Self-storage as a concept began in the US in the 1960s with an increasingly transient population taking advantage of dedicated units to store their belongings whilst working away from home. Over the past 50 years its popularity has grown so rapidly in fact that today 1 in 10 use one of the country’s 50,000 facilities.

Heralded as the best performing real estate investment in the US over the past decade according to the Bloomberg Riskless Return Ranking, America currently uses 7.5 sq ft of self-storage space per person compared to only 0.5 sq ft in the UK and even less in Europe but the market is growing – and rapidly!

According to the Self Storage Association UK (SSA UK) Annual Survey 2012 in association with Drivers Jonas Deloitte, there are an estimated 815 self-storage facilities in the UK equating to 29.6 million sq ft of storage space.

Well documented as an industry that has avoided the tough economic climate and seen real growth in hard times (an 8% increase in the number of UK stores in the last year alone), the estimated total annual turnover for the UK self-storage industry in 2011 was £355 million.

As Ray Withers, Chief Executive of award-winning property investment agency, Property Frontiers which is exclusively marketing the first genuine UK self-storage investment opportunity, Personal Storage, Hampton Court, comments,

“Indeed the recession and the need to downsize for those moving home or office has been a benefit to the storage industry. Approximately 60% of self-storage use is related to the housing market but commercial demand is also high especially from start-ups, e-Bay businesses and archiving. Business customers are in fact highly sought after as statistically they stay twice as long in units as domestic users.”

The demand for storage space is especially high in and around the Capital with only 8.1 million sq ft of rentable self-storage space currently available in London for a population of 8.3 million people equating to 0.98 sq ft per person.

High land and commercial property prices had resulted in a lack of new stores opening in London over the past 5 years, in fact only 28% of the total amount of self-storage in UK is in the Capital however established self-storage company, Personal Storage, has secured a prime site in the affluent area of Hampton Court for its latest store.

Located approximately 9 miles south west of London, this latest addition to the Personal Storage portfolio is perfectly situated to capitalize on the demand for additional storage from the 150,000 strong population located within 15 minutes’ drive including some 23,000 university students not to mention the thousands of businesses nearby.

With over 15,200 net sq ft of secure self-storage space available with a variety of unit sizes up to 90+ sq ft, ample space to store the contents of an average 2 or 3 bedroom house, Personal Storage Hampton Court offers plenty of opportunity for investment. With an investment of as little as £14,878 inclusive of VAT, investors can purchase a 999 leasehold title from the building owners and developers as well as a 15 year full, repairing and insuring commercial lease with Personal Storage who will manage the 45 sq ft unit and handle all operations. Returns equivalent to 8% Net in the first 2 years rising to over 10% are assured with an optional buy back from year 5 providing a credible and defined exit strategy makes Personal Storage Hampton Court a genuine property investment in today’s uncertain market.

For more information on how to think inside the box and invest in Personal Storage Hampton Court contact Property Frontiers today for your free interactive Investment Guide on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

With less than a month to go until the long awaited return of the OPP Gala Dinner on the 10^th October 2012, we are delighted to announce that not only will this prestigious event recognise the very best in the overseas property industry through the presentation of the OPP Awards for Excellence but also provide an opportunity for individuals and companies alike to give something back via the new charity auction.

Organised by the Frontiers Foundation, the charitable organisation set up in 2011 by trustees Ray Withers, Chief Executive of OPP award-winning Property Frontiers and Charlotte Ashton, MD of leading PR agency, AB Property Marketing, the charity auction will raise funds by the auctioning of six superb prizes ranging from a weekend for two in a 5* French chateau to international rugby tickets and dinner for two in a top London restaurant.

Following the overwhelming success of the Frontiers Foundations’ first project, the drilling of the borehole at Ngwezi B in south west Zambia earlier this summer, every penny raised from the auction will go directly to the Frontiers Foundation’s next project – Kids in Kenya: Transforming the Ket Wangi orphanage.

The Frontiers Foundation has chosen to support the Mother of Ket Wangi, Emily Odera, in her quest not only to maintain but expand and improve her orphanage, Ket Wangi on the shores of Lake Victoria in Western Kenya.

