The Property Styling & Show Home Blog

Why Tel Aviv Inspires my Property Styling

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:03:54 GMT

As my family's summer holiday approaches, I can't help but anticipate the joy of spending quality time with loved ones. However, another aspect fills me with sheer delight: the influence it will have on my styling decisions. Being a property stylist, I find inspiration in the most unexpected places, and this holiday in Tel Aviv promises to bring a whole new dimension to my creative endeavours.

Tel Aviv, known for its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, has become a hub of innovation and creativity, especially in design and styling. Its overall style has profoundly impacted the field, shaping trends and pushing boundaries. The city exudes a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with a captivating fusion of influences from different cultures, architectural styles, and artistic expressions.

As I step foot onto the streets of Tel Aviv, I am immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of inspiration. The city's old and new architecture showcases a remarkable range of styles, from Bauhaus gems to contemporary masterpieces. The clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs have become Tel Aviv's architectural landscape hallmarks. This architectural richness is a wellspring of ideas I can incorporate into my styling decisions, whether utilising sleek and minimalistic furniture or embracing bold and eclectic colour schemes.

But Tel Aviv's influence on design and styling extends beyond its buildings. The city has creative energy permeating its streets, shops, and culinary scene. From charming corner cafes with meticulously curated interiors to trendy boutiques showcasing cutting-edge fashion, Tel Aviv pulsates with an undeniable sense of style. It effortlessly blends contemporary design with bohemian elements, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with locals and visitors alike.

In Tel Aviv, art is not confined to galleries but spills onto the streets. Vibrant murals and street art adorn building facades, transforming everyday spaces into captivating works of art. The juxtaposition of street art against the backdrop of architectural landmarks creates a visually stunning and thought-provoking environment, inspiring me to think outside the box when incorporating art into my styling projects.

The city's lively markets, such as the bustling souk, offer a treasure trove of inspiration. From the vibrant colours of fresh produce to the rich textures of handcrafted goods, the market stalls burst with inspiration for incorporating elements of nature, artisanal craftsmanship, and cultural heritage into my styling decisions.

Tel Aviv's overall style has profoundly impacted design and styling, not only within its borders but also on a global scale. Its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, authenticity with contemporary flair, and functionality with aesthetics serves as a constant reminder that styling decisions are not limited to one particular trend or style. Instead, they can be a harmonious amalgamation of influences that create truly unique and captivating spaces.

NEW BUILD SALES UPTICK IN 2023

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:23:46 GMT

The latest Residential Development Land report from Savills highlights the current state of the land market in the UK, and while the market has slowed down in the first quarter of 2023, there are still many positive aspects to consider.

Although there were fewer land transactions and new sites launched onto the market, this reflects the wider slowdown in the housing market and the loss of the Help to Buy scheme. Despite this, there has been a modest uptick in activity in the new build sales market since the start of the year, with average sales rates increasing from 0.3 in December 2022 to 0.6 per outlet per week in February 2023. This is supported by the easing in the cost and availability of mortgages, coupled with a scarce supply of homes for sale in the second-hand market.

The lack of land transactions in the market makes it difficult to assess the movement in development land values in Q1 2023. The Savills Development Land Index shows further softening in land values over the last quarter as the market adjusts to more realistic pricing. However, there is still significant variation in both activity levels and the change in land values on a site-by-site basis. Sites in undersupplied markets are holding their value and remain in demand.

In addition, there are signs that the market is picking up compared to the previous quarter, with a net balance of 23% of Savills development agents reporting positive market sentiment, up from -3% in December 2022. The Savills sentiment survey also reveals a slight improvement in the net balance of agents reporting new sites coming to the market and the number of bids per site.

Oven-ready consented sites between 50 and 150 units in primary locations with no significant upfront infrastructure costs are attracting the greatest interest from parties and are remaining resilient in some locations. Land buying is more competitive in locations that are heavily constrained by a lack of supply. For example, sites in the East of England, such as St Albans, are selling well due to the significant undersupply of consented land in these markets.

There is also significant regional variation in the market. In parts of the North and Wales, there is appetite for land from a range of parties, supported by greater buyer affordability and stronger sales rates on new build sites in these markets. In Wales, the new build market is also being supported by the extension of the Help to Buy scheme. Northern greenfield and urban values at March 2023 have remained on par with December levels.

Overall, while the land market may have slowed down in Q1 2023, there are still positive signs of growth and activity. Despite a fall in land values, the market is adjusting to more realistic pricing, and there is still demand for sites in undersupplied markets. This creates opportunities for property developers to invest in these areas, particularly in primary locations with no significant upfront infrastructure costs. The variation in activity levels and change in land values on a site-by-site basis provides room for negotiation and opportunities to acquire land at favourable prices.

Savills report is available here .

