WINNERS 2024
PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR
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THIS AWARD WILL FOCUS NOT ONLY ON THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE PROPERTIES BUILT, BUT ALSO ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPER’S PERFORMANCE.
Weston Homes creates developments with a heart – superb places to live, built with the environment in mind and a high-quality specification inside and out. With a Gold Award for Customer Service, Weston Homes’ care for its customers is second to none – including well-designed sales suites, information on buying incentives, scheduled phone calls throughout the buying process and a named customer service co-ordinator post-completion. Modern methods of construction and a “fabric first” policy ensure every Weston home is highly insulated, warm, economical and future-proofed – and the company practices what it preaches, with an electrified company car fleet and a new HQ covered in 700 solar panels. Almost every home has a private balcony or winter garden, along with communal spaces ranging from landscaped roof terraces to riverside walks. Apartment blocks have hotel-quality foyers, and every home has flooring, a fitted wardrobe and a designer kitchen with appliances including a boiling water tap.
Epitomising excellence in design, construction and customer service, London Square is a leading developer in London’s housing market. Established in 2010, it has grown to become synonymous with delivering exceptional homes across the capital, with over 20 projects. Through Square Roots, an initiative introduced in 2021, London Square extends its commitment to affordability, offering shared ownership and rental schemes providing first time buyers with a new route to buying a quality home and setting higher standards in this sector. Sales staff are pivotal in realising the company’s vision, providing an exemplary service to prospective homeowners, as seen at its riverside project, Square Roots Lewisham. Dedication to customer satisfaction is evident through its In-House Gold Awards and NHBCA1 rating. The company actively fosters community engagement and organises events to bring residents together. This comprehensive approach reflects its firm commitment to excellence and community building in London’s dynamic and challenging housing landscape.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
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THIS AWARD WILL GO TO AN ORGANISATION THAT HAS SHOWN INNOVATION IN THE WAY IT DESIGNS, BUILDS AND MARKETS ITS PROPERTIES AS WELL AS OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES WHICH CAN HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS ON TO THE PROPERTY LADDER.
Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) is a champion of first time buyers, offering all the help that people need to get on to the housing ladder. Its plan of action starts by raising awareness; its award-winning SO Resi Education Programme teaches young people about the options for buying a home, while SO In The Know podcasts give vital information for those further along the path. MTVH’s shared ownership brand, SO Resi, is focused on extending access to the scheme, working in partnership with developers and housing associations to deliver more new homes, as well as supporting the sales and marketing of other shared ownership properties through its SO Resi Partnerships consultancy arm. MTVH is constantly innovating to find new ways to help first time buyers – its ground-breaking SO Resi Plus scheme pioneered 1% staircasing, inspiring Government policy, while its new SO Flexi scheme offers first time buyers a convenient Rent to Buy option.
SNG (Sovereign Network Group) was formed in October 2023 following the merger of Network Homes and Sovereign. The new organisation manages 84,000 homes across London and the South of England. In addition to providing homes for various affordable tenures, including London Living Rent, SNG offers an achievable route into homeownership with new homes available to buy through shared ownership – from stylish urban apartments to aspirational family homes in the countryside. Supporting customers through their first steps into homeownership, SNG puts customers at the heart of everything it does. Demonstrating this, its innovative Homes and Place Standard sets the very highest criteria for affordable homes in desirable places to live. This quality benchmark, alongside SNG’s portfolio of standard house types, ensures homes are healthier, warmer and cheaper to run, in turn creating well-integrated, sustainable and sociable communities which first time buyers are proud to call home.
BEST SMALL/MEDIUM DEVELOPMENT
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THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING FOR SMALL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE DESIRABLE, AFFORDABLE AND INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE WISH TO SET UP THEIR FIRST HOME. THIS AWARD IS FOR SCHEMES OF UP TO 80 HOMES.
With views across the rolling countryside, Honeybrooke by Peabody New Homes is nestled within the quaint Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Hammond. Comprising two, three and four bedroom shared ownership homes, Honeybrooke is expertly designed with sustainable and contemporary living in mind. An unmissable opportunity for aspiring first time buyers, this development is now fully reserved. Taking advantage of the sloping landscape, homes at Honeybrooke are carefully positioned to capture exceptional views of open countryside. For quintessential country living, breathtaking green spaces and traditional village pubs are moments away, while nearby Milton Keynes means buyers are not far from shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. More than just an affordable route to homeownership, Honeybrooke is creating a dynamic new community. New landscaped gardens mirror the surrounding greenery and establish space to meet and socialise. With families in mind, a new children’s play area means parents don’t have to venture far to entertain their children.
