Quinta do Lago Real Estate, the luxury residential resort in the Algarve, is delighted to announce its exclusive new partnership with Portugal Forbes Global Properties. Through this new partnership, properties in this premium location of Portugal will now be available through the luxury real estate platform Forbes Global Properties, sitting proudly alongside the world’s finest portfolio of high-end real estate.  

This innovative collaboration combines Quinta do Lago Real Estate’s years of local expertise with Forbes’ global recognition and prestige of Forbes’ luxury real estate agency in Portugal. Earlier this year, Forbes Global Properties expanded its international presence and opened in Portugal through luxury specialist, Modern, a full-service real estate agency assisting high net worth individuals, developers and investors in the luxury residential market. Focusing specifically on the top 1% of the market, Portugal Forbes Global Properties now represents the most coveted properties in desirable locations that include Cascais, Comporta, and, today, Quinta do Lago. 

According to Sean Moriarty, CEO of Quinta do Lago: “This partnership with Forbes is proof of our unwavering commitment to luxury, exclusivity, and offering unparalleled properties. The brand’s reputation and the demanding nature of Forbes’ high-end client network perfectly align with our lifestyle vision, strengthening our position as a unique destination for those seeking modern properties and quality of life.”

He adds: “This partnership highlights confidence in our expertise, reinforcing our position in the luxury real estate sector in Europe. Together, we are ready to redefine the lifestyle in the Algarve and elevate Quinta do Lago to new heights of global recognition.” 

Pedro Teixeira Santos, CEO of Modern and representative of Forbes Global Properties in Portugal, comments: “The partnership with Quinta do Lago is a significant achievement for Portugal Forbes Global Properties. Quinta do Lago is one of the best resorts in Europe, where local and international clients are attracted by the quality of the properties and the exclusive lifestyle offered. We found in Quinta do Lago Real Estate the ideal partner, who, as the developer of the resort, has an unparalleled level of local market expertise and shares the same service excellence philosophy our client’s demand. This strategic partnership reflects the joint commitment of both companies to raise the service quality in the luxury real estate market and meet the unique needs of clients,” he states. 

Considered one of the most highly regarded residential and golfing resorts in Europe, Quinta do Lago boasts a continuously developing real estate market with a premium portfolio of luxury properties ranging from resales to brand new developments. Despite boasting a variety of luxury homes that feature high-end amenities, the resort continues as a low-rise and low-density region that is ecologically driven and built with sustainability in mind. Quinta do Lago resort also boasts a state-of-the art high-performance centre, The Campus, along with three award-winning golf courses, a boutique hotel, called The Magnolia Hotel, its own Q Farm and a wide selection of restaurants. 

Established in 2020, Forbes Global Properties, founded and led by the world’s leading luxury residential brokers, is an exclusive consortium of top real estate firms representing many of the world’s finest homes and properties for sale.

For more information, please visit www.quintadolago.com/. 

For more information on Forbes Global Properties, please visit www.forbesglobalproperties.com/. 

The design code which underpins the new Springstead Village development in Cherry Hinton has won a prestigious national award.  

The plans for the flagship project – which is a collaboration between housebuilder Bellway and Latimer, the development arm of affordable homes provider Clarion Housing – won the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category at the Landscape Institute Awards 2023.

The Cherry Hinton North Design Code was co-created by urban designer and landscape architects McGregor Coxall and architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, who were commissioned by the Bellway Latimer joint venture.

Springstead Village is a project which will deliver 1,200 new homes on a 138-acre plot that was previously part of the Cambridge Airport site. The plans for the development include new schools, a local centre, recreation areas, allotments and public open spaces.

Ulrich van Eck, Project Director for the Bellway Latimer joint venture, said: “It is great that the design code for the development we are building at Springstead Village has won this coveted national award. We must congratulate the teams at McGregor Coxall and Pollard Thomas Edwards for their sterling work.

“The design code will ensure that Springstead Village will develop a strong sense of place with the provision of a market square of shops, community buildings and spaces for play and exercise near every home. The development will bring homes together in small neighbourhoods, each with its own individual character.

