Housebuilding Housing Association Helping Buyers And Tenants

L&Q, one of London’s largest housing associations, has taken the latest steps in helping new homes house-hunters and its existing tenants in lockdown.

Announcing the imminent reopening of two of its most prestigious developments to customers, Fiona Fletcher-Smith, group director of development and sales, commented: “We are taking steps to reopen our sales and marketing suites on an appointment-only basis, starting with some of our developments in the Home Counties and West Midlands. Saxon Reach in Milton Keynes will be open from Monday 1 June, and Birnam Mews in Stratford-upon Avon from Friday 5 June, with our team now taking bookings for both.

“The health and wellbeing of our customers and staff continues to be our priority – we have extra safety measures in place at our sales suites, including regular deep cleaning schedules and new handwashing stations, and will be exercising social distancing throughout all appointments. Our sales teams are available via phone and email to answer any questions our customers may have ahead of their appointment. We'd also like to assure those who are unable to visit us, or who would prefer to remain at home, that our teams are continuing to offer appointments via phone and email, and conducting virtual tours wherever possible.”

For those unable to arrange a first-hand visit, there are virtual​ tours available for both ‘The Marston’ and ‘The Dartmouth’, the three- and four-bedroom show homes at its reopening Saxon Reach development.

Additionally at Saxon Reach, L&Q offers an initiative to support essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, ​offering a £5,000 reduction on all homes. The Keyworker Campaign will be on offer to all workers in essential sectors, with the reduction applying to a collection of 225 homes located just outside of Milton Keynes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses.

Christine Osborne, sales and customer services director (Counties) at L&Q, said: “At L&Q, we believe that everyone should have a quality home that they can afford. There has never been a more crucial time to support people onto the property ladder - making sure that keyworkers and their families have the security and stability of homeownership. Our Keyworker Campaign is our way of expressing gratitude for the efforts of frontline workers, who are continually prioritising the wellbeing of others above themselves as they work to keep the country running.”

L&Q has also introduced a new Early Bird reservation process, giving all purchasers the opportunity to reserve their future home for £99 at Saxon Reach and Birnam Mews, with added flexibility to claim a full refund if circumstances change.

Private sale prices start from £365,000 for a three-bedroom house, with Help to Buy available. Some buyers may be able to use the Part Exchange scheme.

It is not just new homes buyers being looked after. L&Q, a multiple-award-winner at the WhatHouse? Awards 2019, is also providing extensive help to existing tenants in over 95,000 homes. Fletcher-Smith said: “For our existing residents, we’re doing everything we can to support those who have found their circumstances dramatically changed due to the current situation. Our team are providing advice and support to residents who need it. This includes helping them to claim available government support and putting payment plans in place to ease immediate pressures. Our Pound Advice project is also working to give help and support for our residents in financial difficulty.

“Our Neighbourhoods team are checking in on more than 10,000 of our residents, referring any who need further support to the right team. We’re reviewing our current hardship fund to make sure it’s flexible enough to provide immediate crisis support to our residents who need it most.

“We also understand that our communities will need our support beyond this crisis. The L&Q Foundation has re-prioritised our Place Makers community fund to make sure it focuses on vulnerable people and social welfare. Through the L&Q Foundation, we’re also looking to support projects tackling domestic violence and anti-social behaviour, as well as small, locally focused charities and volunteer groups.”