Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, today announces its global outlook for real estate investment markets in 2024, highlighting several key sectors it believes offer rewarding opportunities for informed investors. The report offers insights on ten questions that Savills IM analysts believe investors should seek to answer before allocating in 2024.

Although higher inflation and bond yields provide a challenging backdrop for the sector in 2024, Savills IM believes that real estate will continue to provide highly attractive value creation opportunities for investors through compelling yields, capital protection or capital growth. 

Savills IM identifies the threats to the near-term macro picture, the most notable being a cautious approach from central banks to inflation. While interest rates may have peaked, it is likely they will remain higher-for-longer with no respite until late 2024. On this basis, Savills IM believes it is important to focus on fundamentals when identifying opportunities within real estate.

According to Savills IM, the road to net zero and sustainability efforts also remain at the forefront for investors, and measures to reduce buildings’ operational costs and protect against obsolescence due to regulatory demands continue to be an imperative.

Is now the time for real estate debt?

In terms of strategies, Savills IM believes that now is the time for real estate investors to consider allocations to real estate debt, a sector which is experiencing several supportive trends creating compelling opportunities. Declining availability of debt financing, real estate yield rerating and rising interest rates have created favourable return conditions for those able to lend. The downside protection from equity cushions provided by real estate debt are highly attractive to those investors looking for stable and secured income against a backdrop of market volatility and future uncertainty. 

Opportunities in affordable housing for institutional investors

Elsewhere, affordable housing continues to be driven by fundamental supply-demand imbalances across all European markets. Rent affordability is consequently the issue for residents, policymakers, and investors alike. In the year to 30 September 2023, average rent levels rose by 8.2% across Europe (ex-UK) and by 10% in the UK. Against this backdrop, institutional investors have an opportunity to be part of the delivery of new supply in the long term, and in the short term should ensure they are not overly reliant on market-rental growth, instead focusing on affordability and minimising cost leakage. Prioritising residents will ensure longer tenancies, larger community benefits, and ultimately more stable income for investors.

Strong rental growth in urban industrial & logistics

Rents for modern urban industrial and logistics buildings are set to grow strongly over 2024, particularly for those units within or close to the major urban areas. i Across the logistics sector, growth has transitioned from being driven by cap rate tightening to rental growth. Low vacancies and poor-quality existing stock are factors exacerbated in urban areas, where proximity to the end customer is increasingly critical and where suitable stock and land supply is typically falling. Investors could seek to invest in modern, income-producing assets or take the opportunity to create best-in-class, ESG approved, industrial and logistics space.  

Alex Jeffrey, Chief Executive, Savills Investment Management, Commented:

“2024 will likely prove to be another challenging year for real estate investors. However, periods of high market stress will present opportunities to those investors with the requisite market knowledge. We see allocators tilting towards Living, Industrial & Logistics, Debt and, in increasingly, Natural Capital orientated strategies,”

Andrew Allen, Global Head of Research, Product Strategy and Development, Savills Investment Management, Commented:

“Urban industrial & logistics continues to be driven by strong fundamental factors and demand for modern, ESG compliant best-in-class assets create opportunities for investors. Elsewhere in the affordable housing sector, the role of private capital continues to grow in importance as part of the solution in ensuring the continued availability of homes for residents across Europe.”

“Debt markets keep providing attractive risk-adjusted returns with strong downside protection. Against a backdrop of heightened cyclical market uncertainty, the stable income provided by senior real estate lending will remain highly attractive to institutional investors.”

Read the full report here: https://outlook2024.savillsim.com/

Savills IM’s 2024 sector outlook:

Living

• Rent affordability is the issue for residents, policymakers and investors into 2024 and beyond. Demand continues to outstrip supply, and consequently the average household faces a marked deterioration in affordability and with limited alternative housing options. 
• The answer lies in a major program of development, but the short- term answer is that no quick fix exists, from either the public or private sector. Consequently, the prospect of policy interventions on rents through controls is rising. 
• Investors should be mindful of the affordability thresholds of their residents and the risks of policy responses as the affordability crisis deepens.
• Long term, institutional investors can be part of the delivery of new supply. Short term they should take steps to reduce reliance on extreme, top-line, market rental growth.

