Green Lane, End Terrace

Project Overview

Location: Green Lane

Property Type: Grade II Listed End Terrace

Purchase Price: £220,000

Build & Fees: £220,000

Gross Development Value: £600,000

Status: Complete

Timeline: 5-month renovation period

Deliverables: 8-bed HMO for professional and student accommodation

‍

Historical Significance Meets Contemporary Demands

The Berry Group consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to identify opportunities others might overlook in the competitive property development landscape. The Grade II-listed end-terrace building on Green Lane presented precisely such an opportunity - a heritage property with protected status that required a delicate balance between preservation and adaptation for modern living requirements.

When The Berry Group acquired this property, it consisted of two separate flats that failed to realise the building's full potential. The protected status presented both a challenge and an opportunity. While it limited specific interventions, it also provided a framework for creating accommodation with a distinctive character that would stand apart from generic modern developments.

Our vision for the property centred on respecting its historical significance while carefully adapting it to meet the demands of today's professional and student tenants. This approach aligns perfectly with The Berry Group's commitment to creating living spaces that combine functionality with distinctive character - properties that residents choose not simply for convenience but for the quality of life they enable.

‍

Preservation-Led Design Philosophy

Unlike many developers who view listed building status as an unwelcome constraint, The Berry Group embraces the opportunity to work with historical structures. For the Green Lane property, we adopted a preservation-led design philosophy that guided every decision:

• Original architectural features were meticulously documented, restored, and highlighted as distinctive selling points

• The existing layout was retained mainly, with only minimal interventions to improve flow and functionality

• Where modern elements needed to be introduced (particularly in kitchens and bathrooms), they were designed to complement rather than compete with period features

• Materials were carefully selected for both authenticity and longevity, ensuring the building would remain vibrant for decades to come

This approach required close collaboration between our INCO Architecture team and heritage specialists who guided appropriate conservation techniques. By embracing rather than fighting the building's protected status, we created a development process that was both more efficient and more respectful of the property's cultural value.

‍

Thoughtful Space Optimisation

The conversion from two separate flats to an eight-bedroom HMO demanded creative thinking about space utilisation. Rather than forcing dramatic structural changes (which would have been both inappropriate for a listed building and inefficient in terms of cost), our design team identified opportunities to optimise the existing layout:

• Former living areas were transformed into generously-sized bedrooms with thoughtful storage solutions

• Communal spaces were strategically positioned to encourage social interaction while still providing privacy when desired

• Kitchen and bathroom facilities were upgraded with high-quality fixtures that balanced contemporary convenience with period-appropriate aesthetics

• Original circulation spaces were maintained, preserving the building's authentic flow while ensuring compliance with modern safety requirements

This balanced approach delivered eight distinctive bedrooms, each with its character derived from the property's original features. Unlike purpose-built HMOs, rooms often feel similar, but the Green Lane development offers residents a sense of individuality and connection to the building's heritage.

‍

The Berry Group Specification: Elevating the Standard

While many developers of HMO properties focus solely on meeting minimum standards, The Berry Group consistently applies a more ambitious internal specification. For the Green Lane project, this included:

• Premium-quality flooring appropriate to both the building's heritage and the needs of modern residents

• Carefully designed lighting schemes that enhance period features while providing practical illumination

• Bespoke storage solutions crafted by our Urban Bespoke Interiors division, maximising functionality without compromising character

• High-performance heating and insulation systems that deliver contemporary comfort while respecting the building's fabric

• Thoughtfully selected colour palettes and finishes that complement original features while creating bright, welcoming spaces

This commitment to quality ensures that the property appeals to discerning tenants seeking accommodation with character and refinement. This market segment provides more stable tenancies and more substantial returns than the budget end of the rental market.

‍

Creating Distinctive Outdoor Spaces

A particularly innovative aspect of the Green Lane development was creating a private outdoor area with direct access to the back street. This feature, which provides exclusive external access to one of the bedrooms, exemplifies The Berry Group's approach to adding value through thoughtful design interventions.

In the competitive HMO market, such distinctive features create significant advantages:

• The room with private access and outdoor space commands a premium rental rate

• The additional entrance improves the building's functionality for residents with different schedules

• The outdoor space enhances quality of life for all residents, providing a valuable amenity in an urban setting

This enhancement demonstrates how relatively modest investments in thoughtful design can deliver disproportionate returns financially and in terms of resident satisfaction.

‍

Efficient Project Delivery

Completing the renovation within five months speaks to The Berry Group's exceptional project management capabilities. This efficiency was achieved through several key factors:

• Comprehensive pre-acquisition surveys that identified potential issues before they could impact the timeline

• Detailed planning that anticipated the specific challenges of working with a listed building

• Established relationships with specialised craftspeople experienced in heritage properties

• The advantages of our integrated business model, with architecture, construction, and interior design teams working in close coordination

• Proactive engagement with conservation officers to streamline approval processes

This efficient delivery reduced holding costs during the development phase and accelerated the transition to income generation - a critical consideration for maximising returns on investment.

‍

Investment Performance

The financial metrics of the Green Lane project demonstrate The Berry Group's ability to create exceptional value through intelligent property development. The transformation from two separate flats to an eight-bed HMO increased the property's value from the purchase price of £220,000 to a gross development value of £600,000 - a 173% increase achieved with a build cost of just £220,000.

Beyond this impressive capital appreciation, the property delivers strong ongoing returns through:

• Premium rental rates justified by the high-quality specification and distinctive character

• Reduced maintenance costs due to the quality of materials and workmanship

• Lower void periods resulting from the property's appeal to discerning tenants

• Operational efficiencies created by thoughtful design features

‍

Conclusion: The Berry Group Difference

The Green Lane end terrace project exemplifies The Berry Group's distinctive approach to property development. This approach combines respect for architectural heritage with a deep understanding of contemporary living requirements. By thoughtfully balancing preservation with adaptation, we created a property that offers commercial success and genuine enhancement of the local built environment.

This project demonstrates why The Berry Group has established itself as a leader in high-quality HMO developments across the Midlands. Our ability to see potential where others might not, our commitment to quality even in competitive market segments, and our efficient project delivery collectively create exceptional outcomes for investors and residents alike.