Tag: housing

Edinburgh short-term lets regulations ruled unlawful

The City of Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme for short-term lets operators has been deemed unlawful at the Court of Session.

Rosie Walker, partner and head of litigation at Gilson Gray, who represented the short-term let operators who brought the action, said: “The court found that the City of Edinburgh Council’s short-term let licensing policy was unlawful at common law and in breach of The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 for a number of different reasons.

“Most strikingly they found that it was not for the council, as licencing authority, to decide that a licence should not be granted just because a property is in a tenement.

“Our clients took the brave decision to bring this action against the local authority to protect their businesses and, more widely, to protect an industry that is very important to the Edinburgh economy.

“Short-term accommodation providers create a significant number of jobs in the city and deliver flexible accommodation that hotels and other operators simply cannot – particularly during important events like the Edinburgh Festival.

“The campaign was the largest crowdfunded legal case in Scottish history, underlining the strength of support for our clients. It comes on the back of years of engagement by the Industry with the Scottish Government and the local authority to try to put in place a workable regulatory framework.”

The court’s decision is a significant setback for the city council. Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “I’ve received today’s judgement and am pleased that we’ve been successful in defending large parts of our policy.

“While I’m obviously disappointed that the court didn’t find in favour of our policy on secondary lets, I make absolutely no apology for seeking to protect our residents.

“It’s no secret that we face unique housing pressures here in Edinburgh, with a small but densely populated city centre and fast growing population, and it’s crucial for us to strike the right balance between promoting our visitor economy while looking after the people that live here all year round.  

“Our residents have told us that, in many cases, STLs are hollowing out their communities, reducing housing supply and increasing housing costs. We can’t forget that many have endured years of disturbance and anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work hard to get this right.

“The court acknowledged our intention to find a solution to this and agreed that it was legitimate to use both planning and licensing policy. We welcome the clarity provided and will now consider our next steps in more detail.

“We remain committed to ensuring the whole city benefits from our thriving visitor economy but it has to be managed and it has to be sustainable – and I continue to believe that fair and effective STL controls would be an important step in the right direction.”

Plans to extend protections for tenants

Emergency measures to protect tenants during the cost of living crisis, including the private rent cap and additional eviction protections, will be extended for a further six months if approved by Parliament.

Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie has confirmed proposals to keep the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act measures in place until 31 March 2024 at the latest. This would mean:

  • Most in-tenancy private rent increases would continue to be capped at 3%
  • Alternatively, private landlords could apply for increases of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in a specified time period where these costs can be evidenced
  • Enforcement of evictions would continue to be paused for six months for most tenants, except in a number of specified circumstances
  • Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months’ worth of rent would continue to be applicable

Social rented sector tenants are protected by the voluntary agreement reached with social landlords on below-inflation rent increases for this financial year.

Mr Harvie said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, these measures are giving important support to tenants, providing them with much-needed stability in their housing costs and additional eviction protections.

“As the social housing sector have agreed their rents in consultation with their tenants, the focus of this temporary legislation is on providing private renters with similar protection. We know some landlords are impacted by rising costs too.

“The option of increasing rents by 6% in specified circumstances ensures landlords who may be impacted by the cost of living crisis can recover some increased costs associated with their let property.

“The final date of 31 March 2024 would be as long as the rent cap and eviction protections could run if approved by Parliament. The necessity of these measures is being kept under review and we will continue to assess whether they remain justified, balanced and proportionate based on the financial pressures rented households and landlords are facing.

“We are also looking at how to transition out of the emergency measures, and we continue to listen to and work hard with stakeholders to develop and deliver rental sector reform.”

Call for apprentices as Council increases investment in homes

Adverts are now live for over 30 jobs and apprenticeships across a variety of roles as part of the council’s plan to hire over 80 recruits in the housing service in the coming weeks.

