Given the way the government promotes it and how columnists fret about the plight of Generation Rent—the cohort of young people who may never be able to buy property—you’d think home ownership was a financial golden ticket, along with a path away from beige walls and landlords who object to
Caddick Construction has agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider hero which will see all of its 140 employees benefit from a tailored health and wellbeing programme. The bespoke wellbeing package covers both mental and physical health and includes one-to-one health checks and screenings, wellbeing training for all direct
MORE than 20 senior delegates gathered in Leicester ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD, 8 March) for a round table event which explored the challenges faced in achieving true gender equality. Hosted by property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, the event considered how a balanced workforce can be created
These days, people who don’t have a concrete real estate investing experience turn to rental properties to diversify investments and get good cash flow for the future. After all, a rental property can be one of the best investments you can make. If you handle it right, you can surely
SDL Surveying, part of Nottinghamshire-based property services company SDL Group, started the year in style by hosting a 007-themed charity ball on Friday 1st February, which raised over £12,000 for its chosen charity, The Donna Louise Hospice. The glamorous black-tie event held at a local venue, The Carriage Hall, was
Promoting timber’s health and wellbeing benefits is the focus for Wood for Good’s next Marketing Summit on 12 March at CILIP in London. Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director, said: “The Summit is an opportunity to pinpoint how we can position, develop and market timber products within the health
Arena Group is thrilled to support a new initiative lead by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and London Marathon Events Ltd with a competition for aspiring young architects to design the Mile 18 marker for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 28 April. On the evening of 7
Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons is the first company to take home the trophy for Client Advisor of the Year; a new category at the coveted Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards. The annual black-tie event, which welcomed more than 350 guests at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln on Tuesday (5 February),
A purchase ‘in excess of’ £55 million has been completed for a penthouse at Clarges Mayfair, continuing a strong start to the year for the London Super Prime market. The penthouse –the largest in a 34-residency development – overlooks Green Park and was sold by agent Quintessentially Estates on behalf
A school for children with special needs in Orpington has received a nice donation which will help it to transform its outdoor play area. Riverside School, which offers support to children and young people with a range of complex needs, received a cheque from Bellway Thames Gateway to help kickstart
Given the way the government promotes it and how columnists fret about the plight of Generation Rent—the cohort of young people who may never be able to buy property—you’d think home ownership was a financial golden ticket, along with a path away from beige walls and landlords who object to cats and framed art. And indeed, in 2018 Santander Mortgage found that owning a home is cheaper than renting in every part of the country. Prospective buyers could save £2,268 a year if they got out of rented accommodation and into their first home. But that’s only part of the equation: first, new buyers also need to accumulate an average deposit of £51,9052 to get on the property ladder. But those who do manage to buy, benefit from average mortgage of £723 across the country, while monthly rents have recently reached an average of £912. In London the contrast is even higher: the average monthly rent is £289 more the average monthly mortgage payment, saving buyers nearly £3,500 a year. But to access those savings, you’ll need to be very patient, or lucky and independently wealthy: first time buyers in the capital need an average deposit of £135,000. Ideally, you’ll also someday recoup those monthly mortgage payments, when you sell up and use the accumulated equity as a deposit for a subsequent property, or as a nest egg for retirement. And with the general trend of property prices in the UK—up and up and up—you should also be able to turn a healthy profit, provided you hold out while the market shivers through Brexit. And indeed, one of the largest complaints of long-term renters is that they’re “paying someone else’s mortgage,” subsidising their landlord’s investment in the property market So mortgage payments are lower than comparable rent and homeownership can deliver a lucrative return, but that’s not the end of the story, or the maths. Buying a home is a significant financial investment, one that requires not just a hefty deposit but also a commitment