An evaluation of the most enduring privatisation of the Thatcher era … Written in an accessible style, this is a key reference for students and researchers in housing and planning; geography; and social policy. The book analyses the operation and impact of the right to buy policy (RTB). It includes a critique of the Housing Act and the 2001 Housing (Scotland) Act. The enactment of these changes under a Labour government affirms the continuance of the RTB. The authors take stock of its profound effect on housing policy, reversing the growth in social housing developed over the twentieth century, transforming the nation's tenure structure and revolutionising the UK housing system. The Right to Buy: analysis and evaluation of a housing policy begins with an examination of the policy background to the establishment of the RTB and the main features of the legislation. This is followed by chapters that review its take-up and the pattern of sales and their impact on social housing; a chapter examining the financial aspects of the RTB from the viewpoints of tenants, local authorities and central government; one looking at the impact of the RTB via subsequent re-sales on the open market and on the private rented sector; and a chapter drawing on the information already reviewed to consider the potential of the RTB to create sustainable and diverse communities. In the final chapters the international experience of parallel policies are considered and the future take-up of the RTB is assessed in the light of recent reforms together with alternatives.
Housing systems in many countries are now more market-oriented than ever before. This is particularly true of the UK, where there is heightened interest in the ability of the market to deliver new housing, as well as considerable debate among housing academics and policy makers over the extent to which policy instruments can be used to steer market processes. This increased market orientation means a greater understanding of market economics is needed. The challenges of providing affordable housing, while simultaneously addressing the problems of low demand housing in some areas, together with the revitalisation of neighbourhoods in need of renewal, also underline the need for a better understanding of the structure and operation of housing markets at local and neighbourhood level. This timely contribution to the field addresses the main housing and planning policy challenges in the UK today. It does so by examining the structure and operation of the urban housing system and then exploring both conceptual and empirical analyses of the workings of the market. The authors then consider the lessons for policy makers, discussing the limitations of the policy framework and considering the strategies for integrating market information into the analysis undertaken in practice. Housing Markets & Planning Policy is an invaluable advanced text for students of land economy, land management, urban planning, housing and urban studies. The authors provide a uniquely detailed analysis of an important policy area that builds on a strong theoretical basis drawn from housing economics. With the challenges posed by the instability of the housing market, it will be of particular interest to academic researchers, policy-makers and housing and planning practitioners.
A fascinating analysis of the critical role commercial property investment played in the economic boom and bust during the global financial crisis The unprecedented financial boom stretching from the mid-1990s through 2008 ultimately led to the deepest recession in modern times and one of the slowest economic recoveries in history. It also resulted in the emergence of the draconian austerity policies that have swept across Europe in recent years. Property Boom and Banking Bust offers an expert insight into the complex property market dynamics that contributed to the Great Financial Crisis of 2008 and its devastating economic consequences. It is the first book to focus on a woefully underreported dimension of the crisis, namely, the significant role that lending on commercial property development played in the crisis. Among other key topics, the authors explore the philosophical and behavioral factors that propelled irresponsible bank lending and the property boom; how it led to the downfall of the banks; the impact of the credit crunch on the real estate industry generally in the wake of the financial crisis; the catastrophic effects the property bust had on property investors, both large and small; and how the financial institutions have sought to recover in the wake of the financial crisis. Provides valuable insights into what happened in previous booms and busts, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, and how they compare with the most recent one Offers an expert assessment of the consequences of the global financial crisis for the banking system and the commercial property industry Examines strategies banks have used to recover their positions and manage the overhang of indebtedness and bad property assets Addresses strategies the real estate industry have used to recover from the collapse in property values Written in an accessible style, and featuring numerous insider case accounts from property bankers, Property Boom and Banking Bust disentangles the complex, tightly-woven factors that led to the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, while offering powerful lessons for property industry professionals on how to avoid having history repeat itself.
This is the first book that looks at how offices and office markets in cities have changed over the last 30 years. It analyses the long-term trends and processes within office markets, and the interaction with the spatial economy and the planning of cities. It draws on examples around the world, and looking forward at the future consequences of information communication technologies and the sustainability agenda, it sets out the challenges that now face investors. The traditional business centres of cities are losing their dominance to the brash new centres of the 1980s and 1990s, as the concept of the central business district becomes more diffuse. Edge cities, business space and office parks have entered the vocabulary as offices have also decentralised. The nature and pace of changes to office markets set within evolving spatial structures of cities has had implications for tenants and led to a demand for shorter leases. The consequence is a rethink of the traditional perception of property investment as a secure long term investment, and this is reflected in reduced investment holding periods by financial institutions. Office Markets & Public Policy analyses these processes and policy issues from an international perspective and covers: A descriptive and theoretical base encompassing an historical context, a review of the fundamentals of the demand for and supply of the office market and offices as an investment. Embedded within this section is a perspective on underlying forces particularly the influence of technological change. A synthesis of our understanding of the spatial structure and dynamics of local office markets at the city level. An assessment of the goals and influence of planning policies, and the evaluation of policies designed toward the long term sustainability of cities as services centres. This goes beyond standard real estate and urban economics books by assessing the changing shape of urban office markets within a spatial theoretical and policy context. It will be a useful advanced text for honours and postgraduate students of land economy; land management; property and real estate; urban planning; and urban studies. It will also be of interest to researchers, property professionals, policy-makers and planning practitioners.
How to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, begin a successful venture, and change the world for the better We are living in a world of incredible challenge and changes, and for both the entrepreneur and potential entrepreneur alike, this also means it is a world of ample opportunities. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of e-commerce and social media, there are now, today, more markets, tools, and opportunities for entrepreneurs than ever before. Even better: we are now also living in a world more predisposed to entrepreneurial solutions than ever, and we need those solutions—not just to create the Next Big Thing, but to solve the Next Big Problem. Every issue that individuals, communities, and nations face offers the entrepreneur the chance to make a difference. For anyone ready to embark on a mission to solve problems, create communities, build businesses, tap technology, and think entrepreneurially, this new world is teeming with opportunities for success. Uses real-life examples to explain the full extent of today's global entrepreneurial revolution and its vital importance for our future Explains where the emerging markets are and how to tap into them to achieve success Offers insights on the global entrepreneurial revolution, the future of financing, the rise of the self-employed army, the transformation of innovation, and the view from the «bottom of the pyramid» Learn how the worlds' best entrepreneurs are starting profitable businesses, innovating, or creating organizations to alleviate social needs across the globe. Planet Entrepreneur teaches how anyone can develop an entrepreneurial mindset, begin a successful venture, and change the world for the better. This is the Era of the Entrepreneur.