Logistics & Industrial

• Considering the changed interest rate landscape, the factors driving future industrial and logistics returns are transitioning from cap rate tightening to rent growth; and real rental growth predictions are sound. The excess occupier demand is structural for the core industrial and logistics locations, and rents will continue to rise.
• Rental growth will be supported by low vacancy rates, and new supply constrained by high finance and development costs.
• Poor quality of existing stock is also a factor, with many buildings being outdated for operational and energy performance requirements.
• Proximity to customers and business partners is becoming the key success criterion for efficient and robust value and supply chains, and this is evident globally. Whilst occupiers might seek to pay less to reflect the economic conditions, they will pay more for operationally efficient buildings, taking up less space, but paying higher rents per sq metre.

Urban industrial & logistics assets continue to look attractive. Connecting the fundamentals of need for urban facilities and the shortage of available land, suggests the opportunity for more intensive use of suitable sites and these commanding higher rent and capital values.

Debt

• Real estate debt markets are experiencing several supportive trends which in our view creates a compelling opportunity today.
• Declining availability of debt financing, real estate yield rerating, and rising interest rates have created favourable return conditions.
• Lenders should be considering whether their equity cushions need to be checked for potentially unprecedented capital movements. In times of heightened cyclical market uncertainties, senior real estate lending protected by the cushion of high equity represents an appealing investment approach for institutional investors.

Natural Capital  

“The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the reverse”.  The word “capital” reminds us that nature is an asset which has a value that can be enhanced or destroyed. Nature is invaluable given our reliance on it and its life supporting ecosystems.

Approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon dioxide and lock up carbon and in turn, create high integrity carbon units, bundled with multiple co-benefits including biodiversity enhancement produce voluntary verified carbon units that can be used to meet net zero ambitions or sold.

Retail

• We see opportunities in the high income return that retail offers, with parts of the market supported by compelling fundamental drivers.  Retail has moved from being one of the lower income sectors to the highest.
• Although structural and cyclical issues have proved challenging over recent years, we believe that the structural challenges (sales diversion) are clear and that the cyclical challenges (cost of living) will repair over 2024 and beyond. This has different implications for the various parts of the retail sector and investors should recognise the breadth of risk and opportunity.

• Ecommerce continues to dilute spending through physical shops, but we sense footfall in Europe’s main retail destinations has returned strongly, consumers enjoying the therapy of physically shopping in compelling, diverse, and entertaining retail environments.
• However, the target investment markets are much reduced, and investors need to be more forensic than ever around specific locations. 

Offices

• The nature of occupational demand diverges considerably across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America with the former witnessing largely robust demand and confidence and the latter struggling under a hybrid working and supply burden.
• Across Europe, three key factors are altering the nature of tenant demand and ultimately investor returns, namely: structurally weaker occupier demand; increasing lease flexibility; and energy efficiency and sustainability demands.
• As occupiers demand coalesces around higher quality, well-located, sustainable buildings, investors options are to acquire or create the best assets in the best locations. A near-term supply squeeze on grade-A stock is expected to drive rental growth for better quality stock.

Residential property management company, Encore (encoreestates.co.uk), has announced its membership of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).

The move will see Encore’s facilities management leaders and site teams, including Head Concierges and Building Managers, provided with IWFM training, qualifications, and individual memberships.

Few other leading estate management companies are members of the IWFM or offer employees its comprehensive range of courses and qualifications.

Encore considers the IWFM membership a natural extension of its current learning and development programme, which already supports members of its Estate Management and Service Charge Accounting teams achieve qualifications with professional bodies such as the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and NEBOSH among others.

This new membership is a further step towards Encore’s goal of being the most professional managing agent in the UK.

The associated benefits of the new IWFM membership will complement Encore’s property management teams’ overall capability by further enhancing their knowledge of on-site facilities and maintenance. It will also provide ongoing support on best industry practice and technical approaches.

Encore’s CEO Joaquim Fillola, commented, “At Encore, we aim to always deliver first-class property management services for our clients and residents.”

“With our membership of the IWFM, we are providing those who want to develop their career in facilities management with a unique opportunity. By supporting our people to undergo IWFM training and qualifications, we are fostering a level of service normally reserved for commercial and hotel-style professionals, to better serve our residents.”

