CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: FIVE New hotel isolation

Outdoor space is key for renters

BELFAST’S rental market is as strong as ever as people are more certain about what they want from a home.

Lucy Arthur, of estate agents Templeton Robinson, said outside space has become an important factor for those renting.

She added: “Even to have a little balcony or a small garden is a big thing.

“Even being close to a park so you can go for a walk, closeness to somewhere you can get out and have your hour of daily exercise has become more important to people, especially if you have children.”

Thomas O’doherty, a partner at Simon Brien Residential, agreed and said with people spending more time at home, outdoor and office space was a key consideration.

He added: “When people look at properties they will question whether there is an extra bedroom they can get if they are working from home, is there any outside space, a balcony or garden or communal garden.

“They are definitely looking to see what is like at home because they are spending more time there.” On the city’s rental costs Mr O’doherty said they are similar to last year, and have not gone down. He added a two-bed flat in the city centre could range from £850£1,100, and a one-bed £700-£800 depending on where they are.

THE coronavirus hotel quarantine regime came into force today amid warnings it could fail to stop strains of the disease entering Britain.

British nationals arriving in the UK having travelled from 33 “red list” countries must now self-isolate for 11 nights in Governmentapproved

accommodation. Some Industry chiefs warned of problems.

A Heathrow Airport spokesman said: “We have been working to ensure the successful implementation but significant gaps remain and we are yet to receive the necessary reassurances.”

Razor sharp Ian Murray, Labour’s only Scottish

MP, used interesting stats on his nation’s economy.

Of Scotland’s export trade, 19% is with an EU the SNP wants to rejoin, yet 60% is with the rest of a UK the separatists yearn to leave.

If heads ruled, then independence would be dead. The threat to a Disunited Kingdom is that hearts triumph – as they did in the 2016 Europe referendum.