Construction commences to bring iconic central Liverpool Beatles ballroom back to life

Construction commences to bring iconic central Liverpool Beatles ballroom back to life

by Eleanor United Kingdom
  • Reece’s Ballroom being restored to former glory as Parker Street Residences
  • More than 50% of Liverpool city centre population aged 22-29 (Centre for Cities)
  • Liverpool City Region economy worth £23.1bn (Local Enterprise Partnership)
  • Iconic L1 apartments available from £69,950 (Property Frontiers)

An iconic Liverpool institution, Reece’s Ballroom, is due to be given a new lease of life, with construction now underway on the tasteful transformation of the disused commercial property into residential apartments.

Work began this month on the development, known as Parker Street Residences, which will offer spacious apartments with 24/7 on-site concierge service, security, bicycle storage and gym membership.

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, which has just 11 units left for sale at the development, comments,

“It’s fantastic to see work beginning at Parker Street Residences. This building has such a rich history and I’m delighted to see this new chapter in its story getting underway. Properties like this in such a central location are few and far between and we’ve already seen an exceptional level of demand for the apartments.”

Reece’s Ballroom was the jewel in the crown of a string of cafés owned by Reece & Sons, who also boasted their own dairy and bakery. A popular social spot, Reece’s Ballroom included not just a dancehall but also a café and restaurant, where the great and the good of Liverpool in days gone by would meet to dine and dance the night away.

One of the venue’s most famous hires was by Beatle John Lennon, who held his wedding reception there after marrying his first wife, Cynthia Powell, mother to his son Julian Lennon.

Parker Street Residences, which is due for completion by June 2017, will begin a new phase in the building’s history, restoring this piece of Liverpool’s heritage to its former glory in a new form for a new generation.

The soft strip works have commenced, with the demolition and structural alterations of the building beginning early next month. The steelwork and structure for the roof is due to commence in September.  October will see the windows replaced, while construction of levels six and seven will begin in November. Those levels are due for completion by April 2017, with the internal fit out works completed by June 2017 and overall completion in August 2017, ready for the first tenants to move in.

Employment opportunities in Liverpool city centre have fuelled rapid population growth in recent years. The Liverpool City Region is a £23.1bn economy according to the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership and the thriving financial situation has led to an influx of young professionals looking for a city centre lifestyle. The city centre’s population more than doubled in the decade to 2011 according to Census figures, with Centre for Cities reporting that over 50% of those residents were between the ages of 22 and 29.

Apartments at Parker Street Residences are available for investment from £69,950 for a studio, with yields of 8% NET.

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

 

New Portofino resort highlights investment possibilities of Philippines’ hotel sector

New Portofino resort highlights investment possibilities of Philippines’ hotel sector

by Eleanor The Philippines
  • International tourist arrivals top 500k per month (Jan 2016)
  • Philippines will be the 16th largest global economy by 2050 (HSBC)
  • BBB Stable credit rating maintained (Standard & Poors)
  • Luxury boutique resort investment available from US $109k (Property Frontiers)

A brand new boutique hotel investment opportunity is highlighting the beauty and exclusivity of the Philippines to investors around the world.

The Portofino Ocean’s Edge Resort is a stunning villa resort with 10 cliff villas, 26 studio villas and 6 two-bedroom villas, along with its own private resort beach, private cove, cliff edge clubhouse, restaurant, bar, infinity pool, spa, wellness centre, beach bar, dive shop and private jetty. There’s even an on-site helipad for those guests looking to really arrive in style.

The five star beachfront Portofino Ocean’s Edge Resort is set on the gorgeous Filipino island of Carabao. It will bring a new level of elegance and luxury to tourism in the area when it opens in 2016.

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, comments,

“Portofino Ocean’s Edge Resort is the ideal investment for those looking to be a part of the Philippines’ resounding economic success story and the growth of its tourism sector. The opportunity offers all the advantages of a hotel investment and even includes 14 days’ personal usage per year, with no restrictions around when it can be used.”

The Philippines is the fastest growing country in East Asia, with more than 100 million citizens spread across its 7,000 islands, as well as some eight million or so working and living indefinitely overseas. The rich natural landscape of the islands attracts tourists from around the world, while local talent has led to a thriving services industry and manufacturing sector.

The country’s recent economic success and stability resulted in Standard & Poors reaffirming the Philippines as BBB Stable in April 2015 – its highest ever credit rating and one that the Filipino government is working hard to maintain. The country is committed to remaining one of Asia’s most attractive investment destinations, with a programme of infrastructure improvements underway as part of that commitment.