“The scheme features slow-speed tree-lined streets and a network of cycleways and footpaths to encourage residents to leave their cars at home. The landscape-first approach incorporates principles of biodiversity and sustainable land use through the provision of green spaces, wildlife protection areas and the preservation of existing natural habitats on site. 

“We take comfort from the fact that the dedication and hard work by so many, resulting in this impressive document, has been recognised by the judges. This further underpins the commitment of the joint venture to its future and current community. 

“In addition, it validates the unanimous approval received from the Joint Development Control Committee for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service. The latter being very closely involved in the development of the design code and whom also deserves a lot of credit” 

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Brewery in London.

The Landscape Institute Awards celebrate the contribution of landscape designers, managers, planners, researchers and local authorities towards the creation of environments which bring benefits to people and the planet. In 2023, the awards attracted 150 entries across 17 different categories.

Judges in the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category were looking for designers to demonstrate a clearly defined strategy providing a sustainable concept which makes the most of available resources and space, maximises its impact on human health and wellbeing and brings benefits in biodiversity.

Michael Cowdy, UK Founding Director at McGregor Coxall, said: “We are thrilled that the Springstead Village Design Code has earned the Landscape Institute’s accolade for Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment.

“The essence of the Design Code lies in its robust foundation of living infrastructure, weaving climate resilience and societal well-being into the fabric of Springstead Village’s future.

“Central to this project’s triumph was the close collaboration with Pollard Thomas Edwards, Bellway, and the Greater Cambridge Planning teams, a partnership that was instrumental in bringing the Design Code to fruition.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Landscape Institute for acknowledging the strategic impact and transformative potential of landscape-led master planning in shaping resilient, vibrant communities.”

To find out more about Springstead Village, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/springstead-village or call the sales team on 01223 081346.

One of the biggest family owned homebuilders in Scotland is pivoting new developments towards providing more bungalows, which tend to be most popular amongst maturer age groups, for the first time since 2018. In recent times, most homebuilders tended to prioritise multiple-storey houses due to the lower profit margins that are achievable when building bungalows. 

However, Muir Homes, part of the Muir Group, is bucking this trend, starting with their new development in Stanley in Perthshire. The Deer Pines development will have two different bungalow house types, with 2-bed and 3-bed semi detached available to buy. More than a fifth of the development will be one-storey.

The 3 bedroom Brodick is on sale for £290,000 with over 884 sq ft of floor space. With an open plan kitchen and living room the 2 bedroom Fraser is on sale for £245,000 with 645 sq ft.

The change comes as National Records for Scotland reported in their most recent review of demographic trends that there are now more people aged 65 and over than people under 15 in the country. They explained that ‘This trend is mainly driven by the post-war baby boom generation getting older. But also, by people living longer and fertility in Scotland falling. Fertility is now at the lowest recorded level and is one of the lowest in Europe.’

According to National Records for Scotland, in the 1971 census, over a quarter of the population was under the age of 15 with only 12% being aged 65 and over. In the 2021 census this had flipped to be more than one fifth of the population being 65 and over, with just 15% being under the age of 15.

With its very own forest, wildflower meadows, and air source heat pumps, the Deer Pines development will also have a keen focus on the environment and deliver reduced running costs for homebuyers. 

Martin Smith, Chief Executive of Muir Group, commented: “Scotland’s changing demographics have been clear to see for some time now and with more and more interest in bungalows we are taking a strategic decision to build more of them going forward.

“Understandably, mature groups and even young families are now shifting towards single-storey homes due to ease of accessibility or indeed, just trend-setting. We believe that our developments thrive when we create homes that attract a wide range of groups that quickly establish and evolve into a vibrant and sustainable community.”

“Our new development in Perthshire will buck the trend of most homebuilders across Scotland, not only for its availability of bungalows, but also because of the focus on the environment and ensuring homes are fit for the future.”

The start of 2024 has brought with it a sense of stability in the housing market, with house prices on the rise and an increase in people enquiring about conveyancing solicitors and removal companies. With this stability, we are seeing a huge increase in people looking for house surveys.

Compare My Move has seen an 88.7% increase in people looking for all survey types between December of 2023 and January of 2024. 

Although all survey types saw a significant increase, the Level 3 Building Survey saw the largest increase, almost doubling in enquiries at the start of 2024.

