Leading energy, services and regeneration specialists, ENGIE, has started work on a £9 million project in East Grinstead. The development, named Lingfield Lodge, will comprise of 48 contemporary extra care sheltered apartments, complete with associated communal facilities and landscaping, and will be carried out in partnership with Eldon Housing Association
Energy, services and regeneration specialist, ENGIE held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 29, to mark the commencement of a £2.5 million construction project in Bellshill. The development, in partnership with the Clyde Valley Housing Association, will see derelict land on Hamilton Road transformed into 24 brand new, energy efficient
Being able to afford a home is a symbol of success and since not everyone has the resources to make the purchase, finally having one on your own is an achievement worth celebrating. Your home is one of the greatest rewards you can give to yourself and your family. When
If you’re considering offering rent to own real estate to prospective tenants, or simply renting a house to tenants the traditional way, it’s important to be aware of what’s involved in being a property manager. As it can take up a lot of time, many homeowners choose to hire a
Keeping your living room clean and organized is not just about the aesthetics. After all, it’s a room where you entertain most of your guests, where your family can bond, and where you’re most likely to spend a larger part of your day. With all that in mind, you want
It appears that there is a bewildering gap between the supply and demand of retirement housing. Research by property consultants Bidwells shows there is a current demand for 30,000 new rental retirement homes but only 2,000 have been built. The number for sale is marginally better with a requirement for
Two well-known North East property companies are joining forces in a deal that will create one of the region’s largest independent operations of its kind. The two property companies are Naylors and Gavin Black & Partners, which have decided to come together to form Naylors Gavin Black LLP. The new
Ambitious and talented, Quantity Surveyor Rebecca Freeman has forged a successful career in the housing industry, sparked from her early days working as a lettings negotiator. In 2010, Rebecca joined Watford Community Housing Trust as a repairs administrator. It wasn’t long before her talent and dedication were noticed, and she
Mainstay Group has announced the acquisition of a national property management portfolio, spanning London, Nottingham and Wallasey. The portfolio, formerly managed by Keith Perry Chartered Surveyors, officially transitioned to Mainstay on 1 July 2019 and will continue to be overseen jointly by Mainstay and Keith for the next 12 months.
A building is a place where you do business, work, live, or play. Read more about buildings in this link. This is an asset that will serve you for a lot of years if proper maintenance or preservation is followed. When you are doing business, you will make the impression
Leading energy, services and regeneration specialists, ENGIE, has started work on a £9 million project in East Grinstead. The development, named Lingfield Lodge, will comprise of 48 contemporary extra care sheltered apartments, complete with associated communal facilities and landscaping, and will be carried out in partnership with Eldon Housing Association in addition to local charitable providers. Work is set to be completed in January 2021, with the scheme aiming to provide a better standard of affordable housing and facilities for residents and the community, with ENGIE working in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council through Eldon Housing Association. The site, located in East Grinstead, saw the demolition of the existing apartments to make way for the new modern facilities. Simon Lacey, Regional Managing Director at ENGIE, commented: “It’s great to be involved in a project that will make a real difference to residents’ living standards with brand new apartments and the development of communal areas. “The project will see us make the most efficient use of the land, without disrupting existing amenities in the surrounding area. It’s an exciting project, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact providing 100% affordable homes will have on the local area.” Working in conjunction with FUSE Architects, ENGIE plans to build a variety of high quality properties, ranging from 1 – 2 bedroom appartments. For further information on ENGIE, visit www.engie.co.uk/places
Energy, services and regeneration specialist, ENGIE held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 29, to mark the commencement of a £2.5 million construction project in Bellshill. The development, in partnership with the Clyde Valley Housing Association, will see derelict land on Hamilton Road transformed into 24 brand new, energy efficient affordable homes; eight one-bedroom cottages and 16 two-bedroom cottage flats across six blocks. The aim of the project is to help regenerate the area, enhancing its visual appeal, in addition to bringing life to brownfield land. The infrastructure works will ensure the new homes will be energy efficient and affordable – placing local residents and businesses at the heart of the project. Regional Managing Director of ENGIE’s Places & Communities division, Brian Pettigrew, commented, “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the new project in Bellshill, we’re excited to kick-start the scheme, especially as the town plays host to ENGIE’s regional offices. “We strongly believe that by using a local workforce, we can engage the local community and offer employment and training opportunities, in addition to working with our local partners to identify groups that would benefit from ENGIE’s support. “We’re keen to be working in partnership with Clyde Valley Housing Association, and to have the opportunity to transform the disused space into energy-efficient homes which will benefit the local community.” Allan Murray, chairperson of CVHA said, “We are pleased to be delivering these 24 properties in partnership with ENGIE. There is strong demand for properties across North Lanarkshire and in particular within Bellshill and this development will go some way in meeting local need.” Work on the 24 new homes on Hamilton Road is expected to be completed in April 2020.