Designed to boost inhouse capacity to maintain, improve and repair tenants’ homes, the raft of positions will cover everything from plastering, painting and plumbing to carrying out emergency repairs. Opportunities are available to develop skills in joinery, gas engineering and to join the capital investment team.

Craft apprenticeships are available which will provide budding tradespeople with the opportunity to earn a qualification and learn new skills while being paid. Every role forms part of a team with lots of support and mentoring and a college place to become fully qualified.

Graduate apprenticeships have also been created which will involve working within the council’s surveying team and attending university to gain a BSc (Hons) in Construction and the Built Environment. Successful applicants will learn design skills, contract and risk management and financial costings. 

Further posts will be advertised soon, with details of all positions to be found on Myjobscotland.

Kerr Williamson, Empty Homes Team Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council and a former apprentice, said: “Sending in my apprenticeship application was the greatest thing I ever did.

“Nine years on, I’ve progressed to become an empty homes team leader. I worked as an apprentice for four years, worked on the tools then shadowed my boss to gain the knowledge I needed to do the job I’m in now.

“Working for the council’s housing service means working as part of a team where we are all trying to provide a good standard of work, repair homes quickly and see tenants able to move back in to them.

“The perks are building good relationships with a team of people, a guaranteed monthly wage and being able to arrange jobs in advance so that you can plan your day and your week. There is a good holiday allowance, sick pay and discount scheme available. Plus, there is room for progression.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “With over 80 in-house roles being advertised in the coming weeks, this is one of the biggest recruitment drives we’ve ever carried out within the council’s housing service.

“It comes at a time of big challenges with demand for affordable and energy efficient housing in Edinburgh at an all time high. Our stock of council homes is aging and we are in the process of investing millions of pounds into improving older homes. We are cracking down on issues like damp and by boosting our workforce we’ll be able to increase our ability to carry out repairs to tenants’ homes and do this quickly. 

“We also have a big housebuilding programme which means recruits can develop skills and expertise in-house to maintain people’s homes with solar panels and new technology.  

“With apprentices forming such a valuable part of our workforce I’m pleased that we’re able to offer a variety of posts to support young people and graduates into careers. We’re committed to be being a fair Living Wage employer with a diverse workforce and these are excellent paid opportunities to learn new skills and gain qualifications.”

Apply for a role through Myjobscotland. 

City Council and West Town Edinburgh Ltd agree joint approach for the sustainable expansion of Edinburgh

Proposals for a new £2 billion, sustainable ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ on 205-acre West Town site ‘set to transform Scotland’s Capital’

West Town Edinburgh Ltd, the development consortium which owns more than 200 acres of prime development land to the west of Edinburgh, has agreed a joint approach with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver a major new ’20-minute neighbourhood’ for the city. 

Both parties have agreed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ which sets out how they will work closely together to prepare a delivery strategy for the sustainable expansion of Edinburgh at the West Town site. 

The agreement was announced by Cammy Day, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council and Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum Property Group, developers of West Town, at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF) in Leeds

The 205-acre West Town site – located between Ingliston Park and Ride and the Gogar Roundabout at the western gateway of Edinburgh – is one of the most strategically important development areas in Scotland.

The £2 billion project presents the opportunity to help meet the housing needs of the nation’s capital whilst delivering a significant sustainable urban expansion for the city.  

The area is identified in the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Plan 2030 as having the potential to become a vibrant, high-density city extension with a capacity for 7,000 homes, along with the commercial and community facilities required for a 20-minute neighbourhood.

The proposals for West Town also align with the ambitions of the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4, which was approved in February 2023. The Edinburgh Tram route runs directly through the site, and a new station will be created to ensure the whole development has access to quick and efficient public transport.

Subject to the development of a delivery strategy as set out by the joint Memorandum of Understanding, as well as the approval of City Plan 2030 and in accordance with all relevant Council policies and the appropriate planning consents, it is hoped that work will start on site next year with the first phase of homes and community amenity being ready for occupation from early 2026. 

