A prominent development site in a sought-after area of Birmingham is available for sale with commercial agents Bond Wolfe, with an asking price of £1.35 million.

The site at Cornerways, 1 Hagley Road West, has planning permission for eight two-bedroomed apartments in addition to an existing block of four maisonettes.

James Mattin, managing director of Bond Wolfe, explained that the site currently comprises a two-storey building of four two-bedroomed maisonettes.

A stand-alone garage block has already been demolished under the approved planning permission in readiness for development.

Mr Mattin said: “Set back from the main Hagley Road West, there is land to the side of the existing block which allows for development of a three story block of eight new build two-bedroom apartments with associated car parking.”

The consented plans would form  5,896 sq ft of new-build development.

The site is at the junction of Hagley Road West and Lordswood Road on the southwestern periphery of Birmingham.

Mr Mattin said: “This is an excellent development opportunity in a prime and prominent position, approximately four miles west of Birmingham city centre and one mile north of the centre of Harborne.”

The site occupies the corner plot of a significant junction along Hagley Road West and the surrounding area predominantly comprises of detached dwellings situated on generous plots of land.

An area of open parkland separates the site from a denser arrangement of terraced housing to the north.

Hagley Road is a principal arterial route leading from Birmingham city centre and to the M5 motorway, which is three miles to the west of the site.

Those interested in this prime development project can find more details at https://cdn.eigpropertyauctions.co.uk/ams/images/489/auction/0/c9953a1a-27cb-4f92-af56-cc21d04427cb or contact James Mattin on 0121 524 1172 or at jmattin@bondwolfe.com.

Take a look at this Birmingham home coming up at Bond Wolfe’s next auction and you might think that a sledge hammer has been at work in the side passage.

Pop round the back and the vista hardly improves, with the garden of 73 Ivy House Road on the border of West Heath and Kings Norton looking like an unofficial landfill.

Peek inside the three-bedroomed, end-terraced house and these first impressions continue, with a collapsed kitchen ceiling, stripped walls in the bathroom, sitting room and one of the bedrooms.

But the truth behind these chaotic scenes is simply a property halfway through renovations that now needs a bit of tender loving care and investment to become a decent family home once again. 

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that the need for “complete refurbishment” was reflected in the guide price* of just £69,000+ that the lot will carry in the livestreamed auction on 8 February.

Mr Bassi said: “This is the kind of property that regularly catches the eyes of keen bidders attending our auctions because they know you can’t always tell a book by its cover.

“Yes, the side passage and some walls in the front garden have been dismantled and the bricks and rubble needs removing.

“But once this been taken care of, the end-terraced garden is actually quite a large space wrapping round the front, side and rear of the house.

“The state of affairs inside is simply what happens when people start a big decorating job, with various tired plaster and tiles in what I’d describe as the first stage of removal.

“Any potential new owner will of course want to come and check the property for themselves, and already we’re dealing with multiple enquiries from first-time buyers with DIY skills and landlords looking to extend their portfolios.”

The property on Ivy House Road has an open plan kitchen and reception room on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

The viewing schedule for interested bidders, with no need to book in prior to attending, is:

• Wednesday 24 January 2 to 2.15pm
• Monday 29 January 11am to 11.15pm
• Thursday 1 February 2 to 2.15pm, and
• Tuesday 6 February 11 to 11.15am.

The Birmingham property is just one of 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

A pair of family-sized homes just doors away from each other on the same Birmingham street and both with attractive starting prices are in Bond Wolfe’s next auction.

The three-bedroomed, semi-detached houses are at 17 Montpelier Road and 43 Montpelier Road in the Bromford area, and each will have guide prices* of £39,000+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 8 February.

The two properties have front and back gardens, with a hall, two reception rooms, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor, then a landing, three bedrooms and bathroom upstairs.

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that Montpelier Road was a short distance away from The Fort Shopping Park, with plenty of local parks and school options.

Mr Bassi said: “While both houses need refurbishment throughout, with number 43 also having no fittings in its kitchen or bathroom, they could each make ideal purchases for first-time buyers or landlords looking to extend their portfolios.

“They are great examples of the wide range of Birmingham lots in our auction, and we are already busy with plenty of early enquiries.”

Over in Handsworth, a two-bedroomed, end-terraced house with front and back gardens at 18 Clarence Avenue in Handsworth has a guide price of just £29,000+.

This property has two reception rooms, a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, a landing and two bedrooms upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing.

Down in the south of the city, a three-bedroomed, double fronted and end-terraced house at 207 The Roundabout in Northfield has a guide price of £49,000+.

This property has a porch, reception room, dining kitchen and rear lean-to on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet upstairs.

There is gas central heating and partial double glazing, plus gardens and driveway parking outside, although there is the need for “improvement works throughout”.

Also needing modernisation is a three-bedroomed, semi-detached home with a driveway and gardens at 224 Sladepool Farm Road in Druids Heath, and this has a guide price of £50,000+.

