Real estate debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, has revealed that land plots account for just 1.4% of current for sale stock listed on the market and demand is high, with 55% of these already being snapped up by developers. As part of the most recent Budget statement, Chancellor Rishi
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part
The housing market has remained strong in the South East of England over the last 18 months, with demand from homebuyers at an all-time high, according to Kent housebuilder Jones Homes. And this is backed by Nationwide’s latest house price index, which revealed that UK house prices are now 13
According to popular online property portal Zoopla, property prices have risen by an average of £44 per day over the past 6 months. With such rapid price rises taking place, getting onto the property ladder is becoming an increasingly difficult task for many aspiring buyers keen to own their own
Blackwood House is the final home to be released in the exclusive Tibbs Court Farm development, located just outside the beautiful village of Brenchley, Kent. A substantial farmstead that combines spacious living with sleek design, this five-bedroom property is the perfect option for larger families who desire luxury and space
In September, The Q Living luxury apartment brand began implementing Experience by Alfred into its two current properties, The Q Variel and The Q Topanga. These apartment communities are located in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and The Q Living collection of apartments plans to expand its portfolio to other communities
Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to
Transformative new digital showhome software, launched today, will bring newbuild sales into the 21st Century and allow housebuilders to get ready for the expectations of post-COVID buyers. The HomeSelector, developed by award winning PropTech company, Pixel, allows potential buyers to browse newbuild projects online. Buyers can virtually walk through each
Development sales and marketing specialist business Site Sales, is on a significant growth drive throughout North London and the Home Counties, with the aim of selling 2,000 properties a year by 2025. The business is already widely known with a significant number of partnerships including Housing Associations, local councils, registered
Manor Interiors, the expert in build-to-rent furnishing solutions, has revealed which major UK cities offer the best opportunities for build to rent developers based on the highest levels of apartment living vs the rest of the rental market. Build to rent is designed for people who are looking for a
Real estate debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, has revealed that land plots account for just 1.4% of current for sale stock listed on the market and demand is high, with 55% of these already being snapped up by developers. As part of the most recent Budget statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £1.8 billion of government money to help fund the regeneration of brownfield land up and down the country as part of a mission to satisfy the ever-intensifying need for new homes. The research by Sirius Property Finance shows that the need for these additional land plots is clear, as current levels account for a very small proportion of overall residential sales listings. The research shows that across Britain there are some 677,533 residential property opportunities listed on the current market, with just shy of 10,000 of these coming in the form of land plots available for development – just 1.4% of the total market. What’s more, 55% of these plots have already gone under offer or sold subject to contract. Swansea is home to the highest level of land plot availability, accounting for 1.9% of current residential listings. Aberdeen (1%) and Bradford (1%) are the only other major cities where land plots account for at least one per cent of the current market. While land plot availability may be scarce, demand is high. In Bournemouth, 77% of all land plots listed on the market have already been marked as under offer or sold subject to contract, while Bristol (68%), Newcastle (67%), Cardiff (60%), Edinburgh (57%) and Nottingham (57%), are also home to above average levels of demand. Managing Director of Sirius Property Finance, Nicholas Christofi, commented: “Land plots currently account for a minute proportion of available property purchasing opportunities but the appetite for these plots is clear, with more than half of those listed already being snapped up across the nation. We need more homes and we need them quickly. Opening up the nation’s brownfield is just one step in addressing this shortage and while it will utilise land that has otherwise been overlooked for quite some time, it certainly won’t solve the problem in its entirety.” Table shows the availability of land plots as a percentage of all for sale stock in each area, as well as demand based on the percentage of land plots that are already sold subject to contract or under offer Location Land Plot Availability Land Plot Buyer Demand Swansea 1.9% 30.0% Aberdeen 1.0% 14.3% Bradford 1.0% 41.7% Nottingham 0.9% 56.9% Glasgow 0.7% 46.7% Plymouth 0.6% 52.6% Liverpool 0.5% 37.5% Sheffield 0.5% 40.9% Cardiff 0.4% 60.0% Sunderland 0.4% 33.3% Bristol 0.4% 67.9% Southampton 0.4% 41.7% Bournemouth 0.4% 76.9% Cambridge 0.3% 25.0% Leeds 0.3% 50.0% Oxford 0.3% 50.0% Newcastle 0.3% 66.7% Edinburgh 0.2% 57.1% Leicester 0.2% 37.5% Birmingham 0.2% 53.3% Manchester 0.2% 50.0% London 0.1% 34.0% Portsmouth 0.0% 0.0% Great Britain 1.4% 55.2% Source – Rightmove
