The government has unveiled seven proposed locations for a new generation of new towns, signaling a major shift toward large-scale, infrastructure-led growth. From Milton Keynes to Victoria North, learn how this 21st-century placemaking mission aims to deliver up to 40,000 homes per site alongside integrated employment hubs.

Success in a live disposals programme depends less on identifying individual assets and more on commissioning the conditions in which delivery can happen effectively. Kathryn Hurlock outlines how to move from strategic intent to corporate change.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 represents a massive restructuring of the UK property system. From abolishing the "marriage value" to introducing 990-year lease extensions, these reforms aim to make homeownership fairer and more transparent. However, with ongoing legal challenges and a phased implementation through 2026, property professionals and leaseholders must stay informed on how these changes affect marketability and valuation.

Francis Truss, Partner in the National Strategic Land team, argues that the next generation of new towns requires more than just ambition. To succeed where others have stalled, the government must place empowered development corporations at the heart of delivery to manage the decades-long cycles of infrastructure, land assembly, and social value.

Local authorities no longer carry every skill set in-house, making the public-private interface essential. Phil Farrell dives into the economics of consultancies, the pressure of fee-earning, and why mutual understanding is the key to a successful partnership.

In a significant victory for the museum sector, the Valuation Tribunal for England has reduced the Natural History Museum’s rateable value from £12.9 million to just £1. This ruling reaffirms that museums operating at a loss, despite receiving grant-in-aid, cannot attract a positive value for rating purposes.

Chartered surveyor Simon Eades explores the enduring value of the printed word, from tracking the 1980s Norfolk property market in the EDP to discovering global history and family connections within a 100-year-old copy of The Times.

As local authorities move from policy designation to practical delivery, early experience reveals that the notice period is the most critical stage of the High Street Rental Auction process. Rather than just a precursor to auction, this stage is acting as a powerful catalyst for landlord engagement and bringing long-term vacant units back into use.

Launched in 2016, the Solar for Business scheme has invested £7.5m to help over 110 organizations access cheaper, greener energy. From manufacturing sites to community cafés, learn how this initiative is driving West Suffolk toward a sustainable, net-zero future.

With over 80% of the UK's underground infrastructure now mapped, the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) provides instant access to a secure, standardized map of buried pipes and cables. Learn how local authorities can join this digital transformation to reduce asset strikes and improve operational efficiency.

As the public sector looks to repurpose its estate, the disposal of historic buildings presents a unique opportunity. From converting commercial heritage into 600,000+ new homes to community-led restorations like Bramley Baths, discover what makes a successful "new future" for old buildings.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is more than administrative streamlining; it is a strategic catalyst. By aligning public sector assets with institutional capital and planning reform, authorities can move beyond "administrative neatening" to drive long-term economic transformation.

As property development viability faces a "classic trap" of high costs and sticky debt, the old playbook no longer works. Alex McKinlay, Head of Public Sector Land at Savills, explains why the shift toward long-term public-private partnerships—fusing public land with institutional capital—is the most credible route to unlocking regional growth and housing delivery in 2026.

Facing the scale of change set out in the English Devolution White Paper, 21 areas are currently navigating Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). To support them, the LGA and Local Partnerships have launched the LGR toolkit—a central index of wisdom, checklists, and thematic guidance to simplify the path from proposal to Vesting Day.

Managing complex mixed-use estates requires more than just reactive maintenance; it demands integrated strategic thinking. From navigating "net zero conundrums" to ensuring accounting transparency across diverse lease structures, discover how proactive asset management can protect capital value and ensure long-term resilience in a performance-driven market.

From changing duvets in the Scottish Highlands to dodging selfie-takers in European caves, David Bentley recounts his latest "semi-retired" adventures. Discover why a sourdough starter named Lucy is his newest nemesis and why tomato ketchup might (or might not) be the secret to a clean dog.

As AI reshapes the surveying profession, RICS has introduced strict new frameworks. From the 2026 mandatory CPD to a "no-go" policy for APC submissions, discover how to stay compliant with the latest professional standards.

Starting January 2026, RICS is shifting its CPD framework from simple hour-counting to a more intentional, reflective learning model. Learn about the new "structured" vs "unstructured" classifications and the three mandatory topics every member must complete.

Kirsty White, Matrics Engagement Lead at RICS, shares why supporting the next generation of surveyors is the best job in the world. Discover how the Matrics community provides a platform for early-career professionals to build confidence, gain leadership skills, and find a true sense of belonging.

Celebrating 30 years of the Green Flag Awards, Chris Worman MBE explores the history, global expansion, and community impact of the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.