Corporate Brochure A proven track record with over 100 developments in the UK.
Property investment made simple.
www.knightknox.com | +44 (0)161 772 1370
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Knight Knox Corporate Brochure
Contents. Page 4-5: About Knight Knox
Page 20-23: Qualis Developments
Page 6-7: Why choose Knight Knox?
Page 24: yieldit
Page 8-11: The Knight Knox process
Page 25: Intus Lettings
Page 12-13: UK property market forecast
Page 26-27: Knight Knox company values
Page 14-15: Where should you invest?
Page 28-29: After-sales support
Page 16-18: Case studies
Page 30-31: Contact us
Page 19: Frequently asked questions
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About Knight Knox. Knight Knox make investing in property simple. Knight Knox have operated as a business for over 15 years, cementing our status as a market leader in property investment. We provide our clients with a personal service, offering advice and guidance from their very first enquiry through to the completion of their investment. Specialising in both residential and student property, we have sold over 11,000 apartments to over 5,500 individual buyers in excess of 110 countries. We strive to ensure that our clients see the best-possible returns in a competitive market sector. Our goal is to help investors find their perfect investment property, and with over 200 years of combined experience in our team, we offer an unparalleled service when it comes to investing in property. Thanks to our success in the sector, we have been able to expand our services to cover every aspect of the property investment journey. We have an online property resale service, yieldit, a specialist company for the sale of existing, tenanted properties from investor-to-investor; a nationwide lettings agency in the form of Intus Lettings, who offer both lettings and management services in order to ensure that the journey for both tenants and landlords is as seamless as possible; and finally, our own in-house development arm, Qualis Developments, allowing us to build our own market leading products in a competitive sector.
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100+ DEVELOPMENTS
Knight Knox have launched over 100 developments to the buy-to-let market since 2004
£1.2BN+ TOTAL VALUE
Our developments launched have a total value of over £1.2 billion.
80+ COMPLETED
We have sold over 80 developments that are now completed and tenanted, with many more to come.
“I have been dealing with Knight Knox for almost four years and have found them to be professional and reliable. I have made several buy-to-let investments with them in north-west England during this time. Their staff are very helpful and pleasant. I am certainly happy to recommend them.” Richard Corlett, Knight Knox investor
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Why choose Knight Knox? Knight Knox are pioneers in providing high yielding properties designed for both tenants to live in and investors to own. We work with selected UK developers to source and acquire the best plots of land in some of the UK’s top buy-to-let hotspots with thriving rental markets. We have in-house marketing and IT teams that allows us to ensure that the projects we bring to life stand out from the competition. Each development has its own branding, personalised CGI representations, and bespoke printed brochures to create a tangible investment opportunity. Once the development has its own unique identity it is passed onto Knight Knox’s highly experienced team of property consultants who source the perfect investment for each investor. Once an enquiry has been made, the Knight Knox in-house sales team will make contact and endeavour to establish a relationship with the client. Unlike other companies, each consultant is trained to work on a consultative basis, allowing them to determine which of the developments we currently have available is a fit for the client’s individual investment strategy, whether that is a one-off purchase in the short-term, or the addition to an existing or growing portfolio. We provide continuous in-house training to all property consultants to ensure we offer the best service possible. Annually, over 30% of Knight Knox’s sales are through referrals from existing buyers. Upon completion of a property purchase, the Knight Knox after-sales team offers a seamless customer journey from the point of exchange all the way through to completion to ensure the investment is easy and hassle-free, recommending solicitors and answering investor queries at every stage of the investment journey.
Palatine Gardens, Sheffield - completed and tenanted development
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100+ 11,000+ 60+ DEVELOPMENTS APARTMENTS RESIDENTIAL LAUNCHED
SOLD
6,500+ £215M+ RESIDENTIAL VALUE OF UNITS SOLD
4,200+ STUDENT
UNITS SOLD
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
£340M+ VALUE OF
STUDENT DEVELOPMENTS
DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHED
40+ STUDENT
DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHED
“Amazingly good customer services, easy to communicate with and they will take care of you through the process.” Mala Rahulan, 5* Google Review
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The off-plan property investment process.
Here at Knight Knox we make investing in off-plan property simple, and in this quick guide we will run through the basics of off-plan property investment and the process when investing through us.
