FHP Waterside Living’s Steve Parker tells us about the Hunters Wood new build development and the emotional drive behind buyer decisions.
You've recently been appointed as joint selling agents for a luxurious development called Hunters Wood in Nottingham, what makes it special?
Peter James Homes builds great-quality properties, with high-specification fixtures and fittings. As a location, Gedling village is a beautiful, tranquil village and Hunters Wood is a quiet, exclusive development tucked away amongst the trees in a historical setting, with all of the luxuries of modern-day life. It’s a real secluded, hidden gem of a development.
Nestled in the historic grounds of the former Gedling Manor, benefitting from access to Gedling Country Park, cycle routes and local amenities such as pubs and cafés, Hunters Wood is just a short drive from Nottingham city centre and is close to surrounding villages including Burton Joyce, Lowdham and Bulcote.
Surrounded by rolling fields and winding paths, there will be plenty of summertime events to get involved with, as well as nearby local heritage sites to enjoy. The open space setting of Gedling Country Park allows residents close access to the countryside, and thanks to its high ground, it overlooks the rest of Nottingham. It’s the ideal place for professionals, couples and families, with excellent schools, local shops, bars and cafés, and historical places of interest nearby.
Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the interiors at the scheme?
At its heart, the design of the interior is all about creating spaces in which to live comfortably and happily – whether you’re a professional, couple or a family. Everything is designed for easy, optimal living in mind and all fixtures and fittings are designed to the highest specification, so buyers can move straight in and start living.
Are you expecting buyers to respond favourably to the extended Stamp Duty holiday and the incentive of 95% mortgages?
Buyers have responded very favourably to the extension of the Stamp Duty and 95% mortgage scheme, and the fact that this development is physically complete, means that many buyers are taking advantage of the new incentive opportunities and we are seeing a real influx in interest across the board.
And who do you think the scheme will appeal to?
The Stamp Duty holiday extension really appeals to every buyer looking to purchase an additional home to live in in this price range. We are seeing buyers of all demographics – professionals, couples, families, and those looking to downsize too.
Are there benefits for potential buyers to be introduced to new home schemes by a selling agent rather than the developer themselves?
As agents, we deal with buyers across the spectrum and have a very in-depth knowledge of the emotional drive behind buyer decisions. We recognise what they are looking for and what they need. Our knowledge marries up with the developer’s knowledge of their product to ensure that buyers get a full, bespoke service when it comes to viewing and deciding on the right properties for them.
Are you talking to many buyers who are making fundamental changes to their lifestyles in this post-pandemic world?
We have seen a clear trend in the rise in buyers looking to purchase house with gardens in villages, and also an increase in buyers looking at new build properties, instead of homes that require a lot of work – as they want somewhere that is finished to a high standard which allows them to move in and start living comfortably and optimally.
FHP Living has a strong local presence in Nottingham, how is the market performing at the moment?
The market continues to be buoyant, as it has been for the last year, stabilised by government incentives such as the Stamp Duty holiday and recent 95% mortgage scheme incentives. As an agent, we are incredibly busy with transactions at present, as we approach the first Stamp Duty holiday deadline of the end of July for higher-value properties.
What do you see as being the main benefits of buying a brand-new home as opposed to second-hand property?
New build properties can have a range of advantages over older properties – they are ready to move into, and are finished to a very high standard in terms of fixtures and fittings, so there is rarely ever a need for repairs. Most building works also come with a 10-year building warranty as standard – so a buyer has peace-of-mind right from the beginning, in terms of not having to worry about costly repairs and works, ensuring the home is comfortable and liveable immediately.
Why is now a great time to be buying in Nottingham?
The city of Nottingham is an attractive destination for buying with excellent travel links around the city and the rest of the country – daily trains can get you to London St Pancras in as little as one hour and 32 minutes. Major employers include Boots HQ, Queens Medical Centre and Capital One.
A historical location with unique heritage sites – Nottingham boasts two world-class universities, a burgeoning riverside community, excellent transport links and is a central location in the country, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the Midlands.
Much of Nottingham’s appeal stems from its diverse range of areas, neighbourhoods and boroughs within city and county boundaries – from the picturesque West Bridgford to the south, close to the banks of the River Trent, to the northern high ground of Mapperley Park, with views spanning across the city skyline.
And finally, what's the best piece of advice you'd give to a new home buyer at the start of their journey?
New home buyers would benefit from making a list of what they would like – in terms of location, house spec, size, amenities etc. They should then consult a trusted, credible agent to chat through requirements and what’s currently available on the market. The agent will be able to offer expert advice to you and support you through the homebuying process until you get your keys.
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