Achieving the elusive zero carbon status

Michael Goddard, director of housebuilder Caplin Homes, assesses some of the challenges of the renewable technologies available to housebuilders and explores how a new application could change the future of eco building. Structural building design has improved dramatically in recent years and the... View Article

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 the homes the country needs. The paper, ‘People and money – fundamental to... 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. It is little wonder these factors are influencing the decision making process... View Article

Low carbon homes for Sheffield

Little Kelham is an award-winning development of 157 one to four-bedroom low carbon Citu Houses 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 adults 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 property particulars... 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?

Patrick Mooney of Mooney Thompson Consulting comments: 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... 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

Right to buy pledge will increase housing pressure

The Conservative pledge to re-introduce the Right To Buy for Housing Association tenants as highlighted in the Queen’s speech today could scupper plans for a much-needed expansion in public sector housing according to Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development... View Article

Story Homes’ statement on Queen’s Speech

Steve Errington, Chief Executive of Story Homes, commented on the Housing Bill outlined in the Queen’s speech. He said: “Story Homes welcomes the Government’s plans for Starter Homes which will help to provide more houses for first-time buyers – who are... View Article

CIOB responds to the Queen’s Speech announcements

As the Conservatives begin their term in government, the Chartered Institute of Building provides its reaction to today’s Queen Speech. With the announcements in today’s speech already documented, the CIOB is keen to engage with policy makers on the commitments... View Article