Being able to afford a home is a symbol of success and since not everyone has the resources to make the purchase, finally having one on your own is an achievement worth celebrating. Your home is one of the greatest rewards you can give to yourself and your family. When you have your own home, you can guarantee your family’s comfort and safety. Although an important investment, there will come a time when selling your home is a better option than continually keeping it. Regardless of the financial investment you’ve put into buying your home, choosing to sell it can actually provide more benefits. To drive the point home, listed below are the advantages you can enjoy once you decide to sell your home: 1. Professional Services Having a strong background on what homebuyers want and how the competitors are hauling in buyers are essential to selling your home fast. However, you don’t have to exert too much time and effort in learning all of these things as there are professional services that can help you sell your home, such as: We-buy-houses companies: Companies such as Nexus Homebuyers buy your home for cash as-is. When you choose to work with a we-buy-houses company such as www.cashfortxhousesnow.com, you won’t have to pay for any renovations or repairs before you can earn a profit for your home. Real estate agents: These professionals will take over all of the responsibilities when selling your home. They will accurately price your home, organize a successful open house, make your home attractive in the local real estate industry, and negotiate with potential homebuyers. Home inspectors: Home inspectors will assess the overall condition of your home and identify its value. Hiring home inspectors will make it easy for you to properly price your home. When you choose to sell your home, you can maximize the professional services offered by these businesses and individuals. Their presence in the local real estate industry will allow you to sell your home in the easiest way possible while earning a profit. 2. Earn Money The home selling process is demanding, but homeowners like you are willing to go through this process because of one reason—to get cash. Selling your home is usually an option when you’re in a situation that requires immediate cash. Although your home is an important investment, emergencies can happen in life that can require you to shift your focus and change your priorities. For example, if you or your family members are involved in a vehicular accident and money is required to pay for the hospitalization bills and therapies, selling your home can be your first course of action. This is especially true if you don’t have any savings or if your savings aren’t enough to pay for all such costs. Aside from accidents, selling your home is the easiest option to get cash if you are experiencing debt or bankruptcy, divorce, or death of a family member. 3. Meet Family Demands Life is unpredictable as a lot of things can change over the years. You might be living alone in your home today, but after a few years, you’ll be moving to another home with your spouse or decide to stay in your current home to support a growing family. Selling your home allows you to meet the ever-changing demands of your family. For example, the home you currently live in might be enough for you and for your spouse, but your needs can change as your family starts to grow. When you sell your home, you can dispose of a property that is no longer sufficient for your family’s needs and lifestyles, and earn enough money to buy a new home perfect for your new family. By selling your home, you can choose to upgrade or downgrade to provide better comfort and safety for the entire family. Living in a home that’s just right for your family can also help you save money from paying for expensive household bills and unnecessary home renovations. 4. Seize Opportunities The financial investment you’ve put into buying a home is one of the reasons why you’re hesitant to seize opportunities. Because the home you purchased is too expensive, you have no choice but to stay in your current location in order to maximize your investment. Things will be different once you choose to sell your home. Since you can still earn money from your investment, leaving your home and flying to another country to seize more opportunities won’t seem like a very tough decision. Although you’re no longer living in your home, you still earn money, so your investment won’t feel like a complete waste of money. Carefully Consider Options If you’re convinced that selling your home is indeed beneficial, start deciding how you’re going to sell it. You can choose to work with businesses or professionals who can make the home selling process easier or shorter for you or opt to sell your home on your own. Have the time to carefully compare all of your options and weigh their pros and cons. You should be able to sell your home in the most convenient way possible while allowing you to earn the highest return on investment.
