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    Trump tariffs could freeze Bank of England base rate

    The inflationary effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs mean the Bank of England could keep the base rate at its current level for longer, according to an economist.
    While cutting the base rate from its current level of 4.5% could be a way to stimulate the economy, tariffs tend to have inflationary effects that would only be exacerbated by lower interest rates.
    Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “I remain unconvinced that the base rate will fall to 3.5% by the end of the year.
    “Tariffs by their nature tend to be inflationary, so while the Bank of England may need to stimulate the wider economy, they will also be concerned about inflation.”
    The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will next meet on the 8 May. On 20 March the MPC voted to hold the base rate at 4.5% by eight votes to one.
    The UK’s comparatively low tariffs could potentially attract some foreign firms looking to sidestep higher duties elsewhere.

    The UK is subject to a 10% tariff, compared to 20% across the EU.
    Crosthwaite added: “While I don’t think that the direct impact of the tariff regime will affect the UK construction sector significantly, the indirect impacts could well be substantial.
    “The uncertainty for businesses is likely to act as a brake on investment at a time when the government is keen to attract private investment to fund infrastructure delivery.
    “In addition, firms may well rein in any investment planned on fixed capital until they have an understanding of the potential hit to their bottom line from the tariffs.
    “However, on the flip side, and assuming that the quoted tariffs are long-term and can’t be negotiated via a trade deal, then, given the UK’s lower tariff rate relative to other countries, foreign businesses may look to the UK to set up manufacturing plants here so they can avoid some of the higher-level tariffs.
    “An example of that is Apple moving some of its production to India, which has a lower rate relative to China.” More

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    Inside the Lavish Thailand Villas Featured on ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

    While we’d happily skip the occasional murder at but we’d absolutely check into the HBO show’s jaw-dropping filming locations, the Four Seasons Koh Samui, for instance, Thailand’s stand-in for the latest White Lotus retreat in season three. 

    But why stop there? If you’re curating a White Lotus-inspired itinerary, you’ll be thrilled to know that several of the show’s most stunning properties aren’t just for drooling over on the TV—they’re available for rent. Take Gary-Greg’s tropical hilltop villa, for example, or hotel manager Sritala Hollinger’s exotic Bangkok mansion. Here, we’re uncovering the real estate marvels they used to film the hit HBO show and how you can stay there while you wait for season four.  

    Sritala and Jim Hollinger’s Bangkok Mansion

    Siri Sala Villa in Bangkok appeared as the Hollingers’s home in season three of The White Lotus.

    Oliver’s Travels

    By the end of episode six, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) manage to secure an invitation—under false pretenses—to the Bangkok residence of White Lotus co-owner Sritala Hollinger (Lek Patravadi) and her husband Jim (Scott Glenn). Their mansion is, in reality, Siri Sala Villa, a serene $4,700 per night retreat nestled along the tranquil Bangkok Noi Canal.  

    The villa mixes sleek, modern luxury with the charm of traditional Thai stilt houses. Think lush gardens, a canal-side saltwater pool, and plenty of quiet spots to relax away from the city’s hustle. The villa’s three separate “ruen” (traditional houses) house a total of six chic bedrooms, while the design honors Bangkok’s rich history with upcycled wood and antique details. Plus, you can enjoy curated experiences like private cooking lessons, Muay Thai training, and cultural tours. And for foodies, resident chefs whip up meals using herbs grown right on the property. If you want to channel your inner White Lotus character, this is where to do it.

    Gary’s Hilltop Hideaway

    Two properties, including Villa Amaravida in Phuket, starred as Gary’s villa in The White Lotus.

    Fabio Lovino/HBO

    If you couldn’t take your eyes off the jaw-dropping mountaintop villa of the shady operator Gary (Jon Gries), who fans will recall went by Greg in the last season, now you can stay there without any of the tension—well, hopefully. The scenes at Gary’s house were actually filmed at two properties: the modern Samujana Villa 12 on Koh Samui and the luxurious Villa Amaravida, perched atop Cape Yamu in Phuket.  

