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Robot bricklayers are set to be deployed on British construction sites to address a significant labour shortage in the house building sector. Developed by Dutch company Monumental, the machines can lay approximately 500 bricks in an eight-hour shift and can work continuously under human supervision. Experts estimate that at least 25,000 additional bricklayers are needed to fulfil the Government's housing targets. Monumental's robots have already been successfully used in the Netherlands for various construction projects. In the UK, they will be tested next month in collaboration with Galostar, a London-based bricklaying contractor. |
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The Daily Telegraph (26/07/2025) |
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Councillors and campaigners have raised concerns that thousands of new homes across England are being built without essential community infrastructure, including playgrounds, shops, schools, and GP surgeries. In some developments, promised facilities are delayed for years or not built at all, leaving families without basic amenities. Local authorities say planning rules often allow developers to prioritise housing, while contributions for community provision can be avoided or delayed. |
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The Guardian (28/07/2025) |
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According to a survey by Killik & Co, one in eight (12%) individuals earning over £100,000 without parental wealth feel "trapped" by their financial commitments. The research revealed that 44% of these high earners struggle to meet monthly financial obligations, with 18% experiencing stress and anxiety due to their commitments. A significant portion, 28%, reported that supporting loved ones diminishes their savings, while 26% noted personal financial obligations affect their financial cushion. The survey included over 2,000 participants across the UK and was conducted in April and May. |
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City AM (28/07/2025) The Standard (28/07/2025) |
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued a call for a master developer to lead the £3bn transformation of Royal Albert Dock. The selected developer will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood at the 12ha waterfront site, with a focus on housing alongside employment space and educational and leisure facilities. "Royal Albert Dock has the potential to be truly transformational for the Royal Docks and London", Mr Khan commented. "As well as new homes and community Royal Albert Dock will support a thriving new hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, playing a major role in the capital’s continuing economic success and growth eastwards. Working with Newham Council, I am determined to bring the site back into use as part of my work to build a better, more prosperous London for all". The search for a new development team comes three years after the Greater London Authority regained control of the site, after exiting a leasehold agreement with Chinese developer ABP. The latest procurement is led by the Royal Docks Team – a partnership of the Mayor of London and Mayor of Newham – on behalf of GLA Land and Property (GLAP) as freeholder. |
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Architects' Journal (22/07/2025) Property Week (22/07/2025) |
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Rising housing costs have driven a near 10% increase in the number of young adults living with their parents, with 3.6m Britons aged 20 to 34 still at home, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The data highlights a growing trend of delayed independence, with rent, mortgage costs and job insecurity cited as key barriers to moving out. A third of men in this age group remain at home, compared with a quarter of women, while over-65s were the only age group to see a rise in solo living, now making up more than half of all people living alone. The figures come amid Labour's pledge to tackle the housing crisis, including a £39bn plan to build 300,000 social and affordable homes by 2035. However, housing charity Shelter has warned that five times as many social homes are needed annually to meet demand and eliminate long waiting lists. |
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Daily Mail (23/07/2025) |
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New mortgage rules could boost home ownership |
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The Observer (20/07/2025) |