 months (HM Land Registry)

Over the past decade Salford has experienced enormous transformation. This year marks 10 years since permission was granted to The Peel Group to build MediaCityUK, a 200-acre property development located on the banks of the Manchester ship canal with Salford Quays, located at the eastern end becoming one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK.

Back in 2004 the BBC motioned its objective to move a considerable number of jobs from London to Manchester with the Salford Quays site chosen at the premier location and a few years later, in 2007, after The Peel Group was granted planning authorisation to develop, construction began on MediaCityUK.

The BBC’s move represented a significant decentralization from London and many creative and media businesses followed suit including ITV. Today MediaCityUK is home to an exciting mix of over 200 businesses including production companies, Satellite Information Services and higher education institutions such as The University of Salford.

It has also just been announced that Kellogg’s is to relocate its UK headquarters to MediaCityUK after signing a lease for 48,000 sq ft at the Orange Tower. Moving 420 jobs from the company’s current Old Trafford site in January 2018 is a strong declaration of the appeal of the Salford area and especially MediaCityUK. Adding that to the 200 new jobs announced by the BBC earlier this month at MediaCityUK as it seems that Salford Quays really does have ‘cereal’ investment appeal!

 “A decade on from granting of planning permission for MediaCityUK, we have seen the 200-acre site go from strength to strength.  The mixed-use scheme has enjoyed enormous commercial success and the relocation of Kellogg’s HQ from Old Trafford to MediaCityUK will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the vibrant business environment, driving economic growth into the next decade”.

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

Indeed, the outlook for job growth within the Northern Powerhouse city is bright. 3,000 new businesses were registered in Greater Manchester in 2016 (Inform Direct Review of UK Company Formations) and Savills predicts that around 4,000 jobs are set to be created in the region over the next 5 years.

Despite its increasing popularity property in Salford is still affordable but it is not predicted to stay that way for long. The latest HM Land Registry data reported that property prices are about 10% lower than Manchester  city centre with a 6.2% positive price change in Salford over the last 12 months (May 2016 – May 2017).

“Not only a place to work and play, Salford Quays has an established residential community and is a popular choice for young professionals especially, working within the MediaCityUK site. We have seen sustained demand for homes in Salford over the past 12 months with waterside homes in high demand.

“Manchester’s thriving property market over the past few years has led to areas outside the city centre undergoing significant redevelopment. Our development, Wilburn Wharf in Salford has had no end of interest and with the Wilburn Basin, where the homes are located, falling on the Salford side of the River Irwell, investors are looking at an average price per square foot that is 30% lower than similar developments a couple of minutes’ walk away.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

Wilburn Wharf, available through Surrenden Invest, compromises of four distinct blocks which vary in height, all of which offer fantastic views across Manchester. Each apartment is built to the highest specification and the residential facilities are exceptional including a 24/7 concierge, architecturally landscaped gardens and seating areas around the river basin as well as a gym, cinema, residents lounge and meeting rooms. Prices for units in the current phase 2 start from £165,000.

 

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

Oh we do like to invest beside the seaside!

Oh we do like to invest beside the seaside!

by Georgina United Kingdom World
  • Returns of 10% attracting investors to UK seaside hotels (Property Frontiers)
  • Hotel investment in the UK projected to grow by 28% in 2017 (Savills)
  • UK is most appealing hotel investment location in Europe (CBRE)
  • UK tourism sector to grow 3.8% per year to 2025 (Visit Britain)

The UK enjoyed record visitor numbers in 2016, with Visit Britain reporting 37.6 million visitors over the course of the year, up 4.14% on 2015.

Meanwhile, travel marketing company Sojern has reported a 23.8% rise in the number of Brits planning a UK summer break for 2017, with Brexit believed to be a key influencing factor in many families’ decision to opt for a UK break.

This is excellent news for the UK’s seaside hotels, as well as for those who invest in them.

