News and Updates | Drivers & Norris

Government consults on changing EPC system

December, 2024

The government has launched a consultation on updating the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system. The EPC system has been criticised for failing to properly recognise the benefits of...

Homebuyers are negotiating greater discounts on property deals ahead of stamp duty hike – Connells

December, 2024

A growing number of homebuyers are successfully negotiating more substantial discounts on property purchases in anticipation of the stamp duty increase scheduled for April 2025, according to...

Rent and mortgage spending hits 14-month high in November: Barclays

December, 2024

New research from Barclays has found that recent changes to stamp duty are causing concerns for next-time buyers. Rent and mortgage spending increased 8.2% year-on-year last...

Bradford the busiest rental market

December, 2024

Tenants are rushing to rent properties in Bradford more than in any other English city – as a lack of stock means renters are forced to rapidly snap up anything that’s available....

A tree-mendous tradition

December, 2024

Around 7 million Christmas trees are grown in the UK every year. Growing that many festive firs takes about 2,240 hectares of land, equivalent to 120,000 average-sized UK gardens....

What Drives Renters? New psychological study unveiled

December, 2024

Mortgage lender OSB Group – whose brands include Precise Mortgages, Kent Reliance for Intermediaries and InterBay Commercial – has unveiled research into the psychology behind private...

New FTB research reveals that mortgage rates are the biggest obstacle to homeownership

December, 2024

Almost a quarter of first-time buyers worry that mortgage rates won’t drop quickly enough for them to afford a loan. Despite mortgage rates dropping through the year, research...

Britain’s happiest places to live revealed – does your area make the top 20?

December, 2024

Woodbridge in Suffolk has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain for the first time, as part of Rightmove’s 13 th annual Happy at Home Index. Residents of...

House prices climb for the third consecutive quarter this year

December, 2024

The average sold price in Q3 this year stood at £291,411, 21.4% below the average asking price of £370,672. The latest Property Market Index Review by London lettings and...

Merry and bright: Staging your home to sell over Christmas

December, 2024

If you are looking for an estate agent who can progress your move over the Christmas period, The Guild is a great place to start. Ahead of the New Year, now could be the perfect time to put your...

Rents fall further in November as market continues to settle

December, 2024

England’s rental market cooled further in November, with average rents down 3% during the month and the pace of year-on-year increases falling to a new annual low. According to...

Which cities have seen the biggest uplift in home buyer activity this year?

December, 2024

Fresh analysis has revealed which major cities have seen the biggest increases in market activity since the start of the year, with Sunderland leading the way having seen a 10% increase in the...

Property industry reacts to latest UK house price data

December, 2024

House prices saw their largest monthly increase for two and a half years last month, the latest figures show. The value of the average home rose by 1.2% in November, according to the latest...

Nationwide: November house prices bounce after Budget blip

December, 2024

Property prices rose by 1.2% in October after dipping in September, Nationwide’s House Price Index has revealed. This has brought annual house price inflation to 3.7%, up from 2.4% in...

It's beginning to look a lot like D.I.Y

December, 2024

House embarrassment and pressure to be the perfect host see over 20m Brits invest in home improvement updates ahead of the festive season. 66% of Brits will be hosting guests over the...

Five real estate opportunities to watch out for in 2025

December, 2024

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners The UK real estate market in 2025 is set to offer a diverse range of opportunities. Key growth areas include build-to-rent (BTR),...

Industry expert pours cold water on positive BOE mortgage data

December, 2024

Residential mortgage approvals rose to 68,300 in October, an increase of 2,200 from the previous month, according to the latest money and credit statistics from the Bank of England. This...

Mortgage approvals reach two-year high

December, 2024

The Bank of England saw 68,300 mortgage approvals in October, the highest level since August 2022. This represents an increase of 2,200 from the month before. Simon Gammon, managing...

Confidence returning to market – or downward pressures ahead?

December, 2024

HMRC data shows UK residential property transactions numbered 100,410 in October – the highest figure since November 2022. The October number represents a 10% rise on September’s...

'Surprising' acceleration sees house prices rebound at the fastest rate in two years: Nationwide

December, 2024

Annual house price growth soared from 2.4% in October to 3.7% in November, according to Natiowide's latest data. The latest figures released by Nationwide this morning have revealed...

Which cities have the most luxury homes outside of London?

November, 2024

Across Britain, there are currently 9,377 homes listed for £2m or more, equating to 2% of all homes listed for sale today. The latest research by eXp Luxury has revealed the...

