Q: How does HJ Collection's in-house turnkey solution differentiate it from competitors?
A: I feel that HJC’s model offers a more bespoke package which provides a more efficient and purposeful product. Our in-house model is set in three core stages, Acquisition, Design, and Construction, and this allows HJ Collection to have more control over the quality and quantity of units.
With my role, I’m fortunate enough to be involved in the very earliest stages of site finding and design to ensure that a scheme obtains planning permission and then be a major part of the handover to our Construction Team. With my Architectural background and attention to detail, my role is to ensure that the units are designed according to the latest national planning policies, local area guidelines, and Building Regulations to eliminate the risk of non-compliance when being built. It’s vitally important to identify risks that could affect the schemes in the best interests of our investors to ensure that the project is completed on time.
Q: How do property bonds provide a unique investment opportunity compared to traditional property investments?
A: There are many benefits to investing in property bonds, especially if you want a quick return on investment with a hands-off approach. Shorter Investment Horizons enable shorter tenures and allow investors to forecast their gains, which are more appealing than committing to long-term property ownership. Bonds usually offer regular interest payments to investors over the bond’s tenure – a great advantage to those who are dependent on steady income flows.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting in the property development sector?
A: I think the best piece of advice is having a solid network that you can rely on. Engaging with people on a one-to-one basis and establishing trusted working relationships with professionals in their field are the best sources of value in any project. The last thing you want to do is hire someone who you don’t know or hire someone because they’re the cheapest, as there are big risks.
After all, you could lose control of your project and potentially end up spending more money due to hidden extras. Yes, some services are considered “more expensive,” but you’re paying for their experience and proven track record in delivering schemes on time.
Q: How do you see the future of property development evolving, and how is HJ Collection preparing for it?
A: Under the previous government, developers have established partnerships with regulated Housing Associations to prioritize increasing the housing supply list. There is a huge problem in the affordability of owning your home due to rising interest rates since the pandemic, but the shared ownership schemes available give more people a step up the ladder. The new government is looking to provide 1.5 million homes by 2029, so I can see an acceleration of greenbelt and greybelt land acquisition, which is on the fringes of the local settlement boundaries. Alongside these, commercial and retail companies have been transitioning to warehouses outside of the tier 2 & 3 cities, leaving empty buildings in unloved high streets.
Part of property development is to also give something back to the community and improve local infrastructures, so I can see smaller settlements growing with the infrastructure required.
Q: Is there a specific area of property development you’re passionate about?
A: I love getting schemes that have a blank canvas so I can make my mark – whether it’s a stripped-out commercial building to obtain residential apartments or buying a piece of land to develop housing.
In my experience, I have worked on schemes that have been from 3 large houses under a PIP application to master planning schemes of 300 homes. To see something that you have designed on paper to then be constructed and lived in is something I have always felt good about – it’s not just about creating units, it’s about creating homes.
Q: What’s one fun fact about you that not many people know?
A: People that know me well enough know I’m a big football fan. My team is West Ham United, and to see the company logo displayed on the outside of the London Stadium is pretty cool! Being the football fanatic that I am, I am always interested in Stadium Architecture and look at alternative versions of the game. I was the very first Architect to design a “Three-sided Football” Stadium for a version of the sport called Philosophy Football, and my design was even featured in the worldwide publication, FourFourTwo.
Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: When I go on holiday, I always go and find the local football team to see their grounds, and I somehow manage to get preferential treatment to get a closer look.
One time I went to Slovakia for a family wedding, and I obtained access to the old Slovan Bratislava stadium to look at the derelict structure. So, I have a fondness for stadia, and I’m always on the lookout!
Q: If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
A: Invisibility?! So I can see more football stadiums!
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