Brits still tempted by Turkey accounting for 22% of all property purchases by foreigners

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

According to official data by the Land Registry Directorate’s Foreigner Affairs Unit, foreigners from a staggering 89 countries across the world have purchased approximately 111,200 estates across Turkey with some 35,249 Brits owning 24,848 properties, putting the UK on a pedestal as one of the most popular buyers of Turkish property followed by Germany and Greece who have also succumbed to the nation’s hypnotic charm.

Further research suggests that foreigners have bought real estate in 76 of Turkey’s 81 provinces with a total of 12,190 properties in the economic powerhouse of Istanbul being owned by foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, in response to buyer demand and according to recent figures from the ReidIn Turkey Residential Property Price Index, the cost of buying property in Turkey is rising steadily with sale prices having increased by 0.83% across the country with a 1.05% rise in Istanbul alone in July this year.

The research also indicates that buyers are searching for new build properties which have been growing in popularity amongst overseas and second home owners showing a 1.2% increase in new build buyers from June to July, 7.29% higher than the same period last year. There are also vast rental opportunities at large across the country seeing rental prices increase by 0.36%.

Ray Withers, Director of Turkish property investment experts, Property Frontiers, comments,

“Turkey is fast becoming an exceptionally popular property choice. At present it is an anchor of stability with a booming economy that is hoped to reach around $2 trillion by 2023, and with the predicted 2.9 million housing units required over the next four years to accommodate the ever growing population, we at Property Frontiers have recognised the flourishing potential of Turkey as a lucrative property investment hub.

“In particular, Istanbul, the pulse of the nation and the western suburbs located around Ataturk International airport such as Beylikduzu, one of the fastest growing areas, presents not only one of the best opportunities for investment but cheaper property price tags than the rest of Europe, making the city even more attractive to potential buy to let investors especially given the increase in rental prices highlighted by the data.”

As a perfect opportunity to capitalise on the positive growth and ever growing popularity of the nation, Property Frontiers has a stunning new key ready development affording 1 and 2 bedroom luxurious modern apartments located in the heart of Beylikduzu.

Available £20,000 below comparable projects in the area, the spacious apartments of Kensington Residence will present tremendously good value for money with an investment of only £16,500 required for a 1 bedroom and £29,000 for a 2 bedroom apartment.

In addition 70% LTV finance is available while investors can enjoy an immediate and guaranteed rental income at 7% for 2 years.

For more information about investing in this European investment thoroughbred please contact the experts Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

NEW VIDEO PR | Introducing Istanbul – Europe’s Premier Buy to Let City

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Labelled “Eurasia’s rising tiger” by the Wall Street Journal (July 2011), Turkey has accelerated beyond the belief of many, surpassing the strength of China to become the fastest growing economy in the world with reports of 11% GDP growth in Q1 2011 according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkstat.

 

To find out more click the below image to WATCH VIDEO…

 

 

A plain text version of this press information is also available by contacting Charlotte Ashton on +44 (0) 207 952 7227 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

UN International Year of Forests 2011 raises awareness of renewable timber alternative – Bamboo

by Charlotte Ashton World

We make choices every day from purchasing a new set of wooden cooking utensils to printing that 5 page document you didn’t really need and while we make these seemingly simple choices we sometimes forget the high impact these decisions can have on our planet.  Indeed, it’s now time to look at the bigger picture, not only to better manage our rapidly depleting timber resources but to invest in natural and renewable timber alternatives.

This year was declared the International Year of Forests 2011 by the United Nations to raise awareness of responsible management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. This has seen governments, international and regional organisations as well as civil society organisations form national groups and elect environmental focal points within their country to aid organisation of activities in support of the International Year of Forests 2011.

According to the UN, around 130,000km² of the world´s forests are lost due to deforestation each year, a devastating reality for the estimated 1.6 billion people that depend on forests for their livelihoods. Some 300 million people live within them while forests also provide habitats for about two-thirds of all species on earth. Deforestation of rainforests is predicted to account for a biodiversity loss of as many as 100 species per day according to The World Bank.

