Climate finance has been in the spotlight this month. As the climate crisis escalates, the environmental impact of buildings has become a crucial focus. While world leaders set out their stalls at COP29, Rachel Reeves announced the 2024 Autumn Budget, delivering key climate announcements and setting forth the government’s mission to make Britain a “clean energy superpower.”

The Autumn Budget included support for housebuilding, significant infrastructure projects, and planning improvements. However, measures to address the energy efficiency of existing stock were largely absent, except for the £3.4 billion allocated to the Warm Homes Plan for retrofitting low-income households and social housing.

In this month’s Property Perspectives, we examine the green credentials of the Autumn Budget, explore the government’s commitment to electric vehicles, and discuss the impact of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard on the construction industry.

Moving away from green issues, leasehold reform remains a top government priority with the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 being implemented “at pace.” Meanwhile, the Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing swiftly through parliament and may receive Royal Assent sooner than anticipated.

Finally, in our December edition, we will round off the year with a Building Safety Act Christmas special, collating key legal and practice developments in building safety from 2024.

We hope Property Perspectives becomes your go-to resource for industry news and expert legal opinion. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me or our business development manager, Charlotte Davidson.