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From «tenant headache» to «profit bark»: A clever trick that took a London property from 1% to 6%

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Amlak newspaper - London: No one would have thought that a £20 million investment would turn into a financial headache for its Arab owner; after the purchase was finalized, he discovered that the real “box of surprises” lay in the tenants rather than the walls of the building. The legal eviction attempts exhausted him: Lawyers, hearings, fees, complicated British procedures... with zero results. The worst part was that the return he was dreaming of was only 1%.

Coffee Corner... and the door to inspiration

One frustrating evening, the owner sat in a small café under the building, palm to palm, watching passersby with their polished dogs. At that moment he had an idea that seemed fanciful: “Here, animals are revered more than humans; why not make dogs the password?

”Buying“ the bark team

He took a taxi for an hour and a half to a market that specializes in purebred dogs, and came out with four luxury dogs, each costing up to ten thousand pounds. Not only that, he hired a resident breeder with a salary and bonus, and housed him next to the “bark team” on the top floor of his property. An open credit card for excellent food and uninterrupted health care!

Surprising instructions

The owner wanted something specific: «Let the dogs bark... and make the entrances to the building their territory.» The breeder was reluctant: “It will ruin the place!” but the response was decisive: «I'm the landlord, and this is what I want.» The result: a court-free eviction. One month passed before all the tenants left voluntarily. Complaints, police, inspection visits... all ended with no legal violations, as the animals were allowed and the owner did not violate safety regulations. He then retrofitted the units and rented them out with new contracts and a net return of 6% - six times the previous yield.

Lessons learned:

1. Understand the culture of the market: What's intimidating to one tenant in one country may be commonplace in another; use that to your advantage without breaking the law.

2. Out-of-the-box ideas are cheaper than lawyer's fees - and sometimes more effective.

3. Asset management is inseparable from managing human behavior: Remember that real estate investment is not just bricks and mortar, but a relationship with fickle occupants.

4. Everything has a solution: It may start with a cup of coffee, and bark loudly! Conclusion Readers may disagree with our author's style, but his story proves that creativity - not capital alone - is what makes the difference. In a highly competitive market like London real estate, the secret to success lies in a vision that others don't have... even if it comes in the form of four wagging tails. Do you have the guts to try your next “crazy” idea?

Abdulaziz Al-Issa Editor-in-Chief

Why is real estate outside of major cities trending?

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Why is real estate outside of major cities trending?

Architect Dr. Hisham Alqasem

In recent years, the face of the real estate market has been quietly but steadily changing, with eyes looking beyond the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, which have dominated the Kingdom's real estate landscape for decades. What is driving investors and buyers to look beyond the urban horizon? Let's dive into the reasons beyond the traditional explanations.

1. New development plans redistribute urban weight

For years, the Kingdom has been implementing a strategy aimed at relieving pressure on major cities through mega projects such as «The Line» and «NEOM», as well as developing governorates and administrative centers in different regions, and these projects are not just urban development, but new economic and population attractions. Thus, «centralization» is no longer a condition for real estate viability.

2. Better investment returns at lower costs

In major cities, land prices have risen so high that the rental yield in some neighborhoods barely covers the cost, while surrounding areas offer investment opportunities at relatively low purchase prices with a growing demand from residents looking for affordable housing, this balance between supply and demand favors both sides.

3. The allure of quiet life and larger spaces

After the experience of the pandemic, many people's perception of housing has changed. Proximity to the heart of the city is no longer an absolute advantage. People are beginning to value the importance of quiet, air quality, and spaciousness, which is provided by modern suburbs and rural areas, which have begun to witness an organized urban development that rivals the city itself.

4. Infrastructure and transportation improvements

Government investments in highways, trains, and smart transportation networks have reduced time gaps between major cities and surrounding areas. Some new residential centers are being run in a smart-city style, making commuting to and from them smoother and enticing residents to get away from the crowds without sacrificing convenience.

5. New behavioral trends in the younger generation

Millennials and Gen Z don't see city center living as a «dream.» They are looking for a balanced lifestyle, work-from-home spaces, urban farming, and even sustainability. These trends are redefining the demand for real estate and driving the creation of integrated communities outside the center.

The trend towards real estate outside major cities is no longer a forced choice, but a strategic one with economic, social, and even psychological justifications. The market that understands this change early on will be the winners in the new real estate race.

@ArchHesham

 

Facade design is an art that reflects the aesthetic spirit of homes and buildings

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Prepare  - M .  Sarah Bashir

The front facade of all buildings is the first mirror that reflects to the viewer the compatibility, harmony and sound thinking of the architect who designed it, and the choice of facade window design is one of the most important things that occupy the mind of the architect and the homeowner.

