THE VOICE OF PROPERTY

BARRATT Homes has partnered with Barclays Bank to launch the UK’s first “green” mortgage at the house builder’s developments across Scotland. These mortgages offer lower interest rates due to the energy efficiency of the qualifying homes.

All new Barratt homes are up to 65 per cent more energy efficient than older ones, due to modern double glazing which incorporates argon gas; wall insulation six times more efficient than that used in the 1960s; and the latest boilers which keep water hotter for longer. The mortgages will be available through recommended new homes mortgage advisers and at Barclays’ branches.

Hannah Bernard, head of Barclays Mortgages, commented: “We are increasingly hearing from our mortgage customers that they’re interested in purchasing an energy-efficient home. Given Barclays’ commitment to supporting our customers’ transition to a low-carbon and sustainable lifestyle, we have compelling reasons to launch this pioneering product and are looking forward to working with Barratt Homes and then expanding our offer to more customers and through more housebuilders later this year.”

HELP FOR DEVELOPERS

FOUR property professionals – Rory Ballantyne, managing director of Ballantynes, Allan Smith, director of Development Finance Ltd, Ewan McIntyre, managing director of EMA Architects, and John Sinclair, consultant at Burness Paul (pictured above) – have launched Enabling Development Group (EDG), which aims to help landowners and developers bring sites forward to release much needed housing. EDG is a free advisory service for those parties already in the development market but struggling to unlock sites.

Rory Ballantyne comments: “We are in midst of a housing boom with significant sites being brought to the market at record land values. Unfortunately, the area most lacking in housing provision is the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector where development growth has been slow. It’s this market we are keen to assist and by bringing and encouraging more SME development we are hopeful we can bring the completion rate of new build homes in Scotland up to a level that can match demand.”