Step 1
Discuss your requirements with your property consultant
Step 2
Your consultant will assist you in finding the perfect investment opportunity
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Step 3
Pay a reservation deposit to secure your apartment
Step 4
Notify your dedicated aftersales consultant of your chosen solicitor
Step 5
Exchange of contracts will be required within 21 days of reservation
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The off-plan property investment process. “Knight Knox are agents that should be considered by anyone looking to enter the buy to let market. I have bought 4 properties through this agent and would highly recommend them. The properties available are guaranteed to be those sought after in the rental market. They provide a seamless service from reservation through to completion and thereafter the management of the property once let is again second to none.” Leanne Skekton, 5* Google Review
“I have been dealing with Knight Knox for almost four years and have found them to be professional and reliable. I have made several buy-to-let investments with them in north-west England during this time. Their staff are very helpful and pleasant. I am certainly happy to recommend them.” Richard Corlett, 5* Google Review
“Great, personal service that is fast to respond with clear answers to any questions I have. I recommend Knight Knox for property investment in the UK. I currently live in South China and so being outside of the UK communication, trustworthiness and transparency are key to me, Knight Knox provide me with this.” Mark, 5* Google Review
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Choosing and reserving your property Once you have decided that off-plan property investment is for you it is time to pick your perfect property. From choosing your preferred location and size to choosing the orientation - there are a plethora of decisions to be made. After choosing your off-plan property you will be expected to pay a deposit to reserve it. Appointing a solicitor You must appoint a solicitor to carry out legal work on your behalf. If you are unsure of which firm to use, Knight Knox has a panel of recommended firms who are well versed in the intricacies of off-plan buy-to-let property. Once you have decided on which solicitor to use, they will require you to sign an instruction letter to confirm appointment. What will solicitors require? When purchasing any property in the UK you will be required to undergo Anti-Money Laundering Checks (AML). In order for the
solicitors to do this they will require proof of address, a form of ID and a source of funding (normally in the form of a questionnaire and a bank statement). Please note that if you have a joint account you will be required to provide certified ID for both account holders. Completion Once your property is structurally complete your solicitor will receive a completion notice, at which point you will have 10 working days to pay the remaining charges. Your solicitor will carry out final legal work including carrying out searches and reviewing documents and once this is done you will formally complete your purchase. At Knight Knox we have a dedicated team of professionals on hand to guide you through every step of the process, from picking your perfect apartment to completing the legal paperwork and liaising with your chosen solicitor on your behalf.
The legal process The legal process of buying property can be broken down into the following four steps: The developer’s solicitor will issue your solicitor with a contract pack Your solicitor will raise any enquiries they have on your behalf, and you have the opportunity to ask any questions. Once satisfied you will sign and return the contract and pay your exchange fees. Once exchange has taken place the purchase becomes legally binding.
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UK property market forecast The UK economy has seen its fair share of uncertainty in recent times, however one market that is consistently strong is the property market. Throughout recent general elections, a pandemic and Brexit, the buy-tolet market was one of the most consistent for investors and it looks set to continue in the same vein. Savills have estimated that between 2020 and 2024, property prices are set to increase by an impressive 20.4%. When looking at this forecast on a regional basis, the North West tops the list of expected house price growth during the period, with an estimated growth of 27.3%. The North West is closely followed by Scotland with 25.4% and Yorkshire and the Humber with 24.1%. Outside of the top three, regions such as the East Midlands (22.6%), Wales (22.3%), and the North East (21.7%) are all also expected to see a higher than average growth. The general consensus for the property market and the wider economy in general moving forward is extremely positive. JLL echoed this sentiment in their UK Housing Market Forecast, estimating a 68% rise in GDP, 6.9% rise in household disposable income and a 2.7% increase in employment by 2024. In addition to this, JLL have estimated that the UK rental growth will increase exponentially year after year. More people than ever are renting, and the government is struggling to meet its housebuilding target, creating an excellent opportunity for buy-to-let investors. As demand is outstripping supply when it comes to rental stock rents are rising, making for an extremely lucrative investment opportunity. Despite the unwavering uncertainty throughout the last few years, the buy-to-let market has continued to prosper. The demand for buy-to-let property remains high, and with a large portion of renters in the UK struggling to get onto the housing ladder, we anticipate further growth in the future.
The Queen’s Brewery, Manchester - completed and tenanted development
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Knight Knox Developments. Knight Knox’s portfolio of high quality developments spans the length and breadth of the UK, from Glasgow to Plymouth and from Liverpool to Newcastle.
