A formal planning application has now been submitted to West Lothian Council to create a major new park on the site of the historic Winchburgh Brickworks. Daisy Park, which is part of the approved masterplan for Winchburgh, sits adjacent to the Union Canal and the new marina in the heart
First roll-out of ‘smart grid’ technology by a major developer on a gas-free site Latest innovation by St. Modwen to deliver greener, carbon-free homes West Midlands Mayor Andy Street welcomes “innovative green homes of the future” St. Modwen, a leading developer of new communities and high-quality homes, plans to deliver
Almost £6 billion has been given out in discounts through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme since the size of the discount was increased in 2012, new analysis by the Local Government Association reveals. The LGA, which represents more than 350 councils in England and Wales, warns that the scheme
BUILD-TO-RENT(BTR) specialist Wise Living, in partnership with developer Strata Homes, has recently launched its first development in East Yorkshire. This adds to Wise Living’s expanding portfolio in Northern England – with homes already in Birkenhead and coming soon to Rotherham. As UK house prices hit a record high for a fifth
Plans for a new canal side community have taken a significant step forward this week after the selection of a developer Following a rigorous selection process, Stroud District Council has chosen St. Modwen Homes to take the ambitious project forward in partnership with the council. Initial work will start behind
The launch of Barratt David Wilson Homes’ new Ryebank Gate development on Drove Lane marks the beginning of a £4 million investment pledge from the housebuilder to the local community in Yapton. The development will contribute 300 homes to the local housing market, with 30% of these being affordable and
A Yorkshire firm of engineers is seeing strong growth in the residential development sector as it continues to expand its operations and secure new work outside the region. RWO, based in Park Square in Leeds, has won undisclosed contracts to supply civil and structural engineering services to support the multi-million-pound
45 million square feet of commercial property is built annually in the UK. Commercial building designers aren’t going out of business any time soon – unless they fail to provide functional and attractive designs. As well as ensuring that their designs are attractive and functional for businesses and commercial customers,
Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment announces the launch of “Project Spur”, a single family Built to Rent (“BTR”) portfolio of around 1,200 homes across 10 of its development sites. Harworth is today publishing marketing materials for the scheme, which represents
Buying a home is a long and tiresome process. Regardless of the current market conditions, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that come into it. However, a few well-hidden secrets can make the whole affair much more manageable. With their help, you could find
A formal planning application has now been submitted to West Lothian Council to create a major new park on the site of the historic Winchburgh Brickworks. Daisy Park, which is part of the approved masterplan for Winchburgh, sits adjacent to the Union Canal and the new marina in the heart of the Winchburgh community. The designs for Daisy Park have been heavily influenced by the local community. They respect and reflect the historic brickworks as well as retaining major areas of biodiversity. The park will also include a wild learning garden and viewing points across to the Forth bridges. Daisy Park will become a central meeting place for and provide connections across the whole of the community by footpaths and cycle paths. Connecting directly onto the Union Canal, it can be easily used as a stop-off for those cycling the wider canal network. John Hamilton, Chief Executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, commented: “This isn’t just another new park for the community. Its design has been significantly influenced by the community too. The plans have been subject to extensive consultation and the proposals that are going in for approval reflect the feedback that we had from many Winchburgh residents. Some of the locals still remember the brickworks when it was operational and we know many of them are looking forward to seeing the old industrial site take on a new lease of life.” The planning application can be viewed by searching for ‘daisy’ on the West Lothian Council planning portal. The extensive public consultation report detailing the full engagement and feedback activities are part of the submission. As part of the plans, Winchburgh will welcome adventure waterpark operators, Wild Shore, to the site. Wild Shore – which already operates in Dundee, Delamere (Cheshire), Liverpool and New Brighton – is set to develop a new facility within the park and create a major water-based visitor attraction. The people behind Wild Shore also operate Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian. The park will become home to award-winning water adventure activities including cable wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and for the first time in Scotland – their unique floating ropes course over water – Aqua Chimp. The facilities will also include changing rooms and a café. Callum Mark, Director, Wild Shore, said: “‘We are delighted that the planning application has been submitted. The community consultation has been an invaluable exercise in gaining a unique insight into the village’s history, exciting future and the strong community driving expansion and change. We have been blown away by the support the project has received and can’t wait to start working with local schools, youth groups, voluntary organisations and the wider community to create a truly special facility for Winchburgh and beyond.” Wild Shore Winchburgh will manage the quarry water under a 30-year agreement with Winchburgh Developments. It will be easily accessible within one hour for more than half of the Scottish population, especially with new junction connecting local roads with the M9 expected to be completed early next year. Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest placemaking projects currently underway in the UK delivering at least 3,800 homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, schools and outdoor spaces. Any enquiries should be directed to Penny Lochhead, Community, Sports and Greenspace Manager on 07802 500991 or penny@winchburghdevelopments.com. Callum Mark, Director, Wild Shore Winchburgh, 07507 331535 callum@wildshore.co.uk Planning application: https://planning.westlothian.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RFEYCYRJH4I00 The full design boards from the consultation can be seen at www.winchburghgreenspaces.co.uk The artist impressions are courtesy of Optimised Environments Ltd (OPEN).
