How Does the City of Today Compare to 2020’s City of Tomorrow?

Back in 2020, the world was managing a global pandemic. City life was shifting. We reflect on the predictions that were made for our cities.

Overworked and Under-resourced - Housing Professionals in Wales Face Workforce Dilemma

With all the challenges faced by housing professionals in 2023 – from planning conditions to materials shortages – having the in-house resources to make the best of a bad situation is essential. Unfortunately, news coming out of Wales suggests this is not the case, leaving homebuilders uncertain where to turn as the housing crisis worsens.

Alternative Styles of Customer Care

There have been some momentous moments in customer care. Could you recreate something similar for your customers?

Customer Care Throughout the Ages

We explore customer care at every stage: where it started, how it's changed and where it's going.

How the New Homes Quality Board is Raising Customer Care Standards

The new Code looks set to succeed in raising standards in consumer care for homebuyers but how, exactly, is it achieving this goal?

The Importance of Omnipresent Branding After Completion

We explore why you should double down on branding after completion, and how.

March Round-up - NHQB Interview, Canadian Oversea Buyer Ban, Tenant Satisfaction Measures and the Spring Budget

Classic Folios and Spaciable CEO David Graydon shares his industry insights for March

Spring Snub: How Homebuilders Can Combat the Lack of Support in the Spring Budget

Unsurprisingly, the UK property industry was disappointed with the latest Budget, which failed to provide the much-needed support for the sector. Despite the challenges faced by homebuilders, there are actions that can be taken to address their concerns and support the growth of the industry.

Why Choose a Supplier with Longevity?

Choosing a supplier is one of the most important decisions a business makes. Find out how to choose a company you can trust.

A Conversation with the New Homes Quality Board

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) is one of the biggest talking points in the property industry, as it sets to raise the standards of new homes and improve the customer service provided by developers. As one of the companies to be accredited by the New Homes Quality Board, we thought we’d sit down and discuss what the New Homes Quality Code means for developers and homebuyers. Andrew Preece, Industry Engagement Manager, agreed to answer some of our questions.

Building a Better Future

With a declining workforce, what can we do to attract young talent to the homebuilding industry?

Affordable Mortgage Scheme Unlocks Homeownership for Hundreds

The Home Builders Federation's new mortgage scheme is proving a great success for homebuilders and homebuyers alike.

New Homes Week Releases ‘Planning for Economic Failure’ Report

The Home Builders Federation’s shocking new report is sure to increase pressure on the government to reconsider reforms.

New Homes Week Reveals the Surprising Savings of Buying New

The first in our series of mini blogs to support the New Homes Week campaign looks at the cost-saving benefits of buying new.

Homebuilders Taking Sustainable Steps Towards Net Zero Targets

Whether through concept homes or by updating traditional systems to be more energy-efficient, many developers are making significant progress towards their Net Zero targets.

The Urgency of Climate-Ready UK New Builds: How to Win the Battle for Future Generations

UK homes are facing a climate change crisis, with intensifying heatwaves and increased likelihood of extreme rainfall leaving the nation vulnerable. The government must take action and invest in low-carbon, resilient infrastructure.

January Round-up - AI, New Build Mythbusting and NHQB Tips!

Recap the big talking points so far of 2023, from AI-fever spreading through offices to the requirements of the New Homes Quality Code!

Ten Sustainability Tips for Homebuilders and Their Home Users

We have compiled a list of ten sustainability tips that can be easily implemented both in the home for your buyers, but also for you at work, to lighten the carbon load while saving money wherever possible.

New Myth-busting Report Paves the Way for UK Housebuilding Comeback

As the housing market continues to evolve, a new report from the Centre for Policy Studies has provided valuable insights for property developers in the United Kingdom.

Customer Care Resolutions for NHQB Compliance in 2023

With 2023's introduction of the NHQB, we've compiled a list of the five most important customer care resolutions you can make, to ensure you’re compliant with the new Code.

A Classic Folios Christmas Carol

Ethel Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Customer Care Past, Present and Future!

A Classic Folios Christmas

We're all getting in the festive spirit - from trees and snow globes to Christmas markets and glittery luchadores!

The Day of 8 Billion – What Does It Mean for the Property Industry?

