News

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced significant reforms in its approach to accommodation for the homeless, declaring a firm commitment to end the use of unlicensed hotels and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) by the end of December. This decision comes as a response to legal concerns regarding the safety and regulatory compliance of the accommodations where over 700 households currently reside. These...

The Welsh Government has recently unveiled proposals to revamp the Council Tax regulations for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) amidst a growing need for affordable housing solutions across the region. Currently, HMOs benefit from a system that allows them to be disaggregated for Council Tax purposes, which means each rental room is assessed separately, leading to individual property tax bills. This...

In a recent decision reflecting local sentiment, Hull City Council has rejected a proposal to convert an office block on Beverley Road into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). The application was submitted by the engineering consultancy Alan Wood and Partners for the transformation of their premises into a 32-bed unit equipped with amenities such as a cinema and gym, aimed at offering affordable housing...

In recent years, north-west England has witnessed a concerning trend regarding licensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). A report by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) indicates a decline in the number of licensed HMOs following an increase from 2013 to2018. Various factors, including new regulations, high-interest rates, and complex licensing processes, are contributing to this...

In a significant development for the Brownhills community, planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a bungalow at 205 High Street into an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision comes despite considerable pushback from local residents who fear the impact on their community. The proposed changes will involve significant alterations to the existing structure,...

The plans proposed by C&F Property Solutions Ltd to convert a family home on Cuba Street in Sunderland into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been withdrawn, primarily due to significant local opposition and crime-related concerns. Following input from Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police, the proposal highlighted the potential negative impact of such a conversion on community safety and...

On a Tuesday afternoon at approximately 15:00 BST, two houses in Richmond, west London, experienced a dramatic collapse during an ongoing renovation project aimed at transforming them into 14 co-living units. Despite the structural failure, emergency services reported no injuries at the scene, and the London Fire Brigade has commenced an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident. The renovation...

Foundation Home Loans has recently unveiled an updated range of competitive Buy to Let Specials, which will come into effect starting November 12,2024. These new offerings are tailored specifically for landlords, featuring two distinct tiers aimed at accommodating various borrower profiles. The F1 tier is dedicated to those with a nearly clean credit history, while the F2 tier targets clients who may have...

In recent years, golden visa programs have gained popularity among high-net-worth individuals seeking to invest in Europe while gaining residency rights. These programs allow investors to live and work in a country by making a substantial financial commitment, typically in real estate, business ventures, or government bonds. As of 2023, several European Union (EU) nations continue to offer attractive...

In a bold proposal that has sparked significant local interest and debate, Aamer Shah has submitted plans to Trafford Council to convert a modest two-bedroom semi-detached house on Barton Road in Stretford into a sizeable ten-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO). The application, which has attracted attention from residents and local authorities alike, outlines several measures aimed at addressing...