Estate-based facilities management can be complex, especially when managing large estates that include several types of buildings and a diverse range of amenities. Encore’s membership of the IWFM will provide advanced training and qualifications on topics such as supplier relations, commercial models, contract management, and environmental sustainability.

Jason Grieve, Head of Site Operations, said, “Our new membership of the IWFM, will allow our facilities management teams to feel supported and know that they have the right skills and knowledge to provide a comprehensive service and offer sound, informed advice within their everyday roles. This will benefit the entire estate management team, and importantly, the residents on our estates.”

“Estate assets will be maintained based on knowledge gained through the IWFM, which will lead to less reliance on outside expertise and provide better value for money for our clients. Our new IWFM membership will allow us to dig that much deeper from a technical facilities standpoint to ensure we continue to deliver excellence on our sites.”

IWFM Director of Membership and Partnerships, Jonathan Nobbs, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Encore to the community of IWFM group members. The purpose of group membership is to enable organisations to support the development of their inhouse FM, Workplace, Estate and Property teams.”

“It provides access to a variety of learning resources and programmes for team progression, whilst also allowing teams to build on existing knowledge and experience. By helping teams to gain industry-recognised qualifications, organisations like Encore have a powerful means to attract and retain professionals for the long-term.”

“Encore has exhibited a commitment to team development from the start with a clear and defined pathway for each professional to be able to progress. Group membership allows Encore to enhance this commitment and publicly demonstrate its mission to foster professional excellence.”

Award winning Encore manages a variety of complex mixed-use developments, large private housing schemes and many types of buildings across the UK.

Property investment has stood the test of time as a robust avenue for accumulating wealth. Traditional property investment strategies have often focused on maximizing short-term gains, but the landscape is shifting. Today’s discerning investors are giving equal weight to financial, environmental, and social considerations. Enter sustainable property investment: a nuanced approach that aims to provide economic benefits and foster a positive impact on the environment and the community.

What is Sustainable Property Investment?

Sustainable property investment is a growing subset of traditional property investment. It involves integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into real estate investment decisions. The goal is to achieve financial profitability and contribute to a sustainable future by considering the impact of investment choices on natural resources and communities. This practice extends beyond simply adhering to environmental regulations and aims to proactively create value for investors, residents, and the broader ecosystem.

Importance of Energy Efficiency

One of the cornerstone principles of sustainable property investment is energy efficiency. A building’s energy consumption directly correlates with its carbon footprint. A property that utilizes energy-efficient technologies such as advanced HVAC systems, solar panels, or even energy-efficient glass can significantly reduce energy consumption. These kinds of improvements not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also translate to lower utility bills for residents. Lower operating costs, in turn, can make such properties more attractive to potential tenants or buyers, effectively increasing the property’s market value over time.

Role of Material Selection

Material selection is another essential component of sustainable property investment. Sustainable or recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and low-VOC paint contribute to reducing a building’s environmental impact. Opting for locally sourced materials can reduce the property’s carbon footprint by minimizing transportation-related emissions. These choices are not just ethically sound but can also be financially prudent in the long term. Sustainable materials often offer greater durability, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over the lifetime of the property.

Significance of Location

The location of a property is instrumental in determining its sustainability index. A property located close to public transport hubs or essential amenities like schools, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities encourages a reduced reliance on private vehicles. This has a dual benefit: It contributes to lowering emissions and can be a significant selling point for potential residents who value convenience.

Financial Implications

Investing in sustainable property often comes with various financial incentives. Many local and federal governments offer tax credits or reductions for property owners who implement sustainable features in their buildings. Moreover, a well-executed sustainable property is generally more cost-efficient to maintain and operate, which can be a compelling point for prospective tenants or buyers. This lower cost of ownership makes such properties a viable long-term investment. Further adding to the appeal is the rising consumer awareness around sustainability, making these properties more likely to appreciate in value.

Risks and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, sustainable property investment is not without risks. The initial capital required for sustainable modifications can be substantially higher than traditional upgrades. There’s also the matter of market volatility; sustainable or not, all properties are subject to market forces that can be unpredictable. Understanding these risks is crucial for making well-informed investment decisions. Overall, the practice of sustainable property investment offers a rewarding but complex landscape for investors keen on aligning their financial objectives with broader environmental and social goals. Through a strategic focus on elements like energy efficiency, material selection, and property location, it is possible to create an investment strategy that is both financially rewarding and ethically sound. While initial costs and market uncertainties pose challenges, the long-term, tangible and intangible benefits make sustainable property investment an avenue worth considering for the conscientious investor.

