All Ask the expert articles
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ProfessionalThe later-living sector needs a boost
After years of stagnation, there is finally some progress in tackling the barriers holding back growth and innovation in the later-living sector.
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Professional
What will the Economic Crime Bill mean for limited partnerships?
Limited partnerships (LPs) have been the source of some criticism recently for their alleged role in money laundering and concealment of assets.
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Professional
What are the benefits of collateral warranties for building projects?
The judgment in the case of Abbey Healthcare (Mill Hill) v Simply Construct (UK) 2022 is a timely reminder of the benefit that collateral warranties provide.
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Professional
Diversity can benefit real estate
As we enter a challenging new year, it is important that we continue our commitment to improve diversity in the real estate industry.
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Professional
Digital twins are a useful tool
On a walk around the London Build trade show last month, I moved from different stages talking about topics from sustainability to fire safety, but there was one term that kept popping up: the ‘digital twin’.
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Professional
If redundancy looms, do it right
Social media giant Twitter has found itself under scrutiny following the dismissal of around half its workforce.
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Professional
Will the new levy be any better?
Currently in the report stage in the House of Commons, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill proposes the replacement of both Section 106 planning agreements (S106) and the Community Infrastructure Levy with a National Infrastructure Levy, which would be paid by developers to local planning authorities.
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Professional
Useful rights-of-light guidance will have to wait for another day
The property and legal worlds were eagerly awaiting judgment in Sirosa Properties Establishment v The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, which went to trial in November.
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Professional
Add fluctuation provisions to tackle economic uncertainty
The rise of inflation and the cost of materials has been a key concern in the construction industry recently.
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Professional
Hillside has caused a headache
Following the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hillside Parks case (p39, 18.11.22), varying large multi-unit consents may require a replacement application covering the whole site.
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Professional
Look to Norway for a green path
Norway usually arouses little global interest – but in relation to its long-term practice of sustainable development, there is much that other countries can learn.
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Professional
A little magic can go a long way when creating special spaces
People don’t universally love new places. New developments are typically seen as soulless, manicured or too perfect. This is a particular struggle for areas dominated by corporate offices, where workers ship in and ship out on commuter trains with little reason to engage with the communities around them.
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Professional
What is the process for evicting a residential long-leaseholder?
Evicting a residential long leaseholder for breaching their lease is, quite rightly, a court-heavy, cumbersome process and one that too often freeholders and managing agents are not keen to embark on.
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Professional
Green growth remains essential
The UK finishes its year-long presidency of COP26 in a different position to how it began.
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Professional
Digital tools cut the fire safety risk
A persistent lackadaisical approach to the quality and competence of fire inspections is putting residents’ lives at risk.
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Professional
How will the expiry of the Covid rent arrears scheme affect landlords?
The six-month window for referrals into the government’s Covid rent arrears arbitration scheme concluded on 24 September 2022, marking the end of the restrictions on landlords taking enforcement action.
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Professional
Planning needs less red tape
Having adaptable space and a business nimble enough to change quickly is paramount in the post-pandemic environment. However, adapting properties is no small – or quick – undertaking and there are significant administrative hurdles to overcome.
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Professional
The private sector can aid councils
A summer of discontent for local planning authorities (LPAs) saw officers at Portsmouth and Bournemouth councils self-imposing ‘lockdowns’ to tackle planning application backlogs.
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Professional
Let’s look to the next generation
‘The future of the industry is in good hands’ has become the standard response from the judging panel for the Women in Property National Student Awards.
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Professional
Energy costs and rental markets
Residential rents, currently at record-high levels, are predicted to increase.