Welcoming the agreement, City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh is quickly becoming a trailblazer for the type of affordable, sustainable homes our residents need and this overlooked land at West Town could pave the way for thousands more. 

“We are leading the way as a city to harness new technologies to make developments greener and fairer – building low and zero carbon homes which are energy and cost efficient – so I’m looking forward to working with West Town Edinburgh to build on our net zero ambitions. 

“Wherever you are in Edinburgh and wherever you choose to go, everyone should feel connected to all of the amenities they need to live well locally, so I’m pleased to see their vision for a 20-minute neighbourhood approach.

“As a Council we’ve been modernising planning and procurement policies so that we can maximise the amount of affordable and social housing and community benefits each new development brings. 

“Currently, over 150 households bid for every council and housing association home that becomes available, so we must set our sights on this development unlocking a huge amount social housing. With demand for affordable homes higher than ever before, this is what our city desperately needs.”

Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum, added: “This agreement is a major step forward in realising the ambition we share with the Council for the area and for the city, further strengthening the long-term collaborative process that is set to deliver a positive and high-quality  transformation of the west of Edinburgh. 

“The amount of space on the site combined with its superb location allows for a natural extension for the city providing 7000 mixed-tenure homes and new jobs in a new 20-minute neighbourhood.

“West Town has direct access to some of the best public transport in Scotland – the tram line travels through the site and there are integrated rail, cycle and road connections, creating a strategic gateway to Edinburgh. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Council to advance our shared vision to create a new, sustainable urban quarter for the city.”

Drum Property Group is currently delivering a variety of transformative mixed-use projects across Scotland, including the award-winning Buchanan Wharf and Candleriggs Square developments in Glasgow. 

For more information on West Town, visit www.west-town-edinburgh.com

Massive ‘flowering’ roof rolled out at Rowanbank Gardens

1000 sq m Rooftop Natural Sedum Carpet Protects Building Whilst Encouraging Biodiversity

View the video here: https://we.tl/t-kthGXYETj7

More than 1000 square metres of living ‘green’ roof has been laid on top of Rowanbank Gardens, in  Corstorphine, Edinburgh, as niche developer Artisan Real Estate continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.  

The natural sedum roof is one of the largest ever to top a residential apartment building in the city and is the latest sustainable innovation to be added to the development, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’.

Sedum are hardy yet striking flowering succulent plants with a host of natural properties that make them ideal for roof greening. The plants are virtually self-perpetuating and drought resistant, with shallow roots requiring very little soil in which to grow. Once in full bloom, sedum roofs provide many benefits including natural insulation, drainage and protection from the elements whilst encouraging increased biodiversity by attracting insect and bird life.

Welcoming the rolling out of the new roof, David Westwater Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see such an expansive green and natural space being rolled-out in front of our eyes, surrounding the spectacular penthouse apartments at Rowanbank Gardens.

“It provides another important statement of intent, underpinning our commitment to raising the benchmark of environmental standards across all our buildings – both inside and out. The sedum roofs will attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites. We will also be working with residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs.”

He added: “We want to create external environments which are both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together.  We are also planting 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than 500metres of evergreen hedgerows. Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will also 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.”

More than a third of apartments at Rowanbank Gardens development have now been sold following a buoyant sales start to the year. The development will deliver 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. 

Work began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected by the end of the year. As well as an abundance of green open spaces, Rowanbank Gardens also provides smart, energy-efficient internal design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. 

Latest research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £315,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 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, call 0131 516 3302 or visit the development website at:

www.rowanbankgardens.com 

Edinburgh’s next net zero carbon affordable housing project

> The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) explores an innovative approach to design, procurement, and delivery of affordable net zero carbon homes.

> Planning permission has been granted for EHD’s second pilot project in Greendykes, delivery of which will be led by Urban Union and supported by Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering.

> The development of the Greendykes project will complete the last stage of the 15-year Greendykes North Masterplan aimed at regenerating the wider Craigmillar area.

