• Liverpool voted the number one place to invest in buy-to-let (Totally Money 2017)
• 70% of inquiries received about urban investments are for Liverpool (Aspen Woolf)
• “In an uncertain climate, Reliance House offers reliable returns from a reliable market” (Aspen Woolf)

Known as the ‘New York of Europe’, the second city of the Empire, Liverpool has been relied upon by many different people, for many different reasons, over the centuries.

As a maritime employer in the 17^th century, through to a place of refuge from the Great Famine in the 19^th century, of critical strategic importance to Churchill in World War II and the birthplace of musical icons The Beatles, Liverpool has always delivered and today, this city is delivering for those looking to invest in bricks and mortar.

With its iconic landmarks, historic buildings, growing economy and rising population, it’s no wonder that Liverpool has become the highest ranked city in Great Britain in which to invest in buy-to-let property (Totally Money 2017).

The research by Totally Money went on to reveal that the Liverpool central L7 postcode generated an average buy-to-let yield of 16.23%, far higher than London’s top ranking postcode of E13 (Newham) where the average yield was calculated to be 5.15% and the average asking price £350,000.

“For some time now, Liverpool has been the number one buy-to-let destination of choice for our clients accounting for 70% of all enquiries. Investors have come to rely on the city’s fundamental imbalance in supply and demand, low entry prices and availability of stock in prime city centre locations to deliver high yielding returns.”

Oliver Ramsden, Director, Aspen Woolf

One such buy-to-let opportunity in Liverpool that Aspen Woolf’s clients are coming to rely on is aptly named, Reliance House.

Located next to one of Liverpool’s most symbolic buildings, The Liver Building (which itself, as the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance Group, aided those who had lost a wage-earning relative), Reliance House sees the sympathetic refurbishment of a neo-classical, former commercial building into charming one and two bedroom apartments

Available from just £119,950, Reliance House can be relied upon to offer investors a 7% NET rental income in year one as well as strong capital appreciation from the number one place to invest in Great Britain (according to Totally Money).

“In an uncertain climate, Reliance House offers reliable returns from a reliable market. With Liverpool being so favoured, it would be a smart choice for anybody looking to invest be they domestics buyers seeking assured income or those from overseas looking to take advantage of advantageous exchange rates.”

Oliver Ramsden, Director, Aspen Woolf

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

• Brand new Beaumont Square residence set for completion in August 2017
• Colossal £266 million investment programme set to transform Plymouth, will no doubt enhance its attraction to students (Aspen Woolf)
• Investors benefit from an assured 3-year NET return of 8% as early as September, with students to move in for the upcoming academic year (Aspen Woolf)

With the current academic year nearing its exam led conclusion, students will be looking to their accommodation options for September. And with demand vastly outweighing supply, new and existing students will be keen to secure a spot for themselves.

As key university cities continue to attract thousands of students every year, it’s no surprise that many B2L investors are turning to Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). According to figures from HESA, the coastal set Plymouth University was home to 23,155 students in the 15/16 academic year alone. Highlighting an incredibly buoyant market for those investing in PBSA in the city.

To answer this ongoing demand, Oliver Ramsden Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors of all levels through property, is delighted to confirm that their brand new Beaumont Square accommodation will be ready for students to move in this September. He comments,

“Plymouth will be the location for a vast array of investment projects over the forthcoming months and years. The colossal £266 million investment programme set to transform the city centre, will no doubt enhance Plymouth’s attraction as a place for students to complete their studies.

“The greater number of students choosing Plymouth will in turn increase the number of student beds required, with PBSA emerging as the savvy investment option. With work on the internal walls of block B due to be complete by the end of next week, we are confident that our Beaumont Square residence is on track for completion as soon as August. Meaning students will be able to choose the luxury accommodation from September 2017.”

Located in an idyllic location, Beaumont Square is less than a mile away from Plymouth University, the bustling city centre and the beautiful harbour of this coastal city with prices starting from just £78,500 for the exclusive studio apartments.

Oliver continues,

“Those investing in Beaumont Square can benefit from an assured 3-year NET return of 8% as early as September, with completion of the development allowing students to move in for the upcoming academic year.”

Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from high end hotel apartment style finishes. Residents will also be able to enjoy an array of additional facilities including a laundry room, staffed reception area and the security of 24-hour CCTV.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44(0) 203 176 0060.