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part of a thriving new creative hub combined with unique spaces to live, work and socialise and since its birth has become a truly inspirational place to call home. Set to deliver the final collection of apartments next month, those keen to step on the ladder here should act now to avoid missing out on the final opportunity to be part of one of the capital’s most exciting new destinations. Comprising a superb selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, this final phase of homes will provide residents with access to a private rooftop garden with seating areas, as well as new commercial space. Occupying a prime Zone 2 location, homebuyers at Fish Island Village will have a huge variety of amenities at their disposal, both within the development and within easy walking distance. Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a dedicated concierge service and secure cycle storage. Scattered courtyards offer breakout zones for social interaction and play, while a new public square provides a great space to sit, unwind and watch the world go by. The attractive canal side setting connects to a neat network of footpaths and cycleways that lead residents to a unique and spirited choice of cool bars, restaurants, shops and outdoor venues that cater for every imaginable ambiance. “Fish Island Village has been a tremendous success and we are extremely proud to have been part of bringing such a special collection of homes to London’s homebuyers. The final collection of apartments will mark the end of an era for Hill; however, we will leave a sustainable legacy and community behind that we hope will continue to thrive and flourish for many years to come. Homebuyers who are considering making Fish Island Village the place to start their homeownership journey should register their interest as soon as possible – we expect strong demand for these homes and urge prospective purchasers to book their viewing to avoid disappointment,” said Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director. Each of the spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments have been thoughtfully created and feature the usual high-quality specification and attention to detail found in a Hill home. Designed to combine community and convenience, many will enjoy views over the Hertford Union Canal, as well as the more private courtyard setting of Wanbeck Yard. A number of properties benefit from being within our Capitol Collection which provides the highest level of specification, and also have the added bonus of winter gardens, allowing owners to enjoy the outside whatever the weather. All residents will have access to a communal rooftop garden – a serene space ideal for relaxing, catching up with friends or even somewhere for keen gardeners to grow their own produce too. For those who relish time out, without having to leave the city, this particular spot offers stunning cityscape views across London’s iconic skyline – perfect for a morning coffee before work or somewhere to end the day watching the sun disappear over the capital. Residents can take a short 13-minute walk across to Here East where there is a host of shops, cafes, bars and even a spa to indulge in. The development is also just a fifteen-minute walk from the lively hub of Stratford where a haven of shopping and leisure venues await residents at Westfield Stratford City. Closer to home there is plenty to keep residents occupied. Popular dog café Barkney Wick is great place for furry friends and residents alike to relax with a coffee, London’s funky floating venues – The Milk Float and Barge East serve up a tasty treat or Number 90 is ideal for drinks with friends – with much more to explore. Commuters at Fish Island Village are taken care of. Hackney Wick station is a short 10-minute walk away and provides straightforward transport links to nearby Stratford, Kings Cross and Liverpool Street. From Stratford Station residents can reach North Greenwich, Canary Wharf and London Bridge in under 20 minutes. Stratford Olympic Village is a short walk and provides a whole host of activities and outside space to keep even the most active residents occupied.