Many factors go into what survey you’ll need for your specific property, and it can be difficult to know what factors will influence the survey you need. Compare My Move’s Ultimate Survey Flowchart is designed to help you figure out what survey you need or whether you’ll need a survey at all. 

Different types of surveys

There are 4 different types of surveys that you may need when buying a property, a snagging survey, a level 1 condition report, a level 2 homebuyer report, and a level 3 building survey. Each report will cover different issues that will be surveyed in different ways and at different depths. 

Snagging Survey

If you’re buying a new build house, a professional snagging survey will provide you with a list of any “snags” to be passed on to the property developer before you move in.

These snags can range from small defects to major faults. Typical smaller issues include cracked tiles or loose door hinges, while larger issues could be structural problems like external brickwork.

Although you can create a new build snagging list yourself, hiring a surveyor is recommended as they’ll have more knowledge of what to look for. The surveyor will provide a thorough report with all issues listed.

Level 1 Condition Report

Previously known as Condition Report, the Level 1 Survey is the most basic and therefore cheapest RICS survey. All nearly new flats and homes will be best suited to the Level 1 Survey.

It’ll provide an overview of the property’s condition, but not in great detail. No surveyor’s opinion, advice or valuation is given, only obvious defects and the condition of the services like gas and water supply will be flagged.

Level 2 Homebuyer Report

Also referred to as a Home Buyers Survey or Home Buyer Report, the Level 2 Survey is suited for conventional properties built less than 50 years ago. It highlights any major issues with the property such as subsidence or damp and will look at defects both internally and externally.

The Level 2 Survey only looks at issues that are surface level and won’t check under floorboards or behind walls. Your surveyor will mark any major issues as a ‘3’ in the report and minor ones as ‘1’.

The report will also include an insurance reinstatement figure and a market value.

Level 3 Building Survey

Previously known as a Building Survey, a Level 3 Survey is best suited to older homes or non-standard construction houses. This could include thatched cottages, steel frame houses or PRC properties. It’ll look at the condition of the roof, the integrity and structure of the walls and the state of the floors.

Your report will detail each aspect inspected and will include any recommendations your surveyor has on repair work. If requested the report may also contain cost considerations for the elements included.

Is It Worth Getting a House Survey?

A property survey can save you £5,750 on average in repair work, research by RICS discovered. As a survey will highlight any repair work, this allows you to negotiate your original offer and the final cost of the property. This can ultimately save you thousands of pounds in repairs.

How Long Does a House Survey Take?

A Level 1 Survey will take between 2 and 4 hours as it is the most basic survey type. The Level 2 will also take 2-4 hours, but if the surveyor needs to gain access to certain areas, this can take longer. The Level 3 survey will take the longest with an average timescale of 4-8 hours, depending on condition and size.

What Survey Would I Need in Scotland?

In Scotland, it’s the seller’s responsibility to order the Home Report. It must be carried out before a sale is complete to ensure that buyers are aware of the property’s condition. The Home Report is made up of a single survey, an energy performance certificate and a property questionnaire. The single survey provided will produce reports like that of a Level 2, with similar issues and defects being recorded.

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has delivered phase one of Konect 62 – a speculative industrial and logistics development located in Knottingley, West Yorkshire.

Comprising three sustainable units across the 60-acre first phase which are now available to let, the contractor worked together with C4 architects to complete the first phase for joint venture partners, Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse.

With a capability of providing over 1,500 jobs, phase one units include 161,000, 151,000 and 61,000 sq. ft options alongside a 30-acre service plot, which was delivered with utilities and access to accommodate several Build-to-Suit options.

The entire Konect 62 development, which will include multiple phases, will be adopting low carbon building design and technology to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

McLaren Construction Midlands and North inducted 1,350 people during the delivery of the first phase, and a combined total of 138,200 work hours were required for the build.

The Konect 62 site is located on the previous site of Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in the UK which opened in 1959 and closed in 2015.

Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased to have delivered phase one of this landmark industrial and logistics hub, for joint venture partners Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse, of which we’ve received excellent feedback.

“Our dedicated team and subcontractors worked exceptionally hard to ensure the quality, sustainability and timeliness of the phase, which was completed in 12 months, using predominantly local labour from the surrounding community. The scheme will provide essential jobs and opportunities for the sector in a prime location.”

David Nuttall, Managing Director of Industrial & Logistics at Cole Waterhouse, said: “McLaren has delivered an excellent first phase at Konect 62, exactly 12 months from signing the build contract. The three units and 30-acre plot set the tone for the remainder of the site and firmly establish Konect 62 as a genuine business location. A year ago, the site was featureless, and all traces of the former mine had been cleared. The change today is dramatic, and it is now a first-rate logistics park offering a variety of existing units and Build-to-Suit opportunities.”

National trade body The Property Care Association (PCA) has established a new membership category, representing specialists with the skills to help householders encountering problems where sprayed foam insulation is installed in pitched roofs.

Homeowners have experienced a number of issues where sprayed foam has been applied in the roof space, including situations where properties have been hard to sell, or were unacceptable for equity release lending, due to potential issues with the installation.

Now, with the new PCA membership category in place, householders will be able to access practical guidance, centred around identification, evaluation and the recommendation of appropriate actions.

James Berry, Deputy Chief Executive of the PCA, comments: “Sprayed foam is a method of insulating within roofs, walls and floors to reduce heat loss through the building envelope.

“It has been used for many years, but its use in pitched roofs has received a lot of negative publicity as many surveying professionals and financial organisations have raised concerns regarding the potential effects of poorly applied or inappropriately specified foam.

“As a result, the presence of spray foam may significantly affect a surveyor’s valuation of a house, with many mortgage companies refusing to lend on such properties.

“For surveyors and property professionals, sprayed foam could potentially pose an issue when evaluating and reporting on the condition of structural roof timbers, ventilation and moisture management.”

The launch of the new membership category comes after the PCA contributed to new guidance in 2022 as part of a cross-industry group, which offered a defined course of action for the inspection of properties with spray roof insulation.

James Berry added “The new membership is a progression from our work two years ago and marks the next step in helping to address householders concerns across the UK.

“Those affected by poor installations had no route to seek advice on how to deal with the issue, but the new PCA membership, which has stringent requirements for entry, means there are now trained and recognised professionals who will be able to provide assistance.”

More information can be found at https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/sprayed-foam

The PCA also offers a sprayed foam course for built environment professionals. More details athttps://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/courses/timber/evaluating-spray-foam-roof/17618

Hazelwood, an exclusive new development of 17 detached luxury homes, has come to the market through selling agents Knight Frank. Set in the idyllic South Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley, nestled in seven acres of beautiful countryside, Hazelwood offers privacy and tranquility just minutes from major transport links.

The secure gated development comprises 14 detached houses on approximately one-third acre plots and 3 detached bungalows, each on their own private land. The thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom homes feature Porcelanosa tiling, German Nobilia kitchens with integrated Neff appliances, air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating and CCTV security systems.

Residents can enjoy countryside views from their balconies and patios. The properties also come fully networked for home automation systems and each home has a detached garage and an electric vehicle charging point.

“Hazelwood offers a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally appointed new home in a peaceful rural setting,” said Kate Horton, Associate at Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team. “With an attractive village location and easy access to major towns and cities, these homes appeal to commuters, families and professionals alike.”

The village of Great Wyrley offers a traditional English country lifestyle just 12 miles from Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. The Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within a 5-mile drive.

Hazelwood is now ready for occupation with prices starting from £1,500,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team newhomesbirmingham@knightfrank.com Tel: 0121 233 6495.

www.knightfrank.com

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has contributed to the financial results released by parent company, Morgan Sindall Group plc, today (Thursday 22 February) to the London Stock Exchange.

The Group delivered a strong performance in 2023 against a difficult market backdrop. The results were another record for the Group and reflected the strength and breadth of the Group’s operations and the talent and commitment of its people. 

Group revenue increased by 14% to over £4.1bn, while adjusted operating profit before tax was up 6% to £144.6m.  The Group’s balance sheet remains strong with net cash of £461m, and its high-quality secured order book of £8.9bn, up 5% on the prior year leaves the Group well-positioned for the future and on track to deliver a result for 2024 in line with its current expectations.

