Sustainable Granton waterfront development in the running for award
A key element in Edinburgh’s on-going waterfront regeneration programme has been nominated as Scotland’s Best Affordable Housing Development at the prestigious Herald Property Awards ceremony to be held next month in Glasgow.
The Heron Place development at Granton Harbour, completed by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments in 2021, consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.
The development is being recognised for the finish of the homes, the stunning views it affords of the water and Edinburgh Marina, and its sustainability. It has achieved the lowest possible Environmental Impact Rating, contains high quality insulation and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.
Heron Place’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore. Bayne Stevenson Associates were the structural engineer, and The Keenan Consultancy was the M&E engineer.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We’re all very proud of the extent to which Heron Place has already become a thriving element of the rapidly evolving Granton waterfront community, providing first-class, sustainable affordable homes and brilliant communities.
“Being shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards is the icing on the cake for us.”
Manuela Molendini, Associate Director, Hackland + Dore Architects, said: “We are delighted with the shortlisting of Heron Place, a successful outcome of productive team working and community engagement, resulting in a comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the site and of wider Western Granton.
“The mixed-tenure development provides a well-integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, delivers a strategic environment and a sustainable neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.”
The development is a key element of PoLHA’s ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.
Apartments’ Communal Areas Provide Fruit Trees, Vegetable Growing Beds and Even its Own Potting Shed
Plans for Bee Hives on Rooftops – Plus On-Site Chicken Coop
Almost 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than half a kilometre of evergreen hedgerows, are to be provided at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, as the low carbon development continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.
Already making headlines for its fossil fuel-free design credentials – with monthly energy bills estimated at less than £65 per month* – Rowanbank Gardens is now set to deliver a unique mix of garden spaces aimed at maximising the benefits of outdoor living. Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, the development will deliver 93 high quality apartments for private sale, together with 33 affordable homes, set around a large communal garden.
The garden area will contain a mix of 30 fruit trees, including cherry and Cox’s Orange Pippin and Red Windsor apple trees. There will also be several large growing beds with space for strawberries, herbs and vegetables surrounded by woodland grass meadows – and even a dedicated potting shed complete with a planted ‘turfed’ roof.
Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development, challenging many of the norms associated with the building of traditional apartment buildings in city centre areas.
Its construction follows Artisan’s design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living, which starts with ‘use less, first.’ From the start, external landscaping has been an important factor in the layout and design of the development.
“We wanted to create an external environment which was both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together,” explains David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland.
“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that apartment dwellers, even in the city centre, need to have a strong connection both with the outdoors and with their neighbours. So, as well as providing private balcony and patio areas for the majority of apartments, we also decided to be more proactive with our communal green spaces, rather than simply providing the usual manicured square of grassed lawn and flower beds.
“Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will be able to grow their own herbs and vegetables together in raised growing beds as well as being able to harvest cherries and apples from almost 30 fruit trees. And the planting of 520 metres of evergreen Yew and Burkwood hedgerows surrounding the development will provide an attractive all-year-round border for those inside and out, whilst providing a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.”
He added: “The turfed roofs of the main apartment buildings, bike and potting sheds will also attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting.
We will be working with future residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs as well as the possibility of managing an on-site chicken coop for the benefit of residents.”
Artisan’s significant investment in outdoor space, as well as its cost-effective energy efficient living is providing a popular draw especially amongst first-time buyers and downsizers. Since it launched late last year, sales at Rowanbank Gardens have been buoyant, with 13 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold.
A further four of the remaining 14 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly.
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £245,000 with a two-bedroom at £315,000, making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.
To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
AN independent Scottish home builder has received four times as many applicants for funding after it extended its entry deadline.
Dundas is currently reviewing a number of applicants for its Musselburgh community fund, allowing local businesses and charities to win a share of £5,000.
Working alongside the Musselburgh Community Council, the property developer intends to donate £1,000 to five enterprises to help build and develop their profiles within the ‘Honest Toun’.
Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas, said: “After extending our deadline and allowing local businesses and charities the opportunity to apply; we have been inundated with inspiring and fascinating entries.
“We are now sifting through the applicants in what will be a very difficult decision to make. We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to apply, and we look forward to revealing the recipients soon.”
Applicants thus far include a variety of organisations from mental health charities and child development projects to festival planning. The application deadline closed in July.