> Both Donaldson Timber Systems and Roberson Timber Engineering will be using their proprietary offsite manufactured timber systems to deliver the build.

Proposals to transform currently vacant land into an affordable net zero carbon housing development in Edinburgh have now been approved by city planners.

Located between Greendykes Avenue and Greendykes Road in east Edinburgh, the development named ‘Greendykes K & L’, will comprise 28 two-storey terraced houses and 112 flats in four-storey tenement style blocks.

As well as being the final stage in the Greendykes North Masterplan to regenerate the Craigmillar area, the Greendykes K & L development is also the second of three confirmed pilot projects being delivered by The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) – a programme providing an innovative approach to building affordable net zero carbon homes at scale.

The Scottish Government-backed programme has engaged a community of research and development experts to develop a catalogue of house types with the goal of demonstrating how we can create and set a new standard for affordable net zero carbon homes at scale across the six local authorities within the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal Region.

The homes that will be delivered as part of the EHD will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) including offsite manufacturing techniques in accordance with the EHD’s design and performance standard that outlines a route to achieving net zero.

Specifically, the Greendykes pilot will be looking to optimise existing, and develop additional, house and flat types for the EHD catalogue and to test design, performance standard and mass customisation of the EHD house and flat types. Using the EHD types allowed an additional seven homes to be built on site showing the efficiency of the EHD design.

Anderson Bell + Christie Architects were appointed by Urban Union, housing developer and principal contractors, to create the plans for the Greendykes development on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering will deliver the offsite manufactured elements.

Each firm will use their proprietary offsite manufactured, closed-panel timber systems at Greendykes. Both systems will allow the build to be less wasteful and more efficient, while reducing embodied carbon emissions and increasing the quality and energy efficiency of the housing once complete.

As the second project delivered by EHD, the Greendykes development will benefit from the data and insights gathered during the first pilot project which is under way in Granton.

By carrying out extensive pre- and post-occupancy evaluations into build speed, energy demand and whole-life embodied carbon emissions, the development of the Greendykes site is projected to similarly provide insights that will feed into and inform the EHD business model and the ongoing regional approach to delivering net zero carbon affordable housing at scale.

John Smith, Technical Director, Donaldson Timber Systems said: “The approach of one site, one contractor, and two different timber systems gives us the ability to measure both.

“We can test, monitor and compare each system all the way through the process from build to occupancy, which will teach us a great deal about how best to deliver future net zero carbon housing at scale.”

Nicola Jackson, Net Zero Projects Lead, Robertson Group said: “This project is significant for bringing together two members of industry to develop and optimise the future model of net zero carbon house types.

“For Robertson, it is specifically important as it’s an opportunity to increase the pre-manufactured value (PMV) of our timber systems, meaning we can increase the quality of a build project and ensure that once complete, the homes will meet energy efficiency goals.”

For more information, visit: https://edinburgh-home-demonstrator.org/

Fountainbridge set for new council housing

Over 100 new council homes have been approved as part of Edinburgh’s major regeneration of Fountainbridge.

Formerly the site of the Fountain Brewery, the huge number of new homes for social rent will feature in a 49,000 square metre redevelopment overlooking the Union Canal.

The area will be transformed as part of a development called Leamington Square – a joint venture between the City of Edinburgh Council as landowner and a partnership between Cruden Homes (East) Ltd and Buccleuch Property. They will deliver around 464 homes alongside landscaping and infrastructure improvements, over 2,700 square metres of retail space supporting the creation of a 20-minute neighbourhood approach and new local jobs.

The Council will own 115 homes for social rent and 71 homes for mid market rent as part of the plans and support the delivery of additional, affordable new homes. It will also spearhead the creation of a community growing space and new integrated cycle ways. Over 1,000 cycle parking spaces are planned for the development in total.

