Useful Contacts
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AnInvestmentProperty was formed to offer a unique reference point on investment property: buying, choosing, letting, maintaining and selling property.
ARLA - Residential Letting Agents
ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, is the only professional self-regulating body to be solely concerned with lettings.
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The British Property Federation is a long established and well respected trade association which has achieved a considerable degree of success in representing to Government the interests of the property owning and investing industry.
Building & Social Housing Foundation
The Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) is an independent research organisation that promotes sustainable development and innovation in housing through collaborative research and knowledge transfer.
The Big Lottery Fund
(National Lottery Charities Board)
Distribute money raised by the Lottery to support charities and voluntary groups. They also make grants to UK agencies working abroad. They give grants mainly to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society, and also to improve the quality of life in the community.
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The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people working in housing. Our purpose is to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the well being of communities.
The Civic Trust works with people to promote thriving towns and villages, developing dynamic partnerships between communities, government and business to deliver regeneration and local improvement. It is Britain's leading charity devoted to enhancing the quality of life in Britain's cities, towns and villages: the places where people live, work, shop and relax.
To make it possible for men and women from all backgrounds to benefit individually and collectively from being a member of a self build housing group. Whilst participating in the planning, design and building of their own homes they acquire a range of skills and experience. The Agency is particularly interested in opening up opportunities for those with limited income or the unemployed to participate.
The CML is the trade association for mortgage lenders in the UK, and its members undertake around 98% of UK residential mortgage lending. The CML exists to provide a service to mortgage lending institutions by helping to establish and to maintain a favourable operating environment in the residential mortgage and related housing markets in the UK.
Campaign to Protection Rural England (CPRE)
They are people who care passionately about our countryside and campaign for it to be protected and enhanced for the benefit of everyone. The countryside is one of England's most important resources but its beauty, tranquillity and diversity are threatened in many different ways.
The Countryside Agency is the statutory champion and watchdog working to make: the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone
Crisis is developing a new and innovative range of solutions to homelessness which will help homeless people to develop their self-confidence and skills and reintegrate into society. Crisis Skylight is one of the new solutions which aims to restore hope and ambition to homeless people's lives by providing a range of meaningful activities.
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DCLG - Department for Communities & Local Government
Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.
To visit their empty homes pages click here
DIRECTGOV - Government/Local Authorities
Directgov is the place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public services and government information. Book a driving test, find a job, get advice about childcare, renew your passport and lots more.
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A mutual building society dedicated to improving the environment by promoting sustainable housing and sustainable communities. Savings placed with the Ecology fund mortgage lending on: · energy efficient housing · ecological renovation · derelict and dilapidated properties · small-scale and ecological enterprise · low-impact lifestyles
For individuals: Auction your Wish (Job), let the Genies quote and compare prices and ratings. Choose the best and/or cheapest tradesman or service professional. Absolutely free-and-easy!
For the trade: Register for free, create a profile and find new customers today. For all service professionals & tradesmen: "Auction" your jobs & manage your customer relations. No commission fees!
The Energy Saving Trust's goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use of energy, and to cut carbon dioxide emissions, one of the key contributors to climate change.
English Heritage make sure that the historic environment of England is properly maintained and cared for. By employing some of the country's very best architects, archaeologists and historians, they aim to help people understand and appreciate why the historic buildings and landscapes around them matter. From the first traces of civilisation, to the most significant buildings of the 20th century, they want every important historic site to get the care and attention it deserves.
English Partnerships is the national regeneration agency, helping the Government to support high quality sustainable growth in England.
Ennerdale Consulting Ltd is a Management Consultancy Practice established in June 2000. They focus mainly on the Social Housing sector and our clients include Registered Social Landlords, Local Authorities and private companies seeking to develop their business in this area.
Exchange UK started back in June 2002 as a test site for the Council Exchange market
Exchange Your Home is the online community for Council and Housing Association Tenants who are looking to exchange their homes.
The Existing Homes Alliance is a coalition of organisations calling for urgent action to transform the UK’s existing housing stock and make it fit for the 21st century.
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Federation of Master Builders-FMB Online
The FMB is a trade association established over 60 years ago to protect the interests of small and medium-sized building firms - today it is the largest trade association in the UK building industry.
fish4homes has a wide selection of properties for sale throughout Britain and is updated daily. Their extensive new developments database can help you find a brand new home in your area. The specialist lettings area also allows users to search for properties to rent. Among its additional services fish4homes holds a directory of estate agents, information on mortgages and conveyancing, provides neighbourhood reports, and offers a range of general advice and information on buying and selling your home
Fightforourhomes is a resource for people who oppose the UK Government's "Pathfinder" mass demolition programme.