Slowing pipeline: new home approvals hit a decade low

November, 2024

The latest Home Builders Federation’s Housing Pipeline Report has found that the number of units and sites gaining planning approval have continued to drop for yet another quarter....

Housing supply drops to eight-year low

November, 2024

Annual housing supply has fallen by 6% in England – highlighting the challenge facing the new Labour government. Housing starts fell to a net 221,071 in the 12 months to March 2024,...

Zoopla: house prices and sales to grow in 2025 despite Budget headwinds

November, 2024

House prices and sales volumes are expected to grow in 2025 despite budget headwinds, according to the forecast edition of the latest House Price Index from Zoopla. The average house...

Buying a period property

November, 2024

Period properties, oozing with character, can offer a lot more charm than modern new builds. You can also incorporate modern elements, bringing them into the present era while still savouring...

England's households losing £3.8bn annually due to poor energy efficiency

November, 2024

Energy-inefficient homes are costing households an average of £299 per year in extra energy bills, with older generations found to be the hardest hit A new study from Kingfisher,...

Buying a home becoming more affordable – Halifax

November, 2024

Modest house price inflation, combined with strong wage growth, means buying a home is becoming more affordable relative to income, according to new research from Halifax. The analysis...

First-time buyers rushing to beat stamp duty deadline in higher-priced areas

November, 2024

First-time buyers are rushing to beat the stamp duty deadline on 1 April 2025 in more expensive areas, analysis from Rightmove shows. At that date the minimum stamp duty thresholds in England...

Is the festive season the right time to sell your home?

November, 2024

When it comes to Christmas selling, there is no single answer on if it is the right time to sell. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether your home could benefit from being on the market...

New research reveals the best property type for buy-to-let investors

November, 2024

Detached houses have been found to garner the lowest rental yields for investors in London and across England. New research has revealed the best type of housing in London for property...

What are the New Year indicators for the residential property market?

November, 2024

By Trevor Abrahmsohn, Glentree International The year 2025 has started early in the residential market, as agents and analysts take out their calculators and peruse the figures of the last...

Frustration among property professionals and home movers highlighted by report

November, 2024

Landmark Information Group has unveiled a new research report that reveals significant frustrations among home movers, as well as the wider key challenges facing property professionals. ...

Which British cities boast the most homes for £100k or under?

November, 2024

While just 5% of all homes listed for sale across Britain come in at £100k or less, this climbs to as high as 16% in some major cities. Yopa analysed current market listings,...

2025 outlook: save on Stamp Duty before it's too late

November, 2024

During the mini-budget in September 2022, the stamp duty thresholds on residential property were raised to their current levels, with the nil band increased from £125,000 to...

‘Buy Nothing Day’ sees huge spike in property sales completing

November, 2024

Buy Nothing Day, held every 25th November, is an initiative to help detox from consumerism and observe the environmental impact of shopping. Newly released research from London lettings...

London seeing double digit rental growth

November, 2024

This year has seen a resurgence in London, as rents have surged by 10.4% across the city – more than any other region, analysis from Zero deposit shows. Within the city the cost of...

2025 Predictions for the Private Rental Sector

November, 2024

Allison Thompson, national lettings managing director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) As we approach 2025, the lettings industry is entering a phase marked by stabilisation and opportunity....

Falling rates see over a fifth of tenants deciding not to renew their existing rental agreements

November, 2024

The capital's rental market shifted during October, according to newly released figures. London estate agency Chestertons revealed a 22% drop in the number of tenants renewing their existing...

Over half of Brits say a "good local pub" is the top priority when choosing a new home

November, 2024

Over a third of house hunters rank pubs above local schools, places of worship, and gyms. New research shows that 52% of Brits believe that having a ‘good local pub’ is a...

Revealed: the best place in the UK to be an estate agent – TwentyEA data

November, 2024

Scotland is the best country within the UK to run an estate agency, followed by Northern Ireland, England ( excl London) and then Wales, data from TwentyEA has shown....

Impact of stamp duty changes predicted to hold back house price growth in 2025: Zoopla

November, 2024

83% of homebuyers will pay more stamp duty from April 2025, up from 49% today. More homebuyers will pay stamp duty in 2025, hitting house price growth by up to one per cent, according...

A homeowner’s guide to the Autumn budget: tips and tricks to stay prepared

November, 2024

Mehran Charania, director of Ready Steady Store Announced on the 30 th of October 2024, Labour’s first budget in 14 years arrived with both opportunities and challenges...

Knight Frank: House prices to only rise by 2.5% in 2025

November, 2024

UK House prices will rise by just 2.5% in 2025, as higher mortgage rates have an effect, Knight Frank has predicted. The firm reacted to rising borrowing costs since the Autumn Budget, which...

