PROPERTY Exhibition
MOVING HOUSE
At the Cardiff MIPIM launch last year Future planning for Cardiff
Refurbishment
The MIPIM (Marche International des Professionals d’Immobilier), considered the world’s largest property exhibition, which was due to happen in France this March, has been rescheduled to 2–5 June due to growing concerns related to the coronavirus (Covid-19). The Cardiff MIPIM 2 2 group are still hoping to attend the event held in Cannes, with the aim of showcasing all of South East Wales’ businesses and inward investment opportunities to the world. The Cardiff At MIPIM website states, Cardiff and the Cardiff Capital Region will continue its drive to promote its ambitions for development in the region to the international real estate world at MIPIM 2 2 . ed by Invest in Cardiff, the Cardiff Capital Region and partners in the fields of development, property consultancy and architecture, Cardiff will showcase a host of development, investment, and occupier opportunities throughout the city.” The event attracts thousands of people each year, including 5, investors, 4,8 developers, and 5 journalists from across the globe. Keynote speakers in June are former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc. r re ardiffa i i
Home buying
OFFICE UPGRADE Having moved into Cardiff city centre last year, Portabella, the Cardiff-based property developers, have carried out a comprehensive refurbishment of their Nickel Yard o ce on Baker’s Row to reflect their design-led ethos and to create a working environment for the team to inspire future developments and projects. They say, “We collaborated with many existing suppliers alongside some new partnerships and are proud to have created a workspace which reflects the personality of our business. r re ra e a Looking good at Portabella
HOUSE RULES James Thomas of Savills Cardiff shares his view of the city’s property scene
“Towards the end of last year, buyers were cautious about the future prospects of the market and sellers were reluctant to expose their properties to modest demand. However, this year, we have seen appetite return amongst buyers, who are feeling more confident and as a result, we have seen a huge increase in new buyer enquiries and viewing numbers, as well as requests for valuations from prospective sellers. A bustling city, Cardiff offers some of the very best cosmopolitan living found in the UK yet enveloped in an array of jaw-dropping coastline and countryside.” Family homes in the established areas around Cardiff continue to drive demand, offering a wealth in local amenities and straightforward commutability to Bristol, Bath and the Midlands, whilst apartments in the city centre and Cardiff bay area continue to remain desirable with professionals and first-time buyers. The election may seem a distant memory, with widespread reports of a post-election bounce, however while sentiment has certainly lifted, and new buyer interest risen sharply, the market fundamentals have not changed overnight and there are many unknowns facing the economy as the Brexit deal is negotiated this year. The indicators are that maintaining the balance between buyer and seller expectations will remain critical to keep the market moving this year.” For more: www.savills.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 67
