Tag Archives: property



David Clare / July 15 / Marketing, Property

State of Real Estate Market: July 2016

Each month we report on the current state of real estate, but this month has been dominated by one single topic: Brexit.

Yes, on June 24th we discovered that the UK will be saying ta’ra to the EU, leaving the world in a state of shock. And you can be damned sure that this has affected the state of real estate in July.

Property trusts suffer hard

There is often no better long-term investment plan than a property trust. But by their very nature, they will collapse in the event of mass-withdrawals. Post-Brexit, too many people have been trying to withdraw cash from these trusts, resulting in suspended accounts until the properties can be sold.

Commercial property is boosted

It’s not all doom and gloom, and a real boost to the commercial property market was delivered when the developers of the Cheesegrater in London (aka Leadenhall Building) announced that the building had been filled. With rent in the building reaching up to £100 per square metre, this is a real post-Brexit blues boost that the property sector has been needing.

Investment opportunities are rife

A US private equity firm this month announced it will be investing £1 billion in UK property, following the cut prices available, both to residential and commercials real estate. The opportunity for buyers is clear, and great deals are available among the uncertainty. We all know property bounces back, so now is the time to buy.

So there you have it. July 2016 was the month that Brexit dominated the property market. Let’s hope next month gives us respite and something else to talk about. But remember, now is the time to buy!

 

David Clare / July 14 / Marketing, Property

Serviced offices market to dramatically increase

According to the latest issue of Estates Gazette, the serviced office market is to see a sixfold increase in value over the next 10 years. This follows from strong levels of growth over the past decade, which saw a 67% increase from 2005 – 2015.

With a current value of £16 billion, and a projected value of £126 billion by 2025, the services offices market is certainly a good opportunity to be looking at right now. But why the rise?

Of course, growth in business is behind the expected increase, especially so in people-powered workplaces. Small firms and start-ups, for example, have grown massively in the past decade, thanks to numerous accelerator programmes, both private and government funded.

The growth in professional services and the communications sector has also seen a need for serviced offices, as has more flexible and accommodating work habits, with internationalism playing a big part.

If you’re a UK based firm, then this next bit of information may help in choosing where to direct your efforts beyond London. Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, respectively, are hotspots for people-powered business, and should be key targets for setting up serviced offices.

But don’t forget, internationalism is behind this trend, so make sure to set your sights further than the UK alone. Brexit or no Brexit, we’re a global economy.

David Clare / July 14 / Marketing, Property, Websites

Why traditional realtors still reign

Realtors, or estate agents as we call them in the UK, have experienced a shake up in recent years, due to the increase in online property portals and online versions of the service they offer. The likes of Rightmove are essential for selling a property, but is an online estate agent, or realtor, really the best way to go?

The draw towards online estate agents are clear. Lower prices. With either lower selling fees, or set fees (as opposed to percentages of the sale figure), are left with more cash in your pocket at the end of selling your home. Add to this that most people start their property hunt online, then why on earth would you need a physical, store fronted estate agent?

Well, I’m going to argue there are more benefits to the ‘old-fashioned’ approach. Here’s why.

1. Higher stock

A high street realtor is likely to have much more local stock than an online agent. In my experience of selling a property, this is most certainly the case. But why is more competition a good thing?

Whether you like it or not, there will be competition – just look at RightMove. The best tactic for selling your home is to be with the agent with the most stock. This way, when people do enquire about another property, they can lead the prospective buyer to your home.

More people coming through the door means more opportunities for your home to be put in front of them. Sure, they’ll be shown others too, but with an online agent, it is likely they’ll never be shown your property as an alternative anyway.

2. Human interaction

Try booking a viewing through Purple Bricks. It is an awful experience. You request a time, and then wait. You receive text messages to say they’re checking with the vendor, but they do this too through text or email.

Picking up the phone is much easier, and your traditional estate agent will do this – speaking to a person just takes less time.

The best part – your high street agent may have keys and be available to take you there and then, plus, they are more likely to accompany viewings, so you can get expert advice.

Sorry internet, but human interaction still works in 2016.

3. Internet isn’t exclusive

This is obvious, but often overlooked. The listings and advertising techniques used by online estate agents are in no way exclusive to them.

That’s right, your traditional, store fronted realtor can also use the internet too! And, they will (mind blown!)

So, there you have it. Unless your going to save thousands and thousands by using online only, I’d suggest you take a walk down the high street.

Do you run an estate agents and want to see how online marketing can help grow your business? Get in touch and we’ll show you how.

David Clare / July 13 / Marketing, Property

Property in the UK after Brexit

52% of those reading this article will be thoroughly chuffed to see that the UK is moving away from the EU. 48% of you might be a little less chirpy.

Either way, PM Theresa May has said ‘Brexit means Brexit’ so it looks like we’ll have to deal with it and move forward.

So, we ask how this is affecting the property market in the UK, in the immediate aftermath of the unexpected result.

Firstly, what’s happening now? A lot, is the simple answer. For one, it turns out that some purchasers had ‘Brexit-clauses’ written into their contracts, that have allowed them to walk away from deals when the result went the way it did.

This, combined with smaller interest in property currently, has meant zero growth in the London property market, and a standstill during the Brexit period.

It has been widely reported that property trusts aren’t doing all too well either, since attempts to withdraw cash means property must be put up for sale. This takes time, and so some trusts have had to suspend withdrawals, due to too high demand.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom. For Britons looking to buy, now is the time! With prices not increasing, and less demand overall, a good deal on a property can be brokered.

So if you were a Remainer but were also in the market for a new home, look on the bright side and grab a bargain!

David Clare / July 13 / Design, Inspiration, Property

5 inspirational corporate offices

Ever thought your office looks a little too like the set of Office Space? Do you work as an interior designer and having a creative block? Well, look no further than our list of the 5 most inspirational corporate offices!

1. Google, Tel Aviv

Take a stroll through the woods, board a cable car in the sky, and get from A to B by slide. Google’s office in Israel explodes with creativity.

Google 2

Google 1

Source

2. AirBnB, San Francisco

In an office that truly represents the product the company offers, AirBnB’s San Fran office feels like you’re home.

AirBnB 1

AirBnB 2

Source

3. Bahnhof, Stockholm

The internet service provider’s office looks pretty darn secure. In fact, we’d say only James Bond could break into this villainous lair.

Bahnhof 1

Bahnhof 2

Source

4. Urban Outfitters, Pittsburgh

When the stores themselves look about as cool as Channing Tatum riding a unicorn, you can be sure the head office is going to make it on the list.

UO 2

UO 1

Source

5. Inventionland, Pittsburgh

Wait, no Google or Facebook? Sure, they have incredible offices, but this company you probably haven’t even heard of has a pirate ship. Case closed, ye scally wag!

Inventionland 2

Inventionland 1

Source

Think your brand needs a new identity and creative office? Get in touch and let’s talk design.

Newsletter

Get news updates sent straight to your inbox
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.