Hearthstone Investments, an investment manager focused entirely on suburban private rented housing in the UK announces it has acquired a zero carbon Build to Rent, single family housing scheme in Sittingbourne, Kent from PSP – a Strategic Asset and Development Manager. Allsop acted on behalf of PSP.
The homes are a prime example of high-quality net-zero carbon buildings in operation, which are powered from renewable energy sources. The scheme was developed by PSP in partnership with offsite manufacturer NetZero Buildings (part of the Premier Modular Group) using modern methods of construction (MMC). Construction completed in September 2021 and all homes are now fully let.
The traditional-looking buildings blend seamlessly with its surrounding area. Homes are equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels, and high-quality insulation which offers low energy bills for residents. All homes have an EPC ‘A’ rating and come with car parking spaces. The parking has been designed with electric car users in mind – with wiring in place to power charging units.
“PSP’s track record in delivering impact focused and energy-efficient projects is an ideal fit for our suburban private rented housing strategy and this scheme is a great example of this approach. Given the recent surge in energy prices our residents can save the equivalent of a month’s rent from savings in energy bills.”
Helen Simons, Investment Director, Hearthstone Investment
PSP’s development showcases how MMC and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) can be used to create a cost-effective solution for delivering affordable net zero homes compared to traditional methods.
“The Sittingbourne homes we’ve developed in partnership with NetZero Buildings are a fantastic example of sustainable, socially responsible housing. Offsite construction and energy efficiency tend to go hand in hand as typically, offsite designs achieve a substantial reduction in carbon as standard.
“The energy efficiency of these properties offers low running costs for the end-user, which is an important consideration for many as the cost-of-living crisis in the UK worsens. As ESG becomes increasingly important for investors who seek to future-proof their portfolios, we expect there to be more appetite for carbon neutral homes in the future and look forward to working with housing associations and councils across the UK and Ireland to deliver new climate-conscious housing projects.”
Mark Davis, Partnerships Director, PSP
PSP was shortlisted for two awards following the completion of the scheme – the 2022 RESI Awards within the ‘Climate Crisis Initiative – Residential’ category, and the EG Tech Awards 2022 within the ‘Innovation Award (Building)’ category. The shortlisting demonstrates the trailblazing characteristics of the Sittingbourne Build to Rent homes.