The housing market has remained strong in the South East of England over the last 18 months, with demand from homebuyers at an all-time high, according to Kent housebuilder Jones Homes. And this is backed by Nationwide’s latest house price index, which revealed that UK house prices are now 13 per cent higher than before the pandemic. Jones Homes has experienced a surge in sales at its developments across Kent – including locations such as Lenham, Marden and Eastchurch – during this period of extraordinary growth. The temporary stamp duty holiday, which was brought in by UK chancellor Rishi Sunak last July, was a key benefit in boosting home sales – but the housebuilder says that changing home preferences – including the rise in homeworking – have also contributed to the boom in new sales and stimulated the housing market. “As house prices continue to rise – up 13 per cent over the last year and a half according to Nationwide – it’s clear that the housing market isn’t due to slow down anytime soon, despite the end of the stamp duty holiday,” said Sara Stanhope, Sales and Marketing Director for Jones Homes Southern. “When it comes to finding a new home, many buyers’ priorities shifted during the pandemic. In addition to an increased demand for home working spaces, one of the most common changes we’ve seen is that more customers seek green open space and countryside on their doorstep – which is what has attracted many buyers to our homes. “The fact there’s also been significant relocation out of London has also caused a boom in the local property market. We’ve welcomed many buyers from South East London postcodes to our Kent developments, who want more for their money and better access to the countryside – while still benefitting from the excellent commuter links available in this part of the world,” Sara concluded. Kent housebuilder Jones Homes is currently building at developments across Kent, including in Lenham, Hoo St Werburgh, and Minster.
According to popular online property portal Zoopla, property prices have risen by an average of £44 per day over the past 6 months. With such rapid price rises taking place, getting onto the property ladder is becoming an increasingly difficult task for many aspiring buyers keen to own their own home. For those on the hunt for an affordable start to their homebuying journey, St Arthur Homes’ Shared Ownership homes in Hertfordshire’s commuter town of Bushey Heath make the perfect choice. Delivered in partnership with luxury housebuilder Consero London, buyers who reserve the final Shared Ownership home at Heathbourne Village can take advantage of saving £500 off their legal fees. Positioned just a stone’s throw from Bushey Heath, Heathbourne Village residents benefit from living within a stunning location alongside convenient commuter links to the capital. The buildings have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the stunning local architecture, while the exclusive gated community is host to a beautiful collection of landscaped grounds. The final Shared Ownership home, a one-bedroom apartment, offers beautiful, contemporary interiors coupled with a luxurious specification purchasers can secure this stylish new property using a deposit of just £7,900! Louise Mills, Sales & Marketing Director for St. Arthur Homes comments: “Our beautiful Shared Ownership homes at Heathbourne Village benefits from Consero’s expertise in design and construction. These stunning new homes have proven incredibly popular amongst buyers seeking affordability without having to compromise on style or location. With just one apartment remaining prospective purchasers should be quick to book their viewing.” The remaining one-bedroom first-floor property has been designed to maximise space and comfort. An impressive open-plan kitchen/living area provides a hub for living. Contemporary kitchens feature a range of high-quality integrated appliances, including a Siemens electric oven, full height fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and a dishwasher. The stylish bathroom is complete with a beautiful stone worktop, a sleek bath and a gorgeous mirror. The spacious bedroom is a calming sanctuary, including both fitted wardrobes and plush carpets. The home is set within an attractive gated community, which includes beautiful landscaped grounds and allocated parking. Residents at Heathbourne Village are well placed to enjoy the range of every day essentials just a short walk away in Bushey Heath. A little further off, Bushey Village features an attractive high-street which includes a selection of pubs, a library and a convenience store. For those keen to enjoy a day of retail therapy, Watford is just a 14-minute drive away and host the Atria shopping centre. Here, more than 140 shops, restaurants and leisure attractions are on offer including Hollister, H&M and a 9-screen Cineworld cinema. The surrounding area is also the ideal place for residents to enjoy a variety of green spaces. Stanmore Common, a local nature reserve, is just a 15-minute walk away and provides 49.2 hectares for walkers to enjoy. Lea Heath and Bentley Priory Nature Reserve are also nearby offering even more green spaces to explore. For keen golfers, there are a range of courses in the local area including Grim’s Dyke, Hartsbourne and Stanmore. Bushey Heath is a popular commuter town with exceptional travel links. For travel into London, Bushey train station is under three miles away and offers direct services to London Euston in as little as 18 minutes. Elstree and Borehamwood train station is also just an 8-minute drive away, offering services to London St Pancras in just 26 minutes, while from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are services to London Paddington in 40 minutes. The M1 is less than two miles from Heathbourne Village offering transport links to London, Leicester and Leeds. For international travel needs, Heathrow Airport can be reached in the car in around half an hour.
