Land and Housing where is it going ?

 Title: Land Requirements for Housing Development: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The development of housing is a complex and multifaceted process, and one of its fundamental components is the acquisition and utilization of land. The amount of land required for a housing development project varies depending on several factors, including the type of housing, location, local regulations, and the developer’s goals. In this article, we will explore the crucial aspects of land requirements for housing development.

1. Type of Housing

The type of housing being developed has a significant influence on the land requirements. Different housing types, such as single-family homes, multi-family apartments, or condominiums, demand varying amounts of land. Single-family homes typically need more land per unit, while multi-story apartment buildings can accommodate more residents on a smaller footprint.

2. Location and Zoning Regulations

The location of the development site plays a vital role in determining land requirements. Local zoning regulations, which vary by region, dictate factors like minimum lot size, setbacks, density, and allowable land use. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for successful development.

3. Density and Plot Ratio

The density of a housing development, often measured in units per acre or square meter, directly affects land requirements. Higher-density developments require less land per unit, making them suitable for urban or suburban areas with limited available land. Developers may use a plot ratio, which defines the maximum buildable area in relation to the land size, to determine how many units can be constructed.

4. Infrastructure and Common Areas

Land requirements also encompass space for essential infrastructure and common areas. This includes road access, parking facilities, green spaces, community amenities, and utility installations. Proper planning for these elements is crucial for the functionality and appeal of the development.

5. Environmental Considerations

In some cases, environmental factors can limit the available land for development. Protected natural areas, wetlands, and steep slopes may restrict the usable land. Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations is not only legally required but also an ethical obligation.

6. Affordable and Inclusive Housing

Developers aiming to provide affordable and inclusive housing may require larger parcels of land to accommodate a mix of housing types, including units for various income levels. Such projects often prioritize community development and social inclusivity.

7. Market Demand and Profitability

Market conditions and profit margins play a pivotal role in determining the amount of land a developer may require. A developer seeking to maximize profit may choose a higher-density project, while one focused on high-end, low-density housing may opt for larger plots.

8. Feasibility Studies and Site Analysis

Conducting a feasibility study and comprehensive site analysis is a crucial step in assessing land requirements. This includes evaluating the local market, understanding the costs associated with land acquisition, infrastructure, and construction, and determining the optimal land-use mix for the intended development.

Conclusion

The land requirements for housing development are contingent on various factors, from housing type and location to zoning regulations and market demand. Successful housing development begins with a thorough understanding of these factors and careful planning to ensure that the land is utilized effectively, sustainably, and in compliance with local laws and regulations. Ultimately, land is a finite and precious resource, and responsible land use is essential for creating thriving and sustainable communities.

Build to Rent: Is it worth it?

Build to Rent are new build developments designed specifically for renting. They come with longer tenancies, a dedicated on-site manager and purpose built communal spaces, as well as a premium price tag. Here's everything you need to know about Build-to-Rent.

Renting privately comes with a whole range of issues for many people: complaints of damp properties which landlords refuse to repair, dealing with extortionate rents and the precariousness of short leases. But is Built to Rent the answer? We look at the pros and cons

What is Build to Rent?

As the name suggests, Build to Rent (sometimes known as BTR or B2R), describes new build apartment developments that have been built specifically for renters. Build to Rent addresses many of the problems that renters face when renting privately such as problems associated with short-term leases.

But they are also designed to offer:

• Good quality homes, mainly in larger towns and cities and often located near good public transport links.
• Residents will typically have access to communal facilities like gyms.
• Developments typically have on-site staff.

How many Build to Rent homes are there?

Build to Rent was introduced in 2012. One famous example is the London Olympics athletes’ accommodation in Stratford, east London, that was turned into rental accommodation. Other large developments followed and the Build-to-Rent scheme has grown in popularity.

In 2023, according to the British Property Federation, there are 251,208 Build to Rent homes in the UK, of which 78,717 are complete, with 72,244 new Build to Rent properties under construction and 113,379 in planning stages.

Given that there are an estimated five million rental properties in the UK, Build to Rent represents a small percentage, but it is growing. In fact, John Lewis is pledged to build and rent out 10,000 homes in coming years.

How many Build to Rent London properties are there?

There are around 96,000 London Build to Rent homes, while outside London, there are around 155,000. Build to Rent Manchester properties are available as well as in Birmingham, Liverpool and many other towns and cities.

How are Build to Rent developments different?

Developers are designing their Build-to-Rent properties to suit the lifestyles of the people they expect will want to live there. So as well as offering good quality accommodation, they are also trying to create Build to Rent communities within the developments by including features like communal areas, gyms and games rooms. Some have their own concierge service.

3 Benefits of Built to Rent

Many renters have encountered issues with private renting. Common problems include:

• Short-term leases
• Complaints that rents have unfairly increased
• Landlords being slow to carry out essential repairs

By comparison, the benefits of renting a new build through the Build to Rent scheme are:

1. Tenancy options of over three years

With Build to Rent, developers should usually offer longer tenancy agreements of 3 years or more to all new tenants who want one. These are also known as ‘family friendly tenancies’ because they offer longer-term security and stability for people wanting to settle down within a community.

However, there isn’t an obligation for the renter to take up a 3 year tenancy. If they want a tenancy of 6 months, 1 year or 2 years, companies should offer these.

Although there may be periods when the offer of longer tenancies would interfere with planned refurbishment works. In this case, it would be permissible to offer shorter tenancies, running up to the date of the refurbishments.

2. Easier to address problems

The big benefit is having one landlord responsible for managing and operating the whole development. This should make it easier for tenants to get in touch with the landlord and get problems resolved quickly.

Another benefit is the landlord must have a complaints procedure in place and be a member of a recognised ombudsman scheme. This means if things do go wrong tenants should have a clear way to complain and get issues addressed.

3. The rent is clearly laid out including any basis for increase

Where the rent or service charges are to be reviewed during the period of the tenancy, the basis for the review and for calculating the increase (whether as a fixed percentage or index linked to inflation) should be clearly set out in the tenancy agreement.

So what are the disadvantages of Build to Rent?

So, are there any disadvantages to Build to Rent? Yes. Firstly, while more Build to Rent homes are being built, they are still only a small proportion of private rental properties. Secondly, you may not qualify to live in the existing Build to Rent developments. That’s because many of the ones that are already built are targeted at specific demographics such as over 55s or young professionals or people with pets.

Finally, and most significantly, living in a Build to Rent property isn’t cheap….

Is Build to Rent affordable?

All the benefits of Build to Rent homes don’t come cheap. With many offering communal workspaces, laundry services, concierge, event spaces and gyms it isn’t surprising they can come at a premium. When you rent a new build flat with these extra facilities and services, it means the average rent on these developments is typically higher than comparable properties on the private rental market.

But while you may be able to afford the rent now, bear in mind that paying a premium for your rent is going to make it even harder to save if you are hoping to one day buy your first home. If you are looking at rental but one day want to afford to buy, take a look at our saving for a deposit guide. Other government schemes (Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership  for example) may also enable you to get on the property ladder while renting. And check out the numerous other alternatives to the government’s now defunct Help to Buy scheme.

Do developers need to provide affordable housing?

Yes. The Government’s guidelines say 20% is a ‘suitable benchmark’ for the level of affordable private rent homes to be provided. Although this can be challenged by local authorities should they wish to set a different proportion.

So what is affordable housing when it comes to Build to Rent? The Government says national affordable housing policy requires a minimum discount of 20% for affordable private rent homes compared to local market rents.

Am I eligible for affordable Built to Rent?

Eligibility should be agreed locally between the local authority and the Build to Rent scheme operator, but taking into account criteria set out in planning guidance. So contact the developer for more information on this.

Will Build to Rent make things better for renters?

Our research suggests the benefits if you rent a new build through this scheme could be significant. Some 40% of respondents to our recent YouGov study said they would appreciate renting directly from a responsible company or housing provider rather than a private landlord or lettings agent.

Over a third said renting a high-quality home would significantly improve their rental experience.

Build to Rent developers

There are a number of Build to Rent developers, some of which include:

• Simple Life Homes
• Quintain Living
• Allsop Letting and Management

• Essential Living
• Dandara Living
• Moda Living
• Legal & General, urbanbubble
• Touchstone
• Way of Life
• Get Living