Building Surveys & RICS Valuations in Leicester

Property Market Trends in Leicester

Leicester, with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, presents an ever-evolving property market that caters to a diverse populace, from students to families to professionals.

City Centre Living

• Cultural Quarter: Once industrial, now reborn as a hub for the arts, this area offers modern apartments that attract young professionals and creatives.
• Highcross Area: With its proximity to shopping and entertainment, the Highcross district is popular for its luxury apartments and convenient city living.

Suburban Family Appeal

• Clarendon Park: Known for its charming Victorian terraces and proximity to the University of Leicester, this suburb is favoured by academics and healthcare professionals.
• Oadby: On the outskirts, Oadby is renowned for its spacious homes and excellent schools, drawing in families looking for a quieter lifestyle with city access.

Up-and-Coming Neighbourhoods

• Wigston: Offering value for money with its range of property types, Wigston is experiencing growth due to its local amenities and community feel.
• Hamilton: A newer development, Hamilton is attracting families with its modern housing stock, parks, and schools.

Influencing Factors

• Educational Institutions: With two universities, Leicester’s student population sustains a strong rental market.
• Transport Links: Leicester’s train station and road networks, including the M1 and M69, offer good connectivity, enhancing property desirability.
• Regeneration Projects: Initiatives like the Waterside project are revitalising areas of the city, promising growth in property investments.

Understanding Leicester’s property market trends is vital for making informed decisions in a city known for its dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.

Sources

• Zoopla: Leicester Property Market
• Leicester Council: Transforming the Waterside

Structural Condition and Common Issues in Leicester

Leicester, with its rich history and varied architecture, presents a range of structural conditions for prospective property buyers and investors to consider.

Common Types of Properties

• Victorian and Edwardian Terraces: These characterful properties often require modernisation, particularly in terms of heating systems, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
• 1930s Semi-Detached Homes: Usually well-built, but they may need updating to meet current energy efficiency standards.
• Modern Developments: Newer properties built to contemporary standards, but it’s important to assess the quality of construction and materials used.

Structural Issues to Look Out For

• Damp: A common issue in older properties, often due to outdated damp-proof courses or lack of ventilation.
• Roofing: Traditional slate roofs may need maintenance or replacement, and flat roofs on extensions or modern buildings require regular checks.
• Subsidence: Parts of Leicester, like many urban areas, can be prone to subsidence due to various factors, including historical mining in the region.

Key Checks Before Purchase

• RICS Home Survey: To identify any structural issues that might affect the property’s value and require future investment for repairs.
• Energy Efficiency: Check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for an indication of the property’s energy efficiency and potential improvement costs.
• Planning Developments: Stay informed about local planning developments that may impact property values and the community environment.

Being aware of the structural conditions and common issues in Leicester’s properties will help buyers and investors make more informed decisions in this diverse and dynamic housing market.

Sources

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – Home Surveys
• Leicester City Council – Planning and Building

Local Amenities in Leicester

Leicester, a city rich in history and culture located in the East Midlands of England, offers an array of amenities that cater to its diverse and vibrant population. Whether you’re considering relocating to Leicester or investing in the property market, here’s an overview of what you can expect in terms of local amenities:

Food and Drink

• Multicultural Cuisine: Leicester’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural community, with an impressive range of international restaurants.
• Pubs and Bars: From historic pubs to contemporary bars, the city offers a variety of options for socialising and nightlife.

Shopping

• Highcross Leicester: A major shopping centre with high-street brands, designer labels, and a multiplex cinema.
• Leicester Market: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in Europe, known for its fresh produce and vibrant atmosphere.

Health and Fitness

• Leisure Centres: The city provides numerous leisure centres with swimming pools, gyms, and sports facilities.
• Parks and Open Spaces: Enjoy the greenery at places like Abbey Park, Victoria Park, and the renowned University of Leicester Botanic Garden.