Fitch followed in Standard & Poors’ footsteps in September 2015, with a rating of BBB- Positive, while Moody’s graded the Philippines as Baa2 Stable in December of the same year.

Yet despite this significant economic progress, there remains a lack of high end hotel accommodation to service the government’s target of 6 million tourists in 2016. Kevin Wallace of Plateno Group, which is behind the luxury Portofino development, explains,

“There’s a big shortage of hotel rooms in this country and an even bigger shortage of branded rooms with a consistent quality.”

Investment in Portofino Ocean’s Edge Resort starts from US $109,000 for a studio villa. Cliff villas are available for US $120,000 and two bedroom villas for US $272,000. 10% interest is paid during construction and investors benefit from 10% underwritten (minimum) NET return.

Portofino Ocean’s Edge Resort has a clear exit strategy, with optional developer buyback at 120%, offering 70% minimum return on investment across five years.

Completion of the resort is scheduled for September 2016, but as only 50% of the rooms have been released for private investment they are expected to be snapped up long before then.

The Philippines is well used to money flowing in from overseas. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers account for around 13.5% of GDP. This was a significant factor in the country’s investment status upgrade and affords the Philippines an excellent measure of income stability, with money flowing in from different sources.

As well as remittances from overseas, the Philippines benefits from a flourishing manufacturing sector, with electronics and aerospace products making a significant contribution to GDP. Tourism also plays its part, with in-month international arrivals topping the 500,000 mark for the first time in January 2016 (they reached 542,258 in total for the month).

HSBC has projected that the Philippines will be the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050. It’s a country that’s moving from a largely agricultural past to a future dominated by the services industry (particularly banking), manufacturing and tourism.

Those wanting to be a part of its future should contact Property Frontiers for further details: visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

by Charly World

The complex is set to offer outstanding accommodation alongside high investor returns, with values predicted to rise by 35% on today’s prices before completion at end of 2017.

The Rt. Hon. Mr Rugunda recently celebrated the groundbreaking for an ambitious and prestigious new apartment development in Buziga, the first of its type for the area which will provide a new lifestyle concept for the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Marking the launch of the development the Prime Minister recognised the importance of such a development to Kampala’s economic growth and future business success.

The development is a first for Buziga where this type of luxury accommodation has not been available before.  The 76 apartments, including five penthouses and 71 one, two and three bedroomed homes, takes advantage of one of the highest points in Kampala, boasting spectacular views across Lake Victoria.

Jakana Heights affords a landscaped garden setting, extensive leisure facilities including a pool, gym and exclusive clubhouse. Offering a new lifestyle concept, the complex will also provide occupants with high quality business and event facilities alongside on-site shopping for residents.

The design work was commissioned for the international development company ProAfco Developments Ltd by a Ugandan architectural team who envisioned building a complex to meet family life and business life needs all within the one site. The complex combines this lifestyle ambition with quality leisure and social facilities.

Explaining the vision behind the development, Clive Kefford, CEO of ProAfco said,

“The project was specifically designed for the growing Kampala business community and their families as well those living outside Uganda wishing to have a home from home on regular visits or for their future retirement.

“Our research showed a high demand for a new approach to home and business life which was not being catered for in Kampala.  At the heart of making this a possibility was finding the perfect location, one that offered easy access to the city while benefitting from beautiful surroundings and open living.  Jakana Heights provided the perfect spot and the inspiration for our development”.

The property is set on an exceptional site commanding stunning views, landscaped gardens and easy access to the centre of Kampala.  The land was originally owned by Dan Jakana who has partnered with ProAfco to develop the site.  The complex’s name has a double meaning, taking Dan’s family name creating a memorable legacy for his mother and also the name of the well known local bird representing the freedom and natural beauty that has inspired the design and ambition of the development.

The style of the complex has taken elements of African and modern aesthetics as its guiding design principles. Every attention has been paid to detail to provide a comfortable home but with a sophisticated design.

Nearly 20% of the apartments have already been reserved off plan including one of the exclusive penthouses.  Expert predictions rate the home’s value well above the current average market with an expectation that the apartments’ value will rise by at least 35% by the time the property is completed at the end of 2017.  Experts who have valued the development expected yields to range up to 15% on the current prices.  Starting prices for a condo apartment are from $125,000.