WORKING FROM HOME AND IT'S IMPACT ON INTERIOR DESIGN

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:41:12 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we work, with millions worldwide transitioning to remote work. This shift has significantly impacted interior design, as people now spend more time at home than ever before. In this blog post, we explore how the working from home concept has affected interior design and why developers need to be aware of this.

First and foremost, remote work has created a need for dedicated home office spaces. Many people are now working from home full-time, which means they require a designated area for work that is comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. This has led to an increased demand for home office furniture, such as desks, chairs, and storage solutions, as well as a home design conducive to productivity and focus.

The rise of remote work has also highlighted the importance of home design for mental health and well-being. With people spending more time at home, living spaces must be designed to promote relaxation, comfort, and calmness. This has increased interest in natural lighting, indoor plants, and warm colour palettes that create a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Moreover, remote work has also increased interest in multi-functional spaces. People spending more time at home require living areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as a living room that can double as a home gym or a kitchen that can also function as a workspace. This has led to a growing trend towards open-plan living spaces that allow flexibility and adaptability.

Developers need to be aware of these shifts in interior design trends and preferences, as they can significantly impact the value and appeal of their properties. Homebuyers and renters are now looking for properties that offer dedicated home office spaces, multi-functional living areas, and features that promote mental health and wellbeing.

In conclusion, the rise of remote work has significantly impacted interior design, with a growing demand for home office spaces, multi-functional living areas, and features that promote mental health and well-being. Developers must be aware of these trends and preferences and incorporate them into their properties to ensure they remain attractive and valuable to potential buyers and renters.

TOP 5 LATEST SHOW HOME DESIGN TRENDS

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:10:09 GMT

As a property developer, you know that a well-designed show home is crucial in selling new developments. But in a rapidly changing industry, keeping up with the latest design trends can be challenging. Here are some of the top show home design trends that you can consider incorporating into your upcoming projects:

1. Earthy Tones: Neutral colours have always been popular in show home design, but this year, we're seeing increased use of earthy tones such as terracotta, rust, and forest green. These colours evoke a sense of calm and bring a touch of nature into the home.

2. Biophilic Design: Biophilic design is about bringing the outdoors inside. This trend incorporates natural elements such as plants, natural light, and water features into the home to create a sense of tranquillity and well-being.

3. Maximalism v Minimalism: While minimalism has been popular for some time, from a show home perspective, the shift to 'maximalism' is best avoided. While it may be on-trend for homeowners, the use of bold prints, bright colours, and eclectic decor alienates potential buyers. Stick to minimalism!

4. Smart Home Technology: Home automation is becoming increasingly popular, and incorporating smart home technology into your show home can appeal to tech-savvy buyers. Features such as voice-activated assistants, automated lighting, and climate control systems can make life easier for homeowners.

5. Sustainable Design: More and more buyers are looking for sustainable homes, and show homes are no exception. Sustainable design features such as energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources, and recycled materials can make your show home stand out.

You can create a stylish and functional space by incorporating these design trends into your show home projects. Remember, the goal of a show home is to inspire potential buyers and make them fall in love with the property. By staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, you can create a show home that appeals to many buyers and helps sell your development faster.

SMART HOMES ON A BUDGET - APPLE'S HOMEKIT

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:26:47 GMT

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers, and Apple HomeKit is one of the most popular platforms for smart home automation. By integrating HomeKit into your new property development, you can offer buyers a seamless and intuitive way to control their home's various systems, from lighting and temperature to security and entertainment. In this blog post, we'll explore what you need to know about integrating Apple HomeKit into your new property developments.

1. What is Apple HomeKit? Apple HomeKit is a smart home automation platform that allows users to control their home's various systems from their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. It offers a simple and intuitive way to manage everything from lighting and temperature to security and entertainment.

2. Benefits of Apple HomeKit: By integrating Apple HomeKit into your new property development, you can offer buyers several benefits. HomeKit offers seamless integration with many smart home devices, including thermostats, cameras, door locks, and more. It also provides robust security features to protect buyers' privacy and data.

3.. Design Considerations: When designing your new property development with Apple HomeKit in mind, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. You'll want to ensure that your home's various systems can be easily controlled via HomeKit and that the design of the home is conducive to smart home automation. This might include built-in speakers, smart lighting, and temperature sensors.

4.. Working with a HomeKit-Certified Installer: To ensure your new property development is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit, it's important to work with a HomeKit-certified installer. Apple has trained and certified these professionals to install and configure HomeKit-compatible devices and systems, ensuring that your buyers can enjoy a seamless and intuitive smart home experience.

5. Marketing Your Smart Home Development: Finally, it's important to market your new property development as a smart home development to attract buyers interested in this type of technology. Consider highlighting the various smart home features of your development in your marketing materials, and be sure to showcase the ease and convenience of using Apple HomeKit to control everything in the home.

