
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

Warm Homes Plan delayed, leaving millions of homeowners in the cold
By Joseph Mullane published
The UK government’s £15bn scheme to improve home energy efficiency will not be published until January, leaving households unsure about support for insulation, heating, and ventilation upgrades

Swift bricks for all new homes: What the latest UK planning policy really means for builders
By Joseph Mullane published
Government planning policy now expects bird‑nesting features like swift bricks in all new homes, but this is still policy guidance, not a statutory building regulation

'Biggest rewrite of planning rules in over a decade' proposed by government to meet 1.5m homes target
By Joseph Mullane published
Government consults on largest overhaul of planning rules in decades to increase housing supply and speed up homebuilding

New feature lets UK homebuyers find homes with zero energy bills
By Joseph Mullane published
Rightmove and Octopus Energy partner to highlight homes with heat pumps, solar panels, and smart tech that could slash household energy costs

Well-installed heat pumps cut energy bills by over £200 a year, UK study finds
By Joseph Mullane published
Real-world data from hundreds of UK homes shows efficient heat pumps outperform gas boilers on cost and comfort

Amanda Byram posts video showing off her huge skylights and microcement bathroom in her renovation project
By Joseph Mullane published
Byram’s renovation reveals how thoughtful rooflight choices can brighten every corner of a home, giving renovators fresh ideas for maximising natural light

UK households warned 85,000 tumble dryers could catch fire
By Joseph Mullane published
Households with Haier and partner-brand dryers must stop using their machines and arrange urgent safety repairs

How a tiny Hebridean stonehouse became Grand Designs House of the Year
By Joseph Mullane published
A hand-built island home crafted from ancient Lewisian gneiss has stunned judges to win Grand Designs House of the Year, proving small, sustainable design can outshine big-budget builds

This early-18th-century Cardiff farmyard is now a rare four-home redevelopment opportunity
By Joseph Mullane published
This plot contains rare chance to redevelop a historic 300-year-old farmhouse site with permission for four new homes

Mark Wright reveals the house update that is his 'favourite Christmas present' and why it's a growing trend
By Joseph Mullane published
Wright has transformed his dining room by installing his latest toy, but Michelle is far from pleased with the latest addition

Is your home too dangerous to receive Royal Mail deliveries?
By Joseph Mullane published
Royal Mail warns some householders their property could be classed as unsafe this Christmas due to difficult access and troublesome pets

E.ON announces early holiday gift with three days of free electricity this Christmas
By Joseph Mullane published
You could get your electricity for free on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day through E.ON

10 celebrities hit by mansion tax, plus how much each will have to pay
By Joseph Mullane published
With thousands of homes up and down the country set to be affected by the government's mansion tax we take a look at some of the most high-profile celebrities and how much they will have to pay

This hidden village has one of the best self-build opportunities you’ll find
By Joseph Mullane published
Tucked away in one of Cambridgeshire’s smallest villages, this residential plot already has planning approval, making it a practical starting point for anyone looking to build their own home

Floating solar panels heading to the UK as 200,000m² water solar farm is approved
By Joseph Mullane published
The UK will soon host its largest floating solar project as water-based panels expand worldwide, offering new ways to generate renewable energy

How much electricity inflatable Santas use — and why it’s lower than you think
By Joseph Mullane published
Curious how much running a festive inflatable Santa adds to your energy bill? Here’s what the numbers really show and how to keep costs low

Open fireplaces may soon be banned — with tighter restrictions on fuel too
By Joseph Mullane published
Open fireplaces are now considered one of the biggest contributors to household air pollution – and tightening emissions rules could make them the first heating method to be banned

Housebuilders express frustration over delayed Future Homes Standard
By Joseph Mullane published
Developers warn that delays to the Future Homes Standard – originally due in early 2025 – are piling pressure on a housing sector already struggling to maintain supply.

Graven Hill bats prove wildlife can coexist with housing
By Joseph Mullane published
From pipistrelles to brown long-eared bats, Graven Hill shows wildlife and housing can thrive side by side

These solar lights illuminated my driveway, and they cost less than £35
By Joseph Mullane published
With three discounted solar lights, I quickly brightened my driveway, added instant style, and kept everything low-maintenance while staying comfortably under my £35 budget

Five ways the Autumn Budget will hit homeowners, housing expert warns
By Joseph Mullane published
Housing expert Michael Holmes explains how the Chancellor’s new property taxes could affect renovations, property values, and the overall market

Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan’s holiday threshold is every Christmas lover’s dream
By Joseph Mullane published
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan unveil breathtaking Christmas entrance at their £3.5m Essex mansion

How the eufy C35 transformed my home security — and solved the biggest problem when installing cameras with one ingenious feature
By Joseph Mullane published
A hands-on test of the eufy C35 wireless security camera, its magnetic mounting system, smart AI and night vision, and why it finally solved my biggest installation headache
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