Open News

The Government has release a newsletter which can be seen here. MHCLG has published the findings of its first annual survey on planning capacity and skills in local authorities across England. Commissioned under the previous government, the 2023 survey highlights the...

The UK government has announced plans to restrict benefit payments to criminal landlords who run substandard supported housing. This initiative coincides with a £300 million allocation for new affordable housing. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local...

A recent government consultation proposes that landlords may soon be required to update their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) every time a tenancy is renewed, even if the tenant remains the same. Current EPC Rules vs. Proposed Changes Under the existing system,...

A new report from Alan Boswell Group highlights the severity of the UK’s social housing crisis, revealing: 1.2 million people on social housing waiting lists. Average wait time: Nearly 3 years, but some face decades-long delays. 46,000+ vacant council homes remain...

West Kent Housing Association (WKHA) has secured a £30m loan from the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to fund the development of 120 new homes across Kent. Key Details of the Loan: Provided by Homes England under the AHGS. Supports 106 homes in Tonbridge...

A new Total Property survey has revealed growing concerns in the private rented sector (PRS), with landlords, tenants, and agents all under pressure from rising costs and legislative changes. Key Findings: 67% of landlords believe the PRS has worsened. 49% plan to...

According to the Halifax House price index, house prices in the UK jumped 0.7% in January, reversing December’s 0.2% decline and surpassing analysts’ expectations of a 0.2% increase. Key Figures: Average UK house price: £299,138 – a new record high. Annual house price...

The government has unveiled a major digital overhaul of the property transaction process, aiming to reduce delays, prevent fall-throughs, and modernise the system. Key Changes Proposed: Digital-first approach: Key property data (e.g., building control and highways...

The Labour government has confirmed a phased implementation of Awaab’s Law, delaying full enforcement until 2027. Key Changes & Timeline: From October 2025: Social landlords must fix damp, mould, and emergency repairs within set timeframes. By 2027: The law will...

The Guardian has reported on a surge in leasehold charges, stating that the sharp 11% rise in average annual service charges for leasehold flats—now at £2,300—marks the biggest increase in at least eight years. This escalation, significantly outpacing inflation, adds...