Housing minister pledges more regulation of agents – RoPA is coming

November, 2024

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has once again committed to strengthening the regulation of managing agents, including as a minimum, mandatory professional qualifications. The UK government...

How to boost bathroom space on a budget

November, 2024

Newly released research from Yopa has revealed how much more buyers are willing to pay for a property that comes complete with the benefit of an additional bathroom. When it comes to...

Landlords take steps to meet EPS requirements

November, 2024

Over two thirds (67%) of landlords currently own at least one property that does not meet the new requirements for the government’s proposed EPC ‘C’ targets. The government...

UK house prices rise at fastest pace since Feb 2023 – industry response

November, 2024

British house prices rose at the fastest pace since February 2023 in the 12 months to September, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed on Wednesday. The average house price in...

Average UK house prices hold steady in September: UK HPI

November, 2024

The latest official government data on UK house prices has shown average UK house prices remained largely stable during September despite heightened uncertainty ahead of the budget. ...

Why house hunters should consider November and December as the best and most affordable months to buy

November, 2024

Searching for property during the quieter months carries many advantages, including being able to capitalise on fresh listings that are due to appear early in the New Year. The autumn...

Rental stock surges to five-year high in London

November, 2024

October saw the highest level of new stock entering the market, with an 8% increase from last year, the highest increase in four years. The latest data from Foxtons has highlighted the...

The pros and cons of renting to students: is it the right choice for you?

November, 2024

Allison Thompson, is national lettings managing director at Leaders Romans Group Student properties are no different in term of quality and facilities than any other type of private rental....

Rental market prediction: The forecast for the next five years

November, 2024

UK rents are set to grow by a further 17.6% over the next five years, according to Savills, as the imbalance between high demand and low supply is set to continue. But, there are signs in some...

Top tips to attract winter buyers

November, 2024

Competition on the market tends to cool down as the year wraps up, but buyers who hope to move for the coming year will be looking now. If you’re ready to put your home on the market,...

The recent Budget ‘may spur many people on to sell their homes’ at auction

November, 2024

With several agent partner programmes available across the country, estate agents can often increase business by offering sales by auction, with a wide selection of properties selling under the...

Home-moving costs set to hit record high after Stamp Duty changes – warning

November, 2024

The process of buying and selling a home in 2024 now costs almost £14,000 in upfront expenses and is set to rise further, research suggests. Taking into account Stamp Duty, conveyancing,...

London areas have lowest council tax in UK

November, 2024

Despite being home to some of the most expensive property in the UK, two London areas are actually the cheapest when it comes to council tax. In Wandsworth in south London council tax stands...

Budget to hurt housing market for some time, warns Knight Frank

November, 2024

Financial markets swallowed last month’s Budget, but it is causing a bout of indigestion, says a candid summary by lettings agency and property consultancy Knight Frank. It says that as a...

2024: From setbacks to optimism

November, 2024

Max Fellows, senior surveyor in the development team at Fisher German , takes a deep dive into the 2024 housing market and considers a variety of factors which are affecting the industry...

House price premiums found to be as high as 25% in National Parks

November, 2024

A new study from Nationwide has revealed that while the appeal of rural living remains as high as ever for Brits, so do the property premiums for the most sought-after areas. ...

Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index

November, 2024

Rightmove has released its latest asking price data, revealing a larger-than-normal seasonal slowdown in pricing as we head towards Christmas. But market activity remains positive when...

New seller asking prices fall 'beyond seasonal norms': Rightmove

November, 2024

Pre and post-Budget 'jitters' are the likely cause of the 1.4% drop in average new seller asking prices this month, according to the latest figures released by Rightmove. The average...

How to personalise a rented property

November, 2024

According to the English Housing Survey (EHS), the private rented sector has roughly 4.6 million households (representing 19% of households in England). Renting a property does not mean you have...

Number of tenanted properties listed for sale has fallen since the Budget

November, 2024

No sign of a mass exodus of landlords two weeks on from Labour's first Budget in a generation. The latest research by Lomond has revealed that, two weeks on from the Autumn Budget,...

‘Seller fatigue’ sees rise in number of house hunters pushing for a winter sale

November, 2024

A spike in winter sales activity is likely to fuel a competitive market environment in early 2025. UK buying agency, Recoco Property Search claims that the current property market may...

Lenders pull all sub-4% loans as mortgage rates continue to rise

November, 2024

Mortgage rates continue to increase despite the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates last week. Yesterday, the final sub-4% fixed rates on offer from major banks and building...

