News

As Belfast continues to grow as a vibrant city, the demand for shared rental accommodations has significantly increased, leading to a rise in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). To ensure the safety and welfare of tenants, Belfast City Council underscores the necessity of HMO licensing for both tenants and landlords. Under the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (NI) 2016, which came into full effect in...

In a notable shift reflecting the challenges faced by seasonal tourism in Wales, the Driftwood, a boutique bed and breakfast in Rhosneigr, Anglesey, has announced plans to convert its operations into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). This decision comes on the heels of a significant refurbishment completed in 2022, which aimed to enhance its appeal. However, the owners, grappling with low visitor...

In a bid to revitalise the Radcliffe area, plans have been submitted to convert two long-vacant public houses into modern shared living spaces, catering to a total of 20 residents. The proposals for The Railway Hotel and The Morning Star have sparked interest among local stakeholders and are currently under review by Bury Council. This initiative not only aims to address the shortage of quality...

In a significant decision reflecting growing community concerns, the local council in North Belfast has recently rejected proposals to convert four residential properties into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Notably, a house on Ponsonby Avenue faced denial for the second time in just six months, as Sinn Féin led opposition against the conversions, highlighting the rising unease among residents...

The City of Edinburgh Council has launched a decisive initiative to address the urgent issue of homelessness within the city. Following a significant rise in the demand for temporary housing post-Covid-19, the council has committed to relocating over 700 individuals currently residing in unlicensed hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments to compliant accommodations by December2024. This measure not...

Navigating the complexities of the housing market has never been more challenging, particularly against the backdrop of rising interest rates. Recent commentary from Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, as reported in the latest Bank of England Money and Credit Report, has shed light on the pressing shifts within the property sector. Emerson underscores the critical role that consumer confidence plays in...

In November 2024, the reinsurance landscape is experiencing a robust transformation, particularly in the property catastrophe sector. A report by Guy Carpenter highlights a notable shift in reinsurer appetite, which has surged by 10% to 15%, while demand has simultaneously risen by 5%. This development has led to significant oversubscription in the market, indicating heightened interest among reinsurers to...

Plans to convert a former bed and breakfast into a 13-bed share house in Scarborough have been given the green light by the local planning authority, despite significant objections from community members. Over 30 residents voiced their concerns regarding potential antisocial behaviour, the impact on neighbourhood amenity, and waste management issues that such a development might bring to the area. The...

In a significant decision reflecting community sentiment, the Merthyr Tydfil planning committee has voted against the development of two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Galon Uchaf and Merthyr Vale. This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of local opposition, with residents voicing worries over highway safety, parking issues, and the overall character of their neighbourhoods. The proposals involved...

In a troubling development for the Richmond community, two houses on Lower Mortlake Road partially collapsed during renovation work aimed at transforming them into co-living units. The incident took place on a Tuesday afternoon, around 15:00 BST, sparking immediate action from emergency services. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the collapse. The project, initiated by developers...