renovating vs. starting anew: should you knock down and rebuild?
with our project on broomfield back on track, today we've taken some time to understand the pros and cons of a new building project or a renovation. if you've got your own project you'd like to talk about please do get in touch with us at admin@studio16architecture.co.uk
pros of knocking down and rebuilding
one of the biggest financial perks of rebuilding is that new builds are often exempt from vat (value added tax) on construction, unlike renovations, where vat typically applies. this can result in significant cost savings.
a new build allows for modern construction techniques, enabling superior insulation and energy performance. better u-values mean reduced heating costs, greater comfort, and a home that meets or exceeds current energy standards.
with a knock-down and rebuild, you start with a blank canvas, bypassing the complexities of adapting an old structure. this can streamline construction timelines, often leading to faster project completion.
starting fresh means you can design a space perfectly suited to your needs—open-plan living, a home office, or that dream kitchen you've always wanted. there’s no compromising or working around existing layouts or constraints.
while daunting for some, starting anew can be liberating. it offers a unique opportunity to create a home that reflects your style and aspirations without the baggage of old design flaws.
cons of knocking down and rebuilding
when you demolish a house, you also remove the foundations, utilities, and other structural elements that are already in place. this waste can feel like a missed opportunity to work with what's already there, especially if the core of the home is still solid.
older homes often have unique architectural details and a sense of history that modern builds can struggle to replicate. For many, a home holds sentimental value, and starting fresh might feel like losing a part of the past.
while new homes can be energy-efficient, demolishing a structure creates waste and consumes resources. renovating, in contrast, can often be a more sustainable choice by preserving and repurposing materials.
a rebuild typically involves securing demolition permits, navigating local council regulations, and meeting zoning requirements. this process can introduce delays and additional costs compared to a straightforward renovation.
making the right choice
choosing between a renovation and a rebuild ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and the state of your existing home. if you’re eager to create a space tailored to your vision, benefit from vat savings, and achieve modern energy standards, rebuilding could be the way to go. however, if you value the charm and history of your current home and wish to preserve its essence, a thoughtful renovation might suit you better.
whatever your decision, investing in the right approach will ensure your home becomes a space you’ll love for years to come.
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
Introducing Louise Dalrymple: A Dynamic New Talent in Interior Design at 16A Architecture
Introducing Louise Dalrymple: A Dynamic New Talent in Interior Design at 16A Architecture
We are thrilled to welcome Louise Dalrymple to the 16A Architecture team. Louise brings an exciting blend of creativity and expertise in hotel design, bar design, and restaurant design, making her a valuable addition to our RIBA Chartered Practice in Liverpool. With a background that spans across visual merchandising, retail design, and trend forecasting, she has worked with prestigious global brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Urban Outfitters, honing her skills in creating immersive, customer-centric spaces.
Louise’s experience in retail design has given her a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft spaces that perfectly reflect a brand's identity. Her ability to balance luxury with functionality means she consistently delivers interiors that are not only visually stunning but also practical. Her time with Urban Outfitters, in particular, sharpened her talent for trend forecasting and creating engaging retail environments that leave lasting impressions.
Before stepping into the interior design world, Louise also worked as a Job Runner at North Architects. This role allowed her to develop strong project management skills, overseeing projects from concept to completion. Her ability to specify high-quality materials, fixtures, and finishes ensures that every project she undertakes adheres to the highest standards, aligning with the ethos of 16A Architecture as one of the best architectural firms in Liverpool.
Louise’s diverse experience makes her a perfect fit for our projects across Liverpool city centre, Chester, and beyond. Whether it’s designing a luxury hotel, transforming a retail space, or working on heritage and conservation projects, Louise’s creative vision and technical expertise will be an asset to our team of residential and conservation architects.
If you're looking for the best interior designer in Liverpool or are interested in luxury design in London, Louise Dalrymple brings the perfect mix of innovation, experience, and attention to detail. Her appointment strengthens our position as a leading interior architect in Liverpool, known for delivering exceptional spaces across a variety of sectors.
