As Doncaster is set to benefit from the government’s new £15 million Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund, the town is extending its cultural offering to investors.

The major renovation of historical landmark Danum House is among one of these inspirational projects aimed to boost the Northern Powerhouse. Housed in a five-floor art deco building in the heart of Doncaster town centre, Danum House – also known as Duke Street – is being turned into a stylish residential building with open plan apartments, complete with rooftop cinema and concierge service.

Built in the 1930’s, originally as a department store, the Grade II listed building, which boats 29,950 sq of space, sits in an imposing corner location at the other end of popular Frenchgate Shopping centre, where its distinctive V-plan layout and bold curved angles form a striking landmark. It gained its Grade II-listed status in 1997 but the premises began to fall into despair after the closure of TJ Hughes department store.

Designed by T.H Johnson & Son, the building is an impressive example of the art deco style of architecture, which highlights the appeal of own and live in there. This iconic building needed a new lease of life to save its great character from the scrap heap.

Empire Property Concepts developer acquired in August 2016 permission to convert its upper storey into 78 luxurious Art-Deco flats. Their transformation is unique as it breathes fresh life to the historical features of the building by retaining them.

Jeffrey Taylor, who is the developer partner, commented: “The redevelopment of Danum House has fulfilled an empty historical landmark within the town centre helping towards the regeneration of Doncaster and the surrounding areas along with the power house of south Yorkshire. The new building will be particularly appealing to those with an Art-Deco flair looking to live in Doncaster as it will provide a high standard of town centre accommodation.”

Everything about the Art Deco look of Danum House –  the Vitrolite tile cladding, glazed central rounded staircase and bronzed metal frame windows – will be retained in the revamp of the building, giving its admirers and art aficionados the chance to live there.

Designed for open plan living, the new homes will make the most of natural daylight with floor-to-ceiling windows and private interior balconies. Not only will the new flats combine classic period touches with contemporary comfort but also, they are extremely spacious as the smallest apartment in this development is 465 sq. ft. – the size of some two bedroom apartments in London or Manchester!

Investors can buy these 1,2 and 3 bedrooms apartments through Properties in the world from just £83,000 and the benefit of a 5.7% NET assured returns for five years. Works will be completed in March 2018.

“Doncaster could soon be seeing average values rising at similar rates to those in Manchester. Prices in the town are extremely low, so for those who invest early, rental yields are likely to be substantially stronger”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

For more information, visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/ or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• Investors to focus on commercial instead of residential opportunities
• Properties of the World opening new estate agency as part of future-proofing strategy
• High returns and capital growth will remain key when it comes to favoured investments

2018 will be a key year for the UK property market. In the run-up to Brexit in March 2019, much focus will be on what property prices are doing and why. Alongside the economic impact of the Brexit process, prohibitive levels of stamp duty have dragged the property market in 2017. This has led to a drop in the number of buyers purchasing residential buy to let apartments this year, according to innovative property investment company Properties of the World.

Many investors have turned instead to commercial properties such as offices, hotels and care homes, which don’t incur stamp duty. Investors’ inability to offset their costs (including mortgage payments) against rental income, has also led to a drop off in investment in buy to let apartments, as it has dramatically reduced the level of available profit.

“These changes, first brought in by George Osborne, will continue to reduce demand by investors for residential property in 2018. Instead, investors will increasingly shift their focus to purchasing properties that provide them with capital growth, along with non-cyclical commercial opportunities, such as student accommodation and hotel room investment. This means looking to key parts of the UK that provide high returns, such as Manchester, Doncaster, the North West and the North East.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

When it comes to capital growth, Properties of the World is projecting property price rises in 2018, though not at the same level that the market has seen in recent years.

Regional markets will fare well, with Yorkshire and the North West demanding particular attention. Stamp duty changes, Brexit and political uncertainties will all contribute to this slowing of the market. However, those will be counterbalanced by an uplift in first time buyers, with the recent stamp duty exemption announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond doing much to invigorate this end of the market.

