A Strong Property Market In Huddersfield

Huddersfield’s new build property market is booming, with no signs of that changing soon, says Paul Keighley of estate agency Bramleys.

Paul, you have over 30 years of property experience, how did it all start for you?

I entered the property industry 34 years ago; after initially working as a mortgage broker I realised that I preferred the variety of work that comes with estate agency. So, I started to take it more seriously, getting more and more involved in the property side of things and have been doing it ever since.

Can you tell us a bit about your day-to-day responsibilities in your current role?

I oversee the residential sales and marketing side of the business, as well as dealing with a large number of new build sites for developers. However, I still undertake valuation work regularly – I enjoy the interaction with clients too much to give up that part of my job!

You still conduct sales valuations and remain involved in sales at your office in Huddersfield, do you feel this keeps you closer to seller and buyer requirements?

It is the part of the business I enjoy most, meeting clients and discussing their requirements then seeing it through to them moving to their dream home still gives me a real buzz.

And how is the property market performing in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas at the moment?

I think most parts of the country are busy and Huddersfield is no exception!

Bramleys recently conducted research into what buyer priorities are, with fast broadband being higher on the list than proximity to good schools; what other insights did you uncover?

Working from home has become more of a desire for people to get the work/life balance, so having room for office space is fast becoming a very popular requirement for buyers.

Which new build developments are you marketing at the moment?

We have quite a few new build sites at the moment. This includes two sites for Worth Homes – one for four semi-detached homes in Dalton, and another for 20 properties with a mix of house types. We have a site for 27 properties for Heywood Homes in Meltham, again, with a mix of house types.

Dalton Grove (Worth Homes)

We have also been contracted for two sites for Erris Homes, one for 39 properties in Almondbury and we are just releasing the first phase of a 37-home site in Greetland. Coming soon will be a rural site for John Radcliffe Developments in the popular Farnley Tyas.

Are you offering incentives to buyers at these schemes?

Each developer does differing schemes, these will include Part Exchange, sales assist scheme’s and Help To Buy, where applicable.

Do you think the pandemic will have a lasting effect on what people are looking for when they buy a home?

I think for the foreseeable future, a decent size garden and home office will be higher on the list of desirable features.

How do you see the next 12 months panning out for the Huddersfield residential sales market?

I think things remain fairly similar this year, how things will be next year will depend on how the COVID-19 situation pans out.

And finally, what’s in the pipeline for Bramleys?

We are excited to be bringing to the market nearly 100 new build properties. We will continue to provide our clients with the best possible service and look at further avenues to grow, particularly in the property management side of the business.

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