Hearthstone Investments acquires zero carbon homes from PSP
Hearthstone Investments, an investment manager focused entirely on suburban private rented housing in the UK, has purchased a new scheme of zero carbon houses in Sittingbourne, Kent.
Developed by PSP in partnership with offsite manufacturer NetZero Buildings (part of the Premier Modular Group) using modern methods of construction (MMC), the homes serve as prime examples of high-quality net-zero carbon buildings in operation, powered from renewable energy sources. The traditional-looking buildings, which seamlessly blend with the surrounding area, are equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels, in addition to high-quality insulation offering low energy bills for the end user. All of the houses have an EPC ‘A’ rating and come with car parking spaces, with the wiring in place to power charging units, designed with electric car users in mind.
The project 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. Completed in September 2021, these purpose-built family homes are now fully let.
Following the completion of this project, PSP was shortlisted for both the 2022 RESI Awards within the ‘Climate Crisis Initiative – Residential’ category and the EG Tech Awards 2022 within the ‘Innovation Award (Building)’ category – this is testament to the trailblazing characteristics of the Sittingbourne properties.
Allsop acted on behalf of PSP, the vendor.
Mark Davis, Partnerships Director at PSP, said: “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.”
Helen Simons, Investment Director at Hearthstone Investment, said: “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.”
