UK Buy-To-Let Sees Surge in Foreign Investment

Foreign investment in the buy-to-let sector has increased significantly in the past year, mainly due to a more favourable exchange rate post-Brexit. This has also been the case with British expats who’re looking to acquire rental properties back in the UK.

Traditionally, international backers have centred their investments on London. However, what we’ve seen recently is increased interest in regional areas outside the capital, namely the North West, Midlands and South West.

This signifies that, despite premature warnings over the Referendum and tax relief changes on the buy-to-let sector, confidence in the rental market has endured. Domestic investors should therefore recognise these buying trends and look to snap up properties in the UK whilst they can.

Traditionally, international backers have centred their investments on London.

Image credit: Rick Ligthelm via Flickr

Expat Investment

Although it’s not been uncommon for British expats to purchase property back home, there’s been a significant rise in these numbers since Brexit. A recent survey of financial intermediaries revealed that 68% had seen a rise in enquiries about buy-to-let mortgages from expats alone.

The predominant reason for this has been the devaluation of the pound since the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Sterling has weakened against the US dollar, falling from 1.49 on 23 June 2016, to around 1.30 at the time of writing. Currencies pegged to the dollar – such as Hong Kong, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – will be getting more for their money.

These findings are even more impressive considering the new stringent lending conditions introduced by the Prudential Regulation Authority this year. Although guidelines and borrowing limits were tightened, investors still haven’t been put off the UK market.

This is likely due to the strong performance of the rental sector. Rents are increasing year-on-year, with interest rates at historic lows. Combined with the favourable currency exchange, low-entry properties have become even more affordable and therefore produce higher yields.

The favourable exchange rate post Brexit has led to a surge in foreign investment in UK buy-to-let.

Image credit: Images Money via Flickr

Foreign Investment in UK Buy-to-Let

Higher expat activity is echoing the strong foreign investment in the UK as a whole. A study by property agent Savills shows that international buyers accounted for one-third of all investment in the UK’s regional property market last year. There’s no sign of this trend slowing down either.

Naturally, the devalued pound has played its part. Investec have calculated that a purchase of a property worth £1 million before the Referendum will cost around £200,000 less on the current market!

Likewise, various buy-to-let hotspots across the country provide consistently high rental yields on a long-term basis. This is especially the case with purpose-built student accommodation which is beginning to dominate the sector.

If you’re a foreign investor or British expat, it’s within your best interest to use an established estate agent who knows the UK market inside out. At Aspen Woolf, we provide specialised and impartial advice to clients from both home and abroad.

Foreign investors are now looking at other places outside of London to invest in property, including Liverpool.

Image credit: Radarsmum67 via Flickr

If you’d like some advice about investing in UK property, get in touch for a chat.
If you’re interested in student accommodation in particular, you might be interested in how the student accommodation sector is also benefitting from foreign investment.

The 5 Top Zones Surrounding Liverpool’s Eldon Grove

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. The same can be said of the neighbourhoods within a region. And in the case for our historic Eldon Grove development in Liverpool, five zones surrounding the iconic building display the impressive scale of regeneration the city is undergoing.

 

Liverpool Waters

1. Liverpool Waters

Much of Liverpool’s docklands has lain derelict in recent years. But in a bid to turn this historic part of the city into a vibrant waterfront quarter, the Peel Group has planned a massive £5.5bn regeneration of the area. The new development will be laid over four sectors and will include 21m sq. ft of new commercial and residential units, making up four hotels and 23,000 apartments. Premier League team Everton FC are also hoping to build their new multi-million pound stadium in Bramley Dock, within sector A of the project. There is also talk of a monorail linking the area to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

An enterprise zone has been created combining the Liverpool Waters and its sister project Wirral Waters. This large-scale project is sure to boost the local economy, with at least 17,000 full-time jobs being created from it.

 

The Commercial District in Liverpool

2. The Commercial District

Liverpool is a thriving creative city. It has a long history of hard-working industries and innovation. So it’s no surprise that today the city’s Commercial District is one of the strongest parts of the city. The financial heart of the city, the area is based around Old Hall Street and is home to a 60,000+ workforce drawn from the likes of the booming digital, leisure and legal sectors.

