Are you embarrassed to be a landlord? According to a recent poll of almost 800 residential property investors, one in five landlords are too embarrassed to admit it. The findings show that on average 21% of landlords have been too embarrassed to admit it before. Across the UK, more landlords
9 September 2016 | Martin Read The BIFM’s sustainability special interest group (SIG) is embarking on a project to improve the value and accessibility of its sustainability research programme. Speaking at the launch of the 2016 BIFM sustainability survey, SIG chairman Sunil Shah explained that the group’s current focus on annual
West Country Properties Limited, advised by Savills, has let 44 Caledonia Place in Clifton, Bristol to Troia UK Restaurants Limited, trading as The Ivy. Troia UK has agreed a 20-year lease on the property, which is a former banking hall dating back to 1788. The Ivy is set to open
Landlords have been refused permission to challenge proposed changes to the taxation of income from buy-to-let properties – the so-called Tenant Tax. Landlords’ campaign group Axe the Tenant Tax, led by co-claimants Steve Bolton olf Platinum Property Partners, and landlord Chris Cooper, submitted at London’s High Court that the changes
In recent building news, it has been announced that Ney & Partners has successfully won an enviable position to design the new £4m Tintagel Castle footbridge, Cornwall, for English Heritage. The winning team, based out of Brussels, saw the team, alongside William Matthews Associates, an up and coming architectural practice,
As previously reported, concerns have already been raised as to the division of governmental spending between SME and larger enterprises. And while governmental figures have highlighted a marked increase in the usage of SMEs on key contracts, further woes have been raised as to the skewing of such results where
In the latest property news, mixed views can be perceived in the varying performance of renting rates across Scotland, in comparison to those rates witnessed, and reported on for across England and Wales. The figures, effectively showcasing the overall rise in rent rates across the UK, display that Scottish property
A construction news update; it has been predicted that the current level of output in the construction level is set to spike considerably in the coming years, with recent construction industry research, as undertaken by Leading Edge, predicting a considerable jump of 3.3% on those figures achieved in 2015. This,
As of a survey by the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors, it has been urged for those leaving school to be encouraged to look into the possibility of undertaking apprenticeships as opposed to the more traditionally considered route onto the career ladder. And while higher education is still considered
Serving as one of the largest contracts ever to have been awarded to the firm, Gus Robinson Developments, a leading development specialist in the North East of England, has successfully secured a £4.8m contract for at the Tyneside development project. The site, at Great Park, Newcastle, has had a steady
Are you embarrassed to be a landlord? According to a recent poll of almost 800 residential property investors, one in five landlords are too embarrassed to admit it. The findings show that on average 21% of landlords have been too embarrassed to admit it before. Across the UK, more landlords in the East of England and the East Midlands said they were embarrassed to admit it compared to any other region (29% and 28% respectively). At the other end of the scale, the English regions with the fewest embarrassed landlords were the South East and Yorkshire and Humber (18%). Just 13% of landlords in Scotland said they had been too embarrassed to admit it before – the lowest across the UK (see full regional breakdown below). Richard Blanco, who lets property in London and the East Midlands, says he hasn’t always been truthful when it comes to admitting he’s a landlord: “Before becoming a landlord I thought long and hard about it because I had always disliked landlords as a student due to a bad experience I had over my deposit. These days I’m more upfront about it, but I tell people I work in property instead, because I still assume people won’t like me if tell them what I do. I also say that I work for the National Landlords Association (NLA) and that we campaign to improve the private rented sector, which tends to go down a bit better”. The findings indicate that approximately 400,000 of the UK’s 2 million landlords avoid telling people what they do. The NLA, which is the largest representative body for landlords in the UK, says that despite the bad press, the majority of tenants are satisfied with their current landlord and tenancy. Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer at the NLA, said: “The number of people looking to invest in property is rising all the time yet the stigma attached to being a landlord never seems to diminish. It’s the minority of rogues and criminal landlords that make the headlines, and this has a negative impact on everyone else. The majority of landlords are hardworking individuals who put their own money into providing homes for others, and they should not be ashamed to say so”. Source link
