News

As 2025 approaches, potential homebuyers in the UK are grappling with whether now is the prime time to purchase a house. Recent data reveals that the Nationwide House Price Index shows a notable rise in property values, with an increase of approximately3.7% year-on-year as of November 2024, bringing the average property price to around £286,144. However, the housing market presents a mixed picture,...

The UK real estate market is poised for a significant recovery in 2025, buoyed by a combination of robust economic performance and transformative policy changes enacted in2024. Following a year marked by stable inflation rates and a decisive shift in monetary policy from the Bank of England, the outlook for both residential and commercial property sectors signals renewed confidence and investment...

In an ambitious move towards addressing housing demands in Stretford, Aamer Shah has presented a planning application to Trafford Council aimed at transforming a modest two-bedroom semi-detached house on Barton Road into a 10-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This proposal, part of a broader strategy to enhance local housing opportunities, envisions a three-storey extension that accommodates...

In a decisive action aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced an urgent plan to relocate homeless individuals currently residing in unlicensed accommodations by December2024. With more than 700 households living in hotels and B&Bs that fail to meet the regulatory standards for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), this move seeks to...

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have witnessed a significant uptick in Kent, with nearly 2,000 properties currently designated as HMOs. These residential arrangements, which accommodate multiple tenants from separate households, are increasingly becoming a vital solution to housing shortages in urban areas. However, despite the practical necessity of these living situations, they have stirred a range...

In an effort to address housing demands in Caldicot, a proposal has been submitted to repurpose the site of a former funeral directors, Robert Howell & Son, into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) featuring six ensuite bedrooms. This development plan, which is currently under consideration by the Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee, insists on maintaining communal living facilities while...

In 2025, second homeowners in England are poised for significant financial shifts as new legislation permits local authorities to impose a council tax premium of up to 100%. This measure, echoing recent policy changes in Scotland and Wales, aims to tackle the pressing housing shortages exacerbated by the popularity of second homes in picturesque areas like Cornwall and South Hams. As the average council...

In the current UK property market, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are proving to be highly lucrative investments, yielding an impressive average rental return of8.34%. Recent research conducted by Paragon has revealed that the ongoing shift in rental prices and the stabilization of house price growth is encouraging landlords to refocus their strategies towards maximizing income through HMOs. This...

As we approach the end of 2024, the UK property market is gearing up for significant transitions expected in2025. Analysts foresee a shift towards a 'buyer's market' characterized by increased choices for home buyers and improved negotiating power. Factors such as decreasing mortgage rates, alongside projected increases in house prices, suggest a sunlit horizon amidst previous uncertainties. In this...

In a significant shift to property taxation, local authorities across England are preparing for a dramatic increase in council tax on second homes come2025. This initiative, established under recently enacted legislation, allows councils to impose a 100% premium on non-primary residences, effectively doubling the average council tax bill from approximately £2,171 to a staggering £4,342 (Smith, 2024). The...