In the last 10 years or so there has been a myriad of building and redevelopment projects. The Commercial District is home to some of Liverpool’s most notable office buildings, including Liverpool’s tallest building, the West Tower, and New Hall Place, the city’s largest office building.

And in February 2016, Commercial District BID announced a 5 year plan to build on the success of the district, following a record breaking year for construction and office letting, with a £4million programme that includes projects such as a Superfast Broadband and free Wi-Fi scheme that would dramatically improve connectivity within the city.

 

Liverpool ONE shopping complex in Liverpool

3. Liverpool ONE

The large shopping, residential and leisure complex known as Liverpool ONE turned 42 acres of underutilised land in the city centre into one the UK’s largest and most successful open air shopping centres.

Following £920million of investment, the massive complex was built, featuring 1.6 million sq. ft of retail space, restaurants, cafes and bars, a 14-screen multiplex cinema, a five-acre park, 600 new apartments, two hotels, offices and a transport interchange. The unique project was designed by more than 20 architects, giving each of its different sectors an individual look. In fact, the masterplan was so well received, it was nominated for the RIBA Stirling prize – the first time a masterplan (rather than a particular building) has received such an honour.

Since opening in 2008, it has helped Liverpool become one of the top 5 retail destinations in the UK. This in turn has provided a significant boost to tourism and the local economy.

 

The Knowledge Quarter

4. The Knowledge Quarter

Stretching from Upper Parliament Street in the south to Islington in the north, and from Grove Street and Low Hill in to the east to Renshaw Street in the west, the Knowledge Quarter is one the greatest contributors to Liverpool’s economy. This area of the city alone produces £1 billion in income per year – that’s 15% of the entire city’s GVA!

The institutions in this area provide full-time jobs for 14,000 and education for 60,000 individuals. Most notable amongst them are:

  • Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
  • Liverpool John Moores University
  • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
  • The University of Liverpool
  • Liverpool Women’s Hospital
  • Royal Liverpool University Hospital
  • Liverpool Science Park
  • The National Oceanography Centre
  • Liverpool Cathedral
  • Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
  • The Philharmonic Hall
  • The World Museum

In a bid to cement its Knowledge Quarter as one of the most successful in the UK, Liverpool has encouraged a lot of regeneration in the area over the last decade, including the £451 million renovation of Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the £1billion Paddington Village extension.

 

Project Jennifer in Liverpool

5. Project Jennifer

Great Homer Street, in the Everton area of the city, is currently undergoing a £150 million regeneration scheme, known as Project Jennifer.
Along with a new 80,000 sq. ft District Centre, the development is designed to improve local roads, walkways and public spaces, and provide a number of new shops and homes. It will also house the famous ‘Greatie’ Market.

Named after the niece of the Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, Tom Williams, the venture aims to breathe new life into this prominent North Liverpool suburb. It is estimated that the project could bring up to 1000 new jobs to the local area, as well as enhancing the sense of community for residents.

With so much investment and innovation going on in this part of Liverpool, the city can expect to see a substantial rise in both economic and population growth, as well as a strengthening of its reputation as city of culture and potential.

 

If you want to learn more about the Eldon Grove development, and the regeneration occurring locally, read Eldon Grove – a Liverpool Treasure Comes Back to Life and New Everton Stadium Part of Liverpool Docklands Regeneration.

And if you’re interested in investing in Eldon Grove, you can find more information here.

What Effect Could the General Election Have on the Property Market?

After the surprise snap election called by Theresa May, voters will yet again head to the polling booths on 8 June. However, as much of the discussion has centred on each party’s manifesto and their post-Brexit outlook, some domestic matters have been overlooked.

One such issue comes with the property market and especially how the new or existing government will deal with a chronic undersupply of UK housing. In the build-up to election day, we’ll take a look at how property in the UK could be affected.

Previous Elections

By studying previous election patterns, a correlation emerges in relation to property market transactions. According to Alison Platt, chief executive at estate agent Countrywide, the past nine elections has seen a dip in sales in the weeks before polling day.

However, one difference this year is the timespan between Theresa May’s announcement on 18 April and the election date itself. We don’t have the same long run up as usual, meaning the normal ebb and flow of property activity is less likely to be affected.

