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

Bellway North London has welcomed the first visitors to its premium new housing development in Cuffley. 

The housebuilder opened the doors to King George’s Vale, off Northaw Road East, where it is delivering a collection of 121 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes built to a high specification.

The developer unveiled a new two-storey sales and marketing suite at the 12-acre site, which is just to the north of the King George V Playing Fields.

Food and drink were provided by local businesses who were on hand to offer snacks and drinks. Staff from LL Cocktails & Bubbles served Prosecco and beer, and Coffee Trike provided hot chocolate, coffee and tea.

Greg Allsop, Bellway North London Sales Director, said: “It was great to welcome guests to King George’s Vale to see the range of homes available while enjoying snacks and a drink on us.

“The superior specification of these premium properties and the desirable location make this a particularly sought after development and there was an extremely good turnout for the event, with more than 50 people attending.

“Our impressive new sales and marketing suite features a 3D model of the development, allowing potential purchasers to see exactly where particular homes will sit within the site. The large interactive screen was also a big hit as it enables people to get a real insight into the layout and specification of the homes.

“In addition to this, the top floor houses a display kitchen which showcases a wide variety of  sample materials and potential additions. Buyers can peruse options for cabinet doors, worktops, flooring and more – seeing firsthand the quality of options available to customers when they purchase a home here.

“As well as providing much-needed new housing, King George’s Vale will generate substantial investment in infrastructure and local services for the benefit of existing and future residents of this thriving and vibrant village community.” 

As part of the planning agreement for King George’s Vale, Bellway North London is providing funding of more £2.2 million for local infrastructure and services. Contributions include £1,192,005 towards education, £156,332 for healthcare, £333,500 for highways and £444,215 for sports facilities.

The development will comprise 79 houses for private sale and 42 affordable homes for local people through shared ownership or affordable rent.

Properties will feature Google Nest smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.

There’s currently a choice of two, three and four-bedroom homes available to reserve at King George’s Vale, with prices starting from £500,000. Express Move and Part Exchange schemes are available at the site.

For more information about the development, call the sales team on 01707 524334 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/king-georges-vale.

• Homes in East Renfrewshire are selling the most above list price over every other area in the UK 
• East Dunbartonshire is second in the rankings, with prices rising at an average of around £34,155 more than they were originally listed for 
• Cambridge is selling homes the third most above list price 

New research has found the UK areas selling homes the most above list price, with East Renfrewshire taking the lead. 

The study by experts at moving platform Getamover.co.uk analysed historical Zoopla data for homes sold at a different amount than the list price. The average sale price, average listing price and the difference between the two were considered to reveal which areas see the most homes above their original list price and how much more on average.  

It found that East Renfrewshire has the highest number of properties sold above the list price in the UK. On average, a home in East Renfrewshire is sold for £272,187, but homes are listed initially at an average price of £235,479. This means that potential buyers who are looking to purchase a house in this area are seeing an average price increase of £36,708. 

East Dunbartonshire takes second place, with the average home in this area selling for £262,979 compared to its £228,824 list price. The average difference between its sale price and what it originally listed is £34,155. 

Cambridge comes third on the list, where homes sell for around £31,662 more than originally listed. The average sale price for a home in Cambridge is £779,219, but houses tend to be listed for around £747,557. 

In fourth place is Edinburgh, with an average selling price of £329,51; homes in this city tend to be listed at £298,887. The price increase tends to leave potential buyers needing an additional £30,627 more than anticipated. 

Completing the top five is East Lothian, where homes tend to be listed on average at around £255,219. Despite the original list prices in the area, homes typically sell for £284,675, which is £29,456 more than the original price range. 

The City of London is seeing houses sold on average at £807,500. However, homes are typically listed at around £849,983, which is a £42,483 reduction in price.  

On the other hand, Manchester is listing houses at £228,138 on average, but the properties on the market are selling at an average of £234,848, which is £6,711 more than the average list price. 

