Author: master

The majority (82%) of developers say they face challenges in the current market, a poll from lender Octane Capital shows. High build and labour costs are the most pressing issue, cited by 34%, followed by planning delays or uncertainty (20%) and funding delays (14%). Exit risk or slower sales (11%), valuation gaps (11%), and limited flexibility from mainstream lenders (10%) also restrict delivery. Jonathan Samuels, CEO of Octane Capital, said: “Build costs, planning delays, and funding constraints remain an issue, which is why specialist finance continues to play such an important role.” Sentiment has improved, with the help of the…

Investment into the Build to Rent sector surged by 14% year-on-year in 2025, amounting to £4.7bn, CBRE research found. BTR is benefiting from a lack of supply combined with solid rental demand, as it’s seen a sector able to compensate for some private landlords being driven out of the sector. £1.9bn of BTR investment is currently under offer. Andrew Saunderson, head of UK living capital markets at CBRE said: “Our figures show attraction to the UK market remains strong and looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a continuation of increased transactional activity, as cautious optimism manifests into positive sentiment across…

The North West and Yorkshire & the Humber saw the strongest rental growth across the UK in 2025, Rightmove data shows. In the North West rents rose by 3.6% and in Yorkshire & the Humber 3.1%, surpassing regions like London (0.8%) and the North East (0.4%). Across the UK as a whole, rents rose by 2% in 2025, while Rightmove predicted a further increase of 2% in 2026. Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “There is still a long-term shortage of available rental homes, but it looks like landlords are taking advantage of cheaper available mortgage rates, and more available…

Liverpool-based developer Legacie has entered 2026 overseeing more than 70% of all live development projects currently under way in the city centre. Five of the seven tower cranes presently operating across central Liverpool are delivering Legacie-led schemes, signalling the developer’s apparent hold on the city. John Morley, chief executive at Legacie, said: “Liverpool has reached an exciting point in its regeneration, and our focus is on turning that momentum into meaningful, lasting development. Being responsible for a significant proportion of the city centre’s live construction brings a real responsibility – it’s not just about building, it’s about shaping places where…

Key takeaways The average commuter now loses 2 days and 11 hours a year stuck in traffic, costing about $2,788 per person and more than $10.1 billion nationally in lost productivity and wasted fuel. Sydney drivers lose over four full days a year to congestion, the highest in the nation, while Melbourne commuters lose almost four days, putting both cities at crisis levels despite work-from-home arrangements. As property prices rise, more Australians are living 25–50km from major job hubs. This “drive until you qualify” trend is a major contributor to increasing travel times. Suburbs with strong transport links, job proximity,…

Whether you’re just starting out, deep in your wealth-building years, or nearing retirement, it’s only natural to wonder: “How do I stack up compared to others?” In today’s show, Simon Kuestenmacher and I look into the fascinating – and sometimes uncomfortable world of generational wealth. We discuss the current financial landscape, highlighting the wealth distribution among baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by each generation, the impact of intergenerational wealth transfer, and the importance of strategic financial planning. So if you’re interested in whether you’re on the right track financially –…

Around 45% of landlords own a single property and they have an average age of 59, the English Private Landlord Survey 2024 from Propertymark found. Despite the rising impact of institutional landlords the number of small investors has remained largely unchanged across the private rental sector. A further 38% own between two and four homes, while the remaining 17% own more than five, though that demographic still accounts for around half of tenancies. Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “As debates on rental standards and tax policy continue, it’s vital to ensure that reforms recognise the diversity and motivations…

My Future Living: redefining retirement living In the first of our spotlights, we meet My Future Living, who own and manage retirement properties in purpose built developments nationally. Launched in 2021, the company believe that later life should be about freedom, comfort and connection. They specialise in creating safe and sociable communities in high-quality developments designed for independent living. What do you aim to achieve through your developments? At My Future Living, our mission is simple: to make later life living easy, enjoyable, and empowering. Through our partnerships, communities, and resident-focused approach, we’re proud to be shaping a future where…

Inntelo AI, the UK-based AI hospitality startup, has opened a new office in the United Arab Emirates, based at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC, pictured), one of the region’s leading hubs for artificial intelligence and innovation. The Dubai opening follows a period of strong momentum for the company in the region; Inntelo AI is currently powering live deployments at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai and Ciel Dubai Marina, which recently was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest hotel. Headquartered in London, Inntelo AI is the first AI-native platform unifying guest experience, operations, and real-time personalisation for hospitality…

Key takeaways Incomes have risen by over 20% in the past 20 years, but essential costs, such as housing, childcare, insurance, and education, have risen even faster. Combined with bracket creep, many Australians feel squeezed despite earning more on paper. Young families face the double hit of high rents/mortgages and expensive childcare. Many would like more children but feel financially unable to. Time poverty is also driving demand for convenience services like cleaning, food delivery, and childcare. Longer lifespans, rising living costs, insufficient retirement savings (especially for renters), and the shift to knowledge work all mean retirement is being pushed…