Category Archives: New Homes

View from new Mumbles development
Dawsons, Mumbles, New Homes, Sales

Dawsons appointed as agents for forthcoming luxury Mumbles development

Dawsons Estate agents is delighted to have been named as sole agent for a prestigious forthcoming residential apartment development in Mumbles.

Along with the proposed Marks & Spencer store on the site of the old British Legion building in Newton Road, nine luxury apartments are being built above with the whole development expected to be completed in early 2019.

Not only are these spacious high spec properties situated right in the heart of Mumbles but they will enjoy a section of the beautiful 180 degree panoramic views over Oystermouth Castle, the sweep of Mumbles Bay and around to Mumbles Pier.

“Having been involved in this unique development since close to the start, it is with great excitement that we now see it becoming a reality, with pre-building activity already on site” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons Land & New Homes.

“This is a spectacular opportunity for people to own a private luxury apartment, set just off the hustle and bustle of a vibrant village of Mumbles, which is continually improving with its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and bars.

“Located above the Marks & Spencer store will be the nine luxury apartments, all of which will boast sea and/or castle views, and all having the distinct advantage of parking.”

The construction company Andrew Scott has just begun on site with the main building works to continue right through 2018, with an anticipated completion date of March 2019.

The spacious nine apartments of varying size, some of which will be duplex, will be built to a high specification.

It is anticipated that the official launch will be Summer 2018 however, Dawsons will be releasing information to all database clients when prices are confirmed.

Tim added: “Anyone wishing to register their interest to be informed with more specific detail and prices when launched, is advised to contact either myself, or our Land and New Homes staff, based in our Marina Office on 01792 653100, and we will be pleased to keep them updated.”

Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons with the Land & New Homes Team, Viv Jones, Janey Harris and Lisa Davies at the award-winning Bethany Lane development in Mumbles by Hale Homes
Dawsons, New Homes

Dawsons selected to join exclusive national land and homes network

Dawsons has been selected by the Land and New Homes Network (LNHN) as the leading estate agent continues to develop its expertise in the booming land and new homes sector.

The Land and New Homes Network (LNHN) is a UK-wide organisation which brings leading estate agents together to offer developers, property investors and home buyers an unparalleled service based on knowledge, experience and integrity.

Dawsons was selected for their: “professionalism, experience and their focus on delivering results for clients”, and by being chosen by LNHN it has strengthened the firm’s position in order to provide land and development consultancy to clients and a specialised new homes sales service.

“We are very pleased to be selected as the LNHN’s agent for Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and the surrounding areas,” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons.

“Being in our 11th year as a dedicated department, we are already well-established as the area’s only land and new homes specialist, however this selection means we can deliver even better results for our clients.

“The Government has made addressing the housing shortage a priority so with thousands of new homes needed we’ve been proactive to ensure our clients will benefit from the best advice and coverage available.

“The network’s national coverage means we have relationships with builders, developers, investors and estate agents from across the UK. This is good for anyone selling land or new homes with us, as it increases the amount of potential buyers enormously.

“And it means more choice and better quality for local people looking to buy a new home.”

Ian Stratford, Land and New Homes Network’s Managing Director, said: “We are really looking forward to working together.

“Dawsons is exactly the type of agency we want as part of the network. They were selected for their professionalism, experience and their focus on delivering results for clients.”

If you own land or a property that you think might have development potential please call Dawsons’ Land & New Homes team on 01792 653100 for a confidential conversation.

CAPTION: Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons, with the Land and New Homes team, Viv Jones, Janey Harris and Lisa Davies at the award-winning Bethany Lane development in Mumbles by Hale Homes.

Chris Marina Office02
New Homes, New Investment, Relocation

Could exciting new development plans transform Swansea as we know it?

Swansea city centre and its seafront have already undergone quite the transformation in recent years. In addition to Swansea Bay welcoming a plethora of new businesses, the city’s university has aligned with their world class reputation for research, innovation and education by doubling its campus in size, signalling a brighter future for its students, staff and the surrounding area. But the city’s exciting regeneration plans don’t end there…

Here Chris Hope, Partner at Dawsons Estate Agents, talks us through the multi-million pound proposals and the impact that the revamp could have on the economy, tourism, and the businesses and residents that call Swansea their home.

From the high street to the seafront

According to plans unveiled by Swansea Council, the city centre, from the high street to its harbour, is in for a major transformation. If approved, the outline plans will see two sites undergo redevelopment with work due to start as early as 2017. With developer Rivington Land & Acme leading the way, St David’s shopping centre, along with its car parking facilities, will face redevelopment with a landmark tower and 3,500-seat arena the jewels in the crown of the centrally based leg of the project. The tower is said to be designed to rival the Meridian Tower, whilst the neighbouring retail and restaurant facilities will provide a vibrant quarter at the heart of the city.

On the seafront, Trebor Developments will construct an aquatics research centre and public aquarium as well as a range of apartments, townhouses, eateries and public spaces.

The impact on our local economy

The increased level of facilities is what will really set the new and improved Swansea city centre and seafront apart from not just its former offering but from other cities and towns in Wales, including nearby rival Cardiff. If the developments were to go ahead as outlined the project will improve the look and feel of the high street ten-fold creating a welcoming environment for city centre businesses looking to set up shop within the area. In addition to generating more vibrancy, the development will attract even more investment with the proposals already resulting in a variety of ambitious and high quality shortlisted bids for both the Civic Centre and St David’s sites.

The new arena will also provide the facilities for a host of events, concerts and performances, a prospect that will increase tourism and spending within the area to support big and small brands based in Swansea. Tourism will be increased further thanks to the addition of what will be a world-leading aquarium and aquatics centre.

What will the plans mean for us?

For residents and businesses alike the potential for long term investment within the area will unlock a selection of exciting opportunities. For individuals, job prospects will increase dramatically, particularly within the retail and hospitality fields, whilst residential property values are likely to receive a boost thanks to access to the improved facilities. Business owners will also reap the rewards with enhanced footfall securing high ROI.

Like my fellow residents and business owners, I too am urging the redevelopment plans for Swansea city centre and seafront to go ahead sooner rather than later. I know I speak for many when I say that Swansea as a whole is tired of so many false dawns with delays relating to rail electrification, the procrastination of tidal lagoon and the job losses at Tata Steel just some of the issues casting negativity over whether this particular regeneration project will get the green light. This city really needs this development to happen for the reasons stated in this article and so many more!

tollgatehousenafter
Dawsons, New Homes

Historic auction property in Houses Under the Hammer-style revamp

An 18th century Swansea Toll House is on the market after going through a spectacular renovation which would not look out of place on BBC’s Homes Under The Hammer programme.

The historic Georgian Tollgate House in Sketty, dating back to the 1770s, has been transformed into a fine four-bedroom home by award-winning Swansea property developer Ben Shepherd.tollgatehouseoldpicture

Having bought the semi-detached townhouse from a Dawsons Estate Agents’ auction Ben is now selling it on through Dawsons again.

After purchasing the house and then refurbishing it he has put the house on the market with Dawsons for £369,950.

Originally, the property was the tollgate house for Gower – known as the Upper Sketty Cross tollgate – and a photograph of it is on the front page of a book covering the Rebecca Riots during the mid-19th century.

The Rebecca Riots took place in South and Mid-Wales and were a series of protests undertaken by local farmers and agricultural workers in response to perceived unfair taxation through tolls.

The rioters, often men dressed as women, took their actions against tollgates as they were tangible representations of high taxes and tolls.

“It was only after we bought the property that was up for auction with Dawsons estate agents that we fully uncovered the history of the house,” said Ben.

“It is a fascinating story and I think it adds some extra historical value to the property.

“For instance, I think people coming from Gower to Swansea had to pay 1d (one old penny) which paid for one person and 20 sheep.”

“But as time went on the tolls were resented by people hence the onset of the Rebecca Riots.”

Added Ben: “After buying the property from Dawsons’ auction department they were the right choice to market the property, especially as the Gorseinon branch sold my last development in Loughor in less than 48 hours, and was happy with the selling process undertaken with Dawsons’ Sketty branch.”

A carpenter by trade Ben spent around seven months transforming the three-storey house into a four-bedroom property with two separate bathooms.

Ben has transformed properties in Rhossili and Limeslade and won an award for excellence in 2009 as self build development of the year from the Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

ACCamera_6-1024x683
Dawsons, New Homes, On the Market

South Wales estate agent celebrates as student accommodation being snapped up.

Dawsons Estate Agent has successfully secured reservations on more than 50% of 24 purpose-built student apartments right in the centre of Swansea.

The Park Buildings lettings have created a lot of interest across the world from as far afield as Europe, the Middle East, Japan, China and Canada.

The amount of lettings already snapped up is a significant achievement considering the high spec flats are not opening until September.

“We have secured students from many places around the world, and are many weeks ahead of our schedule in terms of securing half occupation reservations through May,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings.

“We are seeing much interest on a daily basis from students currently studying at the university and from those starting in September.

“We are delighted with progress and are sure of securing full reservations prior to the availability date for occupation, as per our intentions at launch.”

Park Buildings is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from transport links and all amenities. The accommodation is also beautifully designed with open plan living and sleeping areas and their very own kitchen and shower rooms.

“Park Buildings is a truly unique addition to Swansea and its student population needn’t settle for second best any longer when it comes to finding a new home from home for the new term,” added Ricky.

“The studio apartments come complete with, cleaning service, laundry facilities and storage facilities, so you have everything you need to start or continue your education in Swansea.”

For further information on Park Buildings, please contact Dawsons’ Swansea office on 01792 633260. Please also visit http://www.parkbuildings.info/ for more details.

Oliver Adair MAB
Dawsons, Mortgages, New Homes

The lowest inflation rate on record – How could it affect you?

Sitting at its lowest point since records began, inflation in the UK now sits at 0%. In the short term, this could be good news for most of us – we feel richer and, technically, we are, but we are also teetering on falling into deflation, which wouldn’t be good at all. Here the UK’s leading independent mortgage broker, Mortgage Advice Bureau, explains why.

“With inflation announced as zero, interest rates are likely to be set lower for longer and there is, of course, the possibility that the record low base rate could also fall even closer to zero. The low interest rates will encourage people to continue borrowing money, helping the economy to grow and inflation to increase,” said Oliver Adair from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Inflation is affected by a number of factors, ranging from household goods and video games to transport. However, with the prices of oil rising slightly from their lowest in six years in February, the price of fuel didn’t really affect the rate of inflation in the UK. That particular trait fell to the ever-increasing strength of the sterling against the euro, thus reducing the cost of imports.

“If these low prices continue for too long, we could find ourselves in deflation,” explains Oliver. “If this was to happen, we could become accustomed to tumbling prices, meaning we wouldn’t spend as much, as we hope that the item we were going to buy today will be even cheaper tomorrow. This could create a ‘chain reaction’ effect as the economy would then become motionless and we could be facing another recession before we know it.”

With oil prices continuing to pick up, we still have a slight cushion against deflation at the moment. For now, average wages are growing by just under 2% per year, and with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing that prices haven’t risen at all, you will find that your wages will go further.

The rate rise is also likely to be delayed as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will no doubt want to see how much zero inflation affects wages.

“With the delay in the rate rise, now could be a good time to consider your next steps, be it looking for your first home, remortgaging on your current property or adding to your portfolio. Whatever the case, professional advice should always be taken from an independent mortgage adviser,” concluded Oliver. Continue reading →

David Treharne
Mortgages, New Homes

As the government introduces 100,000 new homes, could the Starter Home initiative be your ticket to an affordable first time buy?

Since the credit crunch of 2008, housebuilding has notoriously wilted. It is no secret that, whilst the number of new homes in construction has slowly improved since then, the market is still some way off where it really needs to be.

Here the UK’s leading independent mortgage broker, Mortgage Advice Bureau, explores how the new government scheme will help first-time buyers in the New Year.

“Although there are no quick fixes, increasing the supply of homes on the market needs to be a focus in 2015 if conditions are to improve, specifically for first-time buyers. This is why the new Starter Home initiative announced by the Prime Minister on the 15th December should be welcomed with open arms,” said David Treharne from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

As part of the push to help people onto the property ladder, the Starter Home scheme will offer new homes with 20% discounts to 100,000 first-time buyers. New home builders currently face an average bill of £15,000 in Section 106 affordable housing contributions and tariffs when building properties, often adding tens of thousands to the final cost of a property.

However, under the scheme, which starts early this year, the properties will be built on under-used land, which will allow developers to build the homes free from any planning costs or levies thus lowering the price.

David added, “The homes will not be able to be resold at full market value for a fixed period of time which means that the savings should then be passed onto the next home buyers. The scheme is exclusive to first-time buyers who are under the age of 40. Prospective homeowners who are interested in the initiative will be asked to register from the beginning of this month – six months earlier than originally planned.”

Increasing the supply of housing is not a simple process, but by bringing forward more available land whilst assisting first-time buyers at the same time, the scheme is certainly another positive move by the government in an attempt to combat the shortage.

Saying this, the initiative will not solve the housing crisis on its own. The initiative should be viewed as another short-term solution that has been brought in to bring brownfield land back into use in a way that will provide an almost instant relief to the market by increasing the number of available homes, something that is so desperately needed.

“What the next government plan to do to attempt to end the crisis is yet to be seen, but in the current climate this scheme should be seen as a helping hand in what is currently a severe problem throughout the UK market,” concluded David.

To find out more information about the Starter Home initiative is it advised that you seek independent mortgage advice from a professional financial adviser.

For further information please contact David on 07501 720320 or email davidtr@mab.org.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk

Matthew Hall, Site Manager Hale Construction
Dawsons, New Homes

Construction company’s award winning Site Manager finishes runner-up at prestigious LABC Awards

Swansea’s largest independent estate agent Dawsons has even more reason to be delighted to act as Preferred Agent for Hale Homes, who have an award winner in their team. Matthew Hall, Site Manager at Hale Construction, finished runner-up at the prestigious LABC Warranty National Site Manager Awards 2014.

Matthew was announced Regional Winner of the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Awards for Wales, and recently attended the grand finals held on 11th November in London. The latest development managed by Matthew is Bethany Lane, situated just off Mumbles Road.

This site is testament to his great work for Hale Construction, a family-run company that now delivers major construction projects not only for themselves, but also on behalf of companies such as Bluestone National Park Resort, Jehu Group and Waterstone Homes. They also build for various housing associations across the south west Wales region including Grŵp Gwalia, United Welsh Housing Association, Coastal Housing Group and Melin Homes.

“I’m very pleased to have won the regional award and finishing runner-up in the finals is an excellent achievement too! Attending the finals in London was a great honour, and I am very proud to be part of the team at Hale Construction,” said Matthew, who recently ran a 10k race which coincidentally went past the Bethany Lane site. Matthew raised £350 for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and The Brain Tumour Charity.

Bethany Lane consists of 10 individually designed, detached homes of exceptional quality and unrivalled specification. The development has certainly caught the attention of local home buyers as only two five-bedroom properties remain on its first phase release with prices from £625,000. The second phase is due for release in early 2015, which will compriseof a further four individual homes with a bespoke internal build available, depending on build stage at reservation. With easy access to the promenade and just a short stroll from Mumbles, the development occupies an ideal setting.

Matthewwon the award for Hale’s prestigious Harbour View development. Located in the SA1 area of Swansea, the development comprises of 30 three and four-bedroom townhouses, which are all now sold. Poplars Drive in Skewen is another current Hale development. The first phase consists of a range of three and four bedroom houses along with two and three bedroom bungalows. Prices start at £179,950.

Dawsons’ Partner Tim Kostromin commented: “This award is well deserved by Matthew and it is of little surprise knowing the way in which Hale Construction works that this has been awarded to a member of their team.”

To arrange a viewing at Bethany Lane please call Dawsons on 01792 653100 or Ruth Jones from Hale Homes on 01792 462877.

Bethany Lane Mumbles-31
Dawsons, New Homes

Prestigious housing development in Bethany Lane now released for sale

Luxury house-builder Hale Homes is about to release their prestigious Bethany Lane development, close to the village of Mumbles.

Currently under construction, the project will comprise of a selection of just ten, individual, detached homes, offering purchasers an opportunity to acquire a newly built, energy efficient property in this highly sought after location.

A choice of four or five bedroom properties are available, all of which are designed for modern family living with features such as open plan rooms opening onto the garden.

Leading estate agent Dawsons has been appointed as Sole Agent and the development has already attracted a flurry of interest from waiting buyers.

“We are delighted to be chosen as Preferred Agent by Hale Homes and look forward to offering these beautifully designed homes, which are so ideally located, to the wider property market,” said Tim Kostromin, Partner at Dawsons.

Hale Homes has already headed a number of luxury developments throughout South Wales and is famed for using materials from high quality, local and sustainable sources. Previous projects have boasted internal finishes such as oak flooring and doors throughout, and features such as granite worktops and fully integrated appliances in their kitchens. This latest project is set to follow a similar suit and prospective buyers can look forward to homes built to the highest standard.

Jonathan Hale, Managing Director at Hale Homes, said, “We have earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence throughout South West Wales and we are certain that this particular project will be the ‘jewel in the crown’ as well as a great addition to the Mumbles community.”

Tim added: “It is a rarity for such an exclusive, private development to become available in what is a perfect location. Bethany Lane has long been considered a highly desirable address and is tucked away just off the Mumbles Road with the promenade just a stone’s throw away. We are anticipating high demand for the development and will be taking reservations through our Land and New Homes Department on an off-plan basis whereby a reservation fee will secure a property at a fixed price.’’

For further information please call Dawsons dedicated Land and New Homes department on 01792 653100 or email newhomes@dawsonsproperty.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit http://www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk/land-new-homes.php.

You can also contact Ruth Jones at Hale Construction on 01792 462877 or Ruth.Jones@haleconstruction.co.uk for further details about the Bethany Lane development and Hale Homes’ upcoming projects.