Muirhouse: mid-market flats to let

Our subsidiary company MH4 has a number of two bedroom flats available for let now. These flats are set within two blocks, all of which are let as Mid Market Tenancies.

To be considered for one of these flats you need to earn more than £18,000 and less than £37,000. And not rely on Housing Benefit to meet the cost of your rent.
The rent is £518 per month, due on the 1st of each month. A deposit of £518 is also required prior to signing the tenancy agreement.

The flats have an open plan living/dining/kitchen, two double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, a bathroom with an overbath shower and ample storage. Carpets are provided in the bedrooms and livingroom, and vinyl in the kitchen area and bathroom.

The flats are available for occupancy from the start of July.
If you are interested in applying please contact MHA on 336-5282 or email info@muirhouseha.org.uk

It is crucial that you apply quickly so that references and employments and bank details can be checked to allow you to move in July.

Home sweet home: thousands benefit from Help to Buy

5000 sales valued at £1 billion – and 2500 more on the way

More than 5,000 families and first time buyers have purchased their home through the Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced yesterday.

A further 2,500 sales are expected to be completed this year through this scheme and the Help to Buy (Scotland) Small Developers scheme.

Over £305 million was allocated to the two schemes – far exceeding the original industry demand for £220 million and target of 4,500 homes.

The value of the 5,000 properties sold under the scheme since November 2013 is now over £1 billion.

Help to Buy (Scotland) has been developed and delivered in partnership with Homes for Scotland and the Council of Mortgage Lenders, representing the industry and lenders. They continue to work with Ministers to monitor the schemes.

Mrs Burgess said: ““Housing is, and will remain, at the heart of the Government’s ambitions to deliver a fairer and more prosperous country.

“By investing £305 million in the Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme, £85 million more than the house building industry originally requested, we have also stimulated the economy, created jobs and given the construction industry a huge boost.

“The 5,000 sales achieved has far exceeded the industry’s original target of 4,500 homes. This has provided thousands of families, couples and single people, including first time buyers, the help to move up or onto the property ladder.”

The scheme has proved to be popular all across the country. Elgin couple Cameron & Magdalena McKenzie, who purchased a property through the Help to Buy Scheme, said: “Our family were delighted to use the help to buy scheme to assist us in getting a bigger and more modern property.

“We would never have been able to buy a bigger family home if it was not for Help to Buy. From start to finish, it was also very positive dealing with Bob Milton Properties.”

Bob Milton of house builder, Bob Milton Properties, said: “We were delighted to have sold another home with the assistance of the Help to Buy scheme. The scheme allowed Cameron and Magdalena to fulfil their dreams and move up to a new energy efficient home with their required number of bedrooms for their family needs.

“The people purchasing the plot next to Cameron and Magdalena’s had a son looking for a home. I put them in touch and the son, who was a first time buyer, bought Cameron and Magdalena’s home. Clearly, the Help to Buy scheme had a very positive link in allowing two sales to happen.”

Liz Mallon, Sales and Marketing Manager of City Legacy, the company responsible for marketing the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village properties, said: “The Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village is a very special development which has really caught the imagination of buyers and bridges that much-needed gap for affordable living in Glasgow’s East End, just a few miles from the city centre.

“The support of the Scottish Government Help to Buy Scheme on this affordable quality private housing development has made a significant difference to the many first time buyers and families who have purchased their first new home in this unique historic housing development.”

Pete Bell, Chairman and Managing Director of Fife-based Campion Homes said: “We are not surprised this scheme has proved so popular. It allows first time buyers to get on the property ladder and shows just how important small and medium sized builders are to the house building industry in Scotland. We are delighted to be part of it.”

West Pilton short-listed for housing award

Edinburgh excels in 2015 housing design awards shortlist

West Pilton Crescent is among five Edinburgh housing projects shortlisted as part of the 2015 Saltire Housing Design Awards, it was announced today. The social housing development, which was visited by then Housing Minister Margaret Burgess last November, has been nominated in the Multiple Housing Development category.

Recognising housing design excellence throughout Scotland, the Saltire Society’s prestigious awards represent a long-standing commitment to celebrate innovation and excellence in Scottish house building and place-making.

Represented across three of the five available award categories, the shortlisted Edinburgh projects are:

Alterations Renovations and Extensions:

o 1 Rosefield Avenue Lane, Portobello, a refurbishment and extension project to create a desirable family home in the conservation area of Portobello; and

o 38 Ravelston Dykes (above), a modernisation project to upgrade the electrical and plumbing systems, making the house more energy efficient and fit for purpose in the 21^st century

Multiple Housing Development:

o West Pilton Crescent (top), a modern, energy efficient social housing development in a range of unit sizes; and

o Ellersly Road, Wallace Gardens, a high quality accommodation mix of townhouses and apartments that reflects the qualities of Edinburgh’s West Murrayfield Conservation area

Single Dwelling New Build:

o Murphy House, Hart Street, a contemporary new build within the World Heritage Site of the New Town.

