The numbers behind the tiny homes movement make compelling evidence for these cost effective and flexible structures to be incorporated into UK housing strategy, claims British PVCu windows and doors manufacturer Euramax. The company is calling on Government to further discuss the potential of tiny homes and has highlighted that
Managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed to manage the recladding of Metis Apartments in Scotland Street, Sheffield. The block of 122 Metis Apartments in Scotland Street and five commercial units contains Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding similar to the Grenfell Tower, which is due to be replaced under
The development, off Whalley Road, has two distinct new homes collections that include a number of three and four bedroom homes, perfectly suited for family life or young couples sharing. While the Heritage Collection offers traditional Arts and Crafts inspired architecture with period style features, the Harwood range provides streamlined,
When investing in real estate, there are a few things to think about. This is specifically true when you’ve decided to invest in rental property. For one, you’ll have various challenges to deal with, including marketing, screening tenants, collecting rent, evictions, and property maintenance, among other things. This can be
~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme,
Anthony Walker has joined the board of Topscan to lead new project management, contract administration and fire safety services for estates management. Anthony Walker has more than 30 years’ industry experience as a surveyor and project manager, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of proptech specialist GoReport. Before that, he also
Building work has commenced at The Burgesses in Kinver, paving the way for the construction of 20 new homes for older people. The development is designed for people who want to live independently, with the reassurance of access to care and support provided by Housing Plus Group member Care Plus. Bungalows
Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed to take over the management of Metis Apartments in Scotland Street, Sheffield. The block of 122 apartments and five commercial units contains ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) cladding similar to the Grenfell Tower, which is due to be replaced under the Government
Glasgow-based housing association the Wheatley Group has been named the UK’s largest builder of social-rented homes. In a newly-released annual new build survey by Inside Housing Magazine, the organisation came first for the fourth consecutive year. The housing, care and property-management group built 601 homes for social rent between April 2019, and March this year. It
Landwood Group’s Commercial Asset Management division is expanding its headcount as it celebrates adding a leading health care provider to its books. The Manchester-based business have been instructed to manage Mental Health Care UK’s portfolio of over 30 sites across North Wales and the North West of England. MHC is
The numbers behind the tiny homes movement make compelling evidence for these cost effective and flexible structures to be incorporated into UK housing strategy, claims British PVCu windows and doors manufacturer Euramax. The company is calling on Government to further discuss the potential of tiny homes and has highlighted that the structures have never been mentioned in parliament, despite housing having been debated 301 times in the last five years. “According to clean energy switching supplier The Switch, there were 8000 tiny homes built in the UK last year, which, while reflecting high levels of interest in the movement as an aspirational eco-housing goal, is not enough to help the Government meet its targets or reduce homelessness,” explained Nick Cowley, managing director of Euramax. Tiny homes can be described as residential buildings of less than 400 square feet, and typically feature compact stairs and reduced ceiling heights. They were defined in the 2018 International Residential Code, Appendix Q Tiny Houses and the movement was first named in 1997, in Sarah Susanka’s The Not So Big House. They are sustainable and mobile and have a low associated cost of ownership, manufacture, and installation. Advocates of tiny homes, such as the architect Mark Burton, believe they could provide lower debt living for students, a step back into housing for the homeless and affordable housing for people struggling to get into the property ladder. “The only legitimate way of solving our housing crisis is by combining off site built structures, such as tiny homes, as well as off site elements such as pre-built timber frames, pre-built extensions and others, with traditional building enhanced with Industry 4.0 smart technology,” continued Cowley. Government has only discussed the potential of ‘Offsite Manufactured Housing’ once, in 2017, in the House of Lords, after a question by Lord Kennedy of Southwark. However, the debate was side-tracked into a discussion on land banking, which refers to a property developer buying land and obtaining planning permission to build on it, only to leave it stagnant to artificially raise house prices in the area. “What is the Government prepared to do to further deal with the problem that supply is low because lenders cannot or will not routinely lend on such properties?” asked Lord Kennedy during the debate. “They [lenders] do not fully understand the risks, and builders will not build more of this type of housing because mortgage lending is in limited supply, as is home insurance. This type of building has the potential to help to solve the crisis, but more support is needed to help the sector.” Euramax has gathered the numbers behind the tiny homes movement into an infographic, which illustrates the potential of the movement to help solve the UK homes crisis.
Managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed to manage the recladding of Metis Apartments in Scotland Street, Sheffield. The block of 122 Metis Apartments in Scotland Street and five commercial units contains Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding similar to the Grenfell Tower, which is due to be replaced under Government funding. Rendall & Rittner was selected by the First Tier Tribunal to oversee the reinstatement work and the ongoing management of the building. Matt Kirk, northern divisional director at Rendall & Rittner, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to manage the recladding of Metis Apartments and work closely with its residents to make their homes safe for the future. “We recognise that by appointing us, the First Tier Tribunal is placing responsibility on us to carry out the works promptly and professionally. It will be a huge relief for everyone that lives in the building when this issue is resolved.” “As a business we wholeheartedly welcome the government’s Building Safety Fund and will be actively pursuing funding on behalf of residents and leaseholders at buildings that we manage that meet the criteria.” An inspection of cladding on the Metis Apartments in 2017 found it to be unsafe. The cladding was tested by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and deemed to be aluminium composite material.
The development, off Whalley Road, has two distinct new homes collections that include a number of three and four bedroom homes, perfectly suited for family life or young couples sharing. While the Heritage Collection offers traditional Arts and Crafts inspired architecture with period style features, the Harwood range provides streamlined, smart exteriors, finished in stone, for those who prefer a more contemporary look. Both collections offer up to the minute interiors designed for modern lifestyles. Current prices start from £282,995 for a three-bedroom detached Birch, while four-bedroom detached homes start from £329,995. Sian Pitt, sales director at our Lancashire division says: “Buying your first home is a big step so you’ll want to choose one that you will love for years to come. Oak Leigh Gardens has a great selection from both our Heritage Collection and Harwood range. One thing they do have in common is providing plenty of space to grow into, open-plan kitchens, and main bedrooms with their own en-suites, plus private gardens to relax in.” Homebuyers can also use the Government backed Help to Buy to get them moving sooner. Sian explains how it works: “Buyers can secure a house with just a 5% deposit and then the Government will lend up to 20% of the value of the new home through an equity loan, which is interest free for the first five years and can be repaid at any time within 25 years or on the resale of the home, whichever is sooner. Buyers will then need just a 75% mortgage from a bank or building society of choice.” Nestled between Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland, in the sought-after Ribble Valley, Oak Leigh Gardens’ rural location has proved to be an attractive selling point for commuters and young families, especially as it’s also so well connected. Situated just off the main A59 Preston Road, the homes are close to the M6; Clitheroe is less than three miles away and places like Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and even Manchester are all easily reached. Closer to home, there’s an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated primary school just a short walk away, and two ‘outstanding’ rated senior schools within a couple of miles. To find out more about the homes or help available see www.redrow.co.uk/oakleigh, call 01254 865167 or visit the development and view the fully furnished show homes, which are usually open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.