Pendulum swings to new-build

November, 2024

With rising energy costs a concern, 53% of home movers would consider buying a brand new home, up from 47% last year. This is consistent across all age groups showing new-builds appeal to...

Scrapping Section 21 and reforming the PRS

November, 2024

Having passed its second reading in the House of Commons in October, and due to become law by summer 2025, Kate Rigby, partner in Rosling King’s dispute resolution team , analyses...

House prices head north as new buyer enquiries and agreed sales improve

November, 2024

The housing market continues to strengthen, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK residential market survey for October 2024. The latest data reveals that...

The most affordable towns and cities for property buyers in Britain – Zoopla

November, 2024

With the cost of living continuing to bite a number of Brits nationwide, Zoopla has uncovered the most affordable towns and cities in Britain. The research found that that despite annual...

Busy October for prime property sales as all activity measures significantly up on last year

November, 2024

The prime London sales market burst into life in October after what has been a relatively quiet year. All activity measures were significantly up, both compared to last year and longer-term...

Renters pursuing 'fixer-uppers' to get on the housing ladder

November, 2024

68% of renters are eager to take on fixer-uppers to help get on the housing ladder, compared to 54% of home-owners, according to new Rightmove research. A new consumer survey of over...

Hull the best city for housing affordability and schools

November, 2024

Kingston upon Hull has the best balance between affordable house prices and top quality education, according to analysis from tuition company Teachers To Your Home. The city has 22.4% of its...

Top 10 tips to make your move as easy as possible

November, 2024

Moving can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re relocating for the first time. To ensure a smooth transition from old to new, we’re bringing you some useful tips to make the...

Property market picks up pace following the Budget

November, 2024

84,000 more homes have come onto the market following last month's Autumn Statement, according to newly released data from Yopa. New research from Yopa has highlighted that, in the two...

Top tips to help you prepare for auction and move in by Christmas

November, 2024

There is still time to find your new home and be in by Christmas, according to property experts, Bamboo Auctions. Buying a home via online property auctions allows sales to typically...

Mortgage product choice dips in blow for buyers

November, 2024

Mortgage rates may be dropping but product choice has also fallen for homebuyers. Data from comparison website Moneyfacts shows mortgage product choice has reduced by the largest amount in more...

Vast majority of homebuyers unfazed by lack of stamp duty relief extension

November, 2024

Just 5% of homeowners surveyed stated they would postpone their plans to purchase indefinitely following the government's recent decision not to extend current stamp duty relief thresholds. ...

Why November to February is ideal for property investments

November, 2024

Cliff Ward of Pikl Insurance offers insights on how winter can be the best season to invest and considerations for winter property buyers The autumn into winter months traditionally...

Two-thirds of landlords not meeting proposed EPC targets

November, 2024

34% say they plan to sell without undertaking the necessary work needed to meet the new EPC requirements. The latest research from Foundation Home Loans has revealed that 67% of...

What is going to happen to house prices and rents next year?

November, 2024

Hamptons forecast that house prices will rise by an average of 3% across Great Britain in 2025, followed by 3.5% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027, as the affordability picture improves. While the...

How to give your property the wow-factor

November, 2024

Although neutral interior design is the go-to look for selling a house, lots of buyers are looking for that special wow-factor in their next home. Here are some simple ways of making your pad...

Where are the least energy efficient towns in the nation?

November, 2024

The latest research from epIMS looks at where across England and Wales we burn the most energy within our homes. epIMS analysed the latest Gov data on annual household energy use by...

England's best first-time buyer markets revealed

November, 2024

According to new analysis from Yopa, in some regions of the country, as many as 85% of homes will still be available tax-free following a reduction in stamp duty relief. New insight...

A fourth consecutive month of positive house price growth – industry reaction

November, 2024

The average price of a residential property in the UK edged up to hit a record high in October, the latest figures from Halifax show. A typical property now costs £293,999, surpassing a...

MPC cuts base rate – but mortgage rates unlikely to fall in short term

November, 2024

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has gone through with a rate cut of 0.25% – bringing the base rate to 4.75%. However, with swap rates rising after the Autumn...

Property industry reacts to Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates

November, 2024

The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the second time this year as expected. Policymakers at the Bank have opted to reduce interest rates to 4.75% today. Rates sat at 5% after being...

Mortgage approvals rocketing up

November, 2024

Remember remember this November, the housing market is still ablaze with activity from igniting buyer interest. Mortgage approvals rocketed up to 65,647 in September, reaching heights not...

Average house prices hit record high after fourth consecutive monthly rise: Halifax

November, 2024

Average house prices edged up further in October, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase, according to the latest figures released by Halifax. This morning's data released by...