First roll-out of ‘smart grid’ technology by a major developer on a gas-free site Latest innovation by St. Modwen to deliver greener, carbon-free homes West Midlands Mayor Andy Street welcomes “innovative green homes of the future” St. Modwen, a leading developer of new communities and high-quality homes, plans to deliver up to 350 new all-electric homes on the historic MG Rover site that was once home to the MINI in Birmingham. Powered by a dedicated ‘smart grid’, electricity will be supplied and tracked across a network of homes to ensure this first phase of homes will be 100% gas-free. The innovation is believed to be the first to be used by a major developer as St. Modwen continues to pioneer sustainable new ways to build and power homes. The smart grid design is being developed alongside SNRG, specialists in next generation energy infrastructure. This latest move follows the launch earlier in 2022 of St. Modwen’s first carbon-negative homes, a landmark trial that makes homes so airtight that they can return power to the UK grid. By using the latest construction techniques and embracing new renewable technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps, the carbon-negative homes are designed to produce more energy than they consume and could reduce a family’s total energy bills by 76%1 when compared with a standard new-build house. Aspects of this trial will be deployed in the new electric homes and in turn across all new developments by St. Modwen as carbon-reducing technology becomes standard. Sarwjit Sambhi, CEO of St. Modwen, said: “Every organisation needs to be taking steps to deliver more sustainable products and services, but at St. Modwen we have taken leaps by introducing carbon-negative homes and smart-grid powered developments. We’re proving that greener homes can be delivered at commercial scale, something which is not just the right thing for the environment but also allows us to meet the demand of our customers.” Caroline Hill, Managing Director, Europe, Head of Real Estate ESG at Blackstone, added: “This initiative demonstrates the role innovation can play in creating the greener, more sustainable homes we need for the future. Supporting our portfolio companies to be innovative is at the heart of what we do, and we hope it will lead to similar pioneering practices being adopted at scale and across different sectors.” Outline planning was secured for the Longbridge site in 2021 for a total of 350 new homes. Detailed planning for the first phase is currently with the local authority, meaning new homes are expected to be built by St. Modwen Homes from the Autumn 2022. Wider development delivering 1000s of homes and jobs The vast site in South Birmingham is boosting the local economy, with 7,500 new jobs expected over the coming years in Longbridge. Adjacent to the new electric homes, work has started to create a large veterinary hospital, creating over 100 new full-time jobs. Further new employers are anticipated to move to the area, including a global science business, as it becomes more established as a leading hub for science and technology, medicine, advanced manufacturing and R&D. The site has been made possible following £20 million of infrastructure investment in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Longbridge has been extensively regenerated with homes, retail, education and green spaces delivered to date. On completion of the regeneration, St. Modwen plans to create a total of 3,000 new homes, 2 million sq ft of commercial floorspace and up to 10,000 jobs at Longbridge. Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority, added: “I congratulate St. Modwen on building the innovative green homes of the future right here in our region. These new homes will be wonderful places to live, boost energy efficiency and affordability and help us to tackle the climate emergency. Longbridge is a brilliant example that points the way to a more sustainable future for the West Midlands – fast becoming a fantastic hub from which to live, work and play as well as creating high quality job opportunities for our local residents along the way. I’m pleased the West Midlands Combined Authority has been able to play its part – investing over £6m at Longbridge. I wish the scheme continued success.”
