Allied Souter & Jaffrey are delighted to announce the commencement of a significant contract to oversee the refurbishment and re-sale of 320 former RAF houses adjacent to the airbase at Kinloss. 302 houses at Southside estate and 18 former officer's homes at Kinloss Park have been acquired by the Julian Hodge Bank, a Wales based private bank and developer with vast experience in dealing with the complexities of converting MOD property for the wider marketplace. The imposing Kinloss House also forms part of the acquisition.

Having worked extensively in assisiting the Bank's initial bid for Preferred Bidder status and subsequently in providing essential Cost Advice required for the final offer, we look forward to providing professional advice across all of our Divisions to enable the consortium to bring the project to a successful conclusion. AS&J's Quantity Surveying Division, headed by it's principal, John Stephen, will provide a full professional service for all works, including full Project Management, reporting fortnightly to the client. John commented: "I have enjoyed dealing with Julian Hodge Bank's team since their first visit in 08 and look forward to working with them over the next 2 years. They know exactly what they want and it's Allied Souter and Jaffrey's job to deliver it!"

Our General practice Division will provide Valuation and Home Report advice, including identifying the best use of any community facilities which may form part of the project, and also identify the best options for disposal of Kinloss House.

The timing of sale of the houses is expected to coincide with recovery in the economy and in the property markets throughout the UK. AS&J Director Jeff Collins confirmed: "The housing market in the Moray and Highland area has been affected by the current downturn, but only mildly in comparison with much of the UK. We expect a vigorous recovery in due course, at which time the Kinloss properties will provide outstanding value for money, especially for the fist time buyer."

Furthermore, Allied Souter & Jaffrey's Factoring Department, who already provide Factoring services on over 2000 houses throughout the Highlands and Moray, is already woeking closely with Julian Hoddge Bank in setting up maintenance contracts, ranging from grass cutting to maintenance of the sewer systems.

This is the developer's largest venture in Scotland and we aim to ensure that it is both enjoyable and successful, and that it encourages them to invest further funds in the area.