Are you looking at your gaming setup right now in shame? Was it hastily put together with cheap furniture that was falling apart because you had to concentrate on affording the gaming PC? That’s understandable, but it’s time for a glow up. It’s time for some new furniture, a lick of paint, and some simple moves to make your gaming space look like something worthy of your time. And you’re a gamer: it’s going to take a lot of your time. Take a look at our picks for the best upgrades to your gaming setup.

Stylish surroundings

The rules of interior design apply even in the game room. You’re not going to want to spend your time in a style-less man cave full of chipped and boring flat pack furniture. Take a glance through some interior design magazines for ideas on what you want to do with the space.

This is particularly important if you’re expecting to get into streaming. Your audience has to look at that unmade bed and bare wall. They’re not going to appreciate that. If they don’t comment in the chat they might just leave. It’s a headache to look at the mess.

This is where all those coloured LED lights that are starting to become cliched came in handy, however. It was good at disguising the rest of the room in black shadow so you didn’t really see anything. Consider better lighting, like mood lighting with a colour changing bulb if you like the colour changing effect, rather than relying on the big light.

The desk

The desk is going to be the focal point of your gaming space. Even if you’re placing it in the bedroom, the desk will distinct itself from the rest of the room, so it should look good and be functional.

Make sure you get something strong. What kind of setup is at risk of seeing your three monitors crash around you? You’ll be in the middle of a round of slots on some online casinos website or trying to vanquish the enemy in an epic Fortnite battle and hear a creak, and then the whole idea is over.

You might also want to look into an adjustable desk. So much of this world isn’t made for someone of above average height or leg length. You’ll not need to worry about stooping anymore with a desk that can reach your arms. And even better, you can occasionally get out of the chair and turn your desk into a standing desk.

The chair

Why would you want to get out of the chair? Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but gaming chairs are awful. They’re built to look good, but they will kill your back and become really uncomfortable after half an hour or so. That’s not much use for a serious gamer who’s settling into their chair for at least a few hours for a night of gaming.

A distinct lack of wires

You might have not even noticed, but whenever these gaming TikTokers or Instagramers are showing off their setup, there’s something about it that makes it look like a showroom that you just can’t quite put your finger on. It’s the wires.

One way to instantly make your setup look shoddy and your head feel untidy is with wires hanging everywhere, and between the PC, the keyboard, the controllers, the mouse, the speakers, the webcam, the mic and the headphones, that’s a lot of wires hanging everywhere.

There are a lot of wire-hiding solutions, but nothing beats the humble zip-tie. Tie any wires you can together, or to the legs of your desk to keep them out of the way. Even better, buy some sticky hooks and hook any nuisance wires away.

When it comes to choosing living room flooring, it can be quite hard to decide on styles and materials. And one thing to think about is how well you use that space. For some of us, it can be quite busy but for others, it’s a place to wind down. So, let’s take a look at the top flooring ideas for your living room.  

Embrace your original wood flooring 

If your wooden flooring is looking a bit tired, don’t replace it for something new, give it a new life! All you need to do is sand it down and put on a fresh oil or lacquer of your choice. It’s all down to personal preference and your interior style, so choose a finish that will complement your furniture and decor. Consider bamboo paneling and wooden coffee tables to give your space a breath of fresh air.  

Add a pop of colour with tiles 

If you love traditional European homes, then you’ll love terracotta tiles! Complement them with bright green plants, woven baskets and sculptural vases. It will make your home look like a Spanish Sahara you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re wanting to add a bit of pattern, then you will love tessera tiles. There are so many different patterns and colours to choose from too! 

Click-in luxury vinyl tiles 

If you’re looking to imitate the look of luxury materials without the hefty price tag, luxury vinyl tiles are here to save the day. You can choose from wood, stone and tile look-a-likes in a variety of different colours and textures. The majority of luxury vinyl tiles come with a click-fit joining method that are so easy to install yourself, so you won’t need to hire a professional fitter. 

