Building Surveys & RICS Valuations in Burnley

Property Market Trends in Burnley

Gaining a clear understanding of the property market in Burnley is indispensable, especially for first-time buyers and long-term investors. Awareness of areas in development, as well as stable communities, can offer valuable insights into your property investment strategy.

Established Areas

• Cliviger: Known for its rural charm and character properties, Cliviger offers a stable market attractive to those looking for quieter living.
• Rose Hill: A residential area with good schools and amenities, Rose Hill has a stable property market that often attracts families.

Areas on the Rise

• Daneshouse: With regeneration projects and affordable housing, Daneshouse is increasingly becoming a hotspot for first-time buyers.
• Padiham: With investment in local infrastructure and housing, Padiham shows promise for property appreciation in the coming years.

Factors Impacting Market Trends

• Employment: With several business parks and a growing retail sector, employment opportunities in Burnley influence its property market positively.
• Transport: Burnley’s well-connected bus and train services, as well as easy access to the M65, make commuting convenient, thereby boosting property values.
• Leisure & Amenities: Proximity to green spaces like Towneley Park and the availability of shopping centres contribute to property appeal.

Understanding the market trends in Burnley allows you to make tailored choices when considering a residential purchase or an investment opportunity.

Sources

• Zoopla: Burnley Property Market
• Burnley Express: Property News

Structural Condition and Common Issues in Burnley

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, it’s essential to understand the typical structural conditions you might encounter in Burnley. From historic terraced homes to new build developments, each has its unique set of challenges and features.

Common Types of Properties

• Victorian Terraced Houses: Charming but often needing updates, particularly in terms of insulation and electrics.
• 1930s Semi-Detached Homes: Generally well-constructed but may require modernisation in areas like plumbing and heating systems.
• Modern Townhouses and Flats: Usually built to current codes but can vary in quality depending on the developer.

Structural Issues to Look Out For

• Damp and Timber Decay: Older Victorian homes often suffer from damp issues and rotting timbers, especially in basements.
• Asbestos: Found in some 1930s homes, this requires specialist removal.
• Snagging Issues: In new builds, look out for small defects like poor finishes, uneven paint, and subpar fittings.

Key Checks Before Purchase

• RICS Home Survey: This comprehensive survey will highlight any underlying structural issues, giving you a complete picture before you commit.
• Local Infrastructure: Always check local plans for new roads or other projects that could affect your property’s value.
• Property Insulation: Especially for older homes, ensuring adequate insulation can significantly impact energy costs.

Understanding the structural characteristics unique to Burnley properties will enable you to make a well-informed purchasing decision.

Sources

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): Why a Home Survey is Important
• Burnley Borough Council: Planning and Building Control

Local Amenities in Burnley

Having a clear grasp of local amenities is vital when considering property investments in Burnley. This Lancashire town blends a strong industrial heritage with modern facilities, making it an appealing destination for a diverse demographic.

Food and Drink

• Cafés and Tearooms: From quaint coffee shops to traditional English tearooms, Burnley offers a range of relaxed dining options.
• Restaurants and Pubs: A multitude of venues serve everything from local Lancashire dishes to international cuisines.

Shopping

• Charter Walk Shopping Centre: The central retail hub of the town, home to a wide array of high-street brands.
• Local Markets: Frequent markets feature fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and unique finds.

Health and Fitness

• Towneley Park: A vast green space offering walking routes, play areas, and sporting facilities.
• Fitness Centres: State-of-the-art gyms and leisure centres provide modern amenities and a selection of classes for all fitness levels.

Cultural Venues

• Burnley Mechanics: A leading venue for live performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
• Queen Street Mill: This working museum offers insight into Burnley’s textile industry history.

Education

• Schools: A range of reputable state and independent schools cater to families with different educational preferences.
• Adult Learning: Nearby colleges offer vocational courses and other adult learning opportunities.

Transport Links

• Burnley Central Railway Station: Provides good connectivity to major cities like Manchester and Leeds.
• Bus Services: An efficient bus network ensures convenient travel within the town and to nearby areas.

Understanding the amenities in Burnley will significantly aid your property decisions, be it for personal residence or investment prospects.

Sources

• Burnley Borough Council: Leisure and Culture
• Burnley Express: Local News and Features

Commute and Transportation Options in Burnley

If you’re considering Burnley as a prospective location for property investment or a new home, being aware of the commute and transportation options can be pivotal. This guide aims to furnish you with relevant, general information to support your decision-making.

Public Transport

• Burnley Railway Stations: Burnley has several stations like Burnley Central and Burnley Manchester Road, which provide convenient links to Manchester, Leeds, and beyond.
• Bus Services: Companies like Burnley Bus Company operate various routes connecting Burnley to nearby towns and the broader Lancashire area.

Car and Motorway Access

• M65 Motorway: Connects Burnley directly to Blackburn and Preston, allowing for speedy travel to major urban centres.
• Primary Roads: Routes like the A646 and A679 offer alternative avenues for both local and regional commutes.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

• Local Taxi Services: Multiple taxi firms operate in Burnley, ideal for short and long-haul trips.
• Uber: Is also functional in Burnley, offering a contemporary, app-based alternative to conventional taxis.

Cycling and Walking

• Local Cycle Networks: Burnley features a range of cycling paths that link to wider networks for extended routes.
• Pedestrian Zones: Key areas such as the town centre have been designed to be pedestrian-friendly, making it easier to walk around.

Future Developments

• Lancashire County Council Plans: Various schemes are underway to improve public transport as well as cycling and walking infrastructure, making local mobility more efficient and accessible.

Being well-versed in the commute and transportation options in Burnley can significantly influence your property-related decisions.

Sources

• Lancashire County Council: Public Transport
• Burnley Borough Council: Roads and Parking

Planning Permission and Land Covenants in Burnley

Understanding planning permission and land covenants is crucial for anyone navigating Burnley’s property landscape, whether you’re purchasing your first home or are a seasoned property investor.

Types of Planning Permission

• Outline Planning Permission: This offers initial approval for your development proposal but requires you to submit more detailed plans for full approval later.
• Full Planning Permission: This type of permission provides a comprehensive go-ahead for various construction activities, such as new builds, renovations, and extensions.
• Permitted Development Rights: These rights allow homeowners to undertake specific, smaller-scale changes without the need for a full planning application.

Common Land Covenants in Burnley

• Restrictive Covenants: These covenants impose limitations on the use of the property. For example, you might be restricted from converting your property into a business or from adding a second storey.
• Positive Covenants: These obligations require you to take certain actions, such as maintaining shared driveways or communal gardens.

Factors to Consider

• Local Plans: Burnley falls under the jurisdiction of Burnley Borough Council, which has its own Local Plans to guide development.
• Conservation Areas: If you’re interested in property located in a conservation area, be aware that additional planning restrictions will likely apply.

Local Sources of Help

• Burnley Borough Council Planning Services: This service offers a wealth of information on planning policies, application procedures, and local restrictions, specific to Burnley.
• Land Registry: An indispensable resource for understanding existing land covenants and verifying property ownership details.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Pre-application Consultation: Before submitting your formal planning application, it’s wise to consult with Burnley Borough Council to get preliminary advice on your plans.
• Legal Advice: Given the complex nature of land covenants, consulting a legal expert can help you fully grasp your property’s obligations and restrictions.

By understanding the nuances of planning permissions and land covenants in Burnley, you are well-positioned to make well-informed property decisions.

Sources

• Burnley Borough Council: Planning
• HM Land Registry