Managing Director of Wyatt Homes Shaun Pettitt sat down with Showhome Editor Joseph Clarke to discuss challenges, trends and future predictions for the new build industry
Shaun Pettitt is the Managing Director at Wyatt Homes. He joined Wyatt Homes in May 2023 as the Poole-based housebuilder entered a significant new phase of growth. Wyatt Homes has been designing and building beautiful, award-winning homes in sought-after communities across the South-West for over 30 years. Based in Dorset, they are a privately owned business with a commitment to providing homes that combine the very best in architecture with high-specification interiors. I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Shaun Pettitt to find out about how housing developers, like Wyatt Homes, can overcome challenges in the market and keep up with building trends.
Could you begin by telling us about your professional journey within the housing industry?
Certainly, my journey within the housebuilding industry has been quite diverse. I began my career in the public sector with a background in town planning and moved into the housebuilding industry to work initially in both immediate and strategic land acquisition, eventually progressing to the role of divisional Managing Director for a PLC housebuilder at the age of 35. When the prospect of becoming the first externally appointed Managing Director of Wyatt Homes was presented, it was just too good an opportunity to turn down given the unique approach of the Company to the design, quality and service. This journey has given me a well-rounded perspective on the intricacies of the housebuilding industry, allowing me to bring a comprehensive approach to our projects.
What are some of the challenges that house builders/developers are faced with currently?
In today’s housing market, housebuilders are grappling with a range of challenges. Having contended in recent years with disruptions in the supply chain and escalating costs of construction materials, we are now presented with a market where consumer activity has been tempered by the impacts of the rising cost of living, coupled with successive increases in mortgage borrowing rates associated with rises in the Bank of England base rate. Beyond this, the ever-increasing complexity and delay associated with the planning system, in particular the challenges of delivering new developments that successfully achieve nutrient neutrality, means that the timely delivery of new developments and opening of new sales outlets remains a challenge for the industry as a whole.
How do you overcome these challenges at Wyatt Homes?
At Wyatt Homes, we’re proud to offer a product to the market, that is distinct from a majority of our competitors, in terms of the unique design that responds positively to the local vernacular, together with a high level of internal specification and finish, building in locations that have a strong buyer appeal. This approach, together with the energy efficiency of our new homes, has ensured that we remain attractive to would-be purchasers, and in particular to those looking to make a move to their ‘forever home’.
With regards to planning, Wyatt Homes has a strong strategic land bank that it has invested in over many years. This means that we have greater visibility of our future pipeline of sites, and can afford to invest time in cultivating schemes working with local communities and planning authorities to ensure that we strike the right balance and deliver new homes that are both attractive and sympathetic to the immediate surroundings.
What can developers do to contribute to the natural environment around new developments?
As a responsible developer, we understand the importance of synchronising with the natural environment. At Wyatt Homes, we’re committed to this cause by creating green spaces, implementing sustainable landscaping, and employing eco-conscious construction practices that promote biodiversity. This approach fosters a balance between residents and their natural surroundings, showcasing our dedication to responsible development.
Our forthcoming project, Mountbatten Park in North Baddesley, serves as a prime example of focus on sustainability. Collectively, we are creating a community that promotes walking and cycling and integrates farming for local food consumption, including edible streets. Additionally, our homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind. We prioritise the use of sustainable local materials that complement the area’s aesthetic whenever feasible.
What role is sustainability playing in the design and build of new homes?
Sustainability is the guiding principle of our design philosophy. In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, it’s imperative for housebuilders to embrace eco-friendliness.
At Wyatt Homes, sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our designs. We integrate energy-efficient technologies, utilise sustainable materials, and adopt eco-conscious construction methods. This aligns seamlessly with the UK’s push for greener housing solutions.
What is Wyatt Homes doing to keep up with this trend?
Many of our homes incorporate innovative eco-friendly features such as solar panels, EV charging points, and energy-efficient LED lighting as standard.
This commitment is extended to the homes we are building at Mountbatten Park in North Baddesley, as part of the Ashfield Partnership. Here, our collective vision is to blend traditional building practices with modern sustainability initiatives. This includes the provision of air source heat pumps in lieu of gas boilers, support for food and farming projects, enhancing biodiversity and promoting positive social outcomes.
As we continue to grow, we are increasingly aware of the impact our activities and decisions have on the economy, the environment, and the communities we serve. We are committed to making choices that benefit all three.
Have you found that more house buyers are prioritising energy efficiency in a new home? What is being done to cater to these needs?
Absolutely, energy efficiency has gained significant traction among UK homebuyers. To address this demand, Wyatt Homes integrates energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy solutions into our homes and we are continually reviewing the latest advancements in sustainable technologies to ensure we continue to offer our customers a low energy new home.
What are your predictions for the future housing market?
I think that location will always be the top priority for home buyers. Quality is crucial as well, but sustainability is increasingly becoming a significant consideration driven by higher energy prices and a greater social and ethical awareness among buyers.
How does Wyatt Homes plan to keep up with changes in the market?
At Wyatt Homes, we place a strong emphasis on adaptability. We remain vigilant by closely tracking market trends and continuously refining our offerings to align with the evolving preferences of today’s homeowners in the ever-changing housing market.
Our agility as a company allows us to swiftly respond to the needs and desires of our buyers. We highly value customer feedback and actively incorporate it into our decision-making processes, from evolving the configuration and layout of our new homes to considering the relationship and interaction of open spaces, streets and public spaces to the new homes we build.