9 September 2016 | Martin Read The BIFM’s sustainability special interest group (SIG) is embarking on a project to improve the value and accessibility of its sustainability research programme. Speaking at the launch of the 2016 BIFM sustainability survey, SIG chairman Sunil Shah explained that the group’s current focus on annual research reports can have the effect of limiting the potential impact of its work. By introducing longer-term research activity with a five year span, the value of the subsequent output will be greater to end users and the FM sector’s interactions with government. “We are looking at how we collect data, and at how we work with the plethora of data that already exists,” said Shah. “But we have had the problem that much of the third party data we work with is maintained in closed data sets. And a lot of that data is not cross-comparable from one third-party source to another. The sustainability SIG is seeking to introduce a new open access information portal through which to host its longer-term researh activity. The longer-term research programme will focus on both environmental and social sustainability metrics. The challenge, said Shah, is to produce better and more shareable data. “At the moment, a lot of conversations that government has about the impact of buildings is from a design-led perspective, not FM. So when goverment wants to talk about how buildings perform, they talk to architects and engineering consultants rather than the FM profession.” The sustainability SIG is looking for organisations to support this programme. It intends to go live with the project in the early part of next year. Source link
West Country Properties Limited, advised by Savills, has let 44 Caledonia Place in Clifton, Bristol to Troia UK Restaurants Limited, trading as The Ivy. Troia UK has agreed a 20-year lease on the property, which is a former banking hall dating back to 1788. The Ivy is set to open towards the end of this summer. Chris O’Mahony, retail and leisure director at Savills in Bristol, comments: “We’re delighted that prestigious restaurant The Ivy has chosen to open its first restaurant outside of London in Clifton. The property at Caledonia Place not only provides an excellent Bristol location but also a unique space that complements The Ivy brand.” The Ivy was represented by Teague & Capital Ltd. Source link
Landlords have been refused permission to challenge proposed changes to the taxation of income from buy-to-let properties – the so-called Tenant Tax. Landlords’ campaign group Axe the Tenant Tax, led by co-claimants Steve Bolton olf Platinum Property Partners, and landlord Chris Cooper, submitted at London’s High Court that the changes would be both ‘unfair and unlawful’, and that the case should go to a full judicial review hearing – however, Mr Justice Dingemans ruled the challenge ‘arguable’ and dismissed it. Cherie Blair QC, who represented claimaints, said that landlords face challenging times ahead, in light of the ‘very disappointing’ result. The changes, which are due to come into force in 2017, would stop landlords being able to claim buy-to-let costs – largely mortgage interest payments – as a business expense. Landlords leading the campaign have vowed to continue to take their case to the Government. Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer at the National Landlords Association (NLA) said: “This decision is ultimately disappointing not just for landlords, but for the tenants who will see their rents rise as a consequence of the changes to landlord taxation. “While we have never been convinced that there was a solid enough legal case to overturn George Osborne’s decision, we hoped the Courts would be prepared at least to listen to the arguments. “We congratulate Steve, Chris and the campaign team on their determination, perseverance, and their success in raising awareness and increasing the visibility and understanding of what will be a dramatic change to the ability of hard working people to provide homes for others. “This issue has been the focus of the NLA’s lobbying for the past 15 months and, as the UK’s largest representative body for landlords, we are still committed to changing this damaging policy through political engagement and lobbying. We urge all landlords to join us in this fight.” Source link
In recent building news, it has been announced that Ney & Partners has successfully won an enviable position to design the new £4m Tintagel Castle footbridge, Cornwall, for English Heritage. The winning team, based out of Brussels, saw the team, alongside William Matthews Associates, an up and coming architectural practice, prove their talents and come head and shoulders above the rest. Beating off 136 other keen industry competitors in the multiple stage competition, the judges for the competition came to a majority decision on selection the team, thus granting them the enviable engineering and architectural commission. As for the reasoning behind their selection, the judges commented that the design concept was for the elegance, structural ingenuity and delicate profile of the presented design which allowed it to stand apart from the others presented. Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English Heritage provided her thoughts on the winning design, stating: “The winning team’s concept is daring and very exciting. It is not the final design but instead a brilliant indication of the team’s talent and imagination.” Inspiration for the solution presented has been stated to have come from Celtic history and how the Tintagel Castle drawbridge was originally arranged and designed. In accordance with this, the design proposal has included the usage of local slate for the decking and a mixture of both non and weathered steel so that contrast can be provided – this, in effect will be most notable when hit by sunlight, allowing it to provide a striking visage at the backdrop of the coastal scenery. As a result of the win, Ney & Partners will now begin developing their final designs, with consent applications set for a later date in the year, and a predicted completion date set as 2019. Set to entirely change the experience gusts will have when visiting the castle, the 28m high bridge is a must-watch to see how the final designs are developed and put into action.