For all your interior design needs, from interior designer Liverpool prices to bespoke solutions for hotel and retail spaces, contact 16A Architecture today and let Louise and the team bring your vision to life
Redefining Rental: The Rise of HMOs and Their Influence on UK Housing Dynamics
Over the past few years, the UK rental market has seen a noticeable increase in the conversion of single-family homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Due to several socioeconomic causes and governmental developments, this trend has considerable effects on both landlords and tenants.
HMOs became popular as student housing, offering shared living areas to students looking for low-cost housing. However, the environment changed in the mid-2000s with the introduction of "professional" HMOs. Investors realised that renting out well-kept, aesthetically pleasing shared residences to working adults—who were prepared to pay premium prices for individual rooms—was a profitable business strategy. This movement was spurred by the difference between housing prices and earnings growth, making renting the sole realistic alternative for many people.
The Private Rental Sector (PRS) saw legislation tightening, with a special focus on HMOs. To guarantee the safety of tenants, requirements for risk assessments, fire safety precautions, and licensing were implemented. Regulations grew over time, including requirements for minimum room sizes and designating a responsible individual for fire safety compliance. Although living standards have increased as a result of these measures, administering HMOs has become more complicated and expensive.
Environmental and Physical Implications
The rise of HMOs has sparked concerns about their environmental impact and physical repercussions for tenants. From an environmental standpoint, converting single-family homes into shared accommodations can result in increased energy usage and carbon emissions per person. Furthermore, the higher tenant density in HMOs may put an additional burden on the utilities and local infrastructure, aggravating environmental challenges.
Physically, renters in HMOs could have cramped living quarters, little privacy, and possible health hazards because of shared amenities. Tenants may have to settle for lower living conditions because they have fewer options, and these issues are frequently more noticeable in places where there is a significant demand for affordable accommodation.
National Differences and Socio-Economic Factors
The presence and impact of HMOs vary by location in the UK, depending on socioeconomic conditions and housing market trends. HMOs may have lower rental yields in high-value locations like London and the South East, but demand keeps them appealing as investments. On the other hand, areas with greater yields, including Wales and the North West, are popular places to invest in HMOs.
Furthermore, the HMO market is significantly shaped by socioeconomic differences. HMOs may be a crucial source of inexpensive housing for low-income individuals and families in more deprived locations. A focused approach is necessary to address housing disparities because tenant rights and the quality of lodgings may vary greatly.
The profitability of HMOs today
HMOs continue to be a profitable investment despite the difficulties brought on by legislative changes. Strong rental yields result from rising rents and a high demand for all-inclusive room rentals; HMOs outperform conventional buy-to-let properties in this regard. According to the PRS research from Paragon Banking Group, HMOs in the UK are yielding the highest returns, with rates ranging from 6% to 9%.
For HMO landlords, however, there is now a new obstacle in the form of the steep increase in mortgage rates and energy costs. Those with high loan-to-value mortgages may incur additional financial burden, emphasising the significance of careful financial planning and regular investment performance monitoring.
HMO Hotspots Right Now
The demand for HMOs varies by region, with some emerging as hotspots for investment. Opportunities have increased in cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Durham, and Glasgow, especially in student housing where there has been a shortage recently. Wales offers the highest returns, followed by Yorkshire & Humber and the North West; London and the South East, with their high property values, give lesser yields.
As a result of reasons like investor demand, regulatory changes, and affordability challenges, the number of houses being converted into high-rise apartments and houses (HMOs) is on the rise in the UK rental market. While HMOs have the potential to increase rental yields and housing availability, they also present issues in terms of environmental sustainability, tenant well-being, and socioeconomic inequities. To ensure a fair and equitable housing market for all, addressing these difficulties requires a multifaceted approach that combines regulatory measures, investment in affordable housing, and community engagement.
Get in touch today!
At Studio16a, we understand the complexity of the HMO market and are devoted to assisting you in navigating this constantly evolving environment. With our combined experience in real estate and architecture, we can help you explore the possibilities of HMO homes and realise your financial goals.
Whether you're thinking about property management, remodelling, or HMO conversions, our experts can offer solutions that are specifically designed to match your requirements.
To explore your HMO investing objectives, get in contact with Studio16a today.
