Brick by Brick: Bethersden, Kent

A look back at a completed project in Bethersden, Kent.

A small, but perfectly designed scheme of four family homes in the rural village of Bethersden, Kent funded by BRIP 4.  The project, also known as ‘Oaks Green’, completed in May 2023.

The Location.

Bethersden is an affluent village located on the outskirts of Ashford, Kent.  A rural location but in close proximity to amenities and transport links which sits in between the High Weald and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury are all within 25 miles.

The Site.

The site was framed by impressive oak trees along the southern and western boundaries, with picturesque farmland to the south. Existing semi-detached and detached homes separate the Site from Ashford Road to the north. 

The Specification.

The scheme comprised three 4-bedroom homes and one 3-bedroom homes, all detached, ranging between 1800-2,100 square feet. All homes were exceptionally well designed in a traditional style, with a study, utility room and large gardens, with the aim to appeal to buyers diverting from city living as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in home working.  Each home has its own private driveway with the 4-bedroom homes benefiting from a detached double car barn.

The homes were completed to a high specification throughout featuring; Gardiner of England kitchens, underfloor heating, integrated log burners, bespoke oak feature porches and electric vehicle charging points.  

All units came with a 10-year new build warranty and a final Energy Efficiency Rating of B was achieved for the properties. BRIP now targets a minimum EPC rating of ‘A’ on all future projects where possible.

The Build.

The build achieved practical completion in February 2023, which was just one month behind programme, albeit this was offset by early off plan sales. In addition, there was a very small cost overrun which was the developers responsibility. To protect investors, all developers across BRIP projects are responsible for cost overruns.

The Sales.

The scheme piqued interest almost immediately with potential buyers and as such, most plots were reserved off plan.  Two homes were sold in January 2023, followed by another in April 2023, with the final one sold by May 2023. Overall sales achieved circa 9% above budget.

The Returns.

This project exceeded expectations for both the developer and BRIP 4 investors. The project delivered a 22% profit on cost post finance and significantly exceeded our target 1.3x Equity Multiple to investors (net of fees and promote), and in 19 months, one month ahead of expectation.

This is a great scheme in an exceptional location and built to a high specification, by a well-established local developer.  BRIP will continue to finance projects and partnerships like this so please do get in touch with one of the team if you are interested in investing in BRIP or if you have a scheme that needs funding.

Barwood Residential Investment Platform (BRIP) is only suitable for Professional Investors or Retail Investors who qualify as one of the following: Elective Professionals, Certified High Net Worth Investors, Certified Sophisticated Investors or Self-Certified Sophisticated Investors.  Where past performance and historic data are quoted in this document, these should not be taken as a reliable indication of future results or performance. Investors should be aware that, should they decide to invest in the Barwood Residential Investment Platform, their capital is at risk and they may therefore lost some or all of the amount invested.