News

Kent is witnessing a significant transformation in its housing landscape, marked by the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). With nearly 2,000 such properties across the county, these accommodations are becoming a vital part of the local housing market. Reporter Dan Esson delves into the experiences of tenants and landlords, capturing the essence of life in these shared spaces where...

In an effort to stimulate home ownership within Northern Ireland, the Conservative Party has unveiled a bold proposal for significant tax cuts targeted at landlords. This initiative is tailored to encourage landlords to sell their properties directly to tenants, potentially resulting in substantial financial savings. Under the proposed changes to capital gains tax, landlords could see savings exceeding...

In a significant move towards fairer taxation, the Welsh Government has put forward proposals to reclassify Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) as single dwellings for Council Tax purposes. This legislative initiative, currently open for public feedback, aims to rectify what many have termed an unjust tax framework, where residents of HMOs are burdened with tax bills calculated on a per-room basis,...

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are emerging as a lucrative investment avenue for landlords in the UK, providing impressive rental yields that can significantly enhance profitability. Research conducted by Paragon indicates that HMOs are averaging rental yields of8.34%, a compelling statistic for seasoned and novice landlords alike (Paragon, 2024). As the housing market adjusts to economic shifts...

In an intriguing twist within the food industry, the plant-based sector is experiencing a significant decline despite its earlier rapid growth. A recent report by the Good Food Institute highlights a notable decrease of9.9% in unit sales of plant-based foods in the UK from 2022 to 2023, raising questions about the future of this once-booming market. Renowned chef Neil Rankin, who ventured into the vegan...

In November 2024, the UK housing market is witnessing an impressive turnaround, with estate agents reporting a substantial increase in property listings—the highest level observed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge is largely attributed to a recent decline in mortgage rates, which has not only invigorated buyer interest but also bolstered seller confidence. As more homeowners feel...

In a recent development that aims to enhance housing availability, a property in Trecenydd has been granted permission to be converted into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), which will cater to up to four residents. This decision by the local council signifies an important move towards addressing the increasing demand for affordable and flexible living arrangements in the area, amidst rising housing...

Scarborough's planning authority has recently approved a controversial application to convert a former bed and breakfast into a 13-bedroom share house, despite intense opposition from local residents. The decision follows a planning meeting on December 12, where community concerns about potential antisocial behaviour, waste management, and the overall impact on the town’s character were discussed. This...

In November 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council has taken a significant step to address the rising homelessness crisis by approving a plan to relocate hundreds of homeless residents from unlicensed hotels and bed and breakfasts. This plan has come into action amidst growing concerns over the welfare of individuals living in substandard conditions, as over 700 households were discovered to be residing in 28...

The recent budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sparked a varied range of responses among property experts, particularly concerning the housing market's trajectory. Significant changes included an immediate increase in the Stamp Duty surcharge on second homes from 2% to 5%. This move has raised concerns about affordability and accessibility in the housing sector, with stakeholders expressing...