The buy-to-let market has faced a fair few obstacles in recent months. Increases in property taxes plus volatile property values have impacted how people view the profitability of the buy-to-let market. As a result, this has left many existing and would-be property investors asking: is property still a good investment?

In this article, we explain why: Yes. Buy-to-let property is still a good investment. But we’ll also highlight what you need to know in order to continue generating the best yields possible.

Why buy-to-let is still a good investment

Despite the shakeup in the buy-to-let property market, there are still many reasons why buy-to-let property is still a good investment. For example, low property prices and a growing rental demand in the UK’s northern cities and towns offer buy-to-let investors the opportunity to generate some exceptional yields. Equally, growing student cities provide an ever-green demand for rental property in some of the UK’s most up and coming cities.

This much is clear: bricks and mortar is still an extremely viable investment option.

In fact, buy-to-let property remains the UK’s most popular type of investment. A survey by specialist bank Aldermore recently reported that more than four out of ten UK landlords expect the private rented sector to grow, while 17% are planning on expanding their buy-to-let portfolio.

So, although it’s been a turbulent year for the buy-to-let property market, it’s clear that the general appetite for investment property isn’t diminishing. Furthermore, positivity in the buy-to-let market continues to thrive, despite the upcoming tax changes.

Property Tax changes: What is the Section 24?

Section 24 is the recently implemented property tax that has the potential to reduce landlord’s profits when investing in buy to rent property.

Until April 2017, landlords could deduct all of their mortgage interest payments before calculating their tax bill. This meant they would be taxed on their profits rather than their overall turnover. With the majority of landlords being on interest-only mortgages, this meant their savings could be significant, resulting in more lucrative yields.

However, this is set to change. When investors file their returns for the 2017-18 tax year, due by 31 January 2019, they will only be able to claim tax relief on 75% of their mortgage interest. They will get a 20% tax credit on the rest of their mortgage interest payments. In the following year, the relief will only be available on half of their interest, and they’ll get the 20% credit on the rest.

Buy-to-let Market Remains Positive

Despite these changes to the tax regulations, it’s important to note that, only 8% of landlords surveyed plan to reduce their property portfolios as a result of the government’s changes.

“It’s positive news to note that landlords are not being put off by the tax implications initiated by the Government,” said Phil Mulroney, operations director at Fitzwilliam Capital Partners.

“At Fitzwilliam we have certainly not seen our clients being put off by the opportunities we have available.”

Phil continued, “The appetite is of course there – providing the opportunities available are in up and coming areas, the product is suitable to the local market and of course – that the yield works.

”Maintaining Buy-to-Let Profits: Switching to a Limited Company

As well as focusing on investment property in buy-to-let hotspots where higher yields are more likely, many landlords have started to purchase buy-to-let properties through limited companies as a way to avoid losing profits.

That’s because owning a rental property through a limited company allows landlords to continue to claim tax relief on mortgage relief, therefore maintaining their profits on buy to rent investments.

As reported in the Financial Times,  specialist lender Kent Reliance has reported that more than seven in ten buy-to-let applications for house purchases were made via limited companies rather than individuals in the first nine months of 2017, up from 45 per cent in 2016.

For many buy-to-let investors, this could be the workaround that’s needed to continue profiting from property investment. Combined with investing in property located in up and coming hot spot areas – it’s clear that there’s still a huge amount of potential when it comes to buying investment property in the UK.

Invest with Fitzwilliam Capital Partners

At Fitzwilliam Capital Partners we can help you get the most out of your investment property. Not only are we fully up to date with the buy-to-let market, but we’re constantly going above and beyond to develop properties that deliver outstanding yields for both us and our investors.

So, whether you’re an experienced investor who’s looking to add to your portfolio or looking for your first investment, our knowledgeable team can help you find the ideal property at the right price.

Get the most out of your property purchase. Contact us today to learn about how we can help you find an exciting investment property in the UK.

As a property investor, staying up to date with the next property hotspots can mean the difference between generating a great yield and making a loss. However, the ever-fluctuating property market can make this a complicated task.