Almost £6 billion has been given out in discounts through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme since the size of the discount was increased in 2012, new analysis by the Local Government Association reveals. The LGA, which represents more than 350 councils in England and Wales, warns that the scheme is becoming unsustainable, with councils struggling to rebuild homes as quickly as they are being sold. The size of the discounts available were increased in April 2012, and as a result the average discount has increased by 150 per cent to more than £67,000 in 2020/21. At the same time, this has led to a quadrupling in the number of Right to Buy Sales. Councils are also not able to keep all of the money from RTB sales. This means that they have only been able to replace around a third of homes sold since 2012, impacting on their ability to provide housing for homeless and vulnerable families. While Right to Buy has helped many families get on the housing ladder, the LGA said the scheme faces an uncertain future unless councils are given the flexibility to set discounts locally and retain 100 per cent of sales receipts to fund the replacement of homes sold off under the scheme. Councils also need to be able to combine RTB receipts with government grant funding, such as the Affordable Homes Programme, and transfer funding from sales to ALMOs or housing companies to give them greater flexibility over how new council housing is delivered. Cllr David Renard, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “Councils want to urgently address the number of people on waiting lists for a council home and stuck in temporary accommodation. At a time of an escalating cost of living crisis, we urgently need to build more council homes, not have less. “It is becoming impossible for councils to replace homes as quickly as they’re being sold and they are increasingly having to do so with far less money than the property sells for because of discounts being offered. “Every home sold that isn’t replaced risks pushing more families into the private rented sector, driving up housing benefit spending and rents and exacerbating our homelessness crisis. “Right to Buy continues to enable many families to achieve their dream of getting on the housing ladder and owning their own home. However, without reform of the scheme, future generations will not enjoy the same opportunity.”
BUILD-TO-RENT(BTR) specialist Wise Living, in partnership with developer Strata Homes, has recently launched its first development in East Yorkshire. This adds to Wise Living’s expanding portfolio in Northern England – with homes already in Birkenhead and coming soon to Rotherham. As UK house prices hit a record high for a fifth consecutive month, the new Dream development of 50 BTR homes provides much needed private rental accommodation in an area where many struggle to buy or choose not to. With modern two, three and four-bed options, all located within proximity to Hull city centre, good schools, and Leeds Bradford Airport – Wise Living and Strata Homes have catered for young professionals and families alike. Mark Gratton, Land & Partnerships Director at Wise Living, said: “This continued expansion in Northern England demonstrates our success in finding the best locations for our high quality BTR homes. We have carefully matched the Dream Hull development to the needs of the local area and now we are pleased to have reservations open for the community in Hull to secure their new home. “We continue to see increasing interest in the BTR market, from investors, developers and tenants. This interest stems from how buoyant the BTR market is and its projected growth. Our tenants also value our proposition for various reasons, from the quality of the homes through to the community events we facilitate, alongside the assurance of having a professional landlord so that they can enjoy their home without the worry of it being sold or not having issues resolved quickly.” Gemma Smith, managing director at Strata adds: “Dream is the first phase of a large regeneration development in Hull and brings together homes for sale, properties to rent and new council housing. “Our aim was to design a new community that would offer something for everyone and improve the lives of generations to come. The demand for the homes has been really strong, we are looking forward to see this multi tenure development flourish over the coming years.” For more information about Wise Living and Dream Hull, visit: www.wiselivinghomes.co.uk/locations/hull/dream/
Plans for a new canal side community have taken a significant step forward this week after the selection of a developer Following a rigorous selection process, Stroud District Council has chosen St. Modwen Homes to take the ambitious project forward in partnership with the council. Initial work will start behind the scenes next month on transforming the former industrial site into a new waterside community including more than 150 new sustainable homes, 30% of which will be affordable housing. The development will also include public spaces, commercial, retail, leisure, community, and business facilities and the restoration of the canal basin which was infilled after the Second World War. “This is an important and exciting low carbon development for Brimscombe, the Golden Valley and the wider district,” said Council Leader Catherine Braun. “The developer will be following Building with Nature standards in line with our 2030 strategy for a more sustainable future.” Deputy Council Leader, Natalie Bennett, welcomed the news: “We want this development to be at the heart of Brimscombe.” She said. “It should, and will, provide a sustainable community for future generations.” Ward Councillor Beki Aldam said: “Our vision for ‘an exemplar and sustainable community, integrated with the existing surroundings’ is really taking shape now and we are looking forward to seeing all the hard work by so many coming to fruition. I look forward to the upcoming public meeting, and seeing how the developer will further engage with our community as the project progresses.” Jeremy Attwater, Regional Managing Director for South at St. Modwen Homes said they are excited about the next steps: “This is a fantastic project and we are delighted to have been chosen to take this forward. Even as a brownfield site, we see so much potential to create something truly special for the community and the wider district. “We will retain the heritage buildings, including the Listed stone-built Port Mill and Salt Warehouse and we are keen to ensure the new development is sympathetic to its surroundings. We have strong experience in the local and wider area and will be ensuring nearby labour is deployed throughout the development.” St. Modwen Homes will now draw up a detailed planning application for the redevelopment proposals which will include public consultation over the coming months, starting with a public meeting on Wednesday 10 August 2022 between 2.30pm and 8.00pm at Brimscombe Port Mill, Suite 5 West Suite, First Floor. To find out more on the Brimscombe Port pages of our website
The launch of Barratt David Wilson Homes’ new Ryebank Gate development on Drove Lane marks the beginning of a £4 million investment pledge from the housebuilder to the local community in Yapton. The development will contribute 300 homes to the local housing market, with 30% of these being affordable and consisting of a variety of two and three-bedroom properties. As part of the development’s S106 Agreement, the funds will be distributed across local services as agreed with the local council, including £2 million towards the expansion of the Yapton Church of England Primary School, over £1.5 million towards Phase Two of a new secondary school for Arun and over £300,000 to NHS Yapton healthcare facilities. The housebuilder will also contribute nearly £1 million towards local infrastructure, including provision of the Yapton to Barnham cycle route cycleway. Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Southern Counites comments, “Ryebank Gate offers our buyers the best of both worlds, being ideal for commuters with easy access to key road links, but still feeling like a village escape away from urban hubs. Our pledge of over £4million will be put towards healthcare, education and transport, supporting both the existing and incoming communities and boosting the local economy. “We are also committed to building smarter and more efficient housing that will be a sustainable investment for our buyers – our homes have the potential to be up to 57% cheaper to run, compared to an updated Victorian equivalent.[1] We are aware that our buyers are also looking at our green credentials, and as a responsible housebuilder we are implementing long-term pledges to support our energy-efficient properties in the market including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”[2] Located under four miles from the beach and two miles from the South Downs, Ryebank Gate is ideally positioned to keep the family entertained with outdoor activities. For those looking to escape to more urban hubs, Chichester, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis are also only a few miles away providing plenty of retail therapy and a varied selection of food outlets. A selection of four-bedroom homes are now available, with appointments to view the show homes currently held at Ecclesden Park development, only a twenty-minute drive away, due to the remote nature of the launch. Prices for a four-bedroom detached property at Ryebank Gate start from £624,995. For further details about Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties or the new homes at Ryebank Gate call 0333 3558 499 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk. [1] https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev-001107-ryebank-gate—barratt-homes/ [2] https://www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk/media/media-releases/pr-2020/pr-29-06-20
A Yorkshire firm of engineers is seeing strong growth in the residential development sector as it continues to expand its operations and secure new work outside the region. RWO, based in Park Square in Leeds, has won undisclosed contracts to supply civil and structural engineering services to support the multi-million-pound development of more than 900 new homes in North Yorkshire and the Midlands. The move will see the firm work on over 450 new-build properties for Avant Homes’ schemes in Bramcote and Awsworth in Nottinghamshire. Engineering services work is also underway on a development of 450 new two, three, four and five bedroomed and affordable properties for Taylor Wimpey at West Lane near Ripon. This work, which includes Section 278 highway engineering works to provide new site access roads, comes as RWO is already involved in a number of other residential schemes across the country. These include the provision of planning services, detailed civil and structural design and support services for Barratt Homes, Gleeson Homes, Vistry Partnerships, Caddick Developments and