News

In a significant ruling for housing compliance, two landlords in Sittingbourne, Kent, have been fined over £25,000 for managing an overcrowded house in multiple occupation (HMO). This case, uncovered by Swale Borough Council's housing enforcement team, brings to light crucial violations related to occupancy limits and safety standards that all landlords must adhere to under the Housing Act2004. With a...

In a significant development for North Belfast, the local planning committee has once again denied a proposal to convert a residential property on Ponsonby Avenue into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This marks the second rejection within a six-month period, highlighting growing community concerns which have overshadowed council recommendations in favor of the conversions. With four HMO applications...

The City of Edinburgh Council has unveiled an urgent plan to relocate hundreds of homeless residents currently accommodated in unlicensed temporary housing, including Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) and hotels, ahead of a pressing deadline at the end of November2024. This measure has arisen against the backdrop of increasing housing demand attributed to the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which...

In December 2024, the UK real estate market witnessed a notable decrease in average asking prices, with figures recorded at a 1.7% drop as reported by the leading property portal Rightmove. Despite this reduction, the overall market activity remained robust, which is somewhat atypical for the season. This article explores the implications of these shifts on both buyers and sellers, while also considering...

In a controversial move, a plan to convert a bed and breakfast (B&B) into a 13-bed share house in a Yorkshire town has received approval from local authorities, despite overwhelming objections from residents. More than 30 local residents have formally opposed the development, raising alarm over the potential negative repercussions this change could have on the community, particularly in light of existing...

In recent discussions surrounding housing management in Caerphilly, a concerning revelation has come to light: local planning officers admit they do not possess a precise count of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the borough. This absence of data is alarming, as HMOs play a significant role in housing affordability and urban living conditions. The implications of this gap in regulation could...

As housing demands escalate across the UK, co-living spaces are emerging as a revolutionary solution designed to meet the evolving needs of modern renters. Co-living, which emphasizes shared living environments supplemented by communal spaces and amenities, is particularly appealing to younger demographics grappling with the high cost of living and the desire for community connection. Recent initiatives by...

BrewDog's co-founder, James Watt, has recently found himself at the center of a controversy after launching a poll on social media to gauge if he should postpone his marriage to television personality Georgia Toffolo in pursuit of tax relief. The proposal has sparked considerable backlash, with critics questioning the ethics and motivations underpinning such a decision. This incident highlights not only...

The UK property market has undergone notable fluctuations in late 2024, characterized by a slight dip in property prices and a robust increase in buyer demand as December approaches. Notably, the average asking prices for new listings saw a decrease of 1.7% in December, following a previous decline of1.4% in November (Rightmove, 2024). Despite this seasonal drop, buyer activity remained vigorous, propelled...

The housing landscape in the UK is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with co-living emerging as a promising solution to the country's pressing housing crisis. As urban areas, particularly London, grapple with a shortfall in affordable living options, co-living has started gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional housing models. This article examines the rise of co-living...