Strong demand for homes at recently completed city apartment complex

New apartments in the heart of Hull city centre were snapped up by renters within just three weeks, property lettings agents Garness Jones Residential has confirmed.

The one and two-bed apartments are in King William House, Market Place, which has been subject to a £6m redevelopment.

The apartments boast views of Hull Minster from balconies directly opposite. They were the first apartments as part of a new complex in the Old Town area of the city to become available for some time and have been finished to the highest standards.

Matt Johnson, residential lettings manager at Garness Jones Residential, said the quality of the apartments, and their size, was the reason for the high demand.

“Whenever new properties come onto the market you expect them to do well but we were still blown away by how quickly we let these apartments,” he said.

“There is an interesting element here in that initially these apartments were going to be made available for sale, only for there to be a late change of direction and the decision was taken to place them on the rental market.

“As the initial plan was for sales, this development has been far different to many we see in the modern day. We see many buildings converted and as many apartments as possible are crammed in and are quite small. These are all spacious and roomy and that has made them very popular.

“What has been proven with this project is that there is huge demand for high quality rental space in the city centre and I’d certainly suggest to any future developers to follow the blueprint provided here.”

Just two apartments out of the 30 are still to be filled, as they were used for show and furnished as examples for viewings. Applications have been made to take both of those apartments however, and they too will be occupied very soon.

The apartments, which have been let out for 12 months, were marketed and let by Garness Jones Residential, Maltings Property Management and Link Agency, with Garness Jones Residential now taking over the management of the building, including maintenance, rent collection and regulatory issues.

It is an increasing focus of work for the business. Johnson added: “We’re seeing a growth in demand for our lettings property management services and being involved in quality developments like King William House is only adding to that.

“Residential developments are not just about completing the build and getting the tenants in, but ensuring effective management is put in place to ensure long-term success, and that the building remains in high demand.

“There is an important role to play to ensure all residents, who are paying rents which reflect the quality and location of the properties, are happy and that facilities are maintained to the standard at which they were when they moved in.

“The relationship between residents and those managing complexes such as this is paramount, and really important for those who own such developments.”

Garness Jones commercial property specialists are also handling sales of retail and leisure space on the ground floor of the former bank and office block, which has undergone a complete transformation from an empty 1970s building over the past 12 months.

It is expected to contain a mix of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure operators.