Barking and Dagenham is taking an innovative approach to housing that could see as many as 50,000 new homes created in the Borough in the next 20 years. The focus is on building affordable homes that attract all kinds of people, including employees from creative industries and the arts. The local council stress the focus is not gentrification, rather it is on building properties accessible to Londoners. Continue reading
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The smaller the home the more important the design
Mapleton Crescent is proving to be one of the most popular Pocket Living developments in the whole of London. The apartment building has won numerous plaudits for the quality of the design and the housing on offer. The 27 storey modular tower was the largest residential building of its type when construction began on it in 2016. It was also the first development by Pocket in Wandsworth. Continue reading
Boom followed bust in Waltham Forest
The global financial crisis in 2009 caused a huge downturn in property values around the world. Even high profile markets like London and New York were hit, causing a fall in property prices as demand fell. According to figures from Lloyds Bank, at the worst the average house price in London hit £362,641. The recovery has been fantastic though. Today, less than a decade later, the average has risen by almost 60% to £578,381. Continue reading
New protection for Tower Hamlets’ tenants
Private renting tenants in Tower Hamlets have been campaigning since 2014 to persuade the local council to take steps to protect them. This work will come to fruition on July 29th when a new town hall charter is unveiled. Continue reading
The UK’s first eco friendly sustainable suburb
Twenty years ago Hackbridge went from being a relatively unknown Edwardian suburb in Sutton to a hot spot for sustainable living. The arrival of BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development), a new community complete with homes, public facilities, and even a college, transformed the area. This pioneering project inspired others, ultimately turning the destination into the first eco suburb with sustainability at its heart. Continue reading
Which local council is focused on creating high quality social housing?
Southwark Council is leading the way when it comes to the volume and quality of new council housing the local authority is committed to building. The plan is to create 11,000 new homes in the area for social rent by 2043. Continue reading
Barclays expects Richmond to see highest property growth
The Barclays UK Property Predictor provides great news for home owners with assets in Richmond Upon Thames. The research, released at the end of June, claims that between now and 2021 house prices in the Borough will rise by an incredible 39.10%. This would make the area the hottest area for property in the whole of the UK. Continue reading
Redbridge Council is encouraging more landlords to be responsible
One of the biggest current problems in the private rental market is “absentee” landlords. When a landlord or the managing agent is not proactive and involved it can lead to big problems for tenants. For example the lack of attention could allow the condition and standards to drop to the point where the property is unsanitary or unsafe to inhabit. This could lead to all kinds of penalties. Continue reading
Newham Council has applied to renew its licensing scheme
Newham Council was the first local authority to take a major step towards improving the standards in the private rental sector in the Borough. In 2013 they decreed that every property needed to be licensed. This strategy was designed to combat rogue and criminal landlords who left their tenants dealing with unsafe and unsatisfactory accommodation. Continue reading
Sport, schooling and great transport links – Wimbledon has everything
When you look at the London Borough of Merton the first thing you will probably see is that it is home to Wimbledon. This is one of the largest and most prestigious towns in the area. Homes here are in very high demand, both in terms of purchase and rental. This makes it a really good spot for investment. Continue reading
