Latest News
Monthly construction output grew by a record 23.5% in June, but has not yet recovered to pre Covid-19 levels
This week, Advantage has been taking a look at the Office For National Statistics’ latest construction figures. According to the ONS, monthly construction output grew by a record 23.5% in June 2020, substantially higher than the previous record monthly growth of 7.6%...
Build to Rent construction is on the rise
New research shows that build to rent construction has risen by 22% over the past year. There are currently 167,853 build-to-rent homes being constructed in the UK. Within London there are 11% more build-to-rent development and there are 46,221 new builds in the...
John Lewis proposes transforming former stores into affordable rented housing
In an update to partners, John Lewis has indicated that they are seeking to convert some former stores which they no longer need into affordable housing. Last week, Advantage wrote that a UK think tank has suggested that vacant retail units “should be converted into...
Vacant retail units ‘should be converted into 800,000 new homes’ says think tank
The Social Market Foundation is urging ministers to convert the nation’s vacant retail units into housing, suggesting that the coronavirus outbreak has caused a lasting change to our shopping habits. Last week, Advantage wrote about the government’s new planning...
Government lays out planning changes intended to ‘cut out unnecessary bureaucracy’
This week, the government revealed details of the upcoming changes to planning rules, including a fast-track approval process to extend homes upwards. Also, under the new rules, full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings...
UK to gain a new ‘Chief Inspector of Buildings’ to address safety issues
The government has announced that a new national Chief Inspector of Buildings, who will oversee critical reforms and police safety, is to be appointed this year. The new role has been created following the Grenfell disaster. The government is promising the following...
A new report puts social and affordable housing at the heart of the nation’s economic recovery
The Advantage team works with a number of social and affordable housing providers, issuing structural warranties for their projects. This week we’ve been reading a new report by The Affordable Housing Commission: ‘Making housing affordable after Covid-19’, which puts...
Warrington Borough Council’s housing firm gets the green light to build 161 new homes
161 new properties are set to be constructed, 69 of which will be located near to Advantage’s headquarters in Birchwood. As reported by the Warrington Guardian, planning permission has been granted to build 69 properties for private rent and private affordable rent...
Sharp rise in construction output for June
As you’re reading Advantage’s blog, there’s a good chance that you work in construction or a related sector. So you probably won’t be surprised to read that the construction industry reported a “steep rebound” in output in June as the UK lockdown eased and more...
