Georgia Lewis of Local Partnerships provides crucial guidance for public authorities on preparing for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract expiry, emphasizing the urgent need for early planning to ensure effective asset handback and mitigate risks.

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.

Vickie Oni, a London-based project manager, shares her unexpected journey into the construction industry, highlighting the transferable skills from her logistics background. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving, stakeholder management, and a commitment to diversity.

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.

Mark Topping of Lanpro Services explores the successes and challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, which became mandatory for major developments in February 2024. He discusses its impact on the development sector, the use of the Defra biodiversity metric, and how BNG can align with new Green Belt release policies to foster greener, healthier developments.

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.

Artificial Intelligence is not just a passing trend—it's a transformative opportunity for property managers in the public sector. This article explores how AI can streamline property management tasks, from automating data collection to improving strategic asset management and addressing climate change objectives.

Sarah Butler of Drees & Sommer UK presents a case study on Manchester City Council's ambitious decarbonisation program for its residential and corporate estates. This article explores the strategies, challenges, and innovative approaches, including AI and GIS analysis, used to achieve net zero targets, reduce fuel poverty, and improve residents' quality of life.

Seeking an answer in the clouds, this article explores the relationship between Enterprise, Data Centres, and the future of cloud computing.

The Non-Domestic Rating Act 2023 introduces a significant 'Duty to Notify' for ratepayers. This article explores the new compliance obligations, marking a "seismic shift" in the administrative framework of business rates and a first step towards self-assessment.

Jo Pickering and Raechel Slattery, specialists at Sharpe Pritchard, provide an overview of the new public procurement regime introduced by the Procurement Act 2023. The Act, which received Royal Assent in October 2023, is set to go live in February 2025. This article emphasizes the importance for all public authorities to become familiar with the new legislation, which repeals several existing regulations and consolidates them into a single piece of primary legislation. The a

The UK's climate is changing rapidly, which presents significant challenges for public sector buildings. This article explores the vulnerability of these assets and the urgent need to adapt them to withstand the impacts of a changing climate.

As Chair of the Historic Places Panel, Benjamin Derbyshire shares insights into the panel's work to revitalise historic towns and high streets across the UK. He argues that people and community engagement are the "well-spring for recreating faltering places."

This blog post explores how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and biophilic design can be applied to healthcare facilities, using a case study from a Welsh project. It highlights the benefits for patient recovery, staff wellbeing, and the environment, demonstrating that even small-scale initiatives can have a significant positive impact.

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.

This article examines the government's proposals to strengthen local authorities' Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers, with the aim of delivering more affordable housing.

Planning is about the future, yet consultations often fail to engage young people who have the greatest stake in it. This article explores how ambitious plans for cities like Cambridge can shift the balance toward younger voices through innovative consultation methods.