Leading property developers and estate agents Property Secrets will be sponsoring tomorrow’s international football match between the world’s smallest nation Sealand, based on a former military fortress island in the North Sea just six miles of the coast of Suffolk and the national team of the Chagos Islands located in the Indian Ocean approximately 500 kilometres south of the Maldives.

Kicking off at the home of Godalming Town FC, Surrey at 2:30pm tomorrow, the most unusual of matches has been authorised as a recognised international fixture by the Nouvelle-Federation Board, the non FIFA governing body.

Prince Regent Michael of Sealand comments,

“The Principality of Sealand is pleased to announce that our Football Association has arranged an international football match against the Chagos Islands and we wish them every success. We are extremely excited about tomorrow’s match and as we say in Sealand, e mare libertas!”

Meanwhile the opposition Herold Mandarin, President of Chagos Island’s Football Association had this to say:

“Not only are we proud to be playing another international football match, but we are even more excited to be battling it out against Sealand. Indeed, this is another chance to shine the spotlight firmly on Chagos and help propel the team onto the international stage. It’s all an opportunity to tell people about the history and the people from this relatively unknown land. I invite all Chagossians and those who support us to come to tomorrow’s match.”

Commenting on this rare occasion, Director Alan Forsyth of Nottingham based Property Secrets  states:

“This was an opportunity we just couldn’t resist.  As keen sport fans ourselves, the opportunity to sponsor a very uncommon and historic international football match was something we were very keen to be involved in. We are certain that tomorrow will be an exciting day and we are very much looking forward to being part of the event.”

For sporting fans, friends of Sealand and those wanting to witness a rare footballing event, why not grab a ticket and come along. Tickets cost £3 and include a match programme and access to the bar after the game to watch the FA Cup Final.

If you are local and would like to get your hands on a free ticket please contact Property Secrets today on 0115 9853963 or email service@propertysecrets.net. Tickets are limited so get in quick!

Editors Notes

www.propertysecrets.net provides free property articles provided by a host of contributors around the UK and Overseas giving insightful information on the property markets the contributors invest in.  Propertysecrets.net also acts as an estate agent – specifically targeting distressed sellers, and properties under market value, as well as giving strong rental returns that are attractive to property investors.  These properties are highlighted to subscribers to the website only. Subscribe today for free at www.propertysecrets.net and get access to 100s of free property articles and off market property opportunities.

Motivated by a combination of factors including lower house prices, improving availability of mortgage finance and rising rents, it seems that good old bricks and mortar is seducing investors back into its arms once again.

Certainly, one of the biggest attractions resulting in increasing numbers of people investing in buy-to-let properties comes from the fact UK rents have reached new record highs with the latest rental price index from property portal Findaproperty.com stating that the average cost of renting a home in the UK rose by 2% in Q2 2011 reaching a staggering £867 a month by the end of June as demand from frustrated first time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder continues to bump up prices.

In response to the surge in demand for rental property, further data taken from the index shows a 9.7% increase in the number of properties being offered for rent in the three months to the end of June this year with the the increase taking the annual rise in rents to 4.4%.

Alan Forsyth, Director of highly respected buy-to-let experts, Property Secrets comments,

“Although not as easy as it was four years ago, investors are once again recognising that purchasing buy-to-let property in the UK can offer significant long term gains and with property prices having fallen to more affordable levels those who chose to invest for rental returns rather than capital growth certainly won’t be disappointed.”

Forsyth continues,

“And, even though London rents are at a jaw dropping high we believe that the North East of England offers the best of both worlds – a lucrative buy-to-let market that still provides a very healthy average rent of £582 a month according to the index but with very affordable purchase entry levels. You only have to look at our incredible offers in the North East area to understand why investing here makes sense.”

As the proud owner of 20 buy to let units purchased through investment experts Property Secrets, property investor Scott Goodall from London has been a loyal devotee to the buy-to-let model across the UK for over two years and is pleased that the market is bulking up once more commenting,

“I have bought over a third of my portfolio through Property Secrets primarily because they source sensible and affordable properties in emerging cities and towns in the UK that will provide the best results. My buy-to-let properties achieve between 7.6% and 9% yields with the majority of them suitable for business people and young families although I have dipped my toe into the expanding student accommodation market by buying a couple of pods.

“I absolutely love buy-to-let investing and the opportunities it provides and I would certainly encourage fellow investors thinking about diving into the buy-to-let world to give Property Secrets a call and take advantage of the rising demand for rental property -now is the time.”

Indeed, if you’re thinking about entering into the thriving rental market Property Secrets can source numerous buy-to-let properties on demand and have some excellent investment opportunities available in the North East.

As a buy-to-let investment in Hull, a fully refurbished 2 bed mid terrace house with double glazing, gas central heating, a new kitchen and bathroom, new carpets and simple decor throughout on Essex Street is available from just £54,400 with a potential rental income of £375 per month while financial and legal fees are covered and the property can be tenanted from day one.

In addition, on the edge of the thriving market town of Gainsborough, is the beautifully laid out development of Brooklands. Property Secrets has eight 4 bedroom townhouse affording superb family homes featuring comfortable lounges and master bedroom which boast luxury of en-suite facilities. From just £99,995 with a market value of £132,500, and a healthy net yield of 7.6% these properties are expected to generate a rental income of around £650 perfect for achieving exceptional returns.

For more information about reaping the rewards of the buy-to-let market in the UK and the free viewing trips offered by Property Secrets call today on 0115 985 3963, email investments@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.

In spite of the gloomy economic climate, the student accommodation sector has remained extraordinarily buoyant, kept afloat by the imbalance of supply and demand of student housing felt in many university cities across the UK.

With the assurance of a guaranteed long term income and appealing yields of between 5.25% and 7.00% depending on location and the leasing agreement, investors have been snapping up purpose built student accommodation residences left right and centre, with an estimated £347,675,000 committed to the sector in the UK since the beginning of 2011 according to the latest report from CB Richard Ellis 2011.

Indeed, student numbers have been rising year-on-year over the last five years, increasing by 4% last year alone according to the CBRE report with the growth in university students putting considerable pressure on the existing student housing stock across the country. The report highlights that there are around five full-time students for every bed-space available in Brighton and Hove University for example followed by a mere seven spaces in Dundee and nine in Glasgow.

Concerns over the impact on demand due to the forthcoming £9,000 a year student tuition fees have been allayed as students will not need to pay any of charges up-front, a key factor in upholding existing levels of housing demand and ensuring upward pressure on rents. In fact, it has been suggested that the increased fees will place greater importance on value for money and improved quality with student accommodation playing a significant part in the overall university experience.

Jennet Siebrits, head of Residential Research, CB Richard Ellis comments,

“Accommodation will play an even more important role in a university’s overall offer as students’ expectations increase with their budgets which will see students demand high quality accommodation, a good service led approach from operators and ideally, all inclusive rent. Private developers will be relied upon to plug this gap, given that the universities will have very little capital to do so themselves. This should encourage more opportunities for developers to work closely with the institutions going forward, which will also prove helpful in the planning process.”

It is expected that demand for student housing will continue to remain resilient overall with the sector predicted to outperform most other property sectors by some margin and with investors and developers continuing to be attracted to the traditional university cities, predominantly those in the Russell Group which represents the 20 leading universities in the UK, there are plenty of investment opportunities to be had.

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

“Students have realised the appeals of modern, purpose built accommodation available from the private sector and this in turn is pushing up demand. Consequently, buy to let investors will continue to look towards the private student housing market as a way of ensuring guaranteed returns as well as a diversification of their real estate portfolios – our student housing developments located close to the Russell Group University of Manchester will enable investors to do just that.”

With a booming market and high rental yields to be enjoyed, buy-to-let property experts, Property Secrets, are offering the chance to invest in two hands-off, hassle free opportunities in Manchester.