At Fitzwilliam Capital Partners, we’re your eyes and ears on the ground when it comes to finding the best places to invest in property. Our team of experienced property developers stay ahead of the curve, striving to find the most lucrative property hotspots before they take off. With successful developments in previous “up and coming” towns such as Leicester, Halifax and Doncaster, we’ve now set our sights on Yorkshire’s pretty market town of Pontefract.

High Return Property Investments in Pontefract

So, why Pontefract? Well, the town is located in the northern powerhouse, which currently boasts some of the best yields in the UK. Due to billions of pounds spent on redevelopment, a collection of thriving universities and an influx of business, investors have switched their focus from London to the likes of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.

As a result, the north has seen a significant uplift to its economy, the benefits of which are now starting to spread to its smaller towns and cities. For investors, these up and coming micro economies present the opportunity to generate strong yields that were previously impossible to achieve.

Pontefract is one of the towns that looks set to experience this type of growth. Even as far back as 2015, the town was identified as a potential growth area in the north. Nestled in South Yorkshire, this quaint old market town is showing significant signs of growth, making it a key opportunity for investors wanting to generate significant yields for a lower investment.

Investment Opportunities in Pontefract

Pontefract is famous for its picturesque town centre, period buildings and cobbled streets. It’s a town bursting with charm and personality, where you can find world-famous races, a lively Saturday market, the Haribo factory and liquorice in abundance. Furthermore, with a £750m redevelopment planned for the next few years, its appeal looks set to be enhanced even further.

Pontefract’s regeneration will focus on the creation of new homes, a new business district as well as enhanced green spaces and transport links. “The Castleford Masterplan supports our big ambitions to regeneration the town and to plan for the future,” explained Councillor Denise Jeffery, the Wakefield’s council’s cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration.

“This will provide homes for families in the district, help to boost our local economy and create various jobs for people in the area.”

It’s this redevelopment that will enhance local rental demand – and early investors are likely to see yield returns unrivalled by those found in bigger, more defined northern cities. According to property market intelligence company Data Loft, flat prices in Pontefract are currently up to 170% less than the UK as a whole, averaging at £79.5k. This comparatively low-cost property combined with anticipated high growth is what makes Pontefract such an attractive investment option for property investors.

A Different Type of High Return Property Investment

For some, the prospect of investing in a developing town can be daunting. When it comes to cashing in on the northern powerhouse growth, it’s tempting to follow suit and invest in property in one of the north’s bigger, more established cities.

However, Pontefract offers a unique property investment opportunity; one where you can see real growth right from the beginning of an upward turning trend. This means property investors will be able to generate far bigger yields and see growth for a more prolonged period of time.

Meanwhile, property markets in bigger northern cities are close to saturation point, both in terms of rental prices and investment opportunities. According to the Yorkshire Post’s 2018 housing predictions, towards the end of last year and into 2018, construction in Yorkshire has been slowing while, “demand across the lower and middle markets remains healthy.”

This growing demand for housing in smaller markets means that Pontefract is perfectly placed to capitalise on this emerging property trend. With commuting tenants seeking cheaper, more tranquil living away from bigger cities, Pontefract is definitely a property investment hotspot in 2018.

Pontefract: 2018’s Property Hotspot

Located just a 30-minute drive from Leeds and Doncaster and 50 minutes from Sheffield, Pontefract offers tenants something bigger towns and cities can’t:

• a growing economy
• a peaceful, picturesque corner of Yorkshire
• strong transport links to more established cities

And with time, demand for this offering looks set to increase. For investors looking for a UK property hotpot, Pontefract ticks a lot of boxes.

However, it’s not just the commuter who will benefit from Pontefract’s offering. The planned redevelopment is set to attract a variety of people to the city, such as families, professionals, and entrepreneurs – transforming the city from the inside out.

For example, for young renting families, Pontefract offers an abundance of OFSTED rated good and outstanding schools and colleges, while young professionals will be encouraged to stay and develop the town’s growing business district. Over the next decade, as Pontefract-based business matures, the town will start to see a reduction in its reliance on bigger city’s economies, transforming the town into a fully-fledged northern economy. And it’s for exactly this reason early investors will see the greatest returns on their investment.