    The latter is an eight-bedroom masterpiece available for rent at $5,698 to $13,650 per night and is where most of the interior scenes were shot. This 43,000-square-foot gem blends sleek Scandinavian minimalism with traditional Thai elegance. The property offers top-tier amenities, from a state-of-the-art gym and a multi-court sports complex to three pools and two rooftop Jacuzzis. For a bit of adventure, kayak or paddleboard on the villa’s private beach. Looking to chill? There’s a 12-seat cinema room for binge-watching past White Lotus installments, plus an indoor entertainment zone with a second pool, foosball, and sunbeds. Elsewhere, the roughly $8,048-per-night Samujana Villa 12 features seven bedrooms and a sprawling pool, its design resembling a series of white shoeboxes stacked along the hillside.

    Villa Jacinta  

    Villa Jacinta on Koh Samui was also used as a filming location for The White Lotus season three.

    Onefinestay

    Villa Jacinta, also part of the exclusive Samujana resort in Koh Samui, comes with a cinematic twist. The $1,995 per night residence, featured in The White Lotus, though it’s not entirely clear what scenes were filmed there, was designed in a striking Cubist style. The four-bedroom home is bathed in natural light, with airy whites, soft grays, and luxe creams echoing a sleek Hollywood Hills mansion. Each ensuite bedroom boasts sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand, three with private balconies.  

    The villa also features a sunken open-air living area, a dining room, two chef’s kitchens, a media room, and a gym. Outside, guests can soak up the tropical scenery from the rooftop terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. A dedicated concierge team ensures a seamless stay, handling everything from airport transfers to dinner reservations. 

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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    Overseas clients key to growth for brokers, but finding lenders and navigating policy changes are major challenges

    While most UK mortgage brokers are keen to grow their customer base internationally, finding suitable lenders and dealing with the complexities of government policy are proving to be significant obstacles when taking on non-UK clients, new research from RAW Capital Partners has found.
    The Guernsey-based specialist lender commissioned an independent survey of 300 UK mortgage brokers. It found that while just 35% “frequently” work with non-UK resident buyers, over three fifths (62%) are actively seeking to expand their overseas client base.
    More than half (60%) of the brokers surveyed said they have noticed an increase in demand from overseas in the past five years, while 63% expect this demand to rise or remain consistent in the five years ahead.
    However, RAW Capital Partners’ survey also found that brokers face notable challenges when seeking mortgages for non-UK residents buying property in the UK. For instance, two-thirds (66%) of brokers said the introduction of new policies since the Labour government came to power have led to overseas clients requiring greater support from brokers, particularly in helping them understand stamp duty reforms and private rental sector regulation.

    Additionally, 62% of UK mortgage brokers feel there are too few lenders that are willing or able to work with non-UK clients.
    Tim Parkes, CEO of RAW Capital Partners, said: “The demand for UK property from overseas investors remains perennially high, and brokers are clearly responding to this by actively seeking out ways to grow their client base internationally. Indeed, with economic turbulence commonplace across many countries around the world, we’ve seen investors shifting focus to the UK to reap the benefits of its historically strong, stable and resilient property market.
    “However, the inability or reluctance of mainstream mortgage providers to lend to non-UK residents, typically because of the extra due diligence required, has left brokers and international buyers in a difficult position. Now, with many brokers expecting interest from international buyers to rise in the coming years, it is more important than ever that the specialist finance sector fills this gap.” More

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    US commercial stock most in need of redevelopment

    Some 44% of office buildings in the US are seen as outdated and in need of investment, analysis from commercial real estate firm JLL has found.
    This compares to 34% in Europe, as some countries are ahead of others in terms of decarbonising commercial stock.
    New York, Washington DC, Paris, Chicago and London are particularly behind, where JLL estimated you’d need to spend between $242 to $320 billion to bring them up to date.
    Cynthia Kantor, CEO, project & development services, at JLL, said: “The commercial real estate landscape is at a turning point as property owners and cities look to establish long-term viability of existing buildings and districts, in the face of evolving experiential and spatial preferences, increasing regulatory pressures, climate risk and changes in real estate demand.

