A more stable property market picture emerging

There are indicators demonstrating a more stable picture for the housing market emerging through the course of 2023, according to the February RICS UK Residential Survey. The headline reading for new buyer enquiries rebounded to a net balance of minus 29 per cent (measured on a seasonally adjusted basis), improving from minus 45 per cent […]

More middle-aged people are now renting their homes

The number of middle-aged households privately renting has nearly doubled in the space of a decade, with many set to remain in rented homes for the long-term. Paragon Bank’s analysis of government data shows the number of households in England where the lead reference person is aged between 45 and 64 has increased from 691,000 […]

One in 40 homes in Britain is now valued at £1 million or more

There are now 730,390 homes valued at £1 million or more across Great Britain, according to recent research. This is the equivalent to one in every 40 homes, or 2.5 per cent of all housing stock.  Over the past three years, the number of £1 million-plus homes has increased by some 40 per cent, according […]

The east of England sees high numbers of successful planning applications

The east of England is one of the areas of the UK currently seeing some of the highest levels of successful planning applications each month. Research has shown that across the UK, almost 24,500 planning applications are received on average each month at the moment, with just over 20,500 (84 per cent) of those successful. […]

Bright, bold and ready to face the year ahead

Pantone has announced its new colour of the year and anyone thinking about redecorating or refurbishing a room in 2023 may be interested in considering it. Viva Magenta (18-1750) is a gorgeous red that could be ideal in a cushion, throw or even small accents, such as mugs, vases and coasters. For those seeking to […]

The construction industry needs more women

Women into Construction is working with The Home Builders Federation (HBF) to launch a nationwide employment programme for women. The aim is to help address the gender imbalance in the construction workforce, which currently sees just 16 per cent female representation. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has teamed with Women into Construction to launch a […]

The housing market is subdued this winter

UK house price growth slowed in November, according to the Nationwide’s House Price Index. Prices fell by 1.4 per cent from November – the biggest drop since June 2020 – and the housing market remains subdued. A market slowdown was expected given the current economic climate and the inflation of house prices over recent years. […]

Extra support for upgrading homes

The government has announced plans for a new scheme to help householders reduce their energy bills through loft and cavity wall insulation, as well as smart heating controls.  The move is part of wider action this across energy policy to help the UK meet its ambition of becoming energy independent. The new ECO+ scheme will […]

Build-to-rent homes can be a good option for some tenants

The largest ever analysis of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in England shows the sector has a broad and evolving customer base similar to the wider private rented sector (PRS). In its third year, the Who Lives in Build-to-Rent? report from the British Property Federation (BPF), Dataloft, BusinessLDN, and the UK Apartment Association (UKAA) analysed 122 schemes in England totalling over […]

How to save energy when you use household appliances

Households can reduce their utility bills by over £500 a year by making small changes to the way they use their household appliances, according to the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) Its Know Watt’s What campaign highlights that by simply always using the eco-cycle on washing machines and dishwashers, consumers can save an […]