Nottingham is currently the fastest growing city in the UK. Apartments at Picture Works (from 145,000 GBP) in the city centre's key area of regeneration offer excellent investment potential.

Located in the heart of Nottingham´s fashionable, pedestrian-friendly Southside area, Picture Works reflects the very latest in contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art city living. A major business and education centre, Nottingham is a thriving city and, as importantly, a growing one: an estimated 2.2 million square foot of office space alone is targeted to be built in the next five to ten years, while around 3,500 homes are waiting to be built in central Nottingham.

In addition, the number of jobs in greater Nottingham increased by 5.9% between 2000 and 2005, comparing very favourably with the national average of 4.7%. Nottingham's population rose from 4,000 in 1998 to 14,000 in 2006 and is forecasted to exceed 22,000 by 2012. All these statistics are clear indicators of Nottingham's strong investment climate.

IPIN advisor, Mark Wilson, is convinced, "These units offer undeniable investment potential: A booming city like Nottingham can offer similar potential to many of the more established overseas markets but appeals to those of us still seeking mileage in UK property within an area enjoying rapid growth."

He continues, "Picture Works apartments are so centrally located for city dwellers; their high spec. design appeals to all the movers and shakers of Nottingham who are looking to live in this trendy area. As part of the city's regeneration programme, it offers the benefits of the latest of modern lifestyle and a very central location."

A high concentration of businesses, employees and university students make for an extremely healthy buy-to-let arena. "Granted," Mark reveals, "estimated rental yields of 6% per annum are not set to rival some overseas markets; but, many investors consider them to be reassuringly safe and solid." IPIN regards Picture Works as an ideal bet for profitable medium to long term investment strategies, in which buyers are happy to sit on their investments and watch capital growth take hold in tandem with the city, while cashing in on reliable rental income.

Picture Works indeed seems to allow investors to make the most of a classic city investment opportunity; Nottingham is a growing city, already hosting some 50 regional and national companies, as well as government offices, including the Inland Revenue and the government office for the East Midlands and the East Midlands Development Agency. The city is fifth in the national retail rankings, boasting 1,100 retail units and major employers such as Boots, Experian and Capital One have located their headquarters in Nottingham. Nottingham's university staff and students also create a ready market for investors at Picture Works, particularly in the upper bracket buy-to-let market. It is interesting to note that the city's rental market is in fact dominated by professionals who account for 60% of Nottingham's population.

In common with all good investments, Picture Works, Nottingham is easily accessed: East Midland Airport is but 15 minutes drive away; the project is near three major junctions of the M1 motorway, and only 2 1/2 hours drive from London. Frequent flights link Nottingham and the East Midlands Airports to many European destinations, as well as USA, Mexico, the Caribbean and Africa.

The Development

Comprising one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses, most with balconies and parking facilities, these units are built to the highest of modern specifications, thankfully with aesthetic sensitivity for the existing local architectural heritage. As to be expected, units offer modern, open-plan living, including top of the range fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, heating, Sky TV, digital reception, broadband facilities and video access, as well as the use of the on-site gymnasium. The development's central location within an attractive, up-and-coming area of city redevelopment makes it an immensely appealing investment opportunity.

Due for completion by the third quarter of 2009, the developers of this project conservatively estimate annual capital appreciation to be near the 8% mark. Undoubtedly, Picture Works is to be a winner in the UK property investment stakes, while current evidence shows that Nottingham itself is positively booming and set for all-time success in the UK marketplace.

All discerning property investors realize the importance of taking advantage of the most lucrative real estate opportunities as soon as they arise, before they become common knowledge. The International Property Investment Network (IPIN) operated by www.propertyshowrooms.com helps all types of investors in their quest to access up-to-the minute information on the very latest investment opportunities in the worldwide property market today.