One-On-One: Alan Watt, Barratt Manchester Head Of Sales And Marketing

Alan Watt, Barratt Manchester’s head of sales and marketing, tells us how the region is performing at the start of 2024, and what assistance schemes can help people onto the property ladder.

Alan, congratulations on your new role with Barratt Developments plc, tell us more!

I’m delighted to have been appointed as Barratt Manchester head of sales and marketing. After 11 years with Barratt, it’s an honour to be in this role and I’m excited about the future and making a difference within our business. I’m positive that we have some incredible people in the department who all want to make an impact and work with me to achieve our goals.

What do you think makes the Manchester region a great place to buy a home or an investment?

Barratt Manchester is unique in that we cover a huge area from Stoke all the way to Cumbria. We cover vibrant cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, historic University cities such as Lancaster and rural parts of the world such as the Lake District. All bases are covered and we have homes to suit everybody in our region.

Can you tell us a bit about the schemes you're marketing at the moment?

We have key worker schemes, Deposit Unlock, Part Exchange, Movemaker, Parent Power, Armed Forces Deposit Schemes and a number of others to help as many people as possible.

And what does Barratt have coming up later on in the year?

Watch this space as we have some exciting developments in the pipeline!!!

If you had a crystal ball, what would your predictions be for the local and national property markets in 2024?

The mood is vibrant, desire is still there from buyers at the moment. Prospective buyers still have change of circumstances or new first-time buyers to the market and now is still a great time to buy a Barratt home.

Are you noticing the effects of better mortgage rates coming into force for new home buyers?

Yes, those who have been in the market for the past 12 months or so, know what they can afford, are comfortable at the affordability level and want to take advantage of the rates on offer.

What do you think are the best incentives or financial schemes in place for first-time buyers at the moment?

Key Worker Deposit, Deposit Unlock, Kickstart and Parent Power are all excellent schemes on offer for first-time buyers.

Is the cost of living crisis having a noticeable effect on buyers' concerns about the cost of running their home?

Although it is still a concern, buyers are realistic and also prioritising what they want. Our homes are cheaper to run than older properties and this is an important factor for those in the market at the moment.

Are there any exciting new trends for new homes that you're seeing coming through this year?

As above, eco benefits and Part L homes that are on the market on selected developments.

And finally, what would your best piece of advice be for somebody considering buying a new home in 2024?

Now is a great time to buy, rates are heading in the right direction and Barratt will have the right home in the right location for you.

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