News

In a significant move, the Belfast City Council has denied an application for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) license for a property located on Sandymount Street in the Stranmillis area. This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the proliferation of HMOs in the locality, where current numbers have exceeded the council’s set limits by over threefold. The property in question had been owned...

In an unusual series of events, residents of Howard Road in Southampton have raised concerns over freshly painted DIY double yellow lines that have appeared throughout the area, particularly across the driveway of a local multiple occupation (HMO) property. This unexpected development has prompted inquiries into how these unofficial markings came to be, especially considering their proximity to already...

The proposal to convert Kent House nursing home in Broadstairs into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has ignited fierce debate among local residents and council members, set for deliberation during the upcoming council meeting next week. N & I Holdings Limited has submitted an application to change the use of the facility, currently serving up to 25 senior residents, into an HMO with minimal...

Westminster City Council is initiating a significant consultation process aimed at gathering feedback from a wide array of stakeholders, including tenants, landlords, and property agents, concerning a proposed new selective licensing scheme for private rented homes across the borough. This initiative arises in light of the increasing challenges posed by the housing market, namely a shortage of social...

In a bold move to address housing needs in Stretford, Aamer Shah has submitted a planning application to Trafford Council that seeks to convert a modest two-bedroom semi-detached home on Barton Road into a ten-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO). This proposal is noteworthy not only for its scale but also for the strategies promised to mitigate community concerns such as noise disturbances and...

Edinburgh is currently grappling with a significant homelessness crisis, which has been exacerbated by rising living costs and a shortage of affordable housing. In response, the City of Edinburgh Council has implemented emergency housing measures, utilizing local hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments to provide temporary accommodation for those in need. Recently, the council announced plans for a...

In November 2024, the UK property insurance landscape has been significantly impacted by extreme weather, resulting in an unprecedented surge in claims. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that, from January to September 2024, claims payouts have reached a historic £4.1 billion, a 15% increase since last year. Notably, severe weather events such as storms and floodings have escalated the...

In a move that is set to invigorate the Buy to Let market, Foundation Home Loans has announced the launch of its revamped Specials range, effective from 12th November2024. This new offering provides competitive mortgage rates across two distinct tiers, F1 and F2, aimed at catering to a diverse clientele ranging from first-time landlords to portfolio investors. The innovative approach takes into account...

In a significant move aimed at stimulating economic recovery, the Bank of England has cut its base interest rate from 5% to4.75%. This decision comes in response to a marked decrease in UK inflation, which has reached a three-and-a-half-year low of 1.7% (UK Office for National Statistics, 2023). For borrowers, especially those with variable-rate mortgages, this cut provides a welcomed respite amidst the...

As we approach 2025, the commercial real estate sector is poised for significant transformations driven by evolving market dynamics and innovative strategies. Recent insights from Deloitte highlight how organizations can navigate the complexities of the current landscape while positioning themselves for future growth. Guided by the expertise of seasoned professionals such as Jeff and Kathy from Deloitte,...