LCP’s latest LCPAca Residential Index found that new build sales are falling 13.8% in Prime Central London. Sales in Greater London have also slowed, with growth falling from 25% to 5.2%, resulting in a fall in market share to 15.6% from 20% a year ago. These concerning findings have now
Barratt Homes, an award winning housebuilder, will soon launch a new development in the popular town of Kirkintilloch. Braes of Yetts consists of three and four bedroom homes, with a mix of semi-detached and detached options that are suitable for both first-time buyers and homeowners looking to take their next
Following a strong first quarter, premier regional developer Mulberry Homes has continued its strategic expansion with nine current developments and several more launching soon, in prime locations cross Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Oxford, and recently branching into Bedfordshire, to meet local demand for quality new homes. Following the launch of six
The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) released a report at the end of Q1 2018 that shows that for every build-to-rent (BTR) home in Scotland, North West England has almost 10. Scotland currently has 3,365 BTR homes completed, under construction or in planning, while the North West has 29,600, the South
Construction work has officially started on Kajima Properties’ major new 84,000 sq ft office and retail development at 77 Coleman Street, London, EC2. The development was designed in collaboration with Buckley Gray Yeoman architects and it will provide a high quality office space in the heart of London, directly overlooking
In 2018, the path towards buying a house looks likely to be strewn with obstacles. Interest rates could rise further in the wake of the base-rate increase from 0.25% to 0.5% The Guardian reports, while Brexit could also weigh down on the market – albeit in ways that currently cannot
Latest figures released by the National Custom & Self Build Association reveal that 33,000 people have already signed up to the Right to Build register since October 2017, which means that at least half of the demand for serviced plots will have to be authorised by October 2019. To support
Salix Homes, the multiple award winning social housing provider has been supporting the work to clear nearly 5 tonnes of rubbish from the streets of Salford. The housing association has been working to support community clean-ups on the Whit Lane Estate in Charlestown. There has also been clear up projects
Housing Association, Salix Homes has been joined by their partner contractors in the launch of a new recruitment drive which is taking place. Salix and team are looking to encourage more women to consider having a career in the construction industry. Salix Homes owns over 8,300 properties across Salford and
The Considerate Constructors Scheme, otherwise known as CCS, has awarded the construction and engineering group Kier with their first Utra site award. This accolade has been given to the construction group for their project in Wales. The Kier Sports Park 2 development is located on Treforest Industrial Estate and has
LCP’s latest LCPAca Residential Index found that new build sales are falling 13.8% in Prime Central London. Sales in Greater London have also slowed, with growth falling from 25% to 5.2%, resulting in a fall in market share to 15.6% from 20% a year ago. These concerning findings have now been verified by an analysis undertaken by LCP of new build data from the latest LOREMA report for 2017. In Inner London, new build starts fell by 25.4% in 2017, compared with 2016. The largest falls were recorded in Southwark, with 61.8%, and Tower Hamlets, with 43.3%. Applications increased by 4%, even though there were falls in seven of the 11 boroughs with the largest at just over 42% in both Wandsworth and Westminster. Moreover, planning permissions also fell by 7.4% and completions by 6.1%. “Findings from LCP’s April LCPAca Residential Index, LOREMA’S 2018 report and the ONS all show a troubling picture for the new build sector in London,” said Naomi Heaton, CEO of London Central Portfolio (LCP). She argued that these findings prove the construction sector is suffering its worst performance since 2012. Although the ‘Beast from the East’ contributed to its fall, the sector was in trouble even before that. According to the ONS, a large portion of the fall was due to a sharp 2.6% decline in January. The report shows that tower starts dropped from 46 in 2016 to 32 in 2017, resulting in units falling at 33%, from 8,200 to 5,500. The applications also fell at almost 10% from 74 to 67, with far fewer in Zone 1 than previously. Naomi stated that a downturn in international buyer sentiment contributed to the fall of the new build sector. “It is quite possible new build transactions will continue to decline, particularly in Inner London, given the 25.4% fall in new build starts reported by LOREMA. This situation could well worsen over the next two to three years, as schemes under construction which fail to sell off-plan come to completion.” “This may well impact developers’ desire to commence new build projects, resulting in a negative impact on the provision of new housing, one of the Government’s key aims. However, an increase in activity in Outer London may help mitigate this, particularly given the tower blocks being developed in the more peripheral areas of London, The fact that 30% of new tower starts are for the rental market compared with zero four years ago is also encouraging for the burgeoning generation of renters,” Naomi concluded.
