PROPERTY NEWS
Eco-homes
Architect Richard Asbury
GREEN HOUSE
The owners of this proposed new eco-house in Bath are working with Maack Architects to create a new, low-energy family home using sustainable construction and healthy materials. The company’s architect and director Richard Asbury explains, “The four-bedroom house will be designed and built to the rigorous German ‘Passive House’ standard, which uses high levels of insulation and a ventilation system that recycles waste heat. “Inside, the construction will use natural materials and non-toxic finishes whilst outside it will use sustainably sourced timber windows,
doors, and reclaimed Bath stone walls topped off with a wildflower meadow roof planted with local varieties. “Power for lighting and appliances will come from renewable energy sources such as solar hot water, photovoltaics, and battery storage. A rainwater harvesting system will reduce the demand for mains water. “If we are to meet the UK government’s target of net zero carbon homes by 2050, we need to be building more sustainable, energy saving homes like this. Not only are they more economical to run, but they help us to go some way to reducing our footprint on the planet.” For more: www.maack.co.uk
Lettings
LET IT BE
Anna Moore of Bath Stone Property agency talks about the merits of buy-to-let
“Lettings might not be seen as the glamorous side of estate agency but it is the stable and reliable side of the industry. Over the years we have worked with many investment landlords to build their portfolios to see a reliable income and pension for their future. “There are still opportunities out there for landlords to purchase properties to develop into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) or longer-term investments as family or professional lets. Thanks to the current stamp duty holiday until March 2021, this offers investors an average saving of around £10,000. “After two successive cuts in March 2020, the Bank of England Base Rate remains at a historic low, providing another great reason to invest in property in Bath. Many lenders are offering great buy-to-let products and with a good independent mortgage adviser, we work with our current landlords and any first-time investor buyers to guide them through the market. “The rental market has adapted well to what has become the new normal with lots of our rental properties letting through virtual and
82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
This four bed terrace on High Street, Twerton is on with Bath Stone Property for £250,000
video call viewings. We have seen the rental market go from strength to strength over the last 10 years and, with forecast growth in the UK population over the next 20 years, the demand for housing will grow alongside it.” For more: www.bathstoneproperty.com
