Opportunity knocks for investors with the cash to buy

What are the prospects for the property sector in Yorkshire and Humber?

The bottom of the market has now been hit and we are “bubbling along” somewhere above that.

There are great possibilities if you have cash, with limited pockets of attractive investment opportunities.

The price correction has made some opportunities look cheap but the prospects for rental growth are mostly subdued.

Some sectors, such as industrial, have better prospects, so we can expect solid income return and modest rental growth over the next five years.

I see a possible consolidation of property advisers with potential mergers.

The Trinity retail scheme in Leeds should provide quality retailing at the heart of the city which will benefit the city as a whole and will help to attract many out-of-town visitors.

What is the best project you have been involved in?

In a “previous life” at Crosby Homes I was involved with the residential development element of the Round Foundry scheme, in Holbeck, Leeds, where the main developer was CTP St James.

I love the overall quality, atmosphere and feel of the development. It is something Leeds can quite rightly be proud of and should help more.

What is your favourite building in the region and why?

Not so much a building as a collection of them: Park Square in Leeds.

Again, it is something that the city can be proud of, encompassing quality buildings and public realm.

The park itself is well used and looks fantastic all year.

If you could change one thing to improve the property industry in this region, what would it be?

Despite recent overhauls the planning system still needs attention and there are too many rigid constraints, for example, rules that say you must provide a certain amount of affordable housing.