Minoli Solutions for all Property Development Sectors

Last week’s announcements by the Housing Secretary, regarding the relaxation of certain planning rules to encourage the conversion of retail units to residential in city centres, have been welcomed by some property developers and housebuilders, but there is still a level of scepticism as to whether the latest government plans go far enough.

Whilst the Prime Minister also announced that a manifesto promise to build one million new homes over this parliament will be met, Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation said that “Much more decisive action is needed if government is serious about boosting housing delivery.”

Recent industry news has been focused on the lack of availability and steep price increases in the rental market, but on a more positive note, it appears that mortgage costs may finally be declining, with three of the UK’s largest lenders announcing rate cuts as a result of improving inflation figures.

Investment in improving planning approval processes with a ‘Super Squad’ to help unblock major schemes and adjustments to permitted development policies have also been well received, especially by SME housebuilders, 93% of whom cited delays in securing planning permission or discharging conditions as a major barrier to growth, when surveyed in June of this year.

With a recognised track record for exemplary service, Minoli has become known as the reliable and dynamic partner who can source and supply the right products to satisfy the demands of today’s property development market. We use our expertise and deep industry knowledge to help our clients navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities across the full spectrum of development sectors.

Traditional House Building & Apartments

Whilst currently experiencing a downturn due to economic issues, House Building is still predicted to remain the biggest sector of the construction industry, although it is of course very dependent on interest rates and consumer confidence. Taking a longer-term view, UK home builders remain reasonably optimistic about market buoyancy with lenders now taking a more competitive stance on rates, the availability of 95% and some 100% mortgages for first-time buyers, a reduction in energy prices, a levelling-off of material costs and easements in supply chain constriction.

As a company our expertise lies not only in understanding the product mix suitable for different levels of specification, but also our appreciation of the complexities within build programmes and the requirement for timely, reliable delivery, enabling clients and contractors to proceed smoothly through build and fit-out schedules. This becomes all the more important as developers plan their site schedules and completions more carefully to balance their funding and throughput with expected demand.

Whether for high-end and highly bespoke residential properties and apartments, or for more formulaic schemes applied to larger, lower-cost, multi-unit developments, Minoli have ranges in our Contemporary and Core collections to suit.

Build to Rent

Despite mortgage increases affecting landlords as well as homeowners, the build-to-rent sector is experiencing resurgence and growth, according to Property Consultancy firm Knight Frank. Their Build-To-Rent Market Update, published recently on 27^th July, revealed a 7% increase in transaction volumes in the first half of this year vs 2022.

Build-to-rent is helping bring forward more high-quality housing to the rental market and, with property availability issues at the forefront of the news, less onerous planning regulations and increased investment will be favoured by both landlords and tenants.

Minoli have seen significant demand for tiling solutions for build-to-rent developments and have become expert partners to our development clients operating in the build-to-rent sector. As well as creating floor and wall finishes that look great and appeal to the often young, professional occupants of new rental properties, porcelain tiles offer superior durability and reduced maintenance over time.

Social Housing

At the heart of what is perceived to be today’s housing crisis, access to affordable homes is high on the agenda for authorities and developers. There have been a number of market forces leading to today’s pinch-point situation but a new drive to build more, level-up and support communities is aimed at significant and sustainable levels of change. The good news is that plans for the next generation of social housing include requirements to build new, safe, green, well-designed properties, suitable for a wide diversity of residents.

Minoli works with a number of developers and housing associations focused on realising this ambition. Porcelain tiling provides an ideal solution for social housing fitouts. Being durable, simple to clean, low maintenance and hygienic, it’s an investment that will stand the test of time and ensure properties remain in a habitable and desirable state for longer.

Refurbishment

In his recent address, the Housing Secretary, alongside cutting the red tape around converting, retail, agricultural and industrial premises to residential use, Michael Gove also said there would be a further review into the extension of permitted development rights for existing homes to make it easier for homeowners ‘to build upwards and outwards’ through extensions and loft conversions. Whether redeveloping an entire building, converting for flats or a change of use, or just refreshing particular spaces inside or outdoors, porcelain tiles can revitalise and help repurpose properties.

For both contemporary or classic design directions, the sheer variety available from leading producers means there’s a style to suit any type of refurbishment. Emulating all manner of traditional surface materials, Minoli supplies porcelain and ceramic tiles in stone and wood effect, concrete and marble-like finishes, large-format and mosaic, plus some with various anti-slip, load bearing and frost resistance qualities, particularly for outdoor use.

Talk to our expert teams

Right now, our Corporate Client and Showroom teams are having more new conversations than ever with House Builders, Developers, Housing Associations, Landlords, Interior Designers and Architects.

We’re advising and helping to specify the right products at the right price-points for all manner of accommodation types and commercial settings, and we’d love to do the same for others as well.

To make an appointment with one of our industry advisers, please email one of the team below to arrange a time to discuss your needs:

• Corporate Client Account Manager – Daniel Abitabile daniel@minoli.co.uk
• London Showroom Manager – Kristina Novickaja kristina@minoli.co.uk
• Oxford Showroom Manager – Lawrence Parsons lawrence@minoli.co.uk