Investment: £50k-£100k
Franchise Focus In great shape
Rob Clifford, chief executive of Century 21 UK, on the health of the UK property market
INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM £50,000
government schemes more readily) but also second-steppers – those who want / need to move into larger homes, as well as the growing number of buy-to-let landlords who see property as a quality investment. The private rental sector also continues to be a growing element of the overall UK housing market. It seems quite obvious that the number of people renting in this country will continue to grow, indeed recent analysis suggests it will overtake homeownership within the next decade. Demand, therefore, for properties and lettings services seems assured. The good news for agency franchisees is that you can satisfy both parts of this growing marketplace by choosing a Century 21 UK franchise operation. Not only will you be able to tap into these opportunities at a local level, but you will also have the backing of a global brand, with access to potential buyers from right across the world. In areas such as Greater London the ability to target foreign investors and buyers cannot be underestimated.
“The market has shown real, positive signs of growth”
“T
here is a growing and expanding number of franchise opportunities available today in the UK and one of
the key decisions for any entrepreneur is the particular sector or industry into which they should launch. It’s fair to say that it is possible to operate a franchise in just about every single marketplace in existence but, of course, some businesses may be better prospects than others. Take the property market in the UK.
There has not been a great spread of property franchise opportunities but this is certainly changing, particularly when the future outlook for both sales and lettings is one of strong and ongoing growth. As an estate and lettings agency franchisor, Century 21 UK certainly believe that property represents a quality choice and, particularly with the right level of engaged head office support, agency franchisees can make a real impact in their local area. The development of today’s UK property market has its roots back in the period, 2008-2009, when the world economy felt the impact of the seismic developments
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brought about by the credit crunch and the subsequent recession. The UK property market had been through a huge ‘boom’ period prior to this and when credit availability was drastically hit, when the sub-prime crisis took full effect and lending avenues were blocked left, right and centre, property prices tumbled and the number of transactions fell to a low. Since then, we have seen a slow and steady climb back from the brink for most regions. In London and large swathes of the South East, however, we have witnessed a resurgence that could be considered comparable with that pre- credit crunch ‘boom’ period but with some notable differences: a much more focussed regulator determined to curb the wild mortgage excesses of the past and (at last) a government that seems at least willing to support greater supply of housing. This is doubly good news. In 2014 the market showed real, positive signs of growth, and this looks likely to continue into 2015. For those considering a property franchise, the outlook is bright; the demand for property within the UK remains strong, not just from first-time buyers (who are able to secure low-deposit mortgages through
For the UK as a whole, the property market looks likely to build on the growth it witnessed in 2014. House prices rose on average by between eight and 10 per cent – by even more in London and the South East – and it is anticipated that they will continue to increase (albeit more moderately). The changes to the stamp duty system, announced in December, are also likely to give the market a short-term boost as they will save many purchasers many thousands of pounds. Transaction levels should rise and an increase in construction will also give prospective buyers more stock to choose from. All in all, a franchise in the property market catering for both sales and lettings, and with the backing of a major player, should be a real consideration for anyone contemplating their options for the year ahead. We would be delighted to talk you through how Century 21 UK can help you make the most of this opportunity.” n
CENTURY 21 UK
WEBSITE:
www.century21uk.com/franchise EMAIL:
opportunities@century21uk.com PHONE: 0115 902 1002 CLASSIFICATION: Property
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