Gateway Two delays are stalling higher-risk building projects by an average of 18–22 weeks, resulting in higher build costs than initially envisaged and potential significant financial losses due to the lack of use.

With the risk of further delays, spiralling costs and seemingly inevitable lengthy litigation, is it time to consider avoiding HRBs altogether?  Data from the British Property Federation suggests this may be the direction the sector is heading in, with a 14% decrease in homebuilding for Q1 2025.

Sarah Rock, Head of Construction, shares her thoughts in Building Magazine.

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024, which is likely to gain Royal Assent by September 2025 for implementation by early 2026, will have a significant impact on the current assured shorthold tenancy regime for both landlords and tenants.

There will be a transitional period to allow landlords and tenants to familiarise themselves with the new legal framework, however once in effect, the changes will apply retrospectively, governing both existing assured shorthold tenancies and new tenancies.

Landlords and tenants under an assured shorthold tenancy should be mindful of key changes, taking steps in the immediate months to review the terms and current tenancy agreements likely to continue under the new tenancy regime.

Colin Young and Kellie Jones, Litigation Partners, and Kate Symons, Residential Property Senior Associate, outline key changes to the Bill in their article

STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, has today launched a Responsible Stewardship Toolkit, a platform designed to guide families, their advisers and trust and estate practitioners with tools to incorporate responsible stewardship principles in trusts, wills and powers of attorney. Clare Stirzaker, Private Wealth Partner, Emma Haley, Legal Director and Sophie Harcourt, Private Wealth Associate, contributed to the Toolkit, alongside industry experts across the wealth planning, fiduciary and philanthropic sectors.