Market Intelligence

A recent High Court decision establishes that homes can be legally unfit for habitation even without demonstrable danger, with serious inconvenience or discomfort being sufficient grounds. The ruling clarifies that landlords face a high burden when attributing damp and mould issues to tenant behavior, and that a single defect can render an entire dwelling unfit.

The Building Safety Levy introduces a new statutory cost for residential development in England, but its commercial impact extends far beyond building control compliance. How does this levy affect land valuations, and what happens when existing conditional contracts and option agreements fail to address who ultimately bears the cost?

An overview of what a Deed of Assignment is and when it is used in the context of Leases.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has proposed sweeping reforms that would grant mayors across England's 13 strategic authorities unprecedented planning powers, fundamentally reshaping how major development decisions are made and infrastructure is funded. These changes could significantly influence where growth is prioritised, how planning risk is assessed, and which sites become attractive for investment. The reforms introduce four key mechanisms: Applications of Potential Strategic

Scotland introduces new housing standards requiring private rental landlords to address damp, mould, and condensation issues within strict timeframes. These regulations, known as Awaab's Law, establish clear responsibilities and enforcement mechanisms to protect tenant health and safety.

As we head into Q4, the construction sector remains subdued. The war in the Middle East and domestic economic uncertainty has not been curtailed and the figures are uninspiring.