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2 3 4 18 5 19 6 7 17 8 20 10 9 11 12 14
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1: Glasgow
11: Sheffield
2: Newcastle
12: Chester
3: Sunderland
13: Nottingham
4: Middlesbrough
14: Birmingham
5: York
15: Chatham
6: Leeds
16: Plymouth
7: Preston
17: Wigan
8: Bolton
18: Lancaster
9: Manchester
19: Bradford
10: Liverpool
20: Rotheram
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Where to invest? Greater Manchester Greater Manchester is one of the most exciting places to live, work and invest in the UK. The area is extremely popular with young professionals, with many flocking to the city for the excellent employment prospects and lifestyle. Greater Manchester is the fastest growing region outside of the capital and is leading the way in property investment. House prices in the area have grown by 23% in the last five years according to Zoopla, and the average rent has increased by 2.5% since 2019, making Greater Manchester an extremely exciting region for investment.
Liverpool Located on the River Mersey in the North West of England, Liverpool is famous around the world as a shipping port and a capital of culture. The city has a young, growing population and is an incredibly attractive business destination, particularly in the finance, manufacturing, digital and creative sectors. House prices in Liverpool have grown by 6.91% in the last 12 months (Zoopla, March 2020) and rental growth is expected to grow by 17.6% during the 2018-2022 period. (JLL, 2018)
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Sheffield Sheffield is known around the world for its industrial prowess and a highly skilled workforce which is at the centre of a booming business sector. It is currently an excellent time for Sheffield property investment - according to Zoopla, house prices in Sheffield have increased by 24.2% in the last five years but still remain well under the national average, so there is plenty more room for growth in years to come. Additionally, Sheffield is currently experiencing a shortage in quality rental stock and high demand from tenants, making high quality rental accommodation extremely sought after.
Leeds Located in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Leeds is one of the key cities in the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and is one of the most centralised cities in the UK, being part of the ‘Core Cities’ group. Leeds is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities, with the city region’s economy growing by an impressive 40% in the last decade. Demand for high quality accommodation in Leeds has resulted in a deficit of homes which is having a knock on effect when it comes to property prices and rents. JLL anticipates that house prices in Leeds will grow by 19.9% and rents will grow by 18.8% by 2022, placing Leeds second only to Manchester in terms of house price growth expectations.
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Case studies Rental income Case Study: X1 Brindley House (Phase 1 at X1 Salford Quays) Consisting of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, X1 Brindley House is located in Salford Quays and offers a great alternative to the city centre. Back in 2012, X1 Brindley House was one of the first new-build residential developments in Greater Manchester following the market crash, containing 60 luxury residential one- and two-bedroom apartments set over four floors. X1 Brindley House is situated in Greater Manchester, just minutes from MediaCityUK. Finished to the highest standard, tenants of X1 Brindley House have the tranquillity of living next to the picturesque Salford Quays waterfront whilst being just a stone’s throw from the thriving city of Manchester. The development was originally sold with an assured NET yield of 6% for 5 years, and upon the completion of those 5 years, the NET yield impressively managed to remain above this level, growing to 6.15%.
Assured NET yield for 5 years:
6%
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Current NET yield:
6.15%
Occupancy rates
Avalon Court Nottingham
100%
Minerva House Nottingham
100%
Stanley Court Liverpool
100%
Maid Marian House Nottingham
99%
All Saints House Sunderland
97%
occupied year on year since the 2017/18 academic year
occupied year on year since the 2017/18 academic year
occupied year on year since the 2017/18 academic year
occupied year on year since the 2017/18 academic year
occupied year on year since the 2017/18 academic year
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Case studies Capital Appreciation Case Study: Bridgewater Point, 2 bedroom-apartment
Original purchase price (2015):
Re-sale price (2020):
Uplift:
Uplift:
£155,515 £29,985
£185,000 19.0%
Case Study: Mulberry Place, 1 bedroom-apartment
Original purchase price (2016):
Re-sale price (2019):
Uplift:
Uplift:
£114,000 £15,950
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£129,950 14.0%
Frequently asked questions. What is buy to let? Buy to let investment is the purchase of a property with the intention of renting it out to the Private Rented Sector (PRS) rather than living in the property as an owner-occupier. How does buy to let work? The concept of buy to let investment is relatively straightforward. An investor will purchase a property with the intention of renting it out, thus making them the landlord. Once the purchase of the property has been completed it will be rented out to a tenant for a pre-agreed monthly cost to live in the property. Both the landlord and the tenant will need to sign a tenancy agreement which will constitute as a contract between both parties. Although the tenant will be the legal occupant of the property and will be responsible for the rent and monthly bills, the landlord is ultimately the owner of the property and is therefore responsible for the maintenance and legal requirements. As the property’s owner, the landlord will reap the financial benefits.
