Watkin Jones Group’s Post

Pleased to share Watkin Jones’ FY24 results this am, highlighting improved profitability with adjusted operating profit up to £10.6m and a strengthened cash position despite challenging market conditions. Read on for more of our highlights and to access the RNS in full. #WatkinJones #BTR #PBSA #Coliving #FY24Results #UKPropertyDeveloper #UKConstruction #UKRentalMarket #InstitutionalInvestment

We believe Ibstock – with a dominant market position, flexible cost structure, and vertical integration – is positioned to capitalize on an anticipated UK housing rebound. Learn why we see value in the UK brickmaker.   https://lnkd.in/ebHSY6dk  #classicvalue #valueinvesting #superannuation  

📊 2024 REIT Say-on-Pay Recap 📊 Average support for REIT Say-on-Pay proposals continues to rise from the record low levels of support seen in 2022. The majority of Against voting recommendations were concentrated in REIT sectors with 3-year TSR performance in the bottom quartile highlighting the strong correlation between ISS recommendations and relative TSR performance. Learn more in our 2024 REIT Say-on-Pay Recap. https://lnkd.in/g67ZxHpF #FergusonPartners #REITs #FinancialInsights #RealEstateInvesting #CommercialRealEstate

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has expanded its offering to include restricted holiday lets. Commenting on the launch, HTB managing director of specialist mortgages and bridging Alex Upton, said restricted holiday lets represented both “complexity and opportunity.” “As planning rules tighten and tax reforms take effect, investors need the right financial support to adapt and thrive” Read the full story on BTL Insider: https://lnkd.in/efH2kTPH

CapitaLand Ascott Trust (Clas) reported a 15% year-on-year increase in gross profit for Q1, fueled by new properties and operational enhancements. About 64% of gross profit came from stable income sources, with the remaining 36% from growth income. Revenue per available room (RevPAU) surged by 6% to S$135, reaching pre-COVID levels. Average occupancy remained steady at 73%, representing 88% of Q1 2019 levels. Gearing stood at 37.7%, providing S$2 billion in debt headroom. Looking ahead, Clas anticipates a RevPAU moderation and plans to reinvest divestment proceeds for enhanced yields or debt reduction. #Growth #Performance #REITs #Investment #Hospitality #Lodging #RevPAU #DPU I The Business Times I Michelle Zhu

I was grateful to be able to give evidence to the UK House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee yesterday, alongside my sector colleagues Debbie Crosbie from Nationwide Building Society, Julie-Ann Haines from Principality Building Society and Steve Hughes from Coventry Building Society. It was great to be involved in a session that will help shape the Committee’s report into UK financial services regulation, something we at the Building Societies Association are keen to feed into. It’s not easy to condense a 90 minute session into a few bullet points, but here goes: ·      A zero-risk regulatory regime is bound to fail. We need to consider the balance between financial stability and growth, and ask whether the dial has moved too far – for example should the lending limits be amended to allow lenders to support more first-time buyers? And what are the consequences of not doing so? ·      Proportionality is key – something I’ve talked about consistently is the need for a change in mindset of the regulators. The cost and burden of cumulative regulation should not have a relatively larger impact on smaller providers. Excessive cost of regulation reduces the amount that can be invested in the future or given back to members through even more competitive rates. Excessive time spent on regulation risks distracting boards and management teams. Strong and simple is a mantra I will continue to repeat! And that applies to larger, simpler firms as well as smaller. ·      Diversity should be valued in all aspects of life and business, and building societies offer this diversity to the financial services economy. They can help deliver the Government’s priority of fair and inclusive growth in a stable and sustainable way. Corporate diversity in financial services supports economic growth in the long-term because different firms respond differently at times of stress, giving the system more resilience overall and enabling a swifter recovery from economic shocks. ·      Building societies and some of our credit union members also support growth by lending to help people buy (especially first-time buyers), renovate and extend their homes. As well as helping people to achieve their aspirations, this helps people move for work, improve their well-being, and contribute to increased productivity. Our purpose at the BSA is to continue actively shaping the financial services landscape for the better by ensuring that financial mutuals can thrive and grow. In doing do, the sector can help more people buy homes, improve financial resilience, create economic growth, increase productivity and better communities. #FS #UKeconomy #housing

