The UK has long been the most popular location for Thai students studying abroad. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting travel, the number of students from Thailand entering the UK higher education system grew by an estimated 5-7 percent in 2020, according to the British Council Thailand.
With a diverse array of leading universities and direct connections to Thailand, London is the preferred educational destination for many parents. It also presents Thailand-based investors with an opportunity to purchase a London residence for their child to use during his or her studies.
“Education has always been a key driver for residential property purchases in London, especially for students based overseas,” Liam Bailey, Knight Frank Global Head of Research, told the South China Morning Post. “Covid-19 may have altered the way clients view their children’s education as well as their property investments, but the fact remains that the UK offers some of the best education in the world.”
There are several factors Thailand-based investors need to consider when buying a London residence for their child’s education. Let’s explore a few of the most important considerations.
Location
Location is without question the most important factor Thailand-based investors need to consider when buying a London residence for educational purposes. However, it’s not as simple as purchasing a property close to a university since you may not know which one your son or daughter will be attending. And even if you do, the surrounding area may not offer much in the way of quality real estate nor be a desirable place to live.
Instead, selecting a more central location near a major transportation hub and near several schools is a better option. London’s newest cultural and academic quarter, White City, is one place appealing to investors purchasing a residence for educational purposes. Not only is it the perfect environment to help students succeed, but it is a short distance from several notable universities including:
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics
- London School of Science & Technology
- Royal College of Art
White City is also a short distance from the North Acton/Old Oak regeneration area, home to London’s only super transport hub. Here you will find seven rail and tube stations including Old Oak Common Interchange which is part of the High Speed 2 line.
Management/investment potential
Many overseas investors purchasing London property for educational purposes end up letting out their unit at some point. If that is a possibility, then you will want to make sure the project you’re investing in has good property management in place that can assist with everything from maintenance to marketing.
Another key consideration is the amenities available at the development. Not only will these guarantee the comfort of your child when they are living here, but a wide selection of upscale amenities will increase the value of the property and make it more attractive if you decided to let or sell the apartment in the future.
When to buy?
There is a myth that you shouldn’t purchase an educational property until it is time for your son or daughter to attend university. Doing that can unfortunately limit the types of residences of available. It also rules out purchasing new build apartments in London’s most desirable projects.
Investing a few years before they will leave for university provides you with greater flexibility in terms of both options and usage. Many savvy investors from Hong Kong and Singapore have purchased new-build London property 2-8 years before their children left go to school. This ensured the project is complete and allowed them to let out the unit until it will be occupied by their son or daughter.
One West Point is the ideal London investment property
Thailand-based investors thinking about buying a London residence for their child to use during schooling should look no further than One West Point. The iconic London development will stand 54-stories tall and is set to be the tallest residential building in West London when completed.
The project is situated in the heart of the North Acton/Old Oak regeneration area, close to London’s only super transport hub and White City. What’s more, One West Point features an innovative range of amenities that have been tailored to the needs of modern residents.
Those interested in One West Point can schedule a private, one-on-one appointment with Savills Thailand in Bangkok. Online appointments are also available. During your consultation, you will learn more about this impressive development as well as gain knowledge on the London property market. Appointments can be conducted in either Thai or English.
If you would like to be among the first in Thailand to receive information on the launch West London’s tallest residential building, you can reserve your meeting here. Only a limited number of appointments are available and advanced registration is required.
Schedule a private appointment for more information on One West Point