West London's 'mega basements'

There may be a crack down on the amount of 'mega basements' being built in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea boroughs. There are more restrictions being put in place to limit the size of basement extensions and secure the housing foundations. Full article here. 

Inflation on the rise, again

Unfortunately energy prices are on the rise again this winter. Prices in September are recorded to be 2.7% higher than one year ago. The main pressure on prices has come from air fares, petrol and diesel prices falling. Overall inflation remained above the Bank of England's target of 2% for a 46th straight month. More news here

Fears for London housing bubble

If house prices continue to rise, fewer than one in five london families will be able to own their own property by the age of 65. Read full article here 

Trellick Tower's new tenants

The Trellick Tower, built in 1972 and designed by Hungarian architect Ernö Goldfinger’s is a 31 story council block in the Nottinghill area of West London. A quarter of it is privately owned and recently, film makers, designers and foodies have used or are moving into the lower spaces to help the community thrive and support the building. Read more here. 

Ikea now selling solar installation packages

Ikea are now selling solar installation packages from £5,700. The installation is completed by the company Hanergy who will survey your home and install the panels. Recently, the solar energy market has decreased and several companies have had to quit their work. The packages offered by Ikea are a little cheaper than others on the market but the awareness and open publicity from a brand we all know and trust is a good thing. 

Air Pollution in East London exceeds safety limit

Local 'citizen scientists' have announced that the air pollution in East London is dangerously high. 36 diffusion monitoring tubes were placed around bus stops, parks and busy roads to measure emissions in over 30 streets. The area recorded over the annual safety limit of the toxic exhaust pipe gas nitrogen dioxide in just over four weeks. 
The Air pollution produced by traffic in east London is considered to be some of the worst in Britain, effecting young and old people subject to respiratory and heart diseases.  Read full article here. 

Fast growth for housing output

Employment numbers in construction have risen over four consecutive months with an increasing rate of job creation. Read the report here.