One of the most crucial considerations a real estate investor can make is choosing the right ownership structure. The tax implications of the structure that they choose can significantly impact their balance sheet. You can discover your tax savings and find out more about tax-efficient ownership structures for real estate investors. Choosing the right structure Before exploring the different types of structure options, let’s take a look at some factors that may help decide which structure is best. Some key considerations include the investor’s financial goals, the type of real estate investments, and the desired level of control.  For example, it is important to clearly define your tax goals. Figure out whether they involve minimizing current tax liability, maximizing deductions, or planning for long-term capital gains treatment before you do anything. Then consider the level of liability protection needed. Certain structures provide a shield against personal liability, while others expose the investor’s personal assets to risks taken by the business.  It is also important to assess the flexibility required for the business as well as the long term strategy. Some companies offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of taxation, management structure, and ownership which makes them a popular choice among real estate investors. Structures that facilitate tax-deferred exchanges and capital gains treatment are likely to be preferable for those planning to keep properties for a long period of time. Lastly, if estate planning is a consideration, structures like family partnerships or LLCs can offer tax advantages and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets to heirs. Sole ProprietorshipThis is by far the most simple form of ownership and involves an individual owning and operating the real estate business. This provides the investor with complete control, but at the same time, exposes the investor to personal liability. It is also not the most tax-efficient option as income generated is taxed at the individual’s tax rate, and there are limited opportunities for deductions compared to other structures. Partnerships Partnerships are one of the more popular choices for real estate investors as they offer both flexibility and shared responsibilities. In a general partnership, income and losses flow through to the individual partners which helps them avoid double taxation. Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships provide liability protection for some partners while still allowing favorable tax treatment. Limited Liability Company (LLC) An LLC gives investors the liability protection of a corporation and the flow through taxation of a partnership. Members therefore get to enjoy limited liability, and income or losses pass through to individual tax returns. This makes LLCs a tax-efficient choice for real estate ownership and therefore is a widely used option. Investors can choose to be taxed in a few different ways. They can either be taxed as a disregarded entity (for single-member LLCs), a partnership, an S or C corporation, depending on their specific tax strategy. S Corporation An S corporation is not a stand-alone entity like an LLC or corporation and is often chosen for its pass through taxation benefits. Profits and losses pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns and therefore avoid corporate-level taxation. S corporations do however have strict eligibility criteria. Things such as a limit on the number and type of shareholders, as well as the fact that all shareholders must be US citizens or residents that are used to determine eligibility. C Corporation These are not as common for real estate investments but they may be suitable in certain situations. These kinds of corporations are subject to double taxation as profits are taxed at both the corporate level and again when distributed to shareholders. The benefit being that they offer lower corporate tax rates and may be advantageous for investors who are holding properties for the long term.  Real Estate Investment Trust  A Real Estate Investment Trust  is an ownership structure that has been specifically designed for real estate investment. These allow investors to pool funds to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets. At least 90% of taxable income must be distributed to shareholders. Investors therefore receive dividends, and the Trust itself avoids corporate-level taxation. Tenancy in common In this kind of structure, more than one investor co-owns a property and each one has a fractional interest. This provides investors with a tax-efficient way to pool resources and share ownership and doesn’t have the formalities of a partnership. Each investor will report their share of both income and expenses on their individual tax returns which allows for personalized tax planning. Family LLC or Limited partnership These types of structures are often used for estate planning and wealth transfer. They allow for the transfer of real estate assets to family members while maintaining control. The senior generation can therefore retain management control while at the same time giving limited partnership interests to their heirs. Selecting the right ownership structure is therefore a critical decision with significant tax implications. Each structure comes with its own set of benefits and considerations and one must consider what the overall financial goals are before deciding on the best structure to use. Real estate investors should work closely with tax professionals and legal advisors to tailor the ownership structure to their specific needs.

