Latest articles by Joseph Mullane
Mansion tax to hit 165,000 homeowners — 45,000 more than expected
High-value property tax set to hit 165,000 UK homeowners, with many likely to appeal
How much does planning permission cost? A planning expert explains
How much does planning permission cost? Before setting out on your self build journey it’s important to be aware of the costs you’ll incur from the outset, as planning consultant Simon Rix explains
This £425k barn deal could turn into five homes — and it’s already approved
A former poultry site in Oxfordshire has prior approval under Class Q to be converted into five dwellings, with options for up to 22 acres of land
4 in 5 homeowners confused by new recycling rules
Simpler Recycling rules were introduced this week, with a poll revealing that many homeowners are unclear on what the new rules mean for them
What you can and can’t put in your garden recycling bin after new rules start in April
With new recycling rules now in force, gardeners across England must rethink what goes in their garden recycling bins – or risk refusal of collection, or even fines
Why some councils haven’t started new recycling rules
The Simpler Recycling rules came into force on March 31st 2026, so why aren't all councils rolling them out?
Which UK council is toughest on planning enforcement? New data reveals the answer
New data reveals which UK councils are taking the toughest action on planning permission breaches, with enforcement notices rising sharply in recent years
How homeowners must prepare for new recycling rules coming into force tomorrow
We reveal how homeowners can prepare for the new Simpler Recycling rules
Martin Lewis predicts how the government may intervene to help cut energy bills after Reeves announcement
Martin Lewis reveals how the government may step in to help cut UK energy bills following their latest announcement
What happens if you use the wrong recycling bin after rules change? What the council can do to enforce new government rules
Mixing up your recycling bins could lead to significant punishments, including fines, rejected collections, and warning stickers, as new rules are rolled out across England
Lidl to become first UK supermarket to sell ‘plug‑and‑play’ solar panels
Lidl to sell plug‑in solar panels as government confirms they are working with the retailer so the cheap energy source can hit UK shops "within months"
All new homes to require heat pumps and solar panels by 2028 after Future Homes Standard is delayed
From 2028, every new home in England must cut carbon with low‑carbon heating and rooftop solar, while the government expands clean energy options for households
The Government’s new ‘build here, not there’ rule — is your land on the 'approved' list?”
England’s Land Use Framework introduces a national map to guide planning permission for new houses, but environmental protections could limit where you can build
Households predicted to face one of the highest energy bill hikes in years as July Cap may reach £2,000
Analysts warn the next price cap could push average annual energy bills close to £2,000, sharply up from current levels
Octopus claims heat pumps are £200 cheaper than gas boilers, but is it true?
Octopus Energy claims heat pumps are now cheaper to run than gas boilers, but real-world data suggests the picture is more complex
Retired couple who replaced hedge with £4,500 fence told it must be removed
A Bolton couple with arthritis have been told to remove a fence they put up after being unable to maintain an overgrown hedge
Amazon Alexa+ promises easier control of your smart home than ever before
Amazon Alexa+ is the next-generation voice assistant designed to make managing smart homes easier, more intuitive, and more connected than ever
I trialled the eufy Omni C28 robot mop and vacuum on every type of floor in my house
I tested the latest eufy robot mop and vacuum to see if it was worth the cost, and these were the results
What can go in your recycling bin after the March 31 rule changes?
From 31 March, what you can throw in your recycling bin is changing – and many residents aren’t sure what counts anymore
Inspirational renovation couple go from visitors to speakers at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is back at the NEC on the 19-22 of March
Elon Musk warned that Tesla's licence can be revoked — with politicians claiming his access to UK energy is a 'threat to national security'
Homebuilding & Renovating understands that Tesla's licence to deliver energy to the UK could be withdrawn by Ofgem if the operator does not meet its regulatory obligations, with financial penalties also a possibility
Plug-in solar panels to be legalised in the UK — despite safety concerns
The UK government says it is overturning the ban on plug-in solar panels in response to the Middle East crisis, meaning they will soon be able to be installed in homes as a quick, cheap and easy energy solution
Weekly food waste bins coming to every home in England by end of March
Government says reforms will end the recycling ‘postcode lottery’ and standardise waste collections nationwide
