Format: Views
How we measure energy efficiency in homes isn’t working
As the latest English Housing Survey reveals that the majority of homes in England have sub-standard energy efficiency ratings, Freya Wise of The Open University warns that "EPCs aren’t working", arguing th…
Guy Meacock: London is really hitting its stride now
The capital has played second fiddle to the country market over the last year - but is now showing the sort of resilience that surprised us all post-GFC.
What the first week post-SDLT holiday tells us
Data from the first week following the end of the full stamp duty holiday suggests the market will quickly regain momentum, writes Tom Bill - but the lack of supply remains a problem...
Building Safety Bill: A new landscape for claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972?
Required Reading: "Building owners, developers, contractors and consultants need to be aware of the changes intended" by the new Building Safety Bill, say Joanna Lewis and Sophie-Rose Bowen of Beale & …
How London’s top design studios are finding the right work-life balance for a post-Covid world
With input from some PCL’s best-known super-prime designers, recruitment specialist Jason Bailey looks at how studios are managing the balance of working from home and the return to office life… …
Why the end of the stamp duty holiday is a good thing for the UK property market
Introducing a stamp duty holiday at the height of the pandemic was commendable but it has over-stayed its welcome, writes Tom Bill…
House prices: Why the risks of a fall are higher than most people think
"The fact that house prices have been rising quickly over the last year makes the market more vulnerable to external shocks to the economy," says Professor Geoff Meen, as he warns "there are numerous …
Buying property with crypto assets: Can it ever be justified?
Crypto assets are here to stay, write Jonathan Grimes & Daniel Browne, and lawyers have to find a way to deal appropriately with those who approach them wishing to turn them into bricks and mortar… …
New York is back, just ask Jerry Seinfeld
Restaurants are crowded, flights are packed, Yankee Stadium is at full capacity and corporate America is calling its workers back
The impact of stamp duty on transaction numbers will be greater in 2021 than during any other year
2021 will be a case study for how differing rates of stamp duty impact the property market, writes Tom Bill - and another big spike in transaction numbers is on the cards for later this month…
Required Reading: Changes to the planning regime for high rise residential buildings due this summer
Developers may have to submit a fire statement alongside a planning application for relevant multi-occupied residential buildings from 1 August 2021, write Fiona Bishop & Rebecca Delaney of Macfarlanes.
Ethical Luxury: Alchemi’s Charlie Baxter on developing a sustainable PCL scheme
Ahead of World Environment Day, Alchemi Group boss Charlie Baxter explains the importance of treading lightly, and how his firm’s forthcoming project in Westminster has aced carbon reduction targets...