Countryside Properties to support the development of upwards of 2,000 new homes. Currently employing 30 people and targeting £2.75 million in sales revenue in the next 12 months, RWO continues to recruit additional staff to strengthen its team to meet the strong demand for construction engineering services. Andrew Fairburn, director of RWO’s Leeds office, said the company is expanding beyond the region as more national housebuilders look to use its services and expertise in other locations. He added: “Although we work across all sectors, we are building a strong reputation in the residential and affordable housing sector, winning and delivering projects for leading housebuilders and housing associations. Success is based around our ability to deliver services that add value and provide effective engineering solutions for complex problems. “Despite some tough challenges and economic uncertainties, we are positive about the future and will continue to build on our residential successes to date, adding more senior experience to our team to improve further services to both current and new clients.” Scott Robinson, technical director at Taylor Wimpey, said: “RWO continues to be a key partner for us. Working alongside our in-house team, its engineers ensure projects like West Lane are delivered on time, as we continue to invest and expand to meet the huge demand across the region for high quality new homes.”
45 million square feet of commercial property is built annually in the UK. Commercial building designers aren’t going out of business any time soon – unless they fail to provide functional and attractive designs. As well as ensuring that their designs are attractive and functional for businesses and commercial customers, building designers must also ensure they design building security with functionality and aesthetics. So, which security technologies do building designers need to ensure their buildings are attractive and functional? This guide is designed to help building designers ensure tight security that does not interfere with the look and usability of the building. Keep reading to learn about the top security technologies every building designer needs to know. Integrating Video Security And Access Control Building designs can be complex, making it difficult for security camera installers to find optimal camera placement and ensure no blind spots. Building designers can ensure that the camera system in the building captures the identity of all visitors by installing video security integrated with access control. If you have a camera at your building’s entrance, you can capture high-quality footage of your visitors and ensure there is no way for any user to enter the building without being caught on film. Integrating video security and access control creates the potential for streamlined and user-friendly identity verification. With any access control system, there is always the chance that an unauthorised third party could steal mobile credentials, keycards, or fobs from building occupants and use them to enter the building without triggering an alarm. Identity verification eliminates the possibility of any user entering the building without confirmation that they are who they claim to be. Building security staff will be able to view access logs and video surveillance feed on a single interface in a more user-friendly approach to security. If you did not integrate video security and access control in your building design, then building security staff would have to correlate data from different sources and match timestamps to investigate incidents involving stolen access credentials. You could even consider installing identity verification software to automate the process, creating a system that will never permit users to enter unless AI confirms their identity. Regarding access control and video security, you can choose to integrate two different technologies or merge them into a single device. A video intercom reader offers high-definition video and touchless access control in one unified tool. Since this is a cloud-based solution, building security staff can view security data remotely on a mobile application and receive alerts when a potential security event is detected. Want to know the best thing about a video intercom reader? It has a minimalist design and will seamlessly fit with the rest of your building’s design. The reader is a compact device that will not be an eyesore in your new building. Reducing Security Hardware When designing a building with security in mind, designers decide whether to opt for a cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid security system. If you choose an on-premise security system, you must be prepared to allocate space for servers. You will also need to design how the security system wires will travel throughout the building layout. On-premise systems are generally the most reliable and provide fewer outages. However, they can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain. On the other hand, you could consider investing in a cloud-based security system. With a cloud-based security system, you do not need to allocate space for server rooms. Nor do you need to plan out how you will wire the system. Cloud-based systems are wireless and do not require hefty servers. Additionally, they facilitate remote operation and the remote observance of security data. Many building designers are choosing to opt for a hybrid approach, as it combines the strengths of each security system. There will be fewer servers and thus less