On 15th November 2022 humanity reached a significant milestone: a population of 8 billion. What impact will this have on the property industry?

A Classic Folios Christmas Playlist

Enjoy a mix of festive favourites that are sure to get the office excited for the holidays!

Celebrating Our Women in Construction

All the way from the entry level position employees through to the Chief Operating Officer, women are at the helm and making big decisions about the direction we steer the company.

Monthly Quiz Answers - September

How did you fare in this month's newsletter quiz?

Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Has a Leader and a Clear Mission

Former Chairman of UKGBC (UK Green Building Council) David Partridge brings his sustainable experience to the Governance Board for the Net Zero Carbon Standard, as claims of net zero carbon status are set to be regulated by the new initiative – the latest in a series of signs that the property industry is recognising that it is time for action.

London Property Was on the Rebound for Overseas Investors - Now It Could Be an Open Goal

London property is back in vogue amongst international investors, but how will this be impacted by the pound’s plummet and should developers gear up their marketing to overseas buyers?

Will Rising Rates Hinder Interest in Stamp Duty Cuts?

The mini-budget announcement will have piqued the interest of the property market, with the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) being permanently cut – but will it have the same impact as the SDLT Holiday in 2020, or have soaring interest rates already put a dampener on the announcement?

September Round-up - Interest Rates, Stamp Duty Cuts, Overseas Investment and Net Zero Carbon

The only certainty is uncertainty, as the mini budget has chaotic impact on the property market. Meanwhile, the UK's first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard looks to establish continuity and reliability for sustainable developers.

Monthly Quiz Answers - July

Who performed these home-based songs?

House Prices Rise but Slowdown Looms

Rightmove report shows increases across the board: Average prices up 9% - Number of sellers up 13% - Completion time up 50 days - So how do we achieve a harmonious market?

Bellway’s Future Home Could Be the Blueprint for Eco Living

Bellway has started work on the experience Future Home, being built in an environmental chamber that can replicate over 95% of the world’s climatic conditions.

July Round-up - Climate Change, Future Homes and Customer Care Culture

Soaring temperatures have prompted plenty of talk about climate change, while first time buyers continue to be outpriced. But there is reason for optimism!

Five Top Customer Care Tips for New Homebuilders

With 86% of buyers willing to pay more for a better customer experience, it has never been more important for homebuilders to deliver excellent customer care.

Monthly Quiz Answers - May

Name the TV shows these famous homes appeared in.

May Round-up - ESG, Net Zero and the Spaciable Spread

From ESG Conferences to the spread of PropTech, Managing Director David Graydon shares his thoughts on the key issues facing the property industry this month.

The Proof is in the Postcodes

As Spaciable sweeps the nation, we decided to map out all of the developments on our award-winning portal to show our reach from Elgin to Plymouth, and Donaghmore to Norwich (and everywhere in between)!

Five Key Takeaways From the Resi ESG Conference

The Resi ESG conference took place in London at the beginning of May. Here, we have outlined five of the most significant messages from the conference, supported by alarming statistics, showing that immediate action is needed from everyone involved.

Achieving Net Zero on Your Next Site

With so much talk of sustainability, pushing your ESG credentials and how the UK government wants to achieve net zero by 2050, now is the time to take action and make sure you’re paving the way for the future.

Monthly Quiz Answers - March

With the Oscars recently in the bag, can you name the films that starred these iconic houses?

Neighbours vs Coronation Street – Property Prices of Soap Streets Compared

Property platform Boomin has identified the soap with highest property price growth, as well as which resident stands the best chance of becoming a property mogul!

UK Property Market Continues to Defy Logic

Average UK house prices mark the fastest rising rate since 2007, with the year-on-year increase the highest in almost 40 years.

Rural Hotspots Are Getting Younger!

Forget Last of the Summer Wine – villages are competing to become First of the Summer Jäegerbombs, as homebuyers moving to rural areas are younger than a decade ago.

Homebuyers Prioritise Sustainability According to HBF Research

In the course of seven years, homebuyers’ priorities have changed from location to sustainability, with conscientious customers swotting up on EPCs.

Monthly Musings - March

Straight from MIPIM, Managing Director David Graydon shares his thoughts on the key issues facing the property industry this month.