Patrick Oldham, LV= Equity Release Proposition Director, shares his views on the Equity Release Council Winter 2024 Market Report: “The Equity Release Winter Market Report reflects on two decades since the introduction of formal regulation, highlighting the sectors progress in delivering secure, flexible solutions for retirees. During this time, LV= is proud to have implemented key enhancements, including the introduction of drawdown products and being one of the first lenders to offer fixed early repayment charges.   For more than 20 years, LV= has offered equity release products designed with members at the heart, and we are proud to have evolved our offering in line with the ever-changing needs of our customers.   As a longstanding member of the Equity Release Council, LV= continues to strive for the highest standards and best practices across the industry.    This latest report celebrates how far the market has come and reinforces our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of UK retirees with trust and transparency. We saw sustained market growth for the last two quarters of 2024 and look forward to seeing what the equity release sector brings for 2025”.   #EquityReleaseCouncil #LaterLifeLending #EquityRelease

The CPE Midyear 2024 Outlook Roundtable provides an in-depth discussion of the key challenges and opportunities facing the commercial real estate industry for the second half of 2024. Industry experts highlight ongoing issues such as the impact of remote work on office space demand, rising interest rates, and operating expenses outpacing rent growth. The report also addresses the cautious stance of banks in extending real estate loans, the high costs of debt refinancing, and the challenges faced by retailers due to increased rents and interest rates. Despite these hurdles, the roundtable emphasizes opportunities in sectors like retail and residential real estate, where strong fundamentals and limited new construction offer potential for long-term gains. The article underscores the importance of strategic planning and strong lender relationships in navigating the current market environment. For more detailed insights, read the full article https://lnkd.in/eDH4P5BF

Catch up on November’s top 10 finance stories that shaped the property sector: 1. UK freezes assets of three kleptocrats in fresh ‘dirty money’ crackdown: https://ow.ly/t7cj50UiWBv 2. Landsec returns to profit, but warns Trump presidency could slow economic recovery: https://ow.ly/bj9c50UiWBz 3. Strong results show Grainger on track to become UK’s BTR leader, says CEO Gordon: https://ow.ly/nTU450UiWBt 4. Safestore to cut over-weighting to UK business customers amid 'soft demand': https://ow.ly/R3ZY50UiWBs 5. LondonMetric sells 24 assets for almost £60m: https://ow.ly/TUmk50UiWBp 6. Starlight Bidco completes £673.5m takeover of BCPT: https://ow.ly/ixC350UiWBw 7. Sibley quits Vistry after COO role is axed: https://ow.ly/QP4q50UiWBy 8. Crest Nicholson tells investors to expect profit to be at lower end of forecasts: https://ow.ly/mHc150UiWBo 9. Property sector set for investment boost from new pension ‘megafund’ plans: https://ow.ly/njG950UiWBx 10. UK operational real estate presents £1trn opportunity in response to megatrends: https://ow.ly/n3ej50UiWBq #PropertyNews #FinanceNews #PropertySector

New ATO stats are in, and there’s a clear trend: SMSFs are loving property! In Australia, from June 2021 to June 2024, SMSF residential property investments jumped 26.4% to $55.2B, while non-residential grew 25% to $102B.   So, what's driving the boom?   1️⃣ Easier Lending: Banks are offering better interest rates than a few years ago. 2️⃣ More Control: Some investors want to take the reins from traditional super. Quick note: Super returns have been great lately, so it’s not all about dissatisfaction! A Unique Advantage for Victorians: Lower Land Tax There has been a lot of noise in the media about investors fleeing the Victorian property market due to increases in property taxes, but here's the kicker - In Victoria, SMSFs enjoy separate land tax thresholds, potentially saving investors thousands annually. Unlike personal or family trust-held properties, SMSFs can leverage these savings effectively. In real terms, this can save property investors tens of thousands of dollars annually in land tax - depending on the value and location of the property. Keen to explore SMSF property investing, but not sure where to start? ✅ Include Super in the Plan: Don’t overlook SMSF property for your next investment. ✅ Watch & Learn: Check out our quick course: https://lnkd.in/gzH5Y3zv ✅ Let’s Chat: We’ve helped heaps of clients maximise their SMSF property strategy - reach out for personalised advice. Your love for property could boost your retirement wealth. Let’s explore how! #InvestingInProperty #SMSF #TaxNews #SMSFNews #ATO