Mardesignuk

Last month, I had an absolute blast speaking at South London Property & Poppadoms! I shared insights on concept-driven designs and the importance of aligning property strategy with the target market—an essential yet often underestimated aspect of any development. Here’s the harsh truth: Many property developers, even the most experienced ones, overlook this 'tool.' And while I might sound like a broken record, I truly believe—and have seen firsthand—that when this alignment is achieved, the benefits are undeniable. It’s not just about financial results (although those are impressive too). It’s about creating HOMES with meaning, spaces that resonate and bring value to those who live in them. A massive thank you to David Westwood and @Andrew McCague for being such incredible hosts! These two are building an amazing community of like-minded investors, developers, trades, and consultants—you name it. Plus, it’s always a fun, relaxed event, packed with valuable takeaways into the property world, so be sure not to miss the next event in January! #SouthLondon hashtag#Networking hashtag#PropertyAndPoppadoms

In property development, playing it safe might tick the boxes, but bold, vibrant designs? They’re the game-changers, setting trends and redefining what’s possible. This project wasn’t just about creating another property—it was about making a statement, pushing boundaries, and showing how design can elevate value and appeal. What’s your take? What do you think makes a difference in the property market?

Wrapping up 2024 with this super stylish HMO in Slough! This project is unlike any other HMO in the area. And while that might sound bold, it’s not about claiming to “know it all”—it’s about one simple truth: targeting your development to the right market is the game-changer. Here’s why: 🔑 Tenant Retention: Stylish and functional spaces attract quality tenants who want to stay, reducing turnover and hassle. 📈 Higher Rental Yields: A well-designed HMO stands out in a competitive market, allowing you to achieve premium rents that reflect the quality of the space. 💡 Market Differentiation: Aligning your design with tenant needs creates a property that doesn’t just look great—it outperforms others. When design is intentional and market-driven, the results speak for themselves. How do you think design impacts HMO performance? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your perspective!

Throwback on this 3-bedroom terraced house transformed into a stunning 7-bedroom, all-ensuite HMO, fully tenanted within two weeks and achieving the highest rents in the area.  Happy tenants and extremely happy clients with a superb ROI! 😉 Whilst some properties perform extremely well others don't seem to achieve the same results, we have recently launched our Property Design Assessment so you can gain clarity and know where you stand, it takes less than 3 min to complete so why not give it a go: https://lnkd.in/geJhQ6wa Let me know what you think!

Let me tell you a story... This red ceiling was a PAIN!! 1st - The builder was like 'nahhhhhhh not for me...' 2nd - The decorator asks me 'what sort of space is this going to be..wink.wink..' 3rd - The new decorator says 'Ok I will do it but I don't trust 'it' However I love it, still love it, and will forever love it 🤣 Design isn’t for the faint of heart; bold decisions come with risks. But the rewards? They’re massive. And it’s not just about financial returns. Bold, thoughtful design can elevate the living experience, create spaces that resonate, and even bring a sense of fulfilment. When it comes to property development, playing it safe won’t make your properties memorable. As we stand today, capturing the attention and attract quality tenants or buyers is key. Myth or fact? Speak to me...

Nothing like a good transformation to start the week... Our latest completed 6-bed HMO project in Slough—timeless, chic—I want it! But here’s the catch: this cohesive look isn’t just about style; it’s about avoiding a common design pitfall that can impact your rent roll and overall returns. 👉🏻 Mistake to Avoid: Overlooking the Importance of Cohesive Design What often goes wrong: 🚫 Error in Thinking: Underestimating the value of a cohesive design strategy 🚫 Outcome: Disjointed, mismatched elements that fall flat with tenants or buyers, reducing your property’s appeal. 👉🏻 Why it matters: A unified design doesn’t just look good—it attracts quality tenants willing to pay premium rent, keeping occupancy high and increasing your rent roll. Would you live here? Let me know!

Are Black Kitchens Out of Fashion? 🖤🖤 The short answer: Not really. But there’s more to the story here.. especially for property developers. It’s easy to get swept up in what’s “in” or “out” or by what's trending on social media. While trends can be tempting, the real value comes from concept-driven design. When a development is designed with clear purpose, target market alignment, and attention to tenant's or buyer's lifestyle needs, it a whole new game - regardless of trends. This is what 'sticks': 🔹 Purpose Over Fashion: Designing with intent is always more valuable than following trends. Whether it’s a bold black kitchen, a soft neutral palette, or something entirely different, the choice should reflect the experience you want to create for your target market. 🔹 Market-Driven Appeal: A black kitchen may be perfect for a high-end rental targeting young professionals looking for something bold and sophisticated. For others, it might be a lighter, timeless look that resonates. Understanding who you’re designing for ensures your development speaks directly to the right target market, making it more desirable. 🔹 Longevity is King: It’s not about avoiding trends altogether but creating a design that stands the test of time with just that right balance of current appeal. This ensures your properties remain attractive, even as design trends shift. So, the real question isn’t whether black kitchens are out—it’s whether your designs are aligned with a clear, market-driven concept. What are your thoughts? Would you go bold or timeless?

Are you skeptical about using neutral tones in your next bathroom development? 🤔 Neutral tones in bathrooms and ensuites offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they bring real value to property investments. Here’s why neutral tones work wonders and why you should consider them: Enhanced Perception of Space: Light, neutral tones make bathrooms feel larger and more open—perfect for compact spaces like ensuites where maximising perceived space is key. Timeless Appeal: Neutrals have staying power. A well-designed, neutral bathroom feels current even as trends shift, helping reduce the need for frequent updates. Increased Marketability: Neutral bathrooms resonate with a wide range of buyers and tenants, creating a blank canvas that allows them to envision their own style. For property flips, this can be a game-changer. Boosts Natural Lighting: Light-colored finishes amplify natural light, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere that potential tenants and buyers find appealing. Long-Term Value: Neutral, high-quality finishes wear well and are easy to maintain, offering lasting appeal for investors focused on value retention. I LOVE a good neutral scheme, and it definitely doesn’t mean boring! Here’s a recent example: a very small and compact ensuite we designed for a serviced accommodation project in the Alentejo, what do you think? #PropertyDevelopment #DesignForROI #propertyinvestment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uk #propertydevelopment #investors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uk #ukproperty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

I am not a magician. When it comes to property development, I often feel that clients expect a ‘magic wand’ solution—quick, affordable, and effective without disruption. But the truth is, creating design-driven, profitable, and tenant/buyer-attracting spaces requires clarity, strategy, and partnership at early stages. I know the challenges you face: Time constraints: You're juggling multiple developments, constantly under pressure to hit deadlines. Budget pressures: The upfront cost of design services might seem like an added expense rather than a long-term investment. Skepticism around ROI: There's often a hesitation—“Will professional design really make a difference to my bottom line?” Here's where the real transformation happens (without magic 🪄): The value in design is twofold: Financial Value: With a design-first approach, spaces are created to outperform the market, achieving higher rental yields, shorter void periods and increased resale value. It’s design that drives ROI. Personal Gains: A streamlined, well-managed project frees up your time, reduces stress, and ensures your properties attract your target market. Getting your time back is priceless. Quality and durability are invaluable. While I might not be a magician, I know how to deliver results. 🪄✨ Let's connect. #PropertyDevelopment #DesignForROI #propertyinvestment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uk #propertydevelopment #investors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uk #ukproperty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This was just EPIC!