Bringing a piece of historic London back to life, NHG Homes’ Castle & Victoria is a boutique collection of 28 apartments set across four charmingly restored Victorian buildings. Offering homes through shared ownership, the development presents a unique opportunity to get on the property ladder in Westminster – one of London’s most sought-after areas. Attention to detail underpins the high-quality features of the open-plan apartments, including brushed gold kitchen taps and solid core timber flush doors. These are homes designed for the modern buyer, with style and quality at the forefront. Much of what makes London an iconic global city is right on the doorstep: Buckingham Palace, the River Thames, leafy Hyde Park, Westminster, the illustrious Royal Albert Hall and much more. The Zone 1 location and excellent transport connections mean that Castle & Victoria provides a pocket of tranquillity within grasp of the city’s boundless charms and magical history.
BEST PARTNERSHIP
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This award category celebrates a collaboration of two or more companies which have worked together to deliver both quality and affordable homes for first time buyers. It will highlight best practice of partnership working within the housing sector and champions the ethos of working together to deliver more.
Bellway and Latimer are committed to delivering sustainable communities which provide quality, affordable homes for first time buyers – values that are perfectly embodied at their Springstead Village development in Cambridge. Through a joint vision, Latimer and Bellway have created a development where every home is built with sustainability at its core. Homes are equipped with air source heat pumps and EV charging points, with most offering an EPC A or B rating to help keep energy costs manageable. Springstead Village also offers the affordable routes into homeownership first time buyers need. Latimer’s shared ownership scheme significantly reduces the deposit needed for many homes at the development, while the availability of the Own New Rate Reducer helps make new homes more affordable by offering cheaper initial mortgage term rates. This makes Springstead Village an exemplar of how an ambitious partnership can deliver the high-quality, affordable homes needed for the future.
Hive Homes is a joint venture between 10 Greater Manchester-based registered providers (Great Places, Salix, Onward, Irwell Valley, Mosscare St Vincents, Bolton at Home, One Manchester, Southway, Wythenshawe and Trafford Housing Trust) together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This established a traditional housebuilding company selling high-quality new family homes primarily for entry level open market sale, the profits from which are ring-fenced and recycled back to our investors to deliver much-needed additional affordable housing across the conurbation. Hive Homes has been working exclusively in partnership with various local authorities across Greater Manchester, as well as Homes England, to deliver high-quality, spacious family homes while delivering a range of socio-economic outcomes, often beyond policy requirements. Hive Homes now enjoys a pipeline of approximately 800 new homes across 10 outlets, working in partnership with Rochdale Council, Oldham Council, Wigan Council, Bury Council, Bolton Council and Homes England.
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT
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THIS AWARD IS FOR AN APARTMENT SUITABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER, WHICH IS AFFORDABLE AND ALSO OFFERS EXCELLENT DESIGN FLAIR, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.
Not many first time buyers imagine their first home as a penthouse in the Home Counties – but the power of shared ownership and regeneration have combined to put the luxurious top floor apartments at SO Resi Bracknell within reach. Apartment 193, on the ninth floor, offers a superb dual aspect layout with two balconies. The spacious two bedroom apartment is cleverly designed, with ample storage and a high specification, including a boiling water tap and Bosch appliances. The lounge/kitchen/dining area is oriented to make the most of the views, the main bedroom has an en suite, and there’s a good-sized second bedroom and family bathroom. Residents enjoy car and cycle parking and access to a beautifully landscaped first floor courtyard garden. Centrally located just two minutes’ walk from Bracknell station, with trains to London Waterloo in 55 minutes, the striking tri-coloured brick building is a home to be proud of.