“UK hotel rooms are hot property right now when it comes to investments that offer impressive returns. They outshine buy-to-let in several ways – there’s no stamp duty, no buy-to-let tax issues and a comparatively low entry point. For investors from overseas, there’s also the ongoing favourable exchange rate, with the pound not yet fully recovering from the UK’s decision to leave the EU.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

While the pound has recovered somewhat since the EU referendum, it is still some 16% lower against the dollar and 14% lower against the euro than it was before the vote. Many investors are taking advantage of this fact to increase their stock of UK hotel rooms, with returns of around 10% tempting many to opt for these instead of for buy-to-let opportunities.

Savills reports that investment in UK hotels has already reached £2 billion in the first half of 2017. If the firm’s projections play out, investment for the year will hit £5.1 billion, an increase of 28% over 2016.

The current popularity of UK seaside hotels is reminiscent of the Victorian era – the UK’s seaside towns are enjoying a significant revival.

Scarborough in North Yorkshire is an excellent example. According to Visit Britain figures, the county as a whole enjoyed a 4.56% rise in tourism in 2016, with a 15.52% rise in total visitor expenditure. Scarborough’s majestic Harland Hotel is one of those properties reaping the benefits.

From its commanding position overlooking Scarborough’s south bay, The Harland offers rooms for investment from £60,000, with 10% NET income for the next decade. Then there’s the 125% defined buy-back option.

“The Harland Hotel is precisely the kind of location that investors are seeking out in the UK. Investors are keen to tap into this increasingly lucrative market. At a time when other types of residential investment are being squeezed in terms of the profits they can offer, seaside hotels offer an exciting opportunity to take advantage of a range of market conditions.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

The story is the same in Woolacombe, North Devon, voted Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor for 2015 and 2016. Rooms at the Atlantic Bay Hotel are being snapped up by domestic and international investors alike, as the ongoing potential of the British seaside tourism market becomes increasingly apparent. A survey conducted by CBRE earlier this year found that the UK had the most appealing market in Europe when it came to hotel investment.

“Brexit will take time but the wheels of the economy will still turn and there is no doubt that the UK’s particularly strong economic fundamentals will further underpin investor confidence in purchasing UK property.”

Miles Gibson, Head of Research, CBRE

Visit Britain projects that the UK tourism sector will grow by 3.8% per year between now and 2025. As tourism growth continues to outpace that of the country’s overall economy, the seaside hotel sector looks set to continue being one of the main beneficiaries.

 

For more information on investment opportunities around the world, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

 

Is Bitcoin teetering on the edge of the abyss?

Is Bitcoin teetering on the edge of the abyss?

by Louise World
  • $1k invested in Bitcoin in 2010 would be worth $1m now
  • Bitcoin and Ethereum account for 68.4% of the $100 billion combined market capitalization
  • ICOs currently taking place at a rate of around 20 per month

 

Over the last 30 days the original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has been receiving plenty of attention. In fact, the whole of the Altcoin market has featured in many a headline over the past month.

Bitcoin, which remains the leader of the pack, was first released in 2009. It was the first decentralized digital currency.  At the time, many skeptics assumed it was merely a fad that would soon vanish.

“I bet there are many out there now swallowing their words as we watch Bitcoin hit new all-time highs. At the time of writing it’s trading at around $2,500, from $11 back in 2011. I’ve read many articles demonstrating that if you had invested $1,000 in Bitcoin back in 2010 you would now be a millionaire. In fact, this did indeed happen to one young investor by the name of Erik Finman, who did exactly that and is now sitting on a fortune of $1.9 million. However, this attitude isn’t too far removed from saying, “if only you used these winning lottery numbers last week you would be a millionaire!” Hindsight is a beautiful thing.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

That said, the future of the cryptocurrency market is still unknown. Could an investment in a cryptocurrency today bring the same fate as that of Eric Finman?

There are now over 800 cryptocurrencies out there, with the combined market capitalization at $100 billion. However, the majority of this is made up by just a handful of high profile Altcoins, like Bitcoin (which makes up 40.1% of the market cap) and Ethereum (28.3% of the cap).

Every month sees around 20 new Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). An ICO uses a method similar to crowdfunding to release a new cryptocurrency.  The start-up firm behind the new cryptocurrency attempts to raise capital by publishing a white paper, which explains in detail about the project it is behind. The investor receives a token in return for the money he/she has invested. Early investors are incentivised to buy cryptocoins with the hope that they will go up in value if the venture is successful.