to an area and to all those pesky repairs a landlord would otherwise handle. And it isn’t the right financial choice for everyone. Before you compare mortgages and start planning your kitchen renovation, let’s take a closer look at the reasons renting might be more cost-effective or simply more practical for you, at least in the short-term: Your life situations are in flux: If you’re young and not yet committed to an occupation, a city, or a partner, it might not make sense to put down roots and purchase property. A compelling job offer in another city, or a breakup, might dramatically alter your life. And if you own a property, picking up the stakes and relocating to another city for that postgraduate degree or new boyfriend isn’t as easy as if you rent. It can take months to find the right buyer for a property and even longer for the purchase to go through and keys and funds to be exchanged. You’re single: Home ownership is much more attainable if you have two incomes and can obtain a joint mortgage. Conversely, be cautious about getting a joint mortgage and purchasing a property with someone you aren’t fully committed to, whether they’re a partner or a friend, as exiting a joint mortgage is tricky and expensive, and often requires the sale of the property, or one owner buying out the other. You don’t have the money for the other expenses of purchasing a home: It’s not just the deposit you need when buying a home. You’ll also need to pay mortgage fees, stamp duty, solicitor’s charges, and valuation fees—costs that themselves well exceed the deposit required for a rented property. These peripheral costs of purchasing a home, and all the time and paperwork it requires, mean it isn’t sensible to buy a home unless you’re planning on living in it for a number of years. You’re not ready to take on the financial and practical commitments of home ownership: If you rent, your landlord is legally obligated to keep the property safe and inhabitable and will arrange and pay for any repairs, ideally promptly. If you’re the homeowner, the buck stops with you. Does your home need a new boiler? That’ll be at least £1,500. New roof? Another £5,000—and you have to find, vet, and wait in for the contractors. If you’re looking to buy a property, you can’t spend all your cash on the deposit: you’ll also need savings to tackle those unexpected expenses and repairs, especially those caused by simple wear and tear and age that won’t be covered by your buildings insurance (which, as property owner, you’ll need, so add that to your tab).
Caddick Construction has agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider hero which will see all of its 140 employees benefit from a tailored health and wellbeing programme. The bespoke wellbeing package covers both mental and physical health and includes one-to-one health checks and screenings, wellbeing training for all direct line managers, mental health first aid training and ongoing workshops throughout 2019. Managing Director Andrew Murray from Caddick Construction said: “Our employees are our greatest asset and we want to ensure they feel valued and supported. We are thrilled to be leading the way when it comes to mental resilience and wellbeing in the workplace – issues which should not and cannot be ignored. As employers we take our responsibility to our team members seriously and want to support them in as many ways possible to ensure they are both healthy and happy inside and outside of work.” He added: “The hero team impressed us with the depth and level of support they provide behind the scenes. I’m confident this project will deliver tangible results for our staff that will enhance and improve the health and wellbeing our employees, whether office based or on site.” Right now, one in six construction workers in the UK is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress. · In the UK men remain three times as likely to take their own lives than women. · The highest suicide rate in the UK was for men aged 45-49. Joe Gaunt, CEO of hero said: “It’s always rewarding to see businesses waking up to the fact they play a large and important part in the health and wellbeing of their team. It’s great to see Caddick Construction leading the way and championing wellness at work in such a bold and committed manner. The ‘Mindset’ programme of events have been purposely designed to offer comprehensive screenings and health checks that cover everything from blood pressure to cholesterol and blood tests too.” “We have been working with Caddick to understand the current ‘state of the workforce’ enabling us to create a bespoke programme, which will deliver results and have immediate and long-term effects. The hero Discovery Report demonstrated clear indicators of specific support around what the Caddick team wanted to see. And, as a result, we were able to design a bespoke and tailored programme perfect for Caddick employees.” 2019 marks hero’s second year and since its launch in May 2018 it has acquired two businesses and established exciting and innovative partnerships with organisations such as Moda, Les Mills, MyZone and Jamie Peacock.
