Latest news with #GrahamHunt
Business Insider
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Jefferies Keeps Their Hold Rating on Skanska AB (0HBT)
Jefferies analyst Graham Hunt maintained a Hold rating on Skanska AB today and set a price target of SEK240.00. The company's shares closed yesterday at SEK226.89. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Hunt covers the Industrials sector, focusing on stocks such as Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide, Hochtief, and Vinci SA. According to TipRanks, Hunt has an average return of 9.7% and a 71.05% success rate on recommended stocks. In addition to Jefferies, Skanska AB also received a Hold from Morgan Stanley's Pam Liu in a report issued on July 15. However, on July 16, TR | OpenAI – 4o reiterated a Buy rating on Skanska AB (LSE: 0HBT). Based on Skanska AB's latest earnings release for the quarter ending March 31, the company reported a quarterly revenue of SEK43.75 billion and a net profit of SEK1.13 billion. In comparison, last year the company earned a revenue of SEK36.4 billion and had a net profit of SEK479 million
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Why your Spanish holiday is about to cost much more
Holidaymakers will face a steep rise in Airbnb costs this summer as a result of an EU crackdown on holiday lets, experts have warned. Spain is the first country to begin enforcing EU regulations requiring holiday let owners to obtain a licence if they want to operate legally. Some 200,000 applications have been made to the Spanish housing ministry, of which 17,500 have been rejected, while a further 92,000 are still under review. Local industry sources predict the crackdown will choke the supply of holiday rentals across the country and lead to higher prices for tourists. Graham Hunt, of local agency Valencia Property, said the Spanish government was responding to growing anti-tourist sentiment among Spaniards, who 'blame the lack of supply of rentals on holiday lets and non-resident foreigners'. He added: 'There will inevitably be fewer properties available, and you will see prices go up. 'The Spanish government doesn't want a third-floor apartment in Valencia to be available on Airbnb. Those types of homes won't get a licence.' Introducing restrictions for holiday lets has been known to drive up prices. In Edinburgh, booked rates have risen by 15-30pc each year since 2023, when the local authority began forcing holiday let owners to apply for planning permission, according to data firm PriceLabs. Alexander Lyakhotskiy, of short-term rental franchise company Pass the Keys, said: 'As we saw in Edinburgh, the limiting of supply can push prices up. 'In Spain, a similar effect may occur in areas with stricter regulations, such as licence caps, planning restrictions and prohibitions from communities of property owners.' The regulation, which took effect on July 1, requires landlords to obtain a licence for any short-term let advertised on platforms such as Airbnb and where payment is taken on the website itself. However, landlords can still advertise short-term rentals without a licence on sites like Idealista, which does not take payments, and continue to let properties to loyal customers. Mr Hunt said: 'The wording of the law is quite bad – you can drive a coach and horses through it.' Airbnb said its hosts are responsible for setting prices, and the company is in the middle of a months-long campaign to educate its hosts about the new laws. Jaime Rodriguez de Santiago, of Airbnb, said: 'Our goal is for hosts to be able to share their accommodations responsibly, complying with local regulations and adapting to the regulatory framework established by the European Union.' However, there are fears that the added red tape will force an exodus of landlords who already abide by stringent regulations. Estefania Pino, of the Barcelona Tourist Apartments Association (Apartur), said the EU rules introduce 'another complex bureaucratic procedure' for holiday let owners who must already register properties with the Tourism Registry of Catalonia. Many regions in Spain already have complex regulations governing holiday lets. Jaume Collboni, Barcelona's mayor, has already announced a blanket ban on Airbnbs from 2029 in a desperate bid to stop rents spiralling. Mark Stücklin, of data company Spanish Property Insight, said: 'This is just another measure with which the authorities are trying to discourage holiday lets or wrap up in red tape with bureaucratic obstacles. A lot of people will simply not bother. 'If you start tightening the noose on holiday lets, and if a whole bunch of people decide to drop out of the market, the Spanish government will consider that a win.' However, Chris Henly, of short-term rental management platform Hostaway, said: 'The government is positioning this as a solution to the housing crisis, but that narrative overlooks a long-standing lack of new housing development. 'Since the 2008 financial crisis, new construction permits have remained well below pre-crisis levels. In 2008, there were over 600,000 permits issued, but since 2012, that number has stayed under 150,000 per year.' In Britain, holiday let landlords have been battered by successive governments' attempts to discourage short-term lets. Jeremy Hunt, the former Tory chancellor, abolished the furnished holiday lettings tax regime, while Ed Miliband, Labour's Energy Secretary, wants to extend strict energy efficiency targets to holiday lets as well as long-term rentals. Mr Stücklin said: 'With the Labour government, anything is on the table. The UK can outdo Spain these days with even more invasive bureaucratic hoops to jump through. They will be up for anything that involves higher costs and more red tape.'