Facade symmetry

Designs for home facades of all kinds vary depending on the style of the house  The shapes of the windows and the surrounding ornaments,  If we talk about designing a house with rounds in the columns and facade, the window with full or half rotation from the top is the most appropriate design that suits the architecture of this house, while in the case of a facade with straight columns with sharp corners, square and rectangular windows fit this shape, knowing that the formation and diversification in the design of windows between circular and straight in the same perimeter needs great care, accuracy and art.  Because the lack of symmetry and harmonious visibility to the eye causes the architecture and composition to lose its beauty and harmony.

Entrance to the house

The entrance is considered the first interface that meets the visitor when he enters the house, which expresses the welcome and honor of the guest, so it must take great attention from the designer to make its decoration distinctive and suggest to the visitor that he is welcome and that the brightness and happiness begins from the entrance of the house, villa or palace.

Key points to consider for villa and palace entrances

1- Having a suitable and sufficient space for the design, as the entrance decor depends on its size, a small entrance needs a simple and unpretentious decor, preferably in a light color such as white and beige shades with a light floor as well as central and side lighting to give the illusion of space and comfort to those who pass through it.

When the entrance is large, there are many options for colors, lighting, and stones used to decorate or clad it, as stone, both natural and artificial, is best suited for villas and palaces because it lasts for a long time and does not need to be renewed.

2- The entrance should be facing the guest when he enters the dwelling, and lighting, ceilings, floors and other structural elements should be studied to take advantage of them to add other touches of beauty to the reception corner.

Each type of lighting plays a role in showing the beauty of the entrance depending on its style, it can be strong or light, side or interior.

The flooring has a great importance in the appearance of the entrance and its luxury, as some of them are waterproof, some can withstand the weight of cars, and others can be shaped and have multiple colors

Exterior facades and design variations

The exterior facade is the reflection of the inner beauty of the dwelling, whether it is a villa or a residential building, so it was important to determine a design that suits our oriental character and at the same time suits the artistic sense of the owner of the place.

Exterior façade designs have become so numerous and complex that it has become possible to take ideas and add to them with more ideas to suit one's personal taste.

Meaning that the process does not fall under the banner of transportation and copying only, and this is what we notice a lot in front of our eyes because the exterior designs took new and varied ideas from modern to classic to Islamic to European .... Let's see together some of the designs for these many names and see the new and ideas that can be taken from each type, including:

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Modern design

It is characterized by extreme simplicity with a few touches that are a little strange but beautiful, and the extreme simplicity and color harmony give the facade a striking beauty.

The use of natural stones for the exterior design of facades is in itself a novelty despite the passage of time on this type of design, but the eye does not get bored of it because it adds in all directions brilliance, beauty and luxury to the place.

Keep in mind that a simple design is more pleasing to the eye, and can be maximized with lavish designs that are a bit more complex. .

Moroccan design with an Islamic theme

Moroccan decoration is characterized by a beautiful and unique Islamic character, where the facade is characterized by windows with limited space and takes rectangular and semicircular shapes with the design of the walls at an angle, taking into account the planting of palm trees on both sides of the main entrance. .

Most of the designs take the traditional form of the old building, the rectangular facade with right angles, with the use of wood in some parts, especially the balcony roof as a pergola.

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European design

Some of them take the beautiful uncomplicated form with attention to the green space surrounding it. As for the design, we note that the use of glass spaces represented by windows and external entrances is large due to the lack of privacy, such as the Arab countries in most houses there is no separation fence between each other and the space is open to everyone, so the interest in the green space there is great and the use of some classic shapes in modern designs gives a kind of change that is endearing to the eye as in the design of the windows.

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The use of circulation in the terrace or balcony also gives more beauty than the traditional angular shapes with windows designed to fit them.

Following the Custodian and Obama's talks. Saudi Arabia and the United States strengthen their strategic partnership

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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and U.S. President Obama emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen their strategic relations for the benefit of their governments and peoples. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and President Obama emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen their strategic relations for the benefit of their governments and peoples.

Joint discussions

During the recent visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States, heading the Kingdom's delegation, the two sides stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to maintain the security and stability of the region, especially in the face of Iran's destabilizing activities. In this context, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his support for the nuclear agreement signed by the 5+1 countries with Iran, which, if implemented, will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, which will enhance the security of the region.