Cultural Venues

• Cultural Quarter: Home to Curve Theatre and Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, offering theatre, films, art exhibitions, and more.
• Museums: Explore local history and culture at the Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester Guildhall, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.

Education

• Schools: Leicester has a comprehensive range of educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and special schools.
• Higher Education: Home to the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, offering a wide spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Transport Links

• Rail Services: Leicester Railway Station provides good connections to London, Birmingham, Nottingham, and beyond.
• Road Network: Situated near the M1 motorway, the city offers excellent road links for drivers.

Leicester’s amenities make it an attractive option for individuals and families looking for a dynamic urban environment with a strong sense of community.

Sources

• Leicester City Council: Arts and Culture
• Leicestershire Live: Local News and Features

Commute and Transportation Options in Leicester

Leicester, a bustling city located in the East Midlands of England, offers a comprehensive range of transport options. Whether you’re considering property investment or planning to reside in Leicester, here’s a guide to the city’s transport links:

Public Transport

• Train Services: Leicester Railway Station provides frequent services to major cities such as London, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Sheffield.
• Bus Services: A well-developed network operated by companies like Arriva and First Group serves the city and its suburbs, as well as providing links to nearby towns.

Car and Motorway Access

• M1 Motorway: Leicester is located near the M1, providing direct routes to London and Leeds.
• Ring Road: The city’s ring road system, including the A563, helps to manage local traffic and provides connections to various parts of the city.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

• Local Taxi Firms: Numerous taxi companies operate in Leicester, offering convenient travel options for residents and visitors.
• Uber: The global ride-sharing service is available throughout Leicester, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.

Cycling and Walking

• Cycling Routes: Leicester City Council is actively working to improve cycling infrastructure, with many designated cycle lanes and paths throughout the city.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: The city centre is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with extensive pedestrianised zones and easy access to shops, restaurants, and parks.

Future Developments

• Leicester City Council’s Transport Strategy: Ongoing plans aim to enhance public transportation, promote cycling and walking, and improve road safety and air quality in the city.

Understanding the transportation options available in Leicester is essential for convenient daily commuting and could significantly influence your property-related decisions in the city.

Sources

• Leicester City Council: Transport and Streets
• National Rail: Leicester Station

Planning Permission and Land Covenants in Leicester

Engaging with property in Leicester requires a solid understanding of the planning permissions and land covenants that govern development and use of real estate in the area.

Types of Planning Permission

• Outline Planning Permission: This is a preliminary agreement that establishes whether a plot of land can be developed. It sets the conditions that a detailed proposal must later satisfy.
• Full Planning Permission: This is a detailed permission required for starting building works or changes. You need to obtain this before commencing any significant alterations or new constructions.
• Permitted Development Rights: These rights allow for certain small-scale changes and improvements to be made without needing a full planning permission application.

Common Land Covenants in Leicester

• Restrictive Covenants: These are provisions that can limit the use of your property, for instance, by prohibiting commercial activity or certain types of alterations.
• Positive Covenants: These may require the property owner to take specific actions, such as maintaining a shared wall or fence.

Factors to Consider

• Local Plans: Leicester City Council provides Local Plans that outline the development strategy for the area. These plans include policies on housing, transport, and the environment which could impact planning applications.
• Conservation Areas: If your property is in a designated conservation area, there will be additional considerations to take into account, as these areas have stricter planning controls to preserve their character.

Local Sources of Help

• Leicester City Council Planning Services: The local authority offers planning advice, information on how to apply for permissions, and guidance on local planning policies.
• Land Registry: For details on land ownership and any covenants that might affect a property, the Land Registry should be consulted.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Pre-application Consultation: Before you submit a planning application, consider a pre-application consultation with the council to identify any potential issues.
• Legal Advice: Understanding the implications of land covenants on your property can be complex. Legal advice is often necessary to navigate these effectively.

Armed with an understanding of planning permissions and land covenants in Leicester, you can make informed decisions that align with local regulations and maximise your property’s potential.

Sources

• Leicester City Council: Planning
• HM Land Registry