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Map reveals how hot it has to remain in each part of UK for a heatwave to be declared as temps to surge above 30C
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN has been blessed with glorious blasts of heat so far in 2025, with temperatures set to soar to 29C in parts of the UK today. However, despite the sizzling heat, the Met Office has not yet declared a heatwave anywhere in the nation. 5 This map shows the heatwave threshold for each region of the UK Credit: Met Office 5 Brits soaking up the sun on Brighton beach last weekend Credit: Alamy 5 Sun seekers enjoying the heat in Exmouth Credit: ©Graham Hunt Will there be a heatwave in the UK? The UK's national weather service has said that parts of the UK could "very well be" in a heatwave by the end of the week, but this depends on certain thresholds being met. For a heatwave to be declared, a location has to record a period of at least three consecutive days where temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave threshold for that location. Temperature thresholds are different across the UK, with, as shown in the map above, the threshold for much of the north and west being 25C. In London and the Home Counties, the threshold is higher, at 28 degrees. Tony Wisson, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: 'By the beginning of the weekend we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places. "While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.' How long will the heatwave last? Tan happy Brits will likely be soaking up the sun today, as London is set to see highs of 29C, with residents of Wales basking in balmy 25C heat. In London - where the threshold is 28C - temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday. The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend. The Met Office said several places were expected to exceed 30C on Saturday, making them the highest temperatures of the year so far. How to stay cool during hot weather Tony said: "Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day. "Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK. "While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales." However, high pressure is expected to move away from the UK early next week, meaning that temperatures will fall. Tony added: 'Temperatures are likely to peak in the low 30s Celsius this weekend before easing sometime early week. How to stay safe in hot weather The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Source: UKHSA "Some forecast models even allow temperatures to rise into the mid 30s of Celsius by Monday. "While this is feasible, it is considered a lower-likelihood scenario.' The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the North West of England entered drought status last month. The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976. Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time - but it will come close. 5 Londoners enjoying the heat in sunny St James' Park Credit: LNP
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Map reveals how hot it has to remain in each part of UK for a heatwave to be declared as temps to surge above 30C
BRITAIN has been blessed with glorious blasts of heat so far in 2025, with temperatures set to soar to 29C in parts of the UK today. However, despite the sizzling heat, the Met Office has not yet declared a Advertisement 5 This map shows the heatwave threshold for each region of the UK Credit: Met Office 5 Brits soaking up the sun on Brighton beach last weekend Credit: Alamy 5 Sun seekers enjoying the heat in Exmouth Credit: ©Graham Hunt Will there be a heatwave in the UK? The UK's national weather service has said that parts of the UK could "very well be" in a heatwave by the end of the week, but this depends on certain thresholds being met. For a heatwave to be declared, a location has to record a period of at least three consecutive days where temperatures meet or exceed the Temperature thresholds are different across the UK, with, as shown in the map above, the threshold for much of the north and west being 25C. In London and the Home Counties, the threshold is higher, at 28 degrees. Advertisement Read more weather stories Tony Wisson, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: 'By the beginning of the weekend we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places. "While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.' How long will the heatwave last? Tan happy Brits will likely be soaking up the sun today, as London is set to see highs of 29C, with residents of Wales basking in balmy 25C heat. In London - where the threshold is 28C - temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend. The Met Office said several places were expected to exceed 30C on Saturday, making them the highest temperatures of the year so far. How to stay cool during hot weather Tony said: "Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day. "Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK. Advertisement "While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales." However, high pressure is expected to move away from the UK early next week, meaning that temperatures will fall. Tony added: 'Temperatures are likely to peak in the low 30s Celsius this weekend before easing sometime early week. How to stay safe in hot weather The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Source: "Some forecast models even allow temperatures to rise into the mid 30s of Celsius by Monday. Advertisement "While this is feasible, it is considered a lower-likelihood scenario.' The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the North West of England entered drought status last month. The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976. Advertisement Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time - but it will come close. 5 Londoners enjoying the heat in sunny St James' Park Credit: LNP 5 Sunbathers relaxing in Dorset Credit: Alamy
Local Spain
14-05-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
Q&A: What to know about paying your 'comunidad' building fees in Spain