The effect of the 2017 general election can be predicted by looking at past elections.

Image credit: Descrier via Flickr

Soft Impact

A survey conducted by eMoov helped confirm this. They canvassed 1,000 potential buyers/sellers in regard to their intentions now the election has been declared, asking the question:

“If you are buying/selling a house, will you still go ahead regardless?”

The results were pretty conclusive with nearly 60% saying they wouldn’t be discouraged. Only 18% stated they would wait until the result is announced, with the remainder being undecided.

60% of people polled said they wouldn't be discouraged in buying or selling property during the general election.

Image credit: George Rex via Flickr

Stability

The main factor behind the snap election is to help strengthen Theresa May’s position as Prime Minister. Should the Conservatives win (the most likely outcome according to the polls), investors will react positively to her ‘strong and stable’ mandate.

This is also the case with Brexit, with the Tories committed to finalising Article 50 as efficiently as possible. Again, property speculators prefer this attitude as long and short-term market conditions are likely to become clearer.

The general election will be held on 8 June 2017. How will it affect the property market?

Image credit: Number 10 via Flickr

Post-Election

Looking back over previous elections also shows activity begins to pick up in the three months after the result is announced. According to Countrywide, transaction levels can increase by as much as 13%. Likewise, the former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Jeremy Leaf has noted:

If the result is decisive either way, that will give the Government a greater mandate for its existing policies and is likely to result in a surge in activity in the housing market at least for the honeymoon period afterwards.”

In their manifesto, the Conservatives promise hundreds of millions of pounds invested over the next five years, although precise figures weren’t given. Labour addressed the lack of housing in theirs, promising to build one million new homes during their time in government.

Whatever the result, the snap General Election is unlikely to affect the UK’s housing market severely one way or the other. The stability seen after Brexit is therefore likely to remain, especially in the short run up to the vote on 8 June.

If you’re not sure about investing your hard earned money in property now, take a look at Why Property is Still the Most Lucrative Investment in 2017.

Forget London – Commuter Towns are the Hottest Places for Property Investment!

London has been a global beacon for finance and investment for decades, growing from strength to strength. However, with the eye-watering increase in property prices in recent years within the capital, many workers find themselves unable to afford to live comfortably in the city. The potential gains for buy-to-let investors have also been significantly hampered, with average rental yields for London homes being as low as 3.2% in February 2017.

For several years now, young professionals have been moving out of London and into towns within an easy commuting distance in order to find a home to buy or rent at a price that doesn’t break the bank. And this is exactly where savvy investors should be looking.

Whilst the prestige of owning a London property might be appealing, when you compare the ROI to investing in commuter towns, there’s no question as to where you’ll get more for you money. After all, isn’t that the whole point of investing in the first place?

Take Luton for example, where you are just 23 minutes from London by train. But for that small distance of just 30 miles, buyers can save an impressive 65% on property prices! While the average price of property in London is currently £685,877, in Luton it is just £239,618, a massive £446,259 less! And with a 10.4% increase in average rents in Luton since 2014 (the highest in the UK, by the way), investors can achieve rental yields of 6% (double that of London) making Luton one of the most profitable places in the UK to be a landlord.

 

So what should you look for when considering investing in a key commuter town?

 

Travel Time

Travel Time

Obviously the time it takes to travel into the capital (usually by train) is a key factor in a commuter town’s appeal – hence the epithet ‘commuter town’. Ideally you would want to keep this under 45 minutes.

 

rental yields increasing

House Prices and Rental Yields

Of course the difference in property prices and relative rental yields you could achieve compared to the capital will always be top of your list of things to take into account as an investor. Make sure the cost of the property is in line with the yield you want to achieve. Just because a property is expensive doesn’t guarantee it will yield higher rents.

 

UK Train Ticket

Commuter Travel Costs

Any savings that residents make on the cost of buying or renting a home in a commuter town is also impacted by the cost of their commute into London. Every Londoner is very aware of this. With some similar length routes costing more than others, it’s worth checking the prices for season tickets from the town you’re exploring. This is key in determining the commuter appeal.