Not many first time buyers imagine their first home as a penthouse in the Home Counties – but the power of shared ownership and regeneration have combined to put the luxurious top floor apartments at SO Resi Bracknell within reach. Apartment 193, on the ninth floor, offers a superb dual aspect layout with two balconies. The spacious two bedroom apartment is cleverly designed, with ample storage and a high specification, including a boiling water tap and Bosch appliances. The lounge/kitchen/dining area is oriented to make the most of the views, the main bedroom has an en suite, and there’s a good-sized second bedroom and family bathroom. Residents enjoy car and cycle parking and access to a beautifully landscaped first floor courtyard garden. Centrally located just two minutes’ walk from Bracknell station, with trains to London Waterloo in 55 minutes, the striking tri-coloured brick building is a home to be proud of.
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
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THIS AWARD WILL BE GIVEN TO THE MOST INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT USING ANY FORM OF MEDIA. THIS CAMPAIGN CAN BE FROM A RANGE OF METHODS THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT IT HAS HELPED FIRST TIME BUYERS START THEIR PROPERTY JOURNEY.
A campaign about people, for people, A November to Remember was a hit with first time buyers. During a worrying month of increasing energy bills and rising inflation, leading housing association L&Q created an emotive campaign that offered purchasers up to six months of rent paid at selected L&Q developments and helped more first time buyers on to the ladder than any other campaign L&Q has ever delivered; making it A November to Remember for the people who matter most – its buyers. The multi-channel campaign had a staggering reach – with social media impressions up 250% and a 43% increase in leads year-on-year. High-impact imagery captured the seasonality and sentimentality of the momentous decision of buying your first home, while tone of voice was simple, easy to digest, and concentrated crucially on monthly outgoings – a key focus of the campaign.
Recognising that the journey to homeownership is not a one-size-fits-all experience, Origin Housing launched Origin Kickstart in September 2023. More than just a marketing strategy, the campaign empowers individuals and families to help them achieve their property dreams. Carefully crafted incentives delivered as part of the campaign have been utilised by an impressive 60% of Origin’s buyers since the launch. The campaign exemplifies targeted marketing, utilising a blend of social media adverts, print adverts, and editorial features in renowned publications including First Time Buyer magazine. The imagery used throughout the campaign placed people at the forefront, showcasing the transformative power of shared ownership. A dedicated web page served as a hub of information, presenting the available support in a clear and easily digestible format. A well-thought-out campaign, Origin Kickstart is an example of what can be achieved when a housing association truly listens to its customers – helping them find a home of their own.
Focus Agency Group partnered with Countryside East to approach the challenge of supporting first time buyers on their journey to purchase. This took place at two of Countryside East’s London developments that were offering apartments tailored to the FTB demographic. During a period of uncertainty in the market, our solution was a month-long series of expert-led events throughout February, with the overall aim of educating and guiding first time buyers through the property-buying process to support them on their journey to homeownership. Financial guidance included help from an independent financial adviser and market insight from the editor of First Time Buyer magazine, through to private show home tours with advice from Countryside’s experts, and a reservation weekend guiding buyers through the process of reserving their dream home. Our strategy delivered a supportive walkthrough experience, mirroring the stages of the buying journey.
BEST SHOW HOME
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THIS AWARD GOES TO THE COMPANY WITH THE BEST SHOW HOME ALLOWING BUYERS TO SEE THE PROPERTY TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, GIVING THEM A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO THEIR NEW HOME.
West Works is a major regeneration of the former MG Rover factory site into a vibrant new community in Longbridge, Birmingham. Its two bedroom, semi-detached The Bridget show home was designed by Edward Thomas Interiors (ETI) for St Modwen Homes. At 752 sq ft, it is an ideal first time buyer home and offers an affordable alternative to nearby apartment living. Briefed to attract a millennial/Gen Z demographic and honour the site’s manufacturing heritage, ETI designed striking, industrial-inspired interiors. Varied styling techniques and impactful colour combinations illustrate how first time buyers can achieve eye-catching, realistic finishes, while furniture and artwork were deliberately sourced from retailers that are established ports of call for first time buyers. ETI installed The Bridget in January 2024. Only two have been released to date, with both selling quickly. A further 15 are due for release and there is a high level of interest from the first time buyer market for these.
