As the UK faces intense demand for quality rental homes, 2026 marks a critical crossroads for the Build to Rent (BTR) sector. From planning reform to the Renters’ Rights Act, discover what will determine if BTR becomes a mainstream solution for the housing crisis.

Local authorities currently control over £41bn in property assets, but high borrowing costs and geographic restrictions have brought new acquisitions to a standstill. As LGPS pooling nears completion and market sentiment improves, we look at why the "stalemate" in regional offices and shopping centers may finally break in late 2026.

As London prepares for the 2026 London Plan, Knight Frank analyst Kat Rowland examines the feasibility of building 880,000 homes. Discover the challenges of fragmented planning data and how geospatial insights are uncovering the "big picture" of housing delivery, connectivity, and Green Belt impact.

As Build to Rent moves from a niche market to a vital housing solution, the sector faces a landscape of legislative clarity in England and strategic reversals in Scotland. This article examines the critical need for public-private collaboration to unlock the 64,000 consented homes currently stalled in the UK pipeline.

Due to take effect in October 2026, the Building Safety Levy (BSL) introduces new costs for residential developers across England. From local authority rates to the "triple challenge" facing high-rise schemes, Chris Hemmings examines how this levy—combined with second staircase requirements—impacts development viability and the government’s housing targets.

As the UK faces competing demands for housing, energy, and nature, land is becoming our most finite resource. Jeremy Moody, Secretary of the CAAV, explores the "extraordinary" policy shifts—from "Grey Belt" development to the 30x30 nature commitment—that are reshaping the British landscape and challenging traditional farming.

Kim Grieveson of Avison Young led an ACES National Conference panel discussing how to attract and retain young talent in public sector real estate. The discussion, featuring voices from academia and local government, highlighted barriers like the "local authority badge" perception and suggested solutions like ACES-coordinated university presence, promoting work-life balance and work breadth, and the development of pan-local authority graduate schemes.

Jen Lemen of Property Elite summarises the crucial and immediate changes to the new RICS APC Candidate and Counsellor Guides. Key updates cover backdating structured training (now up to 6 months), clarifying the difference between the diary and log book, setting a 2-year validity period for case studies, and establishing strict rules against using AI writing tools for submissions.

Simon Eades, a chartered surveyor who started his career in 1980, shares his "musings" on life and work, including humorous anecdotes and reflections on his journey from private practice to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, culminating in a memorable trip to Southwold.

Iain Mulvey, an experienced regeneration and business development professional, examines the implications of Local Government Pension Service (LGPS) reform for real estate, highlighting its potential to impact long-term property investment strategies.

This blog post features an "In conversation with the MIPIM Challengers" discussion, focusing on the experiences of Jessie Leung from JLL and Charlotte Leach from Avison Young, and exploring what lies "Beyond the week in Cannes" at MIPIM.

Jen Lemen of Property Elite offers practical advice on running APC e-mock interviews for aspiring RICS Chartered Surveyors, emphasizing the importance of simulating the official interview process and the value of mentorship in guiding candidates to qualification.

Tom Procter and Yvette Black of JLL explore the potential of Open Mosaic Habitats (OMHs) in meeting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. They highlight how transforming brownfield sites into habitat banks can not only achieve ecological targets but also generate revenue, offering a unique opportunity for local authorities and developers.

David Asker, an authorized High Court Enforcement Officer, details a recent operation at Heathrow Airport to evict a rogue valet parking operator from private land. He explains the increasing issue of unauthorized parking services at airports and recounts the challenges faced during the swift, single-day possession, highlighting the expertise required for such high-profile enforcement.

Rob Burke, Lead Director for Building Surveying at Watts Group, discusses the complex challenges of real estate in the NHS. He highlights how consultants support health service managers in managing diverse properties, from major new builds to routine maintenance, while addressing unique clinical requirements, social impact goals, and financial constraints.

Jen Lemen of Property Elite provides valuable tips for RICS APC assessors, highlighting the rewarding nature of the voluntary role. She covers the numerous benefits of becoming an assessor, from supporting new surveyors and networking to enhancing personal skills and keeping up-to-date with industry standards, and offers practical advice for conducting effective interviews.

Explore the evolving concept of "legacy" in housing developments with experts Johnny Clayton and James Cordery of Carter Jonas. This article delves into how legacy principles, rooted in the work of The King's Foundation, are shaping new communities, adding value, and influencing the future of urban design and strategic land projects.

Phil Farrell of JLL recounts the complex saga of Nottingham's Broad Marsh regeneration, a project battling past planning mistakes, financial adversity, and the city's Section 114 notice. He highlights the collaborative efforts between Nottingham City Council and Homes England, which are finally bringing the ambitious master plan, including the "Green Heart," to fruition.

Nonye Amatobi, Commercial Lead for the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Estate Category team, introduces the new Estate Management Service 2 (EMS2) RM6343 framework. This framework aims to revolutionize public sector property management by fostering strategic supplier partnerships, driving innovation, and addressing key market challenges like expiring PFI projects and the push for net-zero.

Kevin Joyce explores the "rooftop revolution" in solar power, discussing the integration of solar installations in new build housing and options for re-roofing listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, aligning with the UK's green energy investment targets.