MORE than 20 senior delegates gathered in Leicester ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD, 8 March) for a round table event which explored the challenges faced in achieving true gender equality. Hosted by property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, the event considered how a balanced workforce can be created and what practical steps can be taken to achieve this. “We discussed a range of topics – from gender stereotypes acquired by children and women taking career breaks to have children, to hiring policies and the importance of positive female role models,” said Aarti Raj, director at Pick Everard. The round table was held yesterday (Weds 6 March) to celebrate IWD, which is an annual campaign. This year’s IWD theme is ‘balance for better’. Aarti continued: “This is Pick Everard’s second round table event. We focussed on the theme ‘balance for better’ this year, so invited men into the discussion. This created a balanced perspective on an issue that’s not just a female issue – it’s a business issue. “It’s not just the construction industry which has a gender imbalance, so we were pleased to welcome representatives from the professional services, education and legal sectors to provide their thoughts and experiences on the topic. “We considered how the private sector can learn from the public sector in terms of a closer integration with society and communities, reflecting society’s diversity in the workforce. By sharing our experiences across various different industries, we can continue to develop a better understanding of best practice – which will ultimately benefit us all.” Duncan Green, managing partner at Pick Everard added: “We know that the construction industry has some way to go to achieve real equality. At Pick Everard, we aspire to be a positive force within the sector and are committed to doing as much as we can – through events like this – to promote opportunities available in construction, facilitate stronger industry connectivity and celebrate female role models. “Thank you to everyone who attended.” To join in the conversation on social media, follow @PickEverard on Twitter and use the hashtags #IWDPerspective #BalanceForBetter. Visit www.pickeverard.co.uk to download the full podcast of the event.
These days, people who don’t have a concrete real estate investing experience turn to rental properties to diversify investments and get good cash flow for the future. After all, a rental property can be one of the best investments you can make. If you handle it right, you can surely earn more profit and allow yourself to have reserves when an emergency arises. If you’re looking to invest in rental property in San Diego, here are the essential tips to consider from the get-go: 1. Sit down and do some research Whether you’re buying rental properties or not, it’s important to do your own research before calculating how much returns you can make from your investment. Here’s how you can do your research: -Look into the neighborhoods where you can purchase properties and gather information as to how much the rent is. -Consider some factors such as the location, nightlife, and accessibility to restaurants, schools, hospitals, and many more that may affect your income. -Find out the usual rental fee in San Diego per night, week, month, and for long-term. -Educate yourself about San Diego’s mortgage rates and how these rates can significantly impact your real estate purchases. 2. Pay debts first In some cases, real estate investors carry debt as part of their investments. However, if you have outstanding loans, medical bills, or children who will go to college, investing in a rental property in San Diego may not be the right option. You should make sure that the cost of your debt is lesser than the return from your property. From there, it’s then necessary to pay down debt to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you don’t have money to make payments. 3. Look for the right rental properties When all your goals and finances are in order, it’s time to shop for rental properties. This is usually the most enjoyable part of investing in real estate. For instance, you don’t have to walk around San Diego and search for a property. Instead, you can check many websites that provide a virtual tour for all potential properties available in the area. These sites also provide better insights to help you decide what kind of property you’re eyeing to buy. Should you choose to invest in rental properties in San Diego, you can get information from a real estate directory to make sure your buying experience is worth it. 4. Prepare the down payment and beware of high-interest rates We know that investment properties typically require you to pay a large down payment, which means more stringent approval requirements to comply with. You need to set aside a higher percentage rate than the one you put down on the home you’re currently residing. On the other hand, investing in rental properties may also require you to borrow money from lending institutions. However, you should be aware that the cost of borrowing money entails higher interest rates than your usual mortgage interest rates. Keep in mind that you should have a low mortgage payment to ensure it’ll not consume your monthly profits. 5. Make negotiations on the property After searching for a rental property, you need to make an offer. At this point, you should start negotiating your offer to potential sellers. However, you should bear in mind that negotiating takes a lot of work and calculation to make sure you get the right numbers before you purchase. -During the negotiation, don’t forget to listen to what your seller may say as the information will be necessary along the way. -When making a counteroffer, you should consider factors such as the closing date, inspection contingency, the seller’s potential financial concessions, and many more. -If you find it difficult to negotiate, ask for the assistance of a real estate agent to help you win the negotiation. -By that time, hopefully, you and the seller have come into the same terms to get the property sold in your favor. 6. Rent out the property After you’ve got the property inspected and have the keys in your possession, you should begin renting out the property in San Diego to potential tenants. Below are ways to get some tenants for your rental property: -Advertise it by showing the house to those who are interested. -Pre-screen possible tenants by looking at their proof of income and some references. -Allow them to walk through the house so they’ll know if they really want it or not. -If they show interest, give out the forms and ask them to fill in some vital information, such as names, social security numbers, employee information, previous addresses, phone numbers, and many more. -Determine whether they can sustain the rental costs and fees of the property. -If they can, prepare the lease agreements and get the payments settled out. Conclusion As with rental property investment in San Diego, you should still keep your expectations realistic. If you pick the wrong property, the result can be catastrophic. Follow these tips to make sure you get the perfect property that will secure a good cash flow from start to finish. Once you master the right practices, you’ll be able to ensure a better future for you and your family.