Focus Agency Group collaborated with Bloor Homes to design and style a show home at Winslow Park in Buckingham. With homes from two bedroom to five bedrooms, the objective was to connect with first time buyers, regardless of age. We wanted to inspire first time buyers by emulating the aspirational lifestyle associated with living at Winslow Park through a personable show home. Drawing from its surroundings, the home encapsulates the essence of rural living. Contemporary, attainable furniture sits alongside elements of upcycled/charity shop styling and botanical references to create a welcoming home on a realistic budget. To capture that “lived in feel” we ensured that new was mixed with old. Every corner included a knick-knack that reminded you of your childhood home and we considered sustainable purchasing where possible, capturing childhood memories through home baking set-ups, and mixing traditional florals with modern stripes to create an aspirational home for first time buyers.
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME
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THIS AWARD IS FOR A FAMILY STARTER HOME WHICH IS AFFORDABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER. IT SHOULD OFFER A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT, AT A REALISTIC PRICE, WHICH IS IDEAL FOR FAMILY LIVING.
Designed with families in mind, L&Q’s Beauchamp Park is a major new residential neighbourhood in Warwick. The development is creating 450 homes here, plus new public open space and children’s play areas, all surrounded by pockets of woodland and lush English countryside, with views towards the historic Warwick Castle. The epitome of a family home, Beauchamp Park’s The Penrith doesn’t compromise on quality or space. A large four bedroom detached house, complete with an exterior garage and a driveway, the impressive property truly offers the breathing space, legroom and privacy every family needs. Most significantly, these larger shared ownership homes offer local families a much more affordable route on to the property ladder in this affluent area – they are priced from £185,500 for a 35% share.
Abbey Springs, Burscough, is at the heart of West Lancashire. Burscough is a popular town served by excellent local amenities – and with Ormskirk´s pedestrianised town centre and historic market on the doorstep, residents can enjoy the vibrant mix of independent retailers, popular high street stores and celebrated restaurants. The Hewitt is a three bedroom, five-person property that offers exceptional affordable quality. Designed to very high standards, these homes include varied architectural styles that have been carefully incorporated to reflect the existing homes in the area. They feature modern open-plan fitted kitchen/diners and separate utility areas, with French doors leading to private gardens, providing functional spaces for daily living. EV charging point, carpets throughout, a garden shed and parking for two cars all come as standard. Abbey Springs’ standout feature is its expansive ecological pond, designed to foster biodiversity and provide a communal space for residents to relax, chat or play. A new footway along Abbey Lane and a pedestrian crossing ensure safe local access.
BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT
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THIS AWARD IS FOR DEVELOPMENTS OF 81 OR MORE HOMES THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE AN AFFORDABLE, DESIRABLE AND INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND THAT HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS. THESE HOMES ARE ON LARGE DEVELOPMENTS IN A MIXED-TENURE ENVIRONMENT OR STAND-ALONE DEVELOPMENTS.
Available from affordable housing provider Square Roots, supported by award-winning developer London Square, Square Roots Lewisham includes a stunning collection of 116 shared ownership homes. With many homes enjoying sweeping views across the London skyline, the development includes a rooftop terrace and retail and office spaces, while positioned in a new riverside quarter with relaxing spaces, landscaped gardens, play areas and waterside walkways. This modern development stands out due to its striking aluminium-clad exterior design and architecturally selected brick. It has been created to provide buyers with an exceptional first home in a truly up-and-coming area of the city. What’s more, Square Roots not only builds homes buyers want, but also focuses on building and enhancing a sense of community, with exciting ongoing programmes of resident events. Pets are also welcome.
Guinness Homes’ Signal Park development brings 112 stylish shared ownership apartments to Tolworth, giving first time buyers the chance to own an aspirational property in one of south London’s most dynamic communities. The development was built with affordability in mind, offering one, two, and three bedroom apartments to suit a variety of budgets. Each home is built to the highest standards to provide the very best in modern city living, including ample space for work and leisure. Designed to offer affordable living without compromising on location or interior quality, Signal Park is situated in the heart of Tolworth, blending modern living with the vibrant culture of the area. With quick rail access to central London in just 31 minutes, and a host of entertainment and essential amenities within easy reach, this large development encapsulates the perfect solution for first time buyers looking to get on the capital’s property ladder.
