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Sigma Capital, the UK’s leading build-to-rent (BTR) single family housing provider and a leader in multifamily delivery, is celebrating a landmark period of growth in 2023 into the first half of 2024 – having completed over 8,000 homes in total since launching its single-family rental model, with a further c.4,000 under construction.  Since 2023, Sigma has also acquired a further 31 new developments, bringing over 2,200 new homes to the rental market and addressing the urgent need for housing. 10 new regi

Leading private rented sector expert, Total Property, has launched an innovative new platform for its mydeposits custodial scheme members this week. This follows the brand launch of Total Property, part of the HFIS group, in February, which brought all group property products and services under one roof.  The new platform incorporates features that are inspired by feedback from mydeposits members and designed to overcome pain points that members have raised, saving time, streamlining communication, and in

More than ten residential developments have been added to Principle’s growing property portfolio in a major expansion into the south of England this year. The new contracts won since the start of 2024 include managing Turnberry Quay, a high-rise waterside development of 89 apartments in London’s vibrant Docklands Area. A key part of this instruction will be ensuring the building’s safety and fulfilling all the latest legal obligations related to high-rise developments. The Turnberry Quay job also involves

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on 23 May 2024 to celebrate News on the Block's 21st birthday at Nikki's Bar in London. We had an amazing evening surrounded by friends and peers from across the industry—some who have been with us since the very beginning and others who have recently joined our journey. Marking this remarkable milestone is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken, the milestones we've reached, and the vibrant commu

Famous for Europe’s largest carnival dating back to the 1960’s, vibrant bustling markets stretching the length of the Portobello Road, and Instagrammable street art hotspots; Notting Hill has firmly cemented itself as one of London’s most iconic residential neighbourhoods. For those hoping to start a new chapter in this eclectic community, Peabody New Homes’ prestigious multi-award-winning development, The Auria, is already offering glimpses of what is yet to come. With homes for everyone from first time

Comments from Scott Goldstein, Partner at Payne Hicks Beach:   Government's failure to enact the Renters Reform Bill before Parliament was dissolved   'Politically, the Government's failure to end no fault evictions is unlikely to do it any favours with younger voters and the renters community more generally - groups it probably should be looking to woo. Logistically, there are well-founded objections to the proposals as originally drafted, in particular the fact that the court system is presently una

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