Montgomery House, a student accommodation block, ideally situated on the edge of Alexandra Park close to the city centre and Manchester University consists of 240 individual bedrooms as well as bathrooms, kitchens and living areas priced at just £24,000 for a student pod with a rental guarantee for the first year and a gross rental yield of 6-10%.

Additionally, consisting of one, two and three bed duplex apartments totalling to 100 apartments with each apartment affording a large open plan living area, modern fitted kitchen, modern bathroom fittings and off street parking, Empress Mill in Manchester costing from just £65,000 has a long leasehold basis for a period of 125 years and has an estimated rental income potential of £500pcm with a yield of around 8%

For more information on these fantastic opportunities to invest in a secure and lucrative development destined to make significant returns please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0)115 985 3963, email info@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.

As a land of contrast, sitting on the mouth of the river Wear, the north eastern city of Sunderland effortlessly balances buzzing urban life with a peaceful landscape of luscious green countryside and picturesque coastal views. It’s hardly surprising then that Sunderland, with its enviable location is fast becoming a highly sought after property hotspot for homemakers and students alike.

Sunderland has an ever improving quality of life, certainly one of its biggest appeals, with a proposed £1 million investment being injected into the city over the next few years seeing new housing developments emerge left, right and centre.

Indeed, this year’s new £8.5 million science complex at the University of Sunderland has brought major health benefits with a ‘real time’ impact to the north east as well as the new Sunderland Software City programme, aiming to inspire and support the growth of the Software Industry over the next few years in an attempt to make the North East the best place to do business in the international software arena – certainly an excellent step for the economic health of the region.

Moreover, the north east city is creating quite a name for itself through association with worldwide superstars with famous sporting athlete Michael Johnson receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Sunderland for his outstanding contribution and ambassadorial role in the world of athletics with Johnson stating:

“I am delighted to be associated with the University of Sunderland. I have always been involved in athletics at the elite end and the support that universities generally give to future stars while they are at college is excellent. Sunderland is no exception – you just have to look at the campus.”

And an impressive campus it is, voted in the past as having the most satisfied students in the north east region according to a National Student Survey as well as a commendable score of 78 in the recent student satisfaction rankings according to The Times Good University Guide 2012 – a very useful knowledge source for potential buy to let property investors considering the student accommodation market is currently said to be the single largest untapped real estate market in Western Europe providing some of the biggest and most lucrative investment opportunities in the world.

Over the past three years student applications to The University of Sunderland home to around 18,000 students have risen substantially with 9,875 applications in 2008 jumping by 35% to 13,363 applications in 2010 according to data from UCAS.

Of course, as the city continues to prosper adding a greater deal of wealth to the metropolis, an increased strain on the demand for property, in particular student accommodation becomes more apparent especially seeing as Sunderland already has few dedicated student halls offering affordable single student rooms.

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

“Sunderland has undergone a period of massive regeneration in recent years and with a bright future ahead, this market is ready for the taking. Certainly, affordable student accommodation in Sunderland is in high demand and currently there is a huge opportunity for investors to be involved in this lucrative market with our two new purpose built student accommodation developments in Sunderland priced 25% below current valuation, offering a 1 year rental guarantee and 9-11% net yields per annum.”

Buy-to-let property experts, Property Secrets, has recognised Sunderland’s potential and has Rectory Lodge, a purpose built fully furnished modern 26 en suite student bedroom development and West lodge, a gorgeous mansion with large rooms and 4 very large living rooms on offer priced between £33-35,000 only a minute from The University of Sunderland and just six minutes from the impressive city centre.

For more information on investing in the new forward thinking city of Sunderland please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0)115 985 3963, email info@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.

Manchester, known across the globe for having one of the world’s most famous football clubs, has come a long way over the years and is now firmly one of England biggest and most popular cities not just for football or leisure attractions like The Trafford Centre but for excellent property investment opportunities.