Soft carpet for a cosy home

If you love getting cosy in front of the fire, then you need a floor that’s soft and comfy. Carpet is one of the most popular floors in living rooms because of its soft touch and neutral colour. Over the past few years, homeowners have opted out for the usual beige carpet and instead, chosen something that’s a bit brighter and bolder. So, get ready to see more colourful carpets! 

Engineered wood for a warmer space 

If you want underfloor heating in your living room but you’re certain on having wood, engineered wood is the best option for you. You can’t have underfloor heating with solid wood because the material is too thick for the heat to travel through it. Just think, a crackling fire, a warm floor and lots of blankets, the perfect remedy for a cosy night in. 

We hope you loved these living room flooring ideas! 

Property & Development Magazine

As the CEO of Better Homes, Ryan Mahoney (Dubai, UAE) has extensive experience of the property market. He also owns CenCorp, a conglomerate of property-related businesses. This article looks at the boom currently seen in Dubai’s property market, exploring how one of the wealthiest emirates came to be such an important commercial hub, attracting investors from all over the world.

With a population increase of more than 500% in recent decades, Dubai is one of world’s fastest-growing cities. It is difficult to imagine how this spectacular skyline rose up from the desert, its foundations lying in what was once just a modest fishing village.

As Tom Chitty of CNBC explains, oil was discovered in the region around 50 years ago, helping to make Dubai what it is today. Nevertheless, this only tells part of the story. After all, oil reserves have been discovered in many Middle Eastern countries. Why did Dubai in particular see such a boom?

Many point to Dubai’s proximity to Iran as a crucial factor in its transformation from a sleepy fishing village to an important trading route in the Persian Gulf, although the initial phase of the city’s transformation was dramatically cut short during the Great Depression due to the collapse of the pearl export industry. In 1929, Dubai residents abandoned the region in vast numbers, migrating to other parts of the country and causing investment in the city’s infrastructure to slow to a crawl.

However, in 1966 vast oil reserves were discovered off the coast of Dubai, sparking a rapid change in the city’s fortunes once again. Between 1968 and 1975, Dubai’s population grew by 300%.

Over the past three decades, the population of Dubai has swelled to 3.4 million – marking a period of remarkable growth. With oil accounting for just 1% of Dubai’s GDP, there must be other factors at play.

As Tom Chitty points out, one of Dubai’s sources of income – and arguably the most valuable commercial asset in the whole of the UAE – stems from the city’s maritime activities. Dubai is an important trading port today due to its unique positioning as the entrance and exit of the Persian Gulf, making it one of the busiest ports in the Middle East today.

Dubai rapidly evolved into a global commercial hub with companies opening offices across the city, lured by attractive custom duty benefits, tax breaks and no restrictions of foreign ownership. Easily accessible from Europe, the city enjoys a temperate climate year-round, poising Dubai as an ideal luxury tourist destination.

Boasting the world’s tallest building, as well as a collection of man-made islands crafted in the shape of a world map, the most populous city in the UAE has never shied away from ambitious construction projects. Dubai’s transformation from fishing village to global hub is nothing short of remarkable, but as ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum points out, the city will never settle for anything less than first place. Dubai’s economic growth has been virtually unparalleled over the last 20 years, with no signs of abating anytime soon.

Property & Development Magazine

Michael Akkawi Predicts the Sydney Property Hotspots for 2021

Sydney is one of the most iconic cities in Australia, home to spectacular landmarks and stunning scenery. As such, the property market has long been buoyant, with buyers looking to secure themselves a piece of this attractive and exciting city.

The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some issues with the housing market as it has with virtually every industry in the world. However, in Sydney, demand is bouncing back and prices are increasing accordingly. Michael Akkawi is a property developer renowned for facing challenges head-on and delivering lifestyle solutions that are as artistic as they are practical.

Buyers Seeking Sea Views

One of the biggest trends to emerge on the Sydney property market in 2020 has been an increase in popularity of properties near the ocean. People who have spent long periods confined to their homes for all but the most essential activities are seeking moves to properties that will offer them better aesthetics and better access to nearby outdoor hotspots.

As such, regions across the upper north shore of Sydney are selling fast, and for prices as much as 15% higher than similar properties sold as recently as April 2020. Demand is far outstripping supply in the north of Sydney, so potential buyers can expect to get less for their money.

