Tag: Homes
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Heat pumps in new homes use far less energy than expected
One of the UK’s first real-world trials of all-electric new builds has found that homes fitted with air-source heat pumps and solar panels are using dramatically less electricity than expected. The homes recorded annual energy use between 40% and 67% lower than the UK average, with peak demand also coming in far below predicted levels.…
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5 Reasons to Renovate Your Home’s Garage Doors
Your garage door is more than just an entry point—it’s a vital component of your home’s security, curb appeal, and functionality. Over time, wear and tear can compromise its performance, making renovation not just a cosmetic upgrade but a practical necessity. Whether you’re looking to enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, or boost property value, updating…
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Grand Designs House of the Year 2025 opens with six epic homes
Grand Designs House of the Year returns with a powerful opening episode that celebrates homes carved from the natural landscape and shaped by craft, courage and place. Kevin McCloud is joined by architect Damion Burrows and conservation designer Natasha Huq, who explore six remarkable contenders built against steep hillsides, cliffs and wild coastal terrain. These…
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Contaminated land remediated for new Homes England development
Twenty hotspot areas of former contaminated land have been remediated ahead of the construction of a Homes England development in the old RAF Oakington base in Cambridgeshire. CR Civil Engineering, a groundworks contractor that is part of the RSK Group, worked with main contractor CR MacDonald on a 12-month project to deliver the site preparation…
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Budget tax fears threaten Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge
Builders are hitting pause ahead of the November Budget, concerned that taxes could raise the cost of building homes and create broader uncertainty in the property market. A Knight Frank survey found 43% of developers expect housing starts to fall in the final quarter of 2025, reflecting widespread caution across the sector. Former Housing Minister…
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Why Motorized Window Shades Elevate Your Home’s Style
Introduction Indeed, the interior design has come a long way since then by combining technology with beauty to revolutionize modern living spaces. One of the most exciting new product offerings resulting from this change is the dawn of Motorized Window Shades. In addition to making everyday things more convenient, these shades bring refinement and design accuracy to the…
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UK may introduce exit tax on homes and land for leavers
Leaving the UK could soon become more expensive for homeowners if a proposed exit tax is introduced for those looking to emigrate from the UK. The government and HMRC currently say there is no general exit tax in force, but recent reporting shows Treasury officials are modelling options and Ministers have not ruled out new…
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Smart Ways to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Quick Answer Making your home more energy efficient starts with sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and replacing outdated windows and doors. Switching to LED lighting, using smart thermostats, and choosing ENERGY STAR–certified appliances also significantly cut energy use. Simple behavioural changes – like lowering the thermostat a few degrees in winter or using cold water…
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Lords push amendments to protect wildlife from new homes
The House of Lords is considering key amendments that would limit how new planning permissions can impact protected species like barn owls and otters. Under the proposed changes, housebuilders might be prevented from using broad environmental delivery plans (EDPs) to sidestep specific habitat protections. The debate raises urgent questions about how the Bill balances the…
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Council tax could soon be doubled — but which homes and which areas are most at risk?
Homeowners in the top council‑tax bands could see their bills almost double if proposals being considered by the Treasury and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) are adopted. The plan, which would target bands G and H, might raise around £4.4 billion a year, with surging house prices widening the gap in the current, 1991-based system.…