The article reviews recent property market and conveyancing data, noting a shift from seller-favourable conditions to a more buyer-favourable market. It reports continued declines in new conveyancing instructions and completions, while exchange and completion timelines are lengthening, suggesting process inefficiencies rather than volume alone are driving delays.
Oldham councillors refused outline permission for 37 affordable homes in Royton, despite a planning officer recommendation for approval. The committee cited highway safety, land contamination, flooding and the loss of a designated green corridor, with members warned that these reasons could be vulnerable on appeal.
A scaffolding contractor has been fined £20,000 after a worker was fatally struck by a falling metal board during dismantling work in Belfast. The investigation found the company failed to properly control the exclusion zone around the scaffold, allowing a person not directly involved in the work to be within the danger area.
The High Court has ordered Leeds-based Torsion Developments to be wound up following a petition from Manchester-based Zentra Group. The article notes that the collapse comes after a period of significant growth, with the company reporting substantial completed and pipeline development values before liquidation.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has agreed to settle a late payment dispute with Auburn Group by paying almost £590,000 linked to refurbishment works at the Cliffs Pavilion. The project has also been affected by asbestos, slab and foundation issues, with the council noting further works remain outstanding and potential contractual disputes still unresolved.
The article indicates that Helical expects Gateway 2 approval next month for a student accommodation scheme. It also notes that McLaren is poised to complete two office schemes for a developer, suggesting ongoing activity in the development pipeline.
Kane Group Building Services reported a strong year, with pre-tax profit rising almost 45% to £6.4m on turnover up 15% to £100.9m. The company paid a £6.2m dividend and increased investment in offsite manufacturing, while noting that labour shortages and slower new residential activity remain challenges.
The Home Builders Federation says around half of local planning authorities are missing the deadline for approving planning conditions, creating delays for development projects. It argues that these delays are disrupting construction schedules and affecting scheme viability.
The Office for National Statistics has published official UK producer price inflation statistics for June 2027, covering both manufacturing input and output prices and quarterly service price estimates for April to June 2027. The extract describes the scope of the release rather than providing the underlying figures.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off sole practitioner Andrew Lee after finding he continued practising while his firm’s professional indemnity insurance had expired and misled both a client and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Tribunal also found he failed to keep proper accounts and ordered him to pay more than £45,000 in costs.
Houseprice.AI analysis suggests around 161,000 privately rented homes in England may be unable to reach EPC band C even if all recommended improvements are carried out. The article also highlights that 53% of private rented homes are currently below band C, with a smaller but significant number already below the legal minimum band E.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has warned regulated firms to check whether their websites, servers or related products use PHP following a critical security flaw in the language. The issue prompted emergency patching and temporary disruption across a range of websites and technology providers, including some used in the property sector.