Friends of the Earth inspires solutions to environmental problems which make life better for people.
Their furnishing and removals business Furniture Resource Centre provides goods and services to thousands of people throughout the country. Our retail venture Revive supports hundreds of low income families in Merseyside every month. Bulky Bob’s, our waste management and recycling business collects from 60,000 homes a year.
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They buy and renovate empty and dilapidated properties and then let them out to people in housing need. As well as providing housing they offer work experience and training to a wide range of people in our community.
Grants Online enables you to access the very latest information on grant funding opportunities from the European Union, UK Government, Lottery, Regional Grant Making Bodies and Grant Making Trusts.
Greater London Authority (GLA)
The Greater London Authority (GLA) was created as a new form of strategic citywide government, consisting of an elected Mayor and a separately elected Assembly in 2000. A core staff of around 500 people support the Mayor and the Assembly in their work. The GLA stands apart from the London boroughs, looking at the needs of London as a whole and representing the city on a national and an international level. However, it must work with the London boroughs to ensure the Mayor's policies are implemented effectively.
Groundswell
UK is a national charity that supports a network of people and
projects who are committed to inclusive approaches to tackling
homelessness, poverty and exclusion.
H
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain
Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian charity dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. We work around the world with volunteers from all backgrounds, races and religions to build homes together with families in need.
Hact is a development agency that acts as a catalyst for change in the housing sector. Working in partnership they develop and promote solutions for people on the margins of mainstream housing.
Homeless Link is the national membership body for organisations supporting homeless people and working to end homelessness across England and Wales. It provides a strong voice to influence government policy and public opinion and provides members with advice, guidance and training.
Homeless London, a website for advisors and homeless people.
HomeSwapper is the UK’s leading mutual exchange service for councils and landlords, as well as being open to tenants to use directly.
The ultimate resource for home owners, tenants and property investors with hundreds of property and home related websites listings
House Of Commons Website
Their role is to fund and regulate housing associations in England.
Housing Justice is the new national voice of Christian action to prevent homelessness and bad housing. We believe that human dignity is challenged by the lack of a decent home. Our vision is a society where every person has access to a home that truly meets their needs. A tough call - but we're convinced that it is possible.
Housing Mobility & Exchange Servers
If you are living in permanent, self-contained accommodation and renting from a council or housing association and you want to move within the UK then you can register on HOMESWAP.
A UK Housing Association & Local Authority Information Directory. Home of the AddressBook, a standalone database of HA & LA contact information for list building.
Media
The Housing Quality Network exists to help its 450 members improve performance and deliver high quality services.
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Media
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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is one of the largest independent social policy research and development charities in the UK. It supports a wide programme of research and development projects in housing, social care and social policy.
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As a Charitable Trust, LandAid makes grants to other charities to support a variety of projects usually connected with
homelessness. In addition, we seek to champion the charitable work undertaken by the property sector as a whole and to
assist property companies in using best practice in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.
LAWN helps people move from one part of Britain to another. It works by linking councils and housing associations that have long waiting lists for housing with councils and housing associations that may have empty homes or shorter lists.
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Mannahouse (advice, advocacy and support for the homeless)
The Manna House was set up in April 2002 to provide housing advice, advocacy and support for those in the Kendal and South Lakes area who are homeless or vulnerably housed.
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Membership of NAEPPoffers a one-stop shop for Empty Property Officers. It provides a quick reference empty homes guide to all members, training, education, and support and networking opportunities for discussion about empty homes issues and ideas. NAEPP is supported by the Empty Homes Agency, ODPM and the Housing Corporation.
National Approved Letting Scheme
The National Approved Letting Scheme is an accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents offering peace of mind to landlords and tenants in knowing that they are dealing with a firm which agrees to meet defined standards of customer service, together with having in place the necessary insurances to protect clients' money plus a customer complaints procedure offering independent redress.
NEA develops and promotes energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households. Working in partnership with central and local government; with fuel utilities, housing providers and health services; and with consumer organisations, NEA aims to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor or vulnerable.
The National Housing Federation represents 1,400 independent, not-for-profit housing associations in England and is the voice of affordable housing. Their members provide over 2 million homes for 4 million people.