Chain-free properties now account for a third of all homes currently for sale: Zoopla

November, 2024

41% of two-bed homes for sale are currently listed as chain-free on Zoopla 32% of homes for sale on Zoopla are currently chain-free. According to the property portal, the availability...

Spending on rent and mortgages rose sharply in October, says Barclays

November, 2024

Growth in rent and mortgage spending increased to its highest rate in 13 months, at 6.4%, last month, according to the latest Barclays Property Insights report. Despite this increase, consumers...

Bank of England poised to cut UK interest rates today

November, 2024

U K borrowing costs are set to be cut today for the second time this year, despite tax changes and a Donald Trump victory in the US casting uncertainty over the future path of interest rates....

Homebuyers warned over rising swap rates following the Budget

November, 2024

Higher borrowing costs are likely should the surge in swap rates continue Octane Capital CEO Jonathan Samuels, has warned homebuyers that it’s not just an increase in stamp duty...

House prices are poised to grow almost twice as fast as inflation

November, 2024

H ouse prices look set to increase almost twice as fast as inflation over the next five years and outpace wages, according to the latest forecast from JLL. Residential property prices are...

Interest rate cut tomorrow is looking “nailed on”, say economists

November, 2024

The Bank of England will almost certainly cut interest rates tomorrow in what would be a welcome move for property buyers and sellers, as well as estate agents. A slowdown in business activity...

UK house prices set for consistent year-on-year growth – five-year forecast

November, 2024

Average house prices are set to increase by £84,000 over the next five years, according to the latest house price forecast from Savills. With inflation returning to the 2% target and the...

Notable rise in homebuyers opting for a home condition survey

November, 2024

There was a 5.4% uplift in the number of homebuyers instructing a home condition survey with their property purchase in the third quarter of the year, new figures show. In the latest iteration...

UK property market on track for strong post-Christmas activity surge

November, 2024

A further reduction of interest rates is forecast to boost the usual seasonal trends seen in the New Year. The latest market insight by GetAgent reveals that the UK housing market is...

A third of first-time buyers to see stamp duty rise thanks to Budget snub

November, 2024

Some 31% of first-time buyers will pay more stamp duty after the government chose to let the higher stamp duty thresholds expire. From April 2025 first-time owners will pay stamp duty on...

Stamp Duty-exempt stock could drop by 20% from April – research

November, 2024

First-time buyers will face a stock shortage as well as potentially higher costs once Stamp Duty thresholds return to £300,000 in April, research suggests. Stamp Duty relief for...

Windows: Why big is not necessarily best

November, 2024

Not all glass is the same. And despite advancements in technology, it remains less insulating than traditional building materials like brick or concrete, according to the experts from Stacks...

Property industry reacts to latest UK house price data

November, 2024

There has been a mixed industry response to the latest data revealing that annual house price growth slowed in October, down to 2.4% from 3.2% in the previous month. According to Nationwide...

The PRS is set to pick up the tab for Reeves’ Budget spending

November, 2024

Nick Lyons, CEO of inventory specialists NoLettingGo, looks at the cost to the Private Rented Sector of Labour’s first Budget since 2010. So, now we know who is going to pick up...

Majority of landlords say they'll remain in the sector following the Budget

November, 2024

The fact that the highly anticipated capital gains tax hike never materialised in the budget has been well received by landlords. The latest market insight from London lettings and...

Lettings activity cooling as rents drop sharply

November, 2024

The rental market in England cooled in October, with monthly rents down by over 12% and year-on-year increases narrowing to an annual low, according to the Goodlord Rental Index. Voids also...

What is going to happen to house prices next year?

November, 2024

UK house prices are on track to edge higher over the whole of 2024, a sign that the housing market is remaining resilient. But what will happen next year and beyond? The Office for Budget...

Annual house price growth eases in October: Nationwide

November, 2024

The price of a typical home in the UK edged up by just 0.1% between September and October to stand at £266,094. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's Chief Economist, said:...

Stamp Duty on second homes: all you need to know

November, 2024

Thinking of buying a second home? The recent Autumn Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves has significant implications for those planning to buy a second home or invest in a...

Where has seen the scariest house price drops since last Halloween?

October, 2024

27% of local authorities have been haunted by a reduction in house prices over the last year, according to new research. New research from Moverly analysed the latest figures from the...

Unlucky 'number 13' homes selling for thousands less this Halloween

October, 2024

In some instances, the housing developers will exclude the number 13 from new property developments because it can be such a deterrent. The latest market insight from London lettings...