Apartments are for sale through Property Frontiers who can be contacted on +44 1865 202 700 or at www.propertyfrontiers.com.

The year the world moved to Berlin

The year the world moved to Berlin

by Charly Germany
  • Berlin apartment prices up 21% in a year (CBRE)
  • City population growing at twice the rate expected (Berlin Senate)
  • Berlin one of top European residential property investment hotspots for 2016 (Property Frontiers)

25 years ago, the world watched in wonder as the first pieces of the Berlin wall came down and the broken city began a long healing process to make it whole once more. Now, no longer content to view this vibrant city from afar, it seems the world has decided to move to Berlin!

The Berlin senate revealed over the summer of 2015 that the city’s growth is double the rate that city planners had expected and prepared for. Berlin’s population was expected to swell by 250,000 people between 2011 and 2030. Now, city planners believe that number will be added by 2019. In 2014 alone, the population grew by 44,700.

City development senator Andreas Geisel has described the growth as “a great blessing” but it has also put pressure on infrastructure, with the need for housing increasingly sharply as a result.

For owners of residential property in Berlin, the city’s newfound popularity has led to some interesting developments. CBRE’s Global living: A city by city guide reports that average values for apartment buildings have risen by 21% in a single year. Rents have also shot up, by 5.7% over the past year (compared with 3.6% nationally).

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, which is offering high specification buy-to-let apartments in the city at Stadtpark Steglitz from €153,670, comments,

“We’re seeing some rapid shifts in Berlin’s property market after almost two decades of very little activity. It’s an exciting time to be part of the market there and property investors around the world are looking to Berlin as one of Europe’s top residential real estate investment destinations. Berlin looks set to be one of Europe’s most dominant cities during 2016 so far as residential investment is concerned.”

As well as a vibrant arts scene and rapidly growing reputation as Europe’s hottest start-up hub, Berlin offers a low cost of living compared to many European cities. Rents are less than a quarter of the price they are in London: around £405 in Berlin compared to £2,080 in the English capital, according to CBRE. At the same time, the city’s economy is growing (CBRE cites projected growth of 2.6% for 2015) at a strong and sustainable pace.

With 81.2% of the city’s population opting to rent their property (compared with 51.3% nationally) Berlin represents a huge opportunity for buy-to-let investors looking to pick up a residential investment in a European hotspot. The high spec apartments at Stadtpark Steglitz present the perfect opportunity, located in an affluent area of the south western part of the city, with up to 5.6% yield and excellent capital growth expected.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Berlin is booming as the German capital enjoys its time to shine

Berlin is booming as the German capital enjoys its time to shine

by Charly Germany
  • Berlin rated top 2015 investment prospect (PWC)
  • Residential property investment topped €2.2 billion in H1 2015 (JLL)
  • 20,000 new homes needed this year in Berlin to meet demand (Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development)

The face of Berlin is changing. The German capital is increasingly becoming seen as Europe’s go-to city for bright young things, creative start-ups and anyone who’s anyone in the tech sector. In addition to its business offering, it has a thriving social scene, a great retail offering and a vast array of cultural attractions.

Such a dynamic business environment with strong demand for rental properties has begun to attract serious numbers of investors to Berlin. According to the PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015 report, the city was rated the top for investment prospects in 2015. Such is the popularity of Berlin’s combination of inexpensive assets and development opportunities that it has knocked Munich off the top spot. Furthermore, Berlin now stands as Europe’s third most active real estate market, according to the PWC data.

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, spotted Berlin’s potential some time ago. Property Frontiers is offering investment at Stadtpark Steglitz, located in one of south west Berlin’s affluent areas. The residential apartments are perfectly suited to Berlin’s young, ambitious population, offering modern living solutions with open plan, spacious living areas. Prices start from €153,670, with gross yields up to 5.6% realistically expected and no capital gains tax if the property is held from more than 10 years.

Ray Withers comments,

“Berlin is racing ahead of other European cities in terms of its ability to attract young, talented entrepreneurs and the impact of these bright young things on the city’s demographics is far from negligible. They’re breathing new life into Berlin and drawing in investment capital from around the globe.”

According to JLL, residential properties in Berlin attracted more than €2.2 billion of investment during H1 2015, up more than four times on the same period in 2014. Demand for property is high as a result of the city’s growing population. According to the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development, 20,000 new homes are needed this year in order to keep up with demand. Yet in Berlin, as in many other cities in Germany and across Europe, supply is struggling to keep pace with demand.

