The traditional boundaries between the home and the garden are increasingly blurred in modern architecture. As homeowners seek to maximise their living areas without the logistical nightmare of a full-scale brick-and-mortar extension, architects and developers are turning toward versatile, high-end structural solutions. The goal is no longer just to provide
The City of London Corporation has released a new CGI revealing how the Square Mile’s skyline is expected to look in around six years’ time, once the latest wave of towers under construction or with planning consent are complete. The computer-generated images illustrate the evolving cluster of tall buildings in
Out-of-town retail continued to outperform the wider retail market throughout 2025, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most resilient commercial property sectors, according to SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus report. Retail warehousing emerged as the standout performer, supported by low vacancy rates, constrained supply and sustained occupier demand,
By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners The 2025 Autumn Budget offered limited stimulus for the housing market and, persistent headwinds such as sticky inflation, higher for longer interest rates, elevated construction costs, and slow planning processes continue to impact development viability. But there are still reasons for
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light
The latest research by BPS London has revealed that London’s office sector is being held back by a lack of investment in refurbishment and remodelling, with just 7.5% of currently available office rental stock in the capital considered premium workspace. BPS London analysed the size and annual change of the UK
The UK construction sector enters 2026 facing a challenging mix of cost pressures, labour shortages, and regulatory change, but also opportunities to adapt through technology, sustainability, and operational resilience. “This year will be defined less by headline growth and more by how firms manage risk and deliver reliably,” says Laura
Laura Stone, COO at Greencore Homes, comments: “The Government’s ambition to invest £13 billion in creating ‘zero bill’ homes represents a significant opportunity to improve comfort, cut energy costs and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. Retrofitting existing properties to achieve this can be complex, disruptive and expensive. Technologies such as
More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 – a 5% decrease compared to last year – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. However, the figure (1,631) remains 22% higher than in 2022, signalling that UK companies are still facing significant pressures despite some signs
Property management and finance platform Lendlord has published the results of its latest landlord survey, revealing that 66% of landlords are planning growth activity, including acquisitions, refinancing and refurbishments, despite increased uncertainty following the recent Budget. The survey, titled Navigating Change: Landlord Sentiment in a post-Budget market, was conducted in
The traditional boundaries between the home and the garden are increasingly blurred in modern architecture. As homeowners seek to maximise their living areas without the logistical nightmare of a full-scale brick-and-mortar extension, architects and developers are turning toward versatile, high-end structural solutions. The goal is no longer just to provide a view of the outdoors, but to create a seamless transition that allows the exterior to function as an integral part of the home’s floor plan. This shift in residential design is driven by a desire for “indoor-outdoor” living, a concept that has evolved far beyond the simple patio door. Modern developments now prioritise thermal efficiency, structural lightness, and aesthetic cohesion. By treating the garden as an additional “room,” developers can significantly increase the perceived value and utility of a property, providing the flexible spaces that the 2026 market demands. Integrating the glass sliding door into contemporary building design At the heart of this architectural evolution is the widespread adoption of the glass sliding door as a primary structural element. Unlike the heavy, framed bifolds of the past, today’s minimalist sliding systems offer expansive, uninterrupted views that effectively remove the visual barrier between the lounge and the terrace. These systems are designed to slide effortlessly, allowing for a large-scale opening that creates a fluid thoroughfare for air and light. From a construction perspective, these glass walls provide a sophisticated solution for managing natural light in narrow urban plots. They allow architects to flood interior spaces with daylight, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and improving the overall wellbeing of the occupants. When specified correctly, these systems maintain high levels of insulation, ensuring that the home remains energy-efficient during the winter while offering the possibility of a completely open-plan living experience during the summer months. Enhancing property utility with a modern carport While much of the focus on outdoor living remains on the rear of the property, the front elevation is seeing its own functional revolution. The traditional garage is often viewed as a missed opportunity for space, frequently used for storage rather than vehicle protection. Consequently, we are seeing a rise in the specification of the contemporary carport in new build developments. These structures provide a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the enclosed garage, offering protection from the elements without the heavy footprint of a traditional building. A well-designed aluminium structure can complement the lines of a modern house, providing a sheltered area that is both practical and visually unobtrusive. This is particularly relevant in the context of the growing EV market, where homeowners require easy, sheltered access to charging points. By integrating these structures into the initial design phase, developers can offer a premium feel that maintains an open, airy street scene. The future of modular outdoor structures The trend toward modularity in construction shows no signs of slowing down. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to customise their properties over time, and high-quality modular kits allow for this flexibility. Many industry professionals are now looking toward specialist manufacturers like Tuinmaximaal, who provide robust, professional-grade aluminium components that can be tailored to fit specific architectural requirements. This “plug-and-play” approach to high-end garden structures allows for rapid installation with minimal disruption to the site. Ultimately, the successful bridge between interior and exterior spaces relies on the quality of the materials and the thoughtfulness of the design. By incorporating expansive glass systems and functional sheltered areas, we can create homes that feel larger, brighter, and more connected to the world outside. As we look toward the future of UK residential development, these versatile structures will continue to play a pivotal role in how we define the modern British home.
