Help to Build could save UK self-build sector
The Government’s plans to increase the UK self-build sector from 100,000 to 200,000 over 10 years has been impeded in the last few years by planning laws, lack of lending and expensive land. However, the new Help to Build MIG could start to see the self-build market picking up. In July 2011, Grant Shapps set up a working group with industry and Government to try and make self-building your own home a less daunting and difficult experience. In the last couple of months MPs, lenders and policy makers set up an all-party parliamentary group on self-build. The Government is now actively considering a major step of launching a Help to Build MIG scheme as part of the Help to Buy scheme which is set to launch in January 2014. If a MIG scheme comes into force, combined with new planning rules, it could mean that more brokers are likely to get involved in the sector as demand will hopefully increase. Although there is not much news on this scheme at the moment we are keen to see what develops – you can subscribe to our blog to keep up to date with the latest announcements. Source: Mortgage Strategy Surveyor Link Limited provides survey management and reporting services, code consultancy, technical auditing and claims validation surveys for consumers and business. Continue ReadingSelf Build on a shoestring competition
Have you entered the Self Build on a Shoestring competition?
The National Self Build Associated has announced a major new competition which is open to everyone.
Trying to showcase designs for clever sustainable homes, the NASBA competition is trying to prove that a low cost home can also be a very attractive one too.
A unique ideas completion, the aim is to design an innovative ‘self-build friendly’ home that can be constructed for less than £50,000.
The design must be a simple self-build home for a family of four; and all entrants will have to include a detailed cost report that itemises the materials used and their costs – as well as meeting UK Building Regulations.
The winners will win a prize fund of £5,000 and will be showcased at Grand Designs Live 2014.
Think you’ve got the winning idea? Visit the NASBA website to enter.
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday 20th September 2013.
Surveyor Link Limited provides a code for sustainable homes consultancy service for self-builders and their design teams with regards to meeting the specified code level requirement. The code for sustainable homes is essential for social housing and increasingly for private developments as a planning condition. Surveyor Link Limited gives you the support you need whether you are tackling the code for the first time, or experienced and looking for ways to achieve the higher levels. Continue ReadingTax change lays foundation for self-build boom in UK Infrastructure levy exemption will make it cheaper for extreme DIYers
Tax change lays foundation for self-build boom in UK Infrastructure levy exemption will make it cheaper for extreme DIYers
Infrastructure levy exemption will make it cheaper for Self-Builders.
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Self-Build Zone offers free NaSBA member
Self-Build Zone offers free NaSBA membership during National Self Build Week http://ow.ly/2wzcrH Continue ReadingHigh Street Hopes…?
It seems pretty clear to me that socially we are destroying the trade on our high streets and as a country that survives on consumption it’s pretty worrying. However I was heartened this morning to learn that a Green Grocer (remember those?) was starting up in my local town located in an extended part of the high street with a small pull in area for passing customers to be able to park and shop. It got me thinking…will they survive and why did they choose that spot when half the main high street remains empty? I think it was the proximity of the parking. I think it’s true to say that many high streets are simply viewed as a route through a town these days which is actually causing the High Streets demise. Sure, rent and rates play a key part – but if the high street remains an inhospitable rat run we will never be able to revive them and a town centre should really be the hub of a community.
Some high streets fair better than others and they seem to have this magic quality of a small amount of on street parking within the high street or dedicated parking immediately adjacent to a pedestrianised high street.
Planners need to consider the long term future of the high street and create vibrant high street areas rather than worrying specifically about traffic flow. Making a high street one way and utilising an alternative route may upset some people – but those people wont have a nice town to live in if we don’t address the problem now.
I wish the green grocer the best of luck!
Continue ReadingPyrite Panel Publishes Report
The Pyrite Panel makes 24 recommendations to the Irish Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D.
The Pyrite Report is available here:
A dedicated email, where people can email queries is available here:- pyriteinformation@environ.ie ,
Information helpline 1890 800 800
Surveyor Link Limited www.surveyorlink.co.uk (who have surveyor coverage throughout Ireland) can assist in monitoring or testing for Pyrite. If you require a Pyrite Condition Survey or Pyrite Re-mediation Auditing please contact Conor@surveyorlink.com
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