Studio Flats London

In the end of 2005, the employees of Moscow’s real estate agency Penny Lane Realty encountered the unexpected problem. Daily people called company with the question : “I want to purchase an apartment and immediately rent it out to clients, who I can talk to?” The answer was not easy, because sales and rent in Penny Lane Realty are responsibilities of two different departments. As a result for people involved in this type of situation company gave out a special phone number, which did not stop ringing the entire following year. Penny Lane Realty employees they were very proud of the way they resolved this problem, but suddenly bells ceased.

Number of people who desired to become private investors in real estate nowadays are very limited, and many of those, who were involved in this business past years, are now parting with the last properties they own, because the apartments in Moscow for rent are no longer bringing huge and stunning income gains in tens of percent annually as it used to before. Last week for the first time investments into real estate yielded in the plan of profitableness to long-term deposits into the banks.

Real estate market huslers depart, prices of real estate in Moscow are reducing – even if it just a little, but for a few months in a row. It seemed this was the desired results for Russian government, that this was what most of the Russian middle class wanted, which in had no way to allow themselves to purchase new apartments, after the last year’s jump of prices. But real estate experts are calm – in their unanimous opinion, the only consequence of present “stagnation” will be the clearer price separation of the apartments in Moscow into the elite and of the economy-class. The latter will fall in price, but not too much. There was no bubble, therefore, it won’t burst. It turns out, “valid” price on the real estate, which is not influenced by the investors, who purchase entire houses, but only by demands of future tenants and the proposal of builders – is not too differed from “invalid”, black market price. As one of the salesmen of real estate cynically noted, “Moscow still lags on the average price of the apartments behind New York or London”. Principally situation will change only, if many new houses appear on the market – but there are no prerequisites for this.

For more info please visit my website at www.eng.realtor.ru

Dubai… A great place to live and property investment!

The Dubai Properties and Real Estate Blog is a resource center for international property investors. Being the commercial hub of the Arab world, Dubai saw property boom since 2002 when the government had permitted foreigners to invest in Dubai properties in order to boost Dubai and as well as the whole UAE real estate market.. For a few years now, some have been saying that the Dubai property bubble was about to burst and that a property crash was just around the corner. Yet, prices kept increasing and such doom mongering proved unfounded. The Dubai property market is unique in many ways, and as such doesn’t follow the general rules of other property markets around the globe and other Middle East property markets. The current rate of return on UAE property investments is in the region of 10 – 15 percent per annum, with this rate expected to continue for the foreseeable future, and rental yields in excess of 10% are further evidence of strength in the property market. The growth in the tourism industry of Dubai has been phenomenal with the 3.4 million visitors in 2001 expected to rise to over 6 million in 2010 – from a standing start the area is becoming a magnet for overseas visitors. Many of Dubai’s property developments set out to emulate the most prestigious residential addresses in the world. However, the less glamorous middle-income gulf or Middle East real estate market is increasingly drawing the attention of savvy investors. Dubai Properties is one of the biggest and has said it will deliver 5,000 units to the freehold market in 2008 which is not nearly enough to meet surging demand. Abu Dhabi property market will not deliver a single new real estate unit this year, and deliveries will only start late in 2009, and that creates additional demand in Dubai.

The Mediterranean island of Malta has recorded the strongest growth in property prices from countries in the European Union, and recent news could help see property inflation in double figures for the next few years. Malta is not only a tax efficient location with beautiful costal properties for sale or rental, but its warm climate, beautiful sea and days full of sun will help you relax and retire in a friendly and safe environment for Mediterranean property investment. Sustained property inflation at levels seen in Malta are rarely seen in other countries, but new economic activity on the island could see property demand at good levels for some years to come. The introduction of low cost flights to Malta from the UK will open up the possibility of more international real estate investors looking at the island for holiday homes that could be used for long weekends, and the Malta hotels industry could reap the benefits of the 3 and 4-day tourist seeing the island as a viable place to visit. After some years of wondering how Malta property market would fit into the modern world, property agents, hotel owners and the Malta holidays industry are beginning to see the future with some optimism.

Due to the gains in housing equity in the past 20 years, more people have been seeking to invest in housing, rather than other forms of investment. In the UK there has been a rise in the number of private buy to let investors. Similar to an increase in the buy to let sector, there has also been an increase in demand for houses from oversees property buyers. This has had a significant effect in boosting real estate demand, especially in London. In terms of land mass the UK is an incredibly small country yet it attracts amongst the highest levels of immigration in the world. the supply of property is always restricted in the UK and that exaggerates price swings and ensures a recovery. Those more patient buyers from Arabia will find themselves well rewarded.

Near the beautiful Thames River lie a variety of furnished apartments that will rent by the day, week, or month. The Romney House offers 1, 2 and 3 luxury bedroom apartments in a distinctly distinguished building within easy walking distance of Victoria station, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and the Thames River. Looking for something more contemporary in the heart of Victoria? New Palace Place has a selection of new luxury apartments located in Westminster. Here you will find one of London’s greatest landmarks, Big Ben. St. James’ Park underground the shops and amenities of Victoria are within easy walking distance. For those on a budget, Park House provides a selection of refinished one bedroom apartments within walking distance of Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and Knightsbridge. With all the money you will save on lodgings, you can afford to shop at the nearby Harrods and other internationally known shops.

Would you like a room with a view? St. George Wharf offers one and two bedroom apartments created with the view in mind. Recipient of several prestigious awards, St. George Wharf offers a breathtaking view of the Thames river as well as some of London’s best landmarks. You will gaze upon the majesty of Big Ben and the modern marvel of the Millennium Wheel. St. George’s Wharf is a grand example of modern architecture, both inside and out. The West End Quay offers one and two bedroom studio apartments in a contemporary setting near the Grand Union canal. The nearby Paddington station provides service every 15 minutes with the Heathrow express. A 24 hour concierge will provide you with all the local tips as well as provide you with an added sense of security.

Tons of visitors from all over the planet traveling to this surprising and lovely and enjoy for their holiday here with is whole of fun and activity. This location is very favorite worldwide and natives here enjoy their stay, the unsurpassed accommodation offered by this place. The region is not greatly pricey also and you group with lesser budgets can enjoy their stay. Always think hiring one of numerous fashionable apartments. Vacation apartment rental is a relaxing and more affordable option touring this part families and travelers with pets should ensure with their travel agents to assure that appropriate rentals are secured before leaving home, People would love to involve up a Travel provided their accommodation is affordable.

For those traveling on a shoestring budget, look for apartments that rent out individual rooms sharing a common living and kitchen area. London Rooms rents out flats by the evening or by the week. They provide cheap, comfortable apartments that are 12 minutes away from London by the C2C train. Single travelers or students may opt to rent individual rooms sharing a common room and kitchen. Whatever your travel budget, there is an apartment option that is right for you.

For more info visit: London Vacation Rentals Apartments

London Apartments

Are you feeling fed up with the long dreary winter and desperate to start to enjoy Spring? Do you want to get away from it all and enjoy some culture? Maybe a stay in the city of London will help you beat those winter blues and recharge your batteries in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. You can enjoy the many events staged at the Barbican and visiting the West End for shopping and theatre trips.

Independent travellers to London are often surprised at how easy it is to rent a fully furnished apartment for a short break in London. Apartments are available from periods of just 1 night upwards!

You can stay just 150 metres from the Barbican centre in a simple studio apartment with its own fully equipped kitchen and bathroom for well under a hundred pounds a night. Included in the price are linen, towels, broadband internet access, TV, HiFi, direct phone, in-room safe. You will have the flexibility of being able to prepare your own snacks and meals whilst enjoying your own private home from home in London.

The Barbican is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue and presents a huge range of art, music, theatre, dance and educational events. It is also home to the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra.

Offering an unparalleled programme of film festivals, the Barbican shows a whole host of movies from an eclectic mix of independent directors from around the world.

There are many superb concerts or events at the Barbican Centre. Leading musicians and soloists from all over the world in both classical and contemporary music perform regularly at the Barbican. In classical music, world-famous artists such as Cecilia Bartoli, Simon Rattle, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Evgeny Kissin, Maxim Vengerov, Alfred Brendel, Bernard Haitink, Mstislav Rostropovich, Midori, Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma have been enjoyed by visitors to the centre in recent times. In contemporary music the best artists in jazz, country, folk, world, roots, rock, soul and contemporary classical music from around the world are proud to perform there.

The restaurants at the Barbican Centre are popular with visitors and serve an excellent selection of meals, both at lunchtime and in the evenings.

The Barbican is also the perfect location for business travellers to the City of London. Corporate executives on assignment in London enjoy living in the hub of the business and artistic centre of the city. Partners are often happy to come along and enjoy the arts, as well as having the opportunity to hop on the tube at nearby Barbican Station and travel in to the West End for shopping. Everyday life in London offers so much to the visitor with its pubs, olde English backstreets and amazing array of shops and quality restaurants.

One of London’s greatest landmarks within walking distance is the fabulous St Paul’s Cathedral. You can climb to the top and enjoy magnificent birds eye views of one of the most amazing cities in the world.

If you are a lover of Shakespeare you can visit the remarkable Globe Theatre nearby at Southwark which also offers an impressive calendar of events throughout the year which include theatrical performances and lovely concerts.

You can stroll along to St Katherine’s Dock and watch the fascinating comings and goings at the fabulous marina full of sailing boats whilst enjoying a meal in one of the many waterside restaurants.

Engineering enthusiasts love to visit Tower Bridge and watch as this fabulous old Victorian icon opens to allow tall ships to pass through on their way up the Thames. Again, you can enjoy stunning views along the river from its walkways. In recent years, it has become an impressive London venue and it is now even possible to get married on Tower Bridge!

Whatever your taste, a stay in the Barbican area of London will offer you excellent entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. As well as the arts and culture, you can enjoy fantastic shopping in Oxford Street and Regent Street with the West End just a short distance away on the tube.

For corporate employees in London on project assignments, serviced apartments offer the best of both worlds. You will benefit from spacious accommodation, as well as having a separate fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and a bathroom. Even in a studio apartment, you will have ample space to work and entertain friends or clients and well as broadband internet access. Serviced apartments offer you the chance to enjoy the services you would expect from a hotel whilst enjoying the privacy and freedom offered by having your own apartment, your own home from home in London.

In central locations, most service apartments are just a stone’s throw away from London Underground stations and a host of restaurants, bars and the nightlife of the city.

At the Citadines just off London’s famous Trafalgar Square there is a large breakfast area next to the foyer where you can enjoy coffee and croissants in the morning. Embankment and Charing Cross stations are just a short walk away. You will be close to the West End with Regent Street and Piccadilly just 15 minutes walk. In this area, busy bustling streets are lined with shops and you will be just a few steps away from theatreland where you can enjoy London’s vibrant nightlife. You can rent a studio apartment for any length of time from one night upwards.

For the international family, there is superb contemporary accommodation available behind the magnificent traditional facades of old Victorian buildings in areas such as Knightsbridge and Clerkenwell. These provides provide a home from home for businessmen and their families on assignment to London.

For the business traveller, there are many options available. See www.gocityapartments.com  for details of over 1,000 London serviced apartments from budget studios to luxury penthouses.

Do you ever come to London working on project assignments? Or do you send teams of staff to the UK for training etc? Are you often looking for a cost-effective accommodation solution? You may find that renting a centrally located serviced apartment will be the best idea to consider.

Serviced apartments are usually located just a short distance away from the London underground, as well as the many restaurants, bars and nightlife of the city. Serviced accommodation offers the best of both worlds – most serviced apartments are larger than the average hotel room and they all have a separate kitchen and bathroom. In your apartment, you will have plenty of space to work and entertain friends or clients. Most serviced apartments offer broadband internet access for occupants. You will be able to enjoy hotel services such as cleaning whilst enjoying the privacy and freedom of your own apartment, your own base in London. Most serviced apartments are available from one night upwards.

Just off London’s famous Trafalgar Square you can enjoy staying at Citadines which has a large breakfast area where you can enjoy coffee and croissants in the morning. Embankment and Charing Cross stations are close by. You will be near the West End of London with Regent Street and Piccadilly just 15 minutes walk away. You will be able to enjoy walking down the busy bustling streets and browsing in the shops and take in a West End theatre show, being just steps away from theatreland where you can enjoy London’s vibrant nightlife.

The contemporary accommodation available is superb, much of which nestles behind the magnificent traditional facades of old Victorian buildings in areas such as Knightsbridge, South Kensington and Clerkenwell.

For the corporate traveller, London has a lot to offer. See www.gocityapartments.com  for details of over 1,000 London serviced apartments from budget studios to luxury penthouses.

A few weeks ago a secretary telephoned me in absolute desperation. She was desperately searching for accommodation in central London for some VIPs from abroad. She stumbled onto my website, not really understanding what the service was about. I think the words ‘free service’, ‘apartments’ just helped her to figure out that Quality London Apartments had something to do with accommodation. Apologies for my long opening, but it is a prime example of how little travelers in the UK and Europe know about the serviced apartment industry. After explaining the concept of serviced apartments and helping her find an apartment, I realized that I needed to share this knowledge further afield. Thus, this article is my contribution to open up this elusive industry and offer tips to travelers.
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is a flat in a block, which has a separate bedroom, sitting room/lounge, fully equipped kitchen, your own private keys to own door. Serviced apartments can be in the form of a studio flat (all in one room with a kitchenette), one, two or three bedrooms.
All apartments enjoy maid service, utilities and a management team to help….just like a hotel. Guests only pay for a nightly rate and can live in a flat with everything they would have in their own home.
Pros: Serviced London Apartment vs Hotels
 More value for money and cheaper. In a hotel, no matter which star rating, you pay per night for one room which will have a TV, bathroom, sofa and a bed. This is similar to a studio apartment! In an apartment there is a separate bedroom, kitchen, sitting room, bathroom and dining table (exception is studio)
 Pay per apartment and not per person. An example would be paying £250 per night for a two bedroom apartment, which could accommodate up to 4 people, that works out at £62.50 per person.
 Freedom and privacy. An apartment is like being in your own home and there is plenty of space. You have your own keys to your own door.
 Booking is easy, just like hotels. The majority of apartments require a credit card to guarantee, pre-payment before you arrive and that’s it. No deposits, no tenants’ contracts.
Cons: Serviced London Apartment vs Hotels
 Apartments lacks the buzz and services of a hotel such as restaurants and Room Service. Albeit some apartments are owned by hotels and offer you the use of their restaurants and other services.
 No 24-hour service around the clock. The apartments are ran by a small team who work Monday to Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm, so you are on your own during the weekend. There are emergency numbers to call should you suffer an electric cut, but no 24-hours hotel Duty Manager to run to your room.
 No pool, massages, saunas like hotels
What to look out for when booking a serviced London apartment?
1. Quality of the apartment – make sure you find out if they are clean, well furnished and well maintained. How? Check the photos, and ask if you can book an appointment to view the apartment. This is very important if you are staying over a long period of time.
2. Do they have a friendly and efficient management team? If you need the comfort of a welcoming face to greet you on arrival, then ask for an apartment with a reception. Some apartments provide key boxes, so you can arrive any time, but there is no-one to meet you. A friendly and small team will be able to give you a very personal touch.
3. Opening time of the apartments office – doesn’t sound important? Well it is because the majority of apartments’ operations team open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm. If you arrive at your apartment during office open hours, then fine, but any other time and weekends will mean that you will need to pick up the keys from a different location.
4. Key delivery by car at the airport? – If you are flying from abroad to London, and do not fancy traipsing throughout London at night to pick up keys, the majority of apartments will hire a taxi to deliver your keys to the airport upon your arrival. Convenient for a small charge.
5. Payment procedure and cancellation policy – every apartment vary in their guest terms and conditions. All will accept a credit card as a guarantee of reservation, some will ask for 100% pre-payment at least 7 days prior to arrival and cancellation can range from 12:00pm on the day of arrival to 28 days. So, before you confirm the reservation, be very clear about the terms and conditions. Ask your apartment agents to explain the procedure to you and read the terms and conditions on your confirmation emails. It will save you a great deal of trouble and headache later.
6. Apartments are always allocated on arrival. This policy is the same as any hotel, so unless you are a regular guest to a specific apartment, apartments are on allocations. In the same breath, some apartments only have a small number of flats, so if you are reserving the only 3 bedrooms penthouse in their collection, then you are guaranteed that specific apartment.
7. Rates become more competitive the longer you stay. In this, we mean you have more bargaining power if you are staying for one month or longer. This is when your apartment agent can really help you by negotiating with a variety of apartments to get you the best deal.
8. Using an apartment agent will also save you time searching, but most importantly they will work with your budget and negotiate a great deal for you. Of course, you also need to be realistic about what you can book, don’t expect to spend £80 per night for a luxury apartment. For example, one of our clients had £300 budget per night for a two bedroom apartment and he wanted something luxury. For those readers who know London well, also understands that this budget is actually very small. Despite that, we booked him and 3 friends into the Victoria Park Plaza luxury apartment (£150 per night less than the usual price) for £300 per night with free breakfast, gym and access to the executive lounge. Any apartment agent worth their salt can and will move mountains to help you.
What if I don’t like the apartment when I get there?
If you really feel that you have been hard done by, tell the apartment management team and ask to be moved to another apartment. All of the apartments that we work with are very customer focussed and try to help guests enjoy their stay. If this does not work, talk to your apartment agent, if that is how you booked. Best advice though, is to ask all the right questions before you book an apartment.
Your appetite for apartments is now whetted – how do you find London apartments?
1. As already explained, you can choose a free search and book service of an apartment agent or go direct to a specific apartment that you know. Both methods are absolutely fine, dependent of your knowledge of London apartments. Using an agent will mean that they will search far across their portfolio and present you with a variety of choices…all within 10-15 minutes. Agents are impartial and will only (good agents anyway) recommend the quality apartments for your needs.
2. You can use search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN to find apartments. Type in keywords like ‘London serviced apartments’ or ‘quality London apartments’ and so on.
3. Stating the obvious but, ask for a recommendation from friends and acquaintances.
4. Check on Tripadvisor and other customer review websites.
Summary
If you have read this far, then thank you for your time. I have tried to make this article clear and as helpful as possible, but I welcome your comments and any further information that you feel is very important.