More About The United Kingdom

Saxon invasions, Arthurian legends, Elizabethan explorers, Welsh dragons and the battles of Braveheart – the UK can certainly boast a vibrant and colourful past. Today, this legacy reveals itself in an exciting treasure trove of historical attractions which delight millions of visitors each year. From royal palaces, abbeys, museums and cathedrals to wonderful castles and fine country houses, the UK’s heritage is also now being actively conserved with the help of public funds, governing bodies and interest groups – all helping to ensure that the past has a future.

About the City of Birmingham

Birmingham has transformed itself into a modern, vibrant international city, with all the amenities and entertainment options expected of a modern European urban hub. With something to suit every taste and budget, from theatres to live music to world-class sporting activities, Birmingham is sure to pleased you.

Although the city grew to prominence as a manufacturing and engineering centre, its economy today is dominated by the service sector, which has lately accounted for four-fifths of the city’s economic output and virtually all of its economic growth. Tourism is also an increasingly important part of the local economy. And with major facilities such as the International Convention Centre and the National Exhibition Centre, the Birmingham area accounts for nearly half of the UK conference and exhibition trade.

Being as it is at the centre of England, Birmingham’s mass of roads tangle in a huge hub known by the locals as “Spaghetti Junction” – the true scale of which can only be seen from aerial photos. Just don’t get lost in it unless you want to feel like you’ve driven around most of it before finding your way out again!

Investors Fact File

• High inner city bonuses are driving house markets higher than ever as more people are looking to invest their money in this, the most secure form of investment
• The legalities of buying in England are very clearly understood, with secure contracts and established legal representation, eradicating much of the stress from buying and selling your investment
• On average UK property prices have doubled every decade for the last 100 years. There is still room for significant growth
• Property values have risen on average by 10.8% a year over the last five years. The long-term trend in UK house prices has been positive with increases averaging 8.4% a year since 1974. Last year, the increase was of 13.5%
• A sound and solid market, the UK is tried and tested
• With a low-deposit structure in most UK new-build properties, investors are able to purchase more than one apartment and spread the risk factor between developments
• Buy-to-let schemes for investors are an attractive proposition for many investors as they allows multiple purchases without the necessity of being able to provide the usual proof of financial standing, as the mortgage is acquired on the worth of the property rather than the individual
• There is strong, consistent capital growth, and a strong rental market

 Key Facts - United Kingdom

	Climate - The climate of Britain is highly variable. Weather is generally mild with frequent rain, but occasionally settled spells of weather occur in all seasons. Average summer temperatures are 16C (61F) dropping to 5C (41F) in winter, although they can reach much higher and lower than this.
	Cost of Living - Loaf of bread: £0.75 (€1.10), bottle of wine: £4 (€5.85)
	Currency - sterling (£). £1 = €1.26
	Getting There - Flying time to the UK from most of Europe is no more than three to four hours. There are numerous major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted (London and the south-east), Birmingham (central), Manchester (north-west), Edinburgh and Glasgow (Scotland) and Belfast (Northern Ireland).
	Time - GMT
	Population - 61 million