In September 2020, one buyer reportedly paid $95 million for a waterfront property with its own private jetty, terraces, and tennis court, making it the second-most valuable property in Australia. While this may not be typical, house prices are escalating rapidly in the northern areas.

Investor Confidence in the Property Market

Data from 2020 across Australia shows that the property market as a whole is robust and growing in revenue. Demand is high and the economy is improving faster than predicted. Consumer confidence and business confidence are also improving rapidly, and banks are keen to accept new business. All of these factors are positive ones for potential property investors looking to capitalise on an industry in which demand is far outweighing supply.

Sydney’s Most Expensive Suburbs

The suburbs are known for offering families the best of both worlds – somewhere peaceful and idyllic to raise their children, with easy access to the hustle and bustle of the city. Many of Sydney’s suburbs are in high demand in terms of property, with sale prices out of reach for all but the wealthiest families. The highly desirable suburb of Darling Point currently has a median house price of $7.7 million. Not far behind are Bellevue Hill at $6.4 million and Vaucluse at $5.84 million.

These may be extremes, but people searching for new property in increasingly desirable areas of Sydney, which include Bayview, St Ives, West Pennant Hills, and Avalon, can expect to experience above-average growth in house prices throughout 2021 and beyond.

Michael Akkawi donates a portion of all profits from his property development business to The Victoria Cross Foundation, the Australian charity that he established.

Michael Akkawi Predicts the Sydney Property Hotspots for 2021

Property & Development Magazine

When Is The Best Time To Replace Your Windows?

Windows are among the most prominent features in your house. Apart from their functional purpose, windows also highlight the aesthetic of most homes. That’s why you need a perfect window for your house both for functionality and beauty. It’s important to have the right windows installed to help insulate your home well and to also withstand some of the toughest weather. 

When the weather is cold outside, outdated windows could be letting a draft into your home. There are many useful ways for how to keep your house warm in winter, such as insulating the attic, getting a smart thermostat, and sealing off drafty rooms. However, some of these are not a permanent solution if your windows are still letting cold air in. 

If your windows are not protecting your home well enough anymore, it could be time to replace them and find more energy efficient and durable glazing.

When you want to insulate your home better & save energy

If your windows are letting air in and your home is cold and draughty, then probably time to replace your windows. Replacing your windows may help you save some money on your energy bill. Replacing your window can help prevent heat from escaping and therefore keep your house warm and comfortable during cold seasons.

Energy Saving Trust outlines ways to reduce home heat loss and focusing on your windows and doors is one of them. By making your windows and doors more energy efficient, you can keep your home warmer in the winter, reduce the amount of heat that’s lost in the atmosphere, and lower your energy bills. 

When you need some noise-reduction in your home

If you live near a busy road or town, you might have a lot of noise that interrupts daily activity when you’re at home. Loud noise can be very distracting, especially early in the morning or late at night when your family is trying to sleep. While windows do not block out all sound, there are windows that can help block out the majority of sound. 

There are many factors that can affect the amount of sound that comes into your home through your windows. The number of panes, the quality of the seals, and how the frames were fitted, can all have an impact. Double pane windows can also offer more sound reduction than single pane windows. However, it’s important to remember that new windows will not block out all noise, but they can help reduce it. Homes that experience a significant noise problem may not see a noticeable difference.

When the current windows are old and outdated

Now and again it’s important to check your house for signs of any damage and also regularly maintain your windows. Simply cleaning them, inspecting them, and checking for any damage can help you assess their overall condition. If you’re renovating and modernising your home, your old outdated windows may need replacing if you want them to match the rest of the home.

Windows help complement the entire house and there are a range of styles and options for homeowners to choose from. Blackthorn Timber Windows provide made-to-measure timber windows, from sash windows to tilt and turn windows, that can suit any style of home. Their windows help let in more natural light and also help reduce heat loss and condensation.

When the current windows are worn-out & damaged

When your window frames are cracking, broken, or warped, then it’s definitely time to replace them. Depending on the materials used, sometimes it can be hard to keep windows in perfect condition and even more so if they’ve been installed for a very long time. If windows are also proving too difficult to open, then it’s vital to get them replaced as windows also act as emergency escape routes in your home.

