hugg Homes, a new modular living concept, is giving tenants a value for money alternative to living in an overcrowded shared house. Marina Castella had been renting a room in a typical HMO (house in multiple occupation) in Southampton along with four other housemates but this was far from ideal. She’d had enough of the noise and stresses of living in a busy shared household but, when she and a friend looked for a two-bedroom flat, they found everything was out of their price bracket, until they came across hugg Homes.

hugg launched its first modular housing scheme in Southampton’s Chapel Riverside in December 2018. This pop-up mixed tenure housing development offers 22 high quality two-bedroom apartments, with private rents offered at below market rates to be in in line with the local housing allowance. hugg is able to capitalise on land that is going through the planning process by erecting temporary units to meet local housing needs.

Marina comments: “The price of renting through hugg was amazing compared to other two bedroom apartments we looked at, and I am even paying less here than I did in a big, hectic shared house. For me, living with just one other person is nice and quiet, and it is such a convenient location that I can walk easily walk to work in West Quay and the city centre.”

What is more the hugg Homes in Southampton are offered fully furnished and ready to move into, which was perfect for Marina, who had moved to the UK from Italy last year on a temporary basis. Each hugg comes furnished with contemporary furniture and fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, modern fully tiled shower room, electric heating and a lockable storage unit to the exterior. For residents’ peace of mind, the hugg development also has a local managing agent and 24-hour maintenance service provider.

Marina continues: “When I went inside the apartment I was very surprised at the space on offer and that it really was as nice as the photos I had seen. It has been great living in a brand new apartment, which is modern and well designed. When I think back to the difficulties and noise of a shared house where we only had one bathroom between five people, I realise how much my living situation has improved since moving to hugg.”