Greenwich Millennium Village, a joint venture between Vistry Group, delivered through the Countryside Homes brand, and Taylor Wimpey, in association with the Mayor of London. The past 24 years have seen the 300-acre brownfield site transform into a major new sustainable community at the heart of the capital. With more phases to come, once complete, the site will deliver 2,800 new homes. Offering a truly unique residence for first time buyers, 30% of the one to three bedroom homes at GMV are affordable. Offering an opportunity to purchase a home in a prime London location for less, currently private sale apartments in The Galleria start from £449,995, with deposits from as little as £22,500 through Countryside’s 5% deposit contribution. Aiming to reconnect the local community with the outdoors, GMV residents enjoy an expanse of green space including 50 acres of parkland, an idyllic setting beside the River Thames, an Ecology Park and the picturesque Southern Park.
BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING
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THIS AWARD CELEBRATES LAW FIRMS WITH OUTSTANDING CONVEYANCING PACKAGES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS.
Life is a series of firsts – first steps, first words, first job, first love and among all of these, buying your first home features prominently. Buying a property is more than just an investment, it represents hard work and is often a nest for new beginnings. This is where PCS Legal comes into our own as we guide first time buyers through this monumental “first” in their lives. PCS Legal adopts a forward-thinking approach to simplify the legal process, provide transparent communication and a clear pricing structure incorporating our core values: quality service, personalised experience, valuing family and relationships, achieving results efficiently and sharing our knowledge and expertise. We go beyond the transaction by providing a first time buyers’ guide, podcast series called PCS Pods, and YouTube and TikTok videos to help first time buyers navigate through the buying process in bite-sized pieces with advice and tips along the way.
Shared Direction Conveyancing is a law firm dedicated solely to assisting buyers of new build shared ownership properties. We are hugely successful in this field as evidenced by the number of clients we have acted for and the fact that we are being recommended by so many housing associations, local authorities and mortgage brokers. We feel passionately about affordable housing and are actively involved in a wide variety of groups and campaigns which strive to educate and encourage more first time buyers in to the sector.
BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT
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THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING TO RECOGNISE A DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN BUILT/COMPLETED BUT OFFERS GREAT POTENTIAL TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.
The Sunday Times officially named Ancoats as the “best place to live” in Manchester. So, the creation of the Mulino Walk development in this sought-after neighbourhood has delivered a first-of-its-kind affordable housing solution for this location. Mulino Walk is a 75-home development, with 23 homes available to purchase through shared ownership and 52 apartments available for affordable rent. This has given first time buyers and young professionals the chance to get on to the property ladder with a deposit of as little as 5% of the share price required. With the level of high-end development in Manchester city centre, the lack of affordable solutions has been a huge issue and shared ownership has become the only affordable option accessible to many first time buyers. Needless to say, Mulino Walk proved to be extremely popular. All plots were reserved at an off-plan launch event with extremely high demand levels.
Enjoying a prime position moments from Exeter’s thriving city centre, the upcoming launch of Centurion Place is set to capture the hearts of the city’s first time buyers. Featuring one and two bedroom apartments and two to four bedroom houses, each shared ownership home will enjoy an exceptional finish with a high-quality specification selected for style and durability. Blending spacious interiors with private outdoor space, practical features have been incorporated, from abundant storage to energy-efficient appliances. Residents can enjoy the landscaped setting, including a pond and green open space. At Centurion Place, there’s no need to compromise on location. Whether exploring Exeter’s historic city, unwinding with friends in a waterfront restaurant or hiking across a National Park, homes are in reach of abundant activities. Further enhancing these unforgettable homes, Places for People’s friendly and experienced team demystifies the off-plan homebuying journey.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH
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THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND (FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS CATEGORY – BELOW BIRMINGHAM). A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS INCREASING, THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.
Designated a New Town in 1949, Bracknell has flourished into a Home Counties utopia and one of the commuter belt’s most desirable locations. SO Resi Bracknell is an exceptional offering – a 100% affordable development comprising 126 one and two bedroom shared ownership and 67 affordable rent apartments. SO Resi has transformed the site of two disused office blocks into exemplary town centre living, close to the regenerated shopping centre and railway station. All homes include a private balcony or terrace, car and cycle parking, and access to a central courtyard garden. Buyers can choose from a mix of interior layouts, designed to make the most of natural light, with spacious open-plan living areas. To ease the costs of furnishing a home, each apartment at SO Resi Bracknell includes integrated Zanussi appliances, fitted bathrooms, Venetian blinds and flooring throughout. Prices start from £81,000 for a 30% share of a one bedroom apartment.
