Daily News: 09/06/2025
Wheatley Group has retained its A+ credit rating with a stable outlook for the fifth consecutive year, following S&P Global’s annual review. Scottish Housing News
Keepmoat is investing £59.5m in the next phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA), advancing major regeneration in Glasgow. Meanwhile, Hill Partnerships is set to secure a £50.7m residential scheme in Hertfordshire via a direct award from Thrive Homes. Scottish Construction Now, Construction News (register)
Unite Group has proposed acquiring its smaller rival Empiric in a £719m deal, aiming to expand its presence in the student housing market and enhance operational efficiencies. Amey, meanwhile, reported a 31% rise in pre-tax profits to £127m, driven by strong public sector demand and a robust £7.8bn work pipeline. Housing Today (register), Construction Enquirer
Building tender prices in Scotland increased by 0.9% in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 and rose 3.4% over the year from Q2 2024, according to BCIS. In parallel, the Scottish government estimates the cost to fix unsafe cladding on homes could reach £3.1bn, with a new levy proposed targeting house builders. BCIS, Construction Enquirer
The number of construction company administrations rose by a third in May, with 28 firms entering administration compared to 21 in April, according to Creditsafe’s latest data. Construction News (register)
The English social housing sector is leading efforts to decarbonise the nation’s housing stock, as residential homes account for 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from heating (Rowe and Rankl, 2024). UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence
The number of residential units approved fell sharply by 45% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with 43,893 units approved – 32% down on Q1 2024 – and the lowest figure since Q2 2012. At the same time, new home completions dropped by 6.5% to 198,600 in the year to March 2024, reflecting the anticipated slowdown following the end of the Help to Buy scheme in March 2023. Home Builders Federation, Savills
Planning permissions will be accelerated as the government introduces a new AI tool capable of scanning hundreds of files in seconds. This innovation aims to simplify home improvements and fast-track the Plan for Change goal of building 1.5m homes. GOV.UK
A 120-apartment tower has been approved on a historic Oldham site where The Beatles once played. Revised plans for nearly 250 homes near Romsey have been unveiled. Wain Homes has submitted proposals for 167 homes, a 78-bed care home, and Broughton’s first community centre. Elsewhere, 121 affordable homes near a Flintshire town are recommended for approval. The Oldham Times, Hampshire Chronicle, Place North West, and The Leader