The City of London Corporation has released a new CGI revealing how the Square Mile’s skyline is expected to look in around six years’ time, once the latest wave of towers under construction or with planning consent are complete. The computer-generated images illustrate the evolving cluster of tall buildings in the City’s financial district, reflecting what will be delivered following a record year for planning approvals in 2025. According to the Corporation, 2026 has already marked the busiest start to a year in seven years in terms of both planning submissions and decisions, as demand for high-quality, sustainable Grade A office space continues to grow. More than half a million square metres of office space was granted planning permission in 2025 alone – the equivalent of more than ten Gherkin-sized buildings – with roughly half of that total already under construction. The result is a development pipeline that will keep the Square Mile firmly in growth mode for the remainder of the decade. Major schemes contributing to the future skyline include 1 Undershaft, which is already progressing on site, alongside 85 Gracechurch Street and 60 Gracechurch Street, both due to start shortly. Together, these projects will add more than 200,000 square metres of commercial space. Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said strong demand for amenity-rich, premium office space was reinforcing the City’s global appeal. He noted that vacancy rates in the City Core continue to fall, prime supply remains tight and leasing activity has reached its strongest annual performance since 2019. He added that the City continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver complex, large-scale developments while responding to evolving patterns of work. Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, described commercial development in the Square Mile as “all systems go”, pointing to a particularly active start to the year and sustained investor confidence in the City’s long-term prospects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Out-of-town retail continued to outperform the wider retail market throughout 2025, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most resilient commercial property sectors, according to SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus report. Retail warehousing emerged as the standout performer, supported by low vacancy rates, constrained supply and sustained occupier demand, all of which helped drive rental growth across the year. Despite a modest dip compared with 2024, investment volumes remained healthy, with more than £2bn transacted in 2025. This level of activity sits comfortably in line with the sector’s 10-year average, with returns over the past 12 months averaging 9.8%. Investor appetite has been particularly strong for well-located secondary assets offering attractive income returns. Groups such as Redevco and Realty have been active in targeting these opportunities, reflecting confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals. Occupational demand has also remained robust. Vacancy rates across retail warehousing have held at around 5%, and space released following the failures of Homebase and Carpetright was swiftly absorbed by a mix of food retailers, DIY operators, discount brands and gym operators. There has also been a notable rise in retailers acquiring freehold interests in solus units to secure long-term occupation at lease expiry. Letting activity has varied by location and scheme type. Operators such as Next, Superdrug and M&S Food Hall have continued to target schemes with a stronger high-street bias, while discount retailers including Home Bargains and B&M have pressed ahead with portfolio expansion. While a small number of store closures have been announced by Hobbycraft, overall supply remains tight. Gym operators are increasingly competing with retailers for space, bringing new customer demographics to retail parks and strengthening footfall. Food retailers reported generally positive Christmas trading, with Lidl and Aldi recording strong sales growth. Lidl has now become the UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket, while most other major grocers also saw uplifts. The food and beverage and quick-service restaurant sector has continued to expand, with fierce competition for drive-through sites. New opportunities released by Pizza Hut closures were quickly taken up, while fried chicken and coffee brands remain particularly active. Looking ahead, SHW expects the retail warehouse sector to remain resilient through 2026, underpinned by limited new development, strong occupier demand and sustained investor interest. For a copy of SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus, which covers out-of-town and high street retail, please contact any member of the SHW team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners The 2025 Autumn Budget offered limited stimulus for the housing market and, persistent headwinds such as sticky inflation, higher for longer interest rates, elevated construction costs, and slow planning processes continue to impact development viability. But there are still reasons for cautious optimism. The UK economy is forecast to grow by 1.4 per cent this year. This is expected to outperform the eurozone and should support investor confidence. The UK also remains an attractive destination for global capital, with ongoing interest from the Gulf, Southeast Asia and deepening UK United States investment links, particularly through the technology sector. ASK recently surpassed £2 billion in total lending. This milestone reflects the importance of disciplined, relationship-led financing and flexible structuring in a challenging market. It also highlights the growing appetite for income-producing real estate debt. With public equity markets at elevated