Hazelwood, an exclusive new development of 17 detached luxury homes, has come to the market through selling agents Knight Frank. Set in the idyllic South Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley, nestled in seven acres of beautiful countryside, Hazelwood offers privacy and tranquility just minutes from major transport links.

The secure gated development comprises 14 detached houses on approximately one-third acre plots and 3 detached bungalows, each on their own private land. The thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom homes feature Porcelanosa tiling, German Nobilia kitchens with integrated Neff appliances, air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating and CCTV security systems.

Residents can enjoy countryside views from their balconies and patios. The properties also come fully networked for home automation systems and each home has a detached garage and an electric vehicle charging point.

“Hazelwood offers a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally appointed new home in a peaceful rural setting,” said Kate Horton, Associate at Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team. “With an attractive village location and easy access to major towns and cities, these homes appeal to commuters, families and professionals alike.”

The village of Great Wyrley offers a traditional English country lifestyle just 12 miles from Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. The Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within a 5-mile drive.

Hazelwood is now ready for occupation with prices starting from £1,500,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team newhomesbirmingham@knightfrank.com Tel: 0121 233 6495.

www.knightfrank.com

Leeds College of Building and leading technology firm Collsys have joined forces to pioneer a new software package for the further education sector. 

The Collsys ‘Academic Suite‘ is designed to track knowledge, skills, and behaviours across all academic disciplines. It combines with their ‘Employability Suite‘ to provide a comprehensive single platform solution including work placement, enrichment, apprenticeships, and careers.

The project began when Leeds College of Building reviewed its existing systems post-pandemic and asked for staff feedback. Increasingly complex requirements and software that was no longer fit for purpose meant that investing in a new college-wide system became a priority.

Steve Connell, Assistant Principal at Leeds College of Building, said:

“As a busy further education college, we deliver a host of construction specialisms from plumbing, carpentry, and brickwork to civil engineering and transport planning. As such, we needed software that could not only track student work placements and enrichment, but also monitor progress, hold Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), link well with maths, English and support areas, hold student reviews and exam results and monitor attendance and punctuality.

“However, little is available to the FE sector which can manage data for both employer placements and student progress, and which is also user-friendly. Market leaders tend to offer solutions for one or the other but not together and can also be difficult to retrieve the correct information. We needed software that would be a one-stop-shop and present data quickly and consistently. 

“Our old systems were labour intensive and lead to silos or pockets of good practice, so I began talking with one of our existing software suppliers, Collsys. Their CEO, Brian Varley, was keen to explore this further and use expertise in his team to expand existing Collsys software parameters.” 

The College Work Based Learning and Employer Engagement teams already used Collsys modules for tracking work placements, enrichment, and employer engagement data. The aim was to extend this to a bespoke management platform used by all Leeds College of Building staff.

Brian Varley, CEO Collsys, said:

“This project has been a great opportunity to enhance our existing Employability Suite offering. Together with Leeds College of Building, we designed the Academic Suite to be easy to use with additional options for tracking ‘Knowledge Skills and Behaviours’ of vocational courses. This means staff can monitor if students are on track at any point in the year and put in earlier interventions. 

“We also included a joint training plan and review system that is not readily available on the market, given products are often not specifically designed with colleges in mind. A benefit of our system is that because we offer our Employability Suite alongside the Academic Suite, all data is in one place. Tutors can easily look at all aspects of a student’s data without having to switch between systems for reports.”

Over the last 12 months, a joint project team spent time researching, developing, designing, testing, and eventually rolling out the Academic Suite project. The new system is now live at Leeds College of Building and manages all aspects of students’ learning. 

Users can drill down to faculty, departmental, course, or individual student level data. Staff can quickly access vital data, generate reports, and view insights using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating to quickly identify at-risk students, monitor progress, and tailor interventions.

Adam Sharpe, system super-user and Leeds College of Building carpentry and Joinery lecturer, said:

“The new system has great potential. The fact that Collsys has been made to suit our needs as a college is really pleasing, as this means that people like me and others within our organisation can make this new system the best it can be. Working with the Collsys team has been a pleasure; they have been so responsive when we have had technical issues and very patient when delivering training.”