Residents’ management companies are being urged to ensure fire risk assessments are carried out at their apartment blocks in a wake-up call as new regulations come into force.

An expert at property management firm Scanlans warned the clock is ticking for management companies at buildings which are over 18 metres in height or at least seven floors.

A deadline of Saturday, September 30 has been set for them to ensure that up-to-date information about buildings in this category is registered on a new central portal, which is being created so that fire and rescue services have the data to hand in the event of an incident.

The information required includes details of the building’s structure, height, the number of floors and apartments, as well as fire safety information relating to aspects such as fire and smoke controls.

It is the latest measure in the government‘s drive to improve building safety across the UK in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy.

Scanlans, which operates nationwide from offices in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, has a property management portfolio of more than 20,000 units across over 300 residential sites, from listed apartment blocks to new-build housing developments.

Paul Christopher, who is a specialist fire risk assessor at Scanlans, has issued a guide for management companies about key aspects that should be covered during inspections.

Paul, who is a member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and holds industry qualifications from numerous bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said the new portal underlines the need for thorough fire risk assessments to be conducted at high-rise blocks.

From October 1, the nominated principal accountable or responsible person for a high-rise building will be obliged to make a record of a fire risk assessment, which must be carried out by someone with training and experience.

Paul said: “There’s an increasing emphasis on fire safety across the sector, as we have seen with the Building Safety Act.

“The new government portal will provide vital information to fire and rescue services if they are attending for a fire, as well as for their investigations.

“Information about matters such as the floor plans of buildings, façades and what fire-fighting equipment is installed will assist them enormously.

“There is a requirement for the information to be updated for the life of the building, being referred to as the ‘golden thread’, with fire risk assessments being registered, any material changes to the building being logged, and the details of all responsible and accountable people being detailed.

“Management companies must ensure they have a thorough fire risk assessment for their building, understand the action points that are raised, and deal with them.

“Once a fire risk assessment has been completed, there will be recommendations for the responsible person to remove, mitigate and manage fire risk to the building within appropriate timescales.”

The information required for the new portal should be compiled from the most recent fire risk assessment, he added.

Paul recommends an annual survey to assess what risk a fire may pose to a building and residents.

His guide to what should be covered in a fire risk assessment includes:

• Whether communal area fire doors comply with British Standard 1936
• A visual inspection of communal areas for the integrity of compartmentation and fire-stopping, and inspecting communal riser rooms. Paul says these checks are essential, as riser rooms often open onto escape routes from apartment entrances
• Checking whether items along escape routes may pose a risk to fire fighters or to residents during an evacuation, including trip or fall hazards such as prams, pushchairs and bicycles, and combustible or flammable items
• The level of smoke ventilation provision
• Whether electrical installations are tested and safe
• Whether a suitable fire action plan is displayed and in practice for the building
• What fire detection equipment is provided and whether it is suitable, including smoke detectors and alarms
• Whether there is sufficient emergency lighting along escape routes, and sufficient fire exit and safety signage
• Any risk of a fire starting internally and externally, such as a source of fuel close to a means of ignition
• Whether any dangerous substances are kept in the building and, if so, whether appropriate risk strategies are followed.

Paul added: “Seemingly small issues can lead to catastrophe. However, by acting on issues raised in a thorough fire risk assessment, the damage to a building and the danger to its inhabitants in the event of a fire can be minimised by reducing the chance of it spreading.”

Paul said common fire risk factors which emerge during assessments include the condition of electrical wiring, and electric scooters or batteries left to charge in communal areas.

Each resident should have an hour’s fire protection in their apartment in the event of a fire, or a safe means of escape.

“Every building is different, and a fire risk assessment should not be merely a box-ticking exercise,” he said.

No matter your age, initiating your estate planning process is a crucial step to ensure your wishes are honored and your assets are managed as desired. Estate planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy; it’s a comprehensive process that empowers you to dictate how your assets are distributed and managed upon incapacitation or passing.

