Pennywell Living Archives - Page 4 of 14 - Urban Union Ltd

  What Makes a Great Kitchen? The kitchen is the hub of the home – it’s the place in the home where we gather to cook, eat, socialise, entertain, relax and, since the pandemic, many of us have been using the kitchen as a place to work. When designed well, the kitch read more

Over the last year or so we have relied on a good broadband connection more than ever before. During the lockdown and subsequent restrictions we all relied on the Internet to work, socialise, get fit, learn new skills and teach our children whilst off school. Speedy internet access and a reliable broadband connection are essential especially as many of us also stream a large percentage of home entertainment. In fact, broadband has become such an important factor in people’s daily lives that it’s one of the top must-haves on most homebuyers’ wish lists and homes with a poor connection or coverage can be tricky to sell.

With fast broadband at the top of most buyers’ wish list, here’s what you need to consider when purchasing a property.

Broadband speed

It’s free and easy to check the broadband performance in a particular area. You can do this by asking any Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Sky, TalkTalk, BT or Virgin to name just a few, to check the broadband coverage. You can do this either online or by calling the sales line. Make sure you speak to more than one provider to get the best speed.

Check the following:

Download speed: this is the speed at which information is transferred from the Internet to your device, for example music, films, TV, photos. The speed at which they download will be dependent on your speed.

Upload speed: this is the speed that information is uploaded from your device to the Internet, for example emailing or uploading files, photographs, home movies and music.

Response time: the response time is measured in milliseconds and it means the speed at which you get a response after you’ve sent a request.

You’ll usually find that upload speeds are slower than download speeds as providers prioritise the former.

Types of broadband

The nationwide average speed is 18.5Mbps with upload speeds of around 4.3Mbps and download speeds of around 46.2Pbps.

There are several types of broadband which will vary in price. Cable broadband is fibreoptic, mobile broadband uses 3G or 4G (and soon 5G) which don’t require a phone line, and ADLS broadband uses a telephone line. If you use ADLS you will also have to pay a line rental fee to BT but it tends to still be the cheapest connecting type.

There are, and you have three different kinds to choose from, all of which vary in price and each with their own pros and cons. There’s cable broadband (otherwise known as fibre optic), mobile broadband (which uses 3G or 4G mobile phone signal) and ADSL broadband (which requires a telephone line).

Because ADSL requires a home phone line, there is usually an additional monthly line rental fee to pay on top of your broadband package costs to BT. Despite this, ADSL remains the cheapest type of connection currently available. 3G and 4G can be costly because if you go over your allowance you will have to pay for the additional data making it quite limiting.

The fastest broadband tends to be fibre optic. It is usually a very reliable connection as it links directly to a BT cabinet nearby. Packages are more expensive, but you could notice your download speed double or even treble overnight. Fibre optic is ideal if you have family with several people using the Internet at the same time regularly streaming and gaming. Not all properties have this facility so check with the service providers to see if it’s available in your new or prospective property. If you live alone or with a partner and only use the Internet to browse online and stream one device at a time, ADSL should be sufficient.

If you’re moving into a new home, you should pre-arrange your broadband so that you’re up and running on the day of moving.

An Urban Union Community

At Urban Union we specialise in not only delivering outstanding new homes, but regenerating communities. Our ambitious developments deliver homes where they are most needed and in doing so we support local communities and enhance the lives of those who live there. So when you consider what home you’re buying – we hope you’ll also consider what kind of community you’ll be a part of.

We create homes that provide a mix of terraces and apartments in a variety of different house types suitable to first-time buyers and growing families alike. In addition to one and two-bedroom apartments, our developments include two, three, four and five-bedroom terraced homes. Everyone from young professionals to families can enjoy a modern and stylish home at an affordable price.

Established in 2011 with the aim of working in Glasgow, similar regeneration opportunities followed, and we now deliver housing in key regeneration areas across Scotland.

With a track record in delivering critical regeneration projects to support the demand for high quality, affordable homes we provide an opportunity for people to join the property ladder in city centre locations. New sustainable mixed tenure communities are facilitated through the provision of new housing, community facilities, green space and, where appropriate, commercial units. Our developments combine superior architecture, urban design and spacious, flexible accommodation.