The two leaders discussed a new strategic partnership for the 21st century and how to significantly develop the relationship between the two countries. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, gave a briefing to the President that included the Kingdom's visions for the strategic relationship, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the President directed their respective governments to develop the appropriate mechanism to move forward in the coming months

Joint investment projects

During the meeting, investment projects were presented to the US side, including projects in the field of mining with an estimated investment volume of 200 billion dollars, most notably in the phosphate and bauxite sectors, and investments in the oil and gas sectors with an estimated investment volume of 300 billion dollars over the next five years.

Housing projects

During the summit, investments were offered to the US side in the housing and health sectors to enhance the needs of citizens in the future. Investment opportunities were also presented in the retail sector, with the size of the projects offered amounting to about 75 billion dollars.

Political affairs

They expressed their satisfaction with the results of the Camp David Summit held between the leaders of the GCC member states and President Obama last May, which aimed to strengthen the US-Gulf partnership and enhance defense and security cooperation. The two leaders also affirmed their commitment to implement all the topics agreed upon at Camp David.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of confronting terrorism and extremism. They reiterated their commitment to security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States, including joint efforts to counter al-Qaeda and ISIS, and praised their cooperation to curb the flow of foreign fighters, counter ISIS' hate media campaigns, and cut off the supply of funding for terrorist organizations.

The two leaders also emphasized the need for long-term, multi-year efforts to confront terrorism and eradicate al-Qaeda and ISIS, which will require sustained cooperation from the rest of the world.

The two leaders expressed their concern over the humanitarian situation in Yemen, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to provide assistance to the Yemeni people and work with coalition members and international partners, including the United Nations, to allow access to the aid provided by the United Nations and its partners, including fuel, to those affected in Yemen, and work to open Yemeni ports on the Red Sea to operate them under UN supervision to provide aid received from the United Nations, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said. The two leaders agreed to support UN-led humanitarian efforts.

The two leaders discussed the challenges of climate change and agreed to work together to achieve a successful outcome at the Paris negotiations this December, taking into account the Kingdom's special circumstances.

The king pays tribute

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques sent a cable of thanks to President Barack Obama at the end of his official visit to the United States, in which he expressed his thanks for the warm reception and generous hospitality.

"I would like to commend once again the historical and strategic relations between our two countries, which are witnessing further development in all fields," he said.

I cannot fail to assure Your Excellency that the discussions we held, especially those related to the new strategic partnership for the 21st century between our two countries, will, God willing, contribute to deepening and strengthening these relations and enhancing the ties of joint cooperation, in a manner that serves the interests of our two friendly countries and peoples.

King Salman expressed his pride in the excellence of the Kingdom's children in educational aspects and their keenness to develop their knowledge, stressing on them to represent the Kingdom best during their stay in the United States, which has a long-standing and developed friendship with the Kingdom.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was accompanied by the official delegation, including His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, HE Minister of State and Cabinet Member Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, HE Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, HE Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel bin Zaid Al-Turaifi, HE Foreign Minister Mr. Khaled bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, HE Health Minister Engineer Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, and HE Chief of General Intelligence Mr. Khaled bin Ali Al-Halb.

Al Marjan Island awards contract for the construction of the fourth canal to enhance aesthetic and environmental value

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Al Marjan Island Company announced last week (September 8, 2015) that the construction of a fourth canal on the island has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company. The new canal will improve the distribution of water flow and enhance the aesthetics of the island and is expected to provide significant investment and tourism returns as well as maintain water quality and circulation.

The announcement was made during the company's participation in Cityscape Global, the leading international exhibition for the real estate industry, which runs until September 10 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, with Al Marjan Island participating as a gold sponsor.

Engineer Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing Director of Al Marjan Island Company, said that the work on this water channel will contribute to the revitalization of the marine environment on the island significantly, as it is about 700 meters long and about 40 meters wide, in addition to opening new horizons for the development of many real estate projects on its banks, stressing the positive effects of such strategic projects that are based on the government's vision to enhance the sustainability of the real estate sector in the emirate and develop a unique destination for residents, visitors and tourists that meets all their requirements.

This channel is one of the initiatives taken by Al Marjan Island to preserve the marine environment surrounding the island and follow the highest international standards in the implementation of waterfronts. The channel will connect the Gulf waters on the western side of the island with the protected bays on the eastern side, in addition to creating stunning views that meet the preferences of investors and visitors alike, and will represent a key axis for real estate development in the vicinity and a new tourist tributary to the surrounding hotel projects as well as retail and entertainment projects on its banks.

Engineer Al Abdooli added: “The canal is unique and a key element of Al Marjan Island's comprehensive marine development strategy, which will provide the highest standards of marine tourism for visitors and residents of the island, ensuring crystal clear water. Furthermore, the canal provides oxygen-rich water to the island's surroundings, providing an ideal habitat for fish, plants and other marine life to live in.”.