Work is now underway on the next phase of development. The project team has hosted drop-in staff training sessions, created champions and super users, and helped with data transfer to the new system. Plans also include a portal and mobile app to allow employers, parents and carers to monitor a student’s attendance, progress, results, and staff feedback.

Steve concluded:

“This was an ambitious project, but it paid off. We’ve never had this level of data before! It’s fantastic to have everything in one place and quickly access data in real-time. It’s very user-friendly and is a much more efficient use of precious staff time. This bespoke platform will be crucial for external assessors moving forward as it ties together all aspects of apprenticeships and study programmes. Thanks to Collsys for listening to our needs and building a bespoke system for us. “

Visit www.collsys.co.uk to find out more about Collsys Academic and Employability Suites or email customerservices@collsys.co.uk to learn how Collsys can support other Further Education providers.

The property market in Dumfries and Galloway has continued to attract high demand from lifestyle buyers with a third of all property sales last quarter (Q4, Oct – Dec) being smallholdings, reports Galbraith.

Smallholdings with land up to 50 acres continued to attract heightened demand from buyers keen to relocate to the area from the rest of the UK, with three quarters being from south of the Border and a quarter being from within Scotland. Demand outstripped supply in this market segment highlighting the draw of rural living in Dumfries and Galloway.

The team in Castle Douglas recorded a 16 per cent increase in the number of viewings conducted during the final three months of the year compared to the same quarter the previous year. Double the number of prospective buyers also registered with Galbraith in Castle Douglas over the same period, indicating a healthy appetite from buyers keen to make their next move.

David Corrie, head of residential sales for Galbraith, located in Castle Douglas, said: “It’s encouraging to witness healthy property sales and buyer activity in our final quarter of last year.  As we enter the busy Spring selling season, the market is indicating a good level of competition from lifestyle buyers who remain attracted to the area given the quality of properties available and the value for money property in the region offers compared with many other parts of the country.

“Dumfries and Galloway is a stunning part of Scotland to live with buyers being attracted to the great outdoors and beautiful coastal scenery, from The Mull of Galloway to Gretna Green and everywhere else in between. With beautiful views and numerous paths for walking, cycling and wildlife watching, as well as offering opportunities for sailing and a wide range of water sports, the region really does offer a fantastic work-life balance for families, especially with hybrid working here to stay.

“It’s no surprise that small holdings are in particularly high demand, offering a sizable portion of land to allow owners to be more sustainable and grow their own, as well as offering ample outdoor space for young kids and their four-legged friends. We have buyers registered with us and ready to make their next move so anyone thinking of selling should take advantage of the current competitive market conditions.”

Currently for sale through the Agency Team at Galbraith in Castle Douglas offering a combination of rural and coastal living:

Balgowan Farmhouse & Steading, Ardwell, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Offers Over £325,000

Balgowan Farmhouse (B-listed) and Steading sits in a slightly elevated position with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside, Luce Bay and the coast beyond. The striking curved architecture with conical roof to the front sets this property apart from more traditional farmhouses in the region. Balgowan Farmhouse provides a blank canvas in its current condition however, it has the potential to be a stunning country home sitting in 2.74 acres of land, surrounded by open farmland and within walking distance of the beach.

The Old Lifeboat Station, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas, Offers Over £850,000

The Old Lifeboat Station is an idyllic coastal retreat in a breathtaking location with its own slipway, direct access to the sea and panoramic views of Auchencairn Bay on the Solway Firth. The B-listed property is nestled among six acres of garden and woodland, home to an abundance of wildlife, including red squirrels. Established in 1884, the property was converted and extended by the current owners in the late 1990’s to create an award-winning four-bedroom house.

Balgowan Cottages, Ardwell, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Offers Over £450,000

1 & 2 Balgowan Cottages offer a beach retreat with uninterrupted views over Luce Bay and a small paddock. Two semi-detached properties with a shared outbuilding, ‘The Bothy’, offering potential to convert the cottages in to one property, subject to relevant planning consent. The property is surrounded by open farmland with stunning views and numerous beaches close by.

Kirkeoch, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, Offers Over £250,000

Former farmhouse Kirkeoch, sits west of Kirkcudbright and enjoys breathtaking views of the Dee Estuary. Kirkeoch represents an opportunity for a buyer to create a wonderful family home in a sought-after area.

Property finance lender MSP Capital has launched a regular property podcast for the South Coast.

Aimed at industry professionals, the series is designed to offer expert insight and knowledge about market trends, challenges and opportunities in the region.

Each month, the podcast centres on a studio discussion with an MSP Capital director and other industry guests.

The first broadcast, now live, features Adam Tovey, MSP Capital’s Risk and Underwriting Director, Nigel Price, Chairman of Residential at independent estate agent Goadsby, and James Kidner, Partner at law firm Trethowans and a specialist in residential development.

In his introduction, host Stephen Emerson says the aim of the podcast is “to offer a fresh perspective from key figures in the property industry in the South of England and explore the challenges and, more importantly, the opportunities that are present within the market”.

The first half-hour edition covers a range of subjects including interest rates, Build to Rent, the impact of working from home on property demand in the South and the importance of SME developers in driving residential development.    

All interviewees highlighted how well property professionals collaborate in the region, particularly in the face of recent economic challenges and pressure points in the planning system.

Asked about the lending side, Adam signals optimism about the funding landscape in 2024 and stresses MSP Capital’s focus on relationship-led lending, adding: “Over the last twelve to 18 months, more traditional sources of high street lending have pulled back further, which obviously creates opportunities for others. We continue to lend. Support is there if you are building the right type of product and you have a good project and location.”

On the rationale for the podcast, Adam says: “MSP Capital has over four decades of experience in the industry and feel that the best way to be successful in property is to share knowledge, share ideas and share experiences.

“This new partnership will allow us to shine a light on the leading minds from the property industry across the South Coast. I look forward to meeting more guests in the future.”

Sharing their hopes for the year in the first edition, both Nigel and James are upbeat.

Discussing the drop in fixed-rate mortgage rates in January, Nigel says: “The start to the year was not what we were expecting, in a positive way. The cuts took people by surprise and bode well for the market this year. We’ve had pent-up demand – now, people just want to get on.”

James says: “After what was a challenging year, there are elements of good news in the mortgage market, with rates more under control. Positivity in the mortgage market is going to bolster enthusiasm for the year ahead.”  

Looking ahead to the whole podcast series, Rachel Bartlett, MSP Capital’s Head of Marketing, said: “There is a lot of industry knowledge within MSP Capital that we’ve been sharing through our Brunch & Learn events, and now through the podcast. I’m excited to see what topics we can bring to the forefront.

“With his 20 years of experience in journalism and keen interest in property, corporate finance and technology, Stephen was a perfect candidate to host the podcast and guide guests through the discussion.”   

Founded in 1981, MSP Capital is a principal bridging and development lender offering funding solutions to property professionals up to £20 million.

To watch and subscribe to the podcast, visit https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/ or search ‘The Business Magazine Property Podcast’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or PocketCast.  

Commercial property agents Bond Wolfe are selling a major residential development site with planning permission for 93 apartments in the Suffolk town of Stowmarket.

Offers based on £800,000 are invited for the 0.8 acre freehold plot of land to the east and west of Prentice Road, Stowmarket.

James Mattin, managing director of Bond Wolfe, said: “Stowmarket is a bustling and popular market town, midway between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, and sitting on the main Norwich to London rail line.

“We are delighted to have been instructed to sell this prime residential development site, east and west of Prentice Road, adjacent to Stowmarket Train Station and about a quarter of a mile from the town centre.

“There are extensive housing developments under way in the town and a large rural catchment.

“The site comprises two parcels of vacant land and there is planning permission for two apartment blocks.

“The proposal is for 55 apartments within residential building A, to the West of Prentice Road, south of the recently developed 75-bed Langham Manor care home, and 38 apartments in residential building B.”

Mr Mattin added: “The site is ready for immediate development and unconditional offers are invited based on £800,000. Purchasers seeking to develop an alternative scheme are invited to offers in excess of £1.1 million on a subject to planning basis.”

Stowmarket has a population of around 19,000 and its town centre contains a wide range of national and local retailers, restaurants and public houses. Additionally there are a variety of leisure facilities and clubs in the town and surrounding areas.

Junction 50 of the A14 is circa 1.5 miles away, providing access to Ipswich and the port of Felixstowe to the East and Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge to the West. The A12 and M11 can both be accessed from the A14.

Plans granted full permission in September 2020 propose two apartment buildings with associated car parking and amenity space. Building A would comprise 12 single-bed apartments and 42 two-bedroom apartments. Building B would have eight single-bedroom apartments and 30 two-bedroom apartments.

Within the consented scheme, provision is made on the upper ground floor for two communal common rooms. These rooms will provide flexibility as to their future use, but could, if demand required, be utilised as a library and gym.

Under-croft parking will provide 98 spaces across the two blocks, with six reserved for disabled parking.

The last architectural gem crafted by the renowned Pierre Koenig, marked by its distinctive yellow spiral staircase, steel columns, and expansive glass windows, is now up for grabs.

Koenig, an American architect, gained rapid acclaim for his designs, notably The Stahl House and The Bailey House in Los Angeles, which stand as two of the most iconic homes globally.

A proud alumnus and later faculty member of the University of Southern California, Koenig dedicated his career to teaching from 1954 until his passing in 2004, as highlighted by Top Ten Real Estate.

The Schwartz House, Koenig’s final project, epitomizes modernist architectural principles, featuring a blend of sleek metal structures and extensive use of glass.

This residence spans over 2,390 square feet and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a guest suite, and a versatile extra room.

A striking yellow metal spiral staircase connects the home’s three levels, serving as a central artistic element.

The design ensures that each room, complemented by small balconies and vast windows, basks in abundant natural light.

A shaded patio, supported by steel columns, provides a serene outdoor space overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden.

Nestled in Santa Monica, the property is conveniently located near Ginger Rodgers Beach and Rustic Canyon Park, and just a short journey from the bustling downtown area, renowned for its pristine beaches, an array of Michelin-starred dining options, and chic boutiques.

The neighbourhood, known for its celebrity residents such as Tom Cruise, Tobey Maguire, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bruno Mars, adds to the allure of this exclusive offering.

The Schwartz House is currently listed for sale at £3.57 million ($4.55 million).

A London house filled with bin bags and a dated “Wetherspoon” carpet has hit the market at £1m.

The four-bedroom and two-bathroom property located in Harringay Ladder was recently reduced in price.

And when you look inside, it’s perhaps not surprising why.

Described as a “charming Victorian house” in the property listing, the house is spread across three floors but has one common, ugly factor: the carpet.

Having been compared online by social media users to that of a standard Wetherspoon boozer, the floral statement features across the house along with dated decor and stained curtains.

The living area also has an array of bin bags placed delicately on the settee.

Despite its appearance, the property also has good transport links and is within walking distance to both Harringay station and Harringay Green Lanes tube station.

The house, which is offered chain-free, is a short stroll from Finsbury Park.

“The property is arranged over three levels, providing a flexible layout and allowing for privacy and separation between living and sleeping areas,” the listing reads.

“The south-facing rear garden is a delightful feature, offering a sunny and peaceful retreat for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing.”

There’s also potential to expand the property.

However, social media users aren’t quite sold.

“The witherspoons carpet !!!!! #sticky,” said Lorraine, adding several laughing emojis. [sic]

“This house looks like an old pub,” added someone else.

Someone else added: “I’m so glad I don’t live in London!!”

“The more I watch these, the more I realise how much of a con London is,” added another user.

Someone else said: “I lived near that street. While I loved my time in that area, definitely not worth a mil.”

“Does it come with all the kitchen roll?,” joked another person.

Someone else joked: “And the price was reduced,” adding a laughing smiling emoji.

“I need to leave this country. It’s becoming a shit hole,” said Kazura.

“Looks like Pat Butcher lives there with Frank,” added someone else.

In a bold move set to redefine industry perspectives, Beech Holdings today unveiled a groundbreaking study, ‘UK Property Development and Property Investment Statistics‘. 

This cutting-edge research not only charts the current course of the UK property market but boldly predicts its future trajectory, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals and investors alike.

Why This Study Matters

Dive into a treasure trove of meticulously gathered data, shedding light on market trends and investment opportunities that promise to shape journalistic narratives and guide investment decisions in the coming years. 

Key Revelations

1. Commercial Real Estate’s New Frontier 

Discover how the UK, a titan with a market value of over $1.7 trillion (£1.3 trillion), is navigating its status as Europe’s second-largest commercial real estate player amidst economic turbulence. 

2. The Residential Rollercoaster 

Trace the dramatic post-pandemic surge in housing demand and unravel the complex tapestry of housing completions, price variations, and the explosive projected market growth. 

3. The Green Wave in Property 

Unearth the rising tide of eco-conscious property preferences, a movement capturing the hearts of both first-time and repeat buyers. 

4. Co-Living: The Future of Urban Living? 

Explore the burgeoning world of co-living spaces, a social revolution in housing that’s redefining the concept of community living. 

5. Investment Finance: The Numbers You Need 

Equip yourself with the latest rental yield forecasts and regional market analyses, a must-have for any serious property investment reporting. 

6. Buy-to-Let Market: Navigating the New Normal 

Get ahead of the curve in understanding the evolving challenges facing landlords in a market reshaped by economic and regulatory shifts. 

7. Stamp Duty Shake-Up 

Delve into the recent stamp duty changes, a crucial piece of the puzzle for understanding property investment dynamics. 

The study also goes beyond the statistics, delving into external influences, economic ebbs and flows, interest rate impacts, Brexit effects, pandemic repercussions, and predictions that paint a vivid picture of the UK’s property investment landscape. 

Richard Lynch, Head of Global Sales at Beech Holdings, said: “This study isn’t just data – it’s a narrative of change, challenge, and opportunity in the UK property market. We invite you as industry experts and commentators to be the first to explore these insights and lead the conversation in your publications.” 

Explore the full study at https://beechholdings.co.uk/news/property-development-property-investment-statistics/

For most, entering into the property market in 2024 seems like a daunting task. With inflation rates rising, and landlords showing hesitance to invest, the landscape appears challenging. However, there are compelling reasons to consider property investment this year. Our expert in the property investment market, Adam Toller, gives insight into the benefits of investing in property this year. 

A buyer’s haven

Adam Toller, the owner of a third-generation property management company, states that the current property market is distinctly a buyers’ market, not a sellers’ one. This shift indicates a thriving environment for landlords looking to invest. Property values are expected to decrease by approximately 4% annually, presenting unique opportunities for strategic investments.

Interest rate forecasts and investment implications

A key factor shaping the 2024 property market is the anticipated trajectory of interest rates. Savills, a prominent property company, forecasts a significant shift in the Bank of England’s monetary policy. They expect the central bank to initiate interest rate cuts in the second half of 2024, reducing its base rate to 4.75% by the year’s end, down from the current 5.25%. This trend is projected to continue, with rates potentially falling to 1.75% by 2027. 

Expert insight: long-term strategy is key

Adam emphasises the importance of a long-term investment perspective. His expertise underscores the potential for long-term gains, despite short-term market fluctuations. He insists that investing in property should never be a short-term goal to reach and that biting the bullet will allow your property portfolio to reap the rewards in the future. 

Opportunities for cash buyers

For cash buyers, Adam states that the current market offers even more advantages. Without the burden of high interest rates, they can directly expand their property portfolios without having to pay money above and beyond what they already have. However, those relying on borrowing might see a reduced return on investment, at least in the short term.

Further benefits to investing

With a potential increase in demand for rental properties, investors can benefit from steady rental income. This is particularly advantageous in a buyers’ market where purchase prices are lower but rental demand remains strong.

Additionally, with the forecasted reduction in interest rates by the Bank of England, mortgage costs could become more affordable. This makes borrowing to invest in property more attractive, especially for first-time investors or those looking to expand their portfolios.

Property investment can also offer various tax deductions, including mortgage interest, property tax, operating expenses, and depreciation. These benefits can significantly improve the overall return on investment. Further to this, real estate often serves as a hedge against inflation. As inflation rises, so do property values and rental incomes, protecting the purchasing power of your investment. 

Professional guidance on navigating the property investment market

The property investment landscape is a complex and very dynamic place. For those seeking to navigate this market, professional advice can be invaluable. Toller Property Group offers expert guidance and insights into property management and investment strategies, tailored to the evolving market conditions of 2024.

For more expert advice and insight into property management and the property investment market, visit Toller Property Group, or find out more on LinkedIn.