The heart of a community

Community engagement is at the heart of our plans and our aim is to build relationships with the local communities to ensure the homes we build are to the benefit of the people of the cities in which we have developments.

Various jobs are created during the construction phase of the project, with Urban Union committed to providing employment opportunities for local people.

We have successfully delivered hundreds of homes at our developments and are putting that award-winning experience to good use as we support ongoing regeneration.

Embedded in our developments is the link to local community, for example connecting the community by supporting the Citizen’s Theatre, local school children helping to plant trees at the Pennywell Nature Garden, celebrating local heroes with our Living Legends arts project at Laurieston, and running young apprenticeship programmes links to local schools and colleges across all of our Projects.

Commitment to exceptional design

We work with architects who have an ongoing commitment to creating high quality, crafted architecture, public realm and landscape that is embedded and connected to its local and wider context. We ensure that our regeneration projects benefit the local landscape and community, so our sites feature green spaces and a mix of accommodation, with potential for commercial opportunities and retail outlets.

Help to Buy

The range of properties are competitively priced and are suitable for a wide variety of needs and budgets. Most include outdoor space and the flexibility for home working.

With the introduction of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme in March 2021, you can purchase a home with just a 5% deposit (subject to application) or by using the First Home Fund. We enjoy welcoming residents to the area to start the next chapter of their lives and becoming part of a thriving community.

 

 

The Rising Number of 95% Mortgages

Following a challenging year with a widescale withdrawal of high loan to value mortgages, the good news is that the mortgage market is bouncing back with the number of 95% mortgage deals rising from 34 to 112 in just one month.*

The mortgage guarantee scheme was introduced in April and aimed to encourage lenders to bring back high loan to value mortgages to the market meaning that those with only a 5% deposit could purchase a home. The scheme is open to all buyers – those buying a first home as well as those moving up the property ladder – and can be used on properties up to the value of £600,000.

 

 

Even though the government’s scheme has been introduced, only 40% of lenders are using it. They saw it as a sign of confidence in the housing market and decided to launch their own products independently of the scheme. Lloyds, Santander, Barclays, HSBC and NatWest are all offering the loans, while Virgin Money is set to start offering them this month.

At present, mortgage availability is back to 75% of the levels we saw before the pandemic and for those with a larger deposit, interest rates are still historically low.

Along with the increase in 95% mortgage products, there were 41 more products introduced for buyers with a 10% deposit bringing the total to 481. This time last year there were only 100 available.

Moneyfacts

  For the Kumars, a growing family had them on the lookout for a bigger home – and they found the perfect solution at Urban Union’s Pennywell Living development. When their son Akshat was born four years ago, Awinash and wife Khushboo moved into a two-bedroom flat read more

 

Looking for your first home?

Although the pandemic resulted in the withdrawal of mortgage products last year, the good news is that they are now edging their way back into the market especially with the introduction of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. This means that, subject to meeting lenders’ criteria, you can once again purchase a property with a 5% deposit as many of the high street lenders have joined the scheme. What’s more, when you purchase a newly built home you aren’t subject to making ‘offers over’ and being priced out of the sale due to competition to high quality homes. You simply obtain a mortgage in principle, pay a reservation fee and the process begins.

Securing a high loan to value mortgage

The mortgage guarantee scheme launched at the start of April this year. The scheme means that the UK government will guarantee 95% mortgages for those with just a 5% deposits. Under the scheme, the government guarantees the portion of the mortgage over 80% which essentially means that the government will partially compensate the lender if a homeowner defaults on  their mortgage. It is similar to the previously available Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme.

Who can apply

Unlike Help to Buy, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is available to everyone, not just first-time buyers. You’ll need to be buying a property up to the value of £600,000 to live in yourself, so it won’t apply to second or holiday homes and buy-to-let investments.  You cannot use the scheme with an interest-only mortgage and will need to pass the usual affordability checks set by the lender, including affordability and a credit score assessments. In addition, the mortgage you’re applying for will need to be for between 91% and 95% of the value of the property you’re buying. Finally, you’ll need to apply before the scheme ends on 31st December 2022, although it could be extended.