If you’re considering offering rent to own real estate to prospective tenants, or simply renting a house to tenants the traditional way, it’s important to be aware of what’s involved in being a property manager. As it can take up a lot of time, many homeowners choose to hire a property manager to handle the job for them, which may be charged at a flat fee or a percentage of the rent, typically between 4% and 12% of the gross monthly rent. A property manager does it all when it comes to managing a property, just some of the many responsibilities he or she takes care of includes the following. Assessing the Property and Recommending Rent Rates The property manager will ask the homeowner questions in order to recommend the rent price and search for the right tenant. They’ll determine whether the home needs any repairs or upgrades, if pets will be accepted or if there are any other criteria that the right tenant needs to meet. Marketing the Home Once the home is ready for tenants to move in, the property manager will take high-quality pictures and then start marketing it to find the best possible fit in the shortest amount of time. They’ll do a lot more than simply post the rental on Craigslist – they’ll generate leads through a variety of methods, including social media and other advertising, in a way that makes the home sound the most appealing. Tenant Screening One of the most difficult aspects of finding reliable tenants is tenant screening. The manager will handle all calls, emails, and applications, perform a range of background checks like rental history, employment, credit, and criminal lists while also making sure everything is conducted in compliance with fair housing and discrimination laws to protect the owner from any housing discrimination claims. They’ll also have to give prospective tenants a walkthrough of the property. Collecting Security Deposits and Rent Once the property manager finds the right applicant, they’ll recommend the prospective tenant to the homeowner for approval. Once approved they’ll collect the security deposit and hold it in an escrow account so that the funds won’t be co-mingled. They’ll also collect the rent, including both the first and last month’s rent if applicable. When the tenant moves in, the property manager will continue to collect the rent, handle any late payments and other potential financial problems, such as communicating with the tenant if the rent is overdue. Some property managers can help homeowners get their rent payments faster by allowing tenants to pay online and then transferring those funds into their bank accounts. Maintenance and Repairs The property manager is usually responsible for maintenance and repairs. The homeowner may provide money that can be used for emergencies like a broken refrigerator which is held in a maintenance reserve fund. In some cases they may take care of things like lawn mowing and leaf removal is the tenant isn’t designated to take care of those issues. Evictions and Move-Outs If the tenant fails to pay rent or breaks other rules, regulations or laws, the property manager will handle the eviction process, as well as ensure the policy is clearly stated in the rental agreement. When tenants move out, they’ll handle the walkthrough and determine which if any repairs are needed that go beyond normal wear and tear. They’ll be responsible for ensuring the repairs are fixed and everything is clean for the next tenant.
Keeping your living room clean and organized is not just about the aesthetics. After all, it’s a room where you entertain most of your guests, where your family can bond, and where you’re most likely to spend a larger part of your day. With all that in mind, you want everybody to feel comfortable in it, and for that to happen, it has to be clean, functional, and easy on the eyes. So, to help you keep your living room organized and tidy, here are a few tips you should follow. Keep things off the flat surfaces Papers, magazines, remotes, pens, and other smaller items can easily make your flat surfaces messy. So, make sure everything in your home has its designated spot when not in use – and make it a habit to return everything to its spot when you’re done using it. So, for your papers and magazines, you should have files or magazine holders, and for your pens, you should add some pen holders or even mugs. You can easily find storage solutions that can serve as decoration as well, and it’s also something you can be creative with if you like DIY projects. Think about multifunctional items Speaking of having a designated spot for all your items, to have that, you need to actually have enough free spots. So, when choosing your furniture, opt for pieces that double as storage. For example, your coffee table should have some storage underneath for things like remotes, coasters, and other things you need around the table. You can also find armchairs and sofas with hidden storage underneath in case your living room is a bit smaller and you could use that extra space. Use the vertical space Another way to make use of all the available space is to install some vertical storage. This way, you would not be wasting any space, and you wouldn’t have to overcrowd the horizontal space with storage solutions either. Whether you use the top shelves for decorations, books, or plants, it’s bound to come in handy. Make it brighter and fresher Darker spaces naturally look less clean, so in order for your home to look cleaner, make sure it is well lit. Open your windows to