As a national placemaker, Muse creates successful places across the UK, with the emphasis on sustainability, community, and quality. The company has a strong order book, with a £1.8bn development pipeline. In 2023, 20 projects were under construction with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of £1.4bn. Eight projects reached practical completion.

With a decentralised business model, Muse has continued to operate across the North West, Yorkshire & North East, South, and the Midlands.

Muse has strengthened established partnerships, with regeneration continuing at Lewisham Gateway (649 homes, retail, and public space), Hale Wharf (505 new homes, including 38% affordable), Salford Central including record-breaking sustainable workplace, Eden, and Greenhaus (96 Passivhaus and affordable homes), and Northshore in Stockton-on-Tees (300 new homes, and 79,000 sq ft of commercial space).

Completed projects include One City Park in Bradford, Brixton Centric in London, and New Victoria in Manchester.

Muse has also entered new agreements with public sector partners, including regeneration opportunities in Oldham, Stockport, Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Bradford. Planning consents have been achieved at Manor Road Quarter (290 homes, along with leisure and amenity space, and Willohaus (100 sustainable Passivhaus homes at the Crescent, Salford).

Championing best practice in the industry, sustainability, social value, partnership working, and investing in people have supported the development of the business. In 2023, Muse appointed its first Head of Sustainability and Social Value and published a progress report on its guidelines and targets for the very highest levels of environmental performance and social impact, ‘Our Sustainable Future.’

Muse has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work for the second year running, as well as one of the best workplaces for Wellbeing and Women.In 2023, the Muse Academy was launched to create opportunities for young people within the placemaking industry.

Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, said: “Working with our local partners we have continued to deliver regeneration and new places across the UK. In doing so, we are proud to have made an important contribution to the financial results of our parent company, Morgan Sindall Group plc.

“Muse has continued to champion best practice in the industry, appointing our first Head of Sustainability and Social Value, and publishing our first progress report on ‘Our Sustainable Future.’ We are proud to have delivered Eden, which has record breaking sustainability credentials.

“We have established the Muse Academy to support the next generation of placemakers and continue to have a relentless focus on delivering positive social outcomes for the communities in which we operate.

“Muse has a strong pedigree of working in partnership with the public sector to regenerate towns and cities, grow economies, and support communities. With a strong development pipeline, we have a firm foundation and the financial strength to deliver, along with the skills and capability to drive growth.”

·       Catering to Dubai’s Dynamic and Discerning Homebuyer

·       A New Benchmark for Quality and Excellence in Urban Living

·       The event unveiled an exceptional payment plan with a flexible 30/70 structure

ANAX Developments, a subsidiary of ANAX Holding, is proud to announce the groundbreaking ceremony of Vento Tower, a landmark project in the heart of Business Bay. The event, which took place on February 21st, 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in luxury living.

The ceremony was attended by ANAXDevelopments Chairman Satish Sanpal, ANAX Holding; Managing Director, Ravi Bhirani; Head of Sales, Saqib Bin Tariq; and representatives from Adnan Contracting L.L.C and EDMAC Consulting.

Spanning 19 residential floors, Vento Tower comprises 225 luxury studios and one-bedroom apartments, fully furnished and equipped to a high standard with top-notch fixtures from Siemens and TEKA, and a Smart Home System from Bosch. Residents enter via a five-star hotel-style lobby, with 24-hour security and a fully-fledged concierge service, making Vento Tower a game-changer in contemporary living in Business Bay.

Chairman Satish Sanpal expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Vento Tower is our debut project, and with a goal to reform urban luxury living targeting homeowners, we aim to set a new standard of luxury living in Dubai with our flexible payment plan and commitment to top-notch quality, we will set a benchmark for excellence in the industry.”

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a revolutionary 30/70 flexible payment plan, tailored for prospective individuals seeking accessible payment terms with an option to pay as low as 1% to secure the  unit, emphasizing the company’s commitment to attracting homebuyers. This plan is especially significant in the competitive Business Bay area, offering urban individuals seeking a residence in Dubai a unique opportunity to invest in their dream home.

