Council plan to speed up housebuilding

Proposals to accelerate the building of rented homes through a new ‘arm’s-length’ housing company are to be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council and its partners next week.

The idea builds on the capital’s current affordable housing programme, which has trebled the number of affordable homes delivered by housing associations and the Council to around 1,500 each year. Partnerships with developers to deliver around 1,000 new rented homes for working households are also under way across the city.

There is high demand for quality and well managed rented housing that building new homes for rent would help accelerate house building. Other Councils in the UK like Manchester have already taken forward similar proposals.

Members of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee on April 21st will be asked to approve a bid, outlined in a report, to explore the feasibility of developing an arms length housing company to support delivering new market housing for rent.

The company would develop sites for investors and funders, and act as a guaranteed buyer from developers of homes to rent. If the report to committee is agreed, the model for Edinburgh Homes would be consulted on with stakeholders.

Councillor Cammy Day, Housing Convener, said: “We’re already investing a lot of money into building high quality affordable homes across the city, and with our housing association partners, have actually built record numbers in recent years. But we are a growing city and meeting the need for new, good quality, good value homes across all tenures is a top priority for this Council.

“Edinburgh is an attractive and desirable city but people wanting to live here can find themselves priced out of the market. Setting up Edinburgh Homes would provide much needed housing and also bring much needed investment into the city.”

More homes available at Varcity North

The penultimate campus at Miller Homes’ Varcity North development is now taking reservations for completions in December 2015.

Released now, the Stafford Campus is sixth block redeveloped within the former development and offers one, two and three bedroom apartments over five floors, with prices from £118,000 to £176,000.

Ten apartments have already been reserved, reflecting the highly desirable location, coupled with the extensive open plan living on and value for money on offer at Varcity North.

Anne Marie Britton, Scotland Area Sales and Marketing Director at Miller Homes, said: “Varcity North is a fantastic development, which has proven to be extremely popular location, with a range of buyers including investors for the buy-to-let market and young couples settling into their first home.

“Attractively priced, the open plan living is ideally suited to the market and does not compromise on space throughout the apartments. The apartments released now are already being snapped up for entry later in the year, so early viewing is a must.”

Situated near Crew Toll and with excellent transport links Varcity North combines stylish city living with spacious, practical and affordable homes.

For more information, go to www.millerhomes.co.uk or call 0808 250 6468.

House sales: ‘strong start to year’ continues

House prices up 15% year on year

The latest figures from ESPC’s monthly House Price Report show that the strong start to the year has continued with the number of homes sold during February up 16% year on year. According to leading property marketing company, ESPC, the average selling price of property across the regions has also risen 15% compared to the same time last year.

Trends have revealed an increasing number of upper mid-market properties coming to the market ahead of the introduction of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) on 1st April this year. The number of new properties marketed in February with an asking price of over £300,000 was 53% more than February 2014.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Paul Hilton, ESPC CEO, said: “We have continued to see an increased volume of new listings with an asking price of over £300,000 marketed this month, with sellers hoping to attract buyers looking to take advantage of a lower tax bill.

“We expect to see this percentage increase start to slow next month with the change becoming more imminent and therefore allowing less time for a sale to conclude before the changes are implemented. Buyers must have settled their purchase before 31st March to pay tax under the current Stamp Duty regime. Any sales concluded after this date will pay tax under the new LBTT regime. Properties sold for over £333,000 will pay less tax before 1st April 2015.

“The median selling time in East Central Scotland is down by 12% during the three months up to and including February a year ago. Increased competition from buyers not only means quicker selling times but also more sellers achieving their Home Report valuations. The percentage of sales achieving their Home Report valuation in the same period rose from 60% a year ago to 69% today.

“Prices have increased year on year but have remained fairly consistent in the three months up to and including January. The average house price in Edinburgh for the three months to February was £216,021, up 15% annually.

“The outlying areas again have seen an increase in average selling price year-on-year. West Lothian has again seen a particularly sharp increase of 26%, up to £182,756 compared to £134,677 in the same period last year.”

The report’s key finings are:

The number of homes brought to the market saw an increase during the month of February.
The average selling price in East Central Scotland increased by 15% in the three months up to and including February year-on-year.
Seller activity saw a particularly sharp increase in the upper-mid market with new homes being marketed ahead of the imminent change to property tax.
The percentage of sales achieving the Home Report valuation remains strong at 69%.