Work with the Property Investment Hotspot Experts

Whether you’re a first-time investor or someone experienced who’s looking to add to your portfolio, our knowledgeable team can help you find the ideal investment property at the right price. With a strong focus on high return property investments, we’ll work with you to make sure you get the highest possible returns from your property investment.

When it comes to UK property hotspots, we know what we’re doing. We scour the UK to find the best opportunities for both our investors and ourselves, designing and developing our own properties in areas where growth is forecast. This means we’re just as invested in the growth as our investors. It also means that when you buy from us, you’re buying directly from the developer and minimising your expenses.

Our experience speaks for itself. In 2015, we built our first scheme in Leicester where rental demand far exceeded our investors’ expectations. Two years later in 2017, Leicester was named as one of the UK’s top five hot spots.

So, get the most out of your property investment today. Contact our team now and find out about how we can help you find an exciting investment property in the UK.

2018 has already seen a big shake-up of the property market with London’s property prices dropping for the first time in almost 10 years.

As a property investor or home buyer, the news of falling house prices may have you asking: Is it still a good time to invest in UK property? Our answer is: Absolutely. The more important question you need to be asking is where should you invest in UK property?

What Makes a Good Property Investment?

For property investors looking to make a good return on investment, securing a high yielding property is key. A high yielding investment is normally born from a combination of low property prices, high rental demand and a booming and stable rental market.

However, securing these yields is not always a straightforward task. Fluctuations in the property market can have big impacts on predicted yields, so it’s vital investors undergo comprehensive research and have a thorough understanding of the current property market. Where you choose to invest in property can make the difference between high and average yields.

The London Property Market in 2018

In the past, London was the first stop for investors looking for high yield property. The city’s property market had gone from strength to strength over the last 20 years, seeing an influx of foreign investment in both residential and business districts all over the city. Combined with a constant flow of young international professionals, investors benefitted from sky high rental and property demand.

Things really took off for London when its redevelopment spread to former industrial areas in the south and east of the city. This continued to drive up prices and created even more opportunity for buyers and investors – who, if they bought at the right time, were lucky enough to benefit from amazing yields.

However, times are changing for London. House prices have fallen for the first time in almost a decade, with the first year-on-year drops since the height of the financial crisis eight years ago. Several of the city’s central areas have reported annual property price falls over the past year, with the trend also rippling through to the capital’s outer boroughs. Overall growth in the capital has slowed to 1%, a figure way below the 4.3% seen in February 2017. Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the average property in the capital is worth almost £5,000 less than a year ago.

Reasons for this seemingly sudden fall have been attributed by Hometrack to the following:

• tax changes discouraging overseas and domestic buy-to-let investors
• high house prices putting-off first-time buyers
• Brexit uncertainty

Either way, these recent developments have taken the shine off London’s property market.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy High Yielding Investment Property?

While London’s property market is finally slowing, the same isn’t true of the rest of the UK. In fact, various areas in the UK are currently in the middle, or on the edge, of an exciting property boom. This presents brand new opportunities for investors and home buyers.

By tapping into these up-and-coming areas as they begin their upward trajectory, property buyers may be able to cash in on the highest yield UK property – not dissimilar to those once seen in London. And for this, the UK’s North currently represents a great opportunity for property investors.

Finding the Highest Yield Properties in the UK

A clear trend in the UK’s property market is the growth of the Midlands and the North. Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, Leeds and Sheffield are among the cities that have reported property price increases of 6 to 8% over the last year – some of the largest price jumps in the UK.

It’s for this reason that northern towns and cities are being dubbed ‘Britain’s powerhouse’. Many of these locations are now benefitting from huge government investment into local infrastructure. In turn, businesses have started to flock to these newly developed areas, creating new jobs and sparking population growth. This healthy injection of cash into unique, culturally-rich and characterful cities has spurred on the local economies and increased the demand for rented property.

However, there’s more on offer here than just rising rental demand due to re-development. Currently, property prices in many of the North’s cities and towns remain significantly lower than those in the south, providing that extra margin when it comes to generating high yields. This combined with assured rental guarantees makes the North and the Midlands a hotspot for buy-to-let investors. Even home owners can expect to make great profits due to anticipated growth in current property values.

High Rental Yield Opportunities in Leicester

Leicester is a perfect example of how property power has shifted away from London.

Having been rated as one of the UK’s highest profile and forward-looking cities, Leicester is fast becoming the Midland’s most sought after city. The multi-million-pound development and regeneration of the city has transformed it into a property hotspot with rental demand rising sharply as more people head to the city to study, work and start a family.

If you are a buy-to-let investor, Leicester presents a huge opportunity. The large student population from the city’s three growing universities presents an evergreen source of rental demand. When combined with the city’s ongoing redevelopment, Leicester is seen as an attractive place to build and develop business, attracting a growing number of young professionals.

All of these factors have contributed to Leicester’s property prices gradually rising, and the high rental yields created in the city have placed it at number five in the  UK’s buy-to-let hotspots league.

As property development experts, Fitzwilliam Capital Partners has kept ahead of the curve in Leicester. Predicting the growth in the area, we’ve built three developments in the city since 2015, including:  Agin Court, Crecy Court and Blenheim Court. Each have been designed to offer buy-to-let investors and home buyers alike the opportunity to invest in high-quality property just as the city is starting to see a sharp upturn in property values.

High Rental Yield Opportunities in Northern Commuter Cities

It’s not just Leicester that’s boasting exciting growth, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester have also been on the rise for some time and are still growing. Many have already taken advantage of the property market growth in these core northern powerhouse cities.

However, it’s the northern commuter towns and cities such as Halifax, Pontefract and Doncaster that have recently been flagged as up and coming property hotspots. These smaller satellite towns boast great connections to the big cities as well as starting to grow their own thriving economies due to current or planned redevelopment.

In a recent article in the Express, Ray Withers, the chief executive officer of Property Frontiers, explained that: “Halifax is enjoying a “once-in-a-lifetime regeneration funding” and has plenty of young professionals working in the area.” He added that: “Doncaster is becoming the UK’s logistical hub, which has boosted employment there and demand for rental accommodation.”

With property developments already in Halifax, Doncaster, and Pontefract, Fitzwilliam Capital Partners has been able to help investors and home buyers cash in on these uncrowded yet booming areas – which are arguably some of the best places to invest in UK property

For the Highest Rental Yields, Stay One Step Ahead

In today’s property market, it’s this forward-thinking approach that’s key to successful investments. Gone are the days where putting your money in London would generate the highest yields and make the most money. Nowadays if you want to generate the high property yields, you need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to property trends.

And that’s where we come in. At Fitzwilliam Capital Partners, we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to property investment trends. We specialise in creating highly successful property schemes across the UK, building in areas where buy-to-let growth and high returns are anticipated.

From developing various successful properties in Leicester where investor’s yields are still on the rise, to identifying some of the north’s up and coming towns and cities such as Doncaster, Halifax, Pontefract and Sheffield, we really know what we’re talking about when it comes to property investment – and we want to help you.

How Fitzwilliam Capital Partners Can Help

Whether you’re an experienced investor who’s looking to add to your portfolio, a first-time investor, or a buyer wishing to purchase your own home, our knowledgeable team can help you find the ideal property at the right price.

Get the most out of your property purchase. Contact us today to learn about how we can help you find an exciting investment property in the UK.

We are delighted to announce that we have completed our Courier House scheme in Halifax with all apartments sold off plan.

For many years, Courier House was home to the local newspaper ‘The Courier’, before being bought by Fitzwilliam for restoration and redevelopment in late 2016.

The scheme has primary frontage onto Kings Cross Street located in the enviable heart of the town.

Courier House is a four-storey building and Fitzwilliam has carefully developed 66 one-bedroom apartments aimed at local keyworkers.  Each apartment comprises of a well-proportioned, kitchen, lounge area, bedroom and shower room.

Hayley Moore director at Fitzwilliam commented: “Courier House has been our first scheme in Halifax, having previously developed in Doncaster, Cheshire and Leicester”.

“We have received fantastic feedback with a great split between first time buyers and investors purchasers.”

We will begin work on our next project in Yorkshire in the market town of Pontefract, where we will be building a select development of 14 apartments due to launch later on in the year.

Over the last year, a combination of low-interest rates, improved home availability and strong competition between lenders have made it easier for first-time buyers step onto the property ladder.

