Policy
London councils challenge office-to-resi rights
Camden, Islington, Lambeth and Richmond councils are limbering up for a High Court challenge to permitted development rights that allow the conversion of office space to residential use.
Understanding affordable housing provision in prime London
Within the context of prime and super-prime residential development, affordable housing is a complex matter and one that most developers will need to address at some point or another.
UK has highest property tax rate in the developed world: The full story
Making property taxes fair both politically and economically is no simple task; should tax aim to reduce housing demand or increase housing supply?
Policy Exchange's comprehensive "Taxing Issues?
Osborne’s Choice: What will the Autumn Statement hold for foreign investors?
It seems likely that at least one additional charge will be forthcoming as part of the Autumn Statement, and the Chancellor has four main options, says Ed Tryon...
CGT: How will London stack up against New York, Hong Kong & Singapore?
Will the proposed CGT changes make London look expensive on the international stage? Savills doesn't seem to think so.
K&C basement ban barny delays plans
Kensington & Chelsea's plans to put a stop to "iceberg houses" and mega-basements have, predictably, riled some property developers.
Treasury “awaiting final decision” on foreign investor CGT
It may have already been dismissed by the Treasury as "pre-Autumn Statement speculation", but the spectre of a capital gains tax on foreign investors has been doing the rounds this morning.
CIL changes will exempt self-builders and allow developers to “pay in kind”
In an effort to make self-built "grand designs" more mainstream, the government has decided to exempt home-made new buildings over a certain size from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
House of the Rising Solar Panel: The dawn of the environmentally friendly country estate
HNWs are turning to renewable energy systems as a way of powering their country estates and their public profiles, says Oliver Crofton...
Energy seems to be the topic of the moment;
No More Surprises: Berkeley calls for complete review of property tax system
Keep meddling with the property taxation system and you'll put the kibosh on the housing recovery, a new report commissioned by the Berkeley Group warns the government.
Pickles weighs in on rogue landlords
Eric Pickles has come down hard on "rogue landlords", publishing the first draft of the Tenants' Charter and launching a package of proposals designed to give more rights to private tenants.
Cruising for a Bruising: Is the top end of the market heading for a fall?
Activity levels across London's prime and super-prime residential markets are plummeting, says Trevor Abrahmsohn... Is the top-end on the brink?