How to Approach Climate Tech in the Office

As vital as it is to give home users the tools they need to make the most of the sustainable features in their home, it is equally important to practice what you preach, and ensure your offices are as efficient as the homes you build.

Monthly Quiz Answers

Check here to see how you fared in this month's brain teaser!

Monthly Musings

Managing Director David Graydon shares hot topics for the month ahead - from lorries to space houses!

Stop Hitting Snooze on Sustainability

After decades of hitting snooze on the wake-up call that is global warming, 2021 seemed to be the year we finally stretched our arms and rolled out of bed.

How Will Materials Shortages Affect 2022?

Effectively putting numerous projects on hold, the heightened interest in home improvement during the pandemic, a deficit of around 100,000 lorry drivers in the UK, increased labour rates and the continued impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on imports have met in a perfect storm of disruption, giving homebuilders costly headaches. But will it continue in 2022?

What Will Happen with PropTech in 2022?

Crunchbase has drawn on their data to highlight what PropTech trends we could see in 2022, helping developers and investors get ahead of the game.

In Space, No-one Can Hear You…Build?

Co-founder of SAGA, architect Sebastian Aristotelis has taken a starry-eyed approach to his profession, setting his sights on space architecture. But what are the logistics and can they be applied to more down-to-Earth projects?

Top 10 Highlights of 2021

While 2020 was full of uncertainty and angst, 2021 has given us more reason for optimism, and while it hasn’t always been plain sailing, it has produced many highlights – both from a business perspective and on a national scale.

Green Ambitions – Trendsetting Eco Buildings

The built environment could start to look a lot different over the next few decades, as a new era of architecture could be imminent. Take a look at some of the world's leading sustainable build projects.

Time to See the Light with Solar Panels

According to The Solar Trade Association, solar panels have been installed to approximately 900,000 British homes. But with so many benefits, developers should strive to install solar panels on every building – especially when building integrated solar panels can actually save on roof covering costs.

Healthy Eco Homes of the Future – How We Get There

With developers under unprecedented pressure to build sustainably, and many working towards net-zero targets, it can be tempting to prioritise this above all else.

Climate Change and Construction

Climate change is a term we hear regularly but to get to the heart of what we should be doing about it, we need to step back and remind ourselves what it actually means.

Government Allocate £57.8m to Councils for Brownfield Projects

The Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has allocated a share of £57.8 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund to over 50 councils in a bid to prioritise building on previously developed land.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder – Overseas Buyers Return to London Ready to Spend

After a 16 month pandemic-enforced estrangement, overseas buyers have returned to London in a boost to the capital’s developers, with prices set to rise by 8% in prime central London next year.

The PropTech Inventions Reinventing Property

Royal Palm Companies CEO and founder Daniel Kodsi highlights four PropTechs that are currently changing the property industry and will continue to do so in the coming years.

Five Houses That Ooze Supernatural-Chic

They may not be much good for a decent night's sleep but these five houses feature some inspired design choices that could be due a renaissance in new builds.

Teching the Boxes for Young Homebuyers

“Phenomenal” video tours give Auction House food for thought on approach to technology coming out of the pandemic, as property industry finally realises the potential of PropTech to appeal to young homebuyers.

Large Developers Warned About Increasing Government Scrutiny

Derek Gemmell, Partner and Head of Construction and Property at Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB), has criticised the lack of clarity around the proposed new Residential Property Developer Tax (RPDT) on large developers to raise funds to address unsafe cladding on existing buildings, while warning developers that they need to remain vigilant as new taxes, penalties and restrictions are introduced by the Government.

England to Lead the Charge for EV Points

New legislation is set to be introduced by the Government that will make it compulsory for all new build homes and offices to incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging points that can automatically charge vehicles during off-peak windows, giving developers food for thought when it comes to making parking provisions for new developments.

Artistic Collective Forms Housing Co-operative in a Bid to Become London Homeowners

Artistic collective forms housing co-operative to buy the converted pub they rent. Is this the Gen-Z answer to the housing crisis or a flawed experiment?

Block Management Sector Code Set to Establish Best Practice For Managing Agents

RICS and The Property Ombudsman (TPO) have jointly launched a consultation on the Block Management Sector Code, as managing agents, homeowners and tenants are invited to give input on a series of standards and principles that are designed to improve professionalism within the sector.

