Category: Property Development
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UK Housebuilding’s Struggle and Recovery Outlook
The UK housing market is currently navigating through a challenging phase, with the residential development sector facing a particularly tough time. Amidst concerns over interest rates, market conditions, and government policies, industry experts and companies are bracing for a period of survival and cautious recovery. An article at Building.co.uk covers the various aspects of the…
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Construction Sector Projections Suggest 2.8% Dip
The UK construction industry, encompassing both residential and commercial sectors, has experienced a rollercoaster ride in recent years, heavily influenced by the global pandemic and economic uncertainties. A Decade of Growth and Disruption Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s construction industry was on a growth trajectory. From 2013 to 2019, both the residential and commercial…
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The Financial Realities of Renovating a Doer-Upper
“Unmodernised homes can be a great way to get a foot on the property ladder with massive savings, but don’t forget how much it can cost to get a doer-upper up to standard” – Tyrone Ekrem, Fair Fix Recent findings from Fair Fix, a group of boiler engineer experts, highlight the potential financial benefits of…
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Tackling the UK Housing Crisis: A New Life for Old Offices?
City centres in the UK have started to echo with an unusual quiet, especially noticeable on Friday afternoons. The once-bustling hubs of business and commerce are feeling the impact of a cultural shift towards hybrid working. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, an astonishing amount of office space—equivalent to 487 football pitches—was removed from…
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Work From Home is Still a Big Factor for Property Developers
Even as we move further away from the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, its influence remains. According to recent research by Shawbrook, a significant portion of the working population – 44% to be precise – have now embraced home or hybrid working in 2023. While this might evoke images of a massive exodus to the…
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Planning Permission: North vs. South
Recent research from Searchland, a firm specializing in sourcing development sites, has shed light on a notable North-South divide in planning approval rates across England. If you’re looking to build or make modifications to a property, you’re statistically in for a smoother ride if you’re setting your sights on the North rather than the South.…
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First-Time Buyer’s £12,000 Renovation Adds £56,500 Value to 1930s Home
Renovating a property can be a daunting task, especially for a first-time buyer. However, with some creative thinking, hands-on effort, and strategic spending, it’s possible to transform a simple dwelling into a dream home while significantly boosting its market value. The Telegraph tells the story of how Phil Thompson did exactly that, spending £12,000 on…
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Developers Offering to Pay Buyers’ Mortgages
Developers are now offering to pay portions of buyers’ mortgages among other lavish incentives, rather than reducing house prices. This trend underscores the lengths to which builders are willing to go to maintain high property valuations while still attracting buyers in a highly competitive market. Mortgage Discounts: Cash in Hand One noteworthy approach comes from…
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UK Construction Seeks Clearer Sustainability Path
In the race against climate change, the UK’s construction sector finds itself at a pivotal junction, balancing the urgency to go green with the need for clear guidance. However, the industry’s steps toward environmental sustainability are being tripped up by uncertainties within governmental policies and a confusing multitude of standards. This lack of clear direction…
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Decoding Refurbishment Loans: Light vs. Heavy
As a potential investor or property developer, understanding the distinction between ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ refurbishment loans is pivotal to ensure a successful development project. Financial Reporter today has a guide to the intricacies of these two loan types. What’s a Bridging Loan? Before diving into the types of refurbishment loans, it’s essential to grasp what…