News

The UK housing market has been navigating a complex landscape throughout 2024, shaped by significant economic shifts and evolving buyer sentiments. After reaching a peak in August 2022, house prices entered a period of sharp decline, largely attributed to the economic turbulence precipitated by former Prime Minister Liz Truss's Mini Budget. This led to a dramatic increase in mortgage interest rates, which...

In November 2024, Bridlington has taken a significant step in addressing its housing crisis with the recent approval from the East Riding Council's Eastern Area Planning Sub-Committee for the conversion of two former guest houses and a disused hotel into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). This decision comes against a backdrop of high demand for affordable housing in the area, as local authorities seek...

In Broadstairs, a proposal to convert the Kent House nursing home into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) is igniting community debate. This planned transformation, initiated by N & I Holdings Limited and represented by Inderjeet Singh Toot, aims to change the existing care facility, which served up to 25 residents, with minimal alterations to its physical structure. However, significant local...

In the midst of pressing homelessness issues, Edinburgh's council has granted emergency approval for bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) to continue providing accommodation for those without stable housing. This decision, made in response to the escalating homelessness crisis, raises significant concerns regarding the safety and quality of the facilities being used for this purpose. As the city grapples with a...

The UK commercial property market is poised for a significant resurgence in 2024, with evidence suggesting a favorable shift in investment dynamics. Analysts predict a revival influenced by anticipated interest rate reductions, a decline in inflation rates, and enhanced options for debt financing. Oliver, the Director of Economics and Research at Colliers, emphasizes that these economic adjustments are...

In light of recent discussions among property experts at the Martin's Properties roundtable, the UK property development sector is poised to face a transformative phase by2025. The dialogue centered around the ramifications of a newly elected government and its corresponding policy shifts, aiming to boost housing targets and streamline planning processes. As the sector braces for potential opportunities...

In a significant legal ruling, Alvaro Odeh-Torro, a landlord operating out of Camden, has been penalised with a hefty fine of approximately £50,000 following investigations into serious safety violations in two of his properties. His company, London Living Group, faced scrutiny after reports of severe overcrowding were substantiated, uncovering issues such as inadequate room sizes, compromised fire safety...

In a controversial decision, the Somerset Council's planning committee has approved a new 30-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Friarn Street in Bridgwater, despite mounting concerns over potential flooding and inadequate parking facilities. This approval comes in the wake of local councillors expressing significant apprehension related to the risks posed by the nearby Durleigh Brook, alongside...

In a decisive move aimed at regulating the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), Hyndburn Council has introduced a new Article 4 direction effective from November2024. This initiative will require property developers to obtain planning permission to convert small residential properties into HMOs across nine wards in the borough, including Barnfield, Central, and Church. As concerns mount...

The buy-to-let property market is experiencing a notable contraction, a trend evidenced by recent data indicating a significant decline in both purchases and mortgage lending within the sector. This evolution raises pertinent questions about the viability of property investment as a lucrative venture for prospective landlords. As interest rates hike and economic conditions become increasingly volatile,...