Currently, the Manchester metropolis is doing well on several fronts seeing an increase in turnover in retail businesses by 2.7% in the year up to March 2011 according to data from CityCo, in addition to the Civil Aviation Authority recently publishing new research showing a 12.8% increase in passenger numbers at Manchester Airport between February and March this year, a rise of 137,000 passengers, the highest monthly increase since May and June 2010.

Recently, the city of Manchester was dubbed a top spot for investment according to a report by Knight Frank suggesting that it is now one of the best cities with the strongest investment potential in the UK.

Alan Forsyth Director of property investment experts Property Secrets comments,

“Demand for new properties in prime locations experiencing strong economic growth and increased job opportunities such as Manchester is on the up, seeing increased numbers of people buying properties in the city, an attractive alternative market to London with property almost half the price of London’s. Certainly, we believe our high yielding properties, including our student accommodation developments located in excellent rental areas in Manchester are head and shoulders above similar developments in any other major city and will produce healthy positive monthly incomes.”

Indeed, Manchester’s appeal as a first rate investment location is likely to be further enhanced when the BBC vacate their west London Television Centre in Wood Lane, with several thousand members of staff moving to its new BBC North HQ in Salford in an attempt to make cost savings as well as improve relationships with audiences across the North of England. In fact, the first wave of BBC journalists have already transferred to MediaCityUK, Salford Quays the new home for the BBC and ITV as well as others to meet the specific needs of the media and creative industries as well as public audiences seeing BBC Breakfast, Sport, Learning, Media, Technology and Radio 5 departments move north.

Undeniably, this will spell great news for Salford and Manchester as a whole seeing greater business opportunities and an increased number of people looking for rental property generating a new age of property prosperity in the region.

Property experts, Property Secrets know only too well the excellent investment gains that can be obtained in Manchester and believes the city ticks all the boxes with a trendy development located only 5 minutes away from MediaCityUK.

Empress Mill located in Manchester consists of one, two and three bed duplex apartments based around the conversion of an existing mill building with a new build extension, totalling to 100 apartments with each apartment affording a large open plan living area, modern fitted kitchen, modern bathroom fittings and off street parking.

Located near to Manchester City Centre and close to a range of bars and restaurants, Empress Mill costing from just £65,000 for a one bedroom apartment has a long leasehold basis for a period of 125 years and has an estimated rental income potential of £500pcm with a yield of around 10% net offering a fantastic opportunity to invest in a lucrative and secure development in a hot investment spot destined to make significant returns.

For more information please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0)115 985 3963, email info@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.

7pm, Wednesday 22nd June 2011, Novotel, Euston, London

Well-respected property investment company and experienced buy-to-let investors, Property Secrets would like to invite you to an insightful property seminar this month in London.

Completely free and informal, the seminar will cover:

• Current opportunities in the UK including the lucrative untapped market of student accommodation in Manchester and buy-to-let hotspot, Hull
• Exciting new overseas investment opportunities including eco homes in Estonia and BMV property in Detroit
• The team behind Property Secrets, the forward thinking property experts
• Exclusive top tips on successful property investing
• Networking opportunities with like-minded investors

Director Alan Forsyth and Portfolio Managers from the Property Secrets team will be on hand throughout the day to provide valuable one to one advice and private consultation slots are available starting early afternoon.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided with networking opportunities starting from 6pm and the seminar will commence at 7pm. Afterwards there will be the opportunity to join Property Secrets in the bar to discuss the day’s events.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about investing in property and gain valuable advice from one of the biggest specialists in the industry.

Places are limited so to reserve please RSVP before Monday 20th June to Charlotte Ashton on +44 (0) 207 952 7227 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

Estonia is no longer Europe’s best kept secret, with increasing GDP growth, record numbers of tourists and a commitment to renewable energies and eco developments. The smallest of the Baltic countries is certainly making its presence felt.

According to Statistics Estonia, the government agency of the Ministry of Finance, Estonia’s GDP has increased by an impressive 8% in Q1 2011 compared to the same quarter last year, seeing exports of goods rise by 53% with most of the value added growth attributed to manufacturing. Moreover, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) suggests that Estonia’s economy may develop further with a 5.9% increase this year.

