One million recruits needed to beat housing crisis

According to a white paper produced by EC Harris, construction companies will need to recruit one million new recruits by 2020 if the industry is to build more homes and beat the housing crisis. The paper, ‘People and money –... View Article

Finding flexibility in home design

According to recent research, location, location, location is no longer the top priority for homebuyers, with larger living areas and flexible space now taking the number one spot in home design needs. It is little wonder these factors are influencing... View Article

Low carbon homes for Sheffield

Little Kelham is an award-winning development of 157 one to four-bedroom low carbon homes in the Kelham Island area of Sheffield. The development of energy efficient and virtually air tight homes is the largest of its type in the UK and... View Article

Homebuyers demand more insight when purchasing property

Research conducted by BLP Insurance suggests that 79 per cent of UK homebuyers want to know more than simply property particulars at the point of sale. More than three-quarters (79 per cent) of UK adults think additional information beyond the... View Article

Putting people back into the heart of planning

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has always believed that the planning system was invented to help provide a good home, for everyone, in a healthy, thriving place. However, they also believe that over the last few decades something... View Article

So what is the government’s housing policy?

The next few months could define the new government’s housing credentials and firmly set out its housing agenda until the year 2020. Yes the next election does seem a long way into the future but implementing new housing policies is... View Article

Humid ‘hot spots’ pose health risks

Moisture is produced continuously within the home with the average family generating a staggering 20 litres of water per day. Whilst this may sound harmless, excess moisture within the home can leave occupants vulnerable to a host of health risks.... View Article

Ladders – not such a simple piece of equipment

Ladders can seem like such a simple piece of equipment, but there is plenty of evidence that they are not used and understood properly by people within a surprising range of industries. Myths about ladder use are nothing new –... View Article

Development draws home heating direct from the Thames

Kingston Heights, a pioneering mixed-used development near Kingston-upon-Thames’ town centre has won the prestigious Best Green Scheme award at a national housing awards ceremony.  The awards ceremony organised by 24 Housing magazine took place in Birmingham and was attended by... View Article

Autumn Statement reforms stamp duty

Housing commentators had to wait until almost the end of the government’s Autumn Statement before George Osborne announced major reforms to stamp duty. Before he detailed the changes to the threshold payments the Chancellor explained: “I am introducing today a... View Article

Abode – urban living in a rural setting

Joint winner of the Sunday Times British Homes Awards’ Development of the Year (with more than 100 homes) Countryside’s Abode community proves that volume housing does not have to look and feel like a faceless executive estate This exemplary development,... View Article

More than just child’s play

For homebuilders targeting family property purchasers with young children, the addition of a play area to a new housing development can be a contentious issue. Make the right decision and a developer can create a high quality, attractive and stimulating... View Article

Crest do the double

Crest Nicholson has been crowned as large Housebuilder of the Year at the 2014 Housebuilder Awards and scooped the Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year title and Best regeneration scheme for its Park Central community in Birmingham. This impressive award haul... View Article