Blackwood House is the final home to be released in the exclusive Tibbs Court Farm development, located just outside the beautiful village of Brenchley, Kent. A substantial farmstead that combines spacious living with sleek design, this five-bedroom property is the perfect option for larger families who desire luxury and space with a touch of traditional elegance. Aligning with the specifications showcased in the dream home survey, Blackwood House is set amongst a small community, and enjoys the balance of being a detached property without being isolated. The property also benefits from the opportunity to have a home office, utility room, two dining areas and the feature that took the top spot – a garage. “Blackwood House is the ultimate property for homebuyers looking for their perfect new home, enjoying a variety of features for all to make the most of. Located in the heart of the stunning Kent countryside, and with a beautiful private garden, the desired ample space and additional finishing touches including a cloakroom and utility room, Blackwood House offers the opportunity to entertain both indoors and outdoors with ease. Hopeful buyers will have the opportunity to see all that Blackwood House and the wider development has to offer for the first time at our upcoming Muddy Boot event on Saturday 6th November,” commented Philip Brown, Sales and Marketing Director at Millwood Designer Homes. Upon entry to Blackwood House, residents are welcomed with a generous hallway and a wide staircase. The open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room includes a utility room and bi fold doors that lead out to the impressive rear garden. To the right, there is a drawing room with an Inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove. The quality finishes include American white oak five vertical panel internal doors with chrome fittings, with full glazed doors to the kitchen/breakfast room, drawing room and dining room. Upstairs there are five sizeable bedrooms, three of them with en suites plus a family bathroom. The main bedroom features a large en-suite bathroom with double basins, shower and bath, as well as fitted wardrobes. Above the double garage with its own external access, lies another bedroom that would make the perfect space for a home office or gym if required, as it is also offers en-suite facilities. The stunning rural village of Brenchley has everyday amenities readily available. A selection of independent cafes and shops including pubs and a butchers provide a sense of community in wonderfully aesthetic surroundings. A 17-minute drive takes you to the vibrant town of Tunbridge Wells, which offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants and coffee shops as well as a selection of popular high street brands and boutique shops. Tesco was voted highest in the most sought-after supermarket section of the dream home survey, and with this large supermarket only a nine-minute drive away, another box from the dream home checklist is ticked. Alternatively, there is a Sainsburys, Asda and Waitrose all also nearby. Set within the rural idyll of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Blackwood House has plenty to offer keen cyclists and outdoor opportunists. Brenchley Castle Hill is only a short bicycle journey away and is surrounded by generous greenspace and sumptuous scenery. Residents can reap the benefits of being outside as well as experiencing the historical highlight of the nearby Scotney Castle. Part of The National Trust, this 14th century moated castle has a woodland estate and acres of lusciously green gardens to explore. Just four miles away in Lamberhurst – this spectacular setting can be enjoyed time and time again. Blackwood House is conveniently situated for commuters, with Paddock Wood station close by offering direct services to London Cannon Street and Charing Cross in just under an hour (52 minutes). From home, the A21 dual carriage way is easily accessible providing routes to Tunbridge Wells as well as the M25 in just 41 minutes, which easily connects residents to Gatwick Airport.
In September, The Q Living luxury apartment brand began implementing Experience by Alfred into its two current properties, The Q Variel and The Q Topanga. These apartment communities are located in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and The Q Living collection of apartments plans to expand its portfolio to other communities in Los Angeles. The Q distinguishes itself among other complexes in the area with its best-in-class amenity and service offerings that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. These include its tech forward and innovative build, smart apartments with voice control, monthly events, 24/7 concierge, access to drivers, state-of-the-art fitness center, and broad range of partnerships. The most recent of these, its upcoming partnership with Alfred, further highlights The Q’s commitment and emphasis on providing the optimal resident living experience. In totality, The Q represents an entirely new segment in Los Angeles living, bringing a dramatic shift to the lifestyle residents enjoy and ushering in a new era of luxury residential living. Experience by Alfred brings tech-enabled building operations, amenities and lifestyle solutions to properties throughout the country, and includes some of the most unique resident experiences seen in the industry to date. The platform benefits both tenants and building owners, providing services such as remote property management, easy rent payments, resident events, move-in kits, regular apartment cleanings, package management, grocery pickups, and a vast array of other human- and tech-powered offerings. Focusing on blending high-level hospitality with convenient living solutions and task management, Alfred’s services perfectly complement The Q’s mission of offering elevated community living with smart building technology and innovative approaches to luxury residential living. Once implemented, Experience by Alfred aims to result in benefits such as increased renewals, higher resident engagement, happier residents measured through Alfred’s proprietary NPS diagnostic tools, and a greater number of referrals to support leasing efforts. Alfred’s omnichannel approach to community engagement – from organizing and coordinating social events for residents such as cooking classes and mini-golf outings, that include local businesses’ products and services, to resident welcome kits and special offers tailored to each building’s demographic – Experience by Alfred provides unique opportunities for residents to come together and foster a stronger sense of community. “The Q Living Brand’s partnership with Hello Alfred was a perfect and seamless match,” said Edan Evenhaim. “The Q holds its residents’ living experience as its highest priority, and Alfred is the leader in offering luxury apartment residents convenient and reliable services.” “Alfred prides itself on partnering with organizations and properties whose values and missions reflect our own priorities and approach to nurturing communities,” said Marcela Sapone, CEO of Alfred. “The Q stands out in its class due to its ability to capture the boundless energy of San Fernando Valley’s Warner Center and combine that vibrancy with the style of sophisticated and connected living that Alfred provides. When put together, this results in an unparalleled living experience that will grow The Q’s communities even further and offer an escape from the ordinary.”
Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to enjoy all that Epsom has to offer. With one three-bedroom apartment remaining at Epsom Reach and a selection of three-bedroom houses available at Millside Place, families should act fast to grab up one of these stunning family homes. Homes at Epsom Reach and Millside Place are both designed to accommodate the modern family. Properties at both developments feature open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, providing the perfect hub for all the family to get together. Contemporary kitchens feature a range of integrated appliances. All three-bedroom homes feature modern family bathrooms complete with luxury Minoli tiling, and there is the added luxury of a sleek en-suite to the primary bedroom. Greg Kaye, Head of Sales at Shanly Homes, comments: “Epsom is well-suited for family living and we are delighted to be able to offer suitable properties at both Epsom Reach and Millside Place. With excellent schools, spectacular green spaces and a plethora of high street amenities, Epsom offers everything that families need within walking distance. The stylish three-bedroom properties are designed with family living in mind, guaranteeing space and comfort. We encourage anyone that is interested in buying a new family home in Epsom to book a visit to one of our sites as soon as possible.” Ideal for families, Millside Place is located near a range of exceptional schools. For younger children, Epsom Primary School, Wallace Fields Infant School and Wallace Fields Junior School are all high-rated and located within a mile of both developments. Epsom has a wide selection of secondary schools including Rosebery School and Glyn School, both of which are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. There is also an excellent range of independent schools available in the local area, including Downsend Pre-Prep School and Ewell Castle School. Epsom is the ideal place for families to enjoy a range a shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. In the town centre The Ashley Centre plays host to over 50 shops, including The Body Shop, New Look and Marks & Spencer. The Odeon Luxe Cinema and the Epsom Playhouse boast an impressive collection of new cinema releases and live independent performances. A range of popular restaurants are located nearby include Bills, Caballo Lounge and Prezzo. Those who enjoy cooking or baking at home, can buy everything that they will need at the nearby Sainsbury’s superstore. Families in Epsom can also enjoy the stunning green spaces available locally. Nearby Alexandra Recreation Ground is popular with dog walkers, and features a children’s playground as well as a variety of sports pitches. Roseberry Park is also just a short walk away, with a children’s play area and duck pond providing the perfect spot for a gentle evening stroll. Epsom Downs is less than two miles away from both developments, a plethora of walking trails that enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across Surrey. Those prepared to travel a little further can also enjoy the spectacular Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Epsom Common is just a 10-minute drive away from either development, offering further walking routes and views across the stunning Epsom Lake East. Epsom also offers exceptional travel connections for those hoping to travel further afield. Epsom train station provides direct connections to a range of destinations, including Horsham (39 minutes), Guildford (34 minutes), Dorking (16 minutes) and London Waterloo (36 minutes). The M25 is also nearby, providing easy access to the wider motorway network. For those hoping to set off on a family holiday abroad, Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport will serve all international travel needs.
