Policy
MI5 and MI6 headquarters next in line for government sell-off?
As Daniel Craig prepares to pout his way through another Bond outing, there's been some interesting speculation around the Thames-side headquarters of both MI5 and MI6.
Office-to-Resi Rights: Boom or bust for developers?
In the wake of last week's big announcement by David Cameron, James Lawrence talks us through the real implications of office-to-resi permitted development rights becoming permanent...
Ombudsman calls for Property Agents Act
Outgoing Property Ombudsman Christopher Hamer has called for the 1979 Estate Agents Act to be replaced by a new Property Agents Act to reflect changes in the sales market and "bring lettings into a precise…
George Osborne’s Autumn Statement 2015: A Wish List
Trevor Abrahmsohn offers up a remedy for the 'lose-lose situation' of tumbling transactions and tax take in the capital, as he puts in a few early requests to No. 11...
Planning system ‘on the brink’ as under-resourcing thwarts development
Britain's planning system is "on the brink", warns a new report by the British Property Federation and GL Hearn, as the number of major applications (of 10 or more dwellings) tumbles and determination…
Cameron calls for ‘a national crusade’ to get homes built
"Councils must produce local plans for new homes in their area by 2017 – or the government will ensure those plans are produced for them."
Office-to-resi permitted development becomes a permanent fixture
2013's temporary measure allowing unused office space to be converted to residential use has been made a permanent fixture.
Mayfair & Marylebone car parks ‘concealing’ £1.3bn of prime resi development land
It's been reckoned that 18 large multi-storey car parks across Mayfair and Marylebone sit on over £1.3 billion worth of prime residential development land.
Chancellor outlines four-step plan ‘to get Britain building’
Chancellor George has been talking about housing at the Tory party conference, proclaiming a four-point strategy that "will change the way vital infrastructure projects are planned, determined and funded."
Cameron announces a ‘dramatic shift in the housing policy of our country’
Prime Minster Cameron has announced a rejigging of affordable housing definitions today, in an effort to get more units built by incentivising developers to build more entry-level homes to buy, rather…
Cameron’s Crusade: A Eureka Moment?
David Cameron’s latest missives about kickstarting more homes in the UK could be a 'Eureka Moment', says Trevor Abrahmsohn...
You have to hand it to the man.
Rock star rallies against ‘basement-building b*******’
Badger-sympathising rock legend Brian May has reportedly co-founded a campaign to put the kibosh on "destructive" subterranean extensions in central London.