HPR table Feb 2015

Brand new: BOLD step forward by Hanover Housing Association

HANOVER (Scotland) Housing Association has taken a look into the future to make sure it’s ready to welcome the next wave of residents coming their way – by rebranding it’s services.

Hanover, which is based in McDonald Road, launched it’s dynamic new branding this week with on-street billboards at hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The housing association’s awareness campaign aims to ensure that customers have a selection of housing choices at their fingertips.

A spokesperson said: “The new branding spans all mediums: print, online and for the first time street billboards, to make Hanover easier to recognise and access by whatever route. This includes a strong online presence for the increasing number of ‘tech savvy’ over-55s.

“The new approach to Hanover’s brand identity and website comes as a response to the increasing number of people in Scotland’s ageing population who will be seeking accommodation now and in the future.

“Consideration has been given to ‘simple solutions’ in terms of the needs of helping older people to find a home in which they will feel safe and secure, whilst maintaining their independence.

“Navigation through the new website utilises case studies of ‘real’ Hanover residents with on location photography across a number of regions in Scotland, highlighting the spirit of independence a resident can enjoy with the backdrop of a closer and safer housing community.”

Research was conducted by BOLD design agency, part of Community Enterprise Scotland, who undertook workshops with residents, staff and stakeholders to help ‘redefine the future brand and make it even more identifiable as a warm and welcoming housing association that really understand the needs of the growing numbers of elderly people’.

The result of the ‘redefinition’ is a fresh overall look and feel – a more colourful and eye-catching ‘street’ logo with the strap-line ‘independent together’, along with branding to make it more readily recognisable as a caring and professional housing association.

Commenting on the rebranding, Helen Murdoch CEO, Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association, noted: “We have a great reputation here at Hanover and keeping ahead of the ageing population curve is vitally important to ensure we have the right balance of services.

“I have asked residents how they have come to know about Hanover and they have often replied ‘word of mouth’.

“They have also added that: ‘Hanover is great but not enough people know about the good work that you do’. So, rebranding will go a long way to rectify this and increase awareness amongst potential new residents.”

Ms Murdoch added: “Rebranding is not a decision to be taken lightly, it is one that has to have tangible cost benefits and will help us attract more residents and fill our properties.

“It will also help our vital activities such as telecare and repairs reporting, which we offer other organisations, to be more clearly promoted.

“This in turn supports our core business of providing quality housing and services for older people. Finally, we want residents and potential new customers to know we are caring and professional and that the new logo and branding will help us achieve this more.

“We also recognise that outstanding customer service is paramount both for today and tomorrow and we aim to ensure that it is underpinned by first-class support services to meet the needs of our housing customers.

“We take great pride at Hanover in being upfront with our potential customers what they can expect from us and now and in the future. Our new branding and website will go a long way to address this along with our drive to create safe and secure housing and healthy, connected communities.”

John Ayscough, creative director at BOLD design agency, said: “It is vitally important that potential customers can recognise Hanover signposted by a recognisable and eye-catching logo.

“So, by distilling the responses from our research to address the instant recognition factor – we created the row of colourful houses, strapline, ‘independent together’, and brought the site to life with the “Meet the Resident” case studies to really bring the human element into play.

Mr Ayscough added: “Many older people are proficient at using technology and can surf the net with ease. We recognised that the current website was difficult to navigate and it required a more modern approach to match changing demand.

“With greater numbers of people living longer and on their own – the way people want to live has changed considerably – with more people wishing to live alone but in closer connected communities.

“The website now has a clear selection of options that align with the type of care people require at any one stage without losing their independence.

“From being ‘independent together’ in their own home – be it rented or owned with greater opportunity for community living and joint activities; living in sheltered, very sheltered, to special amenity housing and on-site care and telecare services – placing greater consideration on the future needs and requirements of our older people.”

New homes in Pennywell: information events

The Council’s 21st Century Homes team are holding information events next week. Find out more about the new homes planned for Pennywell Phase 2, the site located behind Craigroyston Community High School.

Come along to the information sharing events:

Event 1: Murhouse Library
Tuesday 10 March, 4.30 – 7.30pm

Event 2: Craigroyston Community High School
Thursday 12 March. 1.30 – 4.30pm

This Phase will be a follow on from the development of the new housing on Phase 1 currently on site in the location of the old Craigroyston High School.

