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…
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.
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."
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.