Emily’s modest family home currently houses 32 kids affected by the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008 and another 40 or so arrive each day for food and education, 21 of them are HIV positive. The orphanage has no formal classrooms, dormitories or even a suitable kitchen; let alone a dining room, bathrooms, library and educational resources yet the children are happy and safe.

Ket Wangi’s needs are great in all extents but the Frontiers Foundation has committed to assisting in two key areas:

1. Building a block of 3 toilets with 2 sinks following the collapse of the old block in April due to a landslide

2. Building of 3 temporary classrooms dedicated to education and completion of the one classroom already started by visiting students

Charlotte Ashton, Frontiers Foundation Trustee comments,

“One of the core values underpinning the Frontiers Foundation is supporting individuals such as Emily Odera who have taken it upon themselves to make a real difference to those in need in their communities. The Ket Wangi orphanage receives no government funding and only survives on Emily’s meagre nurse’s salary and donations.

“The total funds required to complete both the classrooms and toilet block are £7,000. This relatively small amount, an average sales commission, will truly transform Ket Wangi, enabling the children to have separate sleeping and learning areas as well as hygienic toilet facilities. These new buildings will also enable the orphanage to meet official requirements, ensuring its sustainability and a future for the children.”

The auction will be conducted by the ever talented Paul Owen, Owner of the Clear Path Company, and tickets for the OPP Gala Dinner at The Brewery in The City of London are still available for £225 + VAT per seat (£191.25 + VAT per seat for OPP Connect members) and tables of ten for £2,025 + VAT (£1721.25 + VAT for OPP Connect members) via Naomi Zammit on +44 (0) 208 734 3969 or Naomi.Zammit@richmondgreengroup.com.

If you would like to know more about the Frontiers Foundation and the Kids in Kenya project you can like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FrontiersFoundation or if you would like to show your support by donating an auction prize then please contact fellow Frontiers Foundation Trustee, Katie Bidwell on +44 (0) 1865 202 700.

With the 2012/13 academic year about to get underway, finding accommodation will be at the top of most university students’ to-do lists.

For many, especially in their first year of higher education, a shared or if they’re lucky, a single room in university owned halls will be the most likely place they’ll rest their studious minds but with more young people than ever, especially from overseas, attending UK universities, competition for accommodation is rife with many forced to consider other options including the private rented sector.

But what happens when the quality of accommodation and the supply is just not there as is the case in the popular university city of Brighton?

This is what student Adele Debono found during her time in the city when interviewed exclusively by Property Frontiers on her graduation day earlier this summer. One of 30,000 students in Brighton, Adele found the city “awesome” as a university location but when asked about student accommodation she said that there wasn’t too much available and that purpose built accommodation, as is being developed at The Regency on Lewes Road, just minutes from campuses and the city centre, would “be amazing”.

For Adele one of the most important factors was affordability, especially with the additional financial burden of higher tuition fees but also being able to live with other students, coming home to housing dedicated to them would be ideal.

And it is just the needs of students like Adele that The Regency in Brighton is designed to meet. The 39 high grade self-contained studio apartments won’t solve the 18,900 student bed shortage in the city but it will be the first purpose built student accommodation investment opportunity in Brighton and set the standard for a higher grade of student housing.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers which is exclusively selling The Regency, comments,

“We have searched extensively, carefully considering dozens of developers and projects up and down the land, to find a new and exciting student property investment – one which makes the grade. Working in close partnership with a reputable developer with over 15 years’ experience, we have put together this premier student accommodation investment model, one which delivers high yields assured for 2 years from an affordable entry point for investors but also meets the exacting needs of today’s students.”

Already 40% sold within weeks of launch, the self-contained luxury studio apartments are available from £70,500 with only 50% deposit required to exchange, in addition a favourable payment plan is available and 5% interest will be paid on the deposit funds during build.

For more information contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or watch Adele’s exclusive interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-1feJ3UU8.

With nearly 3 years’ experience as innovators and pioneers of purpose built student accommodation under their belt and over 100 student rooms already sold in 2012 alone, Property Frontiers are once again leading the field with the launch of The Regency in Brighton.

Capitalising on the growing demand from not only domestic and international students but investors alike for purpose built accommodation in the South of England, The Regency presents a higher grade of student accommodation with large and luxurious self-contained studio apartments available with a deposit of just £35,250.