The situation presents one of those fantastic investment opportunities that is perfect for real estate investors looking for a hands-off property investment in a hotspot that is packed with potential. The volume of new start-ups, tech and media companies in Berlin promises big things for the city’s future and savyy investors are racing to be part of the action.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Charlotte emerges as 2016 property hotspot

Charlotte emerges as 2016 property hotspot

by Charly United States
  • Charlotte ranked 3rd out of all US cities (PWC)
  • City is one of ‘best places for business and careers’ (Forbes)
  • Charlotte flagged as top 2016 property investment hotspot (Property Frontiers)

Charlotte, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the key property hotspots in the US for 2016. The thriving metropolis has been ranked third out of the nation’s cities in PWC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate United States and Canada 2016.

Known as the Queen City, having been named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who became Britain’s queen consort the year before the city was founded, Charlotte is the second largest city in the south-eastern US and the second largest banking centre in the country. Bank of America has its headquarters there, while Wells Fargo uses the city as the base for its east coast operations.

With a healthy mix of service sector companies, industry and technology, Charlotte has a strong economic base as well as a thriving sports and social scene. The city has been on the rise for some time. From 2000-2008 it was ranked the 60th fastest growing city in the US. Last year, it had shot far enough up the ranking to take the number three spot, according to Census data. In 2013, the city received a further boost, with Forbes listing it as one of the Best Places for Business and Careers.

Now, the PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2016 report has once more shone the spotlight on Charlotte’s potential, highlighting it as one of the country’s most dynamic real estate hotspots. Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, comments,

“We’ve been involved in Charlotte’s property market for some time, as demand for good quality rental accommodation is high both within the city and the surrounding area. Investors from around the world are keen to pick up buy-to-let property in the US right now and Charlotte is one of the key urban areas offering the perfect combination of good value purchase prices and healthy demand from tenants.”

Property Frontiers is already offering investors the opportunity to purchase buy-to-let apartments at Chandler Oaks, just over an hour from Charlotte in the South Carolina city of Gaffney. The fully tenanted homes are priced from $48,671 for a one bedroom apartment. More than 70% of the properties have already been snapped up by investors keen to benefit from the liquidity of the US residential market.

With investor demand so strong for property in the area – and likely to become even more so in light of the PWC report – Property Frontiers has sourced a further development, within the Charlotte Metropolitan Area itself. CEO Ray Withers confirms,

“We are very shortly due to launch a fabulous opportunity at Circle Oaks Village, just 20 minutes from Charlotte, allowing investors to tap into the city’s real estate market and to be part of the future of one of the most active and exciting locations in the US. Property Frontiers has been planning the launch of this development for some time and it’s excellent that the just-published PWC report has confirmed that once more we are at the forefront of where investors want to be when it comes to global buy-to-let property markets.”

Circle Oaks Village is a collection of refurbished and fully tenanted apartments within easy reach of local business districts, schools and recreational facilities. The one, two and three bedroom apartments are spread across 29 buildings, on 13 acres of land. Investment is from just $77,727, with a management company contribution of 40% paid on closing, giving the management company the right to lease the property for the next five years. This means an investment price from only $46,636, with minimum guaranteed returns of up to 18.08% NET on capital invested for the first five years.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Planet property: Global house price report highlight’s world’s real estate hotspots

Planet property: Global house price report highlight’s world’s real estate hotspots

by Charly Germany United Kingdom United States
  • Global house prices rising at 4.7% per year (Economist House Price Index)
  • UK, US and Germany highlighted as real estate hotspots (Property Frontiers)
  • Output rising across entire UK construction sector (Markit/CIPS UK construction PMI)

The Economist House Price Index is one of the most important reports when it comes to providing a snapshot of the health of the world’s real estate markets. The latest report, released in October 2015, paints a largely positive picture of the planet’s property. Of the 26 markets studied, prices are rising in 21 of them, at a median pace of 4.7% per year.

Knowing where to invest

“Data such as this is key when it comes to knowing where to invest,” comments Ray Withers, CEO of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers. “It’s encouraging to see that the UK, the US and Germany are all enjoying sustained price rises. It shows how sensible our clients have been in investing in buy-to-let properties in those countries.”