levels and real estate pricing looking comparatively attractive, 2026 is likely to see increasing interest in secured credit strategies that offer predictable cashflows and downside protection. Looking ahead, several segments of the market offer clear potential for investors. The flight to quality is expected to continue as businesses compete for modern, energy efficient and amenity rich workspace that supports hybrid working. Best-in-class offices in central London continue to achieve strong rents and stable yields. Although secondary and tertiary offices face challenges linked to obsolescence and environmental compliance costs, some well-located secondary assets are becoming more investable as prime rents rise. Refinancing pressures and selective refurbishment opportunities will provide value-add prospects for well-capitalised investors able to move quickly. Buyer appetite is expected to soften due to higher taxation, reduced ISA allowances and the absence of stamp duty reform. Despite this slowdown, the UK remains structurally undersupplied in housing. With so many smaller landlords exiting the sector due to increased costs and regulatory complexity, professionally managed rental formats are becoming more important. Build-to-rent and co-living are particularly well positioned to serve younger, mobile workers who seek affordability, connectivity and community. Mid-market suburban and commuter belt schemes may outperform prime central locations, especially in areas benefiting from new infrastructure such as the Lower Thames Crossing. Storage, logistics and light industrial assets remain among the most resilient parts of the market, supported by the continued expansion of online retail, SME activity and the need for flexible urban distribution space. Alongside these uses, demand for data centres has become a major structural driver. Growing adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud services and high-performance computing is placing unprecedented pressure on power capacity and suitable land, making data centres an increasingly strategic real estate category. The combination of long-term contracted income, critical infrastructure status and limited supply of appropriate sites means this segment is likely to remain strong. Mixed-use industrial schemes that accommodate logistics, data infrastructure and urban services will offer particularly attractive, income-led opportunities in 2026. The hotel sector has rebounded strongly, supported by domestic leisure travel, international visitors and the ability to adjust room rates in line with inflation. Conversion opportunities, particularly the transformation of under-utilised office buildings into hotels, are creating new avenues for investors. The asset class continues to appeal to private investors and family offices seeking income diversification and long-term value. Operational real estate, including healthcare, specialist care, education and supported living, provides stable and often inflation linked income streams. Demographic shifts, including an ageing population and rising demand for specialist services, support the long-term resilience of these sectors. Although certain subsectors such as life sciences are recalibrating, operational assets backed by strong occupier demand remain attractive. Conclusion In 2026 the UK real estate market is likely to offer opportunities grounded in the resilience of the asset class rather than wider economic growth. As interest rates begin to edge lower and transaction pipelines reopen, investors who have been waiting on the sidelines may return. If base rates move toward 3.5 to 3.75 per cent, many schemes that have not been viable in recent years could start to work again. Those who focus on income-producing assets, structure deals carefully and navigate planning challenges with discipline will be best positioned to secure stable returns in a subdued economic environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light incursions’ for road workers and the emergency services on motorways and major A roads. Blue light incursions occur when emergency vehicles enter restricted roadworks areas whilst attending emergencies. This can create risks for police officers and roadworkers who may be working in the area of an incursion. Costain has worked with the NPCC, the PFEW and National Highways, to produce an awareness video for police drivers. The video raises awareness of the risks police drivers face when entering restricted roadworks areas, and how they can minimise associated risks whilst maintaining the effectiveness of their response. It also highlights the risks to roadworkers within the traffic management area. Costain has applied its decades of experience in delivering road infrastructure and maintenance projects to the initiative, which also supports National Highways’ efforts to minimise the risk of incursions on the Strategic Road Network, which covers motorways and major A roads in England. Costain is working to develop versions of the video for the fire and ambulance services, as well as for frontline road workers. Andy Denman, Road Sector Director at Costain, said: “Improving health and safety underpins our best-in-class delivery of complex road schemes and maintenance projects, and we continuously work to eliminate harm and provide the safest possible working environment for our people. “Through our trusted, forward-thinking partnership with National Highways and other stakeholders, we have been able to significantly increase the awareness of the risks that can arise from incursions by police drivers. This will help to maximise their safe and effective response to emergencies and support a safer, more resilient road network.” Melanie Clarke OBE, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, said: “At National Highways, we care deeply about improving safety for our