let in as much natural light as you can, and layer your light sources so no corner is left in the dark. Additionally, if you happen to be a smoker, or if your guests often smoke in your living room, consider getting one of the quality air purifiers for smoke. By getting one, you’d remove any smoke particles from the air, and the room would actually feel much cleaner too. Plus, this kind of purifier can be especially useful in winter when it’s simply too cold to open the windows, so it really is a must. Add a wastebasket The living room is not where people usually have a trashcan. However, if you happen to have kids who like to snack in front of the TV, if there are paper scraps around for one reason or another, or if you have pets in the living room that can sometimes make a mess, consider adding a wastebasket. Moreover, you can find wastebaskets in different styles, so you can always pick one that looks modern and would not break the aesthetic flow of your living room. Tidy up in the morning Organization is a lot about your living room layout, but it’s also about your personal habits. If you are not used to cleaning your living room, no matter how much storage you have, the clutter will inevitably accumulate. So, make it a habit to spend 10-15 min every morning just cleaning up a bit, putting things where they should be, and maybe putting away those glasses that you forgot on the table last night. It’s a great way to avoid creating a mess, and it can be a great mood booster as well. Your living room is where you, your family, and your friends will probably spend most of your time together, so you really want it to leave a good impression. After all, your home is a representation of you, so you should keep it clean and organized. To do that, follow the listed suggestions, and you should never again have any trouble with clutter or dust.
It appears that there is a bewildering gap between the supply and demand of retirement housing. Research by property consultants Bidwells shows there is a current demand for 30,000 new rental retirement homes but only 2,000 have been built. The number for sale is marginally better with a requirement for 30,000 and have built 8,000. As attitudes towards senior and retirement living are changing, Mike Derbyshire, Head of Planning at Bidwells goes into some of the reasons why it is time to bring policy agenda for senior living housing, out of retirement: Changing attitudes to senior housing Landowners and land promoters are now taking a keen interest in this market and having to recognise the Oliver Letwin report whilst also acknowledging the desire of Lasting power of attorney (LPAs) to speed up delivery. Previously, local authorities have been single issue entities. Most of the discussions within any authority in the South East are about the quantum of affordable housing and how much social rent can be provided. Everything else is simply lip service. The need for more senior living is undeniable but is mainly ignored along with the myriad of benefits that would follow. Retirement living leads to revitalising town centres One reason to provide more retirement living is that it can lead to the revitalisation of town centres and provide new and wonderful opportunities for policy makers that actively encourage senior living in town centres. These include accessibility to services, public transport and leisure – all of which are the key motivators for downsizers. Following the event, the government issued what was headlined as a significant update to the NPPF housing for older and disabled people. However, the update, which was nothing more than a generic list not fit to solve a growing healthcare crisis, left LPAs with the decision of whether to provide provision or not. One of the key issues relates to suitable housing and care. This is one of the greatest challenges the UK will face over the coming years and has been the subject of multiple studies and a recent Select Committee report. At present only a fraction of older households live in senior housing despite research finding far more people are interested in such options than actually live in them. This is an issue for the individuals involved, their families and capacity in the wider housing market. There are no short term fixes and the unfolding position will require we engage with alternative housing and lifestyles personally, but more importantly will demand change in fiscal structures and institutional initiative to drive new financing models for the future. According to the research, there are currently 12 million people over 65 in the UK with accelerating growth in these numbers over the coming years as healthcare advances progress. Official population forecasts suggest that there could be another 8.6 million by 2066, with more people living well into their 90s or beyond. Nearly 75% of the over 65s in the UK are homeowners and therefore any intervention to support the senior housing sector needs to tackle the issues facing this growing cohort of the population. The need for radical solutions for an emerging senior housing crisis is critical. The forecasts estimated the number of senior household (65+) over the coming 25 years will be equivalent to the household base of Inner London. Over the same period there will be an estimated five-fold increase in owner occupied specialised housing senior housing demand. This clearly presents opportunities for the senior developer and care sector but will depend on a fit for purpose fiscal and investment backdrop.