When investing in real estate, there are a few things to think about. This is specifically true when you’ve decided to invest in rental property. For one, you’ll have various challenges to deal with, including marketing, screening tenants, collecting rent, evictions, and property maintenance, among other things. This can be a real headache as a landlord, especially if you’re just starting out. If you guessed right, this is where property management agencies come in. With this having been mentioned, here are the top 4 reasons to hire a property manager. 1. Property Managers Know the Law Maybe you have at some point in life wished to own property and probably collect rent like we have been loading our landlords’ bank account every month. Well, it’s just a matter of setting goals, and working towards your dreams… nothing is impossible. But how conversant are you with the laws that govern landlords and tenants? No idea? Well, you don’t have to worry about that if you have a rental property management firm taking care of business. These professionals are well informed about the hustle and bustle of managing a property. Their services range from admitting tenants to collecting rent, managing utility payments, and enforcing evictions. They also take care of property leases and everything in between. As an investor, it may cost you time and resources to understand the law that governs the rental property. These professionals are a must-have if you want to have peace of mind as a landlord. 2. They Enhance Professionalism Property managers are a link between the landlord and the tenants. Sometimes, situations may get hard, and the tenants may not pay their bills on time. A property manager is there to bar the tenant from having a “conversation” with the landlord about the situation. These interactions may restrict professionalism, and end up affecting profitability. When you have a property manager, such situations will be handled professionally and effectively in favor of both parties without too much leniency on either side. After all, you are in business. 3. Are an Investment in Disguise When hiring a property manager, many investors fail by concentrating on the expenses and fees involved. As an investor, however, one thing is for sure… you may not have enough time to go around looking for new clients for your vacant property or houses. Also, when a tenant vacates their premises, they are supposed to bear the cost of damages during their occupancy. A good property manager will ensure that the tenant caters to these, usually through the security deposit or otherwise. 4. They Are Experienced Professionals When you choose to manage your property, you will admit every Tom, Dick, and Harry in your property to recover your money. Wait! Do you know how much of a headache it is to keep chasing a tenant for not paying rent? Just In the course of their profession, the property manager will be in a position to know the kind of tenant he is absorbing by screening their information. They will be in a better place to filter out “bad” tenants, thus ensuring your property gets the best tenants. Experienced property managers will almost always have a list of potential clients ready to occupy the property.
~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme, many hopeful homeowners still remain uncertain that they will have enough funds to make it onto the property ladder. In order to create enough homes to meet demand, the government has predicted that over 300,000 homes must be built each year until 2025. A lack of housing is not the only factor affecting the UK housing market. Many first-time buyers are unable to get onto the property ladder due to the high cost of an initial deposit. To help first time buyers, the government announced the First Homes scheme in February 2020. The scheme, which has been prioritised for key workers such as those in the Armed Forces, police and teachers, will offer a 30 per cent discount on new homes. However, analysis by homeless charity Shelter has found that 96 per cent of average earners would still not be able to afford a home under this scheme. Modular construction has become a standout method in the construction industry. Builds can be completed quicker and because fewer resources are required in their construction, they are usually cheaper to build and buy. This could offer a more affordable solution for the first time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder. Euramax originally supplied windows for narrow boats and the static and touring caravan market, before expanding into the modular and offsite construction sectors in 2019. “Though Euramax has not supplied into the modular sector as long as it has caravans, assessing the industry and connecting with professionals has helped us to gain a strong insight into the potential of modular construction”, said managing director, Nick Cowley. “We now supply our products to a number of modular home manufacturers across the country. “Modular constructions can be built up to 50 per cent faster than traditional brick and mortar homes. This quick completion time has recently helped to build emergency hospitals and additional wards, as well as school classrooms. Modular builds can be completed quicker because the build is prefabricated offsite, in a factory-controlled environment. “Unlike traditionally built homes that require extensive site preparation before construction can commence, fabrication of the modules can start right away. Because a modular build is predominantly constructed offsite, there is little disruption from factors such as the weather and quality checks can be carried out beforehand. “It’s clear to see that a lot more must be done to help more first-time buyers enter the property market. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting this industry and recently supplied modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes, with windows and doors for 2,000 of their modular homes,” added Cowley. To learn more about how Euramax’s range of PVCu windows and doors and composite doors can support the modular industry, visit the website.