From Investment to Adoption – PropTech is Now Driving the Industry Forward

The past few years has seen much written about the potential of PropTech and the significant investment in the development of technology. Now we are seeing the first signs of the property industry’s mentality towards technology having drastically changed. Data showing increases in investment is now data showing increases in adoption, as technology drives the industry into a new era.

Building Safety Bill Introduced in Parliament

Over three years since the Hackett report was published, the Building Safety Bill has been introduced in Parliament to kickstart reforms of how residential towers are built and managed, drawing a mixed reaction from the industry. Building owners who are non-compliant could face criminal prosecution, so action is needed and we can help. Read on to find out how the reforms will affect you, and how we can help you make the adjustment.

1 in 5 Sales Fell Through in Q2 Due to Buyer’s Remorse

Quick Move Now has reported that the fall-through rate in Q2 of 2021 peaked at 39%, making the year-to-date average 38%, with 22% citing attempts to negotiate a lower price or cold feet as the main reason, and 11% highlighting the slow progress of the sale. Daunting figures, no doubt, but don’t fear! Spaciable Legal – the latest addition to our award-winning portal – can reduce fall-throughs by 75%!

Post-Pandemic PropTech – It’s Here to Stay

PropTech received a surge in interest during periods of lockdown, as contactless solutions became essential. As we prepare for a return to ‘normality’, PropTech seems to have become part of the furniture, having usurped antiquated processes, subsequently winning over an initially resistant industry.

New Homes Quality Board Launch Consultation of New Code of Practice

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has shared the details of its new Code of practice, which is designed to address the shortcomings of existing Consumer Codes and is open for public consultation. Find out when it is expected to come into play and how Classic Folios can help you make the transition by reading on.

Are Retirement Villages the Future of the High Street?

What is the key to resurrecting the High Street? More bars and restaurants? Leisure activities, such as crazy golf and trampoline parks? Or is it actually retirement homes? The Audley Nightingale Place is one of a number of retirement villages popping up in cities, where once stood shops and office blocks, and these types of accommodation could be vital to helping the High Street thrive once again

CLASSIC FOLIOS LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT TO ENABLE A FASTER CONVEYANCING PROCESS

Within the industry, we are all collectively aware of the pressure on the conveyance process which has increased by 12% last year due to the extremely high level of transactions in the housing sector over the past year. To digitalise, streamline and enable a faster sales process, at CLASSIC FOLIOS, we decided to create a new effective solution to relieve some of the strain that the housing market is facing in these challenging times.

Planning Reform Included in Queen’s Speech

The Queen’s Speech signalled a major shake-up of processes in the property industry, with ground rent and building safety reforms being somewhat overshadowed by the controversial Planning Bill, set to modernise the planning process. But not everyone is on board.

Land Ahoy! Developers Competing for Limited Residential Land Supply

A shortage of land has led to developers getting increasingly competitive for medium and large scale schemes, with a number of developers citing the availability of land as the most pressing issue for the next quarter.

Stamp Duty Holiday: An Alternative Take

Knight Frank highlights data from OnTheMarket that shows a 30% rise in properties going under offer in England and Wales in March, compared to the same month in 2020; however, the smallest increase seems to come from those with the most to gain

More, More, Mor(tgage)

Financial Reporter has highlighted figures from Twenty7Tec that show a 26.7% increase in searches for standard residential mortgages, between February and March, offering more evidence of a strong post-pandemic market.

Energy Efficiency Figures Show Two Sides of the Coin

Inside Housing has reported that between October and December last year, 84% of new builds in England and 87% in Wales, received an energy efficiency rating of A or B – the two highest grades, while only 3% of existing buildings in England had a rating of B, showing the chasm between new builds and those predating energy efficiency regulations

Record-breaking Bitcoin Investment to Help Blockchain Become Blockbuster

Dubai-based Khurram Shroff, chairman of IBC Group, has invested 100,000 Bitcoin (currently worth an eye-watering $4.8 billion) to create the Miami 2.0 Blockchain Strategy Foundation, among other joint ventures, marking the biggest Bitcoin investment in history.

