Refurbishing old buildings reduces emissions – but outdated tax rates make it expensive
Existing buildings already embody significant CO₂ emissions, which makes it all the more important to upgrade and refurbish – rather than demolish and rebuild – wherever possible. But as it stands, the UK’s tax system actually puts a significant financial penalty on refurbishment, while incentivising new construction. It's time for that to change, says Walter Menteth...
Walter is a director of Walter Menteth Architects, Project Compass CIC, a senior lecturer (p/t) at Portsmouth school of Architecture, an RIBA National Councillor, chair of the trustees of the North Southwark Environment Trust, and was a member of the Cabinet Office SME Panel 2011-2015, and Chair of the RIBA Procurement Reform Group 2011-2013.
Property developers to face two new taxes to pay for cladding scandal bill
Robert Jenrick has announced that residential property developers will face two new levies, starting in 2022, to pay for some essential fire safety works on high rise buildings, following 2017's Grenfell…
BoE cuts interest rates in response to ‘the economic shock from Covid-19’
The Bank of England has cut the base interest rate by 0.5%, taking it back down to a mere 0.25%, as part of a package of emergency measures to cope with the economic effects of the Coronavirus outbreak
By PrimeResi
Election 2019 head-to-head: Comparing manifesto pledges on housing & tax
From Stamp Duty levies to income tax thresholds; planning reforms to green homes..
By PrimeResi
Companies in this article
University of PortsmouthMost read
Savills announces latest raft of promotions
'The fact that we remain number 1 agent in the UK for sales above £500k is, to me, proof that our people development strategy is working', says UK resi boss Andrew Perratt.
Boutique agency expands with double acquisition in west London
Wilfords swoops on firms in South Ken & Notting Hill and eyes further targets in SW London.
Mayfair agency seals another super-prime deal as local market ‘booms’
Luxury Arts and Crafts townhouse on Aldford Street finds a buyer, following sale of £25mn former embassy on nearby Park Street.
Profits plunge at Savills as global property markets ‘normalise’
Global property consultancy reports a sharp contraction in revenue and profits, but Chief Exec Mark Ridley suggests 'most markets appear to be past the moment of peak uncertainty.'
By PrimeResi
New 42-storey tower promises to ‘put Earls Court onto London’s skyline’
The first phase of the long-playing 40-acre West London regeneration project will feature a striking 'sustainable beacon', a 4.5 acre public park, and up to 1,000 new homes.
By PrimeResi
Savills recruits JLL’s Dowling to lead Cheltenham team
Ken Dowling was head of JLL's Kensington office, but has now moved to the Cotswolds.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Inside a 10,000 sq ft Notting Hill super-home, asking £21mn
Remodelled 1850s villa has its own wellness centre and space for an art gallery.
Going under offer: How to buy a prime property from a receiver
Recent reports suggest a number of London’s most expensive residences are being sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings, as wealthy homeowners have their assets liquidated to pay down debts.
Government cracks down on long-term empty homes
100% council tax premium will come into force on 1st April.
Five Minutes With: Makoto Fukui of Schroders on delivering a super-prime build-to-rent scheme in PCL
'London is slightly playing catch up to the rest of the world when it comes to luxury BTR,' says fund manager for The Knightsbridge Estate.
LATEST ARTICLES
In Pictures: Native Land’s 100 George Street aims to set ‘a new benchmark for exceptionally crafted homes’ in Marylebone
Sales have launched at the Hopkins Architects-designed 100 George Street, which is delivering 41 luxury apartments as part of a major mixed-use development on The Portman Estate.
By PrimeResi
Price expectation gap between buyers & sellers risks widening
Rising supply and mortgage rates may increase downwards pressure on asking prices, explains Knight Frank's head of UK resi research.
By Tom Bill
Daggers’ DDRE to star in new Netflix show ‘Buying London’
A new reality TV series will follow Daniel Daggers’ DDRE Global team as they 'set out to conquer the super prime high-end real estate market from the prestigious streets of Mayfair to the exclusive enclaves o…
By PrimeResi
Cash buyers insulate Surrey’s top-tier property market
The proportion of buyers using cash across the county's famous private estates & roads jumped from under half in 2021 to nearly two-thirds in 2023, says Savills.
Asking prices jump 1.5% in a month as the property market ‘marches in Spring’
Rightmove reports a continued recovery in home-buying activity, led by the top-end of the market
By PrimeResi