customers, our people and those in our supply chain. We are passionate about the importance of mental as well as physical health in achieving our vison of getting everyone home safe and well. “This initiative has a clear ambition to raise awareness of the risks associated with blue light incursions into roadworks from the perspective of the emergency services or roadworkers, and demonstrates a strong alignment to our vision of connecting the country safely and reliably.” Jo Shiner KPM, Chief Constable and Lead for Roads Policing, National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “This initiative led by Costain is an outstanding demonstration of collaboration between the public and private sectors and aligns with the Department for Transport’s road safety strategy that sets out a clear path to improve road safety in the UK. “The video raises awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light’ driving within restricted roadworks areas, and most importantly, its purpose is to help keep emergency responders, roadworkers and members of the public safe.” Tim Rogers, National Pursuits and Driver Training Lead, the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers routinely make rapid decisions in complex environments. This video supports that by setting out, in plain terms, why roadworks change the risk picture and how we can respond safely and consistently.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research by BPS London has revealed that London’s office sector is being held back by a lack of investment in refurbishment and remodelling, with just 7.5% of currently available office rental stock in the capital considered premium workspace. BPS London analysed the size and annual change of the UK commercial property remodelling sector, before conducting further analysis of current London office rental listing stock to assess how much of the market is meeting the standard expected by today’s workforce. Commercial property remodelling sector on the decline The research* shows that in 2022, following the removal of Covid restrictions, the commercial property remodelling sector boomed as businesses adapted to reduced physical attendance and evolving workplace expectations. In total, the sector grew to £6.86bn, marking an annual increase of 25.1%, a rate of growth which then slowed dramatically in 2023 (+6.1%) and 2024 (+1.2%) What’s more, in 2025 the commercial property remodelling market declined by -2.1% to £7.21bn and is forecast to fall by a further -2.7% in 2026, down to £7.01bn. Just 7.5% of available London offices considered premium BPS London believes this decline is arriving at precisely the wrong time, as London’s office market continues to evolve in a post-pandemic landscape and occupiers demand higher-quality, fit-for-purpose space. In fact, BPS London’s analysis** of current London office rental opportunities shows that the vast majority of available stock sits below premium price thresholds. Almost half of office rentals are priced between £31 and £60 per sq ft (46.6%), while more than a quarter fall into the lowest price bracket of £0 to £30 per sq ft (27.4%). Just 7.5% command a premium price point of £91+ per sq ft. Current London offices fail to provide even most basic features Further analysis*** of the features currently being advertised within London’s office rental stock also suggests that many buildings are failing to meet even baseline expectations. Security / security systems were the most common feature, present in 60% of listings, while only 35% of listings provide 24-hour access, despite the evolving working patterns seen since the pandemic. Meanwhile, controlled access is present in just 21% of office rentals. On-site amenities remain limited across much of the capital’s current office stock, with just 18% offering an on-site restaurant and 17% featuring a roof terrace. Fitness centres and concierge services are each available in only 5% of listings, whilst features such as day care and leisure facilities are virtually non-existent, accounting for just 0.1% of available listings stock respectively. Commenting on the findings, Mahir Vachani, Director at BPS London, said: “It’s been said that that mid-week office attendance has now returned to post-pandemic levels and that’s great news for London’s commercial sector. However, the workplace has changed dramatically since Covid, and the capital’s workforce now has higher expectations than ever before when it comes to the quality of their working environment. Today, flexible working is the norm and that means businesses can’t expect employees to commit to travelling into the office if the space itself feels tired, uninspiring, and poorly equipped. Yet our analysis shows that just a small proportion of London’s current office rentals can be considered premium, while many buildings are still falling short on fundamentals such as security, controlled access, and 24-hour availability. At the same time, the UK commercial property remodelling sector has started to contract, with a decline recorded in 2025 and a further reduction forecast for 2026. This is happening at a point where investment is needed most, not only to modernise London’s office stock, but to create fit-for-purpose workspaces that support productivity, wellbeing, and the expectations of the modern-day worker.” Data Tables and Sources Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction sector enters 2026 facing a challenging mix of cost pressures, labour shortages, and regulatory change, but also opportunities to adapt through technology, sustainability, and operational resilience. “This year will be defined less by headline growth and more by how firms manage risk and deliver reliably,” says Laura Capper, Head of Construction at NatWest Group. Public projects anchor the market Infrastructure, healthcare, education, and energy projects continue to provide a stable foundation for construction activity. While private housing and industrial sectors are recovering, commercial demand remains uneven. “Government commitments give firms a pipeline, but converting this into work on site requires flexibility and careful planning,” Capper explains. This balance between public stability and private sector caution will shape investment, scheduling, and workforce planning throughout 2026. Cost pressures remain elevated Rising labour, material, and energy costs continue to challenge firms. Contractors are embedding contingencies into contracts and improving cost management to maintain margins. “Managing inflation isn’t just about pricing,” Capper notes. “It’s about planning, risk management, and execution on site.” Long-duration projects are particularly exposed to cost fluctuations, making accurate forecasting and early-stage procurement more important than ever. Workforce and skills under the spotlight Labour shortages remain a structural issue. Skilled trades, technicians, and supervisory roles are in short supply, with demographic trends and reduced migration inflows intensifying competition. “A future-ready workforce combines technical ability with flexibility,” says Capper. “Apprenticeships, retraining, and flexible working are essential to keep projects on track.” Retention and succession planning will be crucial for SMEs and larger contractors alike, ensuring continuity in delivery and operational performance. Digital and AI tools support delivery Technology is being adopted pragmatically, with BIM, digital twins, drones, IoT monitoring, and AI-assisted planning helping firms reduce risk, improve safety, and enhance efficiency. “Technology is about smarter delivery, not growth,” Capper explains. “Firms that use digital tools effectively can make better real-time decisions and avoid costly rework.” Digital integration across design, planning, procurement, and on-site operations is gradually becoming a differentiator. Sustainability as a delivery requirement Carbon reduction, energy efficiency, circular design, and whole-life carbon assessment are increasingly embedded in project planning. “Sustainability is now part of operational delivery,” says Capper. “Low-carbon materials, energy-efficient designs, and retrofit initiatives are expected by clients and increasingly enforced by regulators.” This is particularly true in public sector and infrastructure projects, where environmental compliance is closely monitored. Client expectations are evolving Clients are demanding more transparency, reliability, and speed. Contractors who can deliver on time, on budget, and with reduced environmental impact will stand out. “Predictable outcomes, strong communication, and responsiveness will define success in 2026,” Capper adds. Collaboration with supply chains and digital reporting tools are helping contractors meet these expectations while managing risk. Looking ahead 2026 is set to be a year of practical resilience, not headline expansion. Firms that combine strong planning, workforce development, digital adoption, and sustainability compliance are best positioned to navigate uncertainty. “Adaptability is the sector’s greatest strength,” Capper concludes. “Those who focus on delivery, risk management, and operational performance will maintain stability and reputation in a challenging year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Laura Stone, COO at Greencore Homes, comments: “The Government’s ambition to invest £13 billion in creating ‘zero bill’ homes represents a significant opportunity to improve comfort, cut energy costs and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. Retrofitting existing properties to achieve this can be complex, disruptive and expensive. Technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels can only truly reduce bills when the home itself is sufficiently insulated and airtight. “That’s why future-proofing new homes from the outset matters. Designing new homes properly now is far more cost-effective and far less disruptive than trying to fix performance issues later down the line. Long-term energy performance, not short-term compliance, is what ultimately protects households and ensures public investment delivers real value for the long-term. “Action must go beyond retrofitting technologies alone and focus much more on building energy-efficient, future-proofed homes from the very start of construction. When homes are designed with high levels of insulation, natural materials and integrated renewables, zero energy bills become achievable without the need for costly upgrades. “At Greencore Homes, we’re proving that our homes can deliver EPC A performance, low running costs and comfort from day one. Our homes are built to Passivhaus standards using natural, non-toxic materials to ensure superior insulation, airtightness and comfort. Standard features include triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps, optimised solar PV panels and EV charging points, reducing bills and carbon while giving people homes that are healthier and more comfortable to live in. Warm homes should be treated as critical national infrastructure – every year of delay is a missed opportunity to improve living standards, strengthen energy security and accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 – a 5% decrease compared to last year – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. However, the figure (1,631) remains 22% higher than in 2022, signalling that UK companies are still facing significant pressures despite some signs of economic stabilisation. Notably, retail filings surged by 24%, rising from 237 in 2024 to 293 in 2025, making it the hardest-hit sector by a clear margin, according to data from The Gazette Official Public Record. Greater London remained the region with the most business failures, recording 390 administrations in 2025, compared with 393 in 2024. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “While the year-on-year drop in administrations is worthy of note, the overall picture for business remains challenging. “With 1,631 appointments being made, we are still seeing more businesses enter administration than in 2021 and 2022, and distress remains widespread across multiple sectors and regions.” Along with retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction were the worst-hit sectors, collectively accounting for 56% of all administrations. All sectors, apart from retail, saw a slight decline in filings compared to last year. Andy said: “The retail sector remains under significant pressure. Despite a slight easing of inflation and interest rates, consumers remain cautious and price-sensitive. Footfall continues to lag and many businesses have not been able to adapt to the new retail landscape. “The drop in filings in hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction could be the result of earlier failures having already removed the weakest operators. It may also reflect a slowdown in activity, with firms putting investment and hiring decisions on hold due to continued uncertainty.” Geographically, Greater London filings fell 1% (393 to 390). The North West increased by 15% to 286, along with the South East by 11% to 207. Yorkshire and the Humber (121) and the West Midlands (120) made up the rest of the top five. Andy said: “While Greater London continues to record the highest number of administrations, the regional picture is becoming more mixed. “The increases in the North West and South East suggest that financial distress is spreading beyond the capital, particularly in areas with high concentrations of consumer-facing and industrial businesses. “This underlines that the challenges facing companies are not confined to one region and that pressures remain widespread across the UK economy.” Despite an overall drop in administration volumes, Andy warned businesses not to be complacent. He said: “These figures, while worthy of note, do not detract from the fact that the trading environment for many businesses remains highly challenging. Many companies are surviving through short-term fixes, but without sustained growth, improved consumer confidence and better access to funding, there are still choppy waters to navigate. “Geopolitical uncertainty, post-election policy shifts, energy costs, the aftermath of the recent budget, and continued weak economic growth are still creating an unpredictable environment for business. Firms must remain agile and, above all, proactive. “Our advice remains unchanged – seek expert help early. The sooner directors act, the more tools are available to protect the business and find a viable path forward.” Businesses filing for administration in 2025 By sector Total By region Total Administrative 17 British Isles 4 Agriculture 8 East Midlands 93 Arts and entertainment 53 East of England 112 Automotive/transportation 87 Greater London 390 Construction 143 North East 57 Education 31 North West 286 Engineering 45 Northern Ireland 31 Financial 100 Scotland 67 Health and social 116 South East 207 Hospitality 169 South West 113 Information and communication 75 Wales 30 Manufacturing 164 West Midlands 120 Mining and quarrying 2 Yorkshire & The Humber 121 Others 2 Professional services 71 Public admin and defence 10 Real estate 147 Retail 293 Utilities 98 Total 1,631 Total 1,631 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property management and finance platform Lendlord has published the results of its latest landlord survey, revealing that 66% of landlords are planning growth activity, including acquisitions, refinancing and refurbishments, despite increased uncertainty following the recent Budget. The survey, titled Navigating Change: Landlord Sentiment in a post-Budget market, was conducted in December 2025 among UK landlords using the Lendlord platform. While many landlords remain active and growth focused, the findings also highlight a more cautious backdrop, with a significant minority planning to sell or pause investment as cost and tax pressures continue to shape decision making. Key insights from the survey include: Alongside this activity, the survey shows that around a third of landlords are planning to sell properties or pause new investment, underlining the mixed outlook across the sector following the Budget. Confidence in the UK property market is closely divided, with 45% describing themselves as very confident and 43% very concerned. The findings suggest that while fiscal changes have introduced caution for some landlords, many are continuing to actively manage and expand their portfolios. The survey also shows landlords reviewing rent levels and ownership structures, with tax changes prompting renewed consideration of limited company structures, alongside ongoing concern around property income tax and dividend tax rates. The research builds on Lendlord’s ongoing work to provide brokers, landlords and lenders with data-led insight into real world landlord behaviour, drawing on its community of more than 75,000 UK landlords. Aviram Shahar, Co founder and CEO of Lendlord, said: “While the Budget has increased scrutiny around costs, tax and ownership structure, our latest survey shows that many landlords remain focused on growth and active portfolio management. They are adapting their approach rather than stepping back. “The data also highlights that confidence in the market is clearly divided, with some landlords opting for a cautious approach and others perceiving opportunity. That balance is significant when brokers and lenders are supporting funding and investment decisions going into 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals