An overview of what topflight architects can expect when they use AccuCities  

Over the past eight years I have come across only a handful of proptech founders who have developed industry defining software that adds huge value to their client, and the extremely modest and softly spoken Michael Konicek Director of Accucities is definitely one of these.   

If you ask Michael what the day job is, he will say it is capturing 3D Models of cities and as-built environments, using the top sources of information to create 3D models using advanced remote sensing technology. Or simply put capturing and modeling at a much higher level of accuracy than other companies.

Core clients for the services of Michael and his team are architects working on urban planning, site analysis, and visualization, having accurate, high-resolution 3D city models is essential. So much so that AccuCities has positioned itself as one of the top providers of detailed, scalable 3D city models, offering affordable, flexible, and highly accurate solutions.

With a focus on London and other UK cities, it delivers real-world context for architectural designs, helping architects make informed decisions with precision.

A long list of high profile architects utilise AccuCities as it is an invaluable tool for urban design, site analysis, and visualization. The high accuracy, seamless integration with BIM software, and customization options make it a go-to resource for projects requiring real-world 3D context.

Essential for those architects working on a high-rise development, urban renewal project, or sustainability-focused design, as the company provides the accuracy and flexibility architects need.

Key Features for Architects   

High-Accuracy 3D Models for Contextual Design

AccuCities’ photogrammetry-based models offer accuracy levels of up to ±15cm, making them ideal for site analysis, feasibility studies, and early-stage design concepts. Whether you need to evaluate sunlight exposure, wind flow, or zoning restrictions, these models provide precise real-world context for your projects.

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Stamp Duty Land Tax in the news again for all the wrong reasons

With just over a month for homebuyers to complete by the 31^st of March 2025, or before to beat the revised higher levels of SDLT, there seems to a media frenzy around the topic. Focusing on the unfairness of it all and the Chancellor’s and HMRC’s gain from this new tax regime.

‘An estimated 74,000 homebuyers, including 25,000 first-time buyers, are predicted to overshoot the deadline when stamp duty becomes more expensive and pay £142 million in extra tax, according to analysis by the property portal Rightmove.

From April 1 the property purchase tax will kick in at a price of £300,000, rather than £425,000, for first-time buyers. For non-first-time buyers, the starting threshold will go down to £125,000 from £250,000.

The change, which was confirmed by the chancellor Rachel Reeves in her budget, will affect buyers in London, the east and the southeast the most, because prices there are highest and go furthest with most frequency over the tax-free threshold.

Rightmove calculates that 74,000 buyers going through the completion process will miss the deadline and complete in April, incurring a collective £142 million more in stamp duty. This includes 25,000 first-time buyers who will pay £34 million of this figure’. – (Source The Times 25^th Feb 2025 David Byers – Deputy Property editor).

Whilst all the hype and consternation about an extra fiscal burden on buyers is to be expected, what rarely is focused upon is that despite any tinkering by a Chancellor of the exchequer, there are a number of legitimate ways that buyers or even property buying companies can reduce or actually pay zero in SDLT, all it takes is specialist knowledge from companies like SCA Tax.

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Bekki Leaves is the new Managing Director of FCC Paragon – New top appointment strengthens tenant referencing company   

Adam Pigott Co-founder & CEO of Openbrix a company which bought FCC Paragon three months ago, announces that,

‘Bekki Leaves has taken up the reigns as MD and is doing a fantastic job that draws on her many years of frontline experience. Her knowledge and deep oversight of FCC Paragon will ensure the continuity of the highest levels of service to clients and stakeholders, and we are really excited at the new opportunities that are now opening up.’

‘At a pivotal time where Landlord’s need certainty we know that FCC Paragon will continue to be a leading torchbearer in the lettings sector, and just to reiterate that FCC Paragon are the only UK reference provider that backs its own references with a Warranty. We have a 17 year track record of this amazing product. Basically, we are that confident in the quality and depth of our references, which is why OpenBrix acquired the company.’

Adam has also previously at the time of the acquisition of the company that Bekki Leaves is now heading up stated that, ‘They’ve always been a strategic partner in our plans, so this feels more like the alignment of shared goals. FCC Paragon’s references and customer service are second to none and this is an opportunity to further build and expand on this strong foundation.’

Having spoken to Bekki, it is clear she has a very strong focus to both maintain the 23 year reputation of the company and to look to push it to further heights, and she was especially at pains to point out that the highly experienced team which is the backbone of the service has many individuals who have been with the company for many years, another reason for their trusted position.   

Bekki Leaves new Managing Director comments,

“It is a privilege to lead FCC Paragon Group through this exciting period. Having worked for the company for over 16 years the recent acquisition brings many opportunities for growth. Our well established top quality referencing and rental protection products can only be enhanced by Openbrix/tlyfe experience, technology and forward thinking.

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