After almost 20 years of finding, adapting and creating accessible homes, I’ve learned that getting accommodation right comes down to a number of things, but something often overlooked is that every property journey is different.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person may be completely wrong for another.
Understanding the full picture
When I first become involved in a case, I need to understand the individual, their needs, their support network and their clinical requirements.
But I also need to understand where they are within the litigation process.
Is the claim ongoing?
Has liability been established?
Are interim payments being sought?
Where is the funding held?
What are the long-term objectives?
You must understand the full landscape before you can start looking seriously at the right accommodation solution.
And I’m not just thinking about what works today, but what impact decisions have years down the line.
Communication is key
A big part of my role is establishing where PLG fits within the wider team and how we dovetail with case managers, occupational therapists and legal teams.
That comes down to communication and managing expectations. It isn’t a one-off conversation.
There needs to be alignment between everyone involved throughout the property journey.
I also think it’s important to establish the wants, needs and non-negotiables early.
There will always be compromises, but everyone needs to understand what those compromises are and why they might be necessary.
Being honest about what the market can provide
Sometimes what someone wants, what they need and what the market can realistically provide aren’t the same thing.
I don’t think difficult conversations get easier the longer you leave them.
If the property someone needs doesn’t exist or can reasonably be created within a particular location or budget, we need to establish that as early as possible.
Our role at PLG as property finders is to provide a clear picture to help support and guide the decision-making process.
This often comes down to making sure that proportionate steps in the analysis of a property are taken at the right time, preventing abortive costs whilst leading relevant due diligence, whether through initial viewings, negotiations, suitability assessments, condition surveys, or transaction management.
You don’t necessarily need to use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, so having a balanced approach is key to the success of providing solutions in property matters.
The property market can influence the wider case
Real-time market information can be particularly important when a claim is still being litigated.
We’ve seen significant changes in the property market over the last few years, and that affects what can realistically be sourced.
I’ve seen this directly change the direction of an accommodation decision.
Recently, we were working with a client where the rental market was particularly challenging.
We carried out an exhaustive search and were able to demonstrate that the type of property the client needed simply wasn’t available.
That helped the legal team consider whether moving towards a purchase more quickly was the right course of action.
A property journey isn’t a straight line
I’ve always believed in joined-up thinking between property finding and architecture.
It doesn’t matter how well you find a property if you can’t negotiate the transaction. It doesn’t matter how well you negotiate if you can’t complete. And it doesn’t matter how well you complete if you can’t build out the property and deliver the end solution.
Every part needs to work together.
What we set out with at the beginning of a property search isn’t necessarily what we end up with at the end of an adaptation project.
A property might initially look perfect, but suitability and condition reports may show that it isn’t the right solution. Equally, they might demonstrate that a property has potential.
That’s why making decisions at the right point is so important.
Timing and expectations
I’m often asked when accommodation should be introduced into a case.
There isn’t one answer.
Sometimes we become involved while someone is still in a spinal unit because their discharge depends on suitable accommodation. In that situation, a rental search can be imperative.
But starting too early can also create problems.
If there is no realistic prospect of funding, families can find themselves looking at properties they aren’t in a position to move forward with. Something that should be positive can very quickly become negative.
The property journey takes time. You can’t be instructed today and expect to move into a new house in six weeks. There are always factors outside of anyone’s control.
The same applies to budget. It’s not simply about having £1 million and looking at £1 million houses.
There are adaptations, Stamp Duty, professional fees, surveys and other costs to consider, which for clients, may not always be fully understood.
Even a property that has already been adapted may need significant work because we’re adapting it for an individual. It’s not a generic adaptation.
Ultimately, every property journey evolves. The important thing is making sure everyone understands what has changed, what we’ve learned and what that means for the next decision.
There are a huge number of grey areas in property, but good communication and joined-up thinking give us the best chance of navigating them and finding the right solution.
If anyone would like to discuss specific challenges or areas where we can help, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Get in Contact With Glenn:
Email: glenn@plg.uk | Mobile: 07969 329 574
