News

The UK commercial property market is on the cusp of a major transformation, with projections indicating that total investment could hit an impressive £50 billion by2025. This anticipated surge demonstrates greater investor confidence and a recovering landscape post-pandemic. Industry experts, including leaders from esteemed real estate firm Colliers, are voicing optimistic outlooks, suggesting that...

Buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages have become an increasingly popular route for individuals in the UK seeking to invest in real estate. Unlike traditional residential mortgages, BTL mortgages are tailored specifically for properties intended for rental income. This financial product allows landlords to tap into the lucrative rental market while also presenting unique challenges and responsibilities that aspiring...

In a decisive action aimed at addressing the ongoing homeless crisis, Edinburgh City Council has announced plans to relocate hundreds of individuals currently living in unlicensed temporary accommodations within the city. This decision is precipitated by a significant increase in the demand for emergency housing since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the inadequacies of existing...

The UK property investment landscape has been in turmoil, characterized by significant outflows and fund closures that have raised alarm among investors. Over the past year, a staggering near £1 billion has been withdrawn from UK-domiciled property funds, a trend underscored by the winding down of major funds such as St James’ Place's £2 billion property fund. This ongoing exodus points to deep-seated...

In recent developments, planning officers in Caerphilly have acknowledged a significant gap in the accurate accounting of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the county borough. This revelation has sparked concerns from local authorities and residents alike regarding the regulation and management of these properties. HMOs play a critical role in addressing housing shortages, particularly for...

The ongoing controversy surrounding Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in North Belfast has taken another turn, as the Belfast City Council has denied a second application for the conversion of a residential property on Ponsonby Avenue into an HMO within just six months. This latest decision directly follows extensive local opposition, predominantly led by Sinn Féin, despite council officers...

Plans to convert a former bed and breakfast into a 13-bedroom shared house, known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), have recently been approved by the Scarborough planning authority, despite considerable local opposition. Located at 7 Blands Cliff, this project has sparked a heated debate among residents, with over 30 objections raised against the development. Residents voiced their serious concerns...

In a bid to address housing needs and provide affordable living options, Aamer Shah, a property owner from Blackburn, has put forth an ambitious proposal to convert his two-bedroom semi-detached home on Barton Road in Stretford into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). With a vision to accommodate up to 10 tenants, Shah's application, submitted to Trafford Council, seeks to reshape the existing structure...

In a significant ruling for housing compliance, two landlords in Sittingbourne, Kent, have been fined over £25,000 for managing an overcrowded house in multiple occupation (HMO). This case, uncovered by Swale Borough Council's housing enforcement team, brings to light crucial violations related to occupancy limits and safety standards that all landlords must adhere to under the Housing Act2004. With a...

In a significant development for North Belfast, the local planning committee has once again denied a proposal to convert a residential property on Ponsonby Avenue into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This marks the second rejection within a six-month period, highlighting growing community concerns which have overshadowed council recommendations in favor of the conversions. With four HMO applications...