The projects of these start-up companies can vary in many different areas, from energy to gun safety, and there has been many a success story. A project called Bancor, for example, raised $153 million within a couple of hours. ICOs are proving incredibly popular, as investors hope that their chosen new cryptocurrency will eventually rise to the dizzying heights of Bitcoin.

“As amazing as they may sound, ICOs pose many problems. First, there is the obvious possibility of the project’s failure, and this stands true for pretty much any project or investment. Second, the ICO market is unregulated, so is exposed to more danger of fraud. There have been many cases of these ventures being fraudulent and there is no safety blanket to fall back on. Finally, there is the fear that the recent boom of this market is simply a bubble getting ready to burst.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

bitcoin-2057405_1920

Wall Street laughed its head off when one investor said back in February that Bitcoin would rise to $25,000 within the next decade. However, with the digital currency surging 400% higher over the last year, some now concede that this prediction could become reality.

Despite the recent success of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the explosion of new cryptocurrencies onto the market and the surge in new ICOs brings to mind the dot-com bubble.

Between 1997 and 2001 there was huge investment in creating internet-based companies due to the increased usage of the internet by businesses and consumers. The bubble eventually burst in 2002, with many of these web-based companies either shutting down or losing a huge amount of capital (although those that survived the financial massacre – the likes of eBay and Amazon – did bounce back and are now trading way above their pre-crash stock price).

“With the current lust for ICOs and the recent new high on the major cryptos, I can’t help but feel we could see something similar. The fact of the matter is how many cryptocurrencies does the market actually need? And how many can it use? Clearly 800 plus is an excessive number.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

Extreme volatility is certainly an issue. A prime example of this happened on 21 June, when Ethereum collapsed from $317 to as low as 10 cents before bouncing back. While these kinds of flash crashes can happen in any market, the manner of how the Ethereum crash happened and the severity of the drop go to show how fragile the cryptocurrency market is and how easy a sell-off across the board could cause a crash. This really is a brand-new market place with no real safe guards in place.

It seems that the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum and LiteCoin are here to stay, with the world looking ready to embrace this new form of currency. However, many of the cybercurrencies out there will probably not last. With recent events like fraudulent ICO claims and the amount media buzz Bitcoin is creating, it is only a matter of time until some form of regulation and control are put in place. This will limit the number of ICOs and different cryptocurrencies.

For now, they can enjoy their time in the sun and all the admiration they are getting, as only time will tell how long they will last.

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. EF Worldwide Ltd

 

Buyers dig Digbeth as new homes attract the creative community

Buyers dig Digbeth as new homes attract the creative community

by Georgina United Kingdom World , ,
  • West Midlands creative industries growing at more than twice the pace of those in London (Creative Industries Federation)
  • Under 25s account for 40% of population, making Birmingham one of youngest cities in Europe (Visit Birmingham)
  • New Moseley Gardens development perfect for Digbeth’s millennials (Surrenden Invest)

 

When it comes to the perfect recipe for property buyers, Birmingham’s Digbeth has all the right ingredients. The area is a trendy, thriving hub of digital and tech prowess, with a community of millennials looking to rent stylish homes at the heart of the action.

Digbeth’s digital credentials were showcased earlier this month during Digital Digbeth Day, part of the BBC Digital Cities Week. Events focused on game-changing developments in the digital tech sector, from 3D scanning to virtual reality, with Digbeth’s bright young residents showcasing their credentials to maximum effect.

“The sense of creativity and innovation in Digbeth is enormous. The area is brimming with talent and not just in the tech sector. Digbeth’s creative industry credentials are seriously strong and have helped it to become one of the trendiest areas of the UK in recent years.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

According to the Creative Industries Federation, the UK’s creative industries are worth £87 billion. That’s more than the country’s car or aerospace industry. The West Midlands has put much into developing its creative sector – creative industry jobs there grew by 38.7% between 2011 and 2015 (more than double the growth rate of London, which stood at 15.6%).