demand for space. Additionally, you can operate a hybrid system remotely and access security data from anywhere. Hybrid systems offer the reliability of an on-premise system while reducing the amount of security hardware necessary to keep the system running. Using Seamless Access Control Systems Building designers aren’t just responsible for improving the visual appeal of the building – they must also ensure that the building is convenient for users and provides clear pathways for evacuation procedures. Building designers should consider the benefits of commercial door entry systems to ensure that building security does not interfere with the daily activities of building users. Modern cloud-based access control systems do not require keycards and fobs. So, building users will not need to replace their fobs if they lose them. Instead, they can simply download access credentials and store them on their mobile devices. When users need to enter the building with their mobile credentials, they can do so without touching anything – or even removing their mobile device from their bag or pocket. They can enter with nothing more than a wave of their hand. So, if the user is carrying shopping bags, boxes, or even hot cups of coffee, they can enter quickly and conveniently. Touchless entry also ensures smoother evacuation procedures. The access reader will have built-in motion sensors. The reader will remotely communicate with the user’s mobile device when the motion sensor is triggered. The reader uses three separate modes of communication (WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth) to ensure that there is no failure and the user can enter on their first attempt. If users can enter the building so effortlessly and seamlessly, you will be able to ensure your building design isn’t just attractive but entirely functional and user-friendly. Summary Cloud-based technologies are the future of effective building design and security. The technologies listed above can help you to design a future-proof building that supports easy entry and tight security. You can also make the building design and security installation process more practical by eliminating the need for wires. Consider which technologies provide the best solution to your building design difficulties.
Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment announces the launch of “Project Spur”, a single family Built to Rent (“BTR”) portfolio of around 1,200 homes across 10 of its development sites. Harworth is today publishing marketing materials for the scheme, which represents a unique forward funding and long-term investment opportunity for a prospective partner. Harworth announced plans to develop a single family BTR product in September 2021, as part of its strategy to grow its business to £1bn of EPRA NDV1 over five to seven years. This new product will be complementary to Harworth’s existing Build to Sell products developed by housebuilders at its residential sites and will support the Company’s ambition to double its residential plot sales to around 2,000 plots per annum over its strategic plan period. Project Spur will be an opportunity to acquire a single family housing portfolio of significant scale across 10 established sites in Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West. The sites are in strong locations which are in close proximity to major conurbations and employment centres, as well as local amenities and transport connections. The sites have also benefited from Harworth’s investment, as well as its masterplanning and placemaking expertise, which have delivered extensive green space, recreational facilities and a well-deigned public realm. The introduction of the BTR product is expected to further add to the vibrancy and attractiveness of these communities. The housing type composition for the portfolio has been optimised for the single family BTR market, with a focus on two- and three-bedroom homes, all built to a high-quality design which is centred on sustainability. The project has an anticipated delivery timeline of three years, with phased handovers of the sites during this time. There will be the potential, subject to further agreement, for the partner to work with Harworth to introduce the single family BTR product to additional sites as part of future phases of development. Project Spur is being marketed by Allsop on behalf of Harworth. 1 European Public Real Estate Association (“EPRA”) Net Disposal Value: an adjusted net asset value metric that is one of Harworth’s Key Performance Indicators. “Harworth’s extensive portfolio is particularly well suited to delivering institutional quality single family rental homes at scale. Project Spur is part of our strategy to accelerate the development of our residential sites, providing a range of homes for local people and enabling diverse communities. We look forward to working with partners aligned to our purpose and ambitions, to continue delivering places where people want to live and work.” Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group “Project Spur is a rare opportunity to partner with one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration specialists. Located in suburban communities across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West, these units provide a diverse and defensible portfolio of properties that benefit from close proximity and strong transport links to nearby employment and amenity centres.” James Crow, Head of Mixed Tenure, Harworth Group