Alan Forsyth, Director of property investment experts, Property Secrets, which markets investment opportunities in Estonia comments,

“Estonia certainly has placed itself on the global investment radar. As well as the welcomed boost in GDP, the National Tourist Board recently announced that Estonia has seen a 41% increase in the number of UK visitors with a record number welcomed in Q1 2011.

“Additionally, more than 259,000 tourists stayed in hotels and other forms of accommodation between January and March this year, a 19% rise compared to the same time last year which could well be attributed to the fact that Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, has been voted European Capital of Culture 2011 as well as low cost airline EasyJet recently introducing flights to the Estonian capital from Liverpool making it easier to visit the Baltic country.”

Certainly, the growth in visitor numbers is excellent news, not only for the country’s economy but for potential property buyers as Estonia has seen an increase in population growth according to Statistics Estonia with the biggest attraction being the city of Tallinn, which was able to keep net migration positive for the second year in a row.

Of course, as the population of Estonia grows, a greater need for housing becomes more apparent. According to data from The Global Property Guide, property prices in Tallinn rose by 2.5% over the year-to-end Q1 2011 indicating that the housing market is sitting comfortably. This, along with the Estonian construction industry experiencing 34% year on year growth in the number of construction projects underway in Q1 2011 according to Statistics Estonia, paints a positive picture for potential property investors.

Most interestingly, research by KPMG has stated that Estonia is focussing heavily on eco developments, investing much of its European funding in projects with an environmental appeal. For instance, the production of electricity from renewable sources in Estonia in 2009 increased nearly threefold compared to the previous year according to Statistics Estonia and certainly, the government’s approval of the Estonian Renewable Energy Action Plan last year spanning until 2020, by which the share of renewable energy is thought to grow to at least 25% of all domestic consumption, will have triggered further eco efforts of housing developers.

Property Secrets have been insightful enough to delve into Estonia’s undoubtedly lucrative eco housing market and have a unique and truly sustainable development on offer.
Fully planned and carbon negative, Keble House, built in the beautiful residential complex Oxford Park and priced at only €107,307, with 20% covered by the developer, is the first of its type in Europe, offering a 2 bedroom natural wood terrace house with front and back garden and parking only 30 minutes’ drive from the border of the capital Tallinn.

The Oxford Park complex is the only new community development in Europe to plan its own independent renewable heat and electricity source (allowing it an A+ rating), based on clean biomass renewable energy, supplying all the properties through a smart grid, putting it well ahead of similar developments in the UK.
With a 5 year rental guarantee at 5% of purchase price this is the perfect opportunity to reap the rewards from Estonia’s emerging market by investing in a beautiful and sustainable eco-friendly property.

For further information please contact Property Secrets on +44 (0) 115 985 3963, email info@propertysecrets.net or visit www.propertysecrets.net.

7pm, Wednesday 15th June, Marriott hotel, 111 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh

Well-respected property investment company and experienced buy-to-let investors, Property Secrets would like to invite you to an insightful property seminar this month in Edinburgh.

Completely free and informal, the seminar will cover:

•  Current opportunities in the UK including the lucrative untapped market of student accommodation in Manchester and buy-to-let hotspot, Hull

•  Exciting new overseas investment opportunities including eco homes in Estonia and BMV property in Detroit

•  The team behind Property Secrets, the forward thinking property experts

• Exclusive top tips on successful property investing

• Networking opportunities with like-minded investors

Director Alan Forsyth and Portfolio Managers from the Property Secrets team will be on hand throughout the day to provide valuable one to one advice and private consultation slots are available starting early afternoon.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided with networking opportunities starting from 6pm and the seminar will commence at 7pm. Afterwards there will be the opportunity to join Property Secrets in the bar to discuss the day’s events.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about investing in property and gain valuable advice from one of the biggest specialists in the industry.

Places are limited so to reserve please RSVP before Monday 13th June to Charlotte Ashton on +44 (0) 207 952 7227 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.