Looking at the UK

House prices in the UK have been rising since Q2 2009, albeit with a few bumps along the way, according to the Economist’s report. Nationally they’ve risen by 11.5% in Britain between then and Q4 2014. The new-found confidence in the market has seen construction pick up pace, with the latest Markit/CIPS UK construction PMI reporting rising output across all parts of the industry in September 2015 – the 28th month in a row that the sector has been creating jobs. All of which is great news for property investors looking for a stable market.

One area of the UK that is firmly on buy-to-let investors’ maps is Manchester, and in particular Salford Quays. The area is booming and developments like Custom Quay, where the 60 one and two bedroom duplex apartments are available for investment from £127,000 with 8.4% expected yield, are attracting investors keen to be a part of the city’s bright future.

Heading across the pond

Over in the US, the figures paint a different picture, but one that is equally interesting from an investment perspective. Though prices have broadly been rising since Q1 2012, they remain some 22.4% below their peak value in 2006. For property investors, this means the chance to invest in real estate that could well increase in value at quite a pace over the years ahead.

At Chandler Oaks in South Carolina, just 45 minutes from the huge financial hub of Charlotte over the border in North Carolina, the potential for returns is certainly exciting, with investment from $48,671 and a minimum of 11.4% gross yield for two bed apartments. Fully tenanted and fully managed by a local property management company, the development is proving extremely popular, with 70% of the apartments already snapped up.

Buy-to-let in Berlin

Back in Europe, Germany is another country that is the focus of buy-to-let investors’ attention. The market in Berlin has some interesting characteristics, including rising rents (even with rent controls in place) and low property prices. Stadtpark Steglitz is a collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments spread across three buildings in the south west of Berlin. Investment prices start from €109,000, with gross yields up to 5.6% realistically expected.

According to the Economist’s House Price Index report, home values in Germany were largely immune to the global financial crisis that started in 2006/07. In fact, prices there have remained fairly stable since the mid-1990s. It is only since around Q1 2009 that they have begun to rise steeply. Between then and Q4 2014, house prices shot up by 22.8% in Germany, delighting those who had already invested in property there and causing other investors to pay cities like Berlin some serious attention.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Property Frontiers secures significant new investment to propel the multi award-winning investment agency to new heights

Property Frontiers secures significant new investment to propel the multi award-winning investment agency to new heights

by Charly United Kingdom

Oxford-based investment agency, Property Frontiers, has today announced that it has secured significant new private investment to fund its future international growth.

As part of the new deal, a strategic focus for the firm in 2015, Property Frontiers will expand its UK office network as well as commence overseas operations in order to engage further with its global client base.

Co-Founder and long standing CEO, Ray Withers, comments,

“Property Frontiers was founded over a decade ago with the ardent aim of offering the best international property investment opportunities, in the world’s most exciting markets to our clients, delivered with genuine, consultative advice.

“We believe that we have successfully achieved this ambition and now want to catalyse our international expansion, ensuring we bring our award-winning levels of customer service to even more clients across the globe.”

To fund the future growth of Property Frontiers, the firm has successfully attracted sizeable new private investment, which will be channeled into research, client-centric sales operations, first-class customer service and expanding the international network of offices.

Withers concludes,

“This new funding enables us here at Property Frontiers to greatly accelerate our ambition for growth in new territories whilst ensuring we continue to lead the way in terms of customer service and delivering the best global property investment opportunities available.”

In line with the new investment and their expansion plans, Property Frontiers’ Finance Director, Kate McCormack, has been promoted to a position on the Board whilst Chairman David Cox has stepped down.

As Property Frontiers will be expanding their operations, the company would like to encourage anyone interested in joining the team to contact them directly on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

———————–ENDS————————-

Notes to Editors:

Who are Property Frontiers?

The UK’s most trusted and established international property investment advisor – we have a track record in sniffing out the best international property investments to bring our clients proven and sustained investment returns across the world. Since 2004 we have helped over 3,500 investors to find the right investment – almost half of whom have chosen to reinvest their returns through us.

With our unrivalled experience and knowledge, we pioneer new markets securely and conduct extensive independent research and thorough due diligence to minimise, as best we can, any investment risk. It is this experience and our reputation that sets us apart. Independently awarded and as founder members of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals), we believe we set the standard with our professionalism, customer service, innovative products and client-centric approach.

+44 1865 202 700

www.propertyfrontiers.com

This time for Africa – why are property investors so excited about Kampala?