The latest research from eXp UK, the platform for personal estate agents, has revealed which famous TV faces would struggle to make it in today’s property market when taking into account both the pay they take home and the cost of homeownership in their respective areas. eXp UK looked at 12 much loved TV characters, what their onscreen professions would earn today and just how much it costs to purchase a property in their hometowns, before working out the income to house price ratio for each character.  With the current average UK house price sitting at £291,385 and the average gross salary coming in at £25,404, the average income to house price ratio currently stands at 8.2*.  Ian Beale priced out of Albert Square But spare a thought for Ian Beale, long-serving Eastender, who is facing a far less affordable outlook when it comes to the property market. While he may have held many jobs over the years, his fish and chip shop and vegetable stall have seen him through thick and thin. While the average caterer makes £27,886 across the UK, the average cost of a property in the East End of London is a lofty £512,825. As a result, Ian Beale would have a very tough time climbing the property ladder in today’s market with the income to house price ratio coming in at a huge 18.4 – 10.2 higher than the national benchmark. Vicar of Dibley would be Dibley-less Geraldine Granger, otherwise known as the Vicar of Dibley, wouldn’t fare much better. The average earnings for a member of clergy is currently £26,300. The fictional village of Dibley is set in Oxfordshire, where house prices average £445,210, meaning Geraldine would require 16.9 times her income to cover the cost of a home.  Sherlock Holmes has no chance in Westminster While the average detective may earn as much as £62,343 per year, the average price of a home in Westminster is currently £967,277, meaning Sherlock Holmes would require 15.5 times his annual earnings to purchase within the borough today.  Gavin and Stacey would have to make do without Smithy Smithy from Gavin and Stacey would earn £28,109 as a builder and decorator today, but should he want to purchase in his hometown of Billericay, he’d need 13.2 times his annual income to cover the cost of the average property there.  Other famous TV faces priced out of the market Edina Moon from Ab Fab would also need 13 times her annual income as a PR executive to purchase in Holland Park, Alfie Wickers from Bad Education would have to earn 10.9 times his annual earnings as a secondary school teacher to cover the cost of a property in his hometown, while the average price of a property in Postman Pat’s hometown sits at 10.9 times the average earnings of a postman.  Who would make it onto the property ladder? Of the famous faces analysed by eXp UK there are a few who would have less of a struggle than the rest when it comes to the task of achieving homeownership. With a general office manager pulling in £42,156 a year and the average house price in Slough sitting at £312,777, David Brent is facing one of the more affordable house price to income ratios at 7.4.  Alan Partridge would require 5.8 times the average income of a broadcaster to purchase in Norwich, while the average house price in Cornwall is just 4.7 times Doc Martin’s annual income as a GP.  Head of eXp UK, Adam Day, commented: “These famous TV faces are, of course, fictional. However, it’s interesting to see just how many would struggle in today’s housing market based on the locations they live in, the income they generate and the average cost of a home.  Had Ian Beale known just how much house prices in the east end would climb in recent years, he probably would have sacked off the chip shop and invested in bricks and mortar a long time ago. It also goes to show that even someone as incompetent as David Brent can climb the ladder with greater ease by opting for a more affordable location as Slough, while those working as detectives, teachers, clergy and PRs will struggle in London and the surrounding areas due to the far higher cost of property.” Data Tables Income to house price ratio is the number of years annual gross income required to cover the current average house price in a given area. Current house price data for each area sourced from the Gov – UK House Price Index Current average gross earnings sourced from the Office for National Statistics – Employee earnings in the UK: 2023 View the full data tables here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In business operations, mobile fuel delivery services are emerging as a key player, merging efficiency with convenience to redefine traditional fuel management. This innovative approach is gaining traction across various industries, not just as a convenience but as a strategic asset in a competitive landscape. The market for mobile fuel delivery is witnessing a significant upswing. A report by Grand View Research projects the market to reach USD 5.95 billion by 2025, indicating a growth rate of 6.1% annually since 2019. This growth reflects the rising importance of mobile fuel services in enhancing business operations. Mobile fuel delivery, known for its direct-to-site service, saves time and resources for businesses. This service is flexible, catering to various needs such as refueling fleets, construction equipment, and emergency generators. Beyond logistics, it provides essential reliability and predictability in the fast-paced business world of today. As we look ahead, the role of mobile fuel delivery in business strategies is expected to grow. It goes beyond enhancing operational efficiency; it supports continuous business operations and growth. This trend indicates a future with more integrated and efficient business operations, fueled by growing reliance on mobile fuel solutions. Embracing a New Level of Convenience Imagine a scenario: It’s a bustling Monday morning, and your fleet is preparing for the day’s tasks. Instead of your drivers making a detour to the nearest gas station, consider a fuel truck arriving directly at your location, ready to refuel your vehicles. This vision is now a reality with the convenience offered by on demand mobile fuel delivery. Economical and Time-Saving In the business landscape, saving time equates to saving money. Mobile fuel delivery addresses this by reducing the need for your vehicles to travel for refueling. This not only saves on fuel costs but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicles. Over