In addition to this, government schemes such as the Help to Buy equity loan and reduced stamp duty have made the dream of owning a first property more of a reality for thousands of people.  

In fact, according to the latest mortgage market tracer from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), first-time buyers’ fortunes have improved more than any category of borrower in the last year.

So, if you’ve been thinking about buying your first property for a while, now could be a great time to start seriously considering getting on the property ladder.

First-time Buyer Mortgage Applications on the Rise

According to the IMLA mortgage market tracer, approved first-time buyer mortgage applications have risen to 74% in the last quarter of 2017 from 53% in the same period of 2016.

The statistics also show that in 2017, 88% of first-time buyers secured a mortgage offer, up from 73% during the same time 2016. In addition, 84% of these offers went on to complete compared to 72% in the previous 12 months.

 UK Finance data also showed that first-time buyer numbers reached a ten-year high in 2017. The new IMLA report suggests that this could be down to these higher mortgage approval rates.

Higher Approval Rates, no Extra Burden

Despite a rise in mortgage approvals for first-time buyers, the newest data shows no need for concern about the possibility of irresponsible lending.

Encouragingly, the IMLA report shows that although the number of approved mortgages has increased for first-time buyers, there has been no increase in the burden of mortgage repayments. In fact, in December 2017, UK Finance data showed average first-time buyer mortgage repayments were equivalent to 17.1% of income – down 0.2% from December 2016.

A Good Time to be a First-time Buyer

For prospective first-time buyers, the current buying landscape paints a really positive picture.

Kate Davies, Executive Director of IMLA, commented on the report, saying: “First-time buyers have benefited from widely available and competitively priced deals, even before the extra confidence boost of the Stamp Duty exemption announced in the Autumn Budget.”

She continued: “It is encouraging to see that mortgage repayments have remained stable even as more first-time buyers make the step up onto the housing ladder.”

Buy your first home with Fitzwilliam Capital Partners

At Fitzwilliam Capital Partners, we specialise in creating beautiful homes across some of the most thriving areas of the UK.

From one bed studios to four bed detached houses, our homes suit a huge range of housing needs. With a focus on developing property in locations where economic and social growth is expected, we enable first-time home buyers to purchase high-quality property in areas we’d be proud to call home. Take a look over our selection of properties ideal for first-time buyers.

If you’d like more information on how Fitzwilliam can help you to step up onto the property ladder, contact us today or call us on 0161 641 3100.

We are delighted to announce an exclusive first look at the luxurious apartments at Agin Court, our flagship scheme in Leicester.

New CGI’s have been released presenting the interior layout and features of the new apartments. Light streams into the elegant apartments which offer modern living in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter.  The high-quality finish includes beautifully modern kitchens and bathrooms, with larger than average room proportions, and all apartments are two bedrooms.

We announced our plans for Agin Court late last year and we are happy to report that we have received an unprecedented amount of interest, with over 80% of the scheme already sold off plan – the apartments will be ready to move into in September 2018.

Phil Bull, national sales manager at Fitzwilliam Capital Partners comments: “Purchasing a property off plan can be a little daunting for buyers, but it enables them to lock in equity on the day of completion, small deposits and staggered payments are also really beneficial.”

“With the recent news that house prices in Leicester are rocketing by 7.5 per cent a year – the third highest rise of any UK city – buying off plan at today’s listed price could be a great investment opportunity for buyers.” 

Agin Court is our third scheme in Leicester to date, following highly successful schemes in the city – Blenheim Court, located just two buildings down from Agin and in addition Crecy Court located near the Haymarket shopping centre.

For further details visit the development page or contact our sales team on 0161 641 3100.

 

 

Work is progressing well at Agin Court, our apartment scheme in Leicester (dare we say it, ahead of schedule).

The scheme is now 85% sold and tonight (5^th March) we hold an exclusive event at our agents Haart in the centre of Leicester for our final phase release.

If you are a first time buyer or, if you are interested in moving to the centre of the city’s new Cultural Quarter, please do get in touch with our sales team who will be able to let you know about the fantastic opportunities at Agin Court.

Contact the team on 0161 641 3100.

