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London new-build homes slump 15%
Molior’s latest quarterly report said its figures “make for depressing reading” for London’s new homes market. In Zone 1 there has been a 60 per cent collapse in starts over three years, to the lowest level since 2011. The report said planning delays, council and City Hall demands for more affordable housing and rising costs had curbed enthusiasm for building homes in London.
P rivate housing developments in London have slumped to the lowest level since 2013, new figures have revealed. Housebuilding fell 15% last year as developers built only
23,130 homes in the capital in 2018, according to data from analysts Molior London. They figures that 27,356 homes were constructed in 2017 compared to 33,774 in 2015.
T he Leasehold Advisory Service has announced that it has appointed a new interim chair following last year’s resignation of Roger Southam. Wanda Goldwag will lead LEASE, the taxpayer-funded executive body that provides advice to people who live in leasehold properties and park homes. Ms Goldwag will provide support to chief executive Anthony Essien and its staff for up to 18 months, the organisation revealed. She is currently chair of the Office for Legal Complaints, the board which controls the legal ombudsman service for England and Wales. Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Heather Wheeler MP, said Ms Goldwag’s expertise in previous roles would be a real benefit to leaseholders. She added: “LEASE has an important role in supporting leaseholders and helping them resolve problems, and I am pleased to appoint Wanda Goldwag as chair. The government is working hard to reform leasehold practises and ensure that the reality of home ownership can live up to the dream for those who purchase a leasehold home.” Ms Goldwag said she was delighted to be able to help LEASE as the organisation renews its aims. “I hope to ensure that LEASE is the first port of call for leaseholders, potential leaseholders and park home owners in England and Wales and that the organisation provides high quality information and initial advice to lay people,” she added. LEASE chief executive Mr Essien said: “It is a testament to the standing of LEASE that someone of Wanda’s calibre and experience sought, and has been appointed, to the role of interim chair.” New interim LEASE chair appointed
Software firm expands after acquisition A firm that provides specialist real another business. MRI Software has announced that is has bought Thesaurus Technology, a UK- based provider of cloud-based software for residential sales and lettings agents. Dermot Briody, MRI Software’s executive managing director of Europe, said: “The acquisition of Thesaurus Technology widens our comprehensive range of solutions for the UK residential sector.” estate and investment management software is expanding after acquiring
TV star’s call to protect tower block
A tower block that featured in hit BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses should be protected, the star of the show has said. Sir David Jason, who played Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, spoke out after plans were announced to demolish the 13-storey building in Acton, West London, as part of a regeneration project. The 78-year-old actor said: “Of course I think it should be a listed building. What a shame. But they are not going to listen to me are they?” “It was a proper block of flats and it was of its time, which was fine and is probably why we used it. It was great.” Plans are in place to demolish Harlech Tower as part of a £650m regeneration of the area, which will see more than 3,500 homes built.
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ISSUE 99
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