time, these efficiencies can lead to substantial cost reductions. Furthermore, with options for bulk pricing, mobile fuel delivery becomes an attractive financial choice for businesses of various sizes. Positive Environmental and Safety Impacts Discussing environmental and safety impacts has become increasingly relevant in business operations. Traditional fueling methods often result in increased idling and emissions. However, mobile fuel delivery can help reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing these emissions. Trained professionals handling the fuel reduce the risk of spills and accidents, thereby enhancing workplace safety. Customized to Meet Your Needs The world of business demands flexibility. Mobile fuel delivery services offer customizable plans to meet your specific requirements, suitable for both small businesses and large corporations with many vehicles. This adaptability is a welcome change in an industry where tailored solutions can notably improve operational efficiency. Creating a Sense of Community Mobile fuel delivery is not just about providing fuel; it’s also about building relationships. You’re regarded as a valued client with distinct needs and preferences. This approach helps cultivate a sense of community and partnership, which is priceless in today’s business environment. Leveraging Technology Technology plays a key role in this sector’s evolution. Mobile fuel delivery services incorporate advanced technology for efficient and precise fueling. Features like real-time tracking and automated billing make the process smooth and transparent, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. Forward-Looking Perspectives Looking forward, mobile fuel delivery represents more than a convenient option; it’s a strategic business solution. It offers an innovative approach to fuel logistics, saves resources, reduces environmental impact, and provides personalized service. In an era where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, adopting mobile fuel delivery could be a wise decision for your business. Wrapping Up Wrapping up our discussion on mobile fuel delivery services, we see it’s not just a passing phase but a transformative shift in business fuel management. Mobile fuel delivery stands out for its time-saving, cost-cutting, and eco-friendly features, making it a critical component in today’s business processes. Its flexibility suits various business types and scales, and the use of advanced technology marks it as a solution for current and future challenges. Adopting mobile fuel delivery means actively choosing a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected way of doing business. Looking ahead, it’s thrilling to think about how this service will keep evolving, reshaping business operations, and fueling growth and efficiency in an ever-adapting world.

In the bustling construction world, where every detail matters, access panels are crucial in concealing and providing easy access to plumbing and electrical components. These seemingly simple fixtures streamline maintenance and repair tasks, making life easier for construction professionals.  In this blog post, we’ll dive into the real-world scenarios where access panels come to the rescue, unraveling the mysteries behind their practical applications.  The Basics of Access Panels    Before exploring real-world scenarios, let’s begin with the fundamentals.   Access panels refer to panels integrated into walls or ceilings, providing convenient access to concealed elements such as plumbing pipes, electrical wires, and various building systems. These panels are designed to seamlessly blend into the surrounding structure while providing a discreet entry point for maintenance and repairs.  Now, let’s explore how access panels work their magic in practical situations:  1. Concealing Plumbing Woes  Imagine a scenario where a commercial building’s plumbing system needs urgent attention. Without access panels, reaching the pipes hidden behind walls would involve breaking down sections of the structure, causing significant disruption and escalating costs.  Access panels like the BA-AHD flush universal access door come into play by offering a convenient entry point to the concealed plumbing network. Whether fixing a leak, replacing a damaged pipe, or conducting routine inspections, access panels provide a hassle-free solution.   Construction professionals can simply open the panel, perform the necessary tasks, and close it back up—all without disturbing the building’s aesthetics.  2. Taming the Electrical Jungle  Troubleshooting and repairs can be daunting in the intricate web of electrical wirings that power our buildings. Access panels simplify this process by directly accessing electrical components behind walls or ceilings. Electricians can easily reach junction boxes, outlets, and wiring connections without invasive and time-consuming measures.  Consider a scenario where a faulty outlet needs immediate attention. With access panels strategically placed, electricians can swiftly identify and address the issue, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. The streamlined process ensures that construction projects stay on schedule and within budget.  3. Enhancing Safety Inspections  Safety is paramount in construction, and regular inspections are key to ensuring a secure environment for occupants. Access panels facilitate safety inspections by providing quick and efficient access to critical building systems. Fire sprinkler pipes, HVAC ducts, and other safety-related components hidden from view can be easily examined without causing disruptions.  For example, inspectors can access concealed fire sprinkler systems through well-placed access panels during a routine fire safety inspection. This enables them to verify the system’s functionality, ensuring it is ready to respond effectively in an emergency.  4. Speeding Up Renovation Projects  Construction professionals know that renovations often involve navigating through existing structures. Access panels become invaluable in renovation projects, allowing for seamless integration of new elements or modifications to existing ones.  Imagine a scenario where a restaurant undergoes a renovation to install a new ventilation system. Access panels are necessary for the process, which requires extensive demolition to reach and connect the ductwork. Access panels strategically placed in the walls or ceilings provide a non-disruptive solution, allowing contractors to install the new system efficiently without compromising the overall structure.  