The top 10 areas in the UK where homes are selling the most above list price  

Commenting on the findings, David Burrows, head of Getamover.co.uk,: 

“Buying a home is expensive no matter where in the UK you choose to settle down, but a fantastic investment, this study gives huge insight into the most desired areas of the country and where you might find yourself having to pay rather a lot more than the original list price. 

Typically in the UK, the best time to purchase or sell a property is during spring or summertime. By avoiding the colder winter and autumnal months, the risk of having to move during adverse weather conditions like snow and ice is less likely, making a more seamless completion of the sale and getting you in or out of your new home in no time. 

Interestingly, despite London being the most populated city in the UK, it struggles to sell homes above the original list price compared to similar popular areas such as Manchester and Glasgow, which rank higher in the rankings. House prices are also affected by the seasons. Prices are higher at certain times of the year, often spiking in the summer months, especially July, in comparison to the colder months mainly after the Christmas period. It has been found that there are more buyers in the market in spring and summer which means prices do not need to be discounted.” 

• A new study has found that real estate is one of the most stressful industries in the UK
• Human health and social work ranked first, while public defence is in second
• HSE data was examined to find the number of self-reported stress illnesses per 100,000 workers 

New research has revealed the most stressful industries in the UK, with the human health and social work industry taking the top spot.  

The study, conducted by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk, analysed HSE data to examine the number of stress-related illnesses caused or worsened by employment per 100,000 workers from March 2022 to March 2023; the highest number of stress illnesses determined the ranking.  

The human health and social work industry ranks first on the list; the study found that 3,530 people per 100,000 workers have been impacted by stress at work. However, this industry has one of the largest average salary ranges, between £17,000 to £63,000, and includes jobs such as doctors, therapists, and nursing home assistants.  

Public defence, which has an average salary range of £18,000 to £31,000, is revealed as the second most stressful industry. For every 100,000 workers, 3,260 reported a stress-related illness, meaning that security guards and prison officers are highly likely to suffer from work-related stress.  

The education industry is third on the list, which has an average salary range of £28,000 to £40,000. For every 100,000 workers, 2,720 people reported work-related stress, which is an overwhelming figure of almost 3 in 100.  

Ranking fourth on the list is the professional, scientific, and technical industry, which includes jobs such as solicitors and barristers, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £48,000. The study revealed that for every 100,000 workers, 2,310 have suffered from work-related stress.  

The finance industry ranks fifth on the list, with 2,140 workers reporting a stress-related illness per 100,000 people. However, the finance industry has a high salary range, ranging from £28,000 to £54,000, where job roles include accountants and bankers. 

The real estate industry ranks sixth on the list, which has an average salary range of £26,000 to £54,000 and includes jobs such as estate agents and property managers. The study reveals that for every 100,000 workers, 2,070 reported a stress-related illness.  

The information and communication industry places seventh on the list, which has an average salary range of £24,000 to £44,000 and jobs such as IT workers and graphic designers. The study found that for every 100,000 workers, 1,870 people reported stress-related illnesses.   

The arts and entertainment industry is eighth on the list; for every 100,000 workers, 1,820 people reported a stress-related illness. The industry includes jobs such as art directors, makeup artists, and background actors, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £47,000. 

Ranking ninth on the list is the wholesale and retail trade industry, where 1,530 people per 100,000 workers suffered from work-related stress. The average salary range is this industry is £19,000 to £34,000 and includes jobs such as sales administrators and retail cashiers. 

The accommodation and food service industry is tenth on the list, which includes jobs such as bar staff and restaurant workers and has an average salary range of £14,000 to £45,000; 1,430 people in this industry suffered from work-related stress per 100,000 workers. 

Tips On Making a Personal Injury Claim for Stress 

#1. Identify The Cause of Your Stress 

The most common causes for stress at work often arise from heavy workloads, lack of employer support, and workplace bullying. When starting a personal injury claim for emotional harm, it’s crucial to identify the cause of your stress. Legally, employers owe their employees a duty of care in the workplace, so it’s important to recognise when they have harmed your emotional health.   

