All Ask the expert articles
-
ProfessionalWere the changes to UCO and PDR given due consideration?
This summer, the government announced sweeping changes to the use classes order (UCO) and permitted development rights (PDR), hailed by the prime minister as part of “the most radical reforms to our planning system since the Second World War”.
-
Professional
Building launches can still go ahead
Since March, many landlords and building owners have looked to market their vacant space via virtual launches. These were an essential marketing tool during lockdown and they still have their place.
-
Professional
Landlords must act reasonably when pursuing possession proceedings
After a long six months, the stay on possession proceedings has finally been lifted, although this does not mean an immediate return to normality.
-
Professional
How the real estate industry can support women during Covid-19
Covid-19 has created challenges for us all, but there is growing evidence that women have been impacted particularly hard.
-
Professional
It’s vital to prioritise wellbeing when working from home
Important factors are air quality, lighting, hydration, scheduling breaks, nature walks and quiet spaces.
-
Professional
Property market has to put stronger laundering checks in place
The case of Mansoor Mahmood Hussain, who the National Crime Agency (NCA) believes laundered millions through his property empire, demonstrates the huge gaps in protection against money laundering that still exist in the property market.
-
Professional
A real mixed bag for property investors
The mood among UK property investors is fearful as Covid-19 has put particular pressures on them in office, retail and buy-to-let properties.
-
Professional
Experiential diversity makes high streets the place to be
Generating excitement and activity in town centres depends on an active engagement with the public.
-
Professional
What should the government do to reform the business rates system?
No tax should be so high that it directly impacts companies’ decisions as to whether they open or close their bricks-and-mortar estate.
-
Professional
Who will meet the costs of fire safety work to residential blocks?
In July, the government published its draft Building Safety Bill, heralding the biggest changes to building safety for nearly 40 years. The reforms will cover any building that is at least 18m or more than six storeys above ground level, containing two or more dwellings.
-
Professional
The importance of outside space has never been more apparent
The inclusion of outdoor space in commercial schemes has always played an important role in balancing the built form and the natural, providing space for movement around buildings as well as a place simply to sit and be.
-
Professional
Homeowners facing External Wall System (EWS) policy woes
Three million homeowners are currently unable to sell their properties as they do not have an external wall system (EWS) certificate verifying the fire resilience of their properties. This is grossly unfair and suggests government policy is ineffective.
-
Professional
It is time to act on Covid insurance claims
A landmark ruling states that companies who held business interruption can claim insurance.
-
Professional
We must be vocal about the value of offices to our lives
Creative, collaborative offices are a prime catalyst both for mental wellbeing and professional development.
-
Professional
What will the reform of property management regulation involve?
The residential sector is undergoing potentially its most significant period of reform for a generation. While managing agents are often overlooked in the debate, bold but balanced regulation of property management is essential to improve consumer confidence.
-
Professional
The future of working is flexible
We were already heading towards the adoption of flexible working practices for businesses and more flexible rent and leasing arrangements across the retail and office sectors. However, the Covid-19 crisis has accelerated the rate of this change.
-
Professional
What are the tax incentives to encourage a return to offices?
The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted a shift in working practices, with many people working partly or fully from home. As fears grow for the small businesses in cities that rely on office workers for survival, it is no surprise that the government is encouraging workers to return to the office. ...
-
Professional
Plumbing system testers must keep up to date with training
Commercial building owners need to ensure testers are approved to carry out latest water safety checks.
-
Professional
The importance of workplace technology
Organisations have a dilemma on their hands. Workplaces are close to empty and there is too much costly unused office space going to waste.
-
Professional
Housing security is a mental health issue
High rental costs and precarious finances jeopardise young people’s wellbeing.
