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“The ARL welcomes the release of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) today and the explicit reference to Build to Rent (BTR) as part of mixed tenure sites which the NPPF states that local planning authorities should support in delivering a sufficient supply of homes. “We have consistently expressed the ability and desire of the rental living sector, including BTR, to deliver additional homes which are in such great demand but also highlighted the challenges that the planning system prese

A survey to capture the voice of women working in property has been launched with women from across the residential property sectors encouraged to contribute. Survey author Susan Gregory describes the ambition of the survey to capture the voice and experience of women working across the property sector and is one of, if not the, largest survey undertaken.  "The survey has been something I have been keen to produce for many years and I am delighted to have finally been able to bring it to life" said Gregor

"We welcome the publication of the NPPF, which outlines how the government plans to overhaul the planning system to meet its target of achieving 1.5 million new homes. In addition to building more properties, we believe a crucial and sustainable part of the solution to the country’s housing crisis is making better use of the homes we already have.   “This country has a severe lack of housing suitable for people in later life. Senior housing needs to be moved up the agenda as it’s a key part of the solutio

Commenting on the National Planning Policy Framework, published today, CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock said:  'The broken housebuilding market is to blame for the painfully slow delivery of much-needed new homes. When big housebuilders deliberately limit the supply of new homes to maximise their profits, supercharging the current system will not lead to the change the government is looking for.   'The government’s plans risk a huge hike in the number of unaffordable, car-dependent homes. B

“Increasing the supply of housing for those that need it most is always welcome. However, while we understand the Government’s desire and need to increase the housing supply through an enhanced building programme, we would caution against rushing planning decisions and pressing local authorities to build on areas, such as floodplains, that might not be sustainable. “We need to build resilient homes that we can be proud of in years to come and that will combat the rigours of everyday life, and if we rush t

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has agreed its first Build to Rent forward funding deal with Lloyds Living, marking an important milestone in the company’s expansion into the growing BTR sector. This inaugural project, in partnership with Lloyds Living, is for 264 rental apartments in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It forms one phase of a masterplan comprising 576 apartments, led by Hill in Stevenage town centre. The one and two-bedroom apartments are split across three buildings, and have exclusiv

Essex property group, Beresfords, has signed off the year in style with an exclusive awards dinner to mark the achievements of its people in 2024. Bringing all 177 members of the team together for an evening of celebration and entertainment, colleagues donned formal attire and masks for the festive masquerade-themed evening. Attendees enjoyed a champagne reception, delicious catering, and performances from an electric violinist and professional ballet dancers before starting the annual awards ceremony to

Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, looks at the top property trends set to influence the industry in 2025. The Rise of Resident Management Companies (RMCs) We are likely to see a continued rise in the formation of RMCs, which are placing residents at the heart of the decision-making process. At FirstPort, we welcome this trend. The growing number of resident-managed developments empower residents to take greater control over the management of their developments. As managing agents, we

Watling Real Estate has been instructed to sell a part-built residential development in the popular and historic town of Tonbridge in Kent. It is on the former site of SOS, Tonbridge’s only nightclub in the Hub Creative Space, which also housed a gym. Jamie Lamond and Tom Colyer in Watling Real Estate’s London office have been appointed to sell the development, which was owned by Avebury Avenue Ltd, on behalf of joint receivers Martyn Ewing and Adam Stephens of Evelyn Partners. Offers are invited for the

Leaders Romans Group (LRG), one of the UK's leading property services firms, has released its Q3 Lettings Report, revealing a high demand for accessible features, including among tenants who do not have a disability. As the UK population ages and awareness of inclusive housing grows, the need for accessible homes has grown. The LRG report indicates that a substantial number of tenants see value in rental homes with accessibility features. Nearly 40% of tenants surveyed expressed a preference for lateral l

Bespoke managing agent, Wildheart Residential Management has appointed James Capper as its new Technical Director. With recent changes in legislation through The Fire Safety Act of 2021 and Building Safety Act of 2022, James will prove instrumental in providing expert direction for ensuring building safety and compliance is achieved for homes in Wildheart’s well maintained portfolio. A key aspect of James’ role will be to spearhead the training of internal teams on building safety matters, in the knowledg

Background   The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received royal assent in the wash up just prior to the election.   It included some of the changes around the rights of leaseholders of flats and houses to obtain extended leases and the freehold that The Law Commission had recommended, i.e. providing for leases to be extended by 990 rather than 90 years, doing away with the need to have owned for two years to qualify for an extended lease and bringing more buildings within the right to enfranchi