Metal domestic heating oil tanks may still be common, but they come with increasing risks. Ageing metal, exposure to weather, and internal corrosion mean these tanks can deteriorate silently, often leaking before homeowners realise anything is wrong. Compared with modern plastic or bunded tanks, they typically have a shorter lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage.
One of the biggest factors affecting their safety is where they’re located. Tanks placed too close to buildings trap moisture and speed up corrosion. Those sitting directly on soil are exposed to constant damp, while tanks in open, unsheltered
The outlook for the UK residential housing market remains cautiously optimistic, with modest price growth expected in the near term and more pronounced regional variations over the medium term. Following a period of adjustment driven by higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty, the market is now poised to stabilise as interest rates begin to ease. Forecasts suggest that house prices will rise gradually—by around 2% next year—as lower mortgage rates and improving consumer confidence start to support demand. However, affordability pressures and uneven economic recovery across regions are likely to keep overall growth moderate.
Over
Many homes in Bristol are built on clay-rich soils, which are particularly vulnerable to shrinking during long dry summers. This shrinkage can lead to ground movement, causing cracking in walls, ceilings, and foundations—especially in older buildings with shallow footings. The issue is made worse by nearby trees or vegetation drawing moisture from the soil, and by local factors such as old mine shafts beneath certain properties. Experts identify Bristol as one of the UK’s higher-risk areas for subsidence and structural movement due to this unique combination of soil type and regional conditions.
Recent articles and
The UK housing market is showing tentative signs of stabilization. According to the Office for National Statistics, annual house price inflation accelerated in June 2025 to 3.7%, up from 2.7% in May, with the average property price hitting £269,000 Financial Times. The Bank of England’s recent interest rate
Looking ahead, projections point to modest improvements. Savills has revised its 2025 price growth forecast down to 1 %, citing economic uncertainty and early-year softness, though it expects a stronger rebound of 24.5 % cumulatively from 2025–2029 as mortgage conditions ease further. RICS data shows buyer demand has returned to positive territory (+3 % net), but price pressures linger (net balance –7 %), suggesting a stabilizing but cautious market. The consensus is clear: affordability improvements and an uptick in transactions are on the horizon, but any
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