Anthony Walker has joined the board of Topscan to lead new project management, contract administration and fire safety services for estates management. Anthony Walker has more than 30 years’ industry experience as a surveyor and project manager, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of proptech specialist GoReport. Before that, he also led the proptech offer at Trident Building Consultancy for over four years. Anthony is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) where he is also a member of the UK and Ireland World Regional Board, and a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). He has also held a number of senior positions within the public and private sector including 10 years with the Department for Education where he led the Property Data Survey Programme, the largest single building surveying programme ever carried out in Europe. This new appointment marks a major step forward for Topscan. The company is best known for its asset services in the office, commercial and public sector, including building and M&E surveying, fire safety, CAD and BIM services for the British Library, Historic Royal Palaces, HM Prison Service, Screwfix, hoteliers, retailers and leading research establishments. Shortly after Anthony joined Topscan, the company was successful in its application to become an RICS registered firm, confirming that the business operates to globally recognised ethical and professional standards. Anthony Walker said: “Topscan is a business that I have admired for many years. It has grown significantly since its CAD service beginnings almost 30 years ago and is now delivering a bigger range of services to clients in healthcare, education, hotel and leisure, retail and many other sectors. I’m really looking forward to driving future growth with new service offerings and working with the team to enhance our existing services to maximise the value we provide. Harnessing technology in the built environment will be a key focus going forward.” Julia Kemp, Managing Director of Topscan, said: “Anthony comes to Topscan at a critical time for our clients, all of whom are looking very closely at how they manage their buildings and facilities for increased safety, health and security in the future. He marries a deep knowledge of proptech practice with project management expertise and many years’ practical experience of surveying major property estates. This creates a very compelling offer for our clients. This unique combination of Anthony’s knowledge, passion and experience will also play a valuable role in building our success and propelling Topscan to the next level on our exciting growth journey.” www.topscan.co.uk
Building work has commenced at The Burgesses in Kinver, paving the way for the construction of 20 new homes for older people. The development is designed for people who want to live independently, with the reassurance of access to care and support provided by Housing Plus Group member Care Plus. Bungalows on the site which were outdated and no longer fit for their original use, have been knocked down to make way for a purpose-built three storey complex of modern, spacious self-contained apartments. A communal social space and roof terrace will also be provided, along with secure car parking. The project has received strong support from residents who previously lived in The Burgesses and from people living in Kinver who may need to move into more suitable retirement living accommodation in the future. Former Burgesses resident, Bev is looking forward to moving back into one of the new homes, “I really hope to be one of the first residents to live in the brand-new apartments. I have been involved right from the very start, so I’m going to enjoy watching my new home being built.” The new homes form part of Housing Plus Group’s ambitious pledge to start to build 2,000 much needed, new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023, helping to tackle the national housing crisis. Head of development at Housing Plus Group Sepp Sargeant said, “This development is a great example of working in partnership to regenerate out-dated housing stock to provide additional high-quality homes, much more suited to current and future housing need.” The new homes are scheduled to be completed late 2021 and will be available for social rent. Matthew Roberts, construction director at SJ Roberts Construction Ltd said “We are delighted to be working with Housing Plus Group on another very prestigious regeneration project. We look forward to providing the homes that this site deserves, being a prime location on Kinver’s High Street. During the build process we will work hard to engage with the community, including the local schools.” Throughout the project, Housing Plus Group has involved the local community and sought their views, including Kinver Parish Council. Parish Councillor Steve Anderson said “I am pleased that work is underway to bring about the new development on the Burgesses site. A lot of work has been undertaken to ensure that the building design complements the High Street and I look forward to the point when we can see new comfortable homes for our residents. The Parish Council will work with partners throughout the construction to ensure minimum disruption for neighbours and local businesses.”
Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed to take over the management of Metis Apartments in Scotland Street, Sheffield. The block of 122 apartments and five commercial units contains ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) cladding similar to the Grenfell Tower, which is due to be replaced under the Government funding. Rendall & Rittner was selected by the First Tier Tribunal to oversee the reinstatement work and the ongoing management of the building because of the company’s expertise, experience and scale that will enable it to deal with the cladding issues at the property. Rendall & Rittner was instrumental in bringing together the group of property managers, building owners and professional bodies that appealed to the government to step up, take action and introduce the Building Safety Fund. Matt Kirk, Northern Divisional Director at Rendall & Rittner comments: “We are delighted to be appointed to manage the recladding of Metis Apartments and work closely with its residents to make their homes safe for the future. We recognise that by appointing us, the First Tier Tribunal is placing responsibility on us to carry out the works promptly and professionally. It will be a huge relief for everyone that lives in the building when this issue is resolved.” “As a business we wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s Building Safety Fund and will be actively pursuing funding on behalf of residents and leaseholders at buildings that we manage that meet the criteria.” Rendall & Rittner is one of the UK’s largest residential property managers with a portfolio of over 70,000 units under management. Founded 30 years ago, the business manages some of the country’s largest and most prominent residential developments, with seven offices across England including its northern division in Manchester. For further information on Rendall & Rittner please visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk.
Glasgow-based housing association the Wheatley Group has been named the UK’s largest builder of social-rented homes. In a newly-released annual new build survey by Inside Housing Magazine, the organisation came first for the fourth consecutive year. The housing, care and property-management group built 601 homes for social rent between April 2019, and March this year. It built a total of 802 affordable homes in this period, including 197 mid-market houses and flats, taking the number of new affordable homes completed in the past five years to 3,578. Wheatley’s ambitious new-build programme has been funded by over £1 billion of private and public investment raised over the past six years. Alistair MacNish, group chairman, said: “We view the title of ‘the UK’s largest builder of social-rented homes’ as a badge of honour. To retain the title for four years in a row is proof of our total commitment to Scottish Government’s More Homes Scotland agenda. It is testimony also to our ongoing commitment to build fuel-efficient, attractive homes across some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas. We are proud our award-winning homes match what the private sector has to offer.” Work is underway or about to start on 30 Wheatley sites across Scotland, from West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow to West Lothian and Edinburgh and from Dumfries to Stranraer under plans to build 5500 affordable homes between now and 2026. Martin Armstrong, Wheatley chief executive, added: “Our quality, energy-efficient homes are changing people’s lives and transforming communities within an ambitious house-building programme that is making a significant contribution to the Scottish economy. As everyone knows, there is ongoing acute need for affordable homes and we are doing our bit and more to tackle this. “The arrival earlier this year of Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership – Scotland’s second largest housing association – into the Wheatley family has enabled us to extend our extensive house-building programme across the south of Scotland. “Now that house building has resumed in Dumfries and Galloway and our sites across the central belt, we are keen to make up for the lost ground caused by the coronavirus crisis.”
Landwood Group’s Commercial Asset Management division is expanding its headcount as it celebrates adding a leading health care provider to its books. The Manchester-based business have been instructed to manage Mental Health Care UK’s portfolio of over 30 sites across North Wales and the North West of England. MHC is one of the UK’s top 50 providers of support to individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, autism, and behaviours that challenge. Landwood will provide full asset and property management services, working closely with the on-site estates team to support MHC in “providing positive outcomes for people” across its residential and health care facilities. “We are delighted and proud to have been selected by MHC to provide Asset Management support for their care business. This draws upon our knowledge of the care sector, our asset management expertise and hands-on approach to property management and we are looking forward to working with the leadership team at MHC,” said Anna Main, Director and Head of Commercial Asset Management at Landwood. It comes as Landwood continues to grow its Commercial Asset Management team with two new recruits following a bumper 2020, which has seen them win a raft of high profile new instructions. Clients include Cervidae who have enlisted them to manage its One Didsbury Point office development in Manchester, Si One multi-let offices in St Ives on behalf of Cambridge Corporate properties, Eastbank Street in Southport, and two further mixed use schemes in Liverpool and Warrington. And to ensure they can continue to deliver the outstanding levels of service that have seen the business grow so quickly, Landwood are on the lookout for experienced Client Accountants to join them. “We’re immensely proud of our recent successes at Landwood. It shows that our determination to go above and beyond for each and every one of our clients is paying off. That’s why we’re on the lookout for the very best Client Accountants who will go that extra mile to deliver results,” concluded Anna Main.