Identified as a “new opportunity market” by Savills, the coastal city of Brighton presents the perfect imbalance between supply and demand with only 5,576 bed spaces for over 34,000 students, of which 24,460 are full time (Jones Lang LaSalle – Brighton Student Demographics July 2011).

As Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, explains,

“Located just 52 minutes direct by train from central London and 24 miles south of Gatwick international airport, Brighton is a stable and high value property market in its own right. With a total population of some 247,000, the student community comprise a significant 10% yet their needs for housing have simply not been met – until now!”

Home to two well respected higher education institutions, the University of Brighton with 14,620 students and five campus locations and the University of Sussex, home to 9,840 full time students, Brighton is a popular choice, ranked the third best student investment location recently by Knight Frank.

Approximately 10% of the total student population are from overseas yet both universities only provide accommodation for a small number of their students. Over 77% of all students, some 18,900, have to find alternative accommodation usually by living at home or in the already crowded private rented sector.  

Indeed the local council authorities are well aware of the student housing shortage and fully support new development initiatives such as The Regency. As stated in the Brighton & Hove City Plan: Student Housing Policy Options Paper, “[Brighton & Hove] council wants to take a positive and proactive approach to new student accommodation to ensure that they are located in the most suitable places in terms of accessibility and impacts on the amenity of surrounding areas.”

Comprising 39 self-contained luxury studio apartments delivered fully furnished and finished to the highest standard, The Regency will be sure to meet today’s students exacting demands. Larger than the majority of purpose built student rooms, studios at The Regency are located close to the city centre, minutes from two large University campuses, shops and amenities and 25 minutes’ walk to the beach and the iconic Brighton Pier. 

Even with The Regency occupying a prime location in the south of England, rooms are competitively priced starting from only £70,500 for a standard studio rising to £114,175 for the limited number of twin studios. Net yields of 8% are assured in the first 2 years and in addition, unlike other student developments, there is a favourable payment plan with interest of 5% pa paid on all deposited funds during construction.

Working in partnership with an expert student accommodation developer with over 15 years’ experience and the UK’s leading independent student accommodation manager, CRM Students, completion is due in summer 2013 and studios at The Regency will be let for 44 weeks during term time and for 6 weeks during the summer to language schools who visit the city.

For more information about investing in the first purpose built student accommodation investment in Brighton, contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

Keen to avoid awkward situations as seen with the unfilled seats at the start of the Games last week, London’s hotel industry has been working hard to ensure that available rooms are filled during the Olympics and in keeping with ‘London 2012 Legacy’ – beyond.

And it seems that the effort has paid off with STR Global reporting that hotel occupancy in London reached almost 85% during the opening weekend of the Games and average room rates at £224.72 between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th July 2012.

At present, London hotels are busy particularly around the Docklands and Greenwich areas, an area notoriously short of beds, where occupancy has high jumped its way to 94.9%. This is one performance certainly deserving of a gold medal considering no host city over the past four Olympic Games has exceeded 90% hotel occupancy.

Commenting on this demand and the positive occupancy levels of hotels in London, Stuart Johnson, Head of Business Development at Property Frontiers, a Londoner himself who recently visited the up and coming Docklands area, said,

“Living and working in London, I can certainly vouch that tourism to the Capital is thriving! The Olympic effect is forecast to increase overseas visitor numbers from 30,000 to 60,000 per night this month alone according to the European Tour Operators Association and over US$700 million has already been spent by international guests according to VISA Inc.

“Indeed as PwC recently explained, the Olympics will have a long-lasting positive effect on London´s hotel industry given the investment that has been hammered into new and existing London hotels. The budget hotel sector alone has grown by 60% in room supply and we have seen investor interest in our project, the Holiday Inn Express – London ExCel, just minutes from the Olympic venues of ExCel and the O2 arena, spike so greatly since the Games began that only 13 rooms remain available.”

Situated less than 1 minutes’ walk from the Royal Albert Dock DLR station allowing access to the City in 22 minutes, the Holiday Inn Express – London ExCel is a superb investment opportunity. The spacious hotel rooms, operated by the global brand Holiday Inn Express, are very good value for money, priced 22% below RICS valuations, with 50% non-status finance available plus VAT paid by the developer resulting in a further saving of £25,000.