For further information about the events, please contact Ann Wilson, Senior Project Manager for 21st Century Homes on 529 7429, email ann.wilson@edinburgh.gov.uk

First Minister confirms £70 million for first time buyers

OMSE scheme means ‘ome, sweet ‘ome’ for Scots first timers!

£70 million will be invested in a scheme to help eligible first-time buyers on low to moderate incomes buy a home, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.

The Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) provides assistance to eligible buyers in the form of an interest free loan.

Eligible buyers are normally required to purchase between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the value of a home within certain price thresholds that is for sale on the open market.

During a visit to Alloa The First Minister and Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil visited the home of Craig and Jude Deacons who purchased a home with assistance from the scheme.

Ms Sturgeon said: “”We want to help today’s generation of young people to access home ownership where this is sensible and sustainable for them.

“This scheme will have a huge impact on people’s life chances and will help them make a move from living in the social rented sector, the private rented sector or residing in the family home.’

“We will do all we can, within our powers and our resources, to help people like Craig and Jude get a foot onto the housing ladder”.

Jude Deacons said: ““Craig and I are grateful for the scheme as it has allowed us to secure a great first home fit for our family life.

“We got married in 2009 just as the housing market changed significantly. We were unable to buy our first home as we had no way of securing the sizeable deposit required, despite both being in full time employment.

“As both of us were first time buyers the OMSE scheme allowed us to purchase a house fit for purpose to accommodate our two children.

“Another benefit to the OMSE scheme was that we could look at all homes and not just new builds. This opened up more choice with regards to purchasing the right home for us.”

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said: ““The Open Market Shared Equity scheme has not only helped people to buy their first home, it has also helped ‘second-steppers’ to be able to sell their home and to move to a new property.

“The scheme has also helped free up houses in the social rented sector and it will continue to provide priority access to social renters, disabled people, serving members of the armed forces and veterans’.”

TRIM: just a minute …

From the board at Tenants and Residents In Muirhouse please find attached our Minutes for Meeting on 10 February 2015 (below).

10.2.15 TRIM MINS

Tenants & Residents In Muirhouse (TRIM)

Website – http://muirhouseresidents.co.uk
Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/trimgroup
Also on Twitter – http://twitter.com/MuirhouseTRIM

Keeping Scotland’s homes warm

An additional £20 million will be invested to cut fuel poverty and improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s housing, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil confirmed today. And with energy costs tumbling, Mr Neil also urged energy providers to implement price cuts NOW.

£6 million is earmarked for home energy efficiency programmes that will support measures such as solid wall, cavity or loft insulation.

An additional £14 million will be invested in low cost home energy efficiency loans available to households in the private sector to supplement existing grant schemes to help install energy efficiency measures.

This additional funding will take the Scottish Government’s investment to tackle fuel poverty and boost energy efficiency over the three years 2013/14 to 2015/16 to around £300 million.

Details of the loan schemes will be announced in due course.

Mr Neil said: “This Government is determined to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency head on, as this additional £20 million investment for energy efficiency measures demonstrates.

“Fuel costs have risen six times faster than incomes since 2003. In 2013, fuel prices rose by seven per cent, pushing more people into fuel poverty. The fact that this is happening in an energy-rich country is outrageous.

“Given the recent reductions in energy costs, all energy providers must implement price cuts now and not wait until the Spring.

“This additional funding means we have allocated over half a billion pounds since 2009 to make Scotland’s homes more energy efficient”.

“Over 700,000 households have benefited from measures like new boilers or insulation targeted in particular at those in or at risk of fuel poverty.”

MHA welcomes tenants to new homes

Muirhouse Housing Association (MHA) has announced the completion of the first batch of flats within their latest development. The flats, on Macgill Drive at the end of Muirhouse Avenue, are part of their second development on the old BT Training Ground site.

MHA accepted handover of twelve cottage flats yesterday. The flats are all main door, within a traditional four in a block design, and are all one bedrooms. They are aimed at an older age group and the ground floor flats are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

The flats benefit from an efficient gas central heating system and reach the Silver Sustainable Standard of energy efficiency. The ground floor flats have a wet floor shower room, and the upper flats have an over bath shower.