This property has a porch, hall, two reception rooms, kitchen with dining area and toilet on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing.

Over in Selly Oak is a three-bedroomed, semi-detached house with gardens front and back at 27 Prestwood Road, with a guide price of £69,000+.

This property has a hall, reception room with understairs store and bathroom on the ground floor, a landing with three bedrooms upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing to the majority of windows.

Back up in the north of the city is a three-bedroomed, mid-terraced house with gardens front and back at 20 Ilsley Road in Erdington, with a guide price of £59,000+.

This property has a storm porch, two reception rooms, understairs cupboard and kitchen on the ground floor, a landing, three bedrooms, shower room and toilet upstairs, plus double glazing, although it needs modernisation.

At the other end of the price scale is a vacant three-storey, mid-terraced property converted into three self-contained flats at 44 Church Road in the much sought-after suburb of Moseley.

This property, with a guide price of £275,000+, may be suitable for redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission.

There is a vestibule and communal hall on the ground floor, plus entrances to Flat 1 and Flat 2, which both have a hall, reception room and kitchen downstairs.

Flat 1 then has a landing, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, with the same plus an extra bedroom on the first floor for Flat 2, while Flat 3 on the second floor has a bed-sitting room, inner hall, kitchen and bathroom.

The property has gas central heating, fire doors, smoke alarm, intercom system and double glazing, plus there is rear access to gardens outside.

The Birmingham properties are among 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

A recently completed residential development in the Birmingham suburb of Acocks Green will feature in Bond Wolfe’s next livestreamed auction, with a guide price* of £200,000.

The property, at 284 Shirley Road, comprises a detached home converted into a four-bedroom HMO – house of multiple occupancy – with two further one-bedroom flats at the rear.

Generating a gross annual income of £21,600, it is likely to be a star of the auction, on Thursday 8 February, as property investors seek to boost their buy-to-let portfolios.

James Mattin, managing director and chief auctioneer at Bond Wolfe, said: “This is a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs and seasoned investors to benefit from the recent development of this site, which is now fully let and generating a very respectable rental income.

“The property comprises a recently converted detached dwelling now offering a four-bedroom HMO with an additional two separately accessed one bedroom flats. Flat 1 is by way of an extension to the side of the main dwelling , while Flat 2 is a separate detached dwelling within the grounds to the rear of the property.

“The majority of the development works to the main dwelling have been completed with further finishings required to the kitchen.

“We are anticipating high demand; this is a well-executed development in a popular Birmingham suburb a short distance from Birmingham’s buzzing city centre.”

The property occupies a substantial 0.22 acre site on the popular Shirley Road, close to its junction with Dolphin Lane, close to all the local amenities.

The main dwelling has an entrance hallway, three communal living rooms, a house bathroom, utility room, kitchen and dining room, four letting rooms and three ensuite bathrooms. Flat 1 has a bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a lounge. Flat 2 has a bedroom, lounge, bathroom and a kitchen.

Outside is a front driveway and rear garden.

The sale is freehold subject to the existing tenancy, with the properties let for a term of three years from 3 July 2023, at a passing rent of £21,600 per annum.

Mr Mattin added: “We are advised that some building regulations are awaiting sign off. Furthermore, we have not had confirmation or site of planning permission for the conversion of the main dwelling or the garden flat.”

The Acocks Green property is just one of scores of lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

Deanestor kitchens – one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists to the build-to-rent
sector, has completed a contract to provide bespoke, contemporary kitchens for a
new Grainger scheme in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Awarded by main contractor Clegg Construction, the contract for Gilder’s Yard was for 158
high specification kitchens which were manufactured and installed by UK-based Deanestor.

Developed for Grainger plc – the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, Gilder’s Yard
comprises the renovation of a three-storey Grade II listed former jewellery factory and the
construction of three further blocks to provide high quality one- and two-bedroom apartments
for rent, and 10,000sqft of commercial space on the ground floor. The scheme was designed
by BPN Architects.

There were three kitchen configurations – island, L-shaped and single wall – and two colour
palettes for the cabinets – platinum white and graphite grey, both with white quartz worktops
and contrasting stainless steel handles.

The ‘loft’ finish and open plan island kitchen layout were developed for the apartments in the
listed building with the dark grey units designed to complement the exposed brickwork and
surfaces.

According to Josh Barker, Development Manager at Grainger, “This was a complex
regeneration project which is breathing new life into a historic building in Birmingham’s
thriving Jewellery Quarter. Gilder’s Yard will provide much needed high quality,
contemporary homes for rent which incorporate traditional heritage features of the site.”
“We recognise the importance of quality, durable kitchens that are designed to meet the
requirements of our residents, and we are pleased that the Deanestor team helped us to
achieve this at Gilder’s Yard.”

Tim Croft, Project Manager for Clegg Construction, said “The interior design of this scheme
was a prominent part of the architecture and was designed to complement the retained
exterior which has large picture windows that increase visibility of the internal features such
as the kitchens. The new build wings are a modern interpretation of the listed elevation in
fenestration and materials.”

