Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa November 2019 | Page 55

Manchester Manchester’s cathedral has literally been centre stage to the city’s history for almost 600 years. It was built thanks to Henry V, after he signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built in 1421. It became a cathedral in 1847. “Uptown Manchester with premium riverside apartments situated on the banks of the River Irwell is a stone’s throw from the heart of the city,” says Bathurst. “Here you get the convenience of city living from a stylish waterfront location. The development comprises of 156 one- and two-bedroom apartments with luxurious interiors, large communal areas and private terraces, built in a contemporary industrial style,” she says. The apartments are priced from £224,000, with a 6% net yield. Liverpool Britain’s largest cathedral is in Liverpool, it’s also the world’s biggest Anglican cathedral. This magnificent neo-Gothic building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the creator of Britain’s famous red telephone boxes. “Close by is Hatton Gardens in Liverpool City Centre,” says Bathurst. “This quiet area is sandwiched between the retail core and the commercial district. It’s the perfect location for city centre living, near to transport, 100m from St Johns Garden and a 4-minute walk from Lime Street,” she says. “There are studio, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments available from £100,000.” Birmingham “Property prices near this cathedral – the third smallest in England – are rising fast,” says Bathurst. “We recommend Park Gate at Lyndon Place,” says Bathurst. “This development is situated between Birmingham’s buzzing city centre and the international airport hub, it’s also near to the new HS2 rail network,” she says. “It’s made up of 126 spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced from £127,000. There is an expected rental yield of 6%, and it comes with a gym and reception area.” London - St Pauls One of the world’s most famous cathedrals, St Paul's Cathedral in London is situated on Ludgate Hill the highest point in the City of London. “Nearby you’ll find the Shoreditch Exchange, in Shoreditch London's most evolving and strongest performing borough,” says Bathurst. “This luxury development is the essence of communal living, with private courtyards, a roof terrace, cinema room and sophisticated designer interiors, all within walking distance of the City,” she says. Apartments are priced from £749,000 for a 99-year lease with a full title deed for the property. Oxford The spectacular Christ Church Cathedral has the uniquely dual role of also being the chapel of Christ Church at the University of Oxford. “Property close by is the elegant and stylish Regent’s Park House, a contemporary addition to Oxfordshire’s landscape,” says Bathurst. “It is 15 minutes to Oxford or 41 minutes to London Marylebone, by train. Apartments, priced from £250,000, are 200ft2, so larger than the average London apartment and have an expected rental income of £15,000 pa.” Lisbon The Lisbon Cathedral, called the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa (Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Mary Major), is the oldest place of worship in Lisbon. “There are exceptional new contemporary apartments spread among Lisbon’s most exciting, modern and family-friendly Park of Nations district,” says Bathurst. “This fantastic real estate investment opportunity was created by the award-winning Elegant Group and designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Eduardo Capinha Lopes. It’s a Martinhal Residence and combines luxury family living with superb amenities and excellent concierge services,” she says. “Units are priced from €260,000, with a fixed net rental income for 6 years. All the properties are freehold,” she says. Porto Porto’s Cathedral, the Se do Porto, is one of the oldest buildings in Porto, with spectacular views over the city and river and a splendid interior. “Nearby, The Rebello Hotel is currently being built. A stunning warehouse conversion on the banks of the river Douro overlooking Porto,” says Bathurst. “This magnificent building fuses a hotel development with residential apartments. It will have two restaurants, a destination spa with indoor and outdoor pools and a fashionable rooftop bar offering spectacular views across the river,” she says. “Apartments are priced from €4000/m2 with guaranteed returns within a rental pool and capital growth during construction,” she says. Évora In the heart of Évora's old city is its imposing cathedral, the Sé Catedral de Évora. “The nearby Mouraria neighbourhood is one of the most iconic places in Évora’s historical city centre. Its narrow alleys are filled with typical beautiful houses, and amazing local restaurants. It’s also situated close to well-known landmarks like the Roman Diana temple and Giraldo Square. You can get a three- bedroomed house from €280,000, which will qualify you for the €350,000 Golden Visa. We expect a yield of 4% on these types of properties,” she says. “Before buying a property in a city abroad, make sure you contact an independent property specialist, like Hurst & Wills, for personal advice suited to your unique wealth strategy,” says Bathurst. Contact [email protected] for more information. SOURCE Hurst and Wills SA Real Estate Investor Magazine NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 53