The roll out of the fund comes as the Livingston-based firm launched its 140-home Wireworks development in the town, forming part of its pledge to deliver lasting benefits to the local area and in addition investing section 75 contributions of up to £400,000 towards schooling and infrastructure.
Hot Water & Heating Bills at Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh, Could Cost Less Than £65 Per Month**
Smart, No Fossil-fuel Design of New Apartment Development Helps Tackle Soaring Energy Costs
Energy bills at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, have been estimated to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area*
Latest research on the fossil-fuel free homes shows that average annual hot water and space heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at the development could be as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month** – providing significant long-term cost savings for first-time buyers or purchasers wanting to downsize for more energy efficient living.
Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, Rowanbank Gardens will deliver 93 high quality apartments for private sale set around a large open garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds . Work began in summer 2021 and with construction now continuing apace, the first move-ins are expected in spring next year.
Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development challenging many of the norms associated with the construction and delivery of traditional apartment buildings.
It is one of the first large residential developments in Scotland to employ individual Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) providing both heat and domestic water – moving away from large, complex fossil-fuel heat sources.
With additional insulation, larger windows and improved air circulation, the heat reclamation system allows internal heat to be reclaimed through the ventilation system, forming a closed energy loop with almost all useful heat being retained within the apartments.
David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland, welcomed the low energy cost forecast as more evidence of Rowanbank Gardens’ immaculate environmental credentials which can provide significant financial benefit for homeowners feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills and the rising cost of living.
He explains: “Rowanbank Gardens provides smart, energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs.
“This demonstrates Artisan’s stated commitment to move away from using any fossil fuels to heat homes within our developments as part of our pledge to reduce carbon nationally. Instead, Artisan is leading the way in introducing energy-efficient technology, such as individual air-source heat pumps which capture the warm air within the home and then uses it to provide cheap and efficient heating, as well as piping hot water.
He adds: “We also make each home or apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in energy efficient technology to encourage low carbon and energy efficient living.
“As well as innovations like individual heat pumps, we also provide A-rated appliances for all of our homes and are introducing cutting-edge environmental technologies such as spray taps and stone-showers which have been proven to reduce water consumption by up to one-third.”
The construction of Rowanbank Gardens follows Artisan’s design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living, which starts with ‘use less, first’.
The building is designed to make the absolute most of its natural environment, positioning it in such a way to maximise natural energy and warmth from the sun whilst providing management of, and protection from, external elements like wind and rain.
Artisan has also championed the use of turfed green roofs at Rowanbank Gardens, which are natural insulators being cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also provide a natural drainage facility with rainwater evaporating in sunlight, providing the simplest form of a short-term carbon cycle and reducing the impact on the existing drainage system.
Green roofs also encourage a huge amount of ecological biodiversity for buildings – attracting plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites.
Since it launched late last year, sales at Rowanbank Gardens have been buoyant, with 13 of the first phase already sold. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at £245,000 – making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.
To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
* Compared to equivalent new build apartment at Artisan Real Estate’s Canonmills Garden, Edinburgh, completed 2022.
** Figure based on Building Regulation compliance energy consumption and measured against average electrical process from June 2022 of £0.278/kWh. Final performance subject to user operation preferences.
A NEW release of apartments has been launched at a modern riverside development in Musselburgh.
Dundas Estates has brought to market a range of high-spec one to three bedroom apartments at The Wireworks, the long-anticipated £35 million reimagining of the former Brunton Wireworks site on the tree-lined banks of the River Esk.
Offering a choice of sleek high-spec apartments and penthouses the project, designed by Michael Laird Architects, has seen early buyer interest from a broad range of backgrounds, including downsizers and first time buyers.
Private parking provision is available as well as lift-access to all floors. Most apartments offer balcony space or ground floor private garden areas, with open plan interiors providing the flexibility and space to work, relax and entertain from home.
The current availability ranges in price from £186,995 to £339,995 with apartments from 517sqf to 1,055sqf in size.
The developer acquired the land through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former site and neighbouring land in 2008.
Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, said: “Given how close we are to the town centre, we’re aware that this development is quite unlike anything ever built here before.
“Early interest is predominantly local, so it’s great to be able to meet a demand that has been unmet for a while. Ultimately, we want to build homes that make people feel great.”
To ensure it builds a welcoming integrated community, Dundas Estates has recently launched a Musselburgh community fund which will offer five businesses, charities and community initiatives in the local area funding.
