News

In a decisive move to combat the ongoing homelessness crisis, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced plans to relocate over 700 homeless residents currently residing in unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This action comes as a response to the increasing number of individuals seeking shelter and the growing concerns raised by shelter charities and local councillors regarding the adequacy...

In a decisive move reflecting community sentiment, North Belfast councillors have once again rejected a proposal to convert a residential house on Ponsonby Avenue into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This marks the second rejection within six months, with local representatives, particularly from Sinn Féin, voicing clear opposition to the conversion amidst ongoing concerns regarding the impact of...

As we approach 2025, investors are increasingly turning their attention to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as a promising avenue for diversifying portfolios and securing stable income through commercial real estate investments. REITs have garnered attention for their ability to provide substantial current income and potential capital appreciation, making them an attractive option in today’s...

In a distressing development in Poole, Dorset, the local police have launched an investigation following the tragic discovery of the bodies of an elderly couple, both aged in their 70s, at a residence on Anthony’s Avenue. The police were alerted to the scene at 11:35 AM on a Tuesday morning, where first responders found the deceased individuals inside. Authorities confirmed the couple were known to each...

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have become a prominent feature of Kent's residential landscape, accommodating nearly 2,000 tenants across the region. The diversity of these properties ranges from modest homes to extensive accommodations, such as a 52-bedroom HMO in Folkestone, designed to meet the demands of an increasing population of renters (Kent County Council, 2024). As the number of HMOs rises,...

In a recent decision by Belfast City Council, community concerns have taken precedence over planning recommendations as four applications for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in north Belfast were rejected this year. Following significant local opposition driven by Sinn Féin representatives, the conversions have been turned down, highlighting a growing unease around the increasing number of HMOs in...

As winter approaches, the City of Edinburgh Council has embarked on a pivotal initiative aimed at relocating hundreds of homeless individuals currently residing in unlicensed accommodations. This urgent action comes in response to the rising number of people in temporary housing, which has surged from 3,570 households in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024—a direct consequence of the public health measures...

In Scarborough, a proposal to convert a former bed and breakfast into a 13-bedroom share house has sparked significant controversy among residents. Despite more than 30 objections raised during a recent planning meeting, the local council has approved the conversion of the three-storey building located at 7 Blands Cliff, igniting fears within the community regarding the potential implications of this...

In a proactive response to a severe funding crisis, Flintshire County Council has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at reshaping its homelessness support systems, targeting a budget savings of approximately £850,000. In a region where the council faces a staggering funding deficit of £38.4 million, this move is designed not only to alleviate the pressures on public funds but also to provide more...

In Surrey, a rising trend of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is stirring discontent among residents who fear these properties are fundamentally altering the character of their neighborhoods. This concern mirrors trends previously observed in similar locales like Hounslow, where increasing HMOs have sparked debates over their broader implications on community cohesion and quality of life (Gunn, 2023)....