With this in mind, the sustainable management of forests is becoming ever more pressing with countries across the world now pledged to do all they can to improve the situation in light of the UN initiative. For instance, the Government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea has established a plan for reforestation and plantation of its entire land by 2012 while other countries have been organising events throughout the year as a way of promoting their particular objectives. England for example will be holding a ‘Forest Discovery Day’ on September 11th across the nation where people will be given the chance to meet rangers and learn about sustainable forestry followed by a mass tree hug while Australian schools held a tree planting day earlier this month and the USA enjoyed a national Get Outdoors Day Big Tree Challenge back in June.

Although the International Year of Forests 2011 will play a major role in improving environmental awareness, with the global market for timber so vast having doubled in the last six years it is paramount that alternative timber supplies be utilised as well.

In the sustainable resources sector, bamboo is fast becoming the best alternative to addressing global, social and environmental concerns over traditional timber with the bamboo market currently at $5bn a year, growing to a predicted $20bn by 2015. Utilising bamboo in everyday applications makes perfect sense with its quick growth, excellent strength and durability, environmental benefits and around 3,500 commercial uses including food, construction material, flooring, furniture, charcoal, paper, medicines and textiles to name a few.

Ray Withers, Director of Property Frontiers which markets the world’s first asset backed bamboo bond explains,

“With global warming on the horizon becoming one of the most important issues our generation will be faced with, bamboo plantations present a far better alternative, as people shun traditionally felled wood products in favour of the environmentally friendly choice.”

It is forecasted by Yale University that one hectare will produce over 109 km of bamboo pole in 15 years; consequently leaders in the alternative investment market, Property Frontiers believe that investing in bamboo will suit environmentally conscious investors looking to have a positive social and environmental impact as well as benefit from a high return rate.  As the most exciting of any timber investment, Property Frontiers are offering a world first – The Bamboo bond, giving a secure and rewarding SIPP eligible bamboo investment in Central America with fixed annual returns starting in year 1.

With a minimum investment of $16,500 investors buy a 15 year asset backed bond. This bond entitles them to fixed payments over the 15 year period that reaches a maximum of 55% per year! At the end the principal investment is repaid meaning that the highest returning bond priced at $50,000 returns over 500% during the term. This return is fixed and secured against assets of the US Bamboo plantation company to protect investors in the unlikely event of a default. 

This green investment in Central America is a perfect investment opportunity with a variety of significant advantages, helping investors build their ‘green’ credentials and make substantial returns from a lucrative and growing market whilst helping to lessen environmental degradation across the globe.

For more information on investing in this bamboo alternative please contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

Bamboo plantations – A building block for Nicaragua

by Charlotte Ashton Nicaragua

When you think of bamboo, you may think of ornate bamboo baskets, chopsticks or more daringly a labourer scaling the bamboo scaffolding surrounding a mega skyscraper under construction in Hong Kong. But aside from these familiar uses it seems that bamboo could be playing a vital role in helping to alleviate not just environmental degradation but the plight of poverty in developing countries such as Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere with 47% of the population living below the poverty line and earning less than $1 per day.  Shockingly, only 22% have sanitary equipment or access to clean water while houses in the country are very small and cramped with at least four people sharing a single room. Not surprisingly, as with many developing nations, Nicaragua has a housing deficit of around 500,000 homes and this issues needs to be addressed.

Over half of Nicaragua’s population, 65% to be exact, live in the rural countryside where homes are constructed from sun-dried clay bricks, corrugated iron, plastic or cardboard. Due to huge deforestation and government timber quotas, wood is very seldom used for home construction due to its costly nature meaning the majority of Nicaraguans live in inadequate accommodation.

It would seem therefore that there are many reasons alternative construction materials must be used not only to limit the devastating levels of deforestation that threatens the habitats of many species but to help in the production of renewable construction materials and improve the lives of poorer nations like Nicaragua.

Harvesting the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo, is a labour intensive process and it therefore creates many jobs in areas where employment is scarce. The social and environmental benefits that can be brought by this resource are therefore dramatic.

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable source of timber that is more versatile than any other building material. It has twice the compression strength of concrete and a greater tensile strength than steel. Building with bamboo is an attractive wood substitute and is not only inexpensive but also has the added benefit of providing earthquake proof housing with many architects arguing that bamboo cultivation and construction is the answer to protecting the world’s poor in disaster prone areas.

