Sustainability At The Heart Of Cheltenham Scheme

We speak with Marcus Evans of Newland Homes, and we hear how Newland Homes are ‘able to make things happen and motivated buyers should take advantage of this’...

Marcus, how long have you been in your current role with Newland Homes?

I joined Newland Homes as sales and marketing director in September 2020 following a 17 year tenure with Crest Nicholson.

Your latest development, Pear Trees, is located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, can you tell us a bit about it?

Pear Trees is located in the Leckhampton area of Cheltenham. An exclusive development of five-bedroom, zero carbon family homes. The development has historically been home to market gardens and orchards which are still evident locally and, of course, has driven its name. Great attention has been given to the development layout, design and specification to ensure we appeal to the discerning purchaser this location will attract.

Who do you think these luxurious houses are most likely to appeal to?

We have attracted both families and downsizers to date. The local state and independent schools are one of the main drivers attracting families but interestingly we have sold to buyers who are downsizing from larger regency homes in Cheltenham. All interest in the development has been from a local market, we suspect this is largely due to us being one of only a few developers building locally. Our zero carbon enhancements, where we have seen significant increase in demand which has been largely driven by buyers wanting to change habits and live more sustainably, coupled with a desire to have more control over utility costs.

And how is the wider Gloucestershire and south west housing market performing at the moment?

It’s widely acknowledged that we were operating in exceptional market conditions, in 2021 / 2022 driven by the pandemic and a clear demand for new build homes. We are all aware in 2023 we have returned to pre-pandemic and more normal market conditions. On our higher price point schemes we continue to sell well and achieve good values, albeit at a slightly lower sales rate than the past two years. We have found where we are delivering entry level homes transactions have been considerably slower largely due to the withdrawal of Help to Buy and a more volatile mortgage market. Overall we continue to operate in a good market and by aligning our marketing strategies to be clear and targeted we remain on track to deliver another good year for Newland Homes.

Newland Homes is particularly focused on zero carbon and climate change ambitions, how does this play out at your developments?

At Newland Homes, we want to encourage our homeowners’ aspirations to live both sustainably and stylishly. It’s clear our climate in changing due to a combination of both physical and human factors but it’s important that we react to this today. It’s a lot more that one or two initiatives that make our homes sustainable, it’s a whole raft of measures that make them kinder and reduce the impact on the environment. Each home is designed with a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) to ensure it is energy efficient and meets or exceeds current regulative standards. This is all achieved through using efficient materials in the fabric of construction materials, including underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, high performance insulation and double glazed windows with efficient glazing. Consideration is also given to ensuring our developments have more than adequate public open spaces with plentiful landscaping to encourage wildlife and bio-diversity.

Pear Trees is a great example of beautiful architecture, how would you explain the design ethos?

We judge every location on its merit, each development is thoughtfully considered and designed to enhance the local vernacular. Although Cheltenham is famous for regency architecture, Pear Trees is located on the suburbs where there is an appetite for contemporary architecture. We have paid particular attention to ensuring natural daylight floods each home with the addition of sunrooms and bi-fold doors with infinity patios that help create a real sense of space whilst bringing the outside inside. Particular attention has also been paid to elevations where we have used a contemporary red brick, Millboard cladding and oak porches create something more appealing to a discerning purchaser. Given Leckhampton is a more rural location we reflected this externally using dropped eaves and gables, complementing the contemporary materials, softening building lines and creating interest internally and externally.

How do you align the interiors of your homes with the look and feel of the external design?

We conduct lots of research into the local area and identify our target market which will be the main driver for our interior design brief. There will always be a clear relationship between internal and external design but particular attention will always be aimed at delivering a specification that aligns with the price point of product and exceeds that of our competitors. The interior design brief will be specifically tailored to our buyer profile whilst creating a memorable experience for any visitor to the show home.

What other new homes are in the pipeline for Newland Homes over the next few months?

We have a number of exciting schemes in the pipeline for Newland Homes, although we have launched all developments for sales that need to be secured for this year. In early 2024 we will be bringing 85 new homes to the market in Yate, 26 units in Devizes, and 45 units in Tetbury, all of which will be zero carbon. As well as our imminent sites we have a number of developments in planning that will come froward later next year all with their unique identity.

Do you foresee affordability challenges arising for new home buyers with the higher mortgage rates?

Interest rates have been so low for so long it’s unfortunately become the norm and returning to interest rates that are arguably more sustainable has bought considerable uncertainty into the market. Buyers more sensitive to interest rate changes are clearly being more cautious but as a new build developer there’s lots we can do to assist. I am pleased to see some

lenders are increasing their product range to help boost confidence especially at the entry level of the market.

And finally, what would be your best tip for anybody considering buying a new home in 2023?

Utilise the schemes available that most new build developers are able to offer i.e. help towards mortgage payments for a period of time; contribution towards stamp duty, ask about any other non-financial incentives. For buyers with houses to sell, ask about schemes they have available to help you to sell or part exchange. We are able to make things happen, motivated buyers should take advantage of this.

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