This is part of their pledge to deliver lasting benefits to the local area, and is separate to its Section 75 contributions of £400,000 towards local schooling and infrastructure.
Of the available properties, plot 34 is a one-bedroom home featuring open plan living, with a Juliette balcony on the market for £186,995. Plot 26, a three bedroom apartment covers 1055sqf with a large open plan living area, en suite and family bathroom and balcony accessed from the living area.
The 140 home development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores. Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development.
Dundas Estates has a mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston and proudly Scottish, it has a track record of building well-designed homes that are higher spec than a vast majority of competitor properties.
The developer is focused on building welcoming, integrated communities, and making the journey of buying a home more straightforward, inspiring and fun.
CONSTRUCTION work is set to begin at a prime Cala Homes project that will see 980 homes delivered to South Queensferry.
After 10 years in the planning, the first spade will hit the ground at Cala Homes Builyeon Road development next week. The site, which is located south of Builyeon Road, lies between the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge approaches.
The 44-hectare development has provision for a new primary school, a care home and commercial units including a food store, restaurants and fuel filling station, as well as 980 high-quality homes.
Bulk earth works are expected to be complete by the end of this year, with drainage and infrastructure works for the main spine road – a realignment of Builyeon Road – forecast to be completed next March.
Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions by Cala for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million, which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry. Cala’s nearby Queensferry Heights development will see a further £2.5 million raised through Section 75 payments.
Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “The site designs for Builyeon Road has been heavily shaped by engagement with the local community and as we prepare to kick-start this important development, we will focus on keeping the community fully informed of ongoing progress.
“It is fair to say this project has been a long time in the making and we are pleased to reach this important milestone and to push forward in providing much needed homes and community facilities for South Queensferry.”
Family-owned civil engineering contractor I&H Brown specialises in residential infrastructure and have been contracted by Cala to undertake the bulk earthworks. The site will be enrolled in the Considerate Constructors scheme and I&H Brown will be keen to hear about any local community benefit schemes in the area while work is underway.
Duncan Brown, Director with I&H Brown, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cala Homes to deliver the infrastructure at their major Builyeon Road development in South Queensferry.
“Our involvement follows extensive community engagement by Cala Homes to design the masterplan and we are excited to help them realise their vision for the site.’
The development designs were carefully crafted with local community in mind following online consultations and engagement with the local community – guided by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC).
Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “After many years of uncertainty, it is great to see the site work starting. We’ll be continuing our intensive engagement with Cala.
“We also look forward to finding out how the local authority will allocate the considerable funds that this site will generate through planning gain payments.”
Derek Lawson added: “This is a major project in a prime location that will provide the market with incredible options for those looking to enjoy life in South Queensferry.
“It’s also exciting to be a massive step closer to bringing local amenities to the area in the form of the new commercial area, school and care home.”
For more information on Builyeon Road, please visit:
THE FIRST release of apartments at an anticipated development in the centre of Musselburgh will launch to market next week.
May 2nd will see Dundas Estates launch the first phase of one, two and three-bedroom apartments at its 140-home Wireworks development on the banks of the picturesque River Esk.
With reservations being taken by property specialists Rettie & Co., prices range from £184,995 to £339,995, catering for a variety of different buyers.
Situated just off of Mall Avenue, the development is near to a wide range of community amenities, high-street shops and cafes, the development has excellent bus and car connections to Edinburgh and East Lothian – offering capital convenience and relaxed living for buyers.
Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “The Wireworks is one of our most exciting projects to date, regenerating a massive area of vacant land that was a real eye-sore on the local community into beautiful, high spec apartments to help quell demand in the area.
“Musselburgh has many positive attributes that has understandably led to it becoming a highly sought-after area to live.
“The development will appeal to a range of buyers, from first timers to retirees and we’ve already seen high levels of interest.
“Given the popularity of the development so far, we would like to urge interested buyers to get in touch as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on securing their dream home.”
Situated on the East Coast near Edinburgh, the ‘Honest Toun’ is quickly becoming a popular destination for those looking to relocate from the Capital, due to its value for money and proximity to the city centre.
A recent report by property experts Rettie & Co. show the EH21 region, where Musselburgh is located, has experienced a strong recovery in the wake of lockdown restrictions being lifted mid-2020, with sales exceeding £24million in March 2021, more than £18m above pre pandemic levels.