As previously reported, concerns have already been raised as to the division of governmental spending between SME and larger enterprises. And while governmental figures have highlighted a marked increase in the usage of SMEs on key contracts, further woes have been raised as to the skewing of such results where subcontractor works are performed on behalf of the larger enterprises. As such, the National Audit Office has highlighted that it could not be certain as to whether there has actually been an increase in direct spending with SMEs, with the previous indirect spending figures being entirely incomparable with earlier statistics. A worrying notion, to be sure, with the NAO stressing the increased importance for more governmental focus on spending within the SME base of the supply chain. With concerns already having been raised as to the continuity of the government’s success in integrating SMEs into the supply chain more appropriately, the notion comes at a time whereby increased questions are being raised as to just how much extra is actually being spent with SMEs, both directly and indirectly. A positive sign can be seen in the increased accessibility of application for governmental works by SME practices as a bare minimum on the progress made thus far, however it is becoming increasingly evident that competing for such works and securing spending from the government may not yet be a great degree easier than has previously been seen. BIFM’s Chair of the Procurement Special Interest Group, Wendy Sutherland, commented: “The ability for SMEs to actively participate in this environment is challenging despite the best intentions of central government, as can be seen when reading the list of the successful suppliers.” Of course, as previously highlighted, the position is one whereby the government has been urged to reassess and identify further ways in which it can both engage with, and sped directly with the SME supplier base else, it is feared that targets for SME spending will not be met.
In the latest property news, mixed views can be perceived in the varying performance of renting rates across Scotland, in comparison to those rates witnessed, and reported on for across England and Wales. The figures, effectively showcasing the overall rise in rent rates across the UK, display that Scottish property rents, although successfully rising, have only done so at two thirds of the rate seen in England and Wales, with a rise of circa 2.1% each year – reported in the latest but to let index from Your Move. Across England and Wales, an increase of rents has been reported to sit at some 3.3% each year, greatly outpacing the aforementioned rise in Scotland. Additionally, it has even been highlighted that pockets of Scotland have even witnessed periods of stagnation in rent prices on a monthly basis, with some areas, including Glasgow and the Highlands actually facing a fall in rents compared with January. The result come at a curious time, with Scotland simultaneously seeing a period of extensive governmental intervention into the private rent market, whilst simultaneously experiencing markedly slowed down growth in rents. Though, as highlighted by Brian Moran, Your Move Scotland’s Lettings Director, the figures do indeed still point to a degree of growth, yet against a considerable degree of stronger tenant finances. “Like any market, affordability is a fundamental check on prices. Rental arrears are a great benchmark of affordability in the market, and their frequency is falling,” explained Brian Moran. In fact, it is not the first time in which governmental intervention has led to similar levels of effect, likened to the 2012 tenancy fee abolition. Yet, how the sector now reacts to the changes presently being faced, and also how plans are made to ensure continued profitability in the sector, is yet to be fully seen – time, however, will tell.