With the aim of fostering cultural preservation and securing funding for Jewish institutions, the Jewish Future Pledge is a global initiative that empowers families to engage in discussions about the significance of estate planning. This includes emphasizing why family leaders should ensure that charitable giving endures beyond their lifetime. As an organization, they estimate that around $68 trillion will transition to the next generation in the next 25 years, with roughly 20% of this wealth originating from Jewish contributors.

Discuss these fundamental estate planning steps with your loved ones and consider seeking advice from an attorney for personalized guidance.

1. Document Your Wishes While not typically legally binding, crafting a letter of final wishes enables you to communicate information and requests that often extend beyond the scope of a will. This could encompass funeral arrangements, explanations of will provisions, or suggestions for the utilization of funds you leave behind.
2. Prepare a Will Creating a legally binding last will and testament is often the cornerstone of estate planning. This process involves designating guardians for minor children and pets, cataloging all assets, specifying recipients of assets, allocating funds to charitable causes, and appointing an executor.
3. Reflect on Causes of Importance During the creation of a will and the estate planning process, consider charitable causes that hold significance to you. Engaging in conversations with loved ones can provide insights into meaningful causes. These dialogues can also serve as a foundation for future generations to uphold a specific cause or organization in alignment with shared values.

The Jewish Future Pledge encourages Jews and their allies to prioritize intergenerational conversations. These discussions can catalyze the inclusion of Jewish causes and Israel in estate planning, thereby securing the Jewish future. By pledging, individuals commit that at least 50% of their intended charitable funds will support Jewish charities or Israel.

4. Designate Beneficiaries Naming beneficiaries for assets like life insurance policies or retirement accounts is often done when creating those assets. However, it’s essential to ensure that beneficiary designations align with your will to prevent conflicts. Designated beneficiaries typically take precedence over will instructions, which can lead to confusion and legal complexities.
5. Regularly Review Your Plan Establishing an estate plan is essential for ensuring your wishes are honored. However, regularly revisiting and updating the plan is equally important. People often review their plans every few years or during significant life events such as the birth of a child or grandchild, marriage or divorce, major asset acquisition, changes in life insurance coverage, and shifts in career.

Initiating your estate planning journey is a proactive step towards ensuring that your legacy aligns with your intentions. By adhering to these steps and engaging in intergenerational conversations, you can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the continuation of meaningful charitable contributions. To learn more, visit JewishFuturePledge.org.

Online lettings platform lettingaproperty.com has called on tenants and landlords to focus on the value of open communication in the current economic climate. 89% of adults in Great Britain reported that their living costs rose in August 2022, according to government research, with tenants and landlords alike impacted by spiralling food, energy and other prices. Shawbrook Bank, meanwhile, reports that 85% of renters have made changes so that they can cope with the increasing cost of living.

Renters worrying about paying their bills or their rent can feel reluctant to raise their voices, but the team at lettingaproperty.com are encouraging them to do just that.

“Communication is key when it comes to finding solutions to economic hardship. By opening-up dialogue, preferably early in the process, tenants and landlords can work together to find the best way forward.” Jonathan Daines, Founder and CEO, lettingaproperty.com

The lettingaproperty.com team has long advocated the value of communication. During the pandemic, they encouraged tenants and landlords to talk, helping to reduce fear and misunderstanding by promoting open, honest dialogue. The team facilitated conversations while leaving landlords and tenants in control. They also offered support by facilitating payment plans during the Covid crisis, with around 30 of the company’s 1,500 landlords putting these in place to avoid their tenants going into default.

“There is much that we can learn from the pandemic and apply to supporting both tenants and landlords under current economic conditions. Recognising the value of speaking out is the first step in working together to solve issues before they escalate. Tenants who raise worries about finances or talk to their landlords about how to cut energy use may find unexpected solutions to their concerns. It’s definitely good to talk.”

Jonathan Daines, Founder and CEO, lettingaproperty.com

lettingaproperty.com is currently in the process of launching a new rental platform, which will facilitate further communication between tenants and landlords. With 64% of respondents saying a global recession is “somewhat likely” in 2023 and that the outlook for the global economy has “darkened”, according to the World Economic Forum, communicating and working together to find solutions will likely become increasingly important over the months ahead.