If you own a property in Spain, the chances are you'll form part of a homeowners' association, known as a comunidad or comunidad de vecinos in Spanish. Part of this means that you'll have to pay comunidad (meaning 'community') building fees. What are comunidad fees? The rules on comunidad fees come from Spain's Horizontal Property Law (LPH), which are applied on properties integrated in a building or house on common land that has been split into different plots, forming a 'community of owners.' Specifically, Article 9 states that one of the obligations of the owners of any property within a horizontal property regime is contributing to the general expenses for the 'adequate maintenance of the property, its services, charges and responsibilities that cannot be individualised.' What types of fees are there? According to Spain's premier property site, Idealista, there are generally two types of community fees in Spain: General or ordinary community expenses: Costs to maintain the basic upkeep and functioning of the building. Think expenses like electricity, water, bank charges, gardening fees, doormen, lifts/elevator maintenance, cleaning and maintenance expenses. These are included in the annual budgets and are approved at the meetings. 'Extraordinary' community expenses: There are also 'exceptional' costs that go beyond general upkeep. This is where the so-called derramas come from, which are usually used to meet specific improvement needs in the building like installing a lift, for example, or making alterations or repairs to the façade or terrace. These extra fees are usually approved in an extraordinary comunidad meeting and it is also possible to pay them with the money saved by the community throughout the year - the surplus. Who pays the comunidad fees? Payment of community fees are the responsibility of the homeowners. However, as Idealista notes: 'it is possible to transfer community fees to the rent if the property is rented by agreement with the tenant. In any case, it is always the landlord who is responsible for the payment of the community fees.' Note that it is possible to exclude ground floor commercial premises of a building from payments for stuff like staircase or lift charges. However, in order to be able to exclude one or more owners from paying a specific expense, it's necessary that: It's clearly stated in community statues or by-laws. It's unanimously approved in the owners' meeting. How are fees calculated? Spanish property expert Graham Hunt wrote about la comunidad for The Local, outlining how it works: 'Effectively the vast majority of properties in Spain are sold freehold meaning you own them outright but obviously if you have an apartment in a building then you only hold a percentage of the freehold which is decided on a percentage basis. What percentage of the whole freehold does your apartment make up? It depends on the percentage of the size of the whole building that your apartment comprises." So basically, a proportion of the space you rent depending on the size. "All of the building fees every month are estimated so that the community runs a slight surplus. Let's say the costs for a building, electric, lift, insurance, cleaning etc…come to €900 per month and there are 30 flats in the building," Hunter added. "The community will charge around €1,200 for each month and divide that between the doors in the building and make sure to run a small surplus (This becomes important later). So if we assume every flat is the same size and has the same percentage of the whole building then each door will pay €40 per month. Usually this money will be directly debited from your bank account every three months meaning a quarterly payment of €120.' How much are monthly comunidad fees usually? As Hunter told The Local: 'How long is a piece of string? Community costs have many variables. We have seen community costs from €6 per month, or even zero in a few cases, up to €600 per month in an outlying case.' So, as is so often the case in Spain, the answer is: it depends. The services and facilities are not the same in every building, nor the number of neighbours or the quota that each one has based on their property. All these factors will influence the amount to be paid in community fees. Generally speaking, most communities will use the quota system although there are some in which all neighbours pay a fixed quota that is the same for all of them. This is usually between €100-€110 per month on average, according to Fotocasa. A comunidad fee on the lower end of the scale – roughly €10-20 per month — might cover an apartment with no lift, where neighbours take turns cleaning and/or doing the relevant paperwork or banking. Can comunidad costs be increased? At the annual general meeting of owners, which in most communities is held during the first quarter of the year, the budget for the financial year is outlined taking into account the expenses foreseen for the year as well as the income. As noted, expenses are distributed among neighbours according to their quota. In order to raise the community fee, it must be passed by unanimous vote. The reason for the increase must also be justified, whether it is due to inflation, new maintenance costs or the increase in the cost of energy bills, for example. Where do comunidad fees go? Community fees are usually paid by direct debit to the community president or treasurer. Many buildings set up separate bank accounts for this purpose or have an external property management company to handle the money. Some smaller builders may do it in cash. Can I lodge a complaint if the fees go up? Yes, as a member of the community you are within your rights to complaint against a rise in fees. There's no promise it'll have any effect, however. According to Spanish property management site SuperVecinas, you can complain when 'you disagree with the new residents' association budget, you disagree with reform to comunidad statutes, [or] there is a dispute with the residents' association.' However Idealista notes that although it is possible to claim back the increase in community fee, this is only when it goes against community agreements or statutes. 'In general, the increase of the fee is legal as long as the calculation is done correctly,' it notes. 'The only way to avoid paying the increased fee would be to prove that the increase is illegal or that the proper procedure has not been followed.