• Top tip for investors looking to Liverpool in 2017/8 is to head north of the city centre, around the Vauxhall area (Aspen Woolf)
• One to watch is L3 postcode, it will be very different in 5-10 years’ time (Aspen Woolf)
• New Eldon Grove carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation (Aspen Woolf)

As momentum for the Northern Powerhouse builds, more and more investors are looking to the north of the country. However, Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors through property, believes investors should take it one step further, looking to the north of Liverpool’s bustling city centre to uncover hidden gems of its property market.

We spoke with Oliver after his most recent visit to Liverpool in relation to the changes taking place throughout the city, and which postcodes are showing the most promise to investors.

“What makes Liverpool unique is its young population, nearly 45% of the city is under 30, and many are young professionals and renters looking for quality accommodation that is still lacking in many of the city’s central postcodes.

“For investors, the trick is to spot the next hotspots early. While in Liverpool I spent a significant amount of time walking around the dock area, checking on different builds and their progress, and even for someone that travels to and from Liverpool often, the change I’ve seen in such a short time is simply astounding. The Baltic Triangle, The Georgian Quarter, The Docks, all these areas that stagnated in the past are all thriving now. It was really exciting to see.

“Our top tip for investors looking to Liverpool in 2017/8 is to head north of the city centre, around the Vauxhall area. The area is benefitting from a wealth of investment with road expansions, new train stations, a brand new football ground and new cruise terminal to boot. We’ve witnessed a huge spike in planning applications granted in the area, which is always a good indication.

“The L3 postcode will be very different in 5-10 years’ time. Prices are still low but that won’t last long if we’re to go by what’s happened in other parts of Liverpool in the past 5 years.”

One property set to benefit from its L3 postcode is Aspen Woolf’s Eldon Grove. Having provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council, Eldon Grove set a new standard for the whole country and was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912.

The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents.

Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three new blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation. Comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units, New Eldon Grove is Set within peaceful surroundings, yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Tudor buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit http://www.aspenwoolf.co.uk/ or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

• £3.1 billion invested in the UK PBSA market in 2016 (Knight Frank) 
• Student accommodation from Plymouth University caters for just 12% of student population (Aspen Woolf) 
• Beds at Beaumont Square priced 30% less than the SW regional average (Aspen Woolf)

The most recent data on the UK Student Housing sector has been released by Knight Frank revealing that some £3.1 billion was invested in the UK Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market in 2016. More than double the levels seen in 2013 and 2014.

Although the latest figures show that last year’s total spend was lower than the record of £5.1bn seen in 2015, it does demonstrate that interest in PBSA remains strong. And this certainly seems to be the case in the South West as demand for much needed PBSA continues to rise, especially within the city of Plymouth.

According to figures from HESA, experts in UK higher education data and analysis, Plymouth University welcomed 23,155 students in the 2015/16 academic year. Yet, the Complete University Guide notes that there are only 2,800 rooms available for students from Plymouth University itself.

“Plymouth is a structurally undersupplied student market in the UK today with the accommodation available through Plymouth University itself catering for just 12% of its student population. Existing University owned and private HMO stock just cannot keep up with the demand from Plymouth’s thriving higher education sector.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

And, it seems that keeping the city’s student population happy is important to the region’s economy with a recent event held at City College revealing that Plymouth’s student population is worth nearly £8.5 million weekly and over £39 million every month, as they spend a staggering £305 million annually.

Tim Jones, Chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Business Council, said: “the student economy is a valuable and unrecognised sector with lots of opportunities to grow with the right support, and a massive asset to the Plymouth and SW economy.”

And it is just this opportunity that the experts at Aspen Woolf are presenting to their investors through PBSA developments such as the brand new Beaumont Square in Plymouth.

“As Knight Frank indicate in their latest report, PBSA stock availability is an issue for both investors and end-user students which is why we are very excited to be launching Beaumont Square. The 39 self-contained studio apartments are already under construction, with delivery expected by the end of the year.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

Prices for the exclusive studio apartments at Beaumont Square start at just £78,500, 30% cheaper than the average price of a student bed in the South West as revealed by Knight Frank (£112,693). As well as a substantial below market value discount, investors will also enjoy an assured 3-year NET return of 8%.

Located in an idyllic location, Beaumont Square is less than a mile away from Plymouth University, the bustling city centre and the beautiful harbour of this coastal city. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from high end hotel apartment style finishes. Residents will also be able to enjoy an array of additional facilities including a laundry room, staffed reception area and the security of 24-hour CCTV.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44(0) 203 176 0060.