He added: “This move reinforces our commitment to developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility. Pumping oxygenated water through the canal will help improve the aesthetics of the island and provide more suitable habitats for aquatic life.”.

This new project is an addition to Al Marjan Island's portfolio of near-term projects and strategic infrastructure that will create a mix of environmentally sustainable tourism, residential and hospitality complexes to serve the growing population on the islands.

Al Marjan Island is an iconic tourism project in Ras Al Khaimah and a unique investment destination. It consists of four artificial islands designed in the shape of coral reefs connected by a modern road network and is 4.5 kilometers long inside the sea with an area of 2.7 million square meters and a sea coastline of 23 kilometers and includes international five-star hotels and resorts, luxury residential units, tourist entertainment centers, international restaurants, picturesque beaches and a walkway equipped with tracks dedicated to walking, running and cycling sports. The island's design has been designed to preserve and highlight the environmental, cultural and heritage aspects of the UAE to reflect the distinctive image of the civilizational and urban development witnessed by the UAE, while preserving the heritage and cultural character of the Emirati society and introducing it to visitors and those coming from abroad, and several international companies in the field of hospitality and hospitality seek to find an investment opportunity in the promising island, as Al Marjan Island was established to enhance the quality of real estate projects provided by the Ras Al Khaimah government, with the main objective of supporting strategic development efforts in Ras Al Khaimah, improving community development and increasing the number of visitors.

Sharjah Waterfront City makes its debut at Cityscape Global 2015

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 Sharjah Oasis Properties, one of the region's premier real estate developers, announced the successful launch of Sharjah Waterfront City, its flagship project in the Emirate of Sharjah, at a press conference at Cityscape Global 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The press conference was co-hosted by Haitham Al Masri, Chairman of Sharjah Oasis Real Estate, and Sheikh Abdullah Al Shukra, Chairman of Al Hanou Real Estate.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Haitham Al Masri said: “The launch of Sharjah Waterfront City is in line with Sharjah's development plans, which aim to attract more than 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021. These important development plans will undoubtedly increase the demand for residential and commercial units, as well as the demand for modern hotels and leisure facilities, especially in key areas. We are proud that this project will enable us to meet the growing demand for the highest quality residential and leisure facilities.”

Sheikh Abdullah Al Shukra, Chairman of Al Hanou Real Estate, said: “Our significant investment in the Sharjah Waterfront City project is based on our belief that this project holds promising opportunities and will be a key pillar of Sharjah's tourism vision for 2021. We appreciate the great efforts made by Sharjah Oasis Real Estate Company in the development and construction of the various phases of the project.”

 

Sharjah Oasis Properties has signed an agreement with Dusit Hotel - Waterfront City and Shaza Hotel - Waterfront City (Kempinski Hotels), which will be the first two hotel properties to begin construction on the project. The hotels are expected to begin construction by the fourth quarter of 2016 and are expected to open by 2019.

The 5-star Dusit Waterfront City will feature 200 different hotel facilities including a men's and women's health club, fitness center, swimming pool, meeting rooms and a business center.

Shaza Hotel - Waterfront City, which meets international standards for five-star hotels, will feature approximately 300 hotel rooms and 350 hotel apartments. The hotel will feature a health club, fitness center, food and beverage outlets, conference and meeting facilities, a children's club, a library, recreational facilities, retail and parking areas.

Sharjah Oasis Real Estate also announced the signing of an agreement with the Investment Bank to finance the first phase of the project.

Sharjah Waterfront City has been redesigned to blend in with the natural environment while incorporating elements of luxury and modernity. The city is a model for integrated residential projects that meet the needs of the family, where residents and visitors will feel the beauty of the place and the luxury of the atmosphere in every detail.

Sharjah Waterfront City will span 36 kilometers of waterfront on a total area of approximately 60 million square feet. The project will include state-of-the-art residential, commercial and tourism facilities.

Turkey throws its weight behind real estate at Cityscape Global 2015, UK second

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The participation of foreign companies in the Cityscape Global 2015 exhibition The exhibition management welcomed the great role played by these companies in the development and development of the region, and in this regard, the director of the exhibition, Wouter Mollmann, pointed out the large and important Turkish participation, as it represents a strong strengthening of the growing economic relations between Turkey and the countries of the region, pointing out that the Turkish pavilion includes 50 real estate and engineering exhibitors representing the largest Turkish companies, and an exhibition area of 4000 square meters was allocated to it, making it the largest national pavilion in the exhibition, and this growth in participation comes as a result of Turkey's adoption of the Exchange of Concessions Law.