All tenants will have access to a shared garden which in the next year will be developed to meet the tenant’s needs. This includes drying areas and amenity space. MHA will maintain the shared garden area and we hope it will be well used as a communal area.

Of the twelve flats, seven have been allocated to existing tenants of MHA who are either downsizing from family houses or require a ground floor flat due to medical reasons while the remaining five have been allocated to applicants from Edindex.

As a result of twelve new units being built, 19 households have been housed or re-housed to suit their current needs.

May and Alan Price (above) are among the families on the move. “We have lived at Muirhouse Close for eighteen years – since the houses were built,” May said. “Our family has grown up and moved on now and it made sense for us to move to a smaller home. I really like the new flat and I think this will be great for us; perfect, really.”

MHA Chairperson Roy Douglas (pictured above with Bank of Scotland’s Douglas Spowart) said: “We’re delighted to welcome our residents to their new homes today and we hope they will be very happy here. Everyone is impressed with the quality of these new flats and of course we will have more to come in the summer. These are exciting times for MHA!”

The second phase of the development also includes some mid-market flats which will be available in July. These two bedroom flats will be marketed by Muirhouse Homes, and are targeted at households in employment who do not require Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance. Advertising will start soon locally, and then will be expanded to cover the city.

If you are interested you can register your contact details with MHA and you will then be included in the marketing mailing list. Contact 336-5282 or email mh4@muirhouseha.org.uk

Homing in on private renting

Shortage of private-rented accommodation likely to worsen, says new report

Over 40% of people who have tried to find private-rented accommodation in Scotland in the last five years have found it difficult to do so, according to a new poll.

The poll found that 23% of respondents had tried to find accommodation in the private rented sector (PRS) in the previous five years and, out of those people, 43% had found it “Quite Difficult” or “Very Difficult” to find a suitable property.

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) and the Council of Letting Agents (CLA), who jointly commissioned the poll, believes the figures indicate a shortage of supply in the private rented sector which is likely to become worse in the coming years.

SAL and the CLA, representing landlords and lettings agents across Scotland, would like to see the Scottish Government address this shortage by creating an environment which encourages investment in the PRS, whilst driving up standards and ensuring value for money for tenants.

John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords said: “Although the PRS in Scotland sometimes has a poor reputation, this poll shows that significant number of people are trying to access the market and that many of them are not able to find suitable accommodation.

“We are acutely aware of the need to introduce measures which protect tenants from poor treatment by landlords and letting agents and will work with all parties to drive these rogue companies and individuals out of the sector. At the same time, however, it is important to take measures which encourage investment in the PRS.

“Landlords and letting agents must be given the confidence to invest in the housing sector as well as be encouraged to refurbish properties and make them available for rent. They needed to be able to evict tenants who indulge in anti-social behaviour or repossess properties that have been abandoned to so that properties can be let to responsible tenants looking for accommodation and help meet the increased demand.”

Shelter Scotland launched their ‘Make Renting Right’ campaign last October. The charity wants to see a private rented sector that’s fit for purpose, working both for people who live in rented housing and landlords who let out their properties.

Shelter is calling for:

Stability for people wanting to make rented housing their home.
Flexibility for people to stay in their home as long as they need.
A modern tenancy that gives security and flexibility for tenants AND landlords.
A fair system for sorting out renting problems when they occur.
Predictable rents for tenants and landlords.

In their latest report published last month, Shelter Scotland noted a sharp rise in the percentage of all homeless applications coming from the private rented sector.

‘Homelessness in Scotland 2014 – Getting Behind the Statistics‘ was released following analysis of the latest Scottish Government’s annual homelessness figures. The report acknowledges that, while there has been progress, the headline statistics don’t tell the full story.

Shelter’s report paints a picture of the changing shape of homelessness in Scotland:

A worrying trend showing 18% of all homeless applications now come from the private rented sector, a proportionate rise of 38% in the last five years. 18% of all homeless applications is also disproportionate to the sector’s size, which is 13% of all housing.
the number of people who gave ‘long-term roofless’ as their previous housing circumstance rose by 24%
the number of households found intentionally homeless by their local authority had risen
the proportion of homeless applications from single people over 25 years old is rising compared with other age groups
youth homelessness is at 13.7 per 1,000