#2. Make a Note of Your Emotions 

In order to identify the cause of work-related stress, it can be useful to make a note of your emotions on a daily basis. This can help you keep track of your emotional health and can allow you to determine whether your mental health has significantly worsened during your employment. These notes can also be a helpful source during GP appointments.  

#3. Speak to Your Employer About Any Concerns 

Before starting a personal injury claim, it can be helpful to vocalise your concerns to your employer where possible. Perhaps the situation could be mitigated through negotiation, such as requesting a lighter workload; however, if your employer refuses to consider your mental well-being when distributing heavy workloads, this could be a potential cause for a personal injury claim.  

#4. Keep Track of Any GP Appointments 

It’s crucial to keep track of any GP appointments and maintain these medical records – many personal injury claims have to be submitted within three years of when the injury/emotional harm occurred, so these records can help speed up personal injury claims.  

A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk,commented on the study: “We are currently living amid a mental health crisis, which means that it’s essential for us to look after ourselves and recognise when our mental wellbeing may be at risk, particularly in the workplace.” 

“It’s fundamental for employers to protect their employees’ mental health. One of the main ways this can be done is to regularly check in with employees, aiming to create an open environment to discuss thoughts and feelings.” 

Some people may assume that personal injury claims are limited to broken bones and cuts, but they also extend to what people can’t see, such as mental, emotional, or psychological harm; so, if you have experienced stress at work, it is in your best interest to speak to a legal professional.” 

This information was provided by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk

Enabling document digitalization, compliance and sustainability for the world’s largest asset class

Findable, which automates building documentation using Artificial Intelligence (AI), has arrived in the UK to solve building document chaos, using AI to read and automatically sort over one million documents for its customers to date. Building documentation is a key factor in cost and risk management and yet all too often property owners keep a mixture of analogue and digital systems.

Findable digitises building documentation, using AI to automatically categorise documents, provide compliance status and allowing users to locate specific information via a search function. The software is able to analyse headlines, pictures and drawings, and quickly conclude what the document shows and how it should be organised. It also produces a red flag report for each building which shows a building’s compliance status with items organised by what is required by law or operationally recommended.  The red flag report shows what’s missing and assists users in filling these gaps.

Building documentation or the ‘instruction manual’ of a building can relate to anything from the construction history and contractor details to maintenance information on HVAC units, pipes, electricals and fire safety. Storing this documentation safely and organising it in an easily accessible way is necessary to ensure routine facility management, inspection and certification processes. Poorly organised documentation results in additional costs for building owners while the physical storage of documents can frequently result in loss or damage.  With Findable, documents are more secure, complete and can be mined for information. This reduces the time consuming and manual process of managing complex documents, enabling construction companies and facility managers to streamline the process of inspections and certifications.

The volume of documentation in construction is increasing which is why Findable has made it easy for building owners to interact with their buildings.  To start, owners just drag and drop existing documentation and the files are automatically organised across 300+ categories all of which are searchable and accessible. Users can, for example, ask directly about the dimensions of a ventilation system and the answer references the document in which Findable found the information, so that users can manually verify the answer.       

Renovating buildings and reusing building materials is key across Europe but the challenge is the lack of knowledge around how old the materials are, what they are made of, or how much longer they are safe to use.  “To reach the climate goals, we have to reuse as much of the world’s materials as possible, but we need documentation in place to make it happen”, says CEO and Co-founder of Findable, Fredrik H. Wisløff.  “Then there is also an associated key safety challenge which the recent RAAC issue highlighted” Wisløff continues.    “Our system works for schools but also offices, shopping malls, warehouses so can be used by a mixture of public sector, banks and private commercial companies from large-scale problems to more day-to-day maintenance issues.”

“The UK is the obvious next step in Europe for Findable” adds Wisløff  “with London rightly perceived as the real estate capital of Europe.  And yet, our research shows that digitization here is behind the curve. Documentation may be the boring, but essential part, of this highly regulated industry. But we also play an important role in helping building owners in the green premium/brown discount issue as it has never been more important for banks to show a green portfolio among their CRE customers. To put it simply, if you don’t have your documents in order, you won’t get (good) financial deals either”.