 

Local amenities

Local Amenities

Whilst those living in commuter town will still look to the city for some of their more ostentatious entertainment (with it being easy to travel to), you still want to be comfortable in the town you’re living in, so easy access to shops, good schools, bars and restaurants, etc are an important consideration. Pay attention to development in the area as well as this often brings in new amenities. By noticing small improvements in the town and investing earlier, you could gain even more in capital growth just a year or two down the line.

 

London Cross Rail Logo

Upcoming Investment in the Area

This brings us to our last major point, which we just touched on. Any large-scale investment projects, such as town centre regeneration, in areas within the commuter belt are worth taking note of – and for towns that may previously have been thought of as a little too far out, transport infrastructure developments like Crossrail and can provide a huge boost. This is very fundamental when looking for new commuter towns to invest in. When the government is investing in the local transport system or even upgrading the train stations, that is usually followed by increases in house prices as well as more residents moving in due to the improved networks.

These factors all combine to provide the perfect enticement to potential residents and investors. With all this knowledge fresh in mind, now is a great time to look at potential property investments in commuter towns.

 

If you want to know what other factors to consider for your property investment then take a look at What Size Property Should You Buy for the Best Investment, or check out our Six Surprising Things That Affect Property Prices.

And if you’re already looking to start your investment journey, then take a look at the property we currently have available.

7 Fascinating Facts About Luton

Luton has been hailed a property hotspot thanks to its status a key commuter town for those who work in London. With comparatively low house prices and close proximity to the capital, this bustling town in the county of Bedfordshire has a lot to offer. But just how much do you know about Luton?

 

Luton International Carnival

1. Dancing in the Street

Luton hosts the UK’s biggest one-day carnival, the Luton International Carnival. This colourful, cultural event features a wide variety of music, performance artists, and dancers that come together in a large Brazilian-style procession. It is traditionally held on the late May bank holiday.

 

Hat Makers in Luton

2. Top Hats!

Dating back to the 1700’s, hat-making was one of Luton’s biggest industries. Even the local football team, Luton Town FC, are nicknamed ‘The Hatters’! Although millinery isn’t the high profile trade it once was, there are still several small-scale businesses in the town still producing high quality hats.

 

Ancient ruins on a hill

3. Ancient Roots

The earliest evidence of settlements in the Luton area are Palaeolithic encampments at Round Green and Mixes Hill that date back around 250,000 years!

 

Luton London airport

4. Home to One of London’s Main Airports

London Luton Airport is the fifth busiest in the UK and the fourth biggest of London’s six airports. One of the main employers in the town, the airport dates back to 1938 and was used by the RAF in WWII. They handle over 14,500,000 passengers a year and fly to 60 destinations across Europe, Northern Africa and Asia.

 

Lorraine Chase Campari Advert

5. And Famous for it!

Yes, in the 1970s Campari ran an advert featuring the glamourous Lorraine Chase in which her response to the question “Were you truly wafted here from paradise?” was “Nah, Luton Airport.” This immortalized the town, with the quote becoming a notable pop culture reference.

 

coins and a calculator

6. Profitable Property

According to data from LendInvest, Luton is one of the UK’s most profitable areas to be a landlord. With high rental yields of up to 6% and house prices rising 18.5% in 2015, the potential ROI for investors is certainly impressive. And thanks to an ever-growing population, demand has pushed average rents up by 10.4% since 2014 – the biggest in the UK!

 

Monty Panasar Wisen Cricket Player from Luton

7. The Full Monty

Former Wisden Cricketer of the Year and two-time Ashes winner Monty Panasar is from Luton!

Modern Luton is fast becoming the first choice area for creative young professionals who commute to London for work, but want a place to live that reflects their culture and lifestyle. With the ongoing investment in the town, including projects such as Luton’s Cultural Quarter, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for investors too.

 

Read more about what makes Luton a great place to invest in Why Invest in Luton.
And if you’re ready to start your investment journey, take a look at the properties we currently have in Luton.

Why Invest in Luton

Lying just 30 miles north of London, Luton is a key commuter town for the UK’s capital. Well-priced property, excellent transport links and a diverse community are making this large English town a popular choice for investors. Here’s why we think you should consider investing in property in Luton.

