New data has shown that the property markets is a lot cooler than it should be for this period, as the spring period which is usually traditionally busier has been affected by a political climate that is uncertain. While you wait for the right time to move, it might be wise instead to spruce up your current home with bespoke furniture.

Our team of data scientists discovered that average prices for the properties that are going to go on sale soon have only risen by 0.4% this month. This is the lowest of the monthly average rises for this time in the year since 2011.

Temperatures Tepid in the Housing Market

Miles Shipside, a property expert from Rightmove, has stated that while March is the mark for the beginning of spring, temperatures have not yet risen within the housing markets. The buying activity is much cooler than it should be, while certain buyers are hesitant while they wait for a political climate that is more settled.

There is a greater resilience as we move further away from London markets, with a sound-bedrock for the demands for the correct properties at the correct prices, which is reinforced by the ongoing needs for housing combined with cheaper mortgage borrowing.

Political Uncertainty

Despite political uncertainty, the search activities on different property websites have remained steady.

This is an indication that home movers are still keeping a watch over the markets, which may result in that bounce into the near future, as soon as Parliament has found a breakthrough when it comes to Brexit.

London remains the primary drag, yet 9 out of 11 regions are still seeing the new-to-the-market sellers that have priced higher when compared to the previous month.

The capital prices are now down by 1.1% from the last month, while the North East is one of the other regions that recorded a fall this month, down by 1.3%. Yet their pricing histories respectively have been completely different.

The prices in London are still 68% higher than they were 10 years ago, with the buyers in search of prices that will settle at levels of a fairer value. Yet the North East has seen the new seller asking for prices that were up by only 8% in that time.

Shipside added that people and the markets do not enjoy uncertainty, and even though the agreed numbers for sales are down by 7%, this actually means they have still managed to run at 93% of the levels from last year. Many of the potential buyers are either carrying on with life or regarding this lull in price as the opportunity to either enter the housing ladders or to even move up a rung, with the asking price national average being 0.8% cheaper when compared to one year ago.

Agents are also agreeing that the markets should benefit from the resolution to Brexit sooner instead of later.

Slow Turning Wheels

Tom De Ville, the Director at Fine and Country Nottinghamshire, states that the wheels continue to turn when it comes to the housing markets, yet they are turning a lot slower when compared to the previous years due to the hesitation from sellers and buyers. A political outcome that is more certain will assist in reassuring those that are currently hesitant, which would get these wheels turning faster once again, along with helping to boost the much-needed supply. Homes which have been sensibly priced are still in the process of selling, yet there are a few sellers who have not yet realised that there has been a power shift from a “sellers’ market” to a “buyers’ market”.

The Managing Director, Guy Grittins, from Chestertons, has stated that it was just about inevitable that uncertainty caused from Brexit would start dragging prices of properties down over the short term, particularly since this date is getting closer and lots of buyers have taken the “wait and see” approach.

However, they still experienced a start that was extremely busy to this year, with a marked increase in the buyer viewings, registrations, and offers which was consistent throughout January and February, which is a reflection of pent-up demands and is suggestive that the prices have reached a level whereby the buyers are more comfortable with buying. Guy goes onto say that he sees the drop this month as a blip that is temporary and expects that these processes will recover as soon as clarity has been reached over Brexit.

London on Top

Over the medium and the long-term, London properties have still managed to outperform many of the other types of asset classes and he believes it will still continue to be a very solid investment, regardless of what happens with Brexit.

 

Research has indicated that in 2018, there were over a few billion people accessing the internet for the purpose of storing data and even processing needs were growing rapidly. As such, over the last ten years, several data centres have popped up and successfully grown to roughly the size of a relatively small city – that’s a lot of Fiamm 12FLB350 batteries! Our article features some of the biggest centres around the world.

The China Telecom Data Centre

First on our list is the China Telecom Data Centre of China. This center is located in the inner part of Mongolia’s Informational Park. However, the centre holds the records for being the largest to exist and it covers a whopping 10.7mnsqft. The centre is home to their talented staff living quarters, a data centre for cloud computing, offices, several call centres and a warehouse.