“2018 will be a year characterised by uncertainty when it comes to UK property investment; companies will need to prepare to weather the storm. At Properties of the World, one strand of our approach to this is to open an estate agency. Whatever occurs in the UK economy, people will need somewhere to live. As such, the estate agency arm of the business will help to future-proof the organisation while ensuring that we continue to respond to demand-led property opportunities, despite shifting priorities.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

With so much uncertainty hanging over the UK’s economy, it is perhaps unsurprising to see the property market slowing as we head into 2018. However, as Liggett points out, people will always need homes. The way in which those homes are provided may shift, such as the steer away from buy to let apartments that we saw in 2017, but this will in itself open up different opportunities to those with an eye on staying ahead of the market.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• Hainan Airlines’ new direct flights to China generated hundreds of millions for northern England’s economy (Steer Davies Gleave)
• Chinese investment in Manchester property rose by 54% (Steer Davies Gleave)
• 22,000 Chinese visitors expected during Christmas holiday (Manchester Airport)
• Properties of the World sees 30% rise in Chinese property buyers over the last year

Manchester’s economy is decisively booming thanks to the city’s new direct flights to Chinese destinations, according to new report undertaken by consultancy Steer Davies Gleave.

Launched last year, the new Hainan Airlines route between Manchester and Beijing has provided a boost of £200 million per month in tourism to the region.

This tourism income is set to rise further as the biggest influx of Chinese tourists arrives during the festive season with Manchester International Airport expecting some 22,000 passengers in December. Staff have been trained in Mandarin to cope with the boom in Asian guests.

Many of these visitors come to spend their yuan at traditional Christmas markets and shopping malls but Chinese interest in Manchester during this holiday period also extends to the city’s bricks and mortar.

With Cathay Pacific increasing its service from Manchester to Hong Kong with daily flights starting from December 1^st, Manchester is fast becoming a key location, and indeed rival to London, for Chinese travellers.

Indeed, just as the airlines put their landing gear down in Manchester, so too are potential investors with enquiries to property agencies rising by 54% since the launch of direct flights between Manchester and China reports Steer Davies Gleave.

One property investment consultancy which has seen just such a rise in interest is Properties of the World, which has recorded a 30% increase Chinese investors over the last year.

 “Much of the inward investment pipeline for Manchester, including property, is from Chinese companies and investors and so direct flights from the city to a range of key Chinese destinations is important to enable those who own assets here are able to visit regularly and with ease. Manchester’s door is very much open to the East.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Xu Xiong of Properties of the World cites the fall of the pound as the reason for this recent boom in Chinese investment commenting that “Chinese investors are still taking advantage of the drop in Sterling against the Yuan, snapping up homes in the UK as the yields available are twice as high as those in China.”

For Chinese investors looking to treat themselves to a UK buy-to-let property this festive season then the new Northill apartments, right on the Manchester waterfront, are the perfect choice.

Northill’s prime luxury residential homes comprise 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from £109,995 with assured returns upwards of 6% NET. Situated right in the heart of the tech hub that is Salford Quays, it is in the premium destination to work, live and invest.

“Christmas is an ideal time for buyers to scour the planet for enticing investment opportunities. Projects like Northill, where construction is well underway, are particularly attractive as their looming completion dates mean that buy-to-let investors can already see their end goal and the assured rental returns offer financial peace of mind too.”

Jean Liggett, CEO Properties of the World

For more information, visit http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• London’s house price slump continues with growth rate of just 1.9% (Hometrack)
• Haircuts of 15-20% common across the Home Counties (Properties of the World)
• Off-plan properties once again pique investors’ interest (Properties of the World)

Whilst the financial crash a decade ago saw investor appetite for off-plan properties fall as concerns over the financial ability of some developers to complete, now experts are seeing investor interest once again in off-plan properties in light of stalling house prices and impeded rental yields.

Whether it’s ‘because of Brexit’ or not, the stalling of UK house prices over the past 12 months has not only been well-documented in the media but also physically felt across the nation.