Barratt Homes, an award winning housebuilder, will soon launch a new development in the popular town of Kirkintilloch. Braes of Yetts consists of three and four bedroom homes, with a mix of semi-detached and detached options that are suitable for both first-time buyers and homeowners looking to take their next step up the property ladder. “We’re already seeing substantial interest in Braes of Yetts, with Kirkintilloch a hugely popular area for people looking for a new home. We anticipate that the first release of homes will be snapped up quickly which is why we have set up a pre-register for interested buyers,” said Estelle Sykes, sales director, Barratt West Developments. “I would encourage those who are interested to get in touch so we can keep them informed about our sales launch and our show home opening. We can’t wait to bring our five-star homes to Kirkintilloch, and we’re confident this will be a truly special community,” Estelle continued. Braes of Yetts is located close to Kirkintilloch town centre and is also only ten minutes from the M80, providing easy links with Glasgow and beyond. The site is in a rural location but has the local amenities and transport links associated with urban life. Being on the border of the Merkland Nature Reserve, it also makes for a fantastic area to get some fresh air or spot the local wildlife. Barratt Group was awarded a maximum five star rating for the seventh consecutive year in the 2015 Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey. Its site managers won 81 awards for quality workmanship in the 2015 NHBC Pride in the Job Awards and, in total, Barratt has won more Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder for the last eleven years.
Following a strong first quarter, premier regional developer Mulberry Homes has continued its strategic expansion with nine current developments and several more launching soon, in prime locations cross Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Oxford, and recently branching into Bedfordshire, to meet local demand for quality new homes. Following the launch of six new developments in 2017 and a positive start to 2018, the housebuilder is seeing strong footfall to its sites, with robust sales across its current portfolio from buyers across the region. Mulberry Homes, the residential arm of Mulberry Developments, originally formed in 2004, has quickly established a strong reputation for its design and delivery of striking new home developments in sought-after locations. To date, following the financial year end, Mulberry has built 130 homes in highly desirable premium locations including Bicester, Great Easton and Appleby Magna, with over 200 new homes in the pipeline for the current financial year. Renowned for its high-quality niche properties, Mulberry Homes builds a broad range of individually designed homes including traditional two storey spacious family homes, well designed starter homes and single storey bungalows commanding a strong brand reputation for themselves and their homes alike. The properties are sympathetically designed to suit all buying profiles, from downsizers, families, young professionals and first-time buyers. All homes combine a meticulous attention to detail, with a design-led approach, offering superb kerb appeal, and outstanding interior and exterior specification. Adding to its growing development portfolio, Mulberry is launched the exclusive Hursley Park development in Great Bowden this month. Recently crowned one of the best places to live in the Midlands and commended as the best address in the area by The Sunday Times, Great Bowden is a highly sought-after postcode less than a mile from the thriving town of Market Harborough, offering direct trains to London. This niche development will offer 50 new homes, situated within stunning landscaped gardens and 22 acres of country park. Work is well-underway on site and a number of plots have already been reserved. Providing an aspirational home for everyone, Mulberry currently has a range of properties available. Recently launched, Winchelsea Gate is set in the popular village of Weldon, Northamptonshire and has already proven extremely popular with buyers, with 50 per cent of phase one reserved. Stokes Rise in Great Easton is an exclusive development of exceptional four-bedroom family homes, designed to replicate the lasting character of the surrounding area. Meanwhile, a flourishing community is coming to life at Oakview in Appleby Magna, having sold to families and savvy commuters, benefitting from excellent road links. Known as the ‘Best Kept Village’ in Buckinghamshire, Hanslope is home to an Ofsted Outstanding Primary School and an exclusive new collection of just 12 three and four-bedroom homes. Now 75 per cent sold, the sales success of the development continues as St James’ Manor occupies the perfect family location, with top local amenities as well as great commuter links. Houghton Fields offers a stunning collection of family homes ranging from three to four-bedroom properties in Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. As Mulberry’s first Bedfordshire development, Houghton Fields is meeting demand as one of the few housebuilders to provide traditionally built new build bungalows. These properties have been snapped up by local buyers, with just one bungalow remaining. As one of Mulberry’s flagship developments, Harcourt Gardens offers a variety of 60 homes, ranging from one to four-bedroom properties. Located in Kibworth Harcourt in Leicestershire, this extremely popular and vibrant village offers its residents the best of both worlds with nearby open countryside, a fantastic choice of schools and top transport links into the city. Families will be perfectly suited to this prime location. Steeped in rich history Earls Barton, located nine miles from lively country town Northampton, is the home of Earls Place. Benefiting from Northampton’s frequent rail services into London, from Wellingborough this development is ideal for commuters who wish to move further from the city in order to get more for their money. The remaining four-bedroom homes are available