Find out more 

Bank of Mum & Dad

An increasingly popular way to buy your first home is to obtain help from your parents or grandparents. According to the latest figures from Aldermore the number of first-time buyers using family funding to buy their first home has risen from 22% in March 2020 to a third 33% in March 2021. There has been a huge increase in the percentage of those remortgaging their property to help their children buy a home – from 9% in March 2020 to 38% in March 2021. Other popular ways to release cash is to downsize (18%), withdrawing pension funds (17%) and selling stocks and shares (16%).

Buy at a fixed price

With house prices rising each month as demand outweighs supply,  buying at a fixed price means you aren’t being priced out of the market and paying over the odds in order to secure a home. There is no danger of paying over the odds due to high competition for the same property.

Ensure you have a a good credit rating

It’s important that you have a good credit score in order to obtain a good rate on your mortgage – the lower the score the lower risk you are considered to be by the lender. Check your credit score before you look to buy a property to give you time to improve this.

A larger deposit

If you can put more down on a property your mortgage rate and your outgoings will be lower. Some lenders are offering 10% mortgages aimed at borrowers in the local area and for those in particular professions. Ideally you want to have 15% deposit.

Talk to us at Urban Union if you’re looking for your first home. Our properties can be reserved with a small reservation fee and are available at a fixed price in our Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh developments.

Tips for Safe Garden Gatherings

From Friday, six people from six different households can meet outside. After nearly a year of being put in and out of restrictions and lockdown, and for much of it being unable to see or socialise with our friends and family, many of us are excited at the prospect of getting back to normal.

With the news that we can meet in private gardens, it’s important to ensure that you and your guests stay safe.

Seating

Even though you’ll be outside, it’s still important to keep a safe distance of two metres from your guests or host. This is easy to do when setting out the seating and is especially important if your guests are all from different households. It’s also important that your guests stay in the one chair, so ensure you communicate this.
Before guests arrive, give chairs and the table a clean and repeat this once your guests have left.

Masks

The government guidelines state that you can enter the property to use the bathroom and can walk through the home to access the garden if there is no side access. When doing so it’s important to wear a mask. Wear a mask when you arrive or greet your guests. Masks outside aren’t mandatory but it’s good to get into the habit of wearing them when you get up from your chair.

Provide hand sanitiser

If guests are unable to wash their hands with soap and water, make sure you have hand sanitiser at the table for them to use regularly.

Food and drink

If you want to minimise the risks then how about people bring their own food in containers – whether it’s picnic food or something to put on the BBQ it will prevent guests worrying about how food is handled.

 

A new addition to the team

We are delighted to announce that we are strengthening our team with a new appointment to the Commercial Department. Ewan Boyd will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow, in his new role as senior quantity surveyor.

Ewan brings with him over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry having most recently worked as Commercial Manager for All Saints Construction across Scotland, and Surveying Manager for CALA Homes East. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the construction industry, team management, risk identification and reduction, land viability, contract procurement and commercial oversight.

Laurence Millar, Commercial Manager for Urban Union said: “We are delighted to welcome Ewan to the Urban Union team, at a time when we are working on several new projects. As a business with big ambitions for delivery and growth, Ewan will play a major role in Urban Union’s journey going forward and we look forward to seeing him develop with us.

Speaking on his new role, Ewan Boyd, Senior Quantity Surveyor for Urban Union added: “I’m hugely excited to be working with Urban Union, their award-winning work speaks for itself and I am eager to help the business to achieve and expand their aims.

“It is the right time for me to take on a new challenge and I am looking forward to working with the Commercial Department and regenerate communities across Scotland”

At present, we have three active developments in Scotland: Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow and Pennywell Living in Edinburgh. Discover more. 

Purchasing a new home from Urban Union Ltd.

When you purchase a new home with Urban Union, the process is simple, easy to follow and we will guide you every step of the way. At present you can reserve one of the remaining one bedroom apartments at Muirton Living for just £99 with a sale price of £100,000 plus floor coverings included as an added incentive, making it move-in ready and an affordable option, especially for first time buyers.

Buying a home can be daunting but with Urban Union, once you reserve your new home it’s off the market and won’t be sold to anyone else during the reservation period. The reservation fee will also be deducted from any balance due at legal completion.

For many people it’s the first time they have had to consider everything that is involved. That’s why our Sales Advisors have been carefully selected and are highly trained to provide you with the highest standards of service possible. You will receive regular telephone calls to keep you up to date with progress and to advise what you/we need to do next to ensure agreed deadlines are met.

Here’s a brief week by week guide to how the purchasing process works.

Reservation day

Once you have reserved your property it’s time to appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf.

Within two days

Talk to a mortgage advisor and submit your mortgage application – remember to provide this to information to your Sales Advisor.

Your lender will instruct a Surveyor to inspect your new home and carry out a valuation for the mortgage lender for the purposes of your mortgage.

Once everything has been checked you should receive a mortgage offer via your mortgage advisor or direct from the lender. Sign and return the agreement.

Within two weeks

Solicitors for Urban Union will forward the offer to your Solicitor. You should then meet with your Mortgage Advisor and take with you the following for each person who is buying the property:

  1. A copy of your UK driving licence or full UK passport showing your signature.
  2. Details of your place of residence for the past five years together with a Council Tax bill, bank statement and utility bill.
  3. Your P60 and original pay slips for the past three months. N.B If you have been employed with your current company for less than three years you will need to supply the name and address of your previous employer(s).
  4. If you already have a mortgage you will need to supply the name and address of the mortgage lenders together with your account number and last mortgage statement.
  5. If you are currently living in rented accommodation you will need to provide the name and address of your landlord together with a rent book, where applicable.
  6. If you currently have any hire purchase agreements, you will need to provide details of the agreements. You may also be required to provide a copy of the original loan agreement and proof that all payments have been made.
  7. Certain personal details will be required such as your National Insurance Number, your tax code and tax office.
  8. Payment of the survey fee may be required.
  9. Your mortgage lender will carry out credit checks on your financial status over the past five years and it is therefore imperative that you advise your Mortgage Advisor if you have been in arrears on any financial commitment, including mortgage, council tax, HP agreements etc.

Within one week

Your Solicitor should have concluded missives for your purchase and have paid any balance of the deposit.

Please note, the conclusion of missives deadline periods may vary according to the reservation conditions.

Congratulations! – You have concluded missives on your brand new Urban Union home!

 

 

2021 – The year of working from home!

Last year was challenging for most of us, but with the vaccine rollout in full force, we could soon start to get back some much-needed normality. One of the changes that many of us have experienced is home working – either full or part time – and it appears that many people will continue to work from home especially as we have all adapted to this way of working. Zoom meetings have replaced in-person meetings and people are able to work longer hours when not having to travel to and from work. Many companies have now embraced the benefits to both themselves and their employees in allowing staff members to work from home either full or part time.

As a result of this change in lifestyle, demand for homes with an extra bedroom are in high demand and many people are looking for ways to create a home office within their home. Recent reports stated that having a home office shed in your garden can boost the value of your home by as much as £12,000.

A place to work

It’s important to set up a quiet dedicated area otherwise you could find it’s a difficult balance trying to cut off from your personal life when in the home.

Think carefully about an area to set aside for home working. Some people work well with the radio or television on and some need complete quiet. If you have space restrictions then look at the space you do have – could you clear an area on your dining table, use a dressing or console table, clear out the under stairs area or even transform your shed? Anywhere could be a possibility as long as it makes you feel comfortable and the space is functional.

Furniture and office equipment

Make sure that you pay attention to a good office chair that is both comfortable and comfortable. You’ll be spending hours sitting on it and you need to take care of your posture to avoid any problems in the future. Look also at where you position your printer, computer screen and anything else you may need. If you have a laptop, consider getting a monitor so that you are looking ahead rather than downwards to avoid putting pressure on your neck and spine. This may help you to calculate the correct height of your desk and chair: https://www.blitzresults.com/gb/ergonomic/. Make sure you also have all the office equipment you need along with suitable storage so that the area can be left clean and tidy.

Give your area some personality

One of the best things about working from home is that you can personalize the space without any restrictions! Use your favourite photographs and pictures, add colourful plants, or go crazy on cushions and colours – there is no office policy other than yours.

Lighting

It’s essential that your space is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes if you are doing anything off-line. Use a good quality lamp and if you have natural light try and maximise this.

Keep it tidy

Tidy work area, tidy mind! Make sure you clear away any cables using the DIY solutions available and make sure all paperwork is tidy and use paper trays to organise your documents. There are also some very small and compact filing cabinets available.

Setting up a home office doesn’t need to be daunting or expensive especially as it could be temporary.