Why should I invest in buy to let property?
Can I get a mortgage with buy to let properties?
UK property has always been one of the most popular asset classes when it comes to investing as it is a tangible product that the investor can have full control over. Property is also usually likely to experience a steady growth in value over time. In addition to this, the demand for rental accommodation in the UK is extremely high and continuing to rise, with more and more people choosing to rent for longer periods of their lives – making buy to let an incredibly lucrative option.
For the most part, you can get a mortgage for a buy to let property, however, regulations for buy to let investors are strict, and lenders have very stringent criteria for buy to let mortgages – including the price of the investment property and the expected rental yield. You will also need to own your own home before investing in buy-tolet (this can be outright or with an outstanding mortgage), therefore making you ineligible if you are a first time buyer.
What are the risks of investing in buy to let? Like all investment ventures, buy to let investment has a few risks that you will need to consider when investing. First and foremost, the housing market is not protected against external negative factors. For example, if there was a financial crash, it could have an impact on the property market, resulting in a drop in value for your property. The good news is that the property market has been one of the most stable markets in recent times compared to other stock markets and remains relatively steady throughout any uncertainty.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold? Freehold and leasehold are the primary forms of legal ownership of a property. With a freehold property, you own both the building and the land that it sits on outright. Houses and stand-alone properties are usually classed as freehold. In comparison, with a leasehold property you have a lease from the freeholder to use the property for a number of years. The leases are usually longterm (around 100 or 120 years) but can be as high as 999 years and as low as 40 years. Apartments in England and Wales are usually leasehold.
Should I invest in off-plan property? Off-plan property investment is where you invest in a property that has not yet been built or is still in construction. A number of investors prefer off-plan investment because it is often cheaper compared to completed properties, whilst also offering more potential for substantial capital gains. In addition to this, off-plan properties tend to achieve higher rent rates once they are completed due to them being newly built. What is the difference between NET yields and gross yields and how do I calculate both? Yields are the return-oninvestment per year expressed as a percentage. Gross yield is the value of your return before you deduct any associated costs and NET yield is the value when all associated costs have been deducted. To work out your gross yield, divide the gross annual rent by the value of the property and times it by a hundred. For your NET yield, you subtract any additional costs from your annual rent, divide that number by the value of your property and times it by a hundred.
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Qualis Developments is Knight Knox’s in house property development company. Based in Manchester, Qualis Developments specialises is the design and build of exceptional homes in the UK’s leading Northern cities. Qualis Developments is committed to the highest standard of construction, and the needs of the occupier are taken into account throughout the entirety of the development process. With expert industry knowledge, Qualis Developments is proud to deliver each bespoke project in its entirety from the initial plans to the final finishing touches. Every home is built to stand the test of time and serve its local community for many years to come, with the exceptional quality of the build suiting every type of occupier and lifestyle. By building in some of the UKs fastest growing property markets Qualis Developments aims to provide properties that answer a burgeoning need for high-quality accommodation in key cities such as Manchester and Sheffield and offer a great investment opportunity.
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Great Central, Sheffield Great Central is Qualis Developments’ flagship development in Sheffield, one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK and one which is predicted to be the next big buy-to-let property market. Comprising of 131 spacious apartments spread across eight floors, Great Central is an extremely popular addition to the Sheffield rental market. Each apartment is fully and stylishly finished, and the development itself provides parking spaces on selected units as well as secure bicycle storage for all residents.
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The Interchange, MediaCityUK The Interchange is the first development from Qualis Developments in Greater Manchester. Located in the heart of Salford, one of the UK’s most exciting and rapidly growing cities, only minutes from MediaCityUK and a short drive or Metrolink tram journey from Manchester city centre, the 44 oneand two-bedroom apartments at The Interchange are the gold standard for local rental accommodation.
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yieldit specialises in the sale of tenanted, income generating buy-tolet property from investor to investor. yieldit work with buyers and sellers who see the financial potential of a buy-to-let-property, and don’t get distracted by little things - eliminating the normal stresses that come with trying to sell a buy-to-let property on the high-street. yieldit brings a wide range of income generating properties to market, from larger homes perfect for families to city centre apartments in some of the UK’s best rental markets. Whatever your requirements, yieldit has the perfect investment (or buyer) for you!