Challenges When Dealing with Access Panels  Incorporating access panels into building design and construction comes with a unique set of challenges that construction professionals might face. From aesthetic and functional factors to strict regulatory requirements, coordinating all the elements can be complex. Some specific challenges commonly encountered include:  Integration with Design Aesthetics: Balancing the functional requirements of access panels with the overall design aesthetics of the space can be challenging. Ensuring access panels blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture may require creative solutions.  Size and Location: Determining the appropriate size and location of access panels is crucial. Ensuring that they provide sufficient access to the systems behind them while minimizing their impact on the design and flow of the space can be challenging.  Fire Rating and Building Codes: Meeting fire rating requirements and building codes is essential. Ensuring access panels maintain the required fire resistance and comply with local regulations may pose challenges, especially in sensitive areas like fire-rated partitions.  Structural Considerations: Incorporating access panels without compromising the structural integrity of the building can be a challenge. Professionals must ensure that the installation of access panels keeps the overall structure intact.  Water and Air Tightness: Access panels in areas prone to moisture or air infiltration must be designed to be water and airtight. Ensuring that access panels maintain the integrity of the building envelope can be challenging, particularly in humid or harsh weather conditions.  Security Concerns: Access panels may provide entry points for unauthorized individuals. Ensuring that access panels are secure and can only be opened by authorized personnel is vital for maintaining the safety and security of the building.  Accessibility and Ergonomics: Designing access panels that are easily accessible and user-friendly for maintenance personnel is important. Consideration must be given to the ease of opening, closing, and securing access panels to facilitate regular maintenance and inspections.  Cost Considerations: Balancing the functional requirements of access panels with budget constraints can be challenging. Identifying cost-effective solutions that meet the necessary specifications without compromising quality is an ongoing concern for construction professionals.  Coordination with Other Trades: Collaborating with other trades, such as electrical and plumbing contractors, to ensure that access panels are properly integrated into the overall system can be challenging. Coordination is crucial to avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth installation.  Conclusion  Access panels emerge as silent facilitators in the dynamic construction world, simplifying maintenance and repair tasks. These fixtures prove their worth by seamlessly integrating into the building structure while providing quick and easy access to concealed elements.  In the ongoing challenges encountered by construction professionals in the construction and maintenance of structures, access panels emerge as dependable companions. They are crucial in facilitating efficient, cost-effective tasks while minimizing disruptions.   The next time you come across these access panels, acknowledge their vital contribution to maintaining the optimal condition of buildings. They’re the unsung heroes of streamlined maintenance and repair in the construction industry. 

When you’re running a business you want to make sure that your website stands out from the competition. It can be a headache and a hassle trying to figure out how to make yourself unique in a large space such as the internet.  However, you need to make sure that you find a way that make your space on the internet unforgettable. If you’ve been struggling to do this, here are some of the best ways that you can leave your competition behind. What Is Your Unique Value? For you to be a cut above the rest,  there has to be something unique and different about your business. You must offer something that others don’t, you have to walk the walk differently! You must blaze every trail out there if you can and cook up something new. This uniqueness must be clearly articulated on your website so that people’s eyes pop open a bit wider!  When you have a very strong identity it makes a lasting impression and it will definitely encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Whatever you choose to do should get those tongues wagging. Make Sure It Looks Good The look of a site gives good and bad impressions. You have to think of your website as a fashion model you are getting ready for the catwalk, you want it to be the showstopper! Remember that first impressions last and this means that they truly matter, especially on the internet.  When you invest in a design that is eye-catching and makes people gasp in delight you will never regret it or lose out on your money. Make sure that you’re using the highest quality images possible and that your color scheme is on point.  Nobody wants to stare at drab colors that make them feel as if their emotions are being washed down the drain. Create Amazing Content Your aim should always be to become the go-to website for people who want a a product or a service.  The easiest way to do this is to make sure that you are creating amazing content at all times. Aside from amazing content you want to make sure that your content is able to put you ahead of the game in search engines. This means that you have to use the right keywords in your content.  You can hire SEO agencies to help you make the right decisions about this. They can also help you to create great content as well.  This way you can kill two birds with one stone. When you’re creating content you want to make sure that you are hitting at the heart of what is important to the people who use your products and services. Once you do this you’ll be able to captivate them and keep them on your website. Are you ready to take your websites to new heights? You can be king of your industry and be the only one standing on the mountaintop. One of the best places where you can do this is on your website. 

