The new leaders

Mayoral candidates clash over affordable homes

A row has erupted over the development of affordable homes between the two main candidates vying to become the next mayor of London.

A vote for housing

Housing finally ignited as a major political issue in the run-up to the London mayoral elections this week. Carl Brown investigates how some of the main contenders plan to tackle the issue

London mayor: 1

Housing used to woo voters in London mayor race

The Liberal Democrats have set out the most ambitious house building plans among the main candidates standing in the London mayoral election.

Livingstone reveals manifesto for London

Ken Livingstone has launched his manifesto for London with a pledge to re-establish a development target with an ‘expectation’ that half of all homes built in the capital will be affordable.

Unlocking funds to build

Associations must work carefully to secure their development grant, says Gillian Bastow, partner at Lewis Silkin

Dressed for success

Birmingham’s Forgotten Vintage is much more than just a second-hand fashion store. Laura Jane Johnson reveals how it is helping the city’s homeless

Zero in on tax rules

Landlords can still use subsidiaries to receive VAT benefits but they must seek proper legal advice, say Richard Brooks and Victoria Jardine

We mean business

Landlords can boost revenues and put something back into the community by setting up a social enterprise, as Anita Pati finds out

Colour charts

As voters across England, Scotland and Wales prepare to go to the polls, we assess the key battlegrounds for housing