Despite increasing popularity, 90% of homes in the area sold for under £400,000, with apartments concentrated at under £160,000, more than £100,000 less than the average flat in the capital.
Craig said: “Some of the properties have their own private balconies, whilst some have their own private gardens, making them the ideal place to relax and enjoy what Musselburgh has to offer.”
Based on the site of Brunton Wireworks, the Wireworks will boast a large central landscaped area central reflective of its picturesque tree-lined surroundings, as well as stylish, open-plan living.
Homes at the development will benefit from luxury fitted kitchens with SMEG appliances, luxury Roca sanitaryware in all bathrooms and ensuites, hive controllable, high efficiency gas thermal heating and high spec-thermal insulation as well as generous in-built storage, on-site parking, bike storage and EV charging provision
Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired the site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.
The Livingston-based firm is also committing up to £400,000 in section 75 contributions, which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure and building 11 affordable homes to help meet rising demand in the area.
To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development visit:
Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”), a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have submitted plans for a residential-led development on Beaverhall Road.
The scheme will provide 205 Build to Rent homes, including 52 affordable homes, as well as creative workspace co-designed with locals and a new publicly accessible courtyard.
The proposals for Beaverhall Road will replace an existing warehouse building, with a contemporary scheme that maintains the site’s status as a hub for the local creative community, while bringing new homes to the area.
New public realm, Makers Yard, will sit at the heart of the scheme, acting as a focal point for both residents and commercial tenants, as well as neighbours. The scheme will also feature a large mural, displayed on one of the external walls.
As with all HUB and Bridges projects, people and planet are at the heart of the scheme. The new development makes efficient use of a brownfield city centre site and will deliver ‘tenure-blind’ homes for all ages, meaning all residents’ homes will be of the same high quality.
The plans exceed current Scottish sustainability regulations and include a communal air source heat pump to provide environmentally responsible heating for the entire building and a biodiverse green roof.
Designed by architects shedkm, the scheme has been developed in close collaboration with the local community and current businesses, with the ground floor creative workspace co-designed by the existing tenants.
Situated in Canonmills, the proposed development is within easy reach of the city centre, while benefiting from a sense of community created by the area’s existing amenities.
Situated within walking distance from both Stockbridge, close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Leith, which Time Out recently named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, the HUB and Bridges scheme will allow residents to explore the best that the city has to offer.
Tom Valente, Development Manager at HUB, said: “We are hugely excited to have submitted plans for one of our first schemes in Edinburgh.
“We were struck by the vibrancy of the creative community in the area and knew immediately that we wanted to maintain that by placing studios and maker spaces at the heart of the development.
“The mix of Build to Rent and creative workspace is one that we know works fantastically well in terms of fostering a sense of community and making places where people choose to live.”
MUSSELBURGH sees property demand soar with the hope of offering a viable alternative for house hunters seeking a home in Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh EH21 region – Musselburgh – has experienced a strong recovery in the wake of lockdown restrictions being lifted mid-2020, with sales exceeding £24million in March 2021 – more than £18m above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite increasing popularity, 90% of homes in the area sold for under £400,000, with apartments concentrated at under £160,000, more than £100,000 less than the average flat in the capital.
The new report by property experts Rettie & Co. has revealed that areas previously considered suitable for buyers with lower budgets such as Leith are on the up, with EH postcodes still considered the most expensive in the country.
It comes after the firm’s latest 140 home development in Musselburgh, The Wireworks, in partnership with independent property developer Dundas Estates, has received more than 600 enquiries in just nine months.
Director of New Homes at Rettie & Co., Calum Miller, said: “Musselburgh is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a viable alternative to Edinburgh within a reasonable price range.
“Typical buyers that, two or three years ago, could have afforded a two-bedroom apartment in Leith, would now be struggling to purchase a one bedroom for the same budget. Musselburgh offers a lot more value for money, still within easy reach of the draw of the capital.”
The average house price in Edinburgh in December 2022 was £312,000, up 9.7% on the previous year according to the Office of National Statistics.
In contrast buyers in East Lothian are paying £285,000 for the average home, which has led to an increase in demand within the region.
Calum said: “We’re currently seeing a spate of enquiries in the EH21 postcode, and for good reason.
“Being a commuter town just outside of Edinburgh, Musselburgh offers the best of both worlds; city convenience with an abundance of green space and amenities such as the River Esk, nearby beaches and the Musselburgh Racecourse, as well as the renowned Luca’s Ice Cream parlour.”