SDL Surveying, part of Nottinghamshire-based property services company SDL Group, started the year in style by hosting a 007-themed charity ball on Friday 1st February, which raised over £12,000 for its chosen charity, The Donna Louise Hospice. The glamorous black-tie event held at a local venue, The Carriage Hall, was the perfect setting for an action-packed night of entertainment, reception drinks and dinner. The headline feature of the event was its charity auction, led by SDL Auctions’ managing director and auctioneer, Andrew Parker. The charity lots auctioned were generously donated by SDL Surveying’s network of surveyors and included; two tickets to the Henley Regatta, a themed helicopter ride and four tickets to a rugby league game. The evening was rounded off with a live band and a casino, with guests using ‘funny money’ in a bid to win a new iPad, which had been donated for the event. SDL Surveying’s chief operating officer, Simon Jackson, commented:” It was a fantastic night in which we managed to celebrate the strong results we achieved with our key partners in 2018. It is their hard work, alongside the power of our people, which has enabled us to continue to be successful for 30 years. “Most importantly the night provided a platform for our chosen charity, The Donna Louise, to shine and raise more money for the fantastic work that they do for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families.” Donations are still welcome and can be made via the fundraising link – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/SDLCharityDinner/
Promoting timber’s health and wellbeing benefits is the focus for Wood for Good’s next Marketing Summit on 12 March at CILIP in London. Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director, said: “The Summit is an opportunity to pinpoint how we can position, develop and market timber products within the health and wellbeing agenda. “Our previous summit identified the opportunities and challenges for the timber market, now it’s time to look at how we get our products up to speed and ideally ‘healthy material’ certified.” The Summit will be in a workshop format with speakers including Christos Michael from CapitalHolz 100, Colin Wheatley from Medite Smartply and Kevin Underwood from the British Woodworking Federation. Christos and Colin will be sharing their experiences of bringing health and wellbeing to the forefront of their marketing and product development, while Kevin will delve into the results of BWF’s cradle-to-cradle feasibility study for joinery products. The discussion will cover the key issues raised in the previous summit including certification and the practicalities of doing this, identifying sales channels and ideas on how to promote products as healthy. On the morning of the Summit, a workshop with Wood for Good supporters will take place to discuss the next six months of the campaign’s activity. Following both events, attendees are invited to the Building Centre for the launch of the annual Wood Awards plus an opportunity to view the Forest of Fabrication exhibition. Book your space for the Wood for Good Spring Marketing Summit. www.woodforgood.com
Arena Group is thrilled to support a new initiative lead by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and London Marathon Events Ltd with a competition for aspiring young architects to design the Mile 18 marker for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 28 April. On the evening of 7 February 2019, the winning team were revealed at the Stephen Lawrence Centre in South London: Ayanna Blair-Ford, Shreeya Radia and Quincy Haynes – all Part 1 graduates from separate London architecture practices. The design, which celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, who was 18 when he died, will form an inspiring focal point for runners and spectators during the marathon. The competition has provided a rare opportunity for young architects to have their design built and seen by the 41,000 runners in the marathon and millions more around the world watching the race on television. The competition also reflects Stephen’s own aspiration to pursue a career in architecture as well as his love of running – he was a member of the Cambridge Harriers running club, and competed in the Mini London Marathon in 1988. Before submitting their final designs, ten shortlisted teams were invited to the Arena workshop in St Ives, Cambridgeshire to observe how the marker is constructed, and to demonstrate the need to be practical with their design concepts. For over two decades, Arena Project Director, Martin Clark has supported the Marathon with temporary structures, as well as seating for the start and finish lines. He was also invited to be part of the competition judging panel, alongside Baroness Lawrence, representatives from London Marathon Events Ltd, and the Trust’s architecture advisory board. “We are delighted to have supported the London Marathon event for 24 years. It is one of my favourite events to deliver,” said Clark, who has spent over 30 years working at Arena Group. “We organise a skilled team to tackle the logistical challenges of installing over 50 structures in just 48 hours before