Buying a home is a long and tiresome process. Regardless of the current market conditions, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that come into it. However, a few well-hidden secrets can make the whole affair much more manageable. With their help, you could find and buy a suitable home faster than you might think. Whether you are after a cheap freehold estate located in the Thomson Garden enclave or want to settle for a humble abode somewhere in the suburbs, you can get your dream home without breaking the bank. All it takes is following a few simple steps. For starters, you should inspect the property and its surroundings. This way, you can find out if the neighborhood is good and if there are any security issues you should know about. Other than that, you might want to have the house inspected, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and hire an experienced real estate agent. Looking for homes under your budget so you can bid up is also a good idea. Here are a few valuable tips for buying a home to help you get the best offer in an ultra-competitive seller’s market: Commission a Home Inspection The home inspection process is critical to uncover any potential problems with the property before you buy it. A professional real estate inspector will thoroughly examine the property, its systems, equipment, and proximity to neighboring residences. The inspector will also check for various structural defects, such as cracked foundations and rotten wood, water damage, or electrical faults. If some issues are discovered, you might have to replace an old water heater, strengthen the foundation, or resolve problems with the floor, for example by getting some reclaimed terracotta tiles. It would be best to look for an experienced inspector with a good reputation in the industry. Once you know about all the issues, you can use them to negotiate a lower price. A good inspector will also recommend the necessary repairs that you can do without breaking the bank. If you are not pressed for time and have a little more cash on hand, you should consider purchasing the property at a lower price and paying for some inexpensive fixes or doing them yourself. This way, you can significantly reduce the cost of buying a home. Check the Neighborhood When looking for a new home, it is essential to research the neighborhood and see if it is the right fit for you. Fortunately, many online resources can help you learn more about a particular area. It would be best to look for crime rates, schools in the area, and the amenities nearby. You should also drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a feel for the place. Remember to ask around about the reputation of the neighborhood. If it is safe, you can live there for years without worrying about break-ins or assaults. Furthermore, you should pay attention to things like local traffic and noise levels as well as the overall development rate. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage If you plan to finance your new home with a mortgage, it is a good idea to get pre-approved for one. Doing so will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be. Lenders give pre-approval letters after verifying your income and appropriate credit rating. Once you have it, you will be able to bid on all homes in your price range with the confidence that they will provide you with a loan. Otherwise, you might end up bidding on a property you can’t or can barely afford. It would be best to shop around for the best mortgage rate before applying for a loan. You can use an online mortgage calculator to compare rates from different lenders. Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent It is a common mistake to begin your home search on your own. However, this approach is unlikely to get you good results. This is because the real estate market can be quite tricky to navigate. Besides, it requires a vast amount of knowledge to understand everything it entails. To get the best price for your home, you should enlist the help of an experienced real estate agent. They will have access to listings that are not yet on the market and can help you negotiate a better price. As a general rule, only experienced agents can evaluate the market conditions accurately, so they can offer you a suitable price. On the other hand, if you go with a fresh-faced agent, chances are their inexperience will negatively impact your sale price. Look for Homes Under Your Budget One of the most important parts of the home buying process is finding a nice place you can afford. When searching for a new home, it is a good idea to look for properties priced below your budget. This way, you will have some room to negotiate when making an offer. You could start looking for homes online or in print. Once you find a few that might be suitable, you can schedule an appointment with a real estate agent to take a look at them. The more properties you visit, the better. This way, you can compare and contrast each home to see which one meets your needs. If it turns out that none of them does, you can look for another one. It is better to wait for a cheaper home instead of paying more and having a mortgage that will only work against you in the long run. Make sure you don’t bid more than what you can! Conclusion Buying a home is one of the best investments you can make. It offers outstanding potential returns and will give you a place to call your own. However, such an endeavor is not easy, and it takes extensive knowledge to succeed. You will need to handle a lot of things and, most importantly,
