• Hotels, student accommodation and care homes to draw investors from buy-to-let
• Greater London and second tier cities to entice investors away from central London
• Fixed rates of return offer investors certainty in an uncertain world

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, has revealed her predictions for the UK property market in 2017.

Celebrating 5 years of experience selling investment properties, she has identified the key trends we are likely to see next year. Liggett comments,

“The dual impact of Brexit and tax changes in the UK are going to be felt in 2017. It’s going to be a very interesting year for the property sector, with the usual laws of supply and demand encountering some significant interference from external political and economic factors. This means some new winners when it comes to popular asset classes, although of course some traditional investment opportunities will never go out of style (at least, not for the foreseeable future!).”

With changes to the buy-to-let investment rules brought in under ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Properties of the World has found that investors are finding the residential buy-to-let market to be less profitable.

The company experienced a surge in buyers who already have traditional residential buy-to-let portfolios moving to purchasing hotels, student accommodation and care homes for the first time in 2016.

Jean also found that buyers who were just starting their property portfolio were choosing these emerging asset classes over residential buy-to-lets, due to the substantially higher returns on offer and the lack of additional costs during ownership. This trend is expected to ramp up significantly in 2017.

The remaining of second home stamp duty for buy-to-let investors will also continue to impact buy-to-let investors in 2017 as it has done in 2016, with lower priced properties of Greater London and areas beyond the M25 increasingly drawing investors away from the centre of the capital. Areas such as Luton and Slough are set to benefit, as are cities further north (most notably Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Bradford). As Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett points out,

“Investors can save on stamp duty at the same time as achieving higher yields than are on offer in central London.”

When it comes to Brexit, one area of impact will be the interest of overseas investors in the UK in 2017. Sterling is languishing at its lowest rate against the dollar for decades, which creates opportunities for property investors buying in foreign currencies to make substantial savings by purchasing in the UK. With further currency fluctuations expected around the Article 50 triggering process in 2017, overseas investors are likely to be poised and ready to pounce.

Brexit is also likely to impact on property sales in the UK in 2017. Despite the interest from overseas, the Properties of the World team believes that the number of residential property sales in the first six months of 2017 will be lower than in the first half of 2016.

Despite a forecasted lower number of sales, there is likely to be positive news when it comes to prices. Although residential buy-to-lets will be more heavily taxed than before, there continues to be a chronic shortfall of properties in the UK, coupled with increased demand. Put simply, there are not enough properties being built to fulfil demand.  This under-supply is expected lead to increased prices in 2017 or, in the worst-case scenario, properties prices remaining flat.

Finally, and again showing the effects of the Brexit process, Properties of the World believes that developments offering a fixed rate of return will boom in 2017. Fixed returns, along with no additional costs during purchase and ownership, provide investors with peace of mind and mitigates risk in an increasingly uncertain world. When investors are buying to supplement their income, knowing how much money they’re going to be getting is essential.

Whatever happens, 2017 is certainly going to be a testing year for the UK property sector, but as Jean Liggett reminds us,

“Challenging circumstances can create exciting new opportunities for investors. Political change can have a big impact on property markets, but that doesn’t mean the impact will necessarily be negative. Where one asset class or location may miss out, another will surely come along to reap the benefits!”

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

• North Wales 4^th Best Region 2017 (Lonely Planet)
• North Wales designated a Dark Sky Reserve (International Dark Sky Association)
• New Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc is world first
• Invest in a grade II hotel from £75,000 with Properties of the World

The Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2017 results have just been released and North Wales has hit the list for best region. Indeed, not just hit the list but swooped in at an incredible 4^th position after Choquequirao, Peru (1^st place), Taranaki, New Zealand (2^nd) and The Azores, Portugal (3^rd).

North Wales encompasses the beautiful Snowdonia region with tumbling rivers and stunning mountains, lakes and waterfalls. On the coast are idyllic beaches, quiet market towns, lively festival spots, castles and an abundance of cultural attractions and entertainment options.

Furthermore, North Wales has been designated a ‘dark-sky reserve’ thanks to the lack of light pollution. This is a prestigious award given by the International Dark Sky Association, which selects destinations that have proven that the quality of their night air is outstanding and that real efforts are being made to minimise light pollution.

North Wales also has a new world first in the form of the Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc. This is a must for anyone with a sense of adventure or a handful of children that need entertaining; the inland surf lagoon has got to be one of the UK’s most compelling outdoor adventure holiday destinations.

You can now own a unique slice of this magnificent area by investing in Caer Rhun Hall, a stunning grade II listed Elizabethan-style country house hotel, set in stunning parkland and gardens. Caer Rhun Hall is a beautiful late Victorian country retreat nestled in the heart of the Conwy Valley in North Wales. A perfect destination for a peaceful country escape, Caer Rhun will become the region’s most exclusive hotel for guests, weddings and conferences.

Properties of the World is offering a range of rooms, suites and lodges within the five-star retreat as a buy-to-let opportunity that will deliver a return of 10% NET for 10 years, and an assured buy-back of 125% of the purchase price.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, which has successfully sold hotel investments across the UK, comments,

“This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on. The history of the house makes it unique and the location is fabulous, not to mention the wonderful spa that is being created for guests. Hotel room investments do not attract stamp duty, hence the attraction for discerning investors who like to add projects like these into their investment mix.”

The hotel boasts numerous period features including Tudor panelled dining rooms, a sweeping staircase, elegant drawing rooms and its very own library. Caer Rhun Hall has a delightful historic atmosphere and remains largely untouched since it was first built in 1882.

Purchasers will be entitled to two free weeks’ personal usage at the hotel per year with full access to the splendours of this beautiful retreat, which will give owners time to enjoy the all that North Wales has to offer.

The first rooms at Caer Rhun Hall are due to be completed end of 2016, with full completion due in Q4 2017. Prices start from £75,000.

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

• New Caerau Parc adventure complex to cover 400 acres in South Wales
• Bear Grylls to act as Adventure Ambassador for the prestigious development
• Land plots available through Properties of the World to investors looking to be part of the immense project

Bear Grylls has a new role. The legendary survival expert has taken on the role of Adventure Ambassador for the stunning new Caerau Parc adventure complex in South Wales. The popular TV survival celebrity is perfectly aligned with the new park, which will see adrenalin-fuelled, boundary-pushing adventures take place across 400 acres of stunning parkland.

Just ten miles south of the Brecon Beacons, mid-way between Cardiff and Swansea, the outstanding natural beauty of Caerau Parc will be the location of ‘the world’s ultimate outdoor adventure.’ From high octane flights down zip wires, to scaling challenging climbing towers and exploring treetop playgrounds, visitors to Caerau Parc will be offered an adventure experience like no other.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, which is selling land plots at Caerau Parc as part of a three-year delivery strategy, comments,

“Caerau Parc will offer adventure activities for the whole family. From seasoned adrenaline junkies to those looking to try activities like paint balling, go-karting and water zorbing, there’s plenty to do for everyone. Plans are also in place for a state-of-the-art Aquatic Adventure Park, while a luxurious spa will host those who prefer a more relaxing aquatic experience!”

A superbly designed 100-room hotel and 900 elegant lodges, along with high end restaurants, bars and retail outlets, plus a host of other activities (mountain biking, a luge track, roller-skating and more) will complete the massive offering.

The sale of land plots in Caerau Parc is giving investors an easy way in to the development at an early stage. The plots are available for a low price point, with investors gaining a fixed 10% per annum mark-up on the plot for three consecutive years. The plots are then sold back as part of a clear, simple exit strategy.

The team behind Caerau Parc have committed from the outset to associating only the best international brands and global icons with their undertaking – hence the recruitment of Bear Grylls to represent the adrenalin-fueled adventures as the project develops. The result will be a truly world-class experience that is set to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in South Wales.

With the Brexit-related reduction in sterling’s value making the UK an attractive holiday destination both to those from overseas and to domestic travelers, the development of Caerau Parc has come at the perfect time.

Plots of land at Caerau Parc are available for £25,000 through Properties of the World.

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

“Over recent months there has been a decline in the number of landlords buying investment properties – a direct result of April’s stamp duty increases alongside the announcement of cuts to mortgage relief for rented properties.

“With this in mind, most of our landlords were very hopeful there would a reversal of at least one of the aforementioned in Chancellor Hammond’s Autumn Statement.  Sadly this was not to be.

“Nonetheless, I am confident that first time buyers will benefit from lack of change as it reduces the competition they previously faced in the home buying market.

“Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a record £3.15 billion (the highest ever secured for housing by City Hall) to be spent on building 90,000 affordable homes by mid-2021.

“Some of these homes will be available for shared-ownership, which will surely assist more Londoners who currently cannot afford to buy, to gain a foothold on the property ladder.

“The £1.4 billion fund for 40,000 new affordable homes has been announced as the current sum has slumped to its lowest level in 24 years. Although this is a good initiative that will relieve those opting for shared ownership, affordable rent and rent-to-buy schemes, it is simply not a high enough number to match the escalating  demand for rental homes in and around the capital.

“Hammond also stated that new transport schemes would be announced, including the backing of a proposed high speed line between Leeds and Manchester. He has confirmed a £400m Northern Powerhouse investment fund – a majority of which will be invested into SME’s.

I don’t doubt that this will boost the northern economy and will attract more people and business to the towns and cities running along these transport routes. This bodes well for investors who have already bought property in the north.”

Properties of the World: +44 20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk 

·         Housebuilding needs to reach 2-3 times current supply rate (UK Parliament)

·         ‘Exciting new developments’ arising thanks to PDR changes (Properties of the World)

·         Battersea Police Station to become landmark new development (Properties of the World)

Permitted development rights are giving rise to a host of stylish and unique residential developments across the UK. If you like the idea of living or investing in an apartment housed in a magnificent former warehouse, brewery, factory or similar, your choice has never been greater.

England is facing a significant housing shortage. In relation to housing needs from 2015 to 2020, the UK Parliament website observes,

“Estimates put the need for additional housing in England at between 232,000 to 300,000 new units per year, a level not reached since the late 1970s and two to three times current supply.”

Permitted development rights (PDRs) where introduced in 2013 as a temporary measure, before being made permanent in October 2015. PDRs mean that developers don’t have to apply for full planning permission if they are converting industrial buildings into housing.

In early 2016, a PDR was extended permanently to cover the change of use of office accommodation to residential accommodation. In addition, a new PDR allowing buildings and land classed as light industrial use to be turned into residential accommodation was introduced, with a start date of 1 October 2017, for a period of three years.

The amended rights have allowed developers to look more creatively at disused buildings in cities that are crying out for more housing.

Jean Liggett, Founder and Managing Director of Properties of the World, comments,

“The impact of the revision of PDRs in England is already being felt. There are some really exciting new developments in the pipeline as a result. Developers are using their imaginations about how to transform some of the country’s beautiful but neglected buildings into stylish, modern apartments, breathing new life into them while preserving their original architectural appeal.”

Fox Street in Liverpool is one such example. The beautiful Victorian warehouse of the former Swainbanks Antique Furniture company, with its huge windows and traditional red brick is being transformed into the main part of Fox Street Village, with rental homes designed for use by trainee doctors and nurses and other undergraduate students at the new Royal University hospital next door. The original warehouse and a sympathetic modern extension will house 150 studio apartments, along with 80 en-suite bedrooms and two- to five-bedroom cluster apartments. A gym, yoga studios, communal lounges and a café will complete the development, which will celebrate Liverpool’s commercial heyday while catering perfectly for the city’s modern needs. Investment is available from £52,000.

At Barrel Yard in Manchester, it is the former Queens Brewery that is the inspiration behind the three- to four-bedroom townhouses and one- to three-bedroom apartments that are springing up. Just minutes from the city centre, the development mirrors the red brickwork of the adjacent brewery while incorporating pretty front and rear gardens and the convenience private parking, achieving a quaint, village-like community in the heart of Manchester. Prices start at £130,000.

Students and young professionals looking to rent stylish, well located accommodation are benefitting particularly from the impact of PDRs. In Bradford for example, the former Dye Works, right next to the university, is being reimagined as sleek, spacious studios for students. Investors can be part of the development from as little as £60,000, meaning that the refreshed PDRs are making for a more interesting investment prospect, as well as rejuvenating run-down former industrial sites. 

Over in London, it is The Metropolitan at Battersea that is causing a ripple of excitement. Set within a heritage building that was the former Battersea Police Station, The Metropolitan will be seamlessly connected by a glass atrium to a brand new building designed to complement the former station’s classic Edwardian style. The stylish, two-bedroom apartments with private balconies or patios will be focused around courtyard gardens in the heart of vibrant Battersea. Prices start from £740,000.

Properties of the World’s Jean Liggett concludes,

“It’s an exciting time to be a property investor in England. The scope of some of the new developments coming online is just fantastic and it’s testament to the PDRs that have been put in place that these new homes are springing up much faster now, in response to local need. There are going to be plenty more of this type of conversion over the coming years. The Metropolitan in Battersea will be one to watch out for in particular!”

For further details, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk, email info@propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call the team on +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

• £1.9 billion invested into UK student accommodation (Jan – Aug 2016, Savills)
• UK “most in-demand destination for global cross-border institutional and private capital” (Savills)
• Student accommodation scene in Bradford offering an 8% NET returns (Properties of the World)

The latest Savills Spotlight on World Student Housing (2016/17) report has revealed that once again student accommodation is in a class of its own, no longer a “niche investment opportunity” but a global asset class.

Of the USD $8 billion invested globally in the first eight months of the year, over 30%, USD $2.5 billion (£1.9 billion) has been invested in UK student accommodation cementing the domestic student accommodation market’s maturity and attractiveness.

Indeed, it is not only domestic investors piling into the UK student accommodation market but overseas buyers also with Savills stating that the UK was “by far the most in-demand destination for global cross-border institutional and private capital.” Over the last 3 years alone, the UK sector has attracted a whopping USD $9 billion in inbound investment.

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy, Properties of the World, which has successfully sold countless student property investments across the UK, comments,

“The student accommodation market, especially in the UK, has truly come into its own in the last few years. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) now houses just over 30% of full-time students in the UK, some half a million beds, but this is still not enough.

“Public institutions and the UK’s universities simply cannot meet the demand from today’s ever growing number of students for good quality housing and so it is left to operators in the private sector to build the beds which in turn offers opportunity for savvy private investors.”

And even Brexit uncertainty does not appear to be denting confidence in UK student accommodation. In fact, the fall of sterling has made studying in the UK cheaper for overseas students and buying PBSA more affordable for overseas investors.

Jean continues, “student accommodation is still seen as a stable income-producing asset and if anything, in the face of Brexit, it’s in a great position to benefit from a rise in investor appetites during times of economic and market uncertainty.”

But what and where should investors buy?

With 21^st century students demanding more for their money, Jean advises her clients to consider PBSA developments with additional facilities and on-site amenities. One such example is The Dye Works, located overlooking the University of Bradford campus.

Situated only a one-minute walk from the main Bradford University Campus, The Advanced Technology Centre and Bradford College’s David Hockney Campus, Dye Works is ideally located for discerning students. Centrally located in Bradford’s purpose built Learning Quarter, students will have direct access to the university campus as well as a variety of retail outlets and public transport links. Dye Works will also house a number of students from Bradford College, one of the largest colleges in the UK.

With the University of Bradford named in the top 200 of the world’s most international universities 2016, the city attracts students from across the globe with Dye Works catering for local and international students alike. The university projects a 30% increase in the number of students by 2024 making Dye Works a perfect opportunity for investment in an expanding sector.

All apartments are self-contained with spacious double beds, en-suite bathrooms, fully furnished kitchens and plenty of work and storage space. Other features include large communal spaces for students to socialise, table tennis, pool table, games consoles, televisions and Wi-Fi throughout.

This contemporary student accommodation scheme offers a highly competitive three year fixed annual income return of 8%, with a 6% coupon during the construction period. A limited number of self-contained stylish studios are available for investment for a pre-launch discount price of £55,000 with no stamp duty due.

Dye Works is the sister student accommodation to Campus House (overlooking Bradford University campus). Properties of the World sold over one third of the self-contained large studios at Campus House in 2014. It continues to achieve close to 100% occupancy, and is a favourite particularly amongst post-graduate and international students.

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