“We were confident in Deanestor’s ability to deliver the quality required for the project and in
a short timeframe. Their design team performed well with a good level of detailing and
technical expertise. They were able to accommodate variations in layout whilst achieving as
much standardisation for manufacturing efficiency as possible. The kitchens have been
finished to a high standard.”

Deanestor supplied and installed integrated appliances for each kitchen – tall fridge freezer,
dishwasher, electric hob, and built-in oven. There is also a freestanding washer dryer and a
ceiling-mounted extractor, with pull-up, down draught extractors for the island kitchens.
Deanestor works for some of the UK’s leading private residential developers on major
schemes, offering bespoke joinery and fitout for high specification kitchens and bedroom
furniture.

Built to last, cabinets are crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions. There is a wide
choice of contemporary materials, finishes and colours, including gloss or matt, vinyl or
laminate finishes, integrated appliances, and worktops such as laminates, marble, granite,
quartz, and solid surface materials. These are installed by Deanestor’s site teams ready for
M&E connections as part of the FF&E package for a full turnkey service.
For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/buildtorent , call 01623 420041 or
email enquiries@deanestor.com

Property & Development Magazine

Unique approach to solutions provision with unrivalled proposition from industry experts

A unique firm to assist businesses and help them prosper in the ‘new normal’ with an innovative approach to property and finance-based services has launched today. ARMCo is the brainchild of Birmingham-based business founder and investor Russell Martin, and combines specialist lending, corporate support, land procurement and development, and insurance services – catering for a rapidly evolving business landscape – to benefit clients with truly holistic and tailored solutions.

ARMCo is based in the heart of Birmingham’s finance district, where its HQ is the base from which the firm delivers its local, regional and national offering. It has a strong foundation: Russell formed Finance 4 Business, a specialist broker for finance transactions, 15 years ago – and used his experience, expertise and connections to form four further businesses which have grown strategically year on year, offering agile and integrated solutions to clients. With four new firms offering synergistic services added to the group, this forms the complete ARMCo offering.

Jon Preston has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at ARMCo. Jon brings a wealth of experience, having worked at a UK-based lender which underwent a £26m MBO last year with Foresight Group, a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager.

ARMCo founder Russell Martin explains: “We are living in uncertain times and a post-pandemic world looks very different for a lot of businesses. Overcoming challenges such as access to business finance, sourcing sector-based specialist risk and insurance solutions or navigating land procurement and development opportunities will have presented complexity before Covid, but the ‘new normal’ will be more challenging for many.

“The combination of expertise at ARMCo means we can deliver bespoke solutions for our clients to help them maximise growth opportunities and give them an exceptional experience. Our adept approach ensures that even the most complex of transactions are navigated with integrity, proficiency and pace. The combination of a human approach, passion and commitment of strong leaders and highly collaborative partnerships, combined with a central services approach, presents an unrivalled proposition in the UK – particularly with Jon at the helm, leading and propelling the group,” he added.

The ARMCo group comprises Finance 4 Business, Liquidity Club, Innovation 4 Business and  Walker Doble – as well as new firms Atlas Land & Planning, Midshore Partners, Chordis Capital and Cape Insurance. These are operated by industry experts Russell Martin, David Pinnington, David Totney, Philip Moore, Rebecca Doble, Marc Walker, James England and Rob Lankey and Henry Gallacher. The group offers expertise on financial solutions including asset, bridging and development finance, tax solutions and MBOs – helping SMEs in a range of sectors, property developers (including allied trades and professionals) and investors.

One such business benefitting from ARMCo’s expertise is Fitzpatrick Group Ltd – a housing delivery service provider with a requirement for finance provision to aid its expansion into a number of specialist sub sectors. The firm’s Managing Director, Mark Fitzpatrick, explains: “I have worked with Russell for more than a decade, initially through Finance 4 Business (F4B), through which I have had in excess of 25 loans arranged for me, across many disciplines and through a multitude of different lenders, from commercial mortgages, Buy-To-Let and bridging loans, to development and asset finance. The attention to detail, end-to-end service and dedication has been a staple feature of the service. 

“The evolution of ARMCo has seen the inception of some great businesses led by fantastic people, with whom I have transacted on many occasions, with great satisfaction and results. The launch of ARMCo makes absolute sense and I have no doubt Russell and his team will go from strength to strength.”

Russell concluded: “Success in any business involves being able to navigate a market, identify business opportunities and be agile enough to be able to plug gaps in the market. I have applied that formula to my businesses, and the ARMCo offering can now support businesses in realising their ambitions, as we all try to navigate our way through these turbulent times. We are a group of companies built on strong relationships, not transactions, and I’m delighted to have such robust and proven expertise on board at ARMCo. We have ambitious expansion plans, and will be adding more companies to provide further synergy within the group.” For further information about ARMCo visit www.ARMCo.partners

Property & Development Magazine