Transformative new digital showhome software, launched today, will bring newbuild sales into the 21st Century and allow housebuilders to get ready for the expectations of post-COVID buyers. The HomeSelector, developed by award winning PropTech company, Pixel, allows potential buyers to browse newbuild projects online. Buyers can virtually walk through each property with and without furnishings, walk around the streets of the development, see birds-eye perspectives of plots and floorplans, compare and shortlist multiple properties, and click to reserve a house before they’ve had a chance to visit the site in person. In a pre-launch commercial trial, Pixels HomeSelector saw buyers spend ten times longer, on average, engaging and interacting with properties than before the software was integrated to the homebuilder’s site. The longer buyers were engaged, the more likely they were to buy, which was reflected in dramatically increased newbuild sales during the pilot. Steve Smith, Director at Pixel, says, “These days people expect to be able to view, reserve and buy almost any trivial item online. But when it comes to the most important purchasing decision of your life, buying a home, the sales process is really antiquated. “As a result of the pandemic, more and more people are looking to move further afield, so visiting sites and viewing showhomes in person is not always practical or even possible. Housebuilders are no doubt aware of this change in buyer behaviour, and Pixel’s HomeSelector gives them the opportunity to get ready for this new era of house buying. “But it’s more than that, it’s an opportunity for firms to make a long overdue quantum leap in how they do things. Pixel’s HomeSelector is more than just a new piece of software, this is the Netflix to the traditional showhome’s Blockbuster.” Pixel’s HomeSelector software is fast loading, intuitive and adaptable, to augment existing sites seamlessly. To find out more or request a demo, visit, www.pixel-future.com.
Development sales and marketing specialist business Site Sales, is on a significant growth drive throughout North London and the Home Counties, with the aim of selling 2,000 properties a year by 2025. The business is already widely known with a significant number of partnerships including Housing Associations, local councils, registered charities and developers and a proven track record in sales delivery. Formed over two decades ago by Murray Smith, Site Sales started with just three members of staff, helping in selling land and providing sales and marketing services in London and the South-East. An ambitious, forward-thinking company, it first worked with the likes of Persimmon and Laing, before embarking on its first landmark scheme, Stratford Eye for L&Q. Fast forward 20 (+ – CHECK) years and the company now employs approximately 60 staff and has sold over 3,000 homes equating to £1.4bn worth of property over the past five years. As part of its expansion, Site Sales has recently made several key appointments including: Emma Jefferson who joined as Partnerships Director following 6 years’ experience at New London Architecture, Crissi Russo, Sales manager who joins from LB of Southwark, Alexandra Fitzpatrick Sales Manager specialising in the customer journey, and Martin Fillery Director of Southern Home Counties. Martin joins from Complete Moves and comes with over 18 years’ experience in the industry. Murray Smith, Founder and Managing Director, comments: “Our aim at Site Sales is to provide a full range of exemplary development, sales and marketing services to support any client in their development ambitions – across London and the Home Counties. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are pleased to have driven successful sales for a broad range of clients across both the private and affordable housing sectors. Buyer confidence is gaining strength and we are launching two big schemes in Barnet and Canning Town which will deliver over 300 units between them alone. He continues: “The company will aim for steady growth – as well as expanding the Southern Home Counties, we will establish a Northern Home Counties division. As always, our business is fuelled by delivering a high-quality service to all our clients. Our committed staff have over 100 year’s sales experience between them, dedicated to our client’s needs.” Over the years, Site Sales has been an integral part of the evolution of the ‘not for profit’ sector and has assisted many organisations on their individual paths into speculative development, as well as having many private developer clients. The team has worked for 20 regional councils and 14 different Housing Associations including 9 of the 12 G15 Housing Associations, working on projects with all tenures. Murray adds: “We have worked for 24 different clients on 105 different schemes – much of our business has been repeat. Our clients know us and trust that our highly experienced and expertly trained staff will deliver above and beyond their expectations, from site acquisition to sales and aftercare.” Historically, Site Sales has worked on numerous landmark schemes (704 units at Athletes Village, dispatched in 18 months, among many others) and continues to do so. Today, Site Sales is marketing a range of developments throughout London and the South East, including Park View Place in Tottenham, August fields, a Guinness Homes development in Newhaven, Optivo a collection of 63 mixed-tenure homes in Battle, Old Farm Place a range of homes by BexleyCo Homes in Sidcup.
