Articles

Ongoing planning delays and debt finance costs impacting South East development

SHW’s Q3 South East Development Focus reports that ongoing planning delays, rising information requirements and elevated debt finance costs are continuing to weigh on development activity and suppress prices being paid for sites across the region. Developers are becoming increasingly selective, prioritising prime locations unless a non‑prime opportunity offers a clear and compelling upside.

3 September 2026

Out‑of‑Town Retail Continues to Outperform as Demand Surges and Supply Tightens

The out‑of‑town retail sector has continued to outperform the wider retail market in the first half of 2026, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite ongoing economic headwinds, according to SHW’s Q3 2026 Out-of-Town Retail Focus, with consumer preference for convenience‑led formats, particularly for food and essential retail, remaining a key driver of this strong performance.

1 September 2026

Business Rates Reforms Signal Tighter Rules and Greater Scrutiny for Property Owners

Recent changes to Business Rates remind us that relying on historic practices may not deliver the best outcome.

27 August 2026

SHW - Refurbishment of Industrial Unit – South London

Comprehensive Dilapidations Project Managed by SHW Building Consultancy Team

11 August 2026

SHW - Roof Renewal Window Replacement & External Restoration

Located within the prestigious Sloane Square Conservation Area in Chelsea, 4 Culford Gardens is a period residential property requiring significant investment to protect its historic character and improve the long-term performance of the building envelope. SHW was appointed by Cadogan Estates Ltd to lead and administer a comprehensive programme of roofing works, window replacement, masonry repairs and external redecoration. The project was undertaken over a 14-week period and involved careful planning, close collaboration with residents and stakeholders, and a commitment to maintaining the architectural integrity of the property. The objective was not only to address immediate repair requirements but also to deliver a lasting improvement that would reduce future maintenance liabilities and extend the life of the building.

11 August 2026

SHW - Refurbishment of a Vacant Ground Floor Flat, Croydon

SHW's Building Consultancy team was instructed by a client to investigate and manage the refurbishment of a vacant ground floor flat in Croydon that had been suffering from longstanding condensation and damp-related issues.

30 July 2026

Case Study: Putting on a Warm (and Dry) Coat for Winter – Portslade Industrial Refurbishment

SHW's Building Consultancy team was instructed by a longstanding client to oversee a comprehensive refurbishment of an industrial property in Portslade. The building is occupied by a unique tenant that provides band rehearsal space and logistical support for musicians and music-related businesses, making the continuity of operations throughout the works a key project consideration.

29 July 2026

Refurbishment and Repositioning of 27 Queen Anne’s Gate, Westminster

Situated in a prestigious Westminster location, this project involved the transformation of three outdated office floors within a fully occupied building. The aim was for SHW’s BCD team to reposition the space for the modern market by delivering high-quality, flexible office accommodation ready for immediate re-letting.

3 July 2026

SHW - Supporting the evolving needs of the education sector

At SHW, we work closely with clients across the education sector — from independent schools to multi-site educational operators — helping them navigate an increasingly challenging landscape.

3 July 2026