At the same time, big things are expected of Birmingham’s new Metro Mayor, Andy Street, whose strategy for growing the city’s economy looks set to have a positive impact on housing, transport and skills, as well as other areas of urban life.

Then of course there’s the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail network, which Transport for West Midlands sees as a catalyst for enhanced prosperity and growth for regional locations like Digbeth.

The combination of all of this has created a magnet-like effect in Digbeth, with highly skilled, highly ambitious millennials flocking to the area to work and live. Nearly 40% of Birmingham’s population is now under the age of 25, making it one of the youngest cities in Europe, according to Visit Birmingham.

“The influx of millennials has done much to re-shape Digbeth’s property market, at a time when Birmingham property prices and residential land values are already showing solid growth. As a result, the city has become a hotbed for property investors seeking strong yields and excellent capital growth potential.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Developments like Moseley Gardens are pitched perfectly for style-conscious millennials looking for a city centre location in Birmingham’s hottest regional rental market. Specifically developed for the shared rental market, the contemporary apartments offer the ideal blend of location and luxurious living, all just ten minutes’ walk from New Street Station.

“Demand for residential investment properties of this stature in Birmingham is so strong that many are purchased within mere hours of launching. Birmingham – and the Digbeth area in particular – is one of the most dynamic property markets in the UK right now.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Apartments are available from £138,000, for further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

Millennial Magic! Invest in this UK property hotspot with the largest millennial population outside London

Millennial Magic! Invest in this UK property hotspot with the largest millennial population outside London

by Georgina United Kingdom World , , , ,
  • Manchester is the UK’s leading regional creative talent market (CBRE)
  • Manchester homes to highest number of millennials (CBRE)
  • Growing trends from millennials for an urban waterside living (Surrenden Invest)

 

Research by CBRE has revealed that Manchester is proving to be the most sought after location for millennials.

According to the research, the collective characteristics of locations with creative success include pools of highly educated graduates, good transport links, proximity to world class universities and large populations of millennials.

The CBRE Top 25 has revealed Manchester as the leading city in the UK regional creative talent market by some margin and Home Track research found that Manchester continues to show the fastest growth rate of 8.4%, up from 6.3% a year ago. The city currently holds the largest number of millennials along with a pool of highly skilled and creative professionals, in addition it has the largest number of inventive industries.

Manchester also boasts links to several world-class universities with solid computer science and research rankings. As well as these admirable attributes, office, employment costs and earnings to average house price ratios have been found to be relatively reasonable. That is compared a number of South East locations and London.

“Here at Surrenden Invest we receive no end of interest in Manchester and this high demand does not look set to falter any time soon. Manchester is a very up and coming city full of creative flare, aspiration and opportunity – no wonder we have seen such an influx of young professionals! Millennials are taking over the Manchester market.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

So where are these millennials calling home within Manchester and hence, where the savvy property investors are also heading?

Jonathan Stephens of leading investment agency, Surrenden Invests, tips the newly regenerated Wilburn Basin, the point where Manchester meets Salford in the south-west of the city.

Built back in 1864, and used a mooring site on the River Irwell, the area played a key role in Manchester’s industrial heritage but as more modern methods of transportation evolved, so the area fell into disrepair. The last 3 years however have seen the three-acre deserted wasteland transformed into highly desirable waterside living with modern homes, ideal for millennials.

“We have witnessed the growing trend for urban waterside living over the past 6 -12 months, especially from young professionals looking for the perfect blend of city living and nature. Wilburn Basin adheres to this trend perfectly and was an instant hit with phase 1 of the scheme being completely oversubscribed and phase 2 selling fast as it nears completion.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

 

Wilburn Basin, available through Surrenden Invest, compromises of four distinct blocks which vary in stories, all of which offer fantastic views across Manchester city. Each apartment is built to the highest specification and the residential facilities are exceptional including a 24/7 concierge, architecturally landscaped gardens and seating areas around the river basin as well as a gym, cinema, residents lounge and meeting rooms. Prices for units in the current phase 2 start from £165,000.

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