For more information, please visit www.lettingaproperty.com or call 0333 577 8888.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Looking to move or to buy a new house? Or perhaps you’re in the process of searching for your first home? The housing market can be challenging, but with interest rates still reasonable and emphasis on city regeneration, now is as great a time as any to purchase a new house.

There are a number of factors to think about if you’re considering buying a house in a new area. Your budget, the facilities you’d like, the lifestyle and more should all be factored in when searching for your new home, as well as your location of choice. To help you make your decision, here are some of the best places to buy in the UK

Nottingham

Nottingham is often missed or skipped over by home websites and travel magazines, though it’s somewhere you should definitely take a note of. Currently, Nottingham is one of the best places to invest for potential buyers, and prices have grown almost 20% in five years.

The city locates two major universities in the city centre, meaning it is rapidly redeveloping to keep up with the times. Alongside this there is a bustling job market to accommodate the new grads, which is quickly transforming into a business and creative quarter.

What’s more is the city’s ability to meld the old with the new. The city is full of architecture and historical landmarks, places such as the National Justice Museum, Newstead Abbey and the miles of man-made caves that run underneath the city make it a great place for families and retired couples to live.

Liverpool

Liverpool has received a resurgence in the last couple of decades. The city is bright, busy and has so much to offer to prospective home buyers. The city is well connected to other parts of the North West, as well as other parts of the U.K, but both road and rail.

The city alone has 43 parks and an amazing waterfront which lends to its perception as a modern city. Alongside its World Heritage Status, the city hosts amazing events such as the River of Light Festival and international music events.

In terms of housing prices, Liverpool is a definitely somewhere you should consider. According to Rightmove data, the average house price in 2017 was just over £150,000, much down from the national average of £240,000. Housing prices such as these make entering the market much easier than other larger city locations, where prices are still rising.

Gateshead

A town between the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, Gateshead often gets overlooked by home buyers. But it is the town’s great location that makes it such a great place to consider buying a home.

The town has excellent transport links to the cities that surround it, through metro, bus and road. You have all the advantages of living in a bustling city centre, without actually having to live there. 

Alongside great transport links, the town has good security and new, affordable housing estates. There are many new homes in Gateshead that are perfect for buyers in any life stage, being located out of a city centre means that housing prices are likely to be lower, too.

Glasgow

Like the other cities on this list, Glasgow has often been overlooked as a location to purchase a new home. Either due to being over compared to its capital Edinburgh, or for uncertainty the housing market, though these concerns are nothing compared to the benefits of buying in the city.

The city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and has been riding a high ever since. The city has been redeveloped in many areas with different housing including flats semi-detached houses cropping up along the river Clyde, not to mention the creation of a bustling creative and hospitality quarter.

Housing prices are another advantage for the city. Most are cheaper than Edinburgh and you can get a lot for your money. According to data from Zoopla, the average house price sits just under £200,000. Compared to the average for Edinburgh being £280,000, that’s a lot of money that you could save whilst enjoying a great city.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

39% of enterprises revealed that physical security breaches are among today’s toughest challenges. For this reason, architects need to keep security in mind throughout each stage in the design process.

If you want to know about architects’ top security trends, keep reading. This guide will cover the top tools architects can use to complement their building design, increase convenience for the regular user, and provide more stringent security.

5 Security Trends For Architects

Security is one of the most crucial elements of building design that architects need to consider. All architects should seek technologies that blend seamlessly with the building’s design and allow a more user-friendly experience for the everyday user. Here are five of the security trends that architects need to know.

Cloud-Based Systems And Fewer Server Rooms

When establishing a security system in their designs, architects need to consider whether a cloud-based security system would be beneficial or whether an on-premise system is necessary.

An on-premise security system fortifies the building against security outages and offers reliability. However, an on-premise system also requires space for servers. You must evaluate whether you would like to allocate space in your design for an on-premise server room. Servers also require a lot of maintenance, which is another consideration in terms of convenience.

An alternative to an on-premise system is a cloud-based system. Cloud-based security systems do not require servers, so they are a space-saving solution. A cloud-based security system also has remote management potential, over-the-air updates, and over-the-air troubleshooting. 

