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There are 265,000 homes in England that have been vacant for over 6 months, and at the same time there are over 123,000 households who are living in expensive temporary accommodation funded through local councils. The letter follows a recent parliamentary roundtable on empty homes chaired by Paula Barker MP. During this, 5 actions were identified that would help to bring long-term empty homes back into use, some of which can be quickly and easily implemented: Increase Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) fl

More than 3,000 council homes and 57 blocks of flats in Newcastle have been identified as having staircases with horizontal guarding, a design now considered a serious safety risk. Newcastle City Council confirmed that these outdated staircases, which do not meet modern building standards, pose a category one hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The horizontal guarding design can endanger children, who may climb the panels and risk falling or becoming trapped. The council has

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has committed to introducing leasehold reform legislation within the current parliamentary year. Speaking at the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee, Rayner emphasised the government’s aim to make commonhold the default tenure for new-build flats. This system allows flat owners to collectively manage their buildings, offering an alternative to traditional leasehold arrangements

A unique event providing a 360° view on damp and mould in homes will see health and property professionals come together for the first time to address the impacts of substandard housing. The Property Care Association (PCA) has teamed up with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) to deliver a free one-hour webinar aimed at professionals working in health, housing management and property care. The webinar will introduce research which demonstrates the main health impacts of living with damp and mould and featu

A unique opportunity has arisen for Arsenal fans and property seekers, as a luxury apartment in the club’s historic former Highbury Stadium has hit the market for £715,000. Located within the East Stand of the Grade II-listed stadium, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers a rare blend of sporting history and modern living. Highbury Stadium served as Arsenal’s home ground from 1913 to 2006 before its redevelopment into the prestigious Highbury Square complex. The apartment boasts sleek interiors,

The Building Safety Act 2022 is reshaping the landscape of high-risk buildings, with far-reaching implications for the construction industry and property sector. As we head into 2025, the Act's impact is set to intensify, bringing a wave of new challenges and responsibilities for stakeholders across the board. Mustafa Sidki, Partner and Specialist in Litigation and Dispute Resolution at leading South East law firm Thackray Williams LLP, examines the ongoing repercussions of the Building Safety Act 2022 fo

Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Administered by nonprofit organisation, B Lab, the B Corp certification indicates that a firm is committed to balancing purpose and profit, prioritising both the well-being of people and the planet alongside financial returns. B Corps work to redefine success in business by focusing on positive impact in key areas, such as: Community engagement Environmen

Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has retained its ‘Investors in People’ Platinum accreditation for the next three years. The company has held this highest level of accreditation since 2018, recognising its commitment to people management and employee wellbeing. Investors in People is an internationally recognised accreditation programme that provides a framework for assessing the performance of a company and improving workplace culture. It looks at factors such as employee engagement, communicatio

HMRC have been stepping up their efforts in 2024 to tackle non-compliance in relation to offshore corporate entities owning property in the UK. An area under increased scrutiny is the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) with HMRC issuing nudge letters to companies to remind them of their obligations. Has your business received a nudge letter about filing your ATED returns? Here’s what you need to know if you have. What is Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED)? ATED is an annual tax chargeable to c

Wembley is quickly becoming one of the biggest hotspots for first time buyers, with 77% of homes in the up-and-coming Northwest London location snapped up by first-time buyers since the start of the year.  Wembley Park Gardens, Barratt London’s fast selling new collection of one and two-bedroom apartments is a joint venture with Places for London (TfL’s property company), helping to meet the demand from aspiring homeowners renting in the area. With the first phase over 90% sold, the modern two-bedroom apa

The built environment accounts for approximately 25% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, with traditional and heritage buildings playing a significant role in this figure. According to the government’s review on adapting traditional homes for energy efficiency, 5.9 million buildings were constructed before 1919  – a sizeable proportion of the UK’s housing stock that requires urgent attention if the nation is to meet its net zero targets. The government has set a legally binding goal to achieve net zero by

Oakfield Estate Agents is excited to announce its recent appointment by developers Purple Pepper Partnership Limited as the exclusive letting and management agent for the highly anticipated Station Plaza, a stunning new build-to-rent development conveniently located in the heart of Hastings. This exceptional project aims to provide residents with modern, high-quality rental accommodations in a vibrant and accessible setting. Station Plaza comprises 103 private residential apartments, featuring 1, 2, and 3