Category: International News

BNO Applications to Drive UK Property Demand in 2021?

With Hong Kong residents with BNO status able to apply for a new British visa from January 31st, will this correlate with an increase in demand for UK homes? Summary: From 5pm local time on Sunday 31st January, Hong Kong citizens with British National Overseas (BNO) status can apply online for the new UK visa scheme The new visa will allow people to reside in the UK and, after five years, be able to apply for permanent settled status With UK property already one of the most popular overseas investments...

Surge In UK Property Enquiries By Chinese Investors

Juwai.com records a 213% rise in searches for UK property in July, as stamp duty changes also drive demand for British real estate from Chinese buyers. Summary: UK property remains one of the most in-demand assets for Chinese investors Despite reduced activity during periods of lockdown earlier in the year, searches for UK property on Chinese portal Juwai.com increased 213% in July 2020 Build-to-rent property in cities such as Manchester is currently among the most sought-after for buyers in China   Interest in UK property investment among buyers in China...

Hong Kong BNO’s to Drive UK Property Investment Demand?

With many Hong Kong citizens expected to take advantage of recent events by relocating to the UK and buying property, which cities will be the most attractive? A landmark offer in extraordinary times. The UK government has launched a special visa for around three million people in Hong Kong, with the offer of permanent citizenship after five years. 2020 had already prompted global investors to make decisions to protect their wealth. UK property has long been one of the most popular investments for buyers across Asia. Its proven track record...

Stamp Duty Changes for UK Property Investors Explained

As the British Chancellor announces a stamp duty holiday until the end of March 2021, here's a breakdown of how this will impact UK real estate investors. It was the announcement that further underlined the key role UK property will play in the country’s post COVID-19 recovery. On Wednesday 8th July 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a stamp duty holiday for property buyers in England and Northern Ireland, effective immediately, until March 31st 2021. More people buying homes is good news for the economy. And, as UK business and industry...

UK Rental Property Continues to Attract Investment from Global Institutions

A £750 million investment fund launched by a US property fund is just the latest institutional buyer to acquire assets in the UK’s rapidly expanding build-to-rent sector, with investors drawn to the market’s ability to “generate strong cash flow”.   Summary: Up to £2 billion could be invested in the UK’s build-to-rent sector by a US property institution, continuing a trend of global investment into the market Between January and March 2019 alone, £1.04 billion was invested into build-to-rent projects by institutional investors The sector generates “strong cash flow” and,...

Why South African Investors Are Diversifying with UK Property

Ahead of elections, and with the ongoing economic negativity, many investors in South Africa are taking action by moving their money abroad. Here’s why property in the UK can help you to reduce your portfolio’s risk and grow your wealth in the long-term. This election could prove critical for South Africa’s economic future. South African’s are set to hit the polls on 8th May amid the backdrop of some of the worst economic conditions the country has faced in over a decade. High levels of inflation. Poor wage growth. Rising unemployment....

Here’s Why Gulf Investors Are Buying UK Property

As the real estate market in the Middle East stabilises, Gulf investors are diversifying their property investment portfolios and flowing their money into the UK real estate market. GCC nations including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have all invested in several UK real estate assets in the past few years due to their strong yield projections. Manchester and the Northern Powerhouse attracted some of the highest levels of foreign direct investment of any UK region outside of London, according to research from Ernst & Young. GCC Investors Agree that UK...