News

In a significant proposal poised to enhance the housing landscape in Stretford, Aamer Shah has submitted an application to Trafford Council aimed at converting a two-bedroom semi-detached home on Barton Road into a ten-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO). This initiative not only seeks to address the growing demand for modern rental accommodation but also emphasizes community harmony through...

In recent years, Kent has experienced a dramatic surge in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which has stirred a vigorous debate on their role in housing affordability versus the quality of living conditions they provide. With nearly 2,000 properties classified as HMOs scattered throughout the county, these shared accommodations, housing individuals from various households, have become a...

The recent proposal for a 32-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 337-341 Beverley Road in Hull has ignited a lively discussion among local residents and stakeholders. The historic property, once home to three terrace houses constructed in the late 19th century, has been utilized as an office space by the engineering consultancy Alan Wood & Partners. As this consultancy prepares to relocate, the...

In November 2024, substantial changes are on the horizon for second home owners in England, as council tax is set to double starting in2025. This development follows similar initiatives already seen in Scotland and Wales, intending to alleviate housing shortages in popular holiday locales. Homeowners may soon find their annual council tax bills soaring from an average of £2,171 to a staggering £4,342,...

In a bold move to address the ongoing housing crisis, the Conservative Party has unveiled a proposal for a significant reduction in capital gains tax specifically targeting landlords. This initiative, designed to incentivize the sale of rental properties to tenants, aims to enhance home ownership opportunities for individuals currently renting. As landlords stand to benefit substantially—saving an...

In November 2024, the planned expansion of Royal Holloway University in Egham, Surrey, which aims to increase the student population from over 12,000 to 15,000, has ignited a heated debate between local residents and student advocates. Many community members, including Councillor Andrea Berardi, have raised alarms regarding the potential strain on local resources and infrastructure. They argue that the...

In a notable move within the financial sector, RAW Capital Partners has appointed Mark Stevens as the new head of credit, a role key to the firm’s strategic ambitions. Stevens arrives with over four decades of banking experience, significant leadership positions at major institutions like Northern Trust, Butterfield Bank, and Barclays Bank, and a robust focus on credit and risk management. His...

As the UK property market braces for significant transformation in 2025, it presents an enticing opportunity for investors. The latest forecasts suggest a mainstream property price increase of 4% for the year, with impressive cumulative growth anticipated at23.4% over the next five years. Attractive regions such as the North West are expected to lead this growth, boasting a remarkable 30% increase in sales...

In a significant move for Scarborough's housing landscape, the local planning authority has granted approval for the conversion of a former bed and breakfast into the town's first 13-bedroom shared house, or House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision, reaching the public on December 12, 2024, came in the face of over 30 objections from nearby residents, who expressed apprehensions regarding...

Edinburgh is currently facing a significant housing crisis, with reports indicating that over 700 families are at risk due to the proliferation of unlicensed rental properties. Analysis from the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed that these families are living in substandard conditions across more than 30 properties that do not comply with regulations set for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The...