 

The ‘Northern Powerhouse’ started life as a political initiative to devolve some power away from London to regional authorities in the north of England. This meant great cities like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Hull and Sheffield would receive more responsibilities and more funding.

Dubbed ‘Britain’s powerhouse’, these former industrial cities and towns are now benefitting from huge government investment into local infrastructure. This has encouraged new businesses, job creation and population growth.

This healthy injection of government cash into unique, culturally-rich and characterful cities has spurred on the local economies and increased the demand for rented property.

For those seeking untapped buy to let property opportunities, you need to look at these so-called Northern Powerhouse cities and towns.

High Rental Demands

As the North’s big cities expand, so do the rental demands. Even smaller commuter towns are seeing uplifts in demand as more people flood to the north for work. According to recent studies, experts predict that the next decade will see Manchester’s population increase by 128,000 along with an estimated 110,000 jobs.

Booming Local Economies

A booming local economy is also reason enough for investors to consider the big northern cities as a great place to buy. Greater Manchester’s gross value added has now reached a higher level than that of the Northeast, West Yorkshire or Merseyside and is set to grow by another third (to £75bn) by 2024.

Collectively, the cities and towns of the Northern Powerhouse region are becoming a formidable economic force in the UK. When asked about the economic health of the region, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said: “If the Northern Powerhouse were a country, it would be among the biggest economies in Europe.”

Buy to let property opportunities in Manchester

Manchester has led the way in the economic resurgence of the Northern Powerhouse region. The city offers a wide range of property types, with just over a quarter of properties sold represented by smaller acquisitions such as flats and terraced houses. 28% of sales in the past 12 months (2017) were flats, achieving an average sales price of £161,548. Houses achieved an average price of £214,260. Flats are currently 26% cheaper than average prices for equivalent properties in England and Wales. Terraced houses in Manchester are 11% cheaper than the average.

Buy to let opportunities in Leeds and Sheffield

Buy to let properties in other historical northern cities are not too dissimilar to that of Manchester. Leeds and Sheffield have also become property hot spots due to urban regeneration projects and investment in new business quarters.

Once industrial hubs of the UK, factory and inner-city spaces have been converted into retail and leisure facilities. Sheffield is currently in the midst of a city centre regeneration project.  The scheme, known as West Bar Square, is a mix of office space, high quality apartment blocks, a four-star hotel, restaurants, shops and public space.

In Leeds, a proposed expansion of the city centre, the Southbank project, will boost the local economy by providing 35,000 new jobs in the city. The project will also include the creation of at least 8,000 new homes, a new city park and a reimagined River Aire waterfront.

Leeds property sales reflect that of other northern cities with properties ideal for investors selling for under the national average. 17% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sale price of £121,867. Houses sold for an average price of £183,300.

Sheffield buy to let opportunities follow suit although prices are incrementally higher. In 2017 15% of property sales were flats, at an average sales price of £123,107. Houses achieved an average price of £173,462.

Essentially, prices for smaller properties in all three cities are significantly cheaper than UK averages for like-for-like properties. This represents an opportunity for buy to let investors hoping to pick up a bargain in cities with developing retail and tourist sectors.

An enticing combination of new jobs and affordable places to live in these cities is attracting more and more people looking for work as-well as students and young families.

Suburban Trickle-Down

With these Northern cities prospering, surrounding smaller satellite towns are seeing benefits too. The bigger cities act as hubs that directly affect the economic strength of smaller towns in the suburban areas around them. As a result, economic trickle down has occurred creating untapped opportunities for property investment.

Halifax, Doncaster and Lincoln all offer affordable housing for commuters as well as exciting employment opportunities in developing local economies. Due to recent investment from the government into local infrastructure and the regeneration of once industrial spaces, they are flourishing as vibrant, dynamic towns in their own right.

Halifax

A huge £41 million city centre revamp, a strong rental market and established transport links to Leeds, Manchester and the Greater North makes Halifax a key opportunity for property investors looking for high yields.

Doncaster

Renowned for its markets, horse racing, railways and architecture, Doncaster is set to undergo a £20 million town centre redevelopment. The city is a key growth area in the Northern Powerhouse and offers a huge amount of investor potential.