If your windows are leaking too, then it’s also a crucial sign that something is wrong with them and they might need replacing. Condensation can be wiped away but if there is too much off it, too frequently, then it becomes a bigger issue to deal with. 

Property & Development Magazine

Marlborough Securities Asset-Backed Investments

Marlborough Securities has released a new opportunity for asset-backed investment within the UK property market. The investment, which revolves around secured property development loans in the south-east of England, offers a five-year fixed rate return of 9.25% to qualifying investors. This outperforms traditional correlated property-based investments in the UK, with an Interest Distribution of 46.25% over a typical five-year investment period.

Demand for UK property has been significant and growing in recent years. While this is good news for property developers, it drives down yields for investors. When partnered with changes to the UK tax regime, such as the introduction of taxation on buy-to-let, investors have been finding the property investment market more challenging. Marlborough Securities is working to help investors meet these challenges head-on and take advantage of existing market opportunities – as well as new and emerging opportunities – in an ever-changing market. The Marlborough Securities investment opportunity comes in the form of a fully asset-backed Bond supported by a proven and experienced team of advisors.

Andrew Green, founder of Grosvenor Bridging Loans Limited, is a key member of the Advisory Team. With a 25-year track record of success, Mr Green manages a clean book and has executed and redeemed over £300 million of loans with no defaults to date. In the last six months, Marlborough Securities has done £15 million of lending, with another £10 million pending on deals. The majority of these deals are only available for 18 months before being renewed.

The Marlborough Advisory Team will be managing all monies raised through investment and working hand in hand with Marlborough Opportunities Limited. MOL will be providing seed financing for property development projects across the south-east of the UK, focusing on real estate development and construction. This financing will take the form of short-term, high-interest, over-collateralised bridging loans backed by the real and tangible assets of companies, shareholders, and principals, aimed at SMEs, development companies and investors.

The returns on the investment have a fixed rate for five years of 9.25% in GBP, or 8.5% and 8.0% in USD and euros respectively. There are no initial charges and 100% allocation, with tax-free gross payments of coupons and yields. The over-collateralisation on the underlying assets protects investor income distribution and delivers short-term returns that are above market average. There is no maximum investment subject to the maximum issuance of £50 million Marlborough Secured Notes, with a nominal value of £1,000 each (or $1,000 or €1,000), with a minimum investment threshold of £100,000.

Marlborough Securities is exploring a comprehensive property investment portfolio comprising both commercial and residential properties, with a focus on the lucrative south-east region of the UK. These include bridging loans to secure land for domestic property development, the expansion and development of bar and restaurant franchises, and the funding for a series of buy-to-let properties that have already generated much interest.

Property & Development Magazine

How to keep safe as a tradesman during lockdown

As the UK entered the New Year, we were faced with another national lockdown resulting in many businesses continuing to operate from home. However, working from home is not a feasible option for tradespeople such as gas engineers, plumbers and electricians. As a result, official government guidance states that tradespeople working in domestic properties can continue to enter people’s homes for the purpose of working.

But, as new strains of the virus spread around the country, it’s essential that tradespeople are taking preventative measures to protect both themselves and their customers. Here are five tips to keep you and your customers safe while working throughout the lockdown.

Go cashless

Considering COVID-19 can survive on banknotes for 28 days, going cashless is your best option. Setting up card payments may seem a hassle, but it isn’t as difficult or expensive as you think—all you need is a card machine and a merchant bank account. There are different card machines available depending on the nature of your work and, as a trader, you’ll want one that’s small enough to carry to each job without getting in the way, as opposed to fixed-location Point of Sale terminal most often seen in brick and mortar stores, as noted by Tradesman Saver. “You need something that’s portable, relatively lightweight, and can work perfectly fine using nothing more than a secure WiFi or Bluetooth connection.” The insurance company recommends using an iZettle Reader, PayPal Here, or WorldPay Zinc for your tradesman business.

Contact the client before your arrival

Call the client when you’re nearby so they can prepare for your arrival. For example, they can leave the front door open for you to reduce unnecessary touching of doorknobs and doorbells, while leaving other doors open around the house means you don’t have to touch any handles. Remember that you should never enter someone’s home if they have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating, unless it’s an emergency.

Let your client know how you’re planning to carry out the work. For instance, if you know you need to enter multiple rooms in a client’s house, let them know so that they can organise the space accordingly.

Wear a mask

As cases of COVID-19 increase drastically, wearing a face mask inside a customer’s home reduces the risk of transmitting the virus. Most employers are sending their tradesmen out to work with the guidance of wearing a mask during any home visits, while it isn’t strictly necessary onsite. However, if you don’t wear a mask when completing a job in someone’s home, it puts both you and them at higher risk of contracting the virus.

Wash your hands as often as possible

Entering someone’s home to complete a job means it’s difficult to avoid touching surfaces. To prevent spreading the virus, wash your hands on arrival using the NHS recommended hand washing technique for around twenty seconds using soap and hot water. Using hand sanitiser often is also advised. You should wash them again if you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose, and again as soon as you can after leaving. Try and avoid touching your face and eyes until you’ve washed your hands after leaving the property.

Maintain a safe 2m distance from clients

Following the two metre rule in a client’s home will go some way to protecting you both, so ask them to stay in another room while you carry out the work (or at least as far away as possible). Avoid any potentially busy areas such as the hallway and stairs if possible. If you cannot maintain a two metre distance, you should wear a mask and ask your client to do the same unless either of you are exempt for medical reasons.

Work alone

Rather than working with a colleague and sharing a van to travel to jobs, work alone wherever possible. If it’s a two man job, ensure your vehicle is ventilated and try to arrange a ‘work bubble’ where certain employees team up to complete jobs together, without having to switch partners constantly.

Property & Development Magazine

How To Use 2021 Colours Of The Year In Your Kitchen & Bathroom

As 2021 gets off to an uncertain start, Dulux and Pantone have released their 2021 Colours of the Year to help inspire homeowners decorate and transform their homes. There are many ways that these colours can be used stylishly in any style of home and any type of room. If you are considering decorating in the new year, some of the most useful things to do is check out the latest trends for 2021.

What are the colours of the year for 2021?

This year Pantone have declared two appropriate colours as representative of 2021 rather than just one: ‘Illuminating’, a soft yellow tone representing vibrance, hope, and optimism, and; ‘Ultimate Grey’, a solid and dependable grey tone that represents strength and resilience. Similarly, Dulux have declared their colour for 2021 to be ‘Brave Ground’, a warm, earthy shade that draws from the raw strength of nature and exudes growth and stability. For homeowners looking for some new colour inspiration in the new year, there are many ways to style a home with these three gorgeous colours.

Seasonal Trends

Both architecture and design play an important part in designing a home that you will love for years to come. A major factor in home design is of course the colour scheme. Decorating in the new year by using palettes from Pantone and Dulux is a great way to establish tones and shades to complement and accentuate your home’s interior aesthetic. The long-heralded open space designs seem to be fading away slightly and are being replaced by specialised, self-contained designs for each room. Therefore, each room could potentially have its own style and own colour schemes that are different to the rest of the home.

Deciding on your colour scheme

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021 includes two colours this time, with a bright yellow with ‘Illuminating’ and a versatile stylish grey with ‘Ultimate Grey’. Pantone’s vibrant Illuminating and soft Ultimate Grey were specifically chosen because they can either be used independently from one another yet they also match perfectly with one another as well. What’s better is that when used in tandem, the ratio of how much each colour is used is really up to you.

When it comes to Dulux’s ‘Brave Ground’ Colour of the Year for 2021, the rich earthy tone is best complemented with expressive pops of brown and rose shades from Dulux such as Berry Pop and Spiced Honey, as well as with deep blues and greens such as Mysterious Teal and Night Seas (especially with natural wood furniture and accents).