The Union Canal is a Local Nature Conservation Site and landscaping is planned to create a biodiverse area in harmony with the character of the waterway. Generous use of trees of varying species is also planned while the development will be designed to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and incorporate low carbon technologies, in line with Edinburgh’s ambitious net zero aims. Historic elements of the adjacent North British Rubber Factory will also be preserved and incorporated into the designs.

It is envisaged that work will begin in 2024 and be fully built-out by 2027.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “For years, Edinburgh has desperately needed more new social housing. This council is determined to tackle that shortfall and I’m delighted that we’ve secured space for over 100 new homes for social rent at Leamington Square.

“Just a stone’s throw away from the Union Canal, with great cycle links and amenities on the doorstep, the regeneration of the old brewery site is sure to prove a really popular place to live.

“The demand we are seeing for affordable and social homes is only going to increase as our city grows. And, while the future is challenging, together with developers and others we are doing everything within our powers to make it fairer on residents and on our environment with high quality, affordable, sustainable homes.”

 Carlo D’Emidio, Project Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This is a significant milestone for this flagship new development, which will see the transformation of this former brownfield site in Fountainbridge into a vibrant new community. 

“Subject to our development agreement with City of Edinburgh Council, Cruden and Buccleuch will deliver highly sustainable, Net Zero homes which will sit amongst a wealth of new amenities and community spaces in the Capital’s newest neighbourhood.”

Ewan Anderson, Managing Director, 7N Architects, said: “7N Architects are delighted that planners have approved our latest plans for this new, mixed use, neighbourhood at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh.

“The development will provide 464 mixed-tenure homes, 30,000 sq.ft of mixed-use space and people friendly public realm which will reinvigorate this important canalside site. We now look forward to taking the project onwards with Cruden Homes, Buccleuch Property and the City of Edinburgh Council.”

Choudhury: Housing crisis sweeping the nation

Commenting on the housing crisis sweeping the nation, FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP said: “Home is supposed to be a place of safety and comfort, yet for many households across Scotland their home has become a source of discomfort and illness, overridden with damp, mould and urgent repairs. 

“Many across our nation sadly don’t even have homes, stuck on seemingly endless waiting lists for both permanent and temporary accommodation.  

“There is no doubt that Scotland is deep in a housing crisis and that urgent action is needed to change this sector before it’s too late. 

“As of September 2022, 9, 130 children were reported to be living in temporary accommodation, which is an 100% increase from a decade ago.  

“This is unacceptable, all children deserve a safe, healthy and stable home. 

“Last week, during the Scottish Labour Business Debate on Housing and Homelessness Prevention, I urged the Scottish Government to act quickly and effectively to reverse the record numbers of children trapped in temporary accommodation.  

“I also noted both in my speech then, and the day before during topical questions at the Scottish Parliament, that a new NUS report shows that a fifth of international students in Scotland had experienced homelessness during their studies.  

“This problem was also made evident to me in a Student Housing Roundtable I hosted earlier this year, where I heard stories of racist landlords, sofa surfing and damp infested homes.  

“Clearly, these are problems which are striking constituents across many sectors of society.  

“This demonstrates that there is an overbearing crisis in the housing sector, with particular weaknesses of rising homelessness, striking levels of poor conditions and a worrying prominence of unscrupulous landlords.  

“These three areas of great concern must be addressed urgently and I will continue to urge for solutions in these areas. 

“I’ve already held my Member’s business debate on Damp Housing in Scotland and my motion for this noted my call for a whole house retrofitting programme and a grant scheme to tackle damp housing. 

“I’ve also lodged a student housing motion at the Scottish Parliament, urging for legislation which would give equal rights to all tenants in terms of protections offered to them.  

“Scottish Labour are also calling on the Scottish Government to deliver 38,000 social homes by 2026, and to build 25,000 all tenure new homes annually.  

“We urgently need a two-pronged approach which both builds more social and affordable housing, in addition to also prioritising equal access to settled housing for all.  

