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While it’s been a tough year for the property market, activity is likely to pick up in the coming Autumn months. That’s according to specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which studied mortgage approval trends over the past 60 months to build a picture of what to expect. Over the past five years mortgage approvals across September, October and November have been 7% higher than the overall average, making up 27% for the whole year, exceeding Winter (26%) and Summer (25%). Spring tends to be

Environment Controls and Japanese Knotweed Ltd will be exhibiting at the Contamination & Land Remediation EXPO at NEC Birmingham on 13th and 14th September. The world’s premier event dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations and solutions in the fields of circular economy, net-zero emissions, sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Join us as we celebrate our shared commitment to creating a greener, cleaner world, and seize this unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals w

Council budget cuts of more than £350 million are leading to a lack of safe and free places to play, according to an analysis released earlier this month by The Guardian. With councils financially stretched across the board, it may feel like this picture is unlikely to change - but many of the communities we’re working with are bucking that trend.   In the analysis of outdoor play in England, local authority-run and funded play areas were highlighted as falling into disrepair. The picture felt bleak but e

There were 3 bank holidays in May thanks to the Kings’ coronation, giving a little excitement to workers across the country when they woke up and realised that they have an extra day off and only have to work 4 days. This feeling will be enjoyed every week now for staff at Eight Asset Management as they embark on a new regime of a 4 day working week. You will have no doubt heard of this relatively new concept of paying people the same amount of money but asking them to work 20% less hours. It’s a rad

Introduction The concept of inclusivity extends beyond mere accommodation; it involves creating environments that allow all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to fully participate and engage with their surroundings just as non-disabled people do. The difference is that this may just take a little more thought an effort, but the result of this, can be truly life changing, allowing that individual to live a fully independent life. We must remember that accessibility refers to how easy it is for eve

The Health and Safety Executive has appointed Andrew Bulmer as a member of its newly created Industry Competence Committee (ICC), with its first meeting to be held in September. The Committee, formed by a requirement of the Building Safety Act 2022, will have a role in advising both the built environment industry and the Building Safety Regulator within HSE on matters of competence. The committee will support the work of the Building Safety Regulator by providing insights and guidance to facilitate an imp

Becoming a freeholder of a residential building in the United Kingdom comes with a range of responsibilities and obligations. As of the year 2022, a landmark legislation known as the Building Safety Act has been enacted to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in multi-occupancy buildings that fall within scope of 18 metres and above. This act has far-reaching implications for new freeholders, as it introduces a comprehensive framework to address fire and structural safety concerns. This article w

In an era where security concerns are paramount, the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in residential blocks has emerged as a game-changer, proving to be an invaluable deterrent against various criminal activities.  Currently top of the list is parcel and bike thefts. By providing 24/7 coverage with correctly positioned cameras, (working as ever-vigilant eyes), and advanced surveillance capabilities CCTV Cameras are shown to deliver reduced crime rates. In addition, they deter oppor

He walked for miles in the rain and got soaked to the skin, but the determined efforts by a senior property inspector with Principle Estate Management helped raise £3,000 for local Scouts. As part of Principle’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), each team member has the opportunity to apply for an additional day off per year to support a charity cause of their choice. Matthew Hill took advantage of this benefit by volunteering to help set up The 12 Parish Walk in aid of the 12 Hallie Sc

Here at SAY Property, we’re currently working with landlords and managing agents, to assist them in complying with the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). In this article we share a few of the significant challenges being faced by the sector. The Act itself is a huge piece of legislation, not only does it introduce radical changes to the way that building safety has to be approached for buildings in scope (i.e. buildings containing two or more residential units, over 18m or seven stories i

On August 17th, the project team and stakeholders gathered at the newly named ‘Milliners Yard’ regeneration scheme in Liverpool to mark a major milestone. The scheme, located on the site of the former TJ Hughes store in Liverpool City Centre, will see 258 low-carbon apartments and ground floor retail/commercial space constructed. Of the 258 apartments, 144 will have one bedroom, 99 will have two and 15 will be studios. Milliners Yard has recently reached ‘topping out’ status, which signifies the final bea

Issue 126 of News on the Block has now been published and is available for subscribers to read online now.  This issue includes a special Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Award winners feature and includes some of the following articles.  Landlords to spend big to meet EPC requirements How do we attract the next generation? Challenges of complying with the new safety act Your duties as a new freeholder  Enriching lives on our doorstep and beyond  Welcome to the new breed of security professionals