
Joseph Mullane
News editor, Joseph, previously contributed to publications like Today's Media and Chambers & Partners, where he specialised in covering news relevant to conveyancers and industry professionals. Recently, Joseph embarked on a personal project– constructing his own residence on his family's farm.
With planning approval secured for a charming three-bedroom timber frame house on a one-acre plot, the groundwork is already underway. He has set his sights on completing the construction by the following year.
Prior to this, Joseph had undertaken various home improvement projects, including a substantial renovation of his family's house and several DIY endeavours, such as shower installations, shed construction, and the creation of livestock enclosures and shelters for the farm's animals.
Beyond his passion for home construction, Joseph also has a deep love for rugby and has contributed to Rugby World, the world's leading rugby magazine.
Joseph previously worked as a History teacher but moved into news journalism, in particular journalism that covered areas he was personally affected by including homebuilding and the construction industry.
Latest articles by Joseph Mullane

Ellen DeGeneres’s 'Sheepocalypse' in the Cotswolds – when eco lawn care goes baa-dly wrong
By Joseph Mullane published
Her plan to use sheep for mowing the lawn ended in chaos with escaping livestock, indoor invasions and a chicken coop raid

Get your hands on a slice of history with this rare barn conversion opportunity in a holiday hotspot
By Joseph Mullane published
Tucked away near Snowdonia, this derelict barn has planning permission to become a rural retreat – and it's heading to auction

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners relieved as meter switch-off is delayed
By Joseph Mullane published
Delay spares more than 300,000 homes from potential energy chaos as suppliers race to replace outdated RTS meters

120ft mast plan sparks outrage amid concerns over ‘sneaky’ approval route
By Joseph Mullane published
Plans for a towering telecom mast sparks fierce debate as local politicians claim it should face proper scrutiny

Could solar panel gel be the clever addition that makes PV systems work better in heatwaves and last up to 200% longer?
By Joseph Mullane published
Research suggests innovative solar panel gel can cut solar panel temperatures by 14°C, boosting power and lifespan during heatwaves

Planning permission in minutes? Meet the AI tool that’s changing the game to speed up approvals
By Joseph Mullane published
Could all paper-based applications become digital? The government certainly hopes so and is using the power of AI to help achieve it

Government officially announces what will be included in the Future Homes Standard this year — and it’s good news for solar power
By Joseph Mullane published
Solar panel plans for all new homes confirmed as government begins finalising Future Homes Standard, sparking mixed reactions

How British homebuyers face higher costs, tougher lending rules and fewer rights compared to Europe and beyond
By Joseph Mullane published
A deep dive into global mortgage systems reveals how the UK mortgage market is more difficult for buyers compared to elsewhere in the world

Why new Compulsory Purchase Order powers are making it easier for the government to take your land
By Joseph Mullane published
Compulsory Purchase Orders are important to be aware of if you're a landowner as you could face the prospect of having your land taken away from you

The eufy camera system that finally secured my property — smart, solar and subscription-free
By Joseph Mullane published
Rural living comes with its risks, but a smart security system from eufy is proving to be the ultimate peace-of-mind upgrade

Norfolk villagers face compulsory purchase orders for their homes to make way for large solar farms
By Joseph Mullane published
Norfolk villagers furious as a massive solar farm proposal threatens their homes and agricultural land

Will there be a 'bath time tax'? The reality behind rising water bills in the UK
By Joseph Mullane published
"Bath time tax": Fact or fiction? New plans could change your water bill

Britain’s housing crisis gets a lifeline with £39bn committed to building affordable homes in Spending Review
By Joseph Mullane published
The government has committed an unprecedented £39 billion over the next decade to build 1.5 million affordable homes, signaling a significant, long-term push to ease the nation's housing crisis

Phil Spencer: Why your 'Instagrammable' home upgrades could be a costly blunder
By Joseph Mullane published
TV property expert warns homeowners to ditch superficial makeovers for improvements that truly add value – and save cash

Why boosting planning permissions for self-build homes is the UK’s best bet to solve the housing crisis
By Joseph Mullane published
With interest in traditional new builds flagging, growing public demand for self and custom-build homes makes expanding permissions in this sector vital to delivering the homes the UK desperately needs

Winter Fuel Payment changes confirmed for 2025: 9 million pensioners to benefit, but there’s a new income cap
By Joseph Mullane last updated
Winter Fuel Payments have been reinstated for millions of pensioners, as long as your income is beneath £35k

How visiting a heat pump is helping UK homeowners make smarter, greener choices
By Joseph Mullane published
Discover how firsthand experiences through the Visit a Heat Pump scheme is reshaping attitudes, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions

Becoming an architect is getting a redesign — here’s what’s changing
By Joseph Mullane published
Training for architects has changed and it could shape the future of our homes and how they are built

Over half of UK homeowners renovated in 2024
By Joseph Mullane published
The latest Houzz report shows home renovations are booming as homeowners invest more in upgrades, repairs and outdoor living

IKEA moves into the home energy market with new heat pump range
By Joseph Mullane published
Swedish retailer launches renewable heating solutions to help households cut emissions and energy bills

Starmer gets tough on housebuilders — but are they villains or scapegoats?
By Joseph Mullane published
Government pressures housebuilders to build faster but critics clash over who’s really to blame for Britain’s housing crisis

Why this period home is in desperate need of your help
By Joseph Mullane published
Packed with original charm, this characterful three-bedroom home is waiting for someone to peel back the layers and bring it back to life

How much does it cost to flush a toilet?
By Gabriella Dyson, Joseph Mullane last updated
Find out the average cost of flushing a toilet in the UK and how your choice of toilet and flushing habits can save you money on water bills
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