Product Development Manager Nathan Reilly reflects on the up and coming trend of prefabricated homes.
What we associate with prefabricated homes has come a long way in recent years. Previously thought of as cheap post war buildings, they were built en-mas lacking character and individuality.
Yet modern day prefabricated homes are now recognised for their unique and modern design, energy efficiency and advanced technology. Prefabricated homes are becoming widely accessible even to the point where you can now order your new home online.
What exactly are prefabricated homes?
Prefabricated homes are a type of specialist building, which are manufactured offsite in panels, modules or transportable sections of the full structure. These sections are then shipped and assembled onsite to make the final construction where the foundations will have been laid.
How can they help?
Many people aspire to build their very own dream home, but decide it is unachievable. However, prefabricated homes are making this goal more attainable by helping people avoid the lengthy, complex and expensive process of building a home from scratch.
Some even suggest prefabricated homes may contribute to solving the housing crisis. At a time when we require 250,000 new homes a year, with only 130,000 being constructed, the efficient nature of a prefabricated construction may be preferred. Prefabricated homes may be produced twice as fast as traditional constructions, due to the fact that whilst the foundations are laid on site, the house is being built in the factory.
So what’s the catch?
One of the main problems with this style of home is finding the land to build it on. Clear building sites are few and far between, especially in the south of England. For this reason many self-builders are choosing to buy a house and knock it down, making the process of building prefabricated homes less time efficient and cost effective.
There is also the issue of planning permission, as the modern structure of prefabricated homes are likely to be too distinct from surrounding homes. But, they may be favoured by some local authorities due to their design status and environmental benefits.
It is worth noting that because prefabricated homes aren’t typically considered to be of standard construction, some mortgage lenders may have certain restrictions when lending against them. This will all depend on valuer’s comments, warranties and the location of the property.
If you would like to know more about how to join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, call our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.
Sharon spoke to recently-appointed Product Development Manager Nathan Reilly about his role, his background and what it feels like to be one of the key team members of Mortgage Intelligence.
Since joining as a Marketing Assistant at Mortgage Intelligence in 2014, Nathan has quickly progressed within the company, holding positions as Marketing Executive and Product Development Coordinator, before becoming Product Development Manager earlier this year.
Receiving a first-class marketing degree from Chichester University, Nathan’s first step into the industry was through a leading lender as a Customer Service Adviser. Fully CeMAP qualified, Nathan brings not just knowledge, but a real enthusiasm for developing relationships and products with lenders, providers and other partners.
What exactly does your role entail and how do you help advisers through lender relationships?
“A key part of my role is building and nurturing relationships with lenders, providers and other partners. This means that as a Network and Mortgage Club we are always aware of the latest developments from across the industry, and in turn, considering the next potential opportunity.
“The relationships we have with our partners are ultimately in place to make sure our advisers receive the highest level of service and support, so another important part of my role is regularly sharing any adviser feedback I receive.”
Which aspect of your role are you enjoying the most so far?
“I love the variation and no two days are ever the same! I spend a lot of the time thinking on my feet as I look for ways to maximise broker value. This can include identifying which product criteria adjustments and special features will help our advisers the most. I spend time communicating with lenders and providers through different mediums, working with them on the right approach to ensure our advisers are looked after first.”
What changes do you think we might see in the lending space over the rest of 2017?
“As consumer needs change we are seeing specialist lenders and challenger banks positively influencing the market. This is something we have responded to over the past 12 months by welcoming a diverse range of lenders and their products to panel.
“Although there is an argument to say this has happened already, I think Buy to Let lending will continue to polarise. Lenders will fit in to one of two categories, they will either be a specialist Buy to Let lender with a proposition designed for professional landlords, or an amateur landlord lender that will focus on landlords with just one or two properties.
“More lenders are also looking at the first-time buyer market and making positive changes to products and services to support people looking to take their first step onto the housing ladder. It will be interesting to see whether other lenders follow suit or even make this growing market their own.”
I hear your golfing prowess is without equal within Mortgage Intelligence. What would therefore be your ultimate golfing destination?
“My dream golfing holiday would be a tour of the United States, including legendary courses such as Pebble Beach and Augusta. But as that won’t be happening anytime soon, I think I would settle for a day trip to Scotland to play a round at the home of golf: St Andrews.”
If you could meet one celebrity in person, who would it be and why?
“Can I have a fictional character instead? In that case it would definitely be Tony Stark AKA Iron Man. He is a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist…everything I’m not.”
Favourite sporting moment?
“As a golf fan it has to be the 2012 Ryder Cup, otherwise known as the Miracle at Medinah. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
If you would like to know more about how to join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, call our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.