The facilities management sector in Europe is a massive market undergoing its own digital transformation. The construction industry, property developers and facility managers all require digital solutions to meet complex regulatory and sustainability requirements. Findable’s solution provides easy access to the right building documentation, supporting workflow automation and thereby removing a major bottleneck.

• Gold is the most sought-after personal investment
• Silver is the second most popular, closely followed by oil in third
• The overall average search volume for all types of personal investments is 3,195,381 across America

A new study has revealed the most popular personal investments, with gold taking the top spot.

The study, conducted by financial publisher The Lazy Trader, used Google search data to examine the number of searches for each type of personal investment; each of these was combined with terms such as ‘investment tips’ and ‘tips’ to discover which ones had the highest search volume overall, thus determining the ranking.

The most popular personal investments are as follows:

The most searched personal investment in the US is gold, with an average monthly search volume of 1,191,827. Gold is a commodity that trades based on supply and demand; the ratio between supply and demand determines the price of gold at the time of the investment. With the elevated interest rates and the continual concerns of a recession in the US, gold can be a reliable long-term investment and outperform other assets like properties and different equities as it is easier to liquidate. There are also tax advantages in gold investments; gold prices have increased considerably in 2023 and have shown stability compared to other markets.

The second most searched personal investment is silver, with an average monthly search volume of 677,527. Silver is a valuable, hard asset when it comes to investments and is cheaper to invest in than gold, while still fighting inflation. Silver mining has gradually decreased since 2015, making it a valuable asset to invest in before it becomes a rarer raw material. Silver is used for many different purposes from machinery to medicine, and the global demand is constantly increasing the value of the commodity overall.

In third, with an average monthly search volume of 588,808, is oil. Oil is an essential commodity and is used globally every day. Due to the high demand of fossil fuels, oil supplies are decreasing while the demand remains high, resulting in oil becoming a more valuable resource. Oil has huge potential for big profits and positive return on investments (ROI).

Ranking the fourth most popular personal investment is natural gas, with an average monthly search volume of 150,880. Natural gas is another fossil fuel that comes with its investment advantages. It is environmentally friendly and more affordable than coal and gas. With growing concerns about global warming and ways to make the planet greener, natural gas is already used in replacement of coal to reduce fuel emissions into the atmosphere (ROI).

In fifth place is forex, with an average monthly search volume of 85,112. Forex is a foreign exchange market that operates globally, 24 hours a day, five days a week. As well as its convenient operating hours, forex has low transaction costs as its trading has lower fees than other financial markets. The market has high liquidity, meaning you can buy and sell different currencies without affecting the price, which is more appealing to investors as it reduces the chances of a loss in profit.

Coming in sixth place is real estate, with an average monthly search volume of 81,397. Investing in real estate can be an easy money maker with incomes from rent and profit generated by certain business activities that take place on the invested property. It is a reliable investment in terms of generating steady cash flow, which only strengthens over time as you pay down your mortgage, resulting in more equity.

Copper is the seventh most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 69,468. Copper is a popular commodity, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, mining has slowed down; companies could even struggle to mine at all if the price of copper drops. Copper can be a risky investment as it is recyclable and is less precious than other metals, yet it is used in many different industries, from building industries to automobiles. Copper is key in renewable energy and will be essential for protecting the environment, which suggests a reliable investment in the long term.

In eighth place is options, with an average monthly search volume of 51,448. Options trading is the act of buying and selling a stock or ETF at a certain price within a set timeframe. Options give you more control over your investments and can therefore be less risky than equities as they require less financial commitment.

Ranking as the ninth most popular personal investment is penny stocks, with an average monthly search volume of 41,351. Penny stocks are very low cost in comparison to other forms of investments, which makes them accessible to investors with both low and high capital. They often show great potential for high returns if the penny stocks maintain substantial growth. Stocks that have lost value or become dormant may be big money-makers in the future, meaning a small investment could go a long way.

