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Maria Bevan will be taking the reins from the incumbent Head of Estates, William Duncan.

The Government is preparing to extend the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time. A version of this standard has applied in the social housing sector for more than 20 years. To meet the current definition of ‘decent’, a home must be free from serious hazards as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Principle Estate Management has appointed an experienced property professional as its dedicated business development manager for lettings. Jaime Duffy has been recruited from Rentlife, a property agency in Birmingham, where she was regional lettings manager. She also brings almost eight years of experience in lettings at some of the city’s largest agencies, including Connells and Davidson Estates. Ms Duffy’s appointment follows Principle’s acquisition of the lettings and block management portfolio from Pe

Dacorum Borough Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group are pleased to announce the formation of a new long-term investment partnership aimed at increasing the delivery of affordable homes and bringing forward significant regeneration across the borough.

LBC Exterior Cleaning acquires 50% stake in Avisan to spearhead integrated property services strategy.

The FirstPort Group has appointed Mairead McErlean as Head of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, providing strategic guidance on current and emerging legislation, while representing FirstPort in broader industry discussions on regulatory change and the future direction of the residential property sector.  

A former NHS office block in the Black Country with planning consent for conversion into 128 co-living studios has been sold for £2.5 million by commercial property agency Bond Wolfe. 

Barratt Homes has laid the foundations for the first properties at its brand-new development in the historic town of Halifax.

Issue 138 of News on the Block has now been published and is available for subscribers to read online. This issue features full coverage of our Apartment Adviser Awards, including a complete list of the 2025 winners, highlights from the evening, and a fantastic gallery of event photos capturing the celebrations.

Essex-based Chartered Surveyors, Cheke & Co, have compiled expert insights into a guide to help homebuyers make informed decisions about subsidence - from understanding what it is, to help with identifying what it means for a property and steps to take in order to protect yourself.

The Renters’ Rights Bill, currently in the reporting stage in the House of Lords, is expected to be enacted by late 2025. The Bill will overhaul the private rented sector (PRS), aiming to increase the rights of tenants and ‘level the playing field’.

Barratt London’s Wembley Park Gardens development has been awarded Reconomy’s ‘Think Circular’ award for its dedication towards circularity in construction and efforts to reduce waste in the built environment.