Fun tips to decorate your home for Halloween

October, 2024

Whether you're aiming for a full-blown haunted house or just want to add a touch of Halloween magic to your home this spooky season, these tips will help you get into the festive spirit. ...

Agents do not need to stress about the Renters’ Rights Bill, says The Guild

October, 2024

Whilst there is no doubt that the introduction of the Renters Rights Bill is one of the biggest changes to the sector for quite some time, letting agents are being urged to embrace the changes and...

Budget 2024: Property industry reaction

October, 2024

Rachel Reeves has delivered Labour’s first Budget in a generation – and the first ever written by a female chancellor. In many recent Budgets, housing and property seemed to...

Stamp duty threshold to revert back to £125k from £250k

October, 2024

There was bad news all round when it came to stamp duty yesterday. While first-time buyers were hit by the government’s decision not to extend the relief on stamp duty for people buying...

Budget 2024: No mention of 'Freedom to Buy' scheme

October, 2024

Labour's new permanent mortgage guarantee scheme first revealed ahead of their General Election victory earlier this year promised to get 80,000 young people onto the housing ladder by the next...

Property industry reacts to the Autumn Budget 2024

October, 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget statement this afternoon highlighted tax hikes for both working individuals and British businesses. She told the Commons that the Budget will raise taxes...

England braced for rising energy bills by December

October, 2024

Households should be braced for higher energy costs from Winter, analysis of Ofgem data from PCInternational has found. Unit prices are set to increase by 10% between October 1st and December...

House prices look set to rise as mortgage approvals hit two-year high

October, 2024

The number of mortgages approved in September reached a level not seen in the two years since the Liz Truss mini-budget. The latest data from the Bank of England shows last month saw the...

Spooky street names

October, 2024

Halloween is a monster of a market, with spending in the UK expected to creep up to a spine-chilling £776 million in 2024. It would also seem that some home movers like a hint of...

Majority of BTL landlords delay property purchases over tax concerns

October, 2024

Ahead of today’s Budget, new research show that 77% of buy-to-let landlords are concerned about the future of their investments. More than 90% of those surveyed identified a potential...

The Guild secures ESTAS Award for Best Agency Network for the fourth consecutive year

October, 2024

The Guild of Property Professionals has once again proven its excellence in the property sector, securing the coveted ESTAS award for Best Agency Network for the fourth consecutive...

Bank of England to cut interest rates next week, economists forecast

October, 2024

The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates next week in what would be a welcome move for buyers, sellers, and of course, estate agents. UK estate agents have already reported more...

London rents fall for third quarter in a row

October, 2024

London rents have dropped every quarter in 2024, suggesting the market has cooled considerably this year, data from flatshare website SpareRoom has revealed. East Central (+4%) London has...

Chancellor urged to focus on stamp duty reform and support for landlords

October, 2024

Ahead of tomorrow’s Autumn Budget statement, the government is being urged to focus on stamp duty reform and support for landlords to help them reduce their costs and meet the Minimum...

Budget 2024: Just two regions will be affected by stamp duty threshold freeze

October, 2024

If the government fails to extend the current stamp duty relief beyond March tomorrow, it would make very little difference to the average first-time buyer according to new data from Yopa. ...

Nil band stamp duty rate should be £215,000 based on home inflation

October, 2024

The minimum rate of stamp duty should stand at £215,675 if pegged to property price inflation since it was introduced. The nil band of the tax was set at £125,000 in 2006, so the...

Landlords most worried about CGT changes

October, 2024

Landlords are worried Labour’s potential increase to Capital Gains Tax in this week’s Autumn Budget, the Landlord Trends report from consultancy Pegasus Insight has found. Indeed,...

Top tips for landlords letting to students

October, 2024

Neil Smith, Paragon Bank's head of surveyors shares his insight on the highly competitive and often challenging landscape of student rentals. The student rental market remains a vibrant...

Property industry reacts to Zoopla House Price Index

October, 2024

Residential property prices are rising slowly, up by just 1% over the last 12 months, compared to a fall of 0.9% a year ago, according to Zoopla. The property portal says property price...

House sales at highest levels seen in four years: Zoopla

October, 2024

The total value of homes in the sales pipeline is up by 30% when compared to last year, according to the latest data released by Zoopla. 2024 is set to be a bumper year for house sales,...

Pick of the crop: more homes for sale

October, 2024

The number of available homes for sale per estate agent has reached its highest level since 2014 and 12% higher year-on-year, giving buyers the pick of the crop. Despite strong housing...