to purchase with Help to Buy, meaning a deposit of less than £13,000.is this figure correct? Oak View is a luxury development that is well suited to all buyer types, with a range of homes including three, four and five-bedroom properties and easy access to the major Midland Cities, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. The thriving village location of Appleby Magna offers residents Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated schools and day to day amenities within close range of the development. Meeting further demand for commuters, Stokes Rise is perfectly located to benefit from fast rail links to London St Pancras from neighbouring Market Harborough and Corby. Whilst easily connected to the capital, the homes are set within the picturesque village of Great Easton, known as one of the most attractive Welland Valley villages, living up to Mulberry’s promise of delivering homes in the best locations across their region. Finally, Stratton Park, an exclusive development featuring one to four-bedroom properties is down to the last remaining homes. These properties continue Mulberry’s outstanding quality specification throughout their open-plan designs. Perfectly designed to suit the needs of modern living, the local amenities include the popular designer shopping outlet, Bicester Village. City professionals from Birmingham or London can enjoy fast and easy access, with frequent services taking just 50 minutes into London. Ian Sadler Managing Director of Mulberry Homes, commented: “This year has got off to an exceptional start for Mulberry Homes with a record number of live sites and development launches including the eagerly anticipated new homes at Houghton Fields, our very first Bedfordshire development. Over the next year, we plan to continue to grow the business by seeking out the most desirable sites in prime residential locations across our heartland in Midlands as well as strengthening our regional presence and product offering throughout Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.” For more information on Mulberry Homes, please visit www.mulberryhomes.co.uk.
The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) released a report at the end of Q1 2018 that shows that for every build-to-rent (BTR) home in Scotland, North West England has almost 10. Scotland currently has 3,365 BTR homes completed, under construction or in planning, while the North West has 29,600, the South East (excluding London) has 7,701, the West Midlands has 6,378 and Yorkshire and The Humber has 5,131. The data also shows that this sector of the housing market has grown by 30% in the past year across all areas of the UK, Scotland included. In the UK there are now 117,893 BTR homes across all stages of the development lifecycle, compared to the total of 90,761 homes at the end of Q1 2017. Even though Scotland currently accounts for just under 3% of the total number of BTR homes, there are signs that this number is set to increase. “In Scotland, there has been a promising boost in the number of BTR homes, with 3,365 homes now at varying stages of the development process. The numbers are still not high in comparison to the rest of the UK, but there are now multiple sites in Glasgow which should act as a spur to other BTR projects across the country,” said David Melhuish, SPF Director. “BTR is an opportunity and Scotland has some important advantages for attracting the investment necessary – the Rental Income Guarantee Scheme being one and an exemption from the 3 per cent second homes tax for large-scale PRS investments is another. With planning policy guidance now amended to support BTR developments, particularly around the treatment of development viability, there is no reason why we cannot see the BTR sector provide a new catalyst of economic growth in our cities,” he added. The build-to-rent sector has grown significantly and it can now cater for a wide range of people, including families. Due to their high-quality construction work, they are becoming more and more popular around the UK.
Construction work has officially started on Kajima Properties’ major new 84,000 sq ft office and retail development at 77 Coleman Street, London, EC2. The development was designed in collaboration with Buckley Gray Yeoman architects and it will provide a high quality office space in the heart of London, directly overlooking Coleman Street Gardens and less than a minute’s walk from the new Elizabeth Line station at Moorgate. “77 Coleman Street is well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for multi-functional accommodation in well-connected London locations. Whilst 77 is located in the very heart of the City, and will appeal to traditional Square Mile occupiers, we see it as a ‘London’ building that will attract design-conscious occupiers from across the wider city seeking amenity, flexibility and accessibility. 77 Coleman Street is a genuinely rare occupier opportunity, creating both an outstanding commercial space and an attractive new retail and social destination, right in the middle of London,” said John Harcourt, Head of Kajima Properties. The offices will spread across the ground and seven upper floors, while a 13,000 sq ft retail and leisure space will be accessible off Moorgate. The offices will be accessed through a generous new entrance at 77 Coleman Street, including an integrated café and shared workspace. The development will also offer terraces on the upper floors, with impressive city views over the public realm and gardens, as well as 146 cycle spaces. A new link connecting Coleman Street with Moorgate will also be created by extending Nun Court to give people a quick and bright route. “We are excited to be involved in this prestigious City project and looks forward to working with Kajima Properties to deliver a high end, ’wow factor’ building which not only complements the surrounding area, but looks to the future in terms of functionality, quality and style,” said Stuart Deverill, Managing Director at VolkerFitzpatrick, the General Contractor appointed for the development. The scheme is set to be finalised by the end of 2019.
In 2018, the path towards buying a house looks likely to be strewn with obstacles. Interest rates could rise further in the wake of the base-rate increase from 0.25% to 0.5% The Guardian reports, while Brexit could also weigh down on the market – albeit in ways that currently cannot be easily foreseen. These twin spectres could necessitate homebuyers becoming more particular regarding where in the country they buy; the following areas look set to be relatively promising property hotspots in 2018. Croydon, London The recent arrival of the Boxpark retail centre in Croydon has helped this London borough to enjoy something of a renaissance in reputation. Another shopping centre, Westfield, is also on the way and should further help nudge up property prices in the area. In an Express article, Tim Mycock, Development Director at Reditum Capital, observes that those prices are currently roughly £185,000 beneath the London average. This helps to explain why you can expect great value for money in Croydon, despite a 20% rise in its property prices in 2016. Salford, Greater Manchester Media giants the BBC and ITV have recently chosen the Greater Manchester city of Salford as an office base. Furthermore, largely due to the £1 billion investment recently poured into Salford’s MediaCityUK development, Manchester has cemented its place among the UK’s leading tech hubs. Therefore, Salford is an ideal place to move to should you be eyeing a creative or digital career; Amion forecasts that Greater Manchester’s workers in these sectors will number 27% more by 2034. Liverpool, Merseyside With much housing currently being regenerated in Liverpool, you shouldn’t be surprised if the Merseyside city’s property prices soon rise. In fact, those in the L1 postcode area recently have – by a staggering 41.2%. Hence, you might want to buy a Liverpool home sooner rather than later. The city is also an ideal place to invest in student property – as, while house prices in Liverpool are low, the large number of students has helped make rental values – and, thus, rental yields – high. Luton, Bedfordshire Like Croydon, the Bedfordshire town of Luton warrants shaking off its negative image from the past. These days, Luton could be deemed unjustly overlooked; it is well-supplied with good schools. That should hearten parents; several secondary schools locally have attracted “good” ratings from Ofsted. Property here is varied, too. Whether you want a new-build home, Thirties semi or something in-between, you’re covered. However, the town’s average house price remains a low £252,896. Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire Though less well-known than St Albans in the same county, Berkhamsted offers more for the money you would pay. Local attractions include the National Trust-run Ashridge Estate and twice-weekly market. Jamie Dyson of estate agents Brown & Merry has praised Berkhamsted to the London Evening Standard, calling the area “the perfect commuter town”. Homes here are varied, and improving them doesn’t have to be hard. Despite the town’s country location, a local resident can still easily receive a folding door to be fitted by Bifold Shop.
Latest figures released by the National Custom & Self Build Association reveal that 33,000 people have already signed up to the Right to Build register since October 2017, which means that at least half of the demand for serviced plots will have to be authorised by October 2019. To support more people in their desire to build homes in the region and inspire remodelling projects, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 22-25 March 2018. Over four packed days, visitors will benefit from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses in the extended venue. The event is a best-in-class marketplace for all the latest products and services provided by specialist companies in industries ranging from kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; heating; energy efficiency; architecture; design; financial services; planning permission and much more. Aside from providing advice and guidance, real case studies will be at the show to discuss the dilemmas they faced during their self-build/renovation experience, helping visitors with similar problems. On site, visitors will be able to book bespoke consultations with celebrity experts who present their favourite TV property programmes. Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be on-hand to discuss homes of the future, new architectural ideas and eco living. Julia Kendell, interior design expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS The Build’ and ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’, will also be there to meet with visitors and talk about trendy interior adaptions and offer inspiration to anyone who wants to revamp their home. The Advice Centre, a drop-in hub for one-on-one impartial guidance, is open to people who are interested in running ideas past property specialists with years of experience in their field. This show area will see the return of the Ask the Builder zone, where visitors will be given tips on locating approved construction workers from members of the Federation of Master Builders. Visitors who are interested in free one-on-one appointments with chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will want to stop by the Ask the Architect area, which will cover a wide array of topics such as extensions, new builds, internal alterations and much more. For objective tailored advice, the Ask the Expert zone will provide 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s leading property specialists. Visitors will be able to talk through their plans with Michael Holmes (director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Jason Orme (editorial director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Mariana Pedroso (interior designer and architect); Hugo Tugman (chair and founder of Architect Your Home); Tim Pullen (eco-expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (building expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Allan Corfield (self-build expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine) and Sally Tagg (an expert on planning permission). Across the four days, Oakwrights Design Consultation and The Potton Lounge will be offering free consultations with members of their design teams. They will help visitors envisage, create and deliver their own tailored new home from scratch. Attendees who are interested in these consultations can pre-book an appointment on the event’s website. The show app is also available for download on Android and iPhone. The app will facilitate consumers visiting the venue, having the option of scheduling and sending alerts for key seminars and masterclasses, browsing through the list of specialists available at the Advice Centre, and accessing the latest offers and travel information. Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/national or call the ticket hotline on 0844 854 0503 (calls cost 7p per minute plus network extras).
