Bayview Developments: An attention to detail

Source: Construction Digital

Date :01/12/2008 00:00:00

Exec has a look at UK developer Bayview Developments and learns more about how to stand out, and survive in, a construction recession

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Anita Levis

Ok, its official; the housing market is on its knees. The global credit crisis has crippled lenders, causing chaos in the property market. Don’t try to deny it, we’ve all seen the sensationalist headlines and read the stories of debt and repossession. Naturally, we’re worried and this fear has almost put a halt to housebuilding in the UK as developers put projects on hold until conditions improve.

But, frankly, we at Exec are fed up with covering the negative aspects of this ongoing saga. So, instead, we thought we’d see exactly what you can get for your money in the current climate.

The truth is, quite a lot. If you doubt that, just walk down to your local new build and have a look.

The question for the developer is then, how to compete in such a tough market? After all, with a limited number of potential customers due to record low mortgage applications, you have to stand out.

“Every Bayview development is unique and individual. Whether it’s restoring period properties or designing and building brand-new homes, a Bayview home brings accessible style to everyone,” says Robin Smythe, Managing Director, when talking about what his firm, Bayview Developments, an award-winning property-development company based in the south of England, has to offer.

So, who exactly is Bayview? Well, simply put, it buys land, builds new homes and converts existing properties, across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. It was founded in 1993 by William Buckler and has become an innovative and well-respected property-development company, building a reputation for originality and vision.

“With our attention to detail, quality of build, sympathetic restoration and sensitivity to surroundings, we have received national recognition for our award-winning schemes,” says the firm, whose reputation reflects the dedication of its people who have helped the company expand considerably. “Our team is committed to the acquisition of land to build and sell homes across 100 miles of southern coastline,” it adds.

Bayview prides itself on the personal service it is able to offer. “From the sale to the finishing touches, we take the time to assist our customers through the process of acquiring their new homes,” explains Smythe. “We have refined our interiors services, expanded our architectural division and improved our ‘green’ credentials; this ability to adapt and change will keep Bayview at the forefront of property development in the south.”

This has been the driving force behind the firm’s continued success.

DIFFERENT STROKES

Bayview’s research has shown that people want a location which suits their lifestyle, as well as a home that is modern and stylish, and helps them to achieve a better work-home life balance.

“Identifying trends enables us to incorporate the latest styles and technologies into our design work, while keeping each Bayview development distinctive,” says the firm.

In keeping with this, Bayview project-manages construction in terms of design and materials, using the highest standards of excellence, and typically builds in only the most desirable locations. It has also developed the innovative ‘Bayview Interiors’ concept, which focuses on modern lifestyles, luxury designer brands and top-quality finishes. The concept, created by Shelley Barnett, means each development is exclusively tailored, with the location and potential buyers in mind.

“The specifications for all of our developments reflect Shelley’s design ethos, with special attention being given to kitchens and bathrooms,” says Bayview.

“Modern, angular and curvaceous forms are incorporated into our bathrooms, using designer sanitaryware, such as the Jasper Morrison range by Ideal Standard and the Philippe Starck collection from Duravit.

“A minimalist and streamlined effect has been achieved in our kitchens, using various gloss doors, complemented by contrasting worktops to include granite, minerelle and laminate.”

Shelley herself says: “A Bayview interior is designed to reflect the cosmopolitan living of today with the timeless quality of tomorrow. Our clients have the confidence that their homes have been designed exclusively by a professional interior designer.”

WHERE NEXT?

With UK mortgage approvals reaching record lows this month, and with no quick fix in sight, much more could be expected of Bayview’s lettings business – Bayview Investments.

Indeed, people who are struggling to get approval for a mortgage face an impossible battle to get a house. So, renting might be the only option.

“We manage a fast-growing portfolio of properties, from luxurious penthouse apartments to character town houses and family-sized homes,” says Bayview. “Our portfolio encompasses a variety of locations, from convenient city living to quieter, more rural residential communities. Our lettings manager Linda Orchard ensures that our rental homes are maintained efficiently and provides an outstanding landlord’s service to our valued tenants.”