This time for Africa – why are property investors so excited about Kampala?

by Charly World
  • Uganda one of the ‘last frontiers’ for property investment
  • Investors leading the field in changing attitudes towards Africa
  • Kampala residential property shortfall capturing global attention

To coincide with the much-anticipated launch of a brand new collection of luxury apartments in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the CEO of Property Frontiers, Ray Withers, interviewed Clive Kefford, CEO of ProAfCo, developer of Jakana Heights, to get his views on why investing in Uganda is an exciting and lucrative opportunity right now.

Ray: So, Uganda. That is very much an emerging property market. Do you think international investors are ready to explore such an opportunity?

Clive: Professional institutional investors already have a huge appetite for investment in Africa because it provides opportunities and returns that are hard to find in other parts of the world. The difficulty is sourcing investments that are packaged up with the due diligence and research required. Individual investors are also beginning to understand this Africa is on the brink of being seen as the latest and smartest new place to invest.

Ray: Why Africa? Why now?

Clive: The biggest single change has been the huge reduction in armed conflict across the continent. There have been long periods of peace and stability in many countries in Africa and this has allowed good economic policies to be implemented and businesses to grow and operate much more easily and successfully.

Ray: What do you think is the most common misconception people have when thinking about Africa and Uganda?

Clive: The image most people have of Africa is of war, famine and disease and this because most of the news we see is about these issues but this is very unfair. If every report from the US was filmed in an area run by drug gangs or a in a housing project with no employment, we would have a similar negative impression of the States. Our image of Africa has become very distorted. Problems do exist in Africa but they are far from the whole story: most people’s lives are largely unaffected by these issues and professional people I know in Kampala have a lifestyle that I would say is better than most developed countries.

Ray: Do you feel that attitudes towards investment in Africa are changing?

Clive: Attitudes are certainly changing as the African economies grow and they start to become more integrated at a global level. Investors are leading the way because they cannot afford to have inaccurate information and as they invest more and more, a truer picture of Africa will start to become known.

Ray: What made you feel that there was a residential property opportunity in Kampala?

Clive: Uganda’s population is growing faster than any other country’s in the region and this has created enormous demand for housing. At the same time the economy has been growing at over 5% per annum for 30 years so people are getting wealthier and more people can afford to buy homes.

Kampala is the biggest city and has the most developed markets. Its population is growing faster than anywhere in the country due to increasing urbanisation. It is also an extremely attractive city to live in. It is very safe, has an ideal climate and the people are extremely friendly.

Ray: What is the current state of housing in Kampala?

Clive: Interest rates have recently increased in the run up to the election and in the middle income housing market many people are waiting for the economy to return to normal next year before buying. However, for top end properties such as Jakana Heights, the money invested into the economy before elections is likely to increase purchases.

The rental market at the luxury end has been affected by the slowdown in oil exploration however this will pick up in 2018 when oil production starts and a new set of expatriate workers will need to find quality accommodation.

Ray: How do you think the city’s housing market will look by 2030?

Clive: By 2030 I expect more international and institutional buyers to be investing in the housing market to meet the demand. Currently most developers and investors are from Africa and are just now beginning to come from the Middle East. As the institutional investors from Europe and America start to play a large part, the market will begin to mature.

Ray: Talk us through the key appeals of your new development, Jakana Heights

Clive: The site for Jakana Heights determined everything about the development. It is a large plot right on top of a hill overlooking Lake Victoria. It is a quiet peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The site was only suitable for luxury development and we have made sure that the design, quality of build and finishing are all up to the same standard as the location.

The apartments are spaciously designed and most have great views. There is a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms, a gym, bar and clubhouse for relaxation. There are also meeting rooms that can be hired for business and shops to provide the essentials so that almost everything you need is catered for you on site.

Ray: Why is the development a great investment choice?

Clive: Jakana Heights is a great investment choice because the yield on the properties is so high. Yields in Kampala on quality residential properties are generally very good at 10% but Jakana Heights is offering much higher returns than this, suggesting that the price will rise significantly during construction. Yields are in the region of 15% NET and the purchase price is from just $80,000 USD. This means that investors can make a great return whether they sell on completion or hold on and let it out.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Top 10 reasons to take a closer look at Africa

Top 10 reasons to take a closer look at Africa

by Charly World
  • Nearly 40% of world’s population will live in Africa by 2010 (Knight Frank)
  • Uganda to face 8 million unit housing shortage by 2030 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics)
  • Africa is final frontier for property investors (Property Frontiers)

In the wake of President Obama’s recent visit to Africa, many have taken note of an increased emphasis on Africa’s role in the global economy. It is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and the market is ripe for investment. International Monetary Fund GDP growth forecasts for 2015-2016 paint a promising picture of Africa’s growth prospects: an expanding population, a rise in foreign investment and nine of the world’s fastest growing economies located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

So is Africa’s growth potential ready to be unlocked? Buy-to-let investment specialists Property Frontiers believe so. The company, which is known for being at the forefront of global property investment trends, has recently launched a collection of luxury apartments at Jakana Heights, in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala. Available for investment from just $80,000 USD, the exclusive gated community is offering yields in the region of 15% NET.