Or, if you want the benefits of both systems, you can invest in a hybrid approach. Hybrid systems require fewer servers but still offer the benefit of reliability.

Security Systems That Blend With The Building’s Design And Provide More Convenience

As an architect, the visual appeal of your designs is imperative. If you’re designing a modern, sleek, and sophisticated building, you need your security to merge with this design – not conflict with it.

Security systems are becoming more compact, with sleek and minimalist designs to blend in with any building’s architecture. For instance, touchless access control is a cloud-based system with hardware that is compact, minimalist, and well-suited to any building design. 

When implementing building security, architects must also consider the convenience of building occupants’ daily comings and goings. Touchless access control provides convenient entry on the first attempt and eliminates the need for keycards or fobs. 

Instead, users gain access credentials on their mobile devices. The building occupant can enter seamlessly with a hand wave over the access control reader. When they wave their hand over the reader, this will trigger the motion sensor. Once the motion sensor detects movement, it will initiate remote communication with the user’s mobile device to unlock the door. 

The device uses three modes of communication to ensure entry on the first attempt – WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth communication. 

A commercial keyless door lock system ensures traffic moves smoothly into the building by preventing failed entry attempts. It also eliminates the need for users to fumble around in their bags and pockets at the building’s entrance to withdraw their access credentials and place them directly in front of the reader, which would slow down the entry process and cause congestion. 

Instead, users need only wave their hands to enter. Architects not only need to consider the design of the building but the overall user experience in the building. Seamless entry improves the user experience and elevates the building design.

Integrating Access Control And Video Security Technology

Architects need to consider the potential security vulnerabilities of their designs. For instance, their building design may not facilitate the optimal placement of security cameras. To ensure a surveillance system is effective, there must be no blind spots that a third party could take advantage of to enter the property or cause damage. 

Additionally, one key vulnerability comes with an access control system. If an unauthorised user manages to steal access credentials, they can easily use them to enter the building unchecked. However, integration can solve this issue.

A single security installation can ensure no blind spots at your building’s entrance while performing identity verification – a video intercom reader. A video intercom reader integrates access control and video surveillance technology, rolling both security installations into a single device. With integrated access control and video, all data from these installations can be viewed on a single interface, allowing for identity verification. 

If both sets of data were hosted separately, this would mean that security staff would have to correlate timestamps to verify user identity – which would be a lengthier process. 

By installing video surveillance for identity verification at each building entrance, you can ensure that there are no blind spots third parties might take advantage of – the system will capture footage of anyone entering the building.

Integrating Cybersecurity And Physical Security Tools For Automated Workflows

With cloud-based physical security comes the potential to merge physical and cyber security for a more robust overall approach. By integrating cybersecurity with physical security tools, architects can ensure automated workflows are established for security events. 

When an alarm is triggered, or abnormal data is detected in your security system, this will trigger automated workflow creation and assignation. The security team can define clear response procedures for each security alert, eliminating the need for manual workflow creation and assignation. Security teams can ensure a faster incident response by automating the workflow assignation process.

Summary

Architects don’t just need to design the building – they need to curate the user experience for everyday building users. These security trends can help architects to create more secure and convenient building security that does not interfere with the building’s visual appeal. 

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

A little over 10 years ago, Tom & Jack Atha were University dropouts who had decided further education wasn’t for them & they wanted to get stuck into the working world. With a natural passion for property development, their mind was set on developing a skillset that they could build upon and ultimately build a business from, with an admirable portfolio. Inspired by their Dad who is a well respected business man in the Teesside area, that’s exactly what they did. 

Today, their property portfolio stands at an incredible £12m but it certainly hasn’t been plain sailing along the way for the Middlesbrough born twins. They’ll be the first to admit that they’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but also learnt to fail fast which enabled them to scale quickly. From renovating town houses & building luxury homes in Teesside to finding their niche in the world of Student Accommodation, Tom & Jack Atha have come a long way since their early days working as labourers on a site in Stokesley. 

Tom: “We knew that if we wanted to make it in this industry, we’d need to get our hands dirty & learn as much about all of the construction trades as possible. So that’s what we did! We started off in 2010 living in a caravan on a friends construction site & worked as labourers for their tradesmen. It’s safe to say it was a bit of a culture shock for two lads who didn’t know what end of a hammer to hold but we were determined to succeed so we got on with it & learnt the basics of turning an outbuilding into a house. That was our first step on the property ladder & it was up to us to carve out a business from there.”