The tenth most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 34,533, is platinum. Platinum remains valuable and in demand across all industries due to its non-corrosive properties and diverse use across different industries. Platinum is an easy investment to liquidate to get cash quickly instead of stocks or bonds, which is a longer process.

Robert Colville, CEO of The Lazy Trader commented on the findings:

“When it comes to choosing the right personal investment for yourself, it can be difficult weighing up the pros and cons. It is important to be well educated on where you invest your money, as some methods will be more successful than others; make sure you have conducted extensive research and remain aware of what your choice of investments will entail.”

“It is interesting to see which investments Americans are most eager to try and learn more about. With an unpredictable economy and the constant changes in prices of stocks and commodities, people should be warier of fluctuations in these environments and ensure they put their money into a reliable form of personal investment.”

• Stratford-on-Avon comes in first place with 283.9 new builds completed per 10,000 population.
• South Derbyshire takes second place with 277.6 new builds.
• Mid Suffolk is third.

A new study by 24housing.co.uk reveals that Stratford-on-Avon had the most completed new builds in the UK from 2020 to 2023.

The study examined building completion rates in various local authorities across the UK between 2020 and 2023 and compared them to the population of each local authority to determine the number of builds completed per 10,000 people.

Stratford-on-Avon takes first place with 283.9 new buildings completed per 10,000 population, reflecting a concerted effort to meet the growing demands of its populace. The total number is 3,860 houses compared to its population of 135,964. This picturesque locale, renowned for its historic charm and cultural significance, comprises the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, globally famous for its association with William Shakespeare, which makes it a popular location for tourists and, given the surge in builds, also among people who want to relocate and buy a house in the area.

Second is South Derbyshire, which follows closely behind, with 3,000 builds completed, translating to 277.6 new houses per 10,000 population. The region’s strategic location and robust economic infrastructure contribute to its attractiveness for developers and residents.

Mid Suffolk has demonstrated a commendable commitment to urban development, ranking third on the list, with 2,670 builds completed between 2020 and 2023. This accomplishment translates to 258.2 builds per 10,000 population, showcasing the region’s proactive approach to addressing housing demands while maintaining its distinct rural character.

Further down on the list, Harborough is fourth, with 2,530 completed builds over the same period. With a rate of 257.4 builds per 10,000 population, the region exemplifies a balance between urban expansion and environmental stewardship.

The top five closes with Midlothian with 251.4 new builds completed per 10,000 population, which reflects its strategic positioning within the Greater Edinburgh area and its role as an economic hub in Scotland.

Gill Broad, Senior Editor at 24housing.co.uk, commented on the findings: “The data underscores the importance of proactive urban planning and collaboration between public and private sectors in addressing housing shortages and fostering inclusive growth. Local authorities play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

“While the reasons behind the disparities in building completion rates among local authorities are multifaceted, factors such as land availability, infrastructure investment, and demographic trends contribute to the patterns.”

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.  

Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region has welcomed West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to officially launch a brownfield site where Solihull agent DM & Co Homes has been retained to sell a range of 109 new residential properties.

The Mayor paid tribute to Wain Homes for choosing to develop The Green in Shirley on the location of what was the ex-Lucas Industries building, known latterly as the TRW Technical Centre, which is a brownfield site.

Work has already started on the six acre site at The Green which is situated on the main A34 Stratford Road commuter route into Birmingham from the M42, with the show homes and sales office now open.

Andy Street said: “I have been constantly campaigning to ensure that derelict and disused brownfield sites are targeted for development before cherished Green Belt.

“That’s why I am particularly pleased to be able to see for myself what Wain Homes have set out to achieve on a redundant former office site that has been unused for years. I cannot think of a better use for this site in such a good location.

“The Green will provide much needed new homes from apartments for first time buyers to families looking to grow into three and four bedroom homes. There really is something for everybody at The Green.”

Sophie Gwynne, New Homes sales manager at DM & Co. Homes, said they were already taking off-plan reservations on the first tranche of homes that have been released, with lots of excitement surrounding the new development.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation. The Green is a creative and innovative project to regenerate a brownfield site and create new, energy efficient and sustainable community for the future.”

Carl Haley, managing director of Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region, said: “Through our fantastic houses, Wain Homes will add value to local communities by regenerating historic older areas, such as here in Solihull.

“We are providing a wide range of homes, from those seeking their first time home, to downsize, or looking to move up to one of our three or four bedroom family homes.”

Dominic Murphy, managing director of DM & Co. Homes, said: “Wain Group is one of the UK’s largest private residential developers, aiming to enrich areas to make them better spaces for everyone to live.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation.

Prices will range from £330,000 for the two bedroom home, £390,000-£465,000 for the 3 bedroom properties and £490,000-£530,000 for the four bedroom executive properties. Prices for the apartments are yet to be confirmed.

Further details are available from https://www.wainhomes.co.uk/developments/the-green/ or by contacting Sophie Gwynne on sophie.gwynne@dmandcohomes.co.uk or call the Solihull office on 0121 775 0101.

The complex waters of securing a mortgage in the UK can often feel like a straightforward journey—at first glance. Prospective homeowners are typically well-versed in the basics: maintain a good credit score, have a steady income, and save a substantial deposit. 

However, beneath the surface of these well-trodden paths lie some rather unexpected, even weird pitfalls that could derail your application. ABC Finance’s Finance Expert, Gary Hemming reveals the surprising obstacles that impact your mortgage approvals.

Your Name’s Googleability

In an age where your digital footprint can be as important as your physical one, having a common name that yields thousands of search results—or worse, shares with a notorious figure—can actually cause issues. Lenders or their automated systems may perform basic online checks as part of their due diligence. If they find something concerning tied to your name, it might prompt further investigation, slowing down your application.

Frequent Cash Deposits

If your bank statements show regular cash deposits, lenders might raise an eyebrow. This could be interpreted as a lack of financial traceability, raising concerns about money laundering. Even if it’s just a habit of depositing cash tips from your job, it might warrant additional explanation to assure lenders of the money’s legitimate origin.

Pet Ownership

Believe it or not, owning certain types of exotic pets can impact your mortgage application. If the lender becomes aware that you own a pet that could potentially cause damage to the property (think large reptiles or certain breeds of dogs), they might see this as a risk to the property’s value.

Social Media Footprint

Your social media presence can sometimes play a role in your mortgage application process. Lenders won’t typically scour your profiles, but if a quick search brings up risky behaviors, such as boasting about evading taxes or engaging in illegal activities, it could undermine your application.

Subscription Services

An abundance of monthly subscriptions or memberships could be perceived negatively. If your bank statements are littered with payments to various entertainment platforms, gyms, clubs, and so on, it might suggest to lenders that your lifestyle expenses are high, potentially affecting your ability to make mortgage payments.

Historical Debt with the Same Lender

If you’re applying for a mortgage with a bank where you previously defaulted on a debt, even if it was years ago, this could come back to haunt your application. Some financial institutions have long memories and internal records that could influence their decision-making process.

Participation in Gambling Websites

Even if you’re not regularly withdrawing cash for gambling, participation in online gambling platforms can be a red flag. Subscriptions or frequent transactions with gambling sites, regardless of amounts won or lost, suggest a risk-taking behavior that might concern lenders.

Odd Spending Habits

Lenders reviewing your bank statements might be put off by unusual or erratic spending habits. This doesn’t just mean large, unexplained purchases—it could also refer to a pattern of impulsive buying or erratic financial behavior, indicating poor money management skills.

Unusual Occupation Types

If your profession is unconventional or hard to categorize, lenders might struggle to assess your income stability. Jobs in emerging industries, gig economy roles, or positions that rely heavily on commissions or bonuses can pose challenges in proving a reliable income.

Gary Hemming from ABC Finance says: 

Securing a mortgage is already a daunting task, and these unusual factors don’t make it any easier. However, being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you navigate the process more smoothly. It’s crucial to present yourself as a reliable candidate not just financially but in aspects of your life you might not have considered relevant. When in doubt, consulting with a mortgage advisor can help you address any concerns and improve your chances of approval.