Property Frontiers CEO Ray Withers is excited about the potential that Sub-Saharan Africa holds when it comes to property. Seen by many as the final frontier so far as investment is concerned, here he shares his top 10 reasons to take a closer look at Africa.

1. Double population growth expected

Africa’s population is expected to double over the next 25 years, the fastest growth rate of any continent. According to Knight Frank’s Africa Report 2015, by 2100 nearly 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa. This rapid increase in population will cause a huge disparity between supply and demand for housing.

2. Youngest population in the world

According to the World Bank, Africa’s median age was 19.7 years in 2012 and is expected to increase to 25.4 years in 2050, making it the continent with the youngest population. With this comes a boom in consumerism, bringing about both opportunities and challenges as the working-age population grows.

3. Political stability

Increased political stability on the continent and participation in local partnerships will continue to ease investors’ concerns. Uganda, for example, has experienced political stability and continuous economic growth for nearly 30 years. With neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, it has created the most advanced international political group in Africa and is benefiting from free trade between member countries and cooperation on major infrastructure projects, including the planned high-speed link from Mombasa to Uganda.

4. Huge housing shortage

Rapid urbanisation and rising income levels due to robust economic growth has created significant demand for residential property across Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda is facing a current housing shortage of 550,000 units, with 100,000 of these in Kampala alone. With the population expected to increase from 38 million to 63 million by 2030, current estimates project a housing shortage of close to 8 million units in 20 years’ time, with 1 million of those in Kampala.

This disparity in supply and demand for quality accommodation in Uganda presents an exciting and lucrative opportunity for both developers and investors.

5. Sustained economic growth

Much of Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing strong economic growth. In Uganda alone, the economy grew by 5.3% in 2014 and is forecast to grow by 5.8% in 2015/2016. This is producing significant demand from multinational corporations, local businesses, start ups and consumers for high-quality commercial real estate.

To add to the success story, oil has been discovered in Uganda in significant quantities, and will give rise to the requirement for office space and oil refineries, which will therefore create a ripple effect on other areas of the economy.

6. Rapid urbanisation

Urbanisation is occurring faster in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world as migrants move from rural to urban settlements. The real estate sector will play a major role in shaping Africa’s urban future, as city infrastructures develop and demand for low and middle income housing increases.

7. Expanding middle classes

Africa’s rapidly expanding middle class is attracting overseas investors looking to capitalise on this growing market. According to South Africa’s Standard Bank, studies suggest that within the next decade, the number of middle class households across 11 Sub-Saharan African countries are expected to boom in the next 16 years from today’s 15 million to over 40 million by 2030.

8. Wealth of natural resources

Across the continent, new discoveries of oil, natural gas and minerals are promising to completely transform national balance sheets. This is leading to the need for further infrastructure – including transport routes and hubs, energy power stations and telecommunication networks.

With a wealth of oil, natural reserves and vast amounts of land for agriculture, the continent will likely play a greater role in servicing global oil and gas consumption. The continent holds one third of global mineral reserves and one tenth of global oil reserves, and produces two thirds of the world’s diamonds, according to PwC.

9. Rise in technology

Technology use is expected to increase rapidly across the continent in the coming years, according to McKinsey & Company. In 2013, 67 million people in Africa used smartphones and 16% of the population was online. By 2025, the report projected, Internet penetration will reach 50%. That’s 600 million Internet users, using 360 million smartphones. As a result, emerging technology, media and telecom companies will urgently require office space and housing.

10. FDI has reached highest level

Africa’s share of global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has reached the highest level in a decade, according to the Executing Growth, Ernst & Young Africa Attractiveness Survey. The study found that two of the main drivers of investment in Africa were a growing middle class and increased urbanisation, both of which support investment in real estate.

To play your part in Africa’s bright future, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.