    “By proactively assessing and addressing outdated and at-risk buildings, owners can unlock significant value, create a more sustainable, resilient built environment and drive future returns.”
    JLL said public authorities that focus on regeneration of specific major building are making a big difference, given that it attracts workers back to office-heavy business districts, and serves to revitalise neighbourhoods for visitors and residents.
    Phil Ryan, research director at JLL, added: “The full potential of existing assets, both those nearing the end and earlier in their lifecycle, can only be realized through collaboration between stakeholders and by considering how various levels of obsolescence interact
    “Owners and cities should assess how their portfolios holistically fit into their respective built environments and how a variety of factors contribute to their ability to respond to changing locational preferences and new sustainability and development regulations to create future value.” More

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    Global News Archives – PropertyWire

    Global News Archives – PropertyWirehttps://www.propertywire.com/category/news/global-news/ UK & International Property News ServiceTue, 13 Apr 2021 20:50:51 +0000en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2Barings Announces £250m Real Estate Mandatehttps://www.propertywire.com/finance/barings-announces-250m-real-estate-mandate/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 06:00:45 +0000https://www.propertywire.com/?p=26227Barings has announced a £250m real estate debt mandate with The Phoenix Group for its matching adjustment portfolio. In partnership with Phoenix, Barings will build a […] More

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    For the Price of a Tiny N.YC. Apartment, You Could Snag a Sprawling Villa in Calabria, Italy

    New York City is consistently one of the most expensive places to live, so it’s no wonder more and more Big Apple residents are packing up their postage-stamp apartments and heading abroad in search of more space for less money. And, if you’re considering pulling a real-life Emily in Paris and escaping to Europe, you might be pleasantly surprised just how much more bang for your buck you can get when it comes to real estate. 

    A new study from My Dolce Casa, an expat-oriented blog about living and retiring overseas, has done the hard part and calculated what the same amount of money can buy you in the Mediterranean versus Manhattan. The website based its research on Realtor.com’s median listing price for a 500-square-foot apartment in New York City, which was approximately $750,000 or $1,500 per square foot. Using that value as a guide, it then determined what size house you would be able to purchase for a similar cost in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and France. Let’s just say the results are nothing short of enticing. 

    You can buy three times as much space in Spain compared to Manhattan.

    David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images

    During the pandemic, Americans descended on Italy for a taste of la dolce vita. When it comes to getting the most for your money in Bel Paese, the mountainous region of Molise—due east of Rome on the Adriatic coast—topped the chart in terms of value with an average price per square foot of $90. Here, for example, $750,000 will get you a sprawling 8,333-square-foot villa. Similarly, if you wanted to settle down further south in Calabria, the same amount of money would afford a whopping 8,242 square feet of space, which translates to about $91 per square foot. By comparison, a condo of that size would run you upwards of $12 million in Manhattan, according to The New York Times. 

    Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha, a vast region in the center of the country, landed in third place. The desert-like area includes the historic city of Toledo and was the setting of the famous Don Quixote novel. It also has the country’s lowest population density, so essentially it’s the complete opposite of New York City. Here, you can expect a home as large as 7,813 square feet, while over in Extremadura, which borders Portugal, you could pick up a 7,426-square-foot country home. For all The White Lotus fans, the Italian island of Sicily notched the fifth spot. With an average price per square foot of $104, you could live big like Quentin (Tom Hollander) in your very own 7,212-square-foot palazzo. 

    Real estate on Crete costs on average $215 per square foot.

    Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images

    Greece has long drawn tourists during the summer months, but if putting down roots in the so-called cradle of Western civilization appeals to you, for the price of a 500-square-foot studio in Manhattan, you could snap up a 5,859-square-foot abode in Thessaly, one of the most important regions of ancient Greece and known for its impressive mountain ranges and idyllic landscapes. On the other hand, if pink-sand beaches, archaeological sites, and a thriving wine scene float your expat boat, you could stretch out in a scenic 3,488-square-foot villa on Crete, Greece’s largest island.

    You can find the full ranking below.