“Once we do this, we also need to ensure that legislation holds landlords accountable, prioritises rights for tenants and awards funding for retrofitting and damp management to combat the problems with much existing housing stock in order to generate safer, liveable conditions.  

“Recently, we’ve had weeks of talking on all aspects of Scotland’s housing crisis.  

“That’s fantastic.  

“But, now it’s time to show the value of our words and start the action.” 

400 new homes promised as Council buys Liberton Hospital site

‘significant number’ will be accessible and affordable for social or mid-market rent

The City of Edinburgh Council has successfully secured a major new site for accessible affordable housing in the South of the city.

A successful £14.8m bid for Liberton Hospital and its grounds, including the former Blood Transfusion Centre, has been accepted by NHS Lothian – paving the way for around 400 hundred homes in the area, a ‘significant number’ of which will be accessible and affordable for social or mid-market rent.

The NHS will continue to occupy the premises until March 2025 to allow the hospital’s remaining services to be gradually relocated. During this time, the council plans to appoint a development partner and consult with the local community to draw up plans for an accessible green neighbourhood – making sure to retain many original features of the historic hospital, gatehouse and gardens facing Lasswade Road.

The council’s vision for the site is to focus on supporting a range of housing needs while delivering homes at scale to help meet the city’s growing demand. It is anticipated that the regeneration will deliver at least 380 energy efficient mixed tenure homes for sale and rent, all of which could be fully accessible, with up to 50% affordable. This would exceed the council’s commitment of at least 35% affordable homes on residential developments.

The area already has a significant level of public amenity due to existing woodland and original hospital gardens, creating a fantastic opportunity for a range of high-quality public spaces as part of a wider green network.

The regeneration of the land will retain as many of the existing trees as possible and incorporate them into green routes throughout the site, allowing for active travel connections to Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park, St Katharine’s Park and Liberton Park.

A Prior Information Notice (PIN) seeking interest from potential development partners has been issued and work will be carried out to prepare for construction, including developing detailed designs and agreeing a net zero carbon energy solution for the site, contributing to the council’s ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: For close to 150 years Edinburgh residents have been cared for under the roof of Liberton Hospital. I’m delighted that we’ll be able to pay that care forward as we convert the site into much needed new homes.

“By demolishing the 1960s built extensions, including the disused Blood Transfusion Service, we’ll be able to design an accessible green neighbourhood of low-carbon housing from scratch. This will help lots of people with specialist needs to live comfortably and with independence. Plus, it will allow us support people who are in desperate housing need as we’re looking for a developer who can commit to our vision of at least half of these new homes being affordable.

“We’re committed to putting care-based housing at the centre of this redevelopment and I’d like to thank our partners at the NHS for working with us to secure the land. It has been many years in the making.

Pitched Perfect!

The Sky is the Limit for Double Height Apartments at Rowanbank Gardens

A row of double-height apartments at Artisan Real Estate’s acclaimed Rowanbank Gardens homes development in Corstorphine is proving a high-flying success with buyers.

Each of the six roomy two-bedroom apartments have an extra double-height pitched roof, allowing for lots of natural light to flood through both the full height and Velux roof windows creating a distinctive loft-style feel to the interior living space. 

Home buyers looking for something different have already reserved four apartments, with the remaining two currently attracting significant interest. Work on the development began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected later on this year. And, so far, home sales have been buoyant with more than a third of apartments now sold. 

“The double-height apartments are just one of the many reasons why Rowanbank Gardens is having such a broad appeal to a wide range of buyers,” explains Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor.

“A major attraction is that the development embraces a range of different styles and layouts, with all the apartments arranged around a large garden and woodland space, filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.”

Another major draw is the development’s smart, energy-efficient design – which means delivering green, low-cost energy.

Izzy adds: “Rowanbank Gardens design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. We aim to make each apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in technology to encourage low carbon living. 

“Research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.” 

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £320,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 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.