Priced at £125,000 with double digit NET yield of 10.5% by year 5, contact Property Frontiers today on 01865 202 700 for more information or visit http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/Tour-Olympic-London/index.php to watch Stuart Johnson’s exclusive video. 

Investor interest in Caribbean property is hotting up in line with the tropical temperatures with the news that these idyllic islands have been voted the top holiday destination this summer by British Airways customers.

Beating sunny contenders such as South Africa and perennially popular Florida, the Caribbean emerged as the clear winner with British holidaymakers – not wholly surprising considering that this June was the wettest since records began.

Claire Bentley, British Airways Holidays Managing Director, comments: “The thou ght of relaxing on a stunning beach, in the warm and friendly Caribbean is a real draw as the summer weather continues to be a bit of a let-down.”

As one of the main economic drivers, touristic appeal remains a high priority for many Caribbean nations. The region as a whole saw a positive 3.3% increase in visitor arrivals (23.8 million) in 2011 compared to 2010 according to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

Indeed accessibility continues to be paramount to the tourism success of many islands and those, such as the spice island of Grenada, with direct flights to international destinations including the UK, USA and Canada stand a better chance of not only maintaining but increasing visitor levels in the future.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, exclusive agents marketing the new first-time released hotel suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort on the island of Grenada, comments,

“It is very encouraging to see that, even despite the global economic downturn, Caribbean tourism levels continue to rise. Grenada alone welcomed 116,398 overnight guests and some 309,000 cruise ship day visitors in 2011 and with the World Travel & Tourism Council predicting the island to be the fastest growing market in the Caribbean between 2011 and 2021, we believe that Grenada is the best place to invest in the region.

“In terms of property investment opportunities, the vastly undersupplied luxury hotel sector remains one of the most attractive options. Hotel occupancy levels across the Caribbean rose to 61.8% in 2011 and RevPAR reached US$103.57, the highest levels reported since 2008 according to STR Global data. However hotel room supply in the region remains limited with only three new properties opening in 2011, increasing room supply by a mere 0.9% whilst demand in the region rose 3.5%.”

Addressing this discrepancy, Property Frontiers has just released for the first time, the exclusive new Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort. Located on a secluded 300m long white sandy beach on the southern shores of the tropical island paradise of Grenada, 15 minutes from the international airport, 5* Bacolet Bay is already 50% sold out yet due to rising demand for luxury accommodation on the island, the new spacious Cinnamon Suites which enjoy sea views from one of the highest points on the resort, are now available.

The perfect lifestyle investment, Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort are available 30% below independent valuations from $248,500, with a 3 year rental guarantee from 7.2% pa and 1 months personal usage. Completion and the opening of phase 1 is due in the second half of 2013 and the project will include waterfront restaurant, bars, swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, pontoon and walkways, tennis courts and a panoramic reception.

Units with the assured 3 year Buy Back are selling fast so contact Property Frontiers today on + 44 (0) 207 993 8888  visit www.propertyfrontiers.com for more information.

Wi-fi, en-suite facilities and communal areas are the most important features for higher education students when choosing accommodation according to a recent survey by Unite, developers and managers of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK.

The most active market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) according to Q1 2012 figures from Jones Lang LaSalle, UK hotel investment remains on the rise with savvy investors cashing in on the boom in Britain’s favourite small city, York (YouGov independent poll, 2011).

Heralded as a “bright and resilient sector” by PwC in their European Cities Hotel Forecast 2011 & 2012, the UK hotel industry saw positive growth in 2011 with the regions experiencing a 0.8% increase in room yield to £44.12 per night and a 1.5% increase in occupancy to 70.8% according to data from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services. The city of York itself ranked second in a league of 2011 occupancy rates compiled by industry analysts STR Global with a healthy occupancy level of 80.1%.

Commenting on the positive position of the UK’s regional hotel sector, Ray Withers, CEO of hotel investment experts, Property Frontiers, says:

“For some time now, investors have believed that London is the only location in the UK to consider making a successful hotel investment. This is quite simply not true. As with any investment, it’s about looking at the fundamentals of supply and demand and for this very reason we have identified Yorkshire and in particular the city of York, with its 7 million annual visitors and shortage of hotel rooms, as an opportunity seriously worth exploring.

