Policy
Resi conversions up 40% in Q2
Q2 saw a 40% leap in the number of properties converted from office, retail, and agricultural use and into resi across England.
Heavy Duty: How the new SDLT system stuffed both ends of the market
The new SDLT regime is creating a boom and a bust at one end of the scale whilst raising less money for the government at the other; not such a clever move, says Trevor Abrahmsohn...
Cooling measures drive Singapore developers into UK & Australian markets
Seven rounds of cooling measures brought in by the Singaporean government between 2010 and 2013 have triggered a giant wave of investment overseas, according to new research.
Boris launches ‘City in the East’ masterplan to deliver 200,000 new homes
The Mayor of London has come up with a plan to "transform East London" and deliver more than 200,000 homes and 250,000 jobs.
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…
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.
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.
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."