The NRDF is a national charity that supports rent deposit schemes and encourages new ones to develop.
National Tenants Resource Centre -
Trafford Hall is the home of the National Tenants Resource Centre, a registered charity, offering training and support to people living and working in disadvantaged communities in the UK, to develop their skills, confidence and capacity to tackle problems and reverse poor conditions.
Media
No Use Empty - Kent Empty Property Initiative
No Use Empty; the Kent Empty Property Initiative is a unique collaboration between Kent County Council and the four District Councils of Thanet, Dover, Shepway and Swale which is tackling the problem of empty housing, and aims to bring as many as possible of the 9,000 empty homes in East Kent back into use.
Through the No Use Empty Campaign Empty-housing officers at each district council, together with Kent County Council’s project team, can provide free expert advice on:
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renovation
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letting
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grant funding and how a gents and housing associations can help you find people to live in your property.
If you are interested in finding out more, call 08458 247 605.
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P
They are consultants and trainers specialising in regeneration, social housing and user empowerment. You will find a lot to interest you on this site. By clicking on one of the panels on the left, you go to a home page that will meet your special interests.
A free monthly magazine/website for London's homeless men, women and children which we distribute to day centres, night shelters etc.
If you're searching for something special, you'll find thousands of exclusive properties right here. In fact, you'll be able to search through over 120,000 quality properties from the most progressive agents in the UK and overseas.
Media
Q
Welcome to Quest-net - the web portal for everyone involved in community activity.
R
Their work mainly centres around the private rented housing sector in England. They currently:carry out rental valuations for housing benefit purposes, ie to determine whether housing benefit claimants (and prospective claimants) are being asked to pay more rent than their landlords might reasonably be expected to obtain in open market conditions; make fair rent determinations; advise local authorities about the effects on rent of housing renovation grant applications by landlords; and they also carry out rental valuations and provide information, on a more informal basis, for a variety of customers within the public and private sector.
Media
Room, The National Council for Housing and Planning
A unique forum bringing together all those involved in housing planning and regeneration on an equal footing, to share information, debate the issues, influence policy and contribute to best practice
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the leading source of land, property, construction and related environmental knowledge. They support 110 000 members worldwide, promote best practice, represent consumer interest and provide impartial advice to society, businesses, governments and global organisations.
S
SAVE has been described as the most influential conservation group to have been established since William Morris founded the Society for the Protection Ancient Buildings over a century ago. It was created in 1975 - European Architectural Heritage Year - by a group of journalists, historians, architects, and planners to campaign publicly for endangered historic buildings. Through press releases, lightening leaflets, reports, books and exhibitions, SAVE has championed the cause of decaying country houses, redundant churches and chapels, disused mills and warehouses, blighted streets and neighbourhoods, cottages and town halls, railway stations, hospitals, military buildings and asylums.
Shelter knows that bad housing wrecks lives, so they're working hard to ensure everyone has a home. They help 100,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home.And they also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
RSLs.co.uk the online "one stop shop" for social housing. The Gateway to news and views across the sector, incorporating a unique Housing Websearch specifically dedicated to housing matters.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
Sustainable Homes promotes awareness of sustainable development issues and good practice, and encourages housing associations to adopt sustainable policies and practices.
T
An online resource website for tenants.
Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS)
The Tenant Participation Advisory Service for England is a national non-profit making organisation that provides information, advice, training, consultancy, seminars and conferences on all aspects of involving tenants in their housing management. We are a membership organisation made up of tenant's groups, Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords (e.g. Housing Associations, Local Housing Companies), and our management committee is made up of an equal number of tenants and landlords.
The London Councils is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London's 33 councils. Part think-tank and part lobbying organisation, we also run a range of services designed to make life better for Londoners
Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)
The purpose of the Association is to promote and improve the art and science of town and country planning and to promote, encourage and assist in all other arts and sciences connected therewith.
U
UK Coalition on Older Homelessness
The Coalition is a UK lobby group of housing and homelessness agencies concerned with raising the profile of older homeless people in the UK.
Urban Environment Today (mag)
Media
uk-housing.co.uk is home to two widely read housing journals, Housing Monthly Diary and Legal Update. We report news and information on the social and affordable housing sectors.
Our unique approach to information sharing means a single subscription to either journal can be accessed by any number of people in a client organisation. Free-to-access archives include back editions of both journals.
V
Void-doctor.org is a consultancy recently established to help social landlords through the mine-field of specifying, tendering and operating void security contracts.
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