Salix Homes, the multiple award winning social housing provider has been supporting the work to clear nearly 5 tonnes of rubbish from the streets of Salford. The housing association has been working to support community clean-ups on the Whit Lane Estate in Charlestown. There has also been clear up projects held around Duchy Road, with residents working together in these areas in order to clear the neighbourhoods of old furniture, dumped rubbish and other fly-tipped waste. Helping in this tremendous clean-up effort, more than 20 local children worked to help, getting involved in the clearing of two tonnes of waste from the area. The neighbourhood manager for Duchy, Kersal and Langworthy from Salix Homes, Mick Walsh has said that it is great to see so many children getting involved in the clean-up of their community. The dedication that has been shown by children and adults alike in this clean-up session has showed just how important it is to maintain a clean community environment, and how this action can bring a community closer together. The children that got involved in this project were rewarded for all of their hard work and enthusiasm with some fruit bags that have been donated by McDonalds. In Charlestown, the residents and staff from Salix Homes worked together in order to clear away two and a half tonnes of rubbish, leaves and other debris from the Whit Lane estate area. It has been great to see how many people came out to tidy up their community, and make it a better place to live. Salix Homes has issued a thanks to everyone who came out to lend a hand at both sites. The valuable time that has been given to help support the community will have environmental benefits as well as keeping community relations strong and create more of a sense of belonging in the residents.
Housing Association, Salix Homes has been joined by their partner contractors in the launch of a new recruitment drive which is taking place. Salix and team are looking to encourage more women to consider having a career in the construction industry. Salix Homes owns over 8,300 properties across Salford and has announced that they are inviting applications from both male and female candidates for their latest intake of apprentices. The applicants will, if successful, have the opportunity to get involved with their multi-million pound investment programme. The Housing Association has already committed to creating two new apprenticeship places for every £1 million that has been invested. The apprenticeships will be perfect opportunities for local people to begin a career in this industry. The commitment has been made by Salix as part of their Earn as you Learn initiative. Salix are proud to be working alongside their partner contractors in order to offer a range of training and employment opportunities for local people. Research has shown that only 14% of the workforce in the construction industry is female. Salix Homes believes that this needs to be changed and that women should be encouraged to pursue a career in the construction industry. The Earn as you Learn initiative offers an amazing opportunity for young people, that teaches them valuable skills, experience and qualifications while earning a wage. On offer is either two or three year apprenticeships in offered by the procurement consortium Procure Plus. Available is a range of principal trades such as plastering, gas engineering and site logistics. Apprentices on these courses will be working towards their NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications while gaining experience and earning money. Over the course of the past two years Salix Homes has recruited 45 apprentices to work across their organisation and their partner contractors.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme, otherwise known as CCS, has awarded the construction and engineering group Kier with their first Utra site award. This accolade has been given to the construction group for their project in Wales. The Kier Sports Park 2 development is located on Treforest Industrial Estate and has managed to become the only site in the whole of Wales to be given the title. For a site to be considered to the Ultra award, the main contractor must get all of the subcontractors, designers and suppliers for the construction work to sign up to the scheme. This means that everyone working on a project are then able to all work together in order to make sure that they achieve the highest score possible. Kier managed this by putting a number of measures in place and also worked in collaboration with the supply chain for the Sports Park 2 in order to ensure everyone is working together to achieve the best score they can. As part of the work towards the Ultra award, Kier installed on the site an interactive hoarding to be used by the public. This feature allowed people near to the site to be able to see what the scheme will look like when construction work is completed. On the hoarding there was a painted silhouette of a sea telescope that acted as a viewing hole, encouraging people to look into the box weatherproof box that contained a digital picture frame loaded with computer generated images of the finished site. Since the scheme began Kier have been focused on looking at a number of different ways in which the sirte operations can be improved as well as improving public engagement. Being able to achieve the CCS Ultra scheme is great news for the company and the site as it reflects the hard work put in by subcontractors and workers on the site as well as the opportunity to meet their own business targets.