Head of Sales & Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “It is important that we meet the demand for housing in what is becoming an ever-popular destination in the east of Scotland.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Rettie & Co. to help deliver reasonably priced, high-quality homes to meet demand in Musselburgh.”
Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.
The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores.
Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development, and private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.
The Livingston-based firm is committing, through Section 75 payments, to contribute up to £400,000 along with the other partners which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure.
To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development visit:
Proposals for new homes for rent alongside facilities for the wider community at New Mart Road, Chesser, have been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council.
Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer and manager of homes for rent, has lodged a planning application with the Council to redevelop the former livestock sheds, which includes the World of Football and World of Bowling buildings.
The proposed high-quality mixed-use brownfield development will comprise primarily of build-to-rent (BTR) homes, including at least 25 per cent affordable homes, addressing a drastic and increasing shortage of rental housing in the capital.
In addition to this will be a limited level of managed student accommodation (occupying approximately 25 per cent of the floorspace of the development) and community facilities.
The site, which has been operated by Marco’s Leisure for 23 years, currently comprises listed and unlisted former auction mart buildings and livestock sheds which are over 120 years old.
While sensitive to local concerns about the loss of the facilities, independent assessments show that to bring the buildings up to standard would be an unsustainable burden and cost for any organisation.
The current buildings require constant maintenance, repair and upgrade, and development of the site will ensure their long-term future, with a significant proportion of frames retained and incorporated into the overall development.
Marco’s Leisure wants to deliver new sustainable, environmentally friendly sporting facilities rather than maintain what is becoming an impossible task. The company, who are a family business with a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, are in discussions with the Council to explore alternative options for sporting facilities in the west of the city.
The proposed BTR apartments will comprise a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom flats. Community is built into the design of the development, which reflects how people want to live now and into the future with working from home and study space, a communal lounge, exercise facilities, management suite and reception, bike storage and large shared kitchen.
Each of the key outdoor public and residents’ open outdoor spaces will be given an identity as part of the overall masterplan, reflecting the history of the site, including a large central public square.
It is envisaged that the public square will be used by performing arts groups; farmers markets; and as a gathering space for the wider community.
The development is proposed as a car free scheme with parking limited to accessible parking only, and residents will be encouraged to use the good quality public transport and active travel links to their homes.
The student housing portion of the building will also offer communal amenity spaces, bike storage, a management suite and reception areas.
Eve Ladden Timbers from Watkin Jones commented: “Our planning application for this new development at Chesser will create a thriving and diverse community as part of an overall redevelopment of the area.
“There is a massive shortage of homes for people to rent in the capital and through our build-to-rent, affordable and student homes these proposals will create much-needed places for people to live on a brownfield site.
“We have heard and understand people’s feelings about the football pitches but know that these are unsustainable in their current form due to the condition of the buildings. We will continue to listen to the community throughout development.
“We are aware that discussions are being held to look at alternative options for new sporting facilities.”
Paul Demarco from Marco’s Leisure commented: “Investment in recent state of the art facilities, such as World of Football at Marine Drive, show what we can offer through delivering far more viable spaces without the ongoing cost that old out of date buildings unfortunately provide.
“As we are finding, it is proving near impossible to provide quality and affordable facilities under a nineteenth century livestock shed. To address this, we are currently in the process of discussing possibilities for the delivery of facilities on future sites in the west of the city with agents and City of Edinburgh Council.
“As a family business we have a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, and as the baton is passed on from the third to fourth generations of the family, who will be active for many years to come, we are dedicated to delivering high quality affordable leisure and sports facilities.”
What is BTR?
BTR is a relatively new model for creating new homes in the UK but it is very popular in Europe and America. All the properties are built for rent, not for sale and are usually owned by a pension provider that wants to maintain a secure income to pay the pensions of its members.
Because the owner is a long-term professional investor there is an emphasis on future-proofed sustainability and maintaining a diverse thriving community that keeps the building and local area attractive as a place to live for decades.
Residents are offered long-term security of tenure, with the flexibility of renting and have access to wider on-site amenities, such as gyms and workspaces, that offer a better lifestyle the traditional boundaries of rented homes. Pets are often allowed in BTR homes. Recent research by the UKAA found that BTR homes charge similar rents to traditional rented homes.