Moolman also praised the participation of the United Kingdom, which was second only to Turkey in terms of participation in this edition. He emphasized that London in particular is one of the most attractive cities for GCC investors, with many investment opportunities in the UK being promoted during the show, ranging from developments in high-profile areas around London, to student housing in other cities across the country.

It is worth mentioning that the show witnessed exceptional growth in its 2015 edition, and the total exhibition area was increased by 30% to 40,000 square meters to meet the demand from 300 exhibitors from 30 countries.».

Abdulrahman Al-Zamil praises the Cabinet's approval of the formation of a Saudi Contractors Authority

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The Cabinet's approval to organize a Saudi Authority for Contractors found a good resonance with many official and private parties because it represents a qualitative leap in the sector and the realization of the most important demands of contractors in terms of finding a reference body that takes care of the affairs of the sector and works to develop it and raise its level in order to serve the state projects, benefit the sector and protect the interests of investors in it.

For his part, the President of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Zamil, praised the decision and considered it a strong push from the state - may God support it - to the contracting sector in the Kingdom: “Our perceptions and expectations were correct when we in the private sector and economic sectors were optimistic about a new phase of cooperation and partnership between the state and the institutional bodies of the private sector after King Salman assumed the reins of government in light of his support for all economic activities, his insightful vision of economic work and his great familiarity with all files related to commercial activity.”.

In the same context, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Hammadi, Chairman of the National Committee for Contractors, expressed his deep satisfaction with the realization of the initiative, which they have been waiting for decades due to the urgent need for it to be a gateway to organize and serve the construction sector, which is one of the most important development sectors in the Kingdom.

Cityscape is booming. Mohammed bin Rashid launches Meydan One, breaking 7 world records

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 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during his visit to Cityscape Dubai 2015 in the presence of a host of VIPs, launched the Meydan One project presented by Meydan City Corporation. The project is located in an area of 3,671,000 square meters and is expected to become the first destination in Dubai when its first phases open by 2020.

Meydan One will have a capacity for more than 78,000 people and will include landmarks such as the 711-meter-high Dubai One Tower, Meydan One Mall, dancing water fountains, a four-kilometer-long canal, and a 100-boat yacht marina,

The project is expected to break at least seven world records, with the depth of its design vision attracting high levels of international attention, and the project's massive model attracting thousands of visitors and potential investors to Meydan's dedicated exhibition pavilion at Cityscape Global.

The exhibition also highlighted the progress of the Dubai Water Canal, a joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Meydan City Corporation and Meraas, which will include a 2.9-kilometer-long canal connecting Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, Crystal Lagoons at Safa Park, as well as an 8.1 kilometer waterfront and 8.2 million square feet of open space, a 5.7 kilometer promenade, a 1.1 kilometer natural beach, and pedestrian walkways connecting Safa Park to Jumeirah Beach Park.

Crystal Lagoons Towers Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Safa Park, the ground floor of the 35-story residential towers will feature townhouses with private gardens facing Safa Park, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, two two two-story villas to be built at the top of the towers, and three-story penthouses. Common amenities in each tower will include an Infinity pool, a gym, an event space, a childcare center and a play area.

Saeed bin Humaid Matar Al Tayer, Chairman and CEO of Meydan, said: “This year is a major milestone for Meydan City Corporation, and I believe it will be a landmark year for us. We have had a very positive response to the launch of Meydan One, which makes our presence at Cityscape Global all the more important as we continue our quest to bring these huge and monumental projects to investors in the wider real estate market.’.

Amlak's team at Cityscape Dubai 2015 continues to receive a lot of press and media attention

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The participation of exhibiting companies at Cityscape Dubai 2015 was followed and covered by various specialized media outlets, television stations and newspapers, as reporters from both general and specialized channels and newspapers crowded the exhibition halls to follow the activity of companies and reflect the real estate boom witnessed by the region.

According to Amlak's coverage team, the media's interest in this event is due to its paramount importance in the trends of economic indicators for real estate in the region, and the impact of this real estate event is enhanced by the comprehensive development boom witnessed by the countries of the region in the sectors of accommodation, luxury hotels and integrated commercial complexes that adopt the idea of smart and multi-use buildings.

For their part, media and economic analysts seek to find answers that confirm the merit of the real estate market's economics and its strength in absorbing the shocks and tremors that resulted from the fall in oil prices globally, while real estate companies and landowners adhere to the old saying ”real estate is a righteous son.”.

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