The Old Brewery is a collection of shared ownership homes on the historic Ashton Gate Brewery site. Developed and brought to market by Abri, it is a collection of 107 one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments with prices starting from £89,250 for a 35% share. In total, 98 homes are available with shared ownership and nine for social rent, supported by grant funding from Homes England. The exciting new mixed-use development has seen the complete transformation of the former brownfield site into a stylish range of contemporary and energy-efficient homes nestled in the heart of Southville. As well as offering residential living for aspiring homeowners, The Old Brewery will include a landscaped courtyard and will bring new commercial spaces to the area, with plans for local businesses to open their doors in early 2025, adding to the thriving independent retail offerings on North Street. Ideally located in the heart of Bristol, it is just a stone throw from the Greville Smyth Park and conveniently located for travel links to Birmingham, Exeter and Cardiff.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH
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THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND ABOVE), AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOUSEBUILDING IS INCREASING AND OFFERS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE. THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.
Recently named by The Guardian as the UK’s “happiest place to live”, the Ribble Valley is a green and unspoilt part of the North West, filled with historic villages and traditional architecture – with the popular town of Whalley, nestled at the foot of the valley, offering the perfect blend of community, amenity, connectivity and countryside. Just moments from the town centre is Whalley Manor, a development being delivered in partnership between L&Q and Lovell. The 117-home scheme sees generously sized two to five bedroom homes set around 10 acres of public open space, boasting views across the rolling hillside and beyond. Uniquely affordable for this affluent area, prices start from just £68,125 for a 25% share of a two bedroom house through shared ownership (FMV: £272,000), or £260,000 for a private sale semi-detached house. In comparison, the average house price for Whalley is £320,090.
On the outskirts of Manchester lies Hollins Grange, Great Places and Plumlife’s £14.2m development which consists of 21 shared ownership properties and 36 properties available for affordable rent. With the need for affordable housing ever more important, Hollins Grange provides part of the solution. And given the interest from customers local to Hollingworth, shared ownership has clearly delivered a much-needed housing solution here. The development is in an ideal location as it sits in the heart of Hollingworth, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with panoramic views en route to the Pennines and in an area of the country where housebuilding is increasing and offers a highly competitive marketplace. Despite its leafy setting, the development is an easy commute into Manchester city centre, with Glossop railway station just an eight-minute drive away, where there is a service into Manchester Piccadilly which takes just 30 minutes.
BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET
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THIS AWARD GOES TO A SERVICE, COMPANY OR AGENCY THAT SUPPORTS THE FIRST TIME BUYER INDUSTRY. THIS COULD BE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT HELPS TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP.
Metro Finance is a key supporter of shared ownership, supporting 4,000 buyers every month as well as working with our housing associations to ensure compliant sign offs for the shared ownership scheme. We’ve been working closely with Homes England, as well as other partners such as the Shared Ownership Council, to ensure that shared ownership remains a quality option for our buyers. Our online assessment tool remains unique in the sector, calculating the share needed for the client, and continues to be highly successful with customers and partners alike. Our focus is consistently on speed and accuracy of service, ensuring the reservation process and mortgage process is as simple as possible. Our achievements have been rewarded with excellent reviews, our current scores with Google Review of 4.3 and a Trustpilot score of 4.7 – 86% being five-star reviews.
Delivering much-needed affordable housing to the first time buyer market for a decade, Home Reach by Heylo is one of the largest shared ownership programmes in the UK. Partnering with over 130 housebuilders to deliver high-quality homes through the scheme, the portfolio spans over 200 local authorities – enabling house hunters across the country to realise their homeownership dreams. A unique offering for the property industry, Home Reach doesn’t build or sell any homes – making it a one-of-a-kind sector provider. Instead, it partners with some of the country’s top private developers to turn market sale properties into shared ownership homes, making a wide range of developments accessible to even more buyers by diversifying the offering. In the past 12 months alone, almost 800 buyers have used the Home Reach scheme, purchasing shares of between 25% and 75% of the home’s full market value, and paying rent to Heylo on the unowned portion.
JONNIE IRWIN LEGACY AWARD
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