News

In 2024, the UK housing market has experienced a robust resurgence, characterized by a notable increase of approximately3.4% in house prices since the beginning of the year, culminating in an average price of £292,000 as reported in October (Nationwide Building Society, 2024). This upward trend is further corroborated by the Nationwide House Price Index, which recorded an even higher annual rise of...

As we look ahead to 2025, the UK property market is set to navigate rising challenges, particularly in the realm of mortgages and homebuyer affordability. Despite a slight reduction in the Bank of England's base interest rate, which dropped from5.25% to4.75% in late 2024, many households continue to feel the financial strain. The average mortgage rate for first-time buyers hovers around5.4%, a stark...

The UK property market is entering a challenging phase as it approaches 2025, with multiple economic factors contributing to a troublesome landscape for home buyers. The most significant factors include rising mortgage rates, persistent inflation, and modest predictions for economic growth. Although there has been a slight decrease in the Bank of England's base interest rate, many households continue to...

The commercial real estate (CRE) sector is undergoing notable transformations as it adapts to shifting market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving tenant expectations. As we look ahead to 2025, organizations face challenges such as rising interest rates, sustainability demands, and the increasing significance of hybrid work models. To provide clarity and strategic insights for navigating...

In November 2024, Deloitte Insights released a comprehensive analysis focusing on the trends and strategic considerations shaping the commercial real estate sector as we approach2025. This timely report, developed by industry leaders Jeff and Kathy, aims to guide executives through the evolving landscape marked by challenges arising from the pandemic, economic fluctuations, and changing consumer behaviors....

In the rapidly evolving rental landscape of Belfast, prospective tenants must be vigilant regarding the licensing status of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). The importance of ensuring that these shared living spaces are properly licensed cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts tenant safety, living quality, and overall management standards. As highlighted by Belfast City Council, the licensing...

In November 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council committed to an urgent plan to relocate hundreds of homeless individuals from unlicensed accommodations due to serious legal and health compliance concerns. The decision comes after the council faced warnings about potential legal ramifications for financially supporting unlicensed operators amidst a burgeoning homelessness crisis exacerbated by the aftermath...

In a bid to tackle the escalating housing crisis in the Scottish capital, the City of Edinburgh Council has put forth an urgent plan to relocate over 700 homeless residents currently living in unlicensed temporary accommodations. This proactive measure comes amid rising concerns regarding health, safety, and legal compliance within the housing sector. The decision is particularly significant as it...

In a significant decision reflecting growing community concerns, North Belfast has once again rejected a planning application to convert a residential house on Ponsonby Avenue into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This marks the second rejection of such an application on this street within six months, as local authorities and residents express rising apprehension over the impacts of HMOs on...

Kent is witnessing a notable trend in its housing sector, marked by a significant increase in houses in multiple occupations (HMOs). Currently, there are nearly 2,000 HMOs across the region, reflecting a shift towards communal living and a solution to rising housing demands. Defined as properties that accommodate individuals from more than one household, HMOs often feature shared facilities and are popular...