 

university of bedfordshire in Luton

University

In 2010, the University of Bedfordshire opened a new £34million Campus Centre in Luton, one of the university’s main hubs. And in the years that followed, this campus has continued to see significant investment. Nearly £30million has been spent on building the state-of-the-art Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre, the School of Art and Design, and the Media Arts Centre.

Luton itself also has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment. There’s shopping at The Mall Luton, an array of sports facilities, an 11-screen cinema, and a good mix of bars and restaurants. Moreover, in 2016, the town launched its Cultural Quarter, which is home to a collection of independent and creative businesses and hosts regular live entertainment such as events, gigs and festivals. Then of course there’s Luton International Carnival, the largest one-day carnival in Europe!

Being in such close proximity to London is also a big draw. This is just one reason why the town’s transport links are so significant.

 

luton airport

Transport

Whether travelling by road or rail, travelling into London from Luton is quick and easy. If coming by car, a straight route down the M1 motorway will bring you into the capital in under an hour. However this major UK road also heads north, taking drivers up to Leeds. Alternatively, travelling by Train takes less than 30 minutes! Luton has three mainline railway stations, Luton, Luton Airport and Leagrave, which connects the town with not only London, but also other major UK destinations including Brighton, Leicester, Leeds and Sheffield.

But perhaps the most important piece of transport infrastructure in the town is its international airport. London Luton Airport is one of London’s five main airports and is also the UK’s fifth busiest airport, with over 14.6 million passengers passing through the airport in 2016. Serving destinations across Europe, the airport has also become a key part of the local economy.

 

Luton Economy

Economy

Once famed for its millenary history (even the local football team are nicknamed The Hatters!), Luton’s economy has come a long way. Aside from the standard retail and service industries, its main employer is London Luton Airport and the airlines headquartered there: EasyJet, Monarch Airlines and TUI UK. As England’s fastest growing airport, it aims to increase its annual capacity by 50% by 2020 through a £110million redevelopment.

And a new growth plan for the town itself was announced by Luton council in 2015. Thanks to £1.5billion of inward investment, a variety of mixed-use developments aim to create more than 18,500 new jobs. These include a 395-acre Enterprise Zone, where it is hoped a host of multinational firms will base themselves.

This steady growing economy has led an increasing number of homebuyers and investors to delve into property in Luton.

 

student accommodation market in Luton

Housing Market

Luton is an extremely popular commuter town, as it only takes 25 minutes to get into London, but property costs less than half as much! Currently the average price is just £239,618, compared to £685,877 in the capital.

In addition, with house prices in the town on the increase, going up by 18.5% in 2015, the potential capital gains from buying a property in Luton are certainly impressive. And with rental yields as high as 6%, Luton has become one of the most profitable areas in the UK to be a landlord.

As more people look to Luton for an affordable place to live close to the capital, rental demand has increased. This in turn has raised average rents in the area to £722. That equates to a 10.4% increase since 2014, the highest in the UK.

Facts and figures like these should surely appeal to any savvy property investor.

 

If you’re ready to start your investment journey, here are the properties we currently have available in Luton.

What’s the Right Age to Start your Property Portfolio?

Although age provides no barrier for a property investment, it’s best to make your move as early as possible. This is simply because the longer you hold real estate for, the more likely long-term gains will be made.

This shouldn’t necessarily deter older investors, however. Some managed lets within the buy-to-let sector provide guaranteed rental yields over 3-5 years’ time – a perfect way to strengthen your retirement funds with no hassle and very small risk involved.

Either way, the basis of a successful property purchase remains the same; location and demand. Your age shouldn’t be too much of a decisive factor in the investment, especially if you have an experienced estate agent on side who’ll oversee the process.

 

Younger Investors

Many experts recommend getting on the property ladder as early as possible.

Many property experts recommend getting on the ladder as soon as financially possible. The UK property market tends to hold up, even after significant events such as Brexit, so the chance of you losing money in the long-run is relatively small.

According to PwC, one of the world’s leading professional services network, house prices will increase by an average of 6% by 2019. This will placate to around 5% growth by 2025, fuelled by persistent supply shortages. Property looks a safe bet in the UK.

With the typical length of a mortgage being 25 years, this is more reason for younger investors to swoop early. Once paid off, you’ll have more time later in life to relax without the constant strain of bank repayments.

As your intention is to start a portfolio, there’s increased opportunity to acquire further properties down the line. Doing so means you’ll have the equity to obtain additional buy-to-let mortgages, as well as providing income if one property sits vacant between tenants.

Of course, the property game is one with a series of ups and downs, and you may not get everything right straight away. However, starting early means you’ll gain experience as time goes by, recognising when to invest and when to sell throughout positive and negative property cycles.

 

Older Investors

Older investors are more likely to have the funding to start their property portfolio.

As noted, there’s nothing to stop middle or pension-age investors starting a property portfolio as well, although obtaining a buy-to-let mortgage will be trickier. Lenders impose stricter regulations for older borrowers, with a typical age limit of 75.

Older buyers are more likely to have expendable funds at their disposal, negating the need for a mortgage in any case. Most sellers prefer a cash payment route, providing you an extended pool of options and a far quicker transaction time to boot.

For those in retirement, playing the property market is an exciting venture and can provide a fantastic boost to your quality of life. As well as initial short-term rental income, you’ll also have something concrete to leave behind for your loved ones.

In conclusion, age shouldn’t be a factor if you’re looking to begin a property portfolio. However, taking the plunge as early as financially viable is recommended as it provides better access to a buy-to-let mortgage, more chance to recover from a downturn, and increased opportunity to grow your portfolio over time.

Older investors shouldn’t be put off however, especially if they’re cash rich. As many investment opportunities for managed lets are cash-only, this provides you access to properties that guarantee short-term rental yields as high as 10% in some areas.

Still need convincing that property is a great place to invest? Take a look at Why Property is Still the Most Lucrative Investment in 2017.
If you’re ready to invest in property, take a look at the opportunities we currently have on offer.

Six Surprising Things That Affect Property Prices

It’s a well-known mantra of those looking to purchase property: Location, location, location. Looking at the local area around the property you are planning to buy is an important consideration for getting the best from your budget and maximising your capital growth. And whilst most people are aware of the impact from key infrastructure such as transport links and reputable schools on a property’s price, there are a few other things that can affect property values that are a little more unusual.

 

Green and Pleasant Land

1. Green and Pleasant Land

A study by HouseSimple found that property close to a park garnered a price 19% higher than other properties in their area. Being closer to green spaces and nature has been shown to make you feel happier and be better for your health. So it’s hardly a surprise that having a public park nearby features high up on buyer’s wishlists – particularly in urban areas where you’re less likely to have a garden.

 

Farmer's Market

2. To Market, to Market

Market towns are increasingly popular. According to research that Lloyds conducted in 2015, properties in market towns were generally worth £25,000 more than similar homes in the same area that weren’t in a market town. And then there are farmers markets. This upmarket amenity has proven to be a boost to house prices for property within close proximity too. Zoopla found that having a farmers market nearby adds on average 26% to property values.

 

Tomb Stone

3. Tomb with a View

Many people can find living close to a cemetery unsettling, particularly if it is easily viewable from your home. This can have a negative impact on house sales in the immediate proximity of the graveyard. Research conducted by HouseSimple.com found a 23% difference in value between houses on the same street as a cemetery and those elsewhere within the postcode area throughout the country.

What’s particularly surprising is that it actually doesn’t have a negative effect on property values everywhere in the UK – houses on roads next to cemeteries in Bolton, Leeds, Sheffield and Southampton actually had higher property prices than the average for their local postcodes! Perhaps Boltonian’s have a preference for extra quiet neighbours?!

 

House numbers - 13

4. Unlucky for Some

House numbers can have a surprisingly noticeable effect on house prices. According to Zoopla, odd-numbered houses earn on average £538 more than even-numbered properties. The most notable exemption to this rule is, of course, the number 13. Some street and blocks of flats leave out the inauspicious number altogether. But for those that do exist, their owners can lose as much as £6,500 when selling their property. That’s enough to give anyone triskaidekaphobia (a fear of the number 13)!

 

Breakfast Food

5. Local Tastes

A pub might not seem like the kind of establishment to have a positive impact on property values, but according to research from Tepilo having a good, well-regarded local was an important factor for 23% of potential buyers. Similarly, people are willing to pay big bucks to live near the best restaurants. 2012 research from PrimeLocation.com found that properties close to a Michelin-starred restaurant were worth as much as 50% more than the regional average!