Bank wants government to keep stamp duty threshold in Autumn Budget

October, 2024

Aldermore Bank has called for the government to retain the minimum stamp duty threshold for first-time buyers, after conducting a poll. As it stands first-time buyers only start paying stamp...

Government urged to offer greater support for first-time buyers in the budget

October, 2024

Over three-quarters of aspiring first-time buyers believe the government should do more to support them in getting on the property ladder Ahead of next week's budget, new research has...

Budget wishlist for the property sector

October, 2024

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman The importance of improving supply of affordable housing to rent and buy, as well as transactions in view of...

Entertaining tips to host this Halloween

October, 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, which means it is time to start planning the spookiest party of the year! Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a full-blown haunted bash, these tips...

Paranormal postcode premiums hit a shocking £75k

October, 2024

25% of UK adults think that they have lived in a haunted house with 17% even claiming to have seen a ghost for themselves. Properties located near a 'haunted' location can be up to...

Rental inflation eases to 4%

October, 2024

Rents rose by 4% in the year to the third quarter, the smallest increase seen in 2024, data from SpareRoom has revealed. The regions seeing the biggest increases in average rent prices are...

Three unique property features helping to sell homes faster

October, 2024

Sought-after property features often fall in and out of favour and are influenced by events and trends seen beyond the property market, such as large gardens which became popular during lockdown...

Revealed: The UK's most common street names

October, 2024

Out of the top 100 most popular street names, 30 have royal connotations including Queen Street and Victoria Road A new analysis of ordnance survey data by Zoopla finds that High Street...

Could the Autumn Statement derail property market positivity?

October, 2024

A large majority of estate agents believe that the government has put too much emphasis on letting sector reform and not enough focus on boosting the housing market, according to a new...

Budget tax changes could lead to ‘influx of properties on the market’

October, 2024

If Labour removes Inheritance Tax reliefs we could see a plethora of properties flood the market, Jack Malnick, founder of SellHouseFast.co.uk, has warned. The tax is currently charged at 40%...

Government commits to improving quality of new homes

October, 2024

The UK government has accepted proposals from the competition watchdog to improve the quality of homes being built. In February, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the...

Right to Buy discounts to be slashed by two thirds

October, 2024

The Labour Party plans to reduce the Right to Buy discounts by two thirds in a bid to halt diminishing council house stock, The Times reports. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is...

Tomorrow is the last day to list your home to sell by Christmas

October, 2024

Analysis over the past 9 years shows it takes on average 59 days to sell If you want to sell your home before Christmas, there is still time. Prospective home-sellers will need to...

UK interest rates will drop to 2.75%, Goldman Sachs predicts

October, 2024

The Bank of England could move more aggressively to lower borrowing costs; good news for mortgage borrowers. The Bank will cut interest rates from the existing level of 5% down to 2.75% next...

Renters’ Rights Bill enters Committee stage in parliament today

October, 2024

Today, the Renters’ Rights Bill enters Committee stage in the House of Commons, where MPs will debate and scrutinise the proposed legislation. Following the recent Second Reading in the...

How do I know if my house is haunted?

October, 2024

Halloween is known for its eerie tales, creepy ghouls and mysterious occurrences. We have put together a collection of spooky stories, inexplicable sightings and things to look out for. Here is a...

Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index

October, 2024

Housing market activity remains strong, but the muted Autumn price increase of just 0.3% month-on-month to £371,958 comes as buyer choice and seller competition rise. With a greater...

Strong seller competition mutes Autumn price bounce: Rightmove

October, 2024

Asking prices for newly marketed homes edged up slightly this month - but by a much lower amount than the seasonal norm, according to the latest market analysis from Rightmove. The...

And the winners of The ESTAS Awards 2024 are…

October, 2024

Agents and industry suppliers gathered last Friday to see who was crowned the best for the customer service across the UK. This year The ESTAS celebrated their 21st birthday with Phil Spencer,...

Labour to let higher stamp duty thresholds expire

October, 2024

The Labour Party is expected to allow higher stamp duty thresholds to revert back to previous levels in April 2025. If that happens the nil band will fall from £250,000 to...

London's letting market remains resilient despite seasonal dip: Foxtons

October, 2024

Demand for rental properties in the capital decreased 35% month-on-month from August, tracking typical seasonal trends according to Foxtons. September signals the close of a highly...

UK homeowners ‘sitting on £80,000 in property value gains on average’

October, 2024

Homeowners who have acquired their properties in the last 20 years have enjoyed a substantial increase in value averaging around a £80,000 rise, fresh analysis has revealed. Data from...

