Our Guide to Build to Sell Developments

At POD, elevating build to sell developments through smart property management is our bread and butter. This week, the POD team take a closer look at build to sell properties, some of the common queries surrounding them and how enlisting the help of a property management company can benefit and impact BTS processes long-term.

What are Build to Sell Properties?

Build to sell developments, sometimes referred to as BTS properties, are those that are made with the pure intention of selling on. Usually, the developments are formed of residential apartments or houses. The developer delivers the construction of the building and once complete, the apartments are sold to purchasers normally on a leasehold basis or, in the case of houses, freehold (with an obligation to pay towards upkeep of the wider estate).

How Does this Differ from Build to Rent Developments?

Put simply, when it comes to BTS properties, the developer’s main goal is to recover build costs, pay back any development finance and allow invested parties to make a return on their equity. Here, there is a focus on the present and providing immediate returns.

With build to rent, developers hold assets for the long term, with the costs of the build being recovered, alongside a profit margin, through the annual rent paid by tenants. In these schemes, properties must last to minimise the landlord’s long-term capital outlay. This may result in higher initial spending, but annual profits should increase. 

Often with build to sell properties, if the developer wishes to increase their return on investment, it’s in their best interest to ensure the property is built to the highest standard for longevity and prolonged customer satisfaction. This is where POD can assist.

New Build Consultancy

New build consultancy allows developers detailed operational insight enabling ultimate long-term efficiency. For instance, a property management company can take action on small errors that could eventually have a detrimental impact on how well the building is run, as well as long-term ongoing maintenance costs. The earlier we’re involved, the better your gains.

At POD, our expert team typically assist with bespoke ‘design for management’. This is where we look at how the building can be more effectively run, in terms of both management and costs or, to assist with service charge strategy and budget setting to keep costs as low as possible for residents. For example, this could include advising on materials used, plant and machinery, legal structures and where facilities are best placed to mitigate issues further down the line.

One example of a seemingly small issue that caused customer dissatisfaction, was the location of a parcel room at a development in central London. Due to the position of the room, our team would have to leave the concierge desk unmanned, when collecting residents’ parcels. This meant that other people weren’t able to access the property and customers with queries were not being seen to, leaving residents frustrated. Had this location been changed at the time of construction, this issue would have been eliminated and the customer journey would have been smoother.

New build consultancy offers developers and landowners the opportunity to receive first-hand knowledge from experienced professionals. At POD, our goal is to optimise every stage, from concept design to ongoing management, ensuring your project delivers efficient operations, aligns with future maintenance considerations, improves the customer journey and provides a seamless management framework.

Using our years of operational property management expertise, we provide precise and proven guidance on build to sell developments. We’ll get to know your property and your goals to facilitate exceptional living experiences. For more information on our new build consultancy service and further examples of how we can help you, click here.

Your Build to Sell Developments and How We Can Assist

At POD, we’ve seen more and more developers come to understand the importance of longevity in their properties and overall brand reputation. With the Home Builders Federation, popularly labelled ‘the voice of industry’ now such an important factor to consider, investments in the likes of quality control and better communication processes are becoming more common as developers look to protect their public standing and showcase the long-term quality of developments.

Allowing a property management company to take the reins and manage build to sell developments from the get-go ensures an overall smoother journey, but also promotes a seamless customer experience once residents move in. POD aim to make the operational experience exceptional, keep buildings safe and leverage bespoke technology to create a smarter approach to property management. Just some of the many benefits of utilising a professional property management company include, but are not limited to:

• Proactive Maintenance and Repairs - Covering all communal areas, overseeing everything from routine inspections and planned maintenance to emergency building repairs. At POD, we’re all about prevention and consistently pre-plan maintenance to keep properties in good working order. 

• Reliable Point of Communication - POD can act as the point of contact for those living in managed buildings, assisting with resident issues and addressing concerns promptly. This encourages transparency and positive relationships, which is essential for resident safety and satisfaction.

• Safety Compliance - Property managers must stay up to date with the latest safety requirements, ensuring buildings and communal facilities comply with legislation. POD prioritise the safety and security of our customers around the clock and ensure our managed buildings are always aligned with UK regulations.

• Financial Management and Reporting - POD offer comprehensive, bespoke financial reporting and analysis, allowing landowners to make informed decisions and optimise returns. These smart systems also work to make the future customer journey seamless. We pride ourselves on giving you full transparency when it comes to your required insights.

Partner with POD

Partnering with a management company that understands the nuances of build to sell developments is a necessity that inspires positive reputation long-term and improved customer satisfaction.

If you are looking for an expert property management company to assist in the smooth running of your property development this year, the POD team are on hand to help you today: 

• Fill out our enquiry form

• Email us at relationships@podmanagement.co.uk

• Call us on 0333 577 6656 

We look forward to hearing from you!