News

In a bold move that has captured media attention and sparked public outrage, Shelter Scotland has called for the resignation of the City of Edinburgh Council leadership. The charity alleges that the council’s proposed use of unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for accommodating the homeless violates the rights of vulnerable individuals, undermining legal and human rights protections. This...

In North Belfast, the ongoing debate surrounding the conversion of traditional residential houses into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has gained momentum, reflecting a community deeply invested in preserving neighborhood dynamics. This year has seen several noteworthy refusals, including a recent application for a property on Ponsonby Avenue, which faced significant pushback, primarily led by Sinn...

In Caerphilly, the growing concern surrounding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is as prominent as ever, with council planners acknowledging significant uncertainty regarding the actual number of such properties in the area. This uncertainty poses challenges for local planning and housing regulations aimed at ensuring balanced community growth and resource utilization. As the borough grapples with the...

Westminster City Council is set to engage residents in a consultation regarding a proposed selective licensing scheme targeting private rented homes within the city. The initiative, aimed primarily at residences occupied by families or a maximum of two sharers, comes in response to the growing private rental sector in England amid an ongoing housing crisis. As many residents struggle to access social...

The upcoming council tax hikes on second homes in England are poised to bring significant changes for homeowners, as local authorities prepare for the reforms set to take effect in April2025. Following similar initiatives in Scotland and Wales, these new regulations aim to address the housing crisis in popular tourist areas, where local residents often struggle to afford homes due to a scarcity of...

On November 25, 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a budget speech that introduced significant changes to the UK's mortgage and property markets. A key highlight was the immediate increase of Stamp Duty for second homes from 2% to 5%, which many experts believe could negatively affect property sales, especially for those transitioning between homes. Industry responses varied, with some expressing...

Edinburgh continues to grapple with a homelessness crisis as the city council has approved the extended use of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) to accommodate homeless individuals, despite lingering safety and quality concerns. This emergency measure reflects a growing reliance on temporary housing solutions to address the urgent needs of the city's vulnerable populations. Proponents argue that immediate shelter...

The UK commercial real estate sector is poised for a significant comeback in 2024, as industry experts predict that favorable economic conditions will stimulate a rebound in investment activities. According to the latest Real Estate Investment Forecasts (REIF), crucial factors such as anticipated interest rate cuts, a decrease in inflation, and improved opportunities in debt financing are set to play...

The housing crisis in Greenwich has escalated to alarming levels, triggering a wave of evacuations as families are relocated to distant cities like Manchester due to a severe shortage of safe and adequate housing. This ongoing predicament is not merely an isolated incident but reflects a broader systemic failure in the housing market, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. Recently, the harrowing...

The UK rental market, once buoyant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now showing signs of decline as demand for rental properties has dipped for the first time since March2020. Recent reports from estate agents highlight a slowdown in rental price increases, reflecting a potential shift in tenant behavior and preferences. This trend is poised to impact not just tenants seeking more affordable...