Two well-known North East property companies are joining forces in a deal that will create one of the region’s largest independent operations of its kind. The two property companies are Naylors and Gavin Black & Partners, which have decided to come together to form Naylors Gavin Black LLP. The new entity will commence trading with immediate effect and comprise a combined team of 38. Established in 1990, Naylors is appointed on the likes of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), VAUX, Integra 61 and The Biosphere. Gavin Black and Partners is retained by a number of property occupiers such as Vertu Motors, Leeds Building Society, Network Rail, Sumo Digital and British Engines. The new company is looking to build on the success of the pair’s high profile agency teams. Gavin Black, Chris Pearson and Martyn Collins of Gavin Black & Partners will be joining Angus White, Fergus Laird, Keith Stewart and Chris Donabie of Naylors as equity partners. “The new business is driven by the mutual desire of both firms to be a market leader by reputation, underpinned by our shared values and clear focus on client service,” said Gavin Black. “Both offer complementary service lines and expertise making this a logical and attractive partnership. Coming together allows us to combine areas of strength to provide a broader range of services and greater depth of knowledge to our clients,” Gavin added. Angus White, who will be taking on the role of managing partner, also added: “Our strategic priority is the creation of one regional market-leading organisation, offering the highest standards in client service across all sectors. Together, we will have an unrivalled presence in the North East business space market, taking a leading role in the region’s flagship schemes.” The integration of the two businesses will commence imminently, with Gavin Black & Partners relocating to Naylors’ head office in Newcastle.
Ambitious and talented, Quantity Surveyor Rebecca Freeman has forged a successful career in the housing industry, sparked from her early days working as a lettings negotiator. In 2010, Rebecca joined Watford Community Housing Trust as a repairs administrator. It wasn’t long before her talent and dedication were noticed, and she was offered the role of junior surveyor. In 2014, Rebecca decided that it was time to go back into education to study Building Surveying at the University of Westminster. It was during her second year of studying that she came across the Women in Property Awards and with that her future employer, Linden Homes. Rebecca’s university lecturer nominated her to take part in the Women in Property Student Awards, which not only did she win the South East division, but also landed her a new role with a top-10 housebuilder, Linden Homes. Rebecca explained: “It was during my presentation that I met the managing director for Linden Homes Chiltern. I was absolutely thrilled when he approached me afterwards and offered me a role as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. I’d known about Linden Homes for some time due to their national reputation and some developments that were taking place near me”. Since joining Linden Homes, Rebecca’s career has gone from strength to strength. She’s recently graduated from university with a first-class honours degree. Rebecca said: “It was fantastic to graduate with a first, especially whilst juggling a family and a full-time job, Linden Homes have been fantastic with supporting me through my degree”. Rebecca has since been promoted to the role of quantity surveyor, “I’m now running two sites on my own and I’m in the process of procuring a further two sites, which I’ll work on from the outset. I’ll now be working with the planning and construction teams, seeing the plans evolve and then eventually overseeing the build”. Speaking about the next steps in her career, Rebecca commented: “I’m really excited to see my first projects through from the initial land buying, to watching our customers move in. But in terms of further training I’m looking to do my Assessment of Professional Competence and become a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, which I’m looking to get started by the end of 2019. It can be a lengthy process, but it took me five years to complete my degree, so patience is something I’m used to!”.
Mainstay Group has announced the acquisition of a national property management portfolio, spanning London, Nottingham and Wallasey. The portfolio, formerly managed by Keith Perry Chartered Surveyors, officially transitioned to Mainstay on 1 July 2019 and will continue to be overseen jointly by Mainstay and Keith for the next 12 months. It comprises substantial apartment blocks in Stoke Newington, Bloomsbury, and Bethnal Green, London, together with three smaller schemes in Nottingham, and the iconic Portland Court block, on the Wirral. Charles Lucas, Technical Director at Mainstay, said: “I’m very pleased to share the news of Mainstay’s latest acquisition, which forms a key part of our accelerated growth plans. “We felt it was important that Keith assists us with the onboarding process; he’ll be able to bring his wealth of experience and invaluable technical expertise, ensuring a smooth transition as we begin to welcome our new clients, and customers to Mainstay. “Mainstay is perfectly placed to handle the management of this national portfolio, as our team has a wide geographical spread and expert knowledge with high levels of customer service throughout our teams. We’re excited to build on the excellent service Keith has already provided, and bring the Mainstay experience to this new customer base. We look forward to continuing and sustaining the company’s growth in line with our 2020 corporate strategy and beyond and ensuring Mainstay properties are embedded into the wider communities they are present in”. The news comes hot on the heels of Mainstay’s recent appointments on the landmark Hallsville Quarter scheme in Canning Town, and Salford’s luxury Downtown development. Established in 2000, Mainstay was founded by Glyn Miles, Graham Donaldson and Andrew Tilly and now employs 726 people. With this latest acquisition, Mainstay will manage in excess of 80,000 homes UK-wide. The business is headquartered in Worcester however operates across the country – with schemes in Manchester, Nottingham, London and more in its portfolio. This year alone, Mainstay is on track to turnover a record-breaking £25.9 million in line with their 2020 corporate strategy.
