Plans to raise property funds of 500 million Euros
April 9, 2009
In a move to focus more on developed markets, Henderson Global Investors is looking to raise funds of at least 500 million Euros ($643.5 million) this year.
Due to the recent crash in property prices all around the world, many investors are shying away from taking any unprecedented risks.
Henderson Global Investors plans to introduce at least two property funds, targeting mostly prime malls and offices in Paris and London. The group currently manages property assets worth around 10 billion Euros all around the world.
According to the head of property research at Henderson Global Investors, Alice Breheny, offices in central London are definitely a strong ‘buy’ recommendation. The company also likes the French retail sector because of the fundamentals of strong supply and demand.
She also expects the commercial property values in the United Kingdom to improve by the year end, followed by improvements in other key property markets like France and Germany in Europe.
The current global economic crisis, sparked by the collapse of the US home loan market, has forced property investors to avoid unfamiliar and risky property markets and invest in markets closer to home. The investment market in the UK has seen the sharpest falls in a long time but is expected to bounce back shortly.
Popularity: 10%
Bathroom remodelling – add value to your home
April 8, 2009
Bathroom remodelling is one of the most popular and rewarding home improvement projects that can be undertaken. There are several things that have to be considered while remodelling your bathroom. You will be required to plan various things like expanding the cabinet space, improving its lighting, installing new fixtures and replacing the floorings.
Bathroom remodelling is one step for adding value to your home. It is the initial step for upgrading your lifestyle as desired by you. If you have a proper plan, bathroom remodelling can be cheaper and easier than you would have ever thought. Instead of spending plenty of money for replacing the fixtures, upgrading the important items can help to convert the bathroom into a relaxing place.
Bathroom remodelling is probably the most fashionable project in home improvement as it provides maximum returns on your assets. Additionally, homeowners can easily get pleasure from their relaxing bathroom since the time when they remodel, until they choose to sell their home.
It is not only enjoyable but the modifications in colour, ventilation, lighting and surface materials can be accomplished by making a few vital changes. By introducing glass blocks, skylights and natural lightings in your bathroom can soften the nature of your room.
Bathroom remodelling is surely one of the greatest selling points of your home. You should learn about the present trends in the latest bathroom countertops, flooring, deluxe shower systems, faucets, sinks, vanities, magnifying mirrors, medicine cabinets and layered lighting before opting for your bathroom remodelling.
Popularity: 26%
Advantages of loft conversions
April 7, 2009
Loft conversions are ideal for making optimum utilisation of space. They are apt for making the most of the space available in your home.
More and more people are increasingly opting for loft conversions. Loft conversions are easier, quicker and are a cost effective way of acquiring extra space without relocating your home. Dormer conversions and Velux conversions are the most popular types of conversions available. Dormer conversions are apt when you have inadequate space for headroom and to finish the conversion. Additional space needs to be created by constructing the dormer area, hence the name.
When there is enough room available for conversion, Velux conversions or roof light conversions are used. They are popularly seen and are usually inexpensive. In fact they are one of the cheapest styles of loft conversion.
Contrary to the popular perception, there is no dearth of loft conversion styles. Various modification differences can be made. Multiple designs are also available for loft conversions.
The benefits of loft conversions are many. Loft conversions are made to suit your needs and requirements. There is something in store for everyone. From country homes to upscale areas, loft conversions are a hit with people.
Loft conversions have become more important than ever. It becomes imperative to create space as families grow. You can either move to a new location or remodel your existing space. Loft conversions fit the bill perfectly. Converting the loft for making new rooms is a great option.
Popularity: 6%
A word of caution to property investors on the health and safety measures
April 6, 2009
The downfall of the economy has affected many property developers. If organisations, while developing property, settle for less safety, then it is going to affect the business.
A new campaign has been introduced called as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It has been launched for those businesses that are involved in property development. Its main aim is to increase the awareness on the health and safety measures.
Construction Division in London of HSE, Richard Boland, commented that due to the inferior quality of health and safety practices, thirty-eight people died in an unfortunate accident. He even elaborated that many people either suffered ill-health or were injured and hurt because of those projects.
He said that it is the duty of the renovator, property developer or investor to try to reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents.
To develop this campaign, the HSE has worked out a plan with the stakeholders. It involves each and every stakeholder from the construction industry.
The chairperson of the campaign stakeholder group, Chris Tisi, said that in the past thirty five years, he has involved himself in the development of property. He has realized that health and safety plays a very important role to complete any particular project on time and in the fixed budget.
Popularity: 7%
Tips for choosing the right property for a shop
April 3, 2009
Thinking of setting up your own business and not sure what kind of property you need? Check out these two handy tips for finding an ideal location for your shop.
Area
Start off by deciding what your target shopper profile is and try to set up shop (pun intended) in a place which is likely to get you the most traffic relating to your expected clientèle. For instance, if you are setting up a trendy clothes shop, a town centre or shopping centre is an ideal location. Whereas, supposing you want a hardware shop, choosing somewhere with better access and parking such as the outskirts of a town may eb a better choice.
Space
This depends on what products and/or services you are going to be selling. If your store will be using conveyors, such as rollers or conveyor belts, make sure you leave plenty of space for these at your till points. Remember tills with conveyors is much larger than a simple counter top one. Also remember to account for back room storage of your products, you don’t necessarily want all of your stock on the shop floor so try to get somewhere with a suitable amount of storage space.
Obviously these are just simple tips and when it comes to finding a property m any other factors play a part, such as rent, property quality, and more.
Popularity: 8%