News

In response to mounting concerns regarding living conditions and community disturbances, Flintshire Council is set to introduce new licensing proposals aimed at regulating all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the region. Current estimates suggest that Flintshire houses around 400 HMOs, yet only a fraction—14 properties—are covered by the existing national licensing scheme. This...

In a significant move reflecting local community sentiments, the Belfast City Council has once again refused planning permission for a conversion of a property into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Ponsonby Avenue, North Belfast. This decision indicates a strong stance against the proliferation of HMOs in the area, highlighting ongoing concerns around community integrity and living standards. The...

Eastbourne Borough Council is taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which have become increasingly prevalent in the community. On November 1, 2024, the council unanimously approved a new strategy aimed at improving standards and reducing the negative impact of HMOs on local neighborhoods. The decision came after an extensive study that...

In a startling development, two houses on Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond, west London, collapsed during a major redevelopment effort aimed at converting them into co-living units. The incident, which occurred around 15:00 BST, raised significant concern in the local community; fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The site is part of an ongoing trend in housing aimed at providing affordable...

As the New Year approaches, an important notification has surfaced for UK households regarding their energy bills. Approximately nine million households are urged to submit their energy meter readings before the impending deadline of January 1,2025. This proactive step is vital in preventing any overcharges on subsequent bills. Furthermore, consumer experts are shedding light on hidden fees associated with...

In November 2024, Deloitte released its much-anticipated report on the commercial real estate outlook for 2025, which aims to guide industry leaders in navigating the complexities of modern real estate challenges while positioning their organizations for sustained growth. As businesses strive to adapt to rapidly shifting market dynamics, this report draws on the extensive experience of key Deloitte...

Edinburgh is grappling with an alarming homelessness crisis, intensifying calls for urgent reform in local governance and housing policies. Shelter Scotland, a prominent housing charity, has escalated its campaign for leadership accountability within the City of Edinburgh Council over their management of homelessness strategies, particularly concerning the controversial use of unlicensed houses in multiple...

The landscape of housing in Kent is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). With nearly 2,000 HMOs scattered across the region, this communal living arrangement raises important questions about living standards, social interaction, and community dynamics. Almost 475,000 HMOs exist in England, reflecting a national trend towards shared...

In 2025, London's ongoing housing crisis has seen a surge in families being temporarily relocated to cities like Manchester, raising significant concerns about the living conditions in these accommodations. Families facing homelessness are finding themselves in substandard situations, such as overcrowded rooms with serious health hazards. Reports have surfaced, highlighting the struggles of these families,...

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...