The Multiple Housing Development category is particularly strong for 2015 with the Edinburgh projects facing competition from Glasgow projects, Phase 1A of the Glasgow Laurieston Transformation Regeneration Area and the Duke Street / High Street social and affordable housing development.

Also shortlisted in this category is the St Andrews West Burn Lane project, an innovative 14 unit development that had to overcome the challenge of presenting a contemporary housing solution within existing Medieval, Georgian and Victorian dwellings.

The two remaining categories are the Innovation in Housing Award, supported by the Scottish Government and new for 2015, the Landscape in Housing Award. All short-listed entries will receive a Saltire plaque marking their achievement.

The shortlists for all five award categories were announced by the Convenor of the Housing Awards panel, Jude Barber from Glasgow-based Collective Architecture, earlier today.

Those on the shortlist will now be subject to site visits by an expert judging panel consisting of architects, developers, academics, clients and tenants. The judging panel will then decide the winner of each category under the chairmanship of renowned Glasgow-based visual artist Toby Paterson.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 22 June in the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, with winning projects automatically being considered for the Saltire Medal, which is accompanied by a separate cash prize of £1,500.

Past winners of this coveted accolade include North Gardner Street in Glasgow, the transformation of a semi derelict workshop and office building into a calm, private city house, designed by Cameron Webster Architects and the Artist Residence, in Perth by Fergus Purdie Architects.

Convener of the Saltire Society Housing Design Awards, Jude Barber from Collective Architecture said: “It is my great pleasure to announce the shortlist for the 2015 Saltire Society Housing Design Awards, with the standard of entries as ever being immeasurably high.

“The Housing Design Awards were established to recognise and celebrate Scottish architecture and I am greatly looking forward to the next stage of the process when the panel will have the opportunity to visit the shortlisted sites.”

Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society said: ““The Housing Design Awards were the very first Awards scheme initiated by the society, and have been around longer than any other design awards in Scotland.

“Established in 1937, the Awards not only promote the importance of good design and housing for all, but have evolved to help to honour and encourage creativity, excellence and innovation in modern Scottish place-making.

“As we look forward to the forthcoming site visits, I wish all those shortlisted the very best of luck.”

Port of Leith sets new homes target: 500 by 2020

26,000 familes on social housing waiting list

More than 200 bids for each new vacancy

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) is investing £55 million to build nearly 500 new homes in north Edinburgh area by 2020.

PoLHA Chief Executive Keith Anderson said that beyond that date, the future of the development is unclear despite a rapidly increasing demand for homes.

The Association is Leith’s largest social landlord and currently manages over 2,700 properties.

Keith Anderson said: ““Edinburgh continues to have the highest average house prices compared to other cities in Scotland and, combined with stagnating household incomes, is restricting the number of people from becoming home owners, increasing the demand for social housing and for mid market rented housing, as well as open market rented housing.”

In its new five year strategic plan, the Association sets out the challenge facing the city of Edinburgh in terms of the need to increase the supply of housing. The housing list has more than 26,000 registered applicants and demand for social housing remains very high with over 200 bids being received for each new vacancy arising over the past year.

It is estimated that over 1,600 new affordable homes are needed each year for each of the next 10 years to resolve this problem.

Keith Anderson added: “Edinburgh has an acute need and demand for affordable housing now and over the next generation.

“Having explored, over the past three years, new ways to finance development with less reliance on public subsidy, we have come to the conclusion that there are no straightforward alternatives to the traditional mixed funding regime of public subsidy and private finance which will enable rents to remain affordable for people on below average incomes.

“The production of new mid market rented housing in the city has increased over the past two years requiring lower levels of public subsidy. However, it remains unclear whether the current level and volume of subsidy available will enable the delivery of the number of new additional social homes needing to be built.”

As well as investment in new properties, the Association plans to invest a further £8 million in ensuring all its homes meet the required quality standards and including the new Energy Efficiency Standard by the required date of 2020.

‘Unprecedented interest’ in Varcity North

‘Incredible’ offers with a 3-bed apartment at Varcity North for £173,000

Varcity North’s Stamford Campus is seeing unprecedented interest with the last two releases almost selling out within 48 hours. Such is the demand for this Edinburgh development on the site of the old Telford College.

Into the penultimate campus, Miller Homes’ has the Type 1(6) three bedroom apartment (plot 345) on the second floor priced at £173,000.

The apartment has an open plan living and dining area making the most of the entertaining space. The master bedroom has its own en-suite shower room with two further bedrooms, bathroom and separate utility room. The apartment also comes with a parking space.

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.

Anne Marie Britton, Scotland Area Sales and Marketing Director at Miller Homes, said: “The scale of interest at Varcity North is not entirely unexpected. The development offers excellent value for money with attractive apartments that are appealing to a variety of buyers.

“This is evidenced by our last two releases at Varcity North selling within 48 hours. Therefore potential buyers who are looking to secure their ideal apartment, are advised to book an appointment with the sales advisor to ensure they don’t miss out on this opportunity to buy in the penultimate campus on the development.”

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

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