News

The prospect of Royal Holloway University expanding its student body from over 12,000 to 15,000 has stirred a wave of conflicting sentiments among the residents of Egham. While some community members advocate for the potential economic and social benefits of a larger university presence, others voice deep concerns regarding the implications of such growth. Notably, local councillor Andrea Berardi has...

As housing in multiple occupation (HMO) continues to rise in prominence across the UK, Caerphilly County Borough Council has reported significant difficulties in obtaining accurate data about the number of HMOs operating within its borders. This data gap poses challenges not only for effective regulation but also for ensuring the quality of housing and safeguarding local communities. The increasing...

In December 2024, the UK property market showcased a remarkable surge, culminating in what has been recognized as the most vigorous month of activity in the year. The sustained economic resilience against current interest rates, held steady at4.75% by the Bank of England, signals promising prospects for the property sector. Notably, insights from industry experts, including Oliver, Director of Economics...

In an alarming development for households across the UK, approximately 9 million homes are at risk of overpaying on their energy bills if they do not check their meters by the looming January 1 deadline. This situation has prompted discussions with consumer experts who are raising awareness about the significant impact of not monitoring energy usage closely, as well as revealing 'hidden rip-off fees'...

In 2025, the housing crisis continues to exert its pressure on vulnerable families in the UK, particularly those in London facing an unprecedented homeless epidemic. As families grapple with the reality of inadequate housing, certain cases have highlighted the stark challenges posed by relocation and the dire conditions they face. This article dives into the heartbreaking story of one family of five,...

In a notable development regarding housing policies in North Belfast, the Belfast City Council has unanimously rejected a proposal to convert a residential property on Ponsonby Avenue into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) due to widespread community concerns. This decision underscores growing apprehension among local residents about the proliferation of HMOs in the area, which have been linked to...

The UK housing market is showing promising signs of recovery as forecasts indicate that house prices are likely to rise amidst a backdrop of interest rate cuts and strong wage growth. After experiencing a slight decline of 1.4% in 2023, predictions suggest an upward trend beginning in 2024, with average house prices expected to increase by over 3% and forecasted growth potentially reaching5.5% by2026. This...

In a bid to enhance the quality of private rented homes amid London's ongoing housing crisis, Westminster City Council is proposing a new Selective Property Licensing Scheme. This scheme, currently under consultation until January 19, 2025, seeks to regulate private homes rented to families or up to two tenants in an effort to address critical safety and management issues associated with the largest...

Edinburgh is embarking on a transformative plan to transition over 700 homeless households from unlicensed temporary accommodations into compliant housing by December2024. This measure stems from a significant increase in demand for temporary housing that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, compelling the City of Edinburgh Council to resort to the use of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs) in an effort to...

The landscape of housing in Kent has been significantly shaped by the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with nearly 2,000 properties spread across the region. These accommodations serve as homes for individuals from various households, typically sharing common facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. Among these, some notably large HMOs, such as a 52-bedroom property in Folkestone and a...