News

As we approach the end of 2024, the UK property market is poised for a notable transition towards a buyer's market in 2025, offering house hunters an increasingly advantageous position. Analysts, including Aneisha Beveridge from Hamptons, are observing a shift characterized by a growing sense of cautious optimism as factors such as decreased mortgage rates come to the forefront. Despite the optimism,...

As Belfast continues to grow, the demand for shared accommodation remains high, making it crucial for tenants to be aware of their rights and the safety standards applicable to their rental properties. Recent reminders from the Belfast City Council underscore the importance of ensuring that rentals classified as Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are properly licensed. This article outlines why verifying...

In November 2024, Scarborough's planning committee made the controversial decision to approve the conversion of a former bed and breakfast at 7 Blands Cliff into a 13-bedroom shared accommodation. This decision comes despite considerable dissent from local residents, who raised over 30 objections against the proposal. Concerns predominantly centred around the fear of antisocial behaviour, strains on local...

In a decisive move aimed at addressing the pervasive housing crisis in Edinburgh, the City Council has initiated the relocation of at least 700 homeless residents currently occupying 30 properties identified as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This restructuring is pivotal as these properties have failed to secure legal licenses, which are essential for ensuring the safety and welfare of...

As Edinburgh grapples with an escalating housing crisis, the City Council has made a decisive move to address the precarious situation of hundreds of homeless individuals currently lodged in unlicensed accommodations. Over 700 households remain in 28 properties that fail to comply with the necessary licensure requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), prompting the council to implement an urgent...

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have become a rising phenomenon in Kent, with nearly 2,000 such residences reported in the area. Defined as properties where tenants from different households share living spaces and amenities, HMOs are part of a larger national trend—with around 475,000 recorded across England (MCHLG, 2023). Kent's HMOs vary in size, from traditional family homes repurposed into...

In 2025, a pressing housing crisis continues to unfold in the UK, prompting serious concerns about its impact on vulnerable families. This crisis has led to the relocation of homeless families from London to cities like Manchester, where they face significant challenges in securing safe and adequate housing. The staggering rise in housing costs in London has forced many families into precarious situations,...

In a significant development for local residents, Sinn Féin has recently influenced the decision to deny the conversion of four properties in North Belfast into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in2024. Notably, a property on Ponsonby Avenue was at the center of attention, marking the second time in six months that an application for HMO conversion has been rejected for this site, despite advice from...

The ongoing debate between real estate and the stock market as the preferred investment avenue has garnered significant attention among investors, particularly in light of recent economic fluctuations. Historically, both asset classes have demonstrated distinct characteristics and performance metrics that cater to different investment philosophies and risk profiles. Investors must weigh the potential for...

In November 2024, the UK property market is poised at a crossroads, with expectations for 2025 showcasing a potential transformation into a buyers' paradise, albeit with some taxing challenges. Analysts are suggesting a distinctly positive shift from the cautious atmosphere of recent years, attributed to declining mortgage rates and a greater supply of properties. This article delves into the prognostics...