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The UK’s housing shortage is never far from the headlines, and is likely to be a hot topic during the general election campaign. The Conservative government has sought to spur a proliferation of new homes by relaxing the planning rules for buildings to be converted. Its expansion of permitted development rights will allow buildings in a variety of commercial uses to be converted into homes without requiring local authority planning permission. This will include empty shops, offices and other disused build

23rd March 2020, the world went into lockdown as the Coronavirus pandemic took hold across the globe. Little did we know this would be the start of a seismic shift in behaviours and attitudes towards everyday life; at work, school and home.  Individuals, business owners, healthcare, retail, and many more were forced to pivot strategies overnight; in some instances, accelerating 3-5 year plans in a matter of days and weeks. Here are the key trends we see as shaping the sector. Residential Property The resi

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill has just passed through the House of Lords and House of Commons and Royal Assent is expected.   Linz Darlington, Managing Director of leasehold extensions specialists, Homehold says: "This limited bill is a muted win for leaseholders. While the legislation is not without merit, leaseholders must see it as a step in a journey rather than the destination itself. The bill does not contain many of the important provisions that were promised by the Government. The co

Following the enactment of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, Mark Chick, director of ALEP (the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners)  said: “In what are some of the biggest changes to the residential leasehold sector in the last 21 years since the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 came into force in 2003, we now have a major shift in the direction of the law as it relates to residential long leasehold enfranchisement (the right to buy your freehold or extend your lease), wit

“For leaseholders who have been putting off doing a lease extension in the hope that the Conservatives would make it cheaper and easier in 2024, it seems likely they will be sorely disappointed.” On 22 May Rishi Sunak announced a General Election for 4 July. Assuming parliament does not recess for Whitsun as planned, there will now be a short period of wash-up where legislation can be passed. This must end by 30 May. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill has recently passed the Committee Stage of the Hou

Question  I live in a private residential apartment building in London. I am thinking of buying an electric vehicle but there are currently no electric charging points for my building or nearby.  Can I ask the property management company to consider installing these or would it be down to me solely to fund my own charging point? Any advice would be appreciated.  Answer If a resident living in an apartment block is considering buying an Electric vehicle, they should raise the matter of vehicle charging sol

As the Renters (Reform) Bill progresses, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is leading discussions to ensure that the Bill incorporates fair measures for landlords and tenants. Through surveys and engagements with both groups, LRG has collated insights, advocating for amendments to the Bill that ensure a balanced and fair approach to rental legislation, safeguarding both landlords and tenants. LRG, which includes the brands Acorn, Gibbs Gillespie, Hose Rhodes Dickson, John Payne, Langford Russell, Leaders, Northf

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has joined forces with Little Green Junior School in Croxley Green to raise important awareness of road safety. In honour of Walk to School Week, taking place from 20-24th May, the Hill team has worked with the school to encourage parents and children to ditch their cars and walk to school. Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, a charity with a mission to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. The 2024 campaign has seen

A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in East London as a five-year-old boy, Alam Makial, tragically fell 150 feet from the 15th floor of Jacobs House. Alam's mother had reportedly raised concerns about the safety of the window multiple times with Newham Council before the accident occurred. The tragic event happened around 6am, with neighbors hearing anguished cries from a man and a woman shouting "my boy" as they stood over Alam's lifeless body. Alam's aunt, Maryan Hadafow, confirmed that his mother ha

Expert accountants and business advisers at Whitley Stimpson are forewarning employers that they will be required to report and pay income tax and Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NIC) on benefits in kind through payroll.  The change which is set to start from April 2026 aims to simplify and modernise the tax system.  Tracy Gill, Payroll Manager at Whitley Stimpson Accountants and Business Advisors, highlights the key considerations for employers. Currently, taxable benefits and expenses must be

The real estate and construction sector is currently responsible for almost 40 percent of final global energy use1. Luke Maidens, a Partner and Head of the Real Estate Litigation team at Blacks Solicitors, shares his insight on the current government legislations, frameworks and initiatives that aim to reduce the environmental impact of commercial real estate.  Issues for the real estate sector At the current rate of development, 80 percent2 of buildings standing today will still be in use within the next

Matt Pears Joins Resi Lettings and Property Management Business from Wildheart Residential Management Ltd The founders of Addington Capital, Martin Roberts and Matthew Allen have recruited Matt Pears as the new Operations Director of AddLiving, Addington’s sister residential lettings and management business. Matt joins AddLiving from Wildheart Residential Management Ltd where he was a Property Director.  Wildheart RML manages 1,000 AST units and 4,000 Leasehold units across the country on behalf of corpor