All Comment articles – Page 11
-
InsightBarclay Review is just a step in the right direction
The sector has long called for an urgent reform of the business rates system in Scotland and so it was positive to see the proposals of the Barclay Review . If they are now implemented by the government it could be a positive step forward.
-
Insight
It will take more than the rise in fees to clear the planning back log
With applications increasingly trapped in the system and with the delivery of development projects stalling as a result, does the government’s proposed 20% increase in planning application fees really go far enough?
-
Insight
Data standardisation: the future for real estate reporting
In the recent past, we have seen a rise in property tech companies changing the way data is aggregated and reported.
-
Insight
Disruption has to become the industry blueprint
It’s all too easy to conform to the consensus view and protect the status quo in business; something our industry is particularly guilty of.
-
Insight
The Garden Bridge project was a sad victim of miserable negativity
In the 1940s, one of the visionary plans for London by the town planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie contained a proposal for a bridge across the Thames with crossing points pretty much where the Garden Bridge was supposed to have been constructed.
-
Insight
Brexit will not benefit Ireland as a whole
Brexit undoubtedly poses more challenges than opportunities for Ireland, notwithstanding the possible upside for the Dublin real estate market in the near term.
-
News
Resilient auction houses have adapted quickly to changes in stamp duty regime
The auctions sector tends to set the pace in the property market and the first half of 2017 has been no different.
-
Insight
Community and flexibility are on the tenant's wishlist
Creating a sense of community has for a long time been a key consideration for residential developers. But the concept of community is also becoming increasingly important to office occupiers.
-
Insight
Ground rent scandal reveals wider industry issue
Sometimes you have to ask why on earth something like the ground rent scandal ever even happened. As Alastair Stewart’s column suggests, the industry really doesn’t help itself.
-
Insight
Flexible workspace mustn’t lose sight of its roots
As Adam Branson’s report suggests more and more large corporations are embracing co-working but operators need to be careful not to move too far away from the model that has helped the sector flourish in recent years.
-
Insight
Northern Ireland’s infrastructure deal is not a windfall
In June, 10 of Northern Ireland’s 18 MPs became parliamentary kingmakers. As part of the deal the party struck with the Conservatives, the DUP negotiated an additional £1bn in funding for Northern Ireland.
-
Insight
Using BIM to its full potential
We use BIM for design and construction, but why aren’t we applying it to operations?
-
Insight
Self-regulation is better than government intervention
Experience shows that the longer sharp practices that rip off people or other businesses continue, the bigger the fall when the government intervenes.
-
Insight
Has the serviced office sector come of age?
In June, private equity giant Blackstone announced it had bought a majority stake in flexible workspace provider The Office Group.
-
Professional
Planning policy must assure a better future for petrol stations
There has been a decline in the number of petrol stations in the UK over the past couple of decades.
-
Insight
Carillion is not the only contractor that pursued tenders too recklessly
Almost two years ago, I wrote about a looming problem: the potential for contractor default bringing the continuing growth of the London property market to a shuddering halt.
-
Online
We must ensure downsizing is attractive option
It is well known in this country that we have a strong attachment to home ownership and climbing up the property ladder. As a consequence there has long been a reluctance to move back down; far from being seen as a pragmatic step, down-sizing is viewed negatively and with suspicion. ...
-
Insight
Can industry keep up with changes in how people invest?
A combination of legislative changes, new technology and social shifts is changing how people invest in property.
-
Insight
Construction: Swimming against the tide
The UK construction industry has certainly suffered a bad rap in recent years. While Britain’s corporate sector has earned a glowing reputation for slickness and innovation around the world – particularly in areas such as financial services and technology – the building industry has, for the most part, endured something ...
-
Insight
Crackdown on unfair leaseholding has put housebuilders in hot water
Not for the first time, some of Britain’s biggest housebuilders have found themselves on Sajid Javid’s ‘naughty step’. The communities secretary is not only stopping their money-spinning sale of leasehold houses but also encouraging buyers to ‘dob them in’.