Trees to Grow Out of Concrete Jungle

Eindhoven social housing development blooms with vertical forest, just one of the project’s numerous sustainable features, setting a new standard for affordable housing.

Rightmove Report 9 Million Reasons for Optimism

Home Tours Go Viral

London-based property developer, Avanton, embraces Tik Tok to market apartments to a new generation of buyers.

New Home Quality Board to Set New Standards for Housebuilders

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has been launched to introduce a new code of practice on how “homes are built and sold and how customers are treated”. So, what does this mean for the Consumer Code for Home Builders?

The Wonderful Wizard of Conveyancing

The conveyancing stage can be frustrating for buyers at the best of times, largely due to the work seemingly being conducted by a mysterious wizard behind a giant curtain, such is the lack of transparency. With some buyers waiting up to 40 days for local searches to be carried out and conveyancing costs doubling, Spaciable Legal pulls down the curtain to give buyers real-time updates and speed up the process.

How Great Customer Service Can Save You Time and Money

Improving your customer service is one of the most impactful ways to save time and money, while enhancing your market position. There are a number of ways to do this and we can show you how.

Proptech Set to Shine in 2021

PropertyMe has collated Proptech predictions for 2021 from five experts, noting that with Proptech start-ups benefiting from over $43 billion in funding since 2012, it could be set for a defining year. So, how can Proptech kickstart a tumultuous decade?

The UK Still Has (Post-) Brex Appeal

Even after a tumultuous year, research by DLA Piper suggests the UK is the global hotspot for overseas property investment. But does this help or hinder the local market, and could it price out first-time buyers?

The Great Migration

The living nightmare that was 2020 saw people (sometimes literally) running for the hills, with Londoners leaving the hustle and bustle, in favour of open spaces. New figures from Hamptons and Rightmove help us identify where people are moving to en masse, and which regions and towns developers may want to keep a close eye on.

The Season for Giving

London and Home Counties-based developer Fairview New Homes pledges to donate £10,000 to buyers’ chosen charities when reserving a home at the Welcombe House Collection.

2020’s Lockdown and 2021’s Bounce Back

MakeUrMove has recently published a report on the changing needs of tenants in the wake of the pandemic. While the report focuses on rented accommodation, many of its findings can be applied to the property industry as a whole, giving insight into what can be expected in the coming months and years

Help to Buy 2.0 Open for Business

First-time buyers can now apply for the new Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, to get on the property ladder with a new-build home, with the new scheme building on recent Government efforts to create more homeowners.

How to Add Value to Your Homes

What are the biggest turn-ons and turn-offs when it comes to home design? Hammonds Furniture has delved into the question of what adds value to a home and revealed some interesting results.

GoodBuy Generation Rent

Boris Johnson has elaborated on his plan to create new homeowners through long-term fixed-rate mortgages, as first proposed in last November’s Conservative election manifesto, in a bid to change ‘Generation Rent’ to ‘Generation Buy’.

Protection from Paint

Usually when we are thinking of decorating our homes, we pick up paint swatches from our DIY store, so we can decide between various shades of the same basic colour, all with names like ‘Emerald Blanket’ and ‘Lizard’s Tail’. Now, we may start selecting our wall paint based on its health benefits.

How Ethical is Ethical Investing?

Home REIT, a real estate investment trust, is planning to let accommodation on 20-30 year leases to charities, housing associations and other regulated organisations that receive housing benefit from the local or central government to provide accommodation for the homeless, while aiming to provide a return of 7.5% per annum to investors over the medium term.

The City of Tomorrow

Cities have changed and adapted throughout history, though for many of us, probably not a great deal in our personal experience, save for some beloved chains leaving (RIP Woolworths). But the high street has long been suffering from the popularity of online retail and the current pandemic landed some even heavier blows, forcing a reevaluation of how cities can benefit us and vice versa.

Pandemic Makes PropTech Impossible to Ignore

Just as FinTech companies cashed in on the uncertainty, distrust and anger at established financial systems in the wake of the 2007-08 crisis, PropTech companies could be set for a similar redefining role in the post-COVID property industry.‍

We find ourselves in a defining moment for urban transport.

With the government greenlighting rented electric scooter trials ahead of schedule, we may be taking the first steps towards the electric vehicle revolution sooner than expected.