Luckily, Nicaragua is home to Guadua bamboo  which was naturalised as far back as the 1930s and has become fully integrated into the tropical forests of the Atlantic Coast. Bamboo flowers only once in seventy or a hundred years and as chance would have it, it has recently flowered Nicaragua.

But it’s not only Nicaraguans that will benefit from bamboo farming. Matthew Kahn, a professor in the UCLA Institute of the Environment, Department of Economics and Department of Public Policy, has suggested that investors could also benefit from bamboo, getting ‘very rich’ from building bamboo housing developments and renting them out to day labourers.

Dr Montagnini from Yale University School of Forestry also suggests that bamboo is an attractive asset in which to invest, commenting,

“Bamboo plantation projects will be as profitable as those involving timber tree crops. In fact, there are clear indications that bamboo plantations can be more profitable”

Leaders in the alternative investment market, Property Frontiers believe that investing in bamboo makes perfect sense and will suit investors looking to have a positive social and environmental impact as well as enjoying a high return.  As the most exciting of any timber investment, Property Frontiers are offering a secure and rewarding bamboo investment in Rama, Nicaragua.

But how does it work? Well, investors have the opportunity to invest in a bond issued by EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK), part of the US based EcoPlanet Group. These 15 year bonds offer fixed returns which increase over the term as well as a return of the investor’s capital on redemption.  By way of example, the most expensive bond at $50,000 offers a total fixed return of 503%. All bonds are backed by assets as security which are held by UK based trustees.

It is predicted that the Bamboo market will be worth $20 billion by 2015. Consequently, this green investment in Nicaragua allows investors to build their ‘green’ credentials, make considerable returns from a lucrative and growing market whilst helping to lessen environmental impacts and improve social and economic wellbeing in Nicaragua, a country desperate for sustainable friendly investment.

For more information on this investment opportunity please contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

Invitation | Learn about the World´s First Asset Backed Bamboo Bond | Free Seminar, Thurs 21st July, London

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

If you are interested in alternative, ethical and environmentally friendly investments, the Directors of Property Frontiers, David Cox and Ray Withers, would like to invite you to the exclusive Bamboo Investment Seminar on Thursday 21st July  2011, 6.30pm at the Hilton Paddington, London.

In these uncertain economic times, alternative investments have proved extremely popular with Property Frontiers’ clients investing over $1 million in their first bamboo opportunity. Now, due to client demand, the world’s first asset backed bamboo bond providing fixed returns up to 55% has been launched. 

Property Frontiers has undertaken thorough research and due diligence to find the most secure forestry investment available on the market with investment from £10,235.

In addition, the bond issuer´s capacity to pay the interest has been assessed by various experts including a UK based trustee and Yale University.

“Bamboo plantation projects will be as profitable as those involving timber tree crops. In fact, there are clear indications that bamboo plantations can be more profitable”
Dr Montagnini, Yale University School of Forestry

Join us and other investors on Thursday 21st July at the Hilton Paddington, W2 1EE at 6.30pm to find out:

 

  • Why savvy investors should consider the bamboo bond?
  • How the returns are fixed and secured?
  • How these returns will be made?
  • Who the management team behind the project are?
  • How to profit from booming bamboo?

 

Places are limited so please RSVP by Wednesday 20th July 2011 to Charlotte Ashton at c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk or 0207 952 7227 / 07968 779 663.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided along with detailed information and expert comment from Director David Cox upon request.

Anything wood can do, bamboo can do better. Including making money for investors.

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Traditionally, oil and gold has been used to expand investor portfolios and to of course, shield against inflation that can have a serious knock on effect on people’s wealth. Recently however, the popularity of agricultural commodities has risen due to growing populations and scarcity of land lifting up prices, creating a worthy case for investment.

The global market for timber is enormous, having doubled in the last six years alone, yet timber supplies are declining through increasing levels of deforestation and the reduction of illegal logging. There has never been a more pressing time to invest in a timber alternative, a natural renewable raw material.

In the sustainable investments sector, bamboo is fast becoming the best alternative addressing global, social and environmental concerns as well as bringing home high profits in a relatively short timescale for investors. With the bamboo market currently at $5bn a year, growing to a predicted $20bn by 2015, investing in bamboo presents a win win situation for everyone.

Dr Montagnini from Yale University School of Forestry further backs up bamboo as an attractive asset in which to invest, commenting,

“Bamboo plantation projects will be as profitable as those involving timber tree crops. In fact, there are clear indications that bamboo plantations can be more profitable”

But what you might ask are the benefits of using bamboo as an alternative sustainable commodity and why should we invest?

Quick Growth: As the fastest growing land plant in the world, a bamboo culm has an astonishing way of replacing itself within 50 days where as a hardwood tree can take years if not decades to grow.

Durability: Regarding Carbon Sequestration, compared to timber, bamboo absorbs around 4 times more CO2 and produces up to 35% more Oxygen. While up to 15 kilometres of usable pole from a single clump of bamboo can be produced over a 15 year period.

Strength: Bamboo is as versatile as any other building material and has greater mechanical qualities than almost any other timber. It has twice the compression strength of concrete and a greater tensile strength than steel.

Commercial Uses: Bamboo has over 3,500 uses including food, construction material, flooring, furniture, charcoal, paper, medicines and textiles to name a few. However, most importantly, the technology now exists such that bamboo can be used to do anything that traditional timbers can do at lower costs and with greater environmental benefits. The biggest growth markets are flooring, fibre panel board, paper and pulp.

Environmental benefits: The world’s forests are under huge pressure as demand for timber grows. Traditional hardwoods take 25 to 50 years to grow compared to just 50 days for bamboo. As a result bamboo produces more than 20 times the timber from the same area; thus creating a sustainable source of supply. At the same time, bamboo absorbs four times more carbon from the atmosphere and creates more oxygen than other timbers. It also has a myriad of local environmental benefits which are not found in other plantations.

Value to Investors: Bamboo is a high value product with booming demand. The returns from investment far exceed those of traditional assets in recent years and will help investors pull in attractive annual returns.

It is forecasted by Yale University that one hectare will produce over 109 km of bamboo pole in 15 years, consequently leaders in the alternative investment market, Property Frontiers believe that investing in bamboo makes perfect sense and will suit investors looking to have a positive social and environmental impact as well as benefit from a high return rate.  As the most exciting of any timber investment, Property Frontiers are offering a secure and rewarding SIPP eligible bamboo investment in Central America with fixed annual returns starting in year 1.

David Cox, Director of Property Frontiers explains,

“When property values around the world crashed it made investors realize the benefits of having a diversified portfolio, forestry was there, with its solid returns offering something different.

“With global warming on the horizon becoming one of the most important issues our generation will be faced with, bamboo plantations are cashing in, as people shun traditionally felled wood products in favor of the environmentally friendly choice.”

He further continues,

“This project is set to be by far and away our biggest success yet in terms of take up from investors and long may it continue.”

But how does the investment work? With a minimum investment of $16,500 investors buy a 15 year Alternative Bond. This bond entitles them to fixed payments over the 15 year period that reach a maximum of 55% per year! At the end the principal investment is repaid meaning that the highest returning bond priced at $50,000 returns over 500% during the term. This return is fixed and secured against assets of the UK based issuing company to protect investors from default. 

This green investment in Central America is a perfect investment opportunity with a variety of significant advantages, helping investors build their ‘green’ credentials and make substantial returns from a lucrative and growing market whilst helping to lessen environmental impacts and improve the social and economic wellbeing of a less developed nation.

For more information on this investment opportunity please contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

A problem solved: With £9k tuition fees for a third of universities from 2012, parents plan to invest in buy to let student property now to cover future costs

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

For many months, the public have been in uproar over the proposed increase in student tuition fees, seeing a number of student demonstrations take place urging the government to reconsider their decision. However, in spite of the opposition against this proposal and to the dismay of parents across the UK, the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) has announced that more than a third of universities in England will be charging the maximum tuition fee of £9,000 for the next academic year, 2012-13.

Having been given the green light, the once daunting proposal has now become a worrying financial reality for many parents with new research from HSBC revealing that 10% of parents will not be contributing to the cost of their child’s university education following news that fees will treble from next year and a number of parents expecting their children to fund the increased costs themselves or on a sadder note, not attend University at all.
 

In addition, the survey found that around 52% of parents with youngsters under the age of 18 have not even started to save for their child’s university expenses. This is hardly surprising considering the minimum cost of living is now 5% higher than in 2010, with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) suggesting that in order for families to live to an acceptable standard nowadays, each parent must earn at least £18,400.

Further research from HSBC indicates that 54% of parents stated that they will save more in order to fund their child’s university education while 42% said that they will cut back on luxuries. Moreover, 21% said that they would work overtime whereas 15% of parents suggested that they would search for a second job. Shockingly, a proportion of parents spoke of more extreme sacrifices they were willing to commit to such as selling the family home.

Director of student accommodation at Homeforstudents.co.uk Jonathan Moore comments,

“When the tuition fee hikes kick in next year, students and parents alike will be looking at how they can save money on accommodation costs – one of the biggest financial headaches of a university education. Parents will be reviewing every option to make their children’s university career as financially viable as possible.”

Undoubtedly, rising living costs and the sharp increase in tuition fees coupled with the average £3,807 annual cost of being accommodated in student halls has certainly got parents tearing their hair out with worry. Nevertheless it would appear that all is not lost; with 7% planning to invest in a buy to let property to rent out to other students to cover the cost of their child’s higher education, certainly a more practical solution and indeed lucrative opportunity that could be the answer to this modern day dilemma.

Alan Forsyth, Director of highly respected property investment agency, Property Secrets comments,

“I am happy to see that some parents are considering a more workable alternative that will enable them to afford a university education for their child rather than resulting to the more punishing measures highlighted in the recent findings. Opting for privately owned student housing is a sensible option where significant monthly returns can be made from renting out your buy to let property to other students. As strong believers in the student housing market, our developments in Sunderland for example can generate positive rental returns of around £400 per month based on two people sharing a room. What this equates to over the year will certainly be enough to ease the financial pressures on both parents and students.”

With record numbers still expected to attend university in the next academic year, affordable student accommodation will be in high demand and the experts at Property Secrets have ensured that they will be able to remove parental woes by offering two new purpose built student accommodation developments in the up and coming town of Sunderland, priced 25% below current valuation, offering a 1 year rental guarantee and 9-11% yields per annum net yield.

Rectory Lodge, a purpose built fully furnished modern 26 en-suite development and West lodge, a gorgeous mansion with large rooms and 4 very large living rooms, priced between £33-35,000 only a minute from The University of Sunderland and just six minutes from the impressive city centre, will pose as a worthy investment for parents looking to financial security for their child’s future.

Additionally, leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers believe that the student accommodation sector is one of the key asset classes of 2011 offering excellent monthly returns from its elegant new student accommodation development in Liverpool costing from only £48,000 with an above average 10.03% NET yield – assured in year 1.

Consisting of 100 stunning en-suite rooms, centrally located St. Andrews Place is set in a beautiful 18th century grade II listed building is adjacent to Liverpool John Moores University and close to Liverpool Lime Street station.

For more information on providing for the next generation’s educational future through investing in student accommodation in Sunderland please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0)115 985 3963, email info@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net and for more information on generating exceptionally high rental income from Liverpool’s buy to let market please contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

City of the World’s Desire: 30.1% increase in tourist revenue makes Istanbul the fastest growing tourist destination in the world

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Undoubtedly one of the world´s greatest cities, Istanbul has seen a 30.1% increase in tourist revenue, generating an estimated $10.2 billion in 2011, surpassing New York and Amsterdam in terms of the number of visitors according to a city index developed by MasterCard Worldwide.

Estimates from the city index suggest that Istanbul will receive a predicted 9.4 million visitors in 2011 proving more attractive than traditionally popular global cities such as Rome, Milan and New York.

Dubbed ‘one of the hippest cities in the world’, it seems visitors are undoubtedly attracted to this impressive accolade. With a rich cultural background, abundance of amenities and rising economic wealth, Istanbul is propelling Turkey forward with the country’s economy growing by 11% in the first quarter of 2011 according to figures published by the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkstat.

As a whole, Turkey’s income per capita has almost doubled since 2002 and as a result, has generated a boom in consumer spending, seeing a rise in the shopping mall culture, proliferating across the country almost as much as in the US as well as trendy restaurants, bars and clubs lining the streets becoming even more prevalent than the widespread Ottoman mosques.

Indeed, with more money to play with, consumers, in particular the middles classes have begun to travel a great deal more aided by the growth of national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines. However one of the biggest emergences to have come out of rising consumer wealth has been the increased demand for property with more people buying new homes.

Rising demand led to Turkey’s construction sector displaying an impressive 17.1% growth in 2010 over the previous year. This sector has been driving economic growth in the economy over the past few years, seeing improved technology utilised and stronger financial structures helping construction companies to deliver property projects at a faster rate.

Back in May this year, PricewaterhouseCoopers Emerging Trends in European Real Estate report which surveyed worldwide investors found that Istanbul is currently considered along with Munich, to be the best city in Europe for investment opportunities in the areas of new developments and acquisitions, and second best for opportunities to increase returns on existing investments.

Ray Withers, Director of property investment experts, Property Frontiers, comments,

“The Turkish property industry is receiving considerable interest from foreign investors seeking to purchase property in popular cities like Istanbul due to the ongoing growth in the economy and rising tourist numbers, pushing up demand for property and generating vast opportunities in the already thriving rental market.

“Istanbul, considered to be the dominant powerhouse in Turkey is fast becoming a popular destination for Europe’s glitterati as well as a thriving business hub with new residential developments emerging in up and coming areas  on the desirable European side of Istanbul such as Bahcesehir and Beylikduzu as well as the city centre. Modern Istanbul properties offer exceptional facilities and a cheaper price tag than the rest of Europe, making the city even more attractive to potential buy to let investors.”

Confirming the strength of demand, statistics from leading overseas property search portal The Move Channel show that at least 1 in 5 Turkey property searches are for Istanbul.  Of these enquires, around 60% are for properties priced between £0 – £100,000 while 35% enquiries are priced between £100 – £200,000.

For more information about exciting new buy to let investment opportunities available in Istanbul contact the experts Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Liverpool passes with flying colours in student accommodation investment sector

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With the start of a new semester looming in September and the ever increasing number of students attending university each year, now is the perfect time to for investors to dive into the highly lucrative waters of student accommodation with plenty of opportunities in the North West city of Liverpool.

Recently, data collected by Accommodationforstudents.com the No 1 student accommodation website found that 62% of the 46,000 students reviewed in their survey voted the city of Liverpool the best place to study while The Times Good University Guide 2012 recorded a student satisfaction rate of 77 for The University of Liverpool with Liverpool John Moores University closely following behind, attaining a satisfaction ranking of 74.

Certainly, more young people are realising the value of higher education than ever before and Liverpool universities in particular have seen significant increases in applications, rising 17% from 27,465 applications in 2008 to 32,022 in 2010 for The University of Liverpool while Liverpool John Moores University received 28,123 applicants in 2008 rising by 22% to 34,182 by 2010 according to UCAS.

Moreover, Liverpool John Moores University were recently delighted when over 60% more student visitors attended their recent Open Day last week compared to the same time last year and certainly the new deal struck by Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Council to provide £400,000 per year towards the running costs of local authority facilities in return for free student and university staff access to Liverpool council-run gyms and pools will create a unique selling point for future students and exciting news for potential student buy to let investors.

Indeed, Liverpool John Moores University in particular has partnerships with private accommodation providers to make sure that all new students are guaranteed accommodation, even if they enter through the clearing process.

Ray Withers, Director of leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers which has successfully marketed numerous student accommodation projects in the city of Liverpool, comments,

“Demand for academic courses is soaring with nearly 700,000 university applications in 2010 alone and although The University of Liverpool is investing around £600 million in upgrades of which around £250 million will be spent on building a 710 bedroom development in the city centre campus, new student housing nevertheless remains limited with demand continuing to outstrip supply.

“There are well over 20,000 students at The University of Liverpool with only 3,300 university provided accommodation spaces available while Liverpool John Moores only has 3,300 spaces for its 23,000 plus students indicating great opportunities for new high-quality private student housing developments.”

It is for these reasons that investors are quickly beginning to appreciate the UK’s latest buy to let sector, student accommodation as a solid, lucrative and hassle fee investment especially considering students and young singles are said to generate the highest yields with houses for students producing and average yield of 6.45% according to leading buy to let mortgage provider, Paragon.

Leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers believe the student accommodation sector has become a critical component of a balanced investment portfolio and have a desirable and elegant student accommodation development offering 100 stunning en-suite rooms in Liverpool from only £48,000 with an above average 10.03% NET yield – assured in year 1.

Centrally located, St. Andrews Place set in a beautiful 18th Century grade II listed building is adjacent to Liverpool John Moores University and close to Liverpool Lime Street station and all the shops, restaurants and nightlife the city centre has to offer, perfect for student life.

For those looking to generate an exceptionally high rental income look no further than the student accommodation market in Liverpool and call Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

With a 13% increase in Floridian home sales, the future of the ‘Sunshine State’ becomes brighter

by United States

The Floridian housing market may well be heating up according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, seeing sales of existing homes climbing by 13% in Q1 2011 compared to the same period last year, with 17 of 19 metropolitan areas in the Florida state recording more property sales.

In light of increased sales, data sourced exclusively from TheMoveChannel.com, a leading overseas property search portal, has shown that enquiries for Florida property are up by 61% in June 2011 compared to June last year whilst the total number of enquiries in H1 2011 are more than double that of H2 2010.

Additional data from TheMoveChannel.com indicates that 2 and 3 bedroom condos are the most popular searched for properties in Florida and that peak enquiries for the ‘Sunshine State’ take place during the winter months between December and February.

The major city of Orlando, located in the central region of Florida saw 62.53% of sales completed in May this year for distressed properties; however Orlando has slowly started experiencing a rise in traditional sales, indicating the market is moving in the right direction, given that non-distressed properties sell at higher prices. And certainly, as tourism continues to surge, with the city being the first to surpass the 50 million mark last year with Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando and Florida officials announcing that Orlando pulled in 51.45 million tourists in 2010, beating New York to the post as the most visited place in the US, property sales are likely to continue to rise as Orlando’s popularity grows and buyer confidence strengthens.

Ray Withers, Director of Florida property investment experts, Property Frontiers, comments,

“Florida, in particular Orlando, recognised as a ‘world city’ remains one of the most sought after vacation destinations especially for families due to the guaranteed sunshine and wealth of activities and entertainment available.

The market is on the up and it is certainly a good time to buy, particularly in Orlando where shrewd buy to let investors will be able to take advantage of the remarkably affordable property prices seeing as high quality homes such as Highgate Residences at Regal Palms, are now on the market for less that 50% of what they were priced at five years ago.”

Typically, Brits are considered to be one of the largest foreign buyers of Floridian property; however it appears that Canadians are starting to drive property sales, particularly in Orlando according to data from leading realtors Coldwell Banker Feltrim.

It has been stated by the Bank of Montreal that one in five Canadians would currently consider buying American property not only for personal use but for investment purposes and considering the current strength of the Canadian dollar as well as the country’s general economy, Canadian property buyers have superior opportunities for property investments spawned from greater borrowing powers.

One established resort development located in Davenport, only a short drive to Orlando, Highgate Residences at Regal Palms, is receiving serious interest from both British and international buyers keen to snap up the 3 and 4 bedroom fully furnished townhouses available from just $99,000.

These high quality properties are located only minutes from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld and provide a two acre swimming pool complex complete with lazy river, waterslides and sundeck making them ideal family holiday homes. Furthermore with an experienced onsite rental management company in place and average holiday rental occupancy rates of 64% being achieved forecast owners can be confident of receiving income when they are not using the property themselves.

A limited number of 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses are available at Highgate Residences at Regal Palms so contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or for more information or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.