News

As we approach the first half of 2024, the UK real estate market is poised for a significant rebound, supported by favorable economic indicators and strategic investment opportunities. According to a recent report by Schroders Capital, the combination of declining inflation rates, stabilizing central bank interest rates, and an improved balance between demand and supply position the sector for growth. This...

Residents of East Durham are increasingly voicing their concerns over the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within their communities. A petition, which has gathered 153 signatures, has been submitted to Durham County Council, seeking tighter regulations on HMOs to prevent further disruption to local housing stability. Local councillor Kevin Shaw has highlighted the inadequacy of current...

The recent case in Sittingbourne, Kent, where two landlords faced a hefty fine of over £25,000, raises critical concerns regarding tenant safety and adherence to housing regulations. The Swale Borough Council's housing enforcement team's investigation unveiled serious violations in the operation of a house in multiple occupation (HMO), leading to a pivotal court decision aimed at safeguarding residents....

In a pioneering move towards combating domestic abuse, the government of Jersey, led by Housing Minister Sam Mezec, has unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing housing support for survivors transitioning from temporary refuge accommodations to independent living. A recent report has underscored the critical need to prioritize housing applications for these vulnerable individuals, reflecting...

Aamer Shah's ambitious proposal to transform a two-bedroom semi-detached house on Barton Road, Stretford, into a ten-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) has stirred discussions within the community and planning authorities. The application, which includes plans for a three-storey extension, seeks to address existing housing shortages in the area while raising concerns about potential anti-social...

Westminster City Council is inviting feedback on a proposed selective property licensing scheme targeting the private rented sector, with the aim of enhancing rental safety and quality across the borough by2026. The scheme is part of the council’s broader strategy to tackle the challenges posed by the housing crisis, especially in a locality with the largest private rented sector in England. All...

In a significant move that has caught the attention of both local and national stakeholders, Shelter Scotland has demanded the resignation of the leadership of the City of Edinburgh Council over its contentious approach to homelessness policies. The charity's condemnation follows a council decision to potentially decrease housing rights for vulnerable populations, just as Edinburgh grapples with the...

The UK rental market is undergoing a significant transformation as recent reports indicate that tenant demand has declined for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift in demand is set against a backdrop of fluctuating economic conditions, including rising interest rates and the increasing cost of living, which have begun to impact renters' abilities and willingness to secure new...

In a significant move aimed at addressing housing shortages across high-demand areas, new legislation will allow England’s local authorities to potentially double council tax on second homes starting from April2025. This comes in response to a 65% surge in the number of second homes in the UK from 2010 to 2023, culminating in a total of 482,000 properties. This drastic measure seeks to relieve some of...

In a contentious turn of events, Broadstairs councillors are set to deliberate a proposal to transform the Kent House nursing home into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) with 21 beds. Currently, the nursing home serves as a vital support facility for older individuals and those suffering from dementia, accommodating up to 25 residents. The application seeks to maintain the structure of the building with...