News

As November progresses, Belfast City Council reminds renters of the essential requirement for ensuring that their shared living accommodations are licensed as Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This is particularly relevant for students and new residents in the city. With the ongoing rise in demand for rental properties, familiarity with HMO regulations is increasingly critical. According to Belfast...

In November 2024, the Welsh Government has presented a draft legislation proposal that could fundamentally alter the taxation landscape for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The initiative seeks to redefine the classification of HMOs for Council Tax purposes, treating them as single dwellings rather than applying separate charges to individual rooms. This reform is a direct response to the escalating...

In November 2024, Scarborough has found itself at the centre of a heated debate following the approval of a planning application to convert a former bed and breakfast into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision, which will transform the property at 7 Blands Cliff into a 13-bed shared living arrangement, has elicited a strong response from local residents, with over 30 objections submitted to...

On September 11, 2024, residents of Richmond were left in shock as a renovation project aimed at creating co-living units led to the sudden collapse of two houses on Lower Mortlake Road. Occurring shortly after 3:00 PM BST, the incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services, although thankfully, no injuries were reported. The redevelopment project, which had received planning approval from...

The UK economy is currently navigating through a patchwork of mixed signals, with the FTSE 100 recently reaching an unprecedented high largely fueled by investor optimism. This surge is attributed to a weakened pound and adjustments to market predictions about interest rates, particularly as the Bank of England hints at possible rate reductions. Concurrently, Chancellor Rachel Reeves found some solace in...

As we approach the end of 2024, UK estate agents are expressing a robustly optimistic outlook for the housing market in2025. Despite the current pressures exerted by rising borrowing costs, agents believe that house prices and sales volumes will see significant growth. This positive sentiment has emerged in the context of various underlying trends and factors that could potentially propel the housing...

In November 2024, Deloitte released its highly anticipated 2025 Commercial Real Estate Outlook, providing organizational leaders with crucial insights to navigate the ongoing challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the sector. The report consolidates the expertise of seasoned professionals, including Jeff, a U.S. Real Estate partner with three decades of experience in audit and accounting,...

On a Tuesday afternoon, the quiet suburb of Richmond was jolted by a dramatic incident as two houses on Lower Mortlake Road unexpectedly collapsed during redevelopments intended for co-living. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene around 15:00 BST, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The London Fire Brigade has initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident, drawing attention...

In a significant shift to address its ongoing housing crisis, Spain's government has proposed a controversial tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by non-EU buyers, which could have far-reaching implications for foreign investment in the country. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez articulated the necessity of this measure, aiming to alleviate the disparity between affluent landlords and struggling tenants...

In a significant development for Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, two former public houses—the Railway Hotel and the Morning Star—are set to be transformed into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This redevelopment aims to create modern accommodation for residents and visitors alike, responding to the growing demand for housing in the area. The Railway Hotel has remained closed for several years,...