    RegionCountryHome Size (square feet)MoliseItaly8,333CalabriaItaly8,242Castilla-La ManchaSpain7,813ExtremaduraSpain7,426SicilyItaly7,212UmbriaItaly6,944BasilicataItaly6,356AbruzzoItaly6,303Castilla y LeónSpain6,148PugliaItaly5,952MurciaSpain5,906ThessalySpain5,859PiedmontItaly5,769ThraceSpain5,556La RiojaSpain5,474CentralSpain5,474AsturiasSpain5,245GaliciaSpain5,245AragónSpain5,102Friuli-Venezia GiuliaItaly5,068

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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    7 Paris Rentals to Book For the 2024 Summer Olympics

    Paris is about to be busier than usual, with the French capital set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are set to kick off on July 26 and will run through August 26, with an estimated 15 million people expected to descend upon the City of Light. Naturally, that means all those visitors are going to need a place to stay.
    Considering the highly anticipated sporting event is less than a month away, you’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel or historic château that hasn’t already been booked. However, if you choose wisely—and act fast!—you can still find some deluxe, last-minute accommodations even if you haven’t secured a ticket to one of the hundreds of sporting events. To help with your planning, we rounded up seven of the best Paris rentals available during the Olympics, whether you want to be close to the action or further away from the crowds.
    If you just plan on being in town during the festivities, a short-term rental that combines all the best hotel amenities with the privacy of your own home could be your best bet. Think fully-furnished digs with the added bonus of complimentary weekly housekeeping and, in some cases, a dedicated concierge. On that note, if proximity is your priority, you might want to go for something in a central location or close to the sporting event you’re passionate about. Say, for example, a home near the Grand Palais where fencing is set to take place. Other landmarks, including the Champ-de-Mars, Eiffel Tower, and Trocadéro, will also be turned into competition venues.
    Traveling with a large family or a large group of friends? A sprawling townhouse could be a game-changer for spending time together, and at the same time, it offers plenty of space for when you need a minute apart. Of course, the city’s charms go far beyond the games, so we’d understand if you wanted to extend your getaway after the closing ceremony. If you’ve got the PTO or the ability to work remotely, some rentals on this list even offer monthlong reservations to extend your summer. Without further ado, here are seven great places to stay in Paris during the Olympics. Bon voyage!

    8th Arrondissement Penthouse

    Image Credit: Daniel Féau

    Parisian bliss: a newly renovated penthouse apartment that maintains the building’s 1930s charm. And a major plus? It is smack in a hive of Olympic activity, with the marathon, swimming, fencing, taekwondo, 3×3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle, and skateboarding venues nearby, along with the finish line of the individual cycling competition. In other words, start making your itinerary so you have enough time to enjoy your penthouse space. Across the home’s 3,600 square feet, the unit is equipped with three bedrooms, a private elevator, a study, and a fitness room. Four parking spaces make parking a breeze.

    Image Credit: Daniel Féau

    The living and dining space welcomes in natural light thanks to three floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to an 860-square-foot terrace. The spacious room is warmed by basketweave parquet, comfy oversized sofas, and numerous wooden accents. The primary suite, which also has direct terrace access, is both classic in design and dazzling in its decorative accents. The full marble primary ensuite is a deluxe space to wash off the summer grime while your guests do the same in their respective private baths. The price? A cool $81,522 per month.

    Boulevard Saint-Germain Townhouse

    Image Credit: onefinestay

    Positioned on the left bank of the Seine, in the laid-back and conveniently central Latin Quarter, this stylishly eclectic townhouse on Boulevard Saint-Germain is all set with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it ideal for a group or family of five. Some of the standouts include a small balcony and a leafy roof terrace.

    Image Credit: onefinestay

    Other nice touches? The living room is teeming with gold accents, funky collectibles, and chic leather furnishings. And when it’s time to chow down, the marble-clad kitchen is equipped with a seated breakfast bar, or you can enjoy your meal inside the glass-roofed dining area. Available from $1,305 a night, the property is surrounded by many public transportation options that make getting around town a snap.  

    16th Arrondissement Townhouse

    Image Credit: Propriétés Parisiennes Sotheby’s International Realty

    For those who want to extend their post-Olympics stay or perhaps give expat life a try, you could spend 30 days (or more) holed up in high Parisian style in a townhouse near the Place de L’Etoile and the Champs Elysées at a rate of $32,609 per month. Nearby is the newly renovated Grand Palais, the official venue for fencing and taekwondo.  

    Image Credit: Propriétés Parisiennes Sotheby’s International Realty

    The 4,520-square-foot residence underwent an enticing remodel that preserved the antique chevron-pattern parquet floors. A foyer, large reception room, and fully outfitted chef kitchen round out the first floor, with additional common areas located on the second level. The primary suite is tucked away on the third floor, complete with an ensuite bathroom, a large closet, and an office, while the three secondary bedrooms are situated on the top floor. An elevator connects all four floors, and the place is even equipped with a gym and sauna in the basement.