“The statistics speak for themselves with the Chief Executive of Visit York reporting a 2% increase in average room rates in the city during last summer compared to the same period in 2010 and PwC forecasting growth rates of regional hotels increasing by 2.4% and RevPAR by some 2% in 2013, an investment in the York hotel market is a shrewd move.”

A ‘honeypot’ tourism destination in its own right, the city of York, which celebrates its 800 anniversary of self-governance this year, is one of the UK’s most popular destinations both with domestic and international visitors. According to the tourism organization, Visit York, over 7 million people visit annually with 81% having been to York previously and 84% likely to come back within the next 2 years. York is also currently being promoted as a destination of choice to the Chinese as part of the year long, UK Now programme.

One of England’s most historic cities, timelessly manifested through its beautiful buildings and monuments dotted throughout the city, York offers visitors diversity of culture and world class visitor attractions all set amidst stunning architecture steeped in history. York Minster, the largest medieval gothic cathedral in northern Europe welcomes at least 1 million guests each year alone in addition to the hugely popular Jorvik Viking Centre, York racecourse and rural leisure activities located in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.

The city of York is also expected to benefit from the forecast influx of some 320,000 tourists for the London Olympic Games this summer with 19% of Games visitors planning on visiting somewhere else in the UK during their trip (SLH, 2012). With this in mind, York-based train operator Eats Coast is putting on extra services between York and London, making it even easier to visit this historic city.

For those investors keen to cash in on York’s growing tourism demand and booming hotel sector, Property Frontiers has just launched its latest hotel investment project – Tulip Inn at Burn Hall. A fully operational and trading hotel set in 8 acres of beautiful countryside, 20 minutes from York, Tulip Inn at Burn Hall offers investors the rare opportunity to access an asset class not usually available to individuals.

Investors are able to purchase an en-suite hotel room for £49,950 which is then leased back to the hotel owner (which as of 15th September 2012 will be Tulip Inn, part of the second largest hotel group in Europe, the Louvre Group) who manages the room on the investors’ behalf. With 50% non-status finance available and cash-on-cash returns of to 23% in 2017, this is certainly one hotel investment not to be missed.

For more information on investing in the UK hotel market and Tulip Inn at Burn Hall, contact the experts at Property Frontiers on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

According to the latest research from CBRE, over £246 million of student housing investment deals in the UK were transacted in Q1 2012 with total investment in student accommodation increasing by nearly 50% to over £1.1 billion in 2011.

Indeed, demand for long leased products has risen seeing annual yields grow to 5.5% in the top regional towns for student housing let out to universities according to the CBRE research.

Furthermore UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services) has discovered that degree course applications from non-EU countries rose by an impressive 13.7% controlled primarily by students from East Asia, in particular Hong Kong.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading student property investment agency active in the top university town of Liverpool, Property Frontiers comments,

“As the very best asset class around, student accommodation is a proven and successful investment choice so it’s hardly surprising that investment deals in this sector in the UK are on the increase. For us, Liverpool student accommodation is one of our most popular and most lucrative markets with this sector attracting particular interest due to its affordable price point and double digit returns.

“Indeed, in spite of the 5.2% drop in 2012 degree course applicants in the UK compared to the same period in 2011, we are not surprised that applicants from non EU countries, particularly in Asia are on the up. At present, Chinese students make up the largest overseas student group in the UK, contributing around £2 billion to the economy and, with education being of high importance in Chinese culture and with Britain hosting some of the world’s best universities, Chinese students and investors alike are starting to make their mark.”

Currently, Liverpool presents the optimum buy-to-let environment for any investor, reaping significant returns from strong demand with the Knight Frank Student Property report 2012 identifying that average rents for apartments and en-suite rooms in regions such as Liverpool rose by 4% with total returns of around 10.5% last year.

For global investors looking for the perfect opportunity, new high quality private student housing developments such as The Paper Mill, Liverpool could provide the answer.

As the latest student accommodation development from Property Frontiers, The Paper Mill offers en-suite student rooms set within a well located refurbished building in central Liverpool from just £48,000.

Comprising 102 en-suite student rooms, The Paper Mill sits within a superior location; situated in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to Liverpool One shopping centre and offers investors a 10% NET yield assured in year 1.

The Paper Mill units are now 60% sold so make sure you make your mark and contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.