• “Parts of the city that never benefitted from the early 2000s property boom are starting to come to life” (Aspen Woolf)
• “Everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor” (Aspen Woolf)
• New Eldon Grove carefully designed to preserve the site’s heritage while serving the needs of a new generation

“Liverpool has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years and this is set to continue over the short to medium term. There are parts of the city which never really benefitted from the early 2000s property boom; so many areas were left behind compared to neighboring Leeds & Manchester. Now Liverpool’s certainly making up for lost time and we’re seeing run down areas of the city really start to come to life.”

Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director, Aspen Woolf

Speaking with Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors through property, it’s clear that Liverpool’s housing market is definitely one to watch in 2017.

Sharing his expert insight into the city’s current property climate, he advises that savvy investors will start to use both heart and head when choosing the next addition to their portfolio.

“Whilst of course there’s a lot of new stock coming to market, we would advise investors to go for strategic locations and unique builds like historic Grade II listed Eldon Grove. With new builds sprouting up, it is the historical developments, the ones with a real story behind them that have the highest resale value.

“At the end of the day, everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor. Eldon Grove is one of those buildings, it instantaneously invokes emotion. It’s a beautiful building and there’s nothing that compares on the market today.”

Eldon Grove provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council. Forming part of a labourers’ village, it set a new standard for the whole country and was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912. The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents. Eldon Grove was deemed an integral part of local history in 1993 when the building was granted Grade II-listed status.

Oliver continues,

“I think there is definitely room for more new-build homes within Liverpool but investors should start looking more selectively. Don’t just go for any new-build simply because there is a demand for housing. Even though there are about 11 people scrambling to buy any one property, an investor should really start paying stronger attention to the resale value of an investment. As mentioned, a building that has strong local roots will really go a long way as it offers the same benefits as any new build development would but with the added value of having a real ‘life’ behind it.”

Oliver goes on to explain how Eldon Grove, exclusively available through Aspen Woolf, is strongly supported by the council and that the local community is excited to see the building brought back to life.

“We are excited to help revitalise such a beautiful and historic part of Liverpool. The New Eldon Grove is investing in the community and bringing new possibilities to this proud area.”

Set within peaceful surroundings, yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre, the New Eldon Grove offers the perfect balance of past and present comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units.

Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three new blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Victorian buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

• Healthy development pipeline and strong demand from domestic and international students to be defining factors for PBSA success in 2017 (Knight Frank)
• Cormorant House, Huddersfield is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to PBSA market (Aspen Woolf)
• Cormorant House will provide 168 PBSA apartments all with high end hotel apartment style finishes (Aspen Woolf)

As the UK’s student population continues to grow, so too does the demand for appropriate housing in university towns and cities across the country. And welcoming an increasing number of students is causing many places to expand their student accommodation offering, allowing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to take centre stage.

Rachel Pengilley, partner in the Knight Frank student property team, is confident in the future prospects of PBSA, explaining that “as we look to 2017, rental growth, strong demand from domestic and international students and a healthy development pipeline are set to be the defining factors in the sector’s success.”

Now home to four major educational institutions; the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees College, Greenhead College and Huddersfield New College, Huddersfield is now very much in demand with both domestic and international students. With over 48,000 students from more than 120 countries currently studying in the West Yorkshire town, 2017 will see a growing need for appropriate accommodation.

Leading investment agency, Aspen Woolf’s latest offering in the PBSA market is located for just this reason in Huddersfield. Cormorant House is situated within a key redevelopment area of the town, less than 150m from Kirklees College and under half a mile from the University of Huddersfield making it an excellent choice for potential student tenants.

Fellow Yorkshireman and Director of Aspen Woolf, Oliver Ramsden, believes Huddersfield is the ideal place for first time or ‘fresher’ investors to start a PBSA portfolio. He explains,

“Cormorant House is the perfect starter investment for those looking to introduce themselves to the PBSA market. Currently there is a significant imbalance between the demand for PBSA in Huddersfield and the available units for rent. And as student numbers moving to the town continues to grow, so too will this imbalance with breaking point not too far away.

“With a comparatively low entry price, we see Huddersfield as a lower risk investment, expecting the area to blossom over the course of the next few years.”

Self-contained studio apartments start at just £57,995, giving investors an assured 5-year NET rental of 9%. With the first phase already well under construction and nearing completion, Cormorant House will provide a total of 168 purpose built modern student apartments for the Huddersfield student housing market. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from modern, high-end hotel apartment style finishes.

Set to be the premier student accommodation in Huddersfield, its residents will also benefit from an excellent range of on-site amenities including a games and television room, private cinema, study rooms and an impressive I.T. suite as well as onsite laundry facilities and parking.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.