    Appartement Girafe

    Image Credit: Le Collectionist

    Along with an Olympic athlete or two, you can also meet a giraffe in Paris! Well, the stuffed one that presides over the living room of this 2,400-square-foot rose-colored apartment anyway. The high arch between the living and dining rooms is echoed in the swooping curves of the twin sofas and in the oval-shaped bar and the dining table. Adding to the shapes are the curves found throughout: a circular window frames a pretty view of the Eiffel Tower. To be fair, the landmark can actually be seen from almost every window. In the kitchen, dusty rose walls and wooden cabinetry combine new and vintage design elements, while a hallway lined with animal print wallpaper leads to the bedrooms.

    Image Credit: Le Collectionist

    Featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small terrace, and a media room with a fireplace, this apartment serves as an ode to Parisian spirit and style, with a sophisticated use of color and a collection of natural wood elements and unique accessories adding warmth and playfulness. Located minutes away from the race walk, cycling road race, beach volleyball, and wrestling events, this apartment is an escape from the crowds that’s going for roughly $46,200 a week during the Olympic Games.

    6th Arrondissement Apartment

    Image Credit: Daniel Féau

    In the 6th arrondissement’s Saint-Germain-des-Près quarter, just a short walk from the cycling and archery events and the finish line for the marathon, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment runs $38,000 per month. Spanning three levels, the sleek aerie has a minimalist vibe with fun pops of color. The living room has 20-foot ceilings with a mezzanine balcony that allows a constant flow of conversation, and the kitchen is well equipped with a casual eating area. The lowest level features a media lounge, an additional kitchen, two guest bedrooms, and a library.

    Image Credit: Daniel Féau

    Rounding in at about 2,670 square feet, the loft-style space is decidedly contemporary, with clean lines and gleaming surfaces. However, in the primary bedroom and bath on the mezzanine level are preserved vestiges of a 4th-century abbey.

    features natural elements while maintaining a modern flare. The mezzanine balcony will keep the flow of conversation throughout the entire apartment. The primary bedroom is its own work of art: with a floor-to-ceiling white stone mosaic wall adjacent to a white oak tree branch ensures a cozy feel, after a long day of patriotism.  

    Avenue Raymond Poincaré Apartment

    Image Credit: onefinestay

    If space is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place with this well-decorated apartment in the 16th arrondissement, not far from the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Accommodating up to eight guests, each of the four bedrooms is outfitted with a queen-sized bed, and, best of all, the apartment, with rates that start at about $2,100 per night, comes with a dedicated concierge who can handle everything from restaurant reservations to helping secure last-minute tickets to Olympic events.

    Image Credit: onefinestay

    Situated along Avenue Raymond Poincaré, the fourth-floor apartment is accessible via elevator. Once inside, the living room is the star of the show, with a mix of classical features like blonde herringbone floors and bespoke Asian-themed artwork. Other highlights that add to its comfort and appeal are an elegant dining room, a wood-paneled den, and a modern chef’s kitchen. Of course, you could always post up on one of the apartment’s Juliet balconies that overlooks the vibrant street scene.

    Maison Rodin

    Image Credit: Le Collectionist

    While Maison Rodin may be centered in the heart of Les Invalides, the walls of glass that look out to a tree-shielded yard will make you feel like you’re standing in the French countryside. Running a whopping $146,700 a week, the two-bedroom spread puts you near 17 Olympic events, including the venues for archery and the finish line of the marathon. 

    Image Credit: Le Collectionist

    The living room is spacious, and the dining room table easily seats a dozen, while sliding glass doors lead out to a patio that features sunbeds, a table, sofas, and a barbeque, making alfresco relaxation a priority between dashing off to Olympic events. There’s also a well-equipped kitchen, a library, and an office for when work requires attention.

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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    Reunion Resort 7600 in Photos

    Published on July 11, 2024

    Top Villas

    Authors

    Demetrius Simms

    Demetrius Simms is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Following a brief stint in public relations, their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture publications such as Men’s Health, Complex…

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