the event and removing them only several hours after the runners have passed, which is a pretty impressive accomplishment given we are working in the City of London, alongside open roads. “This year is very special and significant. The #BecauseOfStephenWeCan Mile Marker is going to look awesome and we can’t wait to build it with the winning designers!” Clark adds: “We are so proud to be partnering with the Trust, London Marathon Events and the winning team. Together we will be a real driving force behind this inspiring and ground-breaking initiative. “We feel incredibly privileged to be part of the competition and to have responsibility for overseeing the build and delivering the Marathon Mile 18 marker with the winning team.” The winning concept was praised for the creative way it celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, and will form an inspiring focal point for runners and spectators on the day of the event. The Mile 18 marker will incorporate brightly coloured plaques with quotes from young people describing the personal impact that Stephen Lawrence’s life and legacy has had on them. The structure will also project a mix of music and brief audio clips of people describing Stephen’s impact. The design is also being developed to ensure that it meets health and safety requirements which is crucial for such a major sporting event. Quincy Haynes, a member of the winning team, said “We wanted our design to acknowledge the tragedy of Stephen’s death, but also to celebrate his legacy and the work of the Trust. We are incredibly excited to see it built and hope that it will motivate runners as they reach one of the toughest miles of the Marathon.” The winners will return to the Arena workshop next week to undertake a working at height training course so they can assist with the build, and to support their career portfolio. The shortlisted designs are currently on display in a public exhibition at the Stephen Lawrence Centre until Friday, 15 February 2019.
Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons is the first company to take home the trophy for Client Advisor of the Year; a new category at the coveted Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards. The annual black-tie event, which welcomed more than 350 guests at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln on Tuesday (5 February), celebrated Lincolnshire’s leading projects and players in the construction and property industry. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons operates from nine locations across the UK and employs more than 100 environmental professionals who specialise in health & safety and environmental and sustainability services, working on a range of premier commercial and residential schemes. At the awards Delta-Simons were up against two other impressive finalists – planning consultant Globe Consultants Limited and landscape architect Influence – for the Client Advisor of the Year accolade, which celebrates companies that provide leading support, advice and professional services within the industry in Lincolnshire. One of the firm’s recent, notable projects includes The Parklands; a new residential community in the village of Sudbrooke led by Lincoln-based Jackson & Jackson Developments. Delta-Simons provided ecological planning and design services, including arboricultural surveys, great crested newt surveys and translocations to a newly constructed pond feature. Delta-Simons also undertook geotechnical and contaminated land investigations on the award-winning regeneration project for the Lincolnshire Co-Op via chartered surveyors Banks Long and Co. At the Lincolnshire Construction & Property Awards, which are organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the judges praised Delta-Simons for its range of innovative solutions in response to difficult situations and projects. The comments included: “The judges were particularly impressed by Delta-Simons’ approach to social and economic impact on the local community. As an environmental and sustainability consultant, sustainability underpins everything they do, going above and beyond to help the team save energy and waste, for example; subscribing to the governments cycle to work scheme and offering waste and water reduction initiatives to name a few.” Paul Bennett, unit director for the Midlands region at Delta-Simons, said: “You are only as good as the team around you and the clients that you have, and this award is recognition that we have both a fantastic team and strong client base. “We are very proud to be part of a number of key projects that are transforming Greater Lincolnshire and are so pleased to have secured this accolade, which is testament to the outstanding work of our Lincoln-based teams and the support of the wider business. “Thank you to those that have passed on kind messages of support and to the judges for their praise – we will be sure to channel this positivity going forward as we continue to maintain our reputation as an environmental champion within the county.” Over £3,500 was raised on the night for chosen charity Kids – a Lincolnshire-based charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families.
