England’s housing stock in numbers

The most recent annual report from the English Housing Survey tells us there are 24.4 million dwellings in England, including both occupied and vacant homes. Of these, 15.6 million (64 per cent) are owner occupied, 4.7 million (19 per cent)... View Article

Energy efficiency of housing continues to improve

The energy efficiency of England’s housing stock continues to improve as the Government strives to meet its international obligations to reduce energy consumption. In 2019, the average SAP rating of English dwellings was 65 points, up from 45 points in... View Article

Council house Right to Buy sales stall

Right to Buy sales of council homes have fallen by 43 per cent in the latest figures released by the Government, falling to their lowest level since 2013. English councils sold 1,548 homes to tenants exercising their Right to Buy... View Article

Material change needed in 2021

The FMB’s Brian Berry takes a look at the changes that must be seen in Government policy to allow SME builders to thrive in these uncertain times. 2021 has started on a positive note. Only a matter of hours into... View Article

Government gives councils extra rough sleeper support

The Government is giving an extra £10 million to councils to find accommodation for rough sleepers throughout the lockdown period and ensure they are registered with a GP. The Government has said this will ensure more people can be protected... View Article

No increase in regulator’s fees from April

Social landlords in England have been informed that they will not be facing an increase in their fees payable to the regulator in the next financial year. The Regulator of Social Housing has written to all registered providers saying the... View Article

Planning for in-built sustainability

If the UK is to reach carbon net-zero by 2050 and its homes are to withstand the changing climate, sustainability needs to be ‘baked into developments’ from the outset. Isabella Krabbe of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) tells Jack... View Article

Micro developers, macro barriers

A collaborative JV between a micro developer and a local housing association is building four homes on a semi-rural Bristol site. CHI’s Alli Gay tells Jack Wooler how the developer navigated the many challenges SMEs face to achieve this. A... View Article

Gas safety in 2021

Joe Beesley of CORGI explores how landlords can stay on the right side of gas safety regulations. In 2020, a new problem significantly exacerbated the age-old problem of access to residents’ homes to perform gas safety checks and repairs and... View Article
One size does not fit all

One size does not fit all

John Mellor of Glidevale Protect explains why specification matters in roofing membrane and ventilation products. Specifying pitched roofing underlays for new build or refurbishment projects is often a confusing subject with so many options available on the market, each offering... View Article

Post-pandemic paving

Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental new importance with Covid-19. Chris Hodson of Interpave explains why a fresh approach is needed when designing and selecting paving for housing, to meet a wide range of new requirements. Apart from social... View Article

A flood of enquiries

With many homes still being built on flood plains, and flooding an increasing risk, there are a host of issues for housebuilders to address when it comes to drainage. Chris Green of ACO Water Management explains further. Since 2013, one... View Article
Estimating a full recovery

Estimating a full recovery

Marcus Jefford of Build Aviator explains how some of the supply challenges faced by housebuilders and developers as a result of Covid can be relieved with the help of intelligent estimating software. The coronavirus has had a profound effect on... View Article