In the latest episode of EG's political podcast, senior writer Piers Wehner and former housing minister Mark Prisk head to Westminster to meet Labour MP Clive Betts.  Betts has been chair of the House of Commons' Levelling Up select committee for 12 years, investigating and assessing the work of the government department in its numerous guises. In that time he has challenged policy, honed legislation and grilled innumerable ministers - including Prisk! But can the select committee ever really hope to influence legislation? And what will it investigate next?   

In the latest episode of In on the Act, EG’s Sarah Jackman catches up with Michael Ranson, barrister at Falcon Chambers, to discuss the Charities Act 2022. Due to come into force in three stages, the Act contains changes relating to the disposal of charity land, which are due to be implemented this spring. Ranson highlights the background to the changes, how they apply to property as well as detailing what’s contained in each of the relevant sections.

Piers Wehner is joined this week by deputy editor Tim Burke and residential reporter Akanksha Soni to review the week's real estate headlines. Burke looks at the eye-watering $1.7bn fall in capital markets revenue among the big agents, while Soni takes us once again into the world of BTR, were everything still seems to be going swimmingly.  But, with the quiz of the week containing a special St Piran's round on Cornwall, which jammy dodger will be the cat that gets the cream - Soni, or native Cornishman Burke?

The gap between the best and the rest in the UK’s office market continues to widen as demand for prime and super-prime space in the major cities significantly outweighs supply. Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report into take-up and delivery in key cities around the country showed the market bolstered during the final months of 2022 but still facing challenges as companies weigh new workplace strategies. In this 30-minute roundtable podcast, EG’s London and offices reporter, Chanté Bohitige, speaks with partners from across Cushman & Wakefield’s office business to delve into the trends now shaping activity in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and elsewhere.  Tune in to hear EG’s guests discuss increasing divergence in the quality of space, shifting occupier attitudes, rising rents for Grade-A stock, and how to create opportunity out of obsolescence. Sharing their insights are Cushman & Wakefield’s: • Mark Denford, international partner and head of tenant advisory • Steve Lane, head of office agency, Bristol  • Scott Rutherford, partner, Birmingham and the Midlands • James Thompson, partner, Edinburgh • Andy Tyler, head of London office leasing • Rob Yates, partner, Northwest For more on office leasing and investment, head to https://www.egi.co.uk/news/

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary assembles a cast of experts from across the real estate sector to explore why some of the transparency and simplicity of the auctions method hasn't been adopted in the private treaty world.  In this big EG listen, we look at  how the auctions market continues to push forward regardless of economic conditions and why, while not totally immune to the chill winds of  recession, the ballroom (virtual or real) continues to be busy. We ask whether the unique nature of what’s on offer and the openness of a catalogue offers a purity of transaction that the private treaty world cannot (or perhaps, will not) deliver? And whether in times of fluctuating values and nervousness about the economy, this attracting more and more buyer and seller types to the ballroom. Listen in for insights from: John Maddison, head of asset management, Quadrant Estates Vijay Parikh, managing partner, Harold Benjamin Jo Seth-Smith, investment manager, OLIM Property George Walker, partner and auctioneer, Allsop    

In this EG Property Podcast, deputy editor Tim Burke gathers a group of experts to discuss the state of real estate auctions after a tough 2022 for the UK economy and investment markets, comparing their fortunes with those of the private treaty market. What level of activity did auction professionals and financiers witness over the course of the past year, and what does the pipeline look like now? How have the funding markets changed? And as some auctioneers prepare to return to the ballroom, what’s next for the new, hybrid nature of the business? Coming together to discuss these issues and more are: Scott Hendry, auction finance director, Together Money Max Mason, head of sales, 574 Emily Wood, director, capital markets, Lambert Smith Hampton

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke, news editor Pui-Guan Man and residential reporter Akanksha Soni to review the week's real estate headlines. Soni discusses a pair of big money BTR schemes, Burke recounts his visit to a major development site as the long-awaited £8bn Earls Court masterplan is unveiled, and Man tackles Aldi's expansion plans - plus more of the week's news.

Jess Harrold is joined by Roger Cohen, senior counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, to discuss the latest decision in Ludgate House Ltd v Ricketts (valuation officer) and London Borough of Southwark – a dispute over the impact of the use of property guardians on empty rates. Having failed to convince the Court of Appeal in 2020 that the occupation of its premises by property guardians meant it was not liable for non-domestic rates, Ludgate House Ltd turned its attention to how the rates should be calculated. Now, Cohen explains the Upper Tribunal's reasoning on that matter, and what it means for the rating of premises with property guardians. In addition, he surveys the field of potential rates mitigation measures for empty properties in the wake of the decisions in Ludgate House.

On this week's episode of Bricks & Mortar, EG's Sarah Jackman speaks to Kate Taylor, lead trainer in the RICS APC Faculty and managing director of APC Taylormade, about how to achieve the best results from the APC journey. They discuss choosing a pathway, the mechanics of the process and how candidates can achieve - and document - the experience they need to demonstrate to qualify. Taylor imparts some excellent practical advice, making this episode a must-listen for anyone embarking - or currently thinking of embarking - on the process.   

In this EG Property Podcast, deputy editor Tim Burke discusses the real estate finance market and sentiment with three lenders as they look ahead following a tough 2022. After months of political turmoil and challenges from soaring inflation and rising interest rates, what schemes and assets are drawing lenders’ attention? What does supportive government policy look like to firms, and what are some of the house views on how the rates environment plays out from here? Joining the discussion from the EG studio are Gavin Eustace, founding partner, Silbury Finance Paul Oberschneider, chief executive, Hilltop Credit Partners Will Scoular, head of private client lending, Investec Real Estate