A purchase ‘in excess of’ £55 million has been completed for a penthouse at Clarges Mayfair, continuing a strong start to the year for the London Super Prime market. The penthouse –the largest in a 34-residency development – overlooks Green Park and was sold by agent Quintessentially Estates on behalf on an international client. It comes after the sale of a £95 million house near Buckingham Palace two weeks ago, the most expensive home sold in the UK since 2011. US hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin purchased 3 Carlton Gardens at £30 million less than it was on the market just two years earlier. An industry-wide drop in prices across the capital has affected the prime market recently, with prices in some of the most exclusive locations dropping by up to a quarter over the past year. Nearly £500,000 has been sliced off the value of houses in Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster over the 12 months to November 2018, a report from Your Move revealed last month. House prices across London’s ten most expensive boroughs dropped ten per cent on average, it said. Quintessentially Estates said that the Clarges Mayfair sale illustrates the state of market in which the lower end is cautious over Brexit concerns and increased stamp duty. Buyers at the upper end of the market, it said, are currently ‘jumping’ at the chance to invest thanks to the fall in sterling after the 2016 referendum that has added to the ‘potential windfall for dollar and Euro-denominated buyers’. Quintessentially Estates CEO Penny Mosgrove said: ‘We currently have over £200 million worth of property requests for Prime Central London from our network of over 65 offices globally and growing. ‘We are set for a significant increase in revenue from the previous financial year with our ever growing private and corporate client base globally.’ Quintessentially Estates is a dedicated global property specialist that offers expertise to a exclusive HNW clientele. Its access encompasses off-market properties in over 65 locations around the world, as well as a wide network across its portfolio which covers buying, selling, renting and managing in major international markets. The firm hand-picked the Clarges Mayfair property, and continues to see strong activity in London. ‘We are currently working on behalf of a number of high net worth individuals looking to invest in the capital, added Quintessentially Estates director Simon Garcia added. ‘Our clients are confident about the market long-term, many of whom are entrepreneurs and business owners who have or are experiencing rapid growth, with continued positive forecasts.’
A school for children with special needs in Orpington has received a nice donation which will help it to transform its outdoor play area. Riverside School, which offers support to children and young people with a range of complex needs, received a cheque from Bellway Thames Gateway to help kickstart the refurbishment of the school’s playground facilities. Members of staff at the developer’s divisional office, off New Mill Road in Orpington, raised £1,000 through auctions, raffles and dress down days. Their efforts were then matched by the housebuilder, resulting in a donation of £2,000 for the school. Sue Crane, School Business Manager at Riverside School, said: “We are so grateful that Bellway has chosen to make this generous donation to our school. “The money will help to fund brand new equipment for our outdoor learning area, which will be extremely beneficial to the children. “The children love learning in the outdoor environment, and they are already looking forward to using the new equipment when the refurbishment is complete.” Emma Hamlett, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We are so pleased to be able to help kickstart the refurbishment of the school’s new playground facilities. “At Bellway, we are committed to support the communities in which we build, so when we found out that Riverside School was in need of a funding boost, we were delighted to help.” Bellway Thames Gateway is building homes across London, Essex and Kent. More information on the homes available can be found at bellway.co.uk. CAPTIONS Getting behind Riverside School – left to right – Lynda Garwood, of Bellway, Sue Crane, Riverside School’s Business Manager, and Bellway’s Jemma Livesey