I seem to remember some time ago that views were sought on where members wanted PS to go next and a review of UK likely future hotspots was promised. Have I missed it or is it coming soon? Anyway, here's an interesting article published today. The conclusions are pretty obvious but it's a conversation starter.... "whathouse.co.uk, an online resource for finding, buying and selling property, has conducted research into where the top five investment hotspots in the UK are likely to be in 2007. Prime central London There was a significant upturn in the residential property market in prime central London during 2006, fuelled by record-breaking city bonuses, foreign investment and a shortage of properties to satisfy demand. Consequently, average residential property prices in prime central London rose by around 27% last year. Fashionable areas like Belgravia, Mayfair and Knightsbridge should see property prices accelerate ahead of national trends. Regional London Hackney – Considerable investment potential benefiting from investment in infrastructure, particularly in the run-up to the Olympics. The Halifax says, “Parts of East London, such as Hackney, are likely to be one of the top house prices performers in 2007 as regeneration ahead of the 2012 Olympics attracts buyers.” Cricklewood and Brent Cross – Initial plans for a new £4bn town centre, linking Cricklewood to Brent Cross, are currently being drawn up. Plans reportedly include the construction of 7,500 new homes, an extension to Brent Cross Shopping Centre, offices, two schools and a train station. As many as 27,000 new jobs could be created as a result of the 20-year project. King’s Cross – The area is rapidly changing with regeneration ongoing over the next 20 years. King’s Cross will become the new gateway to London once the Channel Tunnel Rail Link extension opens. Kent Residential properties in some parts of Kent are likely to record significant capital growth, due to infrastructure improvements, regeneration and the new high-speed Kent rail service, which will significantly cut the journey time to King’s Cross. Yolande Barnes of Savills Research says, “Run-down Georgian townhouses in Gravesend would be ideal for investing in. The new train running from Ebbsfleet to St Pancras will take just 20 minutes, which will be a huge booster. Folkstone is set to be regenerated and will benefit hugely from a high-speed commuter link. Canterbury will not benefit quite so much time-wise, but will become commutable and, therefore, a hugely desirable place to live in, and so will see big residential property price rises.” Liverpool A number of major regeneration projects are currently taking place in Liverpool, as the city prepares to be crowned European Capital of Culture in 2008. The local economy is expected to benefit from further investment this year. Average property prices in the city rose by 9.5% over the past year and currently cost just over £126,000, according to the Land Registry. The Anfield area is tipped for a potential property boom, which will continue beyond 2008. The proposed new stadium for Liverpool football club holds the key to plans for the regeneration of the local community. The project means new jobs, homes and investment in this area which should boost local residential property prices. Rochdale Rochdale town centre is soon to undergo its biggest transformation for over thirty years after £100m was pledged to the regeneration of the area. The initial aim is to promote Rochdale’s role as a sub-regional shopping centre by creating a new retail and office space. Rochdale will appeal to investors looking for property at the cheaper end of the housing ladder. Average residential property prices in Rochdale currently stand at £126,490, following a rise of 9.1% over the past year, according to the Land Registry. The local housing market is receiving a comprehensive makeover. In the region of 3,500 new homes will be built in Oldham and Rochdale over the next decade, under the Government’s housing market renewal programme. A number of new residential properties will also be built along the River Roche. Rochdale has also built a new £315m mixed-use business park, which will reportedly create up to 7,000 new jobs." Any comments or thoughts on where you think is best or are we better off steering clear of the UK altogether? Huw

I am steering well clear of the UK. The fundamentals just don't add up any more. Interest rates are going to continue up for some time I feel. I live in the N.West and hear that Rochdale has already had some large growth already. A lot of investor have bought alongside the proposed metrolink line expansion. Another place in the Northwest being talked up as a good place to invest is Preston. None for me though.

I live quite close to Rochdale and have a number of investments around the NW including Rochdale. I had heard about the article but couldn't find the reference. What was the source Huw? I can confirm that there is quite alot on the cards for the area. Figures mooted for investment are certainly £500m and maybe close to £700m investment.

http: / /www .whathouse .co .uk /property -investments /top -five -investment -hotspots -2007