Case study

New homes boost area's kerb appeal

A new build and refurbishment project has provided 14 new homes for the local community and helped to regenerate a town centre.

Welcome to CAF Bank

The bank dedicated to supporting charities and social purpose enterprises. So we understand what you need.

Current account Savings Loans Security centre Help About us

A property redevelopment helped to get a town centre regeneration plan off the ground, by transforming a derelict, historic building into 14 attractive new homes for rent.

How town centres should adapt to change has been a topic of debate for some time, well before the disruption caused by the Covid-19 outbreak. Local authorities are leading the response to this challenge, working with developers and other partners to revitalise spaces for the local community.

The refurbishment of Lenworth House, a disused late Georgian building in the county town of Maidstone, offers a prime example of the benefits of this approach. Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) had prioritised the redevelopment of this site, to help meet the demand for rented accommodation and enhance the area's appearance.

With the help of a loan from CAF Bank, client Hemmens Contracts Ltd purchased the site, converting the existing property and constructing a new three story building to the rear. Soon after the building work was completed, MBC acquired the development from Hemmens. All fourteen of the well-located apartments are now rented by the council to private tenants.

Rob Hemmens, Director of Hemmens Contracts, said: “It’s fantastic being involved in this project and helping to replenish the housing supply in the area. It’s great to be involved in something bigger than us, and be a part of boosting the local economy and making an impact for the local community.”

William Cornall, Director of Regeneration and Place at MBC, said: “[The development of] Lenworth House was a key priority for the Council, as it signals a statement of intent in continuing to grow our market rented portfolio and create new sources of income to support core services.
  
“The regeneration of Lenworth House is not just about growing our housing stock, it’s about place-making and enhancing the town centre for the local community.” 

Supporting other communities 

Through a unique benefit of the CAF Bank loan, Hemmens Contracts have donated one third of the loan arrangement fee to charitable causes of their choice, totalling just over £7,000.

This donation has funded the life-saving work of major charities, Cancer Research UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital. What's more, a £4,000 contribution to CAF's £6.5 million Coronavirus Emergency Fund has helped to support many small charities and communities affected by the pandemic.

Project snapshot

Type of project  Property refurbishment and new build - Housing for rent
 Loan amount £1,548,591
 Loan to Cost 77.5%
 Loan to GDV 61%
 Development loan % 68% of purchase price and 100% of development costs
 Location of development Maidstone, Kent ME14
 Charity beneficiaries CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund, Cancer Research UK and Great Ormond's Street Hospital

"It's great to be involved in something bigger than us ... to be a part of boosting the local economy and making an impact for the local community."

Rob Hemmens, Director, Hemmens Contracts Ltd

Lending with a social purpose

Connor Baxter, Client Relationship Manager at CAF Bank, highlighted the project's benefits:

“Lenworth House lay empty and unloved for 20 years or so, blighting an area near Maidstone town centre.  We were delighted to help Hemmens transform the site, before the property was sold back to the local authority. All 14 apartments are now leased to tenants at affordable rents, in line with our aim to support development projects with a social purpose".

If you're looking for loan finance to purchase, redevelop or refurbish a residential property, talk to our loan experts.

Regeneration of the area

Maidstone, the county town of Kent, has attracted significant investment in recent years, with further projects planned totalling over £300m.

The area has also benefited from a redevelopment project around Maidstone East railway station, coupled with plans for a new Thameslink train service to speed up commuting times.

The development at Lenworth House is the first to be completed under the council's five-year Housing Development and Investment Plan. The building is made up of a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments – all of which are now occupied.

CAF Bank loans are non-regulated products.

The Loan to Cost and Loan to GDV figures stated were correct at the time of loan sanction, but are subject to change during the loan term.

Loan applications subject to credit assessment. Security will be required.

Your personal or company's assets may be at risk if you do not keep up with the repayments for a mortgage, loan or any other debt secured on them.

If you're thinking of consolidating existing borrowing, you should be aware that you may be extending the term of the debt and increasing the total amount you pay.

CAF Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 204451).

CAF Bank Limited Registered office is 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ. Registered in England and Wales under number 1837656.