In addition, the China Telecom Data Centre is also the most expensive centre within the world and statistics has indicated that it went on to cost over $3bn after completion. However, this particular location has offered several factors to investors that made them jump at the idea of placing a centre in this particular location of Hohhot. They experience over 12 inches of rainfall which creates a pretty decent reserve for the use of hydroelectric power. In essence, they got the perfect climate for a data hub since extremely cool temperatures give them cool fresh air for about three quarter of the year.

The China Mobile Hohot Data Centre

Second on our list is the China Mobile Hohot Data Centre. Our number first and second choice in our list when combined go up to six facilities that were hyper scaled and placed within the inner sector of the Mongolian Information Park. The China Mobile Hohhot Data Centre has been said to span a massive 7.7mnsqft and cost its owners roughly $1.92bn at completion. This facillity was constructed in such a way that future expansions can be easily accommodated; in addition, the centre specialises in cloud computing, advanced development in LTE 4G and enterprise services among others.

The Citadel

Third on our list is The Citadel in Nevada. The Citadel is located in the north close to Reno. However, this facility is still yet to be completed and it already spans a 7.2mnsqft. The Citadel was built by Switch and consumes a whopping 650 Megs which comes from purely sources that are renewable. In addition, the facility maximises on the company’s network as it delivers a latency of 9milsec to both San Diego and LA; and they currently have the most creative and innovative ideas in the world thus far.

Harbin Data Centre

Fourth on our list is the Harbin Data Centre in China. The Harbin Data Centre is located within the Heilongjiang district and is currently the largest known structure to currently exist within Harbin’s Ice City. China Mobile has ownership of the 7.1mnsqft Harbin Centre; and they deal with cloud computing and telecom data alike. In addition, the Harbin has been known to consume roughly 150megawatts.

The Kolos Data Centre

Fifth on our list is The Kolos Data Centre of Norway. Located in a really small village is one of the largest data centres in all of Europe as it spans 6.5mnsqft of four storeys. The Kolos is being transformed into a scalable centre as they plan to consume in the future up to 1000megawatts. And, for those keeping a special eye on this data center, the designers and analyst claim that the centre will run purely on renewables as they aim to save up to 60% of their annual energy cost.

The Dupont Fabros Technology Facility

And last but not least is the Dupont Fabros Technology facility located in Virginia. This facility is 2.1mnsqft as it features seven buildings in Ashburn. Further research has indicated that the facility covers roughly 160 acres. In addition, it has been said that the facility can possibly be the home to around close to eleven thousand servers.

These servers will be running on around 208megawatts of power. And, as of June 2017, there have been several discussions around Dupont Fabros Tech being bought by Digital Reality Trust for $7.6bn.

You often take your skin through a rigorous skin-care routine during the summer and then cut back on your efforts during the winter. The chilly conditions of the winter months can see you hide your skin under a layer of clothes all in a bid to stay warm. Such changes often mean that the skin is getting less TLC than it did a few months earlier. It will soon be time to look for bikinis online and you’ll want to feel radiant and confident. So, how can you take care of your skin this winter and ensure that it feels and looks its best? Below are a few tips and tricks worth trying.

1. Use a hydrating cleanser instead of face wipes

The cold weather that you combat with central heating can take its toll on your skin, robbing it of much-needed moisture. Therefore, winter is one of those times that you need to bring out some of the best hydrating products. You need to change up your routine. Consider using a gentle moisturising cleanser that will help preserve your complexion while also supporting the other skin care products and efforts. Beauty expert, Nathalie Eleni, advises people to avoid using face wipes and to use micellar water, which is a more effective alternative – that’s also hydrating.

2. Invest in a good moisturiser

No skincare regime is complete without a moisturiser. Moreover, such a product is not only essential during the summer months when the skin tends to lose a lot of moisture; winter also has a similar impact, though not as aggressive as the hot summer months. A moisturiser will help to restore the skin’s hydration. Some of the best moisturisers out there contain plenty of antioxidants and vitamin E. If you require something that delivers more punch, then you need a product that’s very hydrating. Such a moisturiser will contain hyaluronic acid, an ultra-lightweight product that has impressive results.

3. Replenish your skin overnight

Your skin will be highly appreciative of your skincare efforts, especially during the night. Therefore, this is the ideal time to nourish it; Ms Nathalie suggests the use of a face oil – which is what she uses. The oil will help with moisture retention and not leave the skin feeling greasy. If you are lucky enough to have a blend of coconut and almond oil, this will also suffice. Consider applying the oil when you are about to jump into bed to allow it to work its magic to nourish and replenish your skin as you enjoy your shut-eye.

4. Exfoliate regularly to maintain radiant skin

Your weekly winter skincare regime should include a bit of exfoliation to help get rid of the dull, flaky, dead skin cells. For a deep pore exfoliation, consider using an in-shower tool because it is more effective than using the standard exfoliation scrub. This is a tool that works for both dry and wet skin types. It comes with two interchangeable exfoliating brushes that are designed for the sensitive areas and the entire body, respectively. When exfoliating, start at the feet and work your way up the body. It not only gets rid of the dead, dull, flaky skin but also stimulates blood flow; thus, in turn, improving the skin tone and softness for smooth, glowing skin.

5. Rock a sun-kissed glow

A bit of tan can be good for your skin during the winter months. You can look to any of the reputable brands of tanning lotions to help enhance your new-found glow. Ensure you get a product that suits your skin type. To have a sun-kissed look that seems a bit more natural, consider using a tan lotion that has glove or mitt, and apply it in natural light.

6. Be active to maintain your natural radiance

The fact that we spend much of the summer days outside is one of the reasons for that radiance. Come winter, we retreat indoors to hibernate under out blankets, fighting the cold. However, by staying active, you help keep your pulse rate up and boost blood circulation. The two things are essential to maintaining your glow. Try as much as you can to be active. Commit to about a 30-minute walk, 3-4 times each week.

Consumer research has found that the majority of those seeking a home would be open to the idea of purchasing a property that needed to be fixed up. To help this type of buyer get started with such a project we went to a couple of property experts that have many years of experience in the housing industry to help us understand the perfect way to renovate a home. It’s important to remember that before you commit to buying a property, it’s advisable to consult a commercial property surveyor.

Reasonable Budgeting

According to Martin Tucker who has had an architectural consultancy for a quarter of a century, the best advice is to examine the total price you think the renovation will cost and then work back from there. It’s not a good idea to start adding things as you move forward. When it comes to renovations, a typical cost per square meter is £1,850. Another £1,000 per square meter is needed for other upgrades including decorating and certain modifications.

Kitchens are one of the biggest investments and they can range anywhere between £10,000 and £100,000 and this is determined by the specific situation. Modifications on basements are now trending but they can be expensive. They can often be as much as £3,000 per square meter.

Do Your Research

There are currently countless homes that need to be modernised and renovated. To begin, it’s recommended that you speak with local estate agents to learn what type of features buyers are commonly looking for in a perfect property to make sure you have something that can be easily sold and that its value will grow. Only after doing this type of research should you move forward.

Proper Planning

There are a lot of people who fall into the trap of expecting more than is genuinely realistic. An example of this would be with a partially-detached property. There is a 45-degree rule that is commonly part of councils’ guidelines for residential design. This means that any additional renovations that you do will not be able to be more than 45 degrees from the nearest windows of your neighbours. When you present a proposal for your extension, the renovations will not be able to cross this line.

That particular rule is not always applied and in some cases it’s flexible. This is why proper planning is so important. You should ask questions such as: Is it in the greenbelt? Can it be renewed? Has it ever been extended? Is it in a conservation area?

Before You Start, Know What Can Be Done

You will want to know if the property is in a World Heritage site or if it’s listed. There are some situations, such as when looking at a Georgian house, when some original features will be required to stay. You’ll want to know these facts before making any decision.

Making Changes to the Interior and Exterior

There are some renovations that will more likely be winners such as adding luxury to bathrooms and kitchens. There are other things that can be done on the outside such as creating gardens that can be used to entertain, as this promotes a relaxing lifestyle that many potential buyers want. Barbecue areas, suntraps, patios, and other improvements are great choices that will lead to successful renovations.

Don’t Try Cutting Corners on the Building Work

It is possible to cut costs with some things like decorating but it’s best not to do it with the building work. You really shouldn’t compromise there. When you skimp on the investment it will lead to a poor quality building and you won’t get a good value. If you go to sell you need to understand that people are more aware of the value of materials than they once were.

Get the Most Out of the Process

One of the big advantages of buying a home you plan to renovate is the ability to personalise it. You should consider whether you’re buying the property to live in or to sell for a profit. If you plan on staying in the home for a long time then you really should personalise it and not worry about other factors as much. You do want to keep in mind that the price of houses does fluctuate and so it’ll be something you need to think about down the line.

Keeping the End Result in Mind

If you want to sell a property that you’re renovating then you want to recognise that the ones that sell best are ones that are very appealing from the road and look like they’ve been well cared for. Once a potential buyer goes inside they want to see that there’s lots of natural light and that the general layout provides lots of storage so that they can keep clutter out of sight. Luxurious and clean bathrooms and kitchens are key components to a winning house.

 

Are you planning to sell your house coming spring? Use energy efficiency to add £16,000 to its price! Here, Electric Heating Expert can show you how. 

Historically, spring and early summer have been the best time of the year for UK home sellers to put their properties on the market. This time of year coincides with higher prices and faster sales.

Minimising our carbon footprint has gone mainstream and it is part of the consumer psyche. Consumers are taking fewer air miles, buying more efficient cars, and buying locally grown foods. The need to be energy efficient has changed how people in the UK make purchase decisions.

House buyers are doing the same. Property buyers are looking for homes with double and triple glazing, ground source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and solar panels — features that can work to your favour when selling a property.

Importantly, this is not just empty rhetoric. Government research shows when you improve the Energy Performance Certification (EPC) of your property from Band D to Band B, you increase the value of your home by at least £16,000. Moreover, your efforts make your home more likely to sell.

Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate, better known as EPC is a ranking system that ranks home from A to G. This certification is mandatory to have when selling a home. It is meant to give prospective buyers a better understanding of how the house will perform, the running costs, and whether the house needs some upgrade further down the line.

It is important to note that the EPC is important to have, not only when you are selling your home but when you are renting a property. New legislation that went into force on 1st April 2018 makes it illegal for landlords to rent a property with a rating of F and G.

Ways You Can Improve the EPC Rating of Your Home

While the benefit of giving prospective buyers an indication of the potential running costs and an estimation of the home improvements to make is to be applauded, the EPC has faced some critics in recent time. Some of the criticisms stem from where the EPC emphasises the improvements to be made.

For instance, the installation of solar systems and air or ground-source heat pumps can reduce your energy bill and lower your carbon footprint. The vast majority of post-war homes in the UK lose a lot of heat through the walls, roofs, and windows. As such, implementing proper insulation will reduce heat loss.

Does Installing Energy Efficient Double-Glazing Automatically Improve EPC Ratings?

The Energy Saving Trust states that after the roofs and walls, which leak a lot of heat, windows account for about 20 per cent of the total heat loss in a typical home. As such, installing more efficient windows can result in huge savings by reducing your energy bill. Furthermore, this investment will pay for itself should you decide to sell your home. It also reduces the carbon footprint of your home.

Given the importance of windows with regards to determining energy efficiency, windows are listed as key indicators in the EPC rating. A star rating system is used to rank the windows. Single and partial double glazing windows are rated as one or two stars. Newer and more energy efficient double glazed and triple glazed windows tend to score the maximum 5 stars.

Typically, upgrading your windows from single to double or triple-glazed will yield a £160 saving every year for 3-bedroom detached home. These are significant savings that any prospective homeowner will consider.

That being said, it is important to note that the cost and the potential savings from any upgrade to the windows will be listed in the EPC. This information might be used by buyers against you during the negotiating phase.

Home Energy Efficiency is Increasingly Becoming Important with Each Passing Day

The recent price hikes by the 6 major energy companies in 2017 and the extremely cold weather in early 2018 brought to the fore the need for consumers to increase energy efficiency in their homes.

For a better understanding, consider this: Energy UK states that over 660,000 homes switched their energy supplier in February 2018 alone. The ‘Beast from the East’ and the ‘Beast from the East 2’ have increased British household focus on energy consumption and performance.

Should You Reconsider a Home Purchase if the EPC Rating is Bad?

Home buyers are faced with the conundrum of whether to prioritise highly popular features and energy efficient features or not. However, whether this stops you from making a purchase or not is all up to you.

What we can say is there is always something you can do to improve the energy efficiency of any home. Even something as small as upgrading your windows will make a huge difference.

From lifestyle trends to new technology to environmental pressures, we are living in a fast-paced world. We might look for self-storage services to live the minimalist lifestyle. And what does this mean for those who offer long-stay apartments?

Technology or No Technology?

Smart technologies have already made their way into homes. In years to come, automated controls for ovens and bathtubs as well as automated monitoring for heating will be basic. We now have robots that can clean our floors and look after our pets while we are not around, and this is just the beginning. Technology has made the customisation of decor a possibility. Residents can opt for digital pictures and request digital ‘butlers’ to make suggestions for individually tailored activities.

The question remains, are we at significant risk of peak tech? The digital invasion being experienced in all aspects of our lives could result in a backlash. There is already rising demand for tech-free spaces, and this could move to tech-free buildings in extreme cases. Consumers in the years to come might prefer face-to-face interaction as a countermeasure to the digital era, placing more emphasis on the creation of communal areas.

Co-Living or Modular and Movable?

Although the size of apartments is reducing, consumers expect the amenities to remain the same. A modular and movable apartment design makes it possible to have a fully functional living room, kitchen, and bedroom on less than 20 square meters.

Unfortunately, modular apartment designs are expensive. And the debate is on whether the merits outweigh the complexities. The co-living design would be more appealing, creating simple sleeping pods that form communal spaces through co-living and co-working areas.

Green Living

Environmental pressures will most probably increase in the years to come, both because of demands from consumers and in response to legislation. There will be better access to environmentally friendly materials. We already have carpets that convert carbon to oxygen in addition to porous building materials that enable the growth of green walls and moss.

Food waste and packaging will be reduced via on-site food production and grocery sharing. Energy can be generated and also stored on-site with the help of solar panels and smart windows or even be produced kinetically with gym equipment. There might be a few sections where consumer expectations should be challenged, for instance, should air conditioning be a standard in regions on the northern hemisphere?

Sleep Tech

The projection is that solutions for insomnia will be a 60-billion-pound niche by the year 2020. Smart machines will monitor our sleep patterns to enhance sleep quality via lighting and sound waves. Smart beds will regulate our body temperature while digital butlers will remind us to exercise, hydrate, and sleep.

But, before we are swept away into the world of slumber, it is crucial to understand the vital aspects of good sleep: a comfortable resting place, ambient lighting, and the right acoustics. Sound and light from tech can easily disturb sleep. But will consumers prefer a tech blackout instead?

Virtual Reality

Besides being a form of entertainment, virtual reality can aid in creating a sense of placement within different communities. Can a virtual space really replace a residents’ lounge? The design and research procedures could be enhanced through virtual reality with the initial prototypes being experienced virtually. Hans Meyer, co-founder of hybrid-apartment site Zoku, said that with the aid of virtual reality, Zoku tested a room prototype with various consumer groups in 3-dimension and obtained feedback.

Evolution vs. Revolution

New technology has now created a chance for hospitality leaders to make improvements to their product. And although these are to be lauded, there’s a need to be cautious. The industry should mind its customers as well as any potential adverse reactions against a tech overload. It should be used only when it enhances the experience of its consumers. And as a result, we should expect changes to occur as small incremental improvements instead of a dramatic shift.

The most significant innovations which will move the apartment living sector forward depend on small inspirational changes which must be executed regularly.