Once their first project was complete, it was time to take on their first proper challenge by themselves in the construction industry. In 2011, they received family investment to purchase a town house in Middlesbrough for 70k. The twins tasked themselves with completing the renovation & it eventually became their first buy to let property, but not before teaching the lads some valuable lessons about what NOT to do when renovating a property, including not ignoring the correct way to change a stop tap as they soon found out it would lead to them flooding their entire first property investment. 

From this initial renovation, and the important lessons learnt, followed multiple town house investments, a Victorian property refurbishment into Student Accommodation & 2 luxury Residential builds, all based in Teesside. 

Fast forward to 2022 and they have added their most lucrative property to date to their portfolio, their flagship student accommodation block; St James Studios which was completed & fully occupied by September 2018. They also own a Business Centre in the North East & are currently moving into the final stages of another large scale student accommodation development named Dorman House, comprising of another 55 apartments on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. This one is due for completion later this year. 

Jack: “It’s took years of trial and error, and also a great deal of graft, to get to this point. We’re big believers in helping the local community & we know property development is an area of high interest for lots of people. We’ve seen the prices people charge for Property Development courses too! If anyone wanted to ask us more details about our journey or any advice on investments/developments, we’re always happy to help! We’re grateful to have had a helping hand in the early days by securing family investment. If we can help others in any way at all, we’d love to offer that helping hand in return.”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) welcomes the opening of the Help to Build equity loan scheme to applications, which will help more people with smaller deposits access an owner commissioned home.

As the Prime Minister stated last year: “We know that self and custom build delivers high-quality, well-designed homes, that are energy efficient, accessible, affordable and welcomed by their communities”. Yet despite these benefits the sector was largely unable to use the Help to Buy scheme that made it easier and cheaper to access the new homes market.

Help to Build is the answer. Based on proposals developed by NaCSBA, the scheme empowers and enables many more people to build the homes that they want to live in, and not be forced to purchase a new home that someone else has decided they will like.

Why is Help to Build so important?

The scheme is needed because the custom and self build market is largely served by a network of smaller lenders, mainly building societies, whose capacity to support the sector – and in particular those with smaller deposits – is constrained by the financial rules that they must work within.

Customer choice is key as, with any market, it leads to both better choice and better value. But it is much more than that, as Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, NaCSBA CEO points out: “Our home can protect us, it can inspire us, and it can sustain us and our community. It can make us healthier and fitter – mentally and physically, and it can enable us to live better lives.”

NaCSBA believes that our full range of needs and desires can only be met when we have greater choice over the design and specification of our home – just as happens in every other country in the world. The UK is unique in the lack of choice that exists, and the results of that failure are clear to see.

Research from NaCSBA’s recent Custom and Self Build Market Report showed that, when given more choice, self builders build better and greener homes than those on the open market, with over half choosing a sustainable heating source and choosing to build with highly-efficient Modern Methods of Construction.

“Help to Build is important because it opens up custom and self-build as an option to those with smaller budgets and in particular smaller savings. Access to finance is just part of the answer. The key constraint is access to land with permission to build. This challenge is being addressed in part through the Right to Build legislation, which requires local authorities to ensure enough plots are permissioned to match the demand on the registers that they operate.

“However, some local authorities have been too slow to respond to the legislation, and it is important that they do more, not least to respond to the increased demand following the launch of this scheme. This is why the government’s response to the Bacon Review, also published today, and the ongoing funding to the Right to Build Task force are important pieces in a wider plan,” says Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, NaCSBA CEO.

We warmly welcome this first tranche of funding into Help to Build. Given that the Help to Build scheme is our alternative to Help to Buy, our expectation is that our sector will get the same decade-long funding that Help to Buy received. This would help enable local authorities to bring forward plots to meet demand and the sector to continue to develop the best possible products for this section of the market.

Help to Build represents an opportunity for growth, and NaCSBA is encouraging the sector to ensure that the fullest possible ranges of options to custom and self-build exists. This includes, for example, the building of custom and self build flats and apartments, and the conversion and renovation of existing buildings.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News