Integrating Apple HomeKit into your new property development can offer a wide range of benefits, from increased convenience and security to enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings. By keeping these critical considerations in mind, you can create a smart home development that stands out from the competition and appeals to buyers looking for the latest in smart home technology.

SURVEYORS REPORT ROCKETING RENTS

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:52:54 GMT

It's important to keep up with the latest rental market trends. Based on data from reputable surveying firms in 2023, the rental market in London has continued to show signs of recovery after a challenging year in 2022.

According to data from Savills, rental prices in Greater London rose by 1.2% in Q1 2023 compared to the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Knight Frank reported that rental prices in Inner London increased by 1.5% in the same period.

Tenant demand in London has also continued to increase, with data from JLL showing that demand increased by 9.7% in Q1 2023 compared to the previous quarter. In addition, CBRE reported that the number of new rental property listings in London increased by 13.5% in the same period.

Vacancy rates in London have also continued to decrease, with data from Colliers International showing that the vacancy rate in Inner London decreased from 5.8% to 5.4% in Q1 2023 compared to the previous quarter.

However, as in previous years, the rental market in London remains competitive and dynamic, with certain areas and property types experiencing higher demand than others. For instance, data from Knight Frank showed that demand for studio and one-bedroom flats in central London increased by 19.3% in Q1 2023 compared to the previous quarter, while demand for larger properties remained relatively stable.

Staying informed about the latest rental market trends can help you make informed investment decisions and adjust your strategies accordingly. By working with reputable surveying firms such as Savills, Knight Frank, JLL, and CBRE, and keeping an eye on local demand patterns, you can position yourself for success in London's rental market in 2023.

WHY IS BTR BOOMING?

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:31:18 GMT

According to recent statistics, the BTR market in London has experienced a surge in demand, with a 27% increase in BTR apartment completions from 2019 to 2020. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with an estimated 21,000 BTR units currently in the pipeline for development in the city.

So, what's driving this demand for BTR apartments? For one, the convenience and flexibility of renting appeal to a growing segment of the population, including millennials and young families. Additionally, BTR developments often offer a range of high-end amenities and communal spaces, such as gyms, gardens, and lounges, which can attract tenants looking for a more upscale living experience.

But the benefits of BTR properties aren't just limited to tenants. Property developers can also reap the rewards of this burgeoning market, with data showing that BTR apartments can achieve higher rental yields and lower vacancy rates than traditional rental properties.

Of course, as with any real estate investment, success in the BTR sector requires careful planning and execution. It's essential to stay on top of trends and shifting demand patterns and design and style BTR apartments in a way that will appeal to the target demographic.

That's where property styling comes in. By partnering with a professional property stylist, you can ensure that your BTR apartments are designed and furnished to maximise their appeal to potential tenants. Property styling can help you stand out in the competitive BTR market and attract high-quality tenants, from selecting on-trend decor and furniture to creating inviting communal spaces.

So, if you're a property developer looking to capitalise on the growing demand for BTR apartments in London, remember the importance of property styling. You can create profitable and highly desirable properties for tenants with the right design and styling choices.

TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A SHOW HOME

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:41:00 GMT

In recent years, show homes have become increasingly popular among residential property developers to showcase their developments' potential to buyers. But exactly what benefits do show homes offer?

Here are the top 5 benefits of show homes:

1. Attract More Buyers: Show homes can help attract more potential buyers to a development. When a property is empty, it can be difficult for buyers to see its potential, but a show home can help bring the space to life and make it more attractive. This can be particularly important in a competitive market where developers need to stand out from their competitors.

2. Showcase Design and Build Quality: Show homes can help showcase the design and build quality of a development. By investing in a show home, developers can demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to quality to potential buyers. This can help build trust and confidence in the development and can ultimately help increase sales.

3. Command Higher Prices: Show homes are often designed with high-end finishes and design elements, which can help create the impression of luxury and exclusivity. This can help developers command higher prices for their properties, as buyers are often willing to pay more for a premium product.

4. Speed Up Sales: Show homes can help speed up sales. By allowing potential buyers to visualise the finished product, show homes can help buyers make a more informed decision and can ultimately help speed up the sales process. Buyers are often more likely to purchase when they see the property's potential and a well-staged show home can help create that vision.

5. Differentiate from Competitors: Show homes can help developers differentiate their properties from competitors in a crowded market. By showcasing unique design elements and finishes, developers can create a unique selling proposition that can help attract more buyers. This can be particularly important in a market where buyers have a lot of choices and are looking for properties that stand out from the crowd.

In conclusion, show homes can offer a range of benefits to residential property developers. If you're a developer looking to stand out in a competitive market, investing in a show home could be smart. With the ability to attract more buyers, showcase design and build quality, command higher prices, speed up sales and differentiate from competitors, show homes can be a powerful tool for developers looking to sell their properties quickly and at a premium price.