Joseph Mullane

Solihull

News Editor at Homebuilding & Renovating

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Articles

How visiting a heat pump is helping UK homeowners make smarter, greener choices

3 days ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

As more homeowners explore eco-friendly alternatives to traditional heating, the Visit a Heat Pump service has become a vital resource in the UK’s journey toward sustainability. By connecting prospective buyers with real heat pump users, the platform offers an authentic glimpse into daily life with this technology. This direct exposure not only increases understanding and confidence but also helps people weigh the benefits and challenges of heat pumps before committing to installation.
Becoming an architect is getting a redesign — here’s what’s changing

4 days ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) has unveiled an action plan to overhaul how aspiring architects gain practical experience before qualifying. Aimed at improving transparency, quality, and support, the changes are expected to benefit not just trainees, but also the clients by making it easier when choosing an architect. From a new Record of Competency to stronger mentorship support, this marks one of the most significant shifts in architectural education in a generation.
Over half of UK homeowners renovated their homes in 2024 as spending hits record levels

5 days ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

More than half of UK homeowners renovated their house in 2024, according to the 2025 UK Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Report. Despite economic challenges, the report reveals that renovation activity remains strong, driven by ageing housing stock and a desire for long-term living improvements. With a 26% increase in median renovation spending compared to 2023, UK homeowners are showing no signs of slowing down.
IKEA moves into the UK home energy market with new heat pump range

6 days ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

IKEA has introduced heat pumps to its UK product range as part of its expanding focus on home energy efficiency. The heat pumps are offered through partnerships with renewable energy companies Svea Solar and Aira. By entering the heating market, IKEA aims to provide households with more options to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. You may likeIndustry pushes for heat pumps to be included in 'salary sacrifice' schemeAre heat pumps worth it?
Starmer gets tough on housebuilders — but are they villains or scapegoats?

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sent a clear warning to housebuilders: “If you promise homes, you have to build them.”Backed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Labour’s new housing policy introduces tough penalties for developers who delay construction – including potential land seizures, public reporting requirements and thousands of pounds in “delayed homes” fines.
Why this period home is in desperate need of your help

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

Set on Essex Road in East London, this period home is full of character and crying out for restoration. The worn and unmodernised interior tell a story of years gone by, and now it’s ready for a fresh start. For those with vision, it’s the latest renovation opportunity available on the Plotfinder website a rare chance to bring a unique property back to life.
How this one council is 25 years ahead in its housing supply while many others are struggling to meet targets

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

While many local councils across England are struggling to meet their housing targets amid a national shortage, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is bucking the trend. The council recently published its five-year housing supply report showing it currently has nearly 25 years’ worth of housing supply – an achievement that puts it decades ahead of many peers. We look at how the council has done this whilst other councils are seeing record-low planning permissions granted.
Ofgem tells homeowners to ditch price cap despite summer energy bill drop

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

Energy bills are set to fall by 7% from July, but regulator Ofgem is urging homeowners not to rely on the energy price cap alone, warning that switching to a fixed tariff could lead to bigger savings. Despite the summer drop, many households could still be overpaying for their gas and electricity. The regulator says switching to a fixed tariff could save hundreds more and provide greater payment certainty.
Angela Rayner says 'the SME housebuilding comeback starts now'

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

In a speech at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner unveiled a new strategy to rejuvenate the UK's housing sector. Emphasising the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Rayner introduced planning reforms aimed at accelerating housebuilding, including the development of 'grey belt' land and the launch of the New Homes Accelerator.
Sharing holiday selfies could cost you your home insurance claim, providers warn

1 week ago | homebuilding.co.uk | Joseph Mullane

Sharing real-time holiday photos on social media might do more than garner likes –it could compromise your home security and affect your insurance coverage. Insurers caution that public posts revealing your absence may breach 'reasonable care' clauses in many policies. Even private posts aren't foolproof; screenshots and shared content can expose your home to potential risks, even if your home has the best home security systems. You may likeCan my neighbour have CCTV pointing at my house?