Commenting on the occasion, Ravi Bhirani added, “By offering a flexible payment plan and prioritizing quality, we are not just selling homes; we are enabling dreams. Our approach resonates with a new wave of young, first-time buyers, empowering them to own a piece of Dubai’s thriving real estate market.”

ANAX Developments’ entry into the market signifies a new era of growth and innovation, with a transparent payment structure and a commitment to unparalleled quality, setting a benchmark for excellence that will be unmatched in future projects.

Families have welcomed a decision to introduce a council tax premium on second homes to help to tackle a critical lack of affordable housing that is undermining North Yorkshire’s communities.

Members of North Yorkshire Council have today (Wednesday, February 21) backed plans to introduce a 100 per cent premium for council tax bills on second homes in the county from April next year.

The new scheme will effectively double council tax bills for second homeowners and means that North Yorkshire is one of the first areas in the country to progress with adopting the Government’s new measures.

The policy will be adopted from April 1 next year, given the requirements under the new national legislation to give second homes owners a 12-month period of notice before the charges are applied.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, welcomed the decision at today’s meeting of the full council to agree the council tax premium on second homes, which he claimed will play an important role in helping to provide more affordable housing.

Cllr Les said: “The need for more affordable housing has long been recognised in North Yorkshire, and we are committed to doing all we can to allow people to live in the places that they wish to.

“The fact that the county is such a wonderful place to live and work is one of its biggest draws, and as a result this has compounded the issues surrounding affordable housing.

“We also welcome visitors from across the world every year, and while there needs to be a balance with preserving the visitor economy, the current situation is simply not sustainable.

“As a council, we are leading the way to become one of the first local authorities to introduce the council tax premium on second homes. It will help to free up homes, and ensure our communities remain sustainable for the future.”

The proposals are ultimately aimed at bringing second homes back into use for local communities after many people have been priced out of the housing market in some of North Yorkshire’s most desirable locations.

It is also expected that the decision to introduce the premium will provide a multi-million pound boost to finance council priorities, including a central aim to use the funding to help introduce more housing in areas particularly affected by the affordability crisis.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for finance, Cllr Gareth Dadd, who is also the authority’s deputy leader, said: “There is an acute shortage of housing for local people in many communities in North Yorkshire, and this has been an issue that has long affected their opportunities to actually buy their own home.

“Whether it be locations such as the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors or coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby, the fact that these are wonderful places to live has heightened these issues.

“As a council, we are proud of such a forward-thinking scheme to introduce the council tax premium that will ideally see these second homes brought back into use for local people. But if not, then there will be a valuable new revenue stream created that will help fund council priorities, such as helping introduce more housing for local communities.”

Among the couples who have battled to find a home in North Yorkshire are David and Caroline Harper, who have two children, Phillip, aged nine, and five-year-old Lucy.

Mr Harper, 37, a teaching assistant, and his 34-year-old wife spent more than four years looking to find a suitable property to live in after they married in 2012.

They eventually managed to secure a three-bedroom house in the village of Hudswell, near Richmond, where Mr Harper grew up.

He said: “We did face particular challenges to find a home, as we had always wanted to live near our friends and family in the village where I grew up.

“It was a difficult housing market then, and it is even worse now to find a suitable property that you can afford.

“We were very fortunate to find the home we are in now, but we can relate to the issues other families are facing, particularly in rural areas of North Yorkshire.

“The council tax premium on second homes is a crucial new policy and will help to free up houses, and while there is not one single solution, this will undoubtedly help.

“It is a balancing act as the tourism industry is so important to North Yorkshire, but people deserve the right to be able to live in the communities where they want to.”

Analysis has shown that the introduction of a 100 per cent premium on council tax bills for second homes in North Yorkshire could generate between £11.5 million and £16.5 million a year in additional revenue.

The Scarborough area has the potential to bring in almost half of the additional revenue due to the large number of second homes in coastal towns such as Whitby, Scarborough and Filey.

A lack of affordable housing across North Yorkshire has been a long-running issue, accentuated in many of the county’s rural and coastal locations that are among the most desirable places to live in the country.

There is a high demand for second homes, increasing the strain on an already limited housing stock. According to figures from the National Housing Federation, there are 8,081 second homes in North Yorkshire – the highest number in the Yorkshire and Humber region.