Over time, the workflow in architectural firms has begun to rely more on digital input than traditional means. Of course, this often results in technical hiccups that are best addressed by professionals, which is where managed IT services enter the picture. These services are part of a third-party team that takes care of general tasks that would be handled by an in-house expert otherwise. Managed services operate on a subscription or contract basis and are often more well-equipped to tackle technological setbacks. After all, keeping up with the latest updates in the IT field can distract an architectural firm a little from its priority tasks, such as ensuring the security of their systems through solutions like Industrial VPN Routers. Here’s a complete breakdown of how managed services can be helpful for your architectural firm and why they are an essential part of the industry. 8 Ways A Managed Service Can Help Your Architectural Firm Statistics indicate that an organization may spend up to even $9,000 per minute due to system downtime. So, it’s paramount for an architectural firm to prevent their systems from losing functionality. That is where managed services can be helpful. Managed services primarily deal with technological updates and potential setbacks, allowing an architectural firm to stay competitive without having to worry about technological leaps and issues. One of the most prominent benefits of such services is that they allow architectural firms to focus on operation and administrative management instead. This makes managed services an effective way of saving time, effort, and money. Here are eight ways a managed service can help your architectural firm: Why Managed Services Are Essential For Architectural Firms You should look for the following qualities in a managed service provider: Final Words The shift from analog to digital tools in architectural firms has made it necessary for them to have a team dedicated to technological experts. A prominent benefit of hiring a managed service is its ability to take the weight of handling technical issues away from the management team. Not only does this help the top brass of the firm focus on more pressing matters, but it also helps streamline company operations. Moving forward, one can expect managed services to become a mainstay at architectural firms for their reliable nature and expertise. After all, as technology advances, so do the issues that accompany it.

The sustainability battle lines have been drawn – a new report has been released by the Green Building Council of Australia, a leading authority on sustainable buildings and communities in conjunction with property industry champion, the Property Council of Australia, calling for more support at a local government level for the adoption of sustainable building practices. A little-known fact about the energy market is that buildings play a significant role in energy use. Data from the report cites that approximately half of Australia’s electricity use, and a quarter of its emissions, and generated by buildings. As the nation works towards evolving emissions targets, how can the private sector work with government stakeholders to forge a brave new world in construction, from the smallest of homes to those built by Australian cranes? The answer, it appears, seems to lie in the role that local government has as a stakeholder and key approver for development, whether it be residential, commercial, or industrial. Several findings on the current state of government leadership on sustainability find a range of inconsistencies around land use, poor sustainability targets, poor procurement policy, and a lack of targeted support. The GBCA report highlights that while sustainability and the built environment typically have strong regulatory representation at a state and federal level, at a local government level, that representation can be wholly inconsistent, even between neighbouring councils. This can cause problems for developers when looking to develop sustainable projects, as they suddenly must contend with a third level of regulation that may not be wholly consistent with the standards they may have previously dealt with in construction. Specifically, the report recommends streamlining planning tools across councils, working collaboratively across legislative borders, as well as with industry and the community to work towards a positive and sustainable outcome. Secondly, the report highlights that a key consideration should be the work that is done on existing and developing council infrastructure, in that it must be sustainable and work towards promoting the high energy efficiency standards that are demanded of new residential and commercial development. In particular, the sustainability leadership of the Wollongong City Council’s work on their Administrative Building – first achieving an Australian Excellence award by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2015, then working towards receiving a further World Leadership award in the years since, as they continued to reduce the amount of energy consumed and water wasted on property. The report highlights the importance of having highly performant government buildings and the range of benefits that they can bring to stakeholders in the community. Thirdly, the report highlights that poor procurement policies can often hamper efforts to work towards sustainable outcomes. It specifically notes that to be successful, national guidelines should be developed to enhance the capabilities of local government to accurately assess value-for-money and sustainability features vs the whole-of-life cost of an asset – a level of detail that local government is unable to consistently apply.  