Those peering through estate agents’ windows in London will see reductions of between 5-10% whilst anyone residing in the Home Counties, unfortunate enough to have their home valued of late, will be reeling from sweeping haircuts of between 15-20%.

Property buyers can no longer rely on never-ending upward house price trajectories thus savvy investors are looking to other methods of securing capital gains such as buying off-plan. With off-plan units traditionally cheaper than completed stock, up to 20% in some cases, investors are more willing to accept the risks of buying off-plan in return for such an attractive and swiftly realised capital return.

And with recent tax changes impeding the returns available, buy-to-let landlords too are increasingly looking to off-plan properties, especially those nearing completion, for their next purchase.

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields is what I say when clients ask me what they should do.

“With the imposed tax changes, every penny counts for today’s landlords so purchasing a brand new, modern buy-to-let property which requires no refurbishment and thus additional expenditure or void period whilst works are being done, is highly appealing.

“90% of our sales for UK residential buy-to-let are for off-plan properties with northern cities, especially Manchester, in high demand due to their lower entry prices and strong rental market.”

Jean Liggett, CEO Properties of the World

Manchester Waters, is currently the largest off-plan development that Properties of the World is offering investors. Comprised of 500 apartments ranging from studios to 3 beds, the award-winning development presents units available from just £109,995, with a 6% return for investors and house price growth rates of 7.3% recorded for Manchester, the fastest in the UK (Hometrack).

With excellent views of the Manchester Ship Canal, private residents’ gym and cinema room and being located just 10 minutes from the city centre, demand for these apartments, due to be completed Q4 2019, is high. Over 85% of units have already been sold off-plan since launch in July 2017.

For more information, visit http://www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• North West house prices up 1.4% from June to July 2017 (HM Land Registry)
• Positive picture for Manchester with 6.9% growth in house prices (HM Land Registry)
• A 3-bed London house costs almost £820,000 (Savills)
• A 3-bedroom home in Salford nearly four times cheaper than London (Properties of the World)

It’s been tough times for London’s buy-to-let market in recent months as investors shun the capital and head north in search of lower property prices and higher returns.

House price growth in the UK weakened in July 2017 with London being the third-worst performer ONS data reveals with prices in the capital rising by only 2.8% in the year to July, up only 0.3% on the previous month.

In contrast it is the North West of England that has experienced a bigger month on month growth – prices increased by 1.4% from June to July 2017, reaching a year on year increase of 4.7% (HM Land Registry).

Home to urban hotspots including Liverpool, Manchester andSalford, cities in the North West are looking strong when it comes to rental price growth, leading buy-to-let investors to give  serious thought to these areas.

The jewel in the crown of the northern buy-to-let hotspot remains Manchester and its areas rapidly growing suburbs where investors received in July 2017 an average yield of 6.9%, according to HM Land registry.

“Properties of the World has been active in Manchester’s property market for many years, having been quick to identify the city’s potential as a cornerstone of the UK’s buy-to-let boom. The huge demand projected for homes in Manchester and the low property prices makes this northern city far more attractive for investors than the capital.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

When it comes to residential investment in northern cities, last data analysed by Strutt & Parker three-bedroom homes are the biggest winners, especially for young professionals, who are looking for properties that offer more space and better value than the capital. A typical three-bedroom house in London costs almost £820,000, according to research conducted by Savills, a sum out of the reach of many.

Jean and her expert team at Properties of the World is answering this demand for three bedrooms with a selection of three-bedroom homes in Manchester, far more affordable than an average London home.

Danforth is a 113-unit apartment building within Fortis Quay situated a few minutes away from Manchester city centre. It is currently in the second phase and it is set to provide a fantastic village-like environment. Prices range from £242,495 for a three-bed apartment.

Situated right in the heart of Salford Quays, Northill’s prime luxury residential homes include 3 bedroom apartments priced at £375,995. All properties will be furnished and residents will enjoy stunning view over the waterfront.

Award-winning development, Manchester Waters, is comprised of 500 apartments ranging from studios to 3 beds. The 3-beds flats are available from price of £229,995, with 6% return for investors. With excellent views of Manchester Ship Canal, private residents’ gym and cinema room and being located just 10 mins from city centre, demand for these apartments is high!

The location of X1 The Landmark is unparalleled with a short walk to Manchester city centre and two train stations within 5 minutes’. Prices for a three-bed home start from £226,000, almost 4 times cheaper than the average London 3-bed property, with a 5.5% NET yield.

For more information, visit http://www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• Manchester is home to 52,000 tech workers (Wired)
• 40% of office space enquiries from the tech sector (Colliers International)
• New Northill apartments situated in Manchester’s premium destination to work, live & invest (Properties of the World)

There seems to be no stopping Manchester as ever more businesses move into the city. The latest Savills ‘Manchester Office: Market Spotlight’ report has revealed that the city has seen a 20% increase year-on-year in the take-up of office space with experts believing that this expansion will result in significant employment growth over the next five years.

The growth opportunities are primarily the result of the ongoing Northern Powerhouse initiative which is supporting growth in different sectors across Manchester, particularly the tech industry.

“Things are changing fast in Manchester, giving the city the very real potential of becoming the next Silicon Valley.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

According to Wired, Manchester is already home to almost 52,000 tech workers, the largest tech workforce outside London, with the fourth-highest digital turnover in the UK at £2.9bn (Tech City UK).

Mayor Andy Burnham pledged his commitment to creating a world-leading tech hub and a growing number of tech start-ups are already snapping up office space around the city – 40% of business enquiries for space are coming from the tech industry according to Colliers International.

Indeed, this digital tech growth potential of Manchester is due to be further enhanced by the major expansion of the BBC recently announced. MediaCityUK, already the BBC’s second home in Salford Quays, will welcome 200 new employees this year. In addition, Indian company, 42Gears, which specialises in professional mobile software is setting up a European technology and innovation base in Manchester city centre.

 “Interest in Manchester is growing stronger and stronger as the city enjoys a bright economic outlook. Savills has predicted Manchester to be in the top 5 fastest growing cities from 2017 to 2021 which in turn is boosting demand for housing and investment properties which we, through our wide portfolio of opportunities, are able to answer.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Properties of the World’s most recent addition to its Manchester portfolio is Northill. Situated right in the heart of the tech hub that is Salford Quays, it is in the premium destination to work, live and invest. Perfectly placed beside the waterfront, all 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments will be furnished with high quality furniture packs as well as fitted kitchens. Facilities will include a landscaped communal garden and an on-site gymnasium to further enhance the rental experience for tenants.

The luxury residential apartments are priced from £109,995 with assured returns upwards of 6% NET.

For more information, visit http://www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

It’s fair to say that uncertainty has been the order of the day in the UK’s buy-to-let property market at the hands of government for the past year.

2016’s shock Brexit decision followed by a hung parliament this year combined with stamp duty hikes, the removal of mortgage interest relief and imminent introduction of tougher lending criteria for portfolio landlords has created an aura of uncertainty and caution in the buy-to-let market.

The UK’s capital, the ever-shining star of London seems to also be fading with house prices down 0.6% and private rental prices behind the national 12-month growth rate according to the latest ONS data.

So, has the last 12 months permanently dampened the appeal of the UK buy-to-let market? Should buyers be investing their funds elsewhere? Critics are divided.

“The uncertainty that the UK buy-to-let market has experienced over the past year has undeniably impacted investor confidence but it seems to be primarily aimed at London. With interest rates remaining so low, investors still see the merit in purchasing bricks and mortar but those seeking maximum returns in 2017 are increasingly looking at other areas than the Capital. By keeping an eye on regeneration plans and new transport links, it is still possible to find great areas to invest in.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Indeed, despite splutters in the London buy-to-let market, buoyant activity is being witnessed in other parts of the UK. Greater Manchester has become a key destination for property investors and thanks to its strong demand from buyers and renters alike, the city continues to register a strong house price growth rate of 6.7%, according to Hometrack.

“As we have seen the capital’s market decline, other UK cities have stepped up and taken its place. London’s buy-to-let pain has become Manchester’s gain!”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Due to its proximity to both MediaCityUK and Manchester city centre, Salford Quays in particular is leading the way when it comes to buy-to-let growth.

2017 marks 10 years since major transformation began in the area, kick started the BBC’s decision to move many of its jobs from London to Salford Quays. This £650m regeneration project has boosted the area’s credentials for buy-to-let investment and Manchester has ascended to one of the top 10 buy-to-let areas in the UK according to a recent report by LendInvest.

The latest HM Land Registry data paints a positive picture for Salford with a 5.9 % growth in house prices recorded between June 2016 and June 2017. Whilst savvy investors will be watching with glee as news of more A grade office space is being snapped up in Manchester (law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is taking space in Salford) indicating a thriving local economy and growing rental housing demand.

Jean Liggett, Founder and CEO of investment agency Properties of the World is convinced of the merits of Manchester with her latest buy-to-let offering to investors launching this week.

Manchester Waters in Salford Quays is comprised of five phases and a total of more than 500 apartments, ranging from studios to three beds. All properties will be furnished to the highest standard, and most will benefit from the spectacular view of the waterfront.

The location of this development is unparalleled, with two Metrolink stops located within a 5-minute walk, residents can reach Manchester’s city centre with ease. Additionally, with Manchester Waters being situated right in the heart of Salford Quays, home to MediaCityUK, it is perfectly placed to house local workers and students attending the nearby university campus. Apartments are available to purchase from just £109,995 for a spacious studio apartment and returns of 6%.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555. 

• 55% of British adults will opt for staycation this summer (Travelodge)
• UK tourism thrives with overseas visitors on the rise (ONS)
• UK named top European target for hotel investment (CBRE)
• Hotel room investments exempt from stamp duty tax (Properties of the World)

It’s fair to say that Brits are getting less for their money abroad as an enduring weak pound draws more and more to ‘staycation’ this summer.

Travelodge reports that 55% of British nationals are expected to spend their holiday in the UK this summer with ‘staycationing’ thriving as sterling continues to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty at home.

Alongside the increase in staycations from domestic tourists, ONS reports a spike in overseas residents coming to the UK for a holiday, with an increase of 19% when compared with April 2016. The hottest June on record and the drop in sterling has boosted demand from overseas visitors.

“It is very encouraging to see the continued growth of the UK tourism industry from both British nationals and overseas visitors especially as we are heading into the peak summer season where coastal resorts are gearing up for a very busy period. With increasing demand for UK holidays, now is the perfect time to branch out and make a hotel property investment and Devon is the perfect place for it.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

Indeed, this dynamic growth in the UK tourism industry is also set to yield the investment potential of UK hotels.

Investors have named the UK as the top target for European hotel investment in 2017, according to a survey by CBRE. And as investment in traditional holiday homes wobbles due to recent stamp duty changes, hotel room investment offers an attractive alternative to buy-to-let property.

“One of the main appeals of hotel room investment is that stamp duty is not payable, potentially saving owners thousands of pounds. Owners can still enjoy personal usage of their hotel room but they will also receive regular income without hefty upfront taxation and management costs.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

The opportunity to make a hotel room investment has reached the hugely popular holiday shores of Devon, crowned by Travelodge as the favourite staycation destination for 2017, with 4* hotels such as Atlantic Bay.

Comprising 96 bedrooms, not only will Atlantic Bay be prominently positioned above Woolacombe beach – ranked in the top 10 seaside towns with the highest property values according to Zoopla – but it will also offer sea view across the Atlantic Ocean.

Investment in rooms at the coastal hotel is from £85,000 with 14 days personal usage per annum and returns of 10% for 10 years. The hotel will also boast a lounge area, large conference room, swimming pool, fitness suite and cocktail lounge bar – ideal for the growing number of visitors to this hugely popular resort.

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555. 

• New Afan Valley Adventure Resort to cover 485 acres in South Wales
• Visitors set to generate £6.5 million of consumer expenditure per year
• Luxury lodges available to investors looking to be part of the immense project from £149k