A building is a place where you do business, work, live, or play. Read more about buildings in this link. This is an asset that will serve you for a lot of years if proper maintenance or preservation is followed. When you are doing business, you will make the impression to your customers, investors, and competitors that you observe proper cleanliness and hygiene when you regularly schedule cleanings. As a building owner you won’t to scrub several floors every minute of the day as you can always get the service of building maintenance companies to do those for you. Building maintenance is important because weather elements such as rain or ultraviolet rays of the sun can make the walls deteriorate easily. If you are a hospital facility, you need to pass the regular inspection of the government and other health organizations. You can prevent dilapidation, broken glasses, and loosened tiles when there’s regular maintenance. Maintenance is a necessary investment especially if you want to excel over your competitors, make your employees feel safe, and make a good first impression. You can also avoid unnecessary costs such as injuries due to damaged roofs or walls, repairs, and loss of profits when you have reliable maintenance staff working for you. Here are other reasons why maintenance is good for your business. Maintenance is important, but so are materials. If you go to the Materials Market, you will be able to get what you need. Why Get Maintenance? Save on Staff Employment Costs Asking your staff to scrub the whole facility on top of their work can be too much especially if you own a big building. They will be unhappy because they might need to do overtime. They will not perform well when they feel that they have to work for something that they did not sign up for. In addition to this, you need to pay them overtime wages, pay for the cost of training, and buy special equipment that is tailor-made for cleaning. This can blow up your expenses in a month. On the other hand, hiring building maintenance services that are in the business of cleaning huge facilities will help you a lot. You maintain cleanliness at all times. You don’t need to train them because they are already trained for the job, and they have their own equipment. When your employees see that you make an effort to have a clean environment, they can work more efficiently and will stay longer in the office. Outsourced Cleaning Companies have the Right Skills and Tools Whether it is for carpets, floors, or windows, outsourced companies have the right microfiber cloth or sanitizing wands that are great for removing allergens and germs. Expect to walk in an office where you can see gleaming floors, soft carpets, clear windows, and polished doorknobs. Some companies can guarantee you an excellent service whether you are in the manufacturing industry or you are maintaining an office space. The right skills of workers will save you lots of stress and hassles in the long run. Walking in a spotless lobby first thing in the morning will be worth the investment. The orderly and neat fashion that you can get from trained staff and a reputable cleaning company will allow your business to flourish. Daily Cleaning Service With building maintenance, you don’t have to worry about trash, dirty comfort rooms, or dusty chairs. The trash is removed every day, so you won’t have to worry about flies inside your establishment. They clean common areas such as lounges, dining rooms, elevators, stairwells, offices, and a lot more. Every corner is cleaned and there are inaccessible areas that they can reach through their tools. You can hire them to do the cleaning daily. This ensures that you will have welcoming lounges, spotless dining rooms, and vacuumed carpets every single day. You can read more about vacuums here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_cleaner. Your employees or the tenants will appreciate it a lot if the building is well-kept. The Bottom Line A clean working environment is what you need for your business to flourish. Maintaining your building will keep it looking new and it will last longer. An injury-free workplace is an advantage because it will invite clients, investors, and other people who are interested in what you have to offer in your business. You only have one space. Make it pleasing to the eye and boost your employee productivity while you are at it. Hire the best cleaning company today!