Pictured above: (l-r) Malcolm Hart, Building Manager, Honggang Fu and Simon James, Sales Director for Hive

The first wave of residents has moved into Hive following a raft of sales to owner occupiers at the mixed use Masshouse development in Eastside.

The first purchaser to move into Hive was Chinese born, Honggang Fu, 22, who is currently studying for a finance degree at neighbouring Aston University. Honggang purchased a one bedroom corner apartment which enjoys views across the future site of Birmingham's City Park, as he explains:

"Hive is a beautiful building in a perfect location.  Being at Aston University I'm only a short walk from my campus and it feels like the city centre is on my doorstep. The Hive team have been really helpful in making sure that everything that I needed was taken care of. My apartment looks out over the area that is going to be developed at the City Park, so this was really an outstanding investment opportunity that I didn't want to miss."

Honggang was also the first resident at Hive to experience Nikal's hands on approach to customer service. The innovative developer has designed its own online Property Inspection Report and Home Handover system to ensure smooth moves into the development, alongside employing an in-house Customer Care team to support residents through the moving process and beyond, as sales director, Simon James explains:

"Many developers outsource customer care to third parties but we believe customer care belongs in-house with a team of people who are based onsite and fully understand every aspect of the building. Even more importantly, the Hive Customer Care team are working hard to get to know our residents, help them settle in and ensure they make the most of Birmingham and city living at Hive.

"Equally, our unique online Property Inspection Report and Home Handover system means that as we physically demonstrate purchasers' homes to them on the day they move in, we can immediately register and record any questions or queries they may have online. The online system will then automatically alert the relevant member of the Hive team so any questions or minor snagging issues can be addressed as quickly possible. It's a system we are confident will vastly improve and expedite the handover process for residents and one that reflects the forward thinking attitude of the Hive team."

Part of the wider £600m mixed-use Masshouse scheme in Birmingham's Eastside, Hive brings an exciting and innovative new collection of 167 studio suites, one and two bedroom apartments to the city centre. Set within walking distance of the Bullring and Colmore Business District, Hive has already proven to be an extremely attractive development with over 30 per cent of its stock already sold and the majority of purchasers being owner occupiers.

The second phase of properties released for sale and ready for immediate occupation, includes studio suites and one bedroom apartments in a choice of layouts, with prices starting from £90,000. Apartments available include indoor and outdoor living space, with a private urban garden also being offered for residents' enjoyment.  

All properties at Hive are powered by Birmingham District Energy Company (BDEC) - the first time residential homes in the city have benefitted from the city's district water heating system, saving an estimated 92 per cent of CO2 emissions and 30 per cent in hot water and heating bills.