A construction news update; it has been predicted that the current level of output in the construction level is set to spike considerably in the coming years, with recent construction industry research, as undertaken by Leading Edge, predicting a considerable jump of 3.3% on those figures achieved in 2015. This, in effect would represent a predicted figure of £135.3bn for 2016. Signalling a boom period for the construction industry which has not been witnessed since before the recession, the figures actually outshine the boom period of 2007’s figure of £133.7bn; an incredible piece of good news for construction industry sceptics. And looking at the various areas expected to see such considerable degrees of growth, the spread is, in fact expected to be quite far and wide, touching an assortment of industry sectors. Key areas, however, which are predicted to see a level of considerable growth include the private housebuilding sector, the industrial sector and also that of infrastructure. While not dubbed as one of the key sectors to see massive growth this year, the commercial sector is actually forecast to enter the green once more, with a degree of growth expected, in contrast to the reduction witnessed last year; a statistic no-doubt welcomed by the industry. Although many sectors are expected to see the benefit of the emerging boom, the public housing sector, however, has not been predicted to see growth this year, with a shortfall actually considered to be on the books for the year. An unfortunate prospect for the sector, but one which has arguably been predicted long in advance. The figures, of course, do indeed highlight a very strongly performing sector in the whole. As such, industry optimism remains high, with Mel Budd, Director of Leading Edge commenting: “Although the Office of Budget Responsibility has just downgraded its GDP forecasts, the UK economy is still relatively healthy and one of the fastest growing western economies, which will help grow output in the construction sector.”
As of a survey by the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors, it has been urged for those leaving school to be encouraged to look into the possibility of undertaking apprenticeships as opposed to the more traditionally considered route onto the career ladder. And while higher education is still considered to be the primary mode of progress for individuals, questions can be raised as the benefits in contrast to apprenticeships which can often provide more specific (to the relevant role) training and an easier time breaking into the sector for certain career paths. In the survey, the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors surveyed some 1,830 homeowners within both Wales and England, to gauge their opinion on apprenticeships. Of the results, it was highlighted that a surprisingly high 86% of individuals actually stated that they believe that those leaving school should face more encouragement on the apprenticeship front, as opposed to the more traditional path through to Higher Education – in fact, a mere 2% of those surveyed actually stated to disagree with this notion. Additionally, 81% of people nodded to the benefits of pursuing an apprenticeship, with respect to the provision of earnings and key, targeted learning for their career of choice. 78% then supported this notion, believing that apprenticeships provide a good way into a career of choice as well as 77% of those surveyed also stressing how important professional training is. Of course, the results come as no surprise, with an increasing number of university graduates struggling to break into their career of choice due to a lack of experience and a degree of insecurity as to the assurances of finding a job quickly after graduation. Combined with a shortage of skilled tradesmen, and the aforementioned lead into a career through apprenticeships, it is for these reasons that we can see apprenticeships starting to come to the fore more prominently as a direct means into a number of enviable careers.
Serving as one of the largest contracts ever to have been awarded to the firm, Gus Robinson Developments, a leading development specialist in the North East of England, has successfully secured a £4.8m contract for at the Tyneside development project. The site, at Great Park, Newcastle, has had a steady flow of development work ever since 2001, with circa 1,500 residential properties having been developed, alongside a number of key public facilities and commercial areas. Now deemed to be an ever-expanding community, the site is considered to be a hotbed of optimism and potential for further development. And at this highly enviable location, Gus Robinson Developments has been awarded a key contract to develop residential property space (effectively, apartment space) atop retail units which is expected to add yet another combination of community-enhancing credentials to support further prosperity at the site. Most specifically, the project will see Gus Robinson Developments creating circa 38 two-bedroomed apartments on-site, on behalf of Benicia Homes, a provider of social housing solutions. Works are expected to commence by the end of the month, with an expected completion of time of approximately one year. Of course, representing a landmark deal to Gus Robinson Developments, the company’s Managing Director, Steve Bell expressed his delight at securing what is, at present, the organisation’s largest ever development contract to date, offering the organisation a unique opportunity to showcase its capacity to deliver on larger projects in enviable locations. Having already undertaken a number of differing commercial and retail development projects, as well as those pertaining to affordable housing over the years, Gus Robinson Developments will indeed be bringing a great deal of experience to the table, however, the project also signals the first time in which the company has been able to combine this experience in one project, as Steve Bell explains: “This is the first time we have been able to showcase both parts of the business within the same project and the whole of the team are looking forward to seeing the scheme progress.”