Manor Interiors, the expert in build-to-rent furnishing solutions, has revealed which major UK cities offer the best opportunities for build to rent developers based on the highest levels of apartment living vs the rest of the rental market. Build to rent is designed for people who are looking for a modern way of life; city living with a focus on community and amenities. Therefore, UK cities where city-centre flat-living is already prevalent present the best opportunity for the BTR sector as they are already primed for a build to rent revolution. In the UK and on average, flats account for 64% of all properties currently available to rent, a national average that a good number of UK cities make look very small indeed. The city in which flats have the biggest rental market share is Edinburgh. Of 562 properties currently available for rent, 505, or 90%, are flats. This, therefore, suggests that flat-living is a key focus of demand for Edinburgh residents and presents a prime opportunity for the build to rent industry. Scotland’s second city, Glasgow, also comes second on the list as flats account for 89% of the properties currently available to rent in the city. Using Rentola Glasgow is sure way to find the best place to live. London is third with flats accounting for 88% of the 45,285 currently available rent, while in Newcastle, flats make up 79% of the market. Bournemouth currently has just 508 properties on the rental market and 385 of them, or 76% are flats, while in Manchester, flats account for 73% of the market. The rest of the UK cities in which flats have an above-average market share are Sheffield (68%), Bradford (67%), Nottingham (66%), Cardiff (65%), and Liverpool (64%). There are a number of UK cities in which flats have a below-average market share, most notably Leeds (39%), Swansea (43%), and Portsmouth (48%) – the only three cities where flats account for less than half of the rental market. CEO of Manor Interiors, Farhan Malik, commented: “Flat living is the clear choice for many city-dwellers and a high propensity for renting apartments means many of our major cities are already primed and ready for the build to rent to revolution. In some cases as many as 90% of all properties are flats and apartments, so the desire for urban living is clear and build to rent is helping to accommodate this demand with fit for purpose developments targeted towards the modern tenant. “Build to rent developments offer a step above the standards of your typical private rental flat, a step up in sophistication and quality and, perhaps most of all, a superior tenant experience. We expect the sector to continue to establish a strong foothold as it has already done in London in particular, and developers can be confident that demand will be high.” Table shows what % of the rental market flats account for in major UK cities, listed from highest % to lowest Location Total – rental properties Flats – rental properties Flat rental stock % Edinburgh 562 505 90% Glasgow 752 667 89% London 45,285 39,675 88% Newcastle 1,407 1,116 79% Bournemouth 508 385 76% Manchester 3,720 2,718 73% Sheffield 1,339 905 68% Bradford 340 227 67% Nottingham 1,985 1,304 66% Cardiff 841 549 65% Liverpool 1,805 1,148 64% Bristol 1,094 667 61% Leicester 2,162 1,269 59% Sunderland 527 292 55% Southampton 1,179 635 54% Birmingham 3,665 1,891 52% Portsmouth 1,081 524 48% Swansea 151 65 43% Leeds 3,030 1,172 39% United Kingdom 145,689 92,838 64% Source – Rightmove