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.

Antony Phillips, Head of Real Estate and Property Litigation at Fieldfisher, provides a 2024 legal update, reviewing key court decisions relevant to public sector surveyors. The update covers modifications of lease covenants, consent for alterations, forfeiture and waiver, and lease renewals and redevelopment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Andy Jones of Leaders Romans Group explores the transformative impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill on the private rental sector. He discusses how this legislation aims to enhance tenant protections and raise industry standards, while also examining the growing influence of institutional investors, particularly in Build-to-Rent (BTR), and the need for policy to support this evolving market.

Simon Barry of Boyer Planning questions the efficacy of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) as a solution to revitalizing struggling high streets. While the government aims to empower councils to auction leases for vacant retail spaces, this article delves into the complex challenges faced by high streets and explores whether HSRAs can truly foster a dynamic, diverse presence.

Sophie Davidson presents the 2025 Model Estate performance report, detailing the hypothetical agricultural estate's valuation and key trends. The report highlights resilient land values, rising residential and commercial rents, and the increasing impact of energy efficiency standards on property portfolios.

Ben Hodge of Savills highlights the benefits of property auctions for local authorities, emphasizing how this method ensures transparency, achieves true market value, and provides a quick, cost-effective way to dispose of surplus assets and generate capital.

Shared ownership is an established and increasingly popular alternative for first-time buyers, especially with the absence of the Help to Buy scheme. However, with the government not promoting shared ownership in recent housing policies, there is a risk that this crucial pathway to homeownership may be overlooked.