Kelham Riverside

Why Buying Now Could Be The Smartest Move Yet

AS the property market shows small signs of improvement with latest figures published by Nationwide showing a rise in house prices of 0.9% in September - the fifth successive month of rises, there’s still a slowdown in purchases with less homes being sold now than in 2007. However perhaps it’s not the rising prices that are to blame, but rather the need for more homes that people can actually afford. It’s these affordable homes, which property expert, Clive Wilding, believes will make the real difference in a bid to bring the property market back to life.

Clive, director of one of the UK’s most successful developers, The Raven Group, says “It’s more vital than ever that developers take steps to make new property more affordable. This mantra is becoming the focus for The Raven Group, which is always looking for innovative ways to attract buyers in a bid to make homes at its newly completed Kelham Riverside development in Sheffield affordable for all potential buyers - whatever their current circumstances.”

Having worked on some of Sheffield’s biggest and most ground breaking residential developments over the last 10 years, Wilding knows a thing or two about property in the city and has seen Sheffield grow into a cosmopolitan metropolis with fantastic city living and some of the best refurbishments of listed and historical properties that many cities can be envious of.

Whilst working as MD for Gleeson Homes for 10 years Clive was instrumental in developing the company into a national house builder with the vision to refurbish brownfield and derelict sites long before it became popular. Seeing the potential of some of Sheffield’s hidden treasures before others meant that Clive was responsible for leading the development of Calver Mill, Leopold Square, Nether Edge Hospital, Cornish Place - where people queued for over 24 hours to sign up for a property - and more recently, Kelham Riverside. He has also been heavily involved in the provision of affordable housing working on developments such as Firth Park and Bramwell Gardens, and now as director of The Raven Group he is following the same philosophy of making its property developments affordable.

At the newly completed £40m Kelham Riverside located on the historic Kelham Island, property sales are on the up after a series of initiatives designed to give a helping hand to potential buyers. Cashback deals and the waiving of reservation fees and even the introduction of a shared equity scheme have all been capitalised upon by purchasers taking the development to over 60% sold. It is deals and incentives like this which Wilding believes offer buyers the best and most realistic chance of getting on the property ladder whilst making the most of current prices.

Of course it’s not as straightforward at that, Mortgage lenders are down valuing properties and many are still demanding 15-20% deposits, but there are deals out there that can help you save the money you need to make finding your deposit easier. Clive said: “Act now and you could find yourself saving a lot of money. Many other developers are following suit and there is an abundance of deals out there, however its important to get impartial financial advice when considering any purchase even if you find what seems like the perfect deal for you, if something sounds too good to be true it often is, so tread carefully!

Clive continues: “The important thing to remember about any property market recovery is that it is fragile and can easily be hampered by rising mortgage rates, the stuttering economy and even an increase in the supply of homes for sale.

“Homeowners have been hit by mortgage lenders revaluing properties downwards and the ratio of average earnings to house prices is still misaligned with long-term trends meaning most people can't afford to buy, which is why it’s so crucial that we help them to find a way.”

To find out more about deals at Kelham Riverside call the sales team on 0114 2756830 or visit the Offers area.