 

House on the Hill with Sold Sign

6. House on the Hill

Even the physical layout of the local area can have an impact on property values. Research by Wetherell estate agents suggests that a house (in Central London) on a crescent typically earned a premium of 40%. And the views provided from living on a hill also adds value. Meanwhile Zoopla found that properties with ‘hill’ addresses had average property values that were more than double homes on a standard ‘street’.

Even more niche factors can have an effect too, such as having fishing rights on a riverside property’s land, or having a blue plaque commemorating a famous former resident. Taking these things into consideration can prove to be a very effective strategy in maximising the potential of your property investment.

If you want to learn more about key things that can affect property prices, read our articles Is the Westfield Effect the New Waitrose Effect? and How Transport Can Affect Property Markets.

New Everton Stadium Part of Liverpool Docklands Regeneration

With two Premier League teams currently residing in the city, it could be said that Liverpool has football running through its veins. Indeed the local rivalry, known as the Merseyside derby, is one of the biggest features in the English footballing calendar.

 

Everton FC logo

New £300 Million Everton Stadium

And now one team, Everton FC, are due to get a brand new £300million stadium on their preferred site in the Bramley Moore Dock area of Vauxhall in Liverpool, right on the river Mersey itself.

Peel Holdings, the developer currently regenerating much of the dockland locale into the impressive £5billion Liverpool Waters project, have reportedly agreed terms with the club to acquire land for the build. And with the backing of Liverpool mayor, Joe Anderson, and the city council – who will act as a guarantor to help the club secure funding – a planning application could be submitted by the end of year.

Roma football club stadium

Stadio Della Roma by MEIS

The new 50,000 seater stadium will feature a unique look designed by top firm MEIS Architects, who recently got the go-ahead for their design of Roma football club’s new stadium. It is a big step forward in the development of the club as Everton seeks to join the echelon of Europe’s most elite football clubs – something both the board and the supporters have long dreamt of.

Between the new stadium, the rejuvenation of the Iconic Eldon Grove buildings, and the ‘Ten Streets’ project – which aims to turn the cluster of roads off Great Howard Street into a new creative hub – the council is hoping this level of mass regeneration could be transformative for the North Liverpool area.

 

2022 Commonwealth Games in Liverpool

2022 Commonwealth Games

And with this news also comes the possibility of Liverpool staging the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Durban in South Africa was due to hold the Games, but following financial constraints the city was unable to meet criteria set by the Commonwealth Games Federation in order to host the event. Having such a prestigious international sporting spectacle can provide a massive economic boost to the host city, thanks to both increased tourism and infrastructure investment.

Liverpool, who have previously stated their intention to bid to host the Games in 2026, have stepped up and offered to take them on four years earlier. Despite the shorter notice, mayor Joe Anderson is confident of his city’s ability to put on a good show. And Everton’s new stadium is expected to play a key role in Liverpool’s 2022 bid.

 

Gold Coast Property Growth in Australia

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia

Significant Property Investment Benefits

This is an incredibly promising prospect, not just for the city itself, but also for property investors in Liverpool. You only have to look at the effect holding the Commonwealth Games is already having on Gold Coast, Australia (the host city of the upcoming 2018 Games), to see the significant benefits it’s having on property already. This year, A PRD Nationwide Report (part of Colliers International) found that between 2015 and 2016, both houses and units in the Gold Coast region recorded an increase in their average prices of 6.3% and 5.3% respectively!

Similar capital growth could be expected in Liverpool should the city secure the 2022 hosting duties. It is certainly an exciting time for local sports fans, and especially investors looking for that next sweet spot.

 

Still need a few more reasons why we think Liverpool is great place to invest, take a look at our article, Three Reasons Why North Liverpool is a Great Place to Invest.

If you’re already considering making an investment, then why not take a look at what we have on offer in Liverpool.

10 Fascinating Facts About Historical Plymouth, UK

Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth has a truly noteworthy heritage. But how much do you know about this port city and the important part it has played in both British and World history? Here are our top nine fascinating facts about the UK’s seaside city of Plymouth:

 

boats sailing in the Plymouth Sunset

1. The Pilgrim Fathers Left From Plymouth

Back in 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth docks, headed for the New World. Those aboard the ship went on to establish the second English colony in what later became the United States of America.