Vivacious bathroom designs

Black and white have long been safe picks for bathrooms, especially where tiles and water-resistant flooring options make them dependable choices. Pantone’s Illuminating yellow, however, is a great way to add a happy, vibrant injection of colour during your morning routine. Although this tone may be a tad excessive for the bedroom, it’s a perfect shade that will pair well with bathroom cabinets, mirror frames, and your vanity, for example. Pair Illuminating with touches of Ultimate Grey paint or mirror the shade with tiles which will stand the test of time as grey is such a versatile colour to use.

Lively kitchen setups

From 2000 to 2021, there has been a wide variety of colours that have been selected as the Pantone Colour of the year. There have been calming blues with ‘Cerulean’, bold shades with ‘Tigerlily’, and beautiful animated colours like ‘Living Coral’. Each one could be used to create a lively and thriving kitchen in your home. This year, Pantone’s yellow/grey combination brings plenty of energy and personality to the kitchen, too. Illuminating could be used on kitchen walls and be complemented with tile backsplashes and kitchen accessories to match. When using Illuminating Grey, the paint colour will match well with grey countertops and kitchen cabinets too.

Brave Ground, on the other hand, adds a completely different aesthetic to kitchens. Rather than a colder grey kitchen, the shade is a neutral brown that can bring a warmer feel to your home. The rich, earthy tone is quite flexible and versatile to use as it can pair well with other colours and furnishings. Be sure to complement these colours with plenty of wood and interior flora for a complete natural interior design look.

Property & Development Magazine

Interior Design Trends 2020: Top 10 Must See Home Decorating Ideas

The year 2020 has been a historic year. There were so many changes with the new normal being adopted this year. Like everything else, interior design has also evolved and reincarnated concepts and ideas, embracing the changes and modifications that this year has brought.

It is fascinating that patterns and florals are making a comeback. Minimalists and functional designs are also huge on the line-up—the year 2020 in interior design seemed to have bid goodbye to metal and metallic hues.

Here are the top 10 must-see home decorating ideas of 2020.

1. Hello Earth Tones

A touch of the outdoors indoors is the colour this year. Welcome shades of chocolate, olive green, burnt orange, and yellow ochre for that all-year autumn vibe. Natural elements like wood, metal, and plants are a huge thumbs-up giving that calming, back to nature and almost rustic vibe. If you rarely have the chance to go out, following this trend will always give you that refreshing welcome. It would actually entice you to go out and enjoy the park and the sunset.

2. Finding Florals

Bloomy walls have always been part of the trend when it comes to interior designing. It has been tried and tested, making a comeback almost every year. Wouldn’t be wrong to say it remains a top favourite.  This year, it is making another comeback. The florals of 2020 are not your granny flowers or the hippie style but a more delicate, contemporary style that can add the missing oomph to your walls. Walls adorned in pretty blooms always give off that happy cheery vibe. The floral wallpapers from Arthouse will surely make your walls happy and yourself happier with the results.

3. Work from Home

This is probably the trend that caught everyone by surprise. Sure, bringing work home every once in a while, was normal, but this year saw offices moving into the living and dining rooms and no better time than now to create your own home office using functional and multipurpose fixtures. Convert your guest room into your office and take advantage of the hanging shelves and a mini desk to get your work done. Space saver furniture and collapsible fixtures are highly recommended for this setup. Check out the collection of office chairs and desks by Furniture Fuse. 

4. Rattan and Wicker Combo

Once used mostly for exteriors, furniture and accents made with rattan and wicker provide that warm and charming feel. It is also versatile as you can use it to complement modern, boho, contemporary, and transitional styles. It is a great supplement for the colour palette of 2020 to achieve that organic and countryside ambiance. If you want to add some wicker chairs and some rattan baskets to your current set-up,  Cox & Cox has a great collection.

5. Daring Monochromatic

We’re not talking about pale colours here that are just plain blah but colours like Aubergine and Cobalt Blue. These colours can still induce a daring monochromatic scheme while remaining elegant, sophisticated, and full of personality.

6. Curvy is sexy

This is an interior throwback from the 60’s and the 70’s but with a 2020 twist. The interiors this year highlight the beauty of the curves by integrating lines and mesh. Adding in curvy chaises, sofas, and Cleopatra’s in your apartment are definitely in this year. These curves are not meant to be hidden and should be in plain sight to be appreciated.

7. Space Savers and Multifunctional Spaces

With more and more organisations promoting their employees to work from home, part of the interior design trends is to double the functionality of existing spaces. Kitchen islands are now being used both as eating counters and workstations. There is no need to put up divisions and to separate rooms. This year’s trending combination is the elevated beds, where space below can double as study and play areas. Head on to furniturefuse.com for their collection of bunk beds with desks and shelves. Keep an eye for the offerings of COCO Collection and Made.com as well.  All available spaces this 2020 are now being converted into additional functional areas.

8. Vertical Lines in Hardware

Fully integrated hardware is a 2020 interior design trend. It provides that seamless, minimal, and sleek look. The vertical lines in hardware create organised and clean visuals. These can balance the chaos of prints and colours.

9. Environment-Friendly Accents

Still in line with that outdoors vibe will be using natural accents. You will see many plants, baskets, and natural ornaments as part of the interior design trend this 2020. These accents become the bridge between the natural outdoors and the human-made decorations made to look like nature’s real treasures. Cactus, succulents, and dried flowers are top favourites in this trend.

10. Personalised home bar

Since most socialising this year happens at home, a home bar is now a must. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, and you can convert just a portion of your space into a mini bar. Consider a smaller scale like bar carts and cocktail chairs. Pop in some neon signs, and you are all set for a good night with family and friends.

It’s not too late yet get into these practical and 100% functional trends before the year ends.

Property & Development Magazine

Zuneth Sattar: Guide to Investing in UK Property Development

With 2.5 million investors today, the UK property development sector has delivered impressive returns over the past two decades. Buying into bricks-and-mortar has particular appeal to UK investors, with demand vastly outstripping supply.

The property sector has two distinct but equally compelling inducements for investors. Firstly, capital appreciation ensures that property value increases over time, enabling purchasers to sell investments either individually or as part of a portfolio at later date, realising substantial gains.

The second lure of property development centres around the ability to generate income. Investors who hold onto their property, renting it out to tenants, benefit from a lucrative income stream.

Investors generally employ five main tactics as part of their property development strategies:

1.         Converting Commercial Property to Residential Use

Popular with both central and local government, particularly where premises have stood empty for some time, commercial to residential use planning applications are less likely to face obstacles than other forms of conversion.

As Xaviar Investments Limited Director Zuneth Sattar will be aware, this type of investment is capable of delivering impressive returns.

One disused UK factory was recently purchased for £1.25 million, with plans to develop the site into 10 residential apartments, each valued at £300,000.

2.         Building Commercial Premises or a Second Home on Existing Property

For those with excess land, constructing an additional building on their existing property could add significant value, whether it is used for residential or commercial purposes – particularly for those with a larger-than-average grounds, i.e. a garden three times larger than the square footage of the home.

3.         Buying and Renovating Residential Property

Be it for sale or rental, run-down, outdated flats and properties crying out for a makeover are an irresistible draw to many investors.

Investing in residential property can be an excellent step onto the ladder for first-time developers, providing many with an optimum profit margin of at least 20% of the purchase price.

4.         Buying Land and Building from Scratch

A vacant plot that can accommodate several executive homes or an apartment block provides exciting profit potential. For a first-time developer, however, this could present a very ambitious challenge, one they could struggle to find financial backing for, since investments that offer enhanced potential gains also present increased risk.

Although a developer who already owns the land may be able to secure 100% of the build costs, the majority of lenders adhere to a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 65% for first time developers. Nevertheless, purchasing land speculatively, with no planning permission in place, presents considerable risk, even for the seasoned property developer.

5.         Buying Land, Acquiring Planning Permission and Selling On

Again, this is a strategy that presents significant risk but potentially impressive gains. Prospective purchasers can make enquiries regarding the potential of gaining planning consent prior to purchase, but the owner will be notified.

Once the developer acquires the plot of land, the planning approval process can take several months. Success of this mode of investment depends heavily on local knowledge, a thorough understanding of planning processes, and the ability to hang on to the investment longer for greater gains.

Property & Development Magazine