“I initially contacted Yieldit for a price for our tenanted property thinking the valuation would be a lot lower due to selling with tenants. To my surprise it was very close to what we wanted. We began the process, we had an offer within weeks and the process began, having just completed the sale I can say they have been professional throughout.” Hilary Davies, 5* Google Review
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Intus Lettings is Knight Knox’s independently branded lettings and management company, created with the needs of our investors in mind. Even though all Knight Knox developments are fully let and managed by our developers’ dedicated lettings subsidiaries, the vast majority of Knight Knox investors have an existing property portfolio already. Intus Lettings is a unique way of consolidating all investors’ properties under one roof. Intus Lettings boasts a service which offers landlords incredibly competitive deals on their lettings and management fees, with an easy switchover process in place to facilitate convenience on the landlords’ behalf. In addition, Intus Lettings operates a nationwide service via multiple branches which is second-to-none, with tenanted properties under management in major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and London. Intus Lettings has many happy landlords in its property portfolio, which is a testament to the high level of service they provide.
“I have found this office effective in letting the property with good tenants. Inevitably issues arise but they have been rectified as quickly as possible.” Geoff Bath, 5* Google Review
“Intus lettings is the best agency I have come across. they were organised, honest, professional and very, very helpful.” Sarah Saan, 5* Google Review
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Company values.
At Knight Knox, investor satisfaction is at the forefront of what we do. We have adopted 5 core values that make up the Knight Knox company ethos:
1 Passionate people
Knight Knox employees love what they do, and love what we are. It’s that kind of passion that pushes us forward and allows for job satisfaction across the board.
2 Delivery
We strive to consistently deliver the highest possible standards in every aspect of our work. Our clients trust us to deliver what we promise, and confidently recommend our services.
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3 Knowledge
Each person within Knight Knox is an expert in their own field. Knowing our markets and products inside out is what keeps us a step ahead and ensures that everything we do is of the highest quality.
4 Integrity
We must always be honest and ethical, doing what is right for our clients. They put their trust in us and we must do our best to meet their expectations.
5 Performance
To exceed expectations in how we perform, we will always challenge ourselves and push for constant improvement.
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After-sales support. When you purchase a property with Knight Knox you are in good hands. Our specialist team of after-sales consultants have a wealth of experience and are always on hand to ensure your transaction is as quick and easy as possible, and any questions you have are answered prior to the completion of your property. Our consultants liaise with solicitors on your behalf to ensure that all necessary funds are paid in good time and that all documentation is signed by the relevant parties to avoid length and unnecessary delays. Our after-sales department endeavours to keep all of our clients updated on the status of their investments, checking documents, planning permission and construction progress. Knight Knox works to ensure that investors are happy with their investments at all times, and it is the job of our after-sales team to make the transition from purchase to completion as easy as it can be, including introducing clients to their designated property management company when the property nears completion.
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Recommended solicitors For many people, the process of appointing a solicitor familiar with the intricacies of buy-to-let conveyancing is a daunting one, which is why Knight Knox recommends solicitors familiar with the purchase process of our clients. Each of our recommended solicitors is completely independent yet chosen specifically by Knight Knox to ensure a quick and seamless exchange process. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we have several existing relationships with a selection of legal experts well versed in buy-to-let property transactions, allowing investors to receive the most effective service.
“I have been working with Knight Knox for the last 7 years during which I have purchased a number of properties both in the UK and the far east. What sets them out from other agents I have dealt with is the personal and individualised support during the due diligence and purchase process coupled with their excellent after sales support. There is always someone to give advice, help with queries and, on the few occasions I have sold my investment property, assist with the selling process. Highly recommended� Graham Bradshaw, 5* Google Review
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Contact us.
Whether you are looking to purchase an investment property or are interested in one of our ancillary services, please contact Knight Knox to discuss your individual needs and determine how we can best help you. Get in touch Address: Knight Knox, Quay West at MediaCityUK, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1HH Tel: +44 (0)161 772 1370 Fax: +44 (0)161 241 5360 Email: info@knightknox.com Find us online Website: www.knightknox.com
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Property investment made simple. +44 (0)161 772 1370 info@knightknox.com www.knightknox.com
The information contained within this document is correct at the time of printing (March 2020). Any images featured in this document are a guideline and are for representation only; furthermore, any completion dates outlined in this document are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. 2020-12_v4
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