Launching alongside the report was the City of Melbourne’s Retrofit Melbourne plan – a plan for the City of Melbourne to work towards driving down the 66 percent of emissions that come from buildings in the council area. In a city where major manufacturing was discontinued in the last half century, council officials are exploring new and innovative ways to improve the sustainability of the properties in their council areas, without having to demolish and rebuild swathes of apartment buildings. Highlighting the importance of working together with industry, government, and other partners, Deputy Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece said “It’s crucial we act now – working alongside industry, government and academic partners to future-proof our city for generations to come. We need to get the balance right – protecting our older buildings which give Melbourne its character, while accelerating our collective journey towards zero net emissions.” Another theme highlighted in the report was that there was a lack of mandatory reporting for buildings, concerning sustainability practices. For those who are looking to purchase or rent a property, it’s very unlikely that prospective occupants would be able to find anything publicly listed about the sustainability features of a property – even though it is well-documented that consumers are willing to spend more if they know a property has sustainability features such as high energy efficiency. The importance of connection, and industry partnership, was highlighted as a critical theme throughout the report. Noting that little is done in isolation, the benefits of partnership and working together were highlighted in great detail, at both a domestic and international level. Much can be learned from the overseas experience – all nations are feeling the dangerous impacts of climate change, from Texas’ record-breaking freeze to the European heatwave recently named Cerberus, after the hound of Hades from Greek mythology. A sign of things to come, perhaps? While many nations are experiencing the impacts of climate change, many cities are adopting models that highlight the benefits of adopting the recommendations presented in the report by GBCA. Cities such as Chicago are working to streamline the permit approval process for sustainable buildings, and nations such as the UK are employing policies such as the UK Better Buildings partnership, collaborating with leading commercial property landlords to drive improvements in the sustainability of existing commercial stock. The challenges of climate change may seem insurmountable at times, but the work that cities and nations across the globe are doing to drive down emissions and work towards saving the world is certainly a cause for celebration. What now for the report, now that it has been released? It is hoped that the Albanese government may be able to implement some of the policies at a federal level, such as the sustainability ratings system. The Green Building Council of Australia and the Property Council of Australia remained determined to tackle the impacts of climate change in their way, presenting a gold standard for how organisations can work together to tackle the challenges of today. Now, it’s time for local government to step

Tradesmen could be hit by enforcement actions as the cold snap risks delaying building work. Did you know that taking too long to complete a construction project can constitute a planning breach? – breaches can result in enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution.  With both the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing warnings about freezing temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall expected to last until 5th December, building work across the nation could be delayed. London is one area subject to the weather warnings, so builders in the capital city could see their projects put on hold.  Research from the experts at Confused.com home insurance reveals that London sees the most enforcement actions nationally even without extreme weather, so the cold snap could compound this issue even further. The research compared the number of planning applications and the number of total enforcement actions for local authorities across the UK to reveal the following top 10 offending areas:  1 October 2022 – 30 June 2023 Rank Local authority Applications decided Total enforcement actions Total enforcement actions (%) 1 Newham 991 193 19.48% 2 Brent 2,050 241 11.76% 3 Colchester 1,370 137 10.00% 4 Slough 728 71 9.75% 5 Bromsgrove 603 50 8.29% 6 Ealing 2,402 196 8.16% 7 Barking and Dagenham 786 60 7.63% 8 Newark and Sherwood 938 70 7.46% 9 Isles of Scilly 54 4 7.41% 10 Broxbourne 632 44 6.96% But planning breaches don’t only affect builders – they can cause significant problems for homeowners themselves.  Matthew Harwood, home and lifestyle expert at Confused.com home insurance, warns against skipping planning permission: “Rushing home improvements without proper permissions risks severe consequences, especially with your home insurance. Here’s why you should stick to proper planning procedures: 1. It could affect your home insurance policy “Tell your home insurer if you’re doing major work on your house. Let your insurance company know if you’re planning big changes like an extension or building a conservatory. Such adaptations can influence your home’s value and possibly your insurance costs. “Smaller updates like painting or putting up shelves don’t usually need to be shared with your insurance company. However, it’s smart to record all home improvements, big or small, in case you need to make a claim later. 2. Legal repercussions and devaluation “Without proper permission, you may be forced to undo any changes. This can often be expensive and a big hassle. “Unpermitted modifications can devalue your home, making it harder to sell. People may avoid buying a house without proper permits, fearing future legal issues. 3. Potential safety hazards “If unapproved work on your house causes problems, like a fire, your home insurance might not cover it. “Having proper permission, though seeming like extra work, is vital to keep you safe and legal. It also helps your home’s value and could save you from extra costs and legal issues later. Always consult your insurer and obey local regulations for a safe home and peace of mind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals