Interiors Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Urban Union Ltd

We often say that our properties at Urban Union give people an opportunity to create a home that is both stylish and highly liveable. Our properties appeal to a wide range of buyers – from those starting out on their property journey, families wanting to be a part of a community and professionals working close to the city centre, to people looking to downsize in later life. Here are just some of our happy buyers who did just that:

“Genuinely Delighted”

“From our initial plot selection to receiving the keys we have been supported throughout our first home purchase.

“Lynn, the sales representative, confidently and expertly guided us through the development plans. Assisted with the selections of kitchens and bathrooms and advised what options and upgrades were available. All in a knowledgeable way that reassured us of our choices.

“During COVID-19, Kirsty and the team continued to keep us updated, informed and reassured that our home was being completed in a guideline compliant way.

“We have genuinely been delighted with the service at Urban Union and would recommended them as a home builder of choice.”

“A blank canvas”

“Urban Union has given us a blank canvas to create a home, with Laurieston Living being in the perfect location for City Centre living.”

“As we are In our 80s I was reluctant to make the move but I am glad we did as we have a lovely house a porch and a small garden and it has improved the quality of life of my wife and I, we are also delighted with the service and help we have received from Urban Union.” M. Laurieston

“Couldn’t be happier!”

“I have been in my new Urban Union home now for 2 years and couldn’t be happier. My flat is lovely, bright, spacious and all fixtures and fittings were built to a high standard. Everything still looks new and works perfectly. I am on top floor and don’t hear a sound from neighbours. I love my ensuite bathroom with shower. The flat was affordable and fantastic value for money. Would recommend Urban Union to anyone looking for a modern, cost efficient home (my utility bills a low).” J. Rowan

“I love my new home”

“I love my new home. It’s really well designed with a great layout and really nice finishes. Lyn was a great help throughout the buying process, keeping me informed at all stages and always ready to answer any questions. I’ve never bought a new build home before so this was really helpful. The team were also great in following up after I moved in to check everything was okay.”

“Nothing but praise”

“I have nothing but praise for Urban Union when it comes to building wonderful and affordable homes. Had been lucky and fast enough to reserve the last flat available in Phase 2 of the Pennywell living development the entire process has been smooth and since moving to my home 1.5 year ago I had no problems. Wonderful neighbours and a few minutes walking to Cramond Promenade.

“As a marathon runner the area is fantastic for long runs and long walks. In fact I’ve been so happy with my flat that I decided to reserve a bigger one within Phase 3 and am looking forward to moving in when it’s complete. Recently I’ve convinced two of my friends to buy flats within Phase 3 which only tells how much I trust Urban Union with the fantastic work they are carrying out to regenerate the area.

“My flat is lovely, bright and spacious”

“I have been in my new Urban Union home now for 2 years and couldn’t be happier. My flat is lovely, bright, spacious and all fixtures and fittings were built to a high standard. Everything still looks new and works perfectly. I am on top floor and don’t hear a sound from neighbours. I love my ensuite bathroom with shower. The flat was affordable and fantastic value for money. Would recommend Urban Union to anyone looking for a modern, cost efficient home (my utility bills are low).”

Take a look at our latest properties for sale.

 

Surge in Demand for New Build Homes

Home buyers with low deposits are increasingly turning towards Help to Buy after banks continue to withdraw mortgage products.

Stats released by Zoopla this week show that demand for new homes is highest in the North East, at 139% above the level of demand seen the beginning of March, whereas demand for exiting properties in this region was up by just 72.5%. This demand (measured by a combination of inquiries and browsing) for new-build homes from first time buyers is up 87% since March. Demand for new builds is 66% higher across the UK, whereas demand for existing homes is up by 46%.

Scotland recorded a 33% increase in demand, even though the market remained closed until 29th June, but we expect to see a surge in demand that will exceed England’s figures due to the affordability of good quality homes in Scotland, especially now that the market here is open and banks continue to limit access to mortgage products.

Buyers locked out of the market

This rise in demand for newly built homes is largely due to first-time buyers being locked out of the general market because lenders are withdrawing mortgage products for buyers with low deposits. These buyers are now looking at the new build market where they can purchase a home with just a 5% deposit using the Help to Buy scheme.

Mortgage providers have withdrawn these products because should house prices drop, even in the short term, this could push highly leveraged buyers into negative equity. Several lenders are offering mortgages with a minimum of 15% deposit required as opposed to the 5% deposit required before the pandemic. This change will affect first time buyers who could potentially shut out of the market for the foreseeable future.

This change disproportionately affects anyone who is trying to get onto the property ladder, and unless first-time buyers have cash reserves, they are effectively shut out of the market.

What is Help to Buy?

The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme enables those who want to buy a property to do so with just a 5% deposit. Help to Buy (Scotland): Affordable New Build and Smaller Developers Schemes have now been extended to March 2022 with an additional £55 million provided in 2021/22. This additional funding means that the government can help another 2,000 households to buy new-build homes.

Under the scheme buyers can borrow an equity loan from the Government up to an additional 20% of the property’s value meaning they can buy with a mortgage that covers 75% of the house price.

Demand is higher in areas where property is cheaper – and during the lockdown developers have been able to continue to sell property as they were already well-adapted to using virtual viewings and CGI imagery, and reservations could still be taken. This has resulted in a greater degree of activity compared to existing homes that could not take viewings or go on the market.

If you are considering taking advantage of the Help to Buy scheme, take a look at the current availability in our Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh developments. 

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