Lincoln

With rapidly improving commuter routes into London, an increasing student population and a large-scale city centre renovation underway, there’s never been a better time to invest in Lincoln property.

As retail space has become available, new businesses and international franchises have set up branches in these towns. This, in turn, has created new jobs and stimulated new communities of young professionals and families. These smaller northern satellite locales represent enticing opportunities for property investors as rental property demand increases.

How we can help you

We are specialist property developers with many years’ experience creating highly successful property schemes across the north. We design modern, stylish and lucrative homes and investment opportunities in key UK locations. With a high percentage of property in the Northern Powerhouse region, we have the local knowledge and industry experience that enable us to offer the best opportunities for investors as well as the best advice.

Our focus is on providing well thought out, market competitive opportunities for our clients and customers. So, whether you’re looking to purchase as an investor, or you’re looking to buy a home, it’s our mission to ensure you get the best quality property for the most competitive price. Get in touch with our team today.

Zoopla reports that Doncaster house prices have risen by 15.98% over the past five years, add to this the new Cultural Regeneration Fund which is to provide £15m for tech, creative and cultural sectors, this market town is delighting investors.

The £15 million Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund follows a series of government commitments to the North of England. The level of investment is such that Philip Hammond MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, observed, “if the Northern Powerhouse were a country, it would be amongst the biggest economies in Europe.”

The cultural fund will boost the extensive investment by focusing particularly on the region’s tech, creative and cultural industries.

Karen Bradley, culture secretary also commented: “This £15 million fund is a fantastic chance for towns and cities to develop inspirational projects that could have a transformative local effect – particularly in communities that have seen less cultural or creative investment in the past… We want as many people as possible to benefit from the Great Exhibition of the North, and this fund will boost the Northern Powerhouse and help build a lasting legacy across the whole region.”

The town has also been described as the UK’s logistical hub thanks to the £500 million iPort scheme located just off the M18, which has provided a rail freight interchange and logistics centre.  The project has attracted major employers to the town including Amazon and Lidl and is creating 5,000 jobs.

Thanks to this continued investment and regeneration, Doncaster has enjoyed house price rises of 15.98% over the past five years, according to Zoopla. It has also been named by property experts as a hotspot for 2018, experts are keeping a close eye on values, with prices tipped to be on the verge of rising at rates similar to those that we’ve seen in Manchester.

Fitzwilliam Capital Partners has just a select number of apartments left at their Doncaster scheme – The Library, with guaranteed yields in excess of 7% a fantastic opportunity for investors to capitalise in one of the country’s property hotspots.

View latest opportunities.

Buy-to-let investment: Focus moves to regional areas.

As featured in The Express

THE UK’s property hotspots since the end of the recession have been London and Manchester, with Liverpool  and Birmingham closely followed. But it could be all change in 2018, particularly for buy-to-let investors.

In a recent article in The Express, Ray Withers, chief executive officer of Property Frontiers, said: “So many secondary cities like Manchester, are lurching into oversupply, with developers responding to demand from investor buyers rather than the renters that actually drive the market”.

Focus for investors will remain in the North, though, according to Withers.

“What is likely is that dominant hotspots in the country (including Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, even London) cede ground to less well-known but equally promising and enterprising regional areas.

“Such places benefit from low entry points, an availability of strategically located development sites, weak competition from existing rented stock and the promise of catch-up growth.

“Of course, they must always exhibit the classic market drivers as well: an uptick in jobs and population and new regeneration or infrastructure projects.”

Four Yorkshire areas – Halifax, Wakefield, Bradford and Doncaster are tipped for success by Withers.

Halifax is enjoying a “once-in-a-lifetime regeneration funding” and has plenty of young professionals working in the area, says Withers.

Bradford has the youngest population in the UK and one of the fastest-improving universities in the country. Wakefield benefits from “various overlapping enterprise zones”, he says, with the local economy “going at an enviable clip”.

Doncaster is becoming the UK’s logistical hub, which has boosted employment there and demand for rental accommodation.

This continued focus on northern towns is largely thanks to the Government’s Northern Powerhouse investment, prompting Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond to say: “If the Northern Powerhouse were a country, it would be among the biggest economies in Europe.”