Month: May 2025
Two Countries Divided by Real Estate Policies: Contrasting Landscapes in Scotland and England
The real estate markets in Scotland and England differ significantly due to contrasting taxation systems, government policies, and regulatory environments, shaping distinct investment landscapes in each country. In Scotland, the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) applies a progressive structure with higher rates on expensive properties. While this aims to promote fairness, it has inadvertently…
Sustainable Housing and Its Impact on the UK Property Market in 2025
In 2025, sustainability is no longer a niche concept in the UK property market, it’s a central driver of consumer behaviour and development strategy. With the housing sector responsible for around 20% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, attention has turned toward building and retrofitting homes to be more energy-efficient, eco-conscious, and cost-effective. Recent data…
Government Moves to Slash Red Tape in Bid to Alleviate UK Housing Crisis
The UK government has unveiled a significant plan to cut red tape and accelerate housing development, particularly by smaller builders, in an effort to ease the country’s deepening housing crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which once accounted for 40% of new…
New Short-Term Rental Exemptions Needed in B.C. to Support Tourism, Film, and Healthcare Sectors
The BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) is urging the provincial government to revise its Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act to better balance housing affordability with the economic needs of tourism, the film industry, and healthcare sectors. While the legislation aims to increase long-term rental availability by restricting short-term rentals like Airbnb, it has had unintended negative…
Fort Gilkicker: A Historic Landmark Poised for Transformative Redevelopment
Fort Gilkicker, a notable 19th-century coastal fortification in Gosport, has been recognized by Historic England as a prime opportunity for heritage-led regeneration. Featured prominently in Historic England’s recently launched Heritage Investment Prospectus, the site exemplifies the potential to merge historic preservation with sustainable economic growth. Once a key part of Britain’s coastal defense system, Fort…
Middlesbrough Ranks Third in UK for Vacant Homes: A Complex Challenge Amidst a Housing Crisis
A recent study by real estate specialists Five Star Cash Offer has revealed that Middlesbrough ranks third among UK areas with the highest proportion of vacant homes. With 3,030 empty properties accounting for 4.61% of its total housing stock of 65,749 the town’s vacancy rate highlights a persistent issue rooted in economic and social challenges….
Demolition of 1960s Coventry Housing Estate Begins as Part of £120m Regeneration Project
A major regeneration initiative is now underway in Coventry as demolition begins on three 1960s tower blocks Kerry, Milestone, and Trafalgar Houses in Spon End. Led by social housing provider Citizen, the £120 million project marks the start of a long-anticipated transformation of the estate, which had fallen into disrepair. The first phase of the…
Abbey Estate Redevelopment Stalled Amid Community Uncertainty
Plans for a £250 million regeneration of Thetford’s Abbey Estate remain in limbo more than a year after a planning application was submitted. The project, led by Flagship Group, aims to transform the 1,100-home estate over the next 20 years through phased demolition, rebuilding, and the addition of up to 500 new properties. However, Breckland…
Artisan Real Estate to Lead Homes-Led Regeneration of Edinburgh’s Historic Caledonian Brewery Site
Artisan Real Estate has received planning approval from the City of Edinburgh Council to redevelop the historic Caledonian Brewery site in Shandon, Edinburgh, into a sustainable, low-carbon residential neighbourhood featuring 168 high-quality private and affordable homes. The brewery, founded in 1869 and operational until 2022, is a significant landmark with its B-listed Victorian red-brick buildings,…
Kimpton Hotels Announces Launch of Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, Its First Resort in Portugal
Kimpton Hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle collection, is expanding its presence in Europe with the opening of Kimpton Atlântico Algarve on São Rafael Beach in Albufeira, Portugal. This marks the brand’s first resort in the country and a significant step in IHG’s strategy to grow its luxury portfolio across Europe,…