 

Smeaton's Tower lighthouse in Plymouth, UK

2. The Smeaton Tower was a Breakthrough in Lighthouse Design

The Eddystone Lighthouses have sat off the coastline of Plymouth for centuries, but it was Smeaton’s Tower, the third and most notable of the lighthouses, that has proven the most significant. Celebrated civil engineer John Smeaton created the tower, based on the shape of an oak tree, and it went on to inform lighthouse design for years to come. It now sits on Plymouth Hoe as a memorial to its designer.

 

Plymouth Gin Distillery in Plymouth, UK

3. The Plymouth Gin Distillery is Oldest in England

Formally home to a monastery, the Plymouth Gin Distillery opened in 1793. Also known as the Black Friars distillery, it is the oldest working gin distillery in England. Gin enthusiasts can take a tour of the distillery to see the traditional equipment used, before tasting the distinctive Plymouth Gin itself, which is still made on site today.

 

Porcelain made in Plymouth, UK

4. Britain’s Porcelain Industry Began in Plymouth

Local pharmacist, William Cookworthy, became the first person in Britain to work out how to make hard porcelain having found china clay in Cornwall. Porcelain had previously been imported from China. But Cookworthy founded a works in Plymouth for the production of ‘Plymouth Porcelain’ in 1768, kick-starting the industry in this country.

 

New Palace Theatre in Plymouth, UK

5. The New Palace Theatre Hosted World-Famous Acts

Although it is now closed and in disrepair, the historic New Palace Theatre has quite the prestigious past. Over the years it saw acts such as Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin, perform on stage. Quite the coup for a city outside the likes of London and Manchester!

 

Plymouth Devonport naval base

6. A Port of Great Importance in Wartime

Plymouth was an important strategic city during both world wars. The port was an entry point for troops from across the Empire during WW1. And in the Second World War, Devonport naval base was the headquarters of Western Approaches Command until 1941, as well as being an important embarkation point for US troops for D-Day. Due to Plymouth’s status as a major port, it became a target during the Blitz. The city’s partially destroyed Charles Church stands as an official, permanent monument to the bombing the city suffered in the war.

 

Plymouth Synagogue, the oldest in the English-Speaking World

7. Home to the Oldest Ashkenazi Synagogue in the English-Speaking World

A Grade II listed building, the Plymouth Synagogue was built in 1762 by the local Jewish community, who until then had met in private homes or rented rooms to worship.

 

Pelé scoring a goal in Plymouth, UK

8. The Day Pelé Came to Plymouth!

In 1973 the city’s local football team, Plymouth Argyle, hosted a friendly match against Brazilian side Santos FC, one of the best clubs in the world at the time. Their line-up featured world-renowned player, Pelé. And despite the superstar scoring a penalty, shockingly it was Plymouth Argyle who won!

 

Sir Francis Drake of Plymouth, UK

9. Sir Francis Drake Was Born in Plymouth

The famous sea-farer captained many notable voyages. From 1577 to 1580, he led the second circumnavigation of the world, becoming the first person to solely captain the entire expedition. Then in 1588, Drake was second-in-command of the English fleet as they fought against the Spanish Armada. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1581.

 

Plymouth University

10. Even the University has a Sea-Faring History

Plymouth University was originally the Plymouth School of Navigation, which opened in 1862. In 2012 staff, students and local residents celebrated the institutions 150th anniversary. The university is now ranked amongst the top 2% in the world.

But it’s not just the past that is so important to Plymouth, thanks to a great deal of investment currently pouring into the city. With the scheme ‘A Vision for Plymouth’ well under way; the city is seeing the regeneration of derelict buildings as well as newly designed public spaces for local people to enjoy. This in turn has helped encourage a blossoming economy, attracting a growing population of young professionals and students. So it’s fair to say the future looks bright for Plymouth too!

 

Want to know more about what makes Plymouth a great place to invest? Read our article, Why Invest in Plymouth.

If you are considering an investment in Plymouth, take a look at the properties we currently have available.