Younger generations 'more keen' on custom-built homes

October, 2024

Greater awareness of custom-build is critical to unlocking its untapped demand, according to new research from Saffron for Intermediaries Saffron for Intermediaries has found that there...

What are the 10 biggest turn-offs for home buyers?

October, 2024

When it comes to selling your property, making a good first impression is imperative. We have identified the top 10 biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers and how to avoid them. Clutter...

The regions offering the best rent to rent returns

October, 2024

The ‘guaranteed rent’ or ‘rent to rent’ model is becoming an increasingly popular path for private rental investors, according to the latest analysis by London lettings...

Property industry reacts to latest UK house price data

October, 2024

In August, average residential property prices in the UK increased by an average of 1.5% compared with the previous month and 2.8% year-on-year to £292,924, the latest government data has...

Average house prices climb for sixth consecutive month: UK HPI

October, 2024

The price of a typical home in the UK climbed to an average price of £293,000 in August, according to the latest figures released by ONS. Average UK house price annual inflation...

UK rents continue to rise as landlords flee buy-to-let sector

October, 2024

Average private rents increased by 8.4% in the 12 months to September 2024, the same increase as in August 2024, data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed. With demand from...

Landlords brace for budget impact amid record high rents: Rightmove

October, 2024

Average advertised rent for new properties coming to the market has hit a new quarterly record, according to Rightmove's latest market analysis. The latest Rental Trends Tracker from...

Hopes of a double interest rate cut before Christmas boosted as inflation falls to 1.7%

October, 2024

UK inflation fell to 1.7% in the year to September, the lowest rate since April 2021. Lower airfares and petrol prices were the main driver behind in the fall, the Office for National...

New towns offer cheaper homes with strong growth potential – Halifax

October, 2024

Home buyers could save close to £50,000 on average by purchasing a property in a new town, compared with house prices generally, fresh analysis shows. The average house price in a new...

Sales surge

October, 2024

Falling mortgage rates are helping boost sales levels. There were 332,200 sales agreed across the UK in Q3 2024, 23% above the same period last year. While 2023 was a low base to compare...

How to identify an up-and-coming hot spot

October, 2024

Wondering how to spot the next property hotspot without a crystal ball? Discovering a neighborhood on the brink of a boom can turn an ordinary property investment into a high-reward opportunity....

We have an ‘affordable’ housing crisis on our hands

October, 2024

Robin Rathore of Bamboo Auctions argues that there is little point in building more new homes when people can’t afford to buy them because, thanks to rising housebuilding costs, they are...

Surge in property sales agreed fuelled by lower mortgage rates

October, 2024

The number of ‘sales subject to contract’ increased by almost a quarter – 2 3% – in Q3 24 compared with the same period last year , the latest data from ...

Vast majority of landlords remain concerned about new EPC regulations

October, 2024

29% of landlords believe that the new EPC targets are only realistic with government support Following the announcement that landlords will be required to improve the EPC ratings of...

Preston the best place to make home improvements

October, 2024

Preston is the best place to make home improvements based on factors like the planning permission approval rate, tradespeople reviews, as well as the number of hardware stores, research from wood...

Why are so many property sales falling through before completion?

October, 2024

Collapsed property sales could be costing the public as much as £900m a year, according to the latest figures. More than one in four property sales fell through in England and...

The Renters’ Rights Bill is doomed to fail, says Propertymark

October, 2024

Propertymark has warned of the unintended consequences of the current Renters’ Rights Bill, which in practice feels will potentially damage the sector and ultimately compound issues that...

Budget 2024: Four tax areas to watch that directly impact housing

October, 2024

Budget time always brings debate about tax and housing and what this means for decision-making on property sales volumes and values. When it comes to tax, recent governments have focused on how...

Fall-throughs and withdrawals see sharp quarterly increase

October, 2024

Despite fall throughs surging by over 18%, the huge number of withdrawals that occur continue to have a much greater impact on the UK housing market. Analysis by Moverly has found that...

How the Autumn Statement might impact the property market

October, 2024

Mitchell Walsh, CEO at Integritas Property Group explores what the Autumn Statement is likely to have in store and uncovers what it means for the UK property market. After almost four...

Inflation to remain around 2% target – making Bank base rate cuts more likely

October, 2024

The inflation rate is expected to remain around the Bank of England’s 2% target on 16 October, which raises the prospect of another base rate cut. CPI inflation stood at 2.2%...

Student renters –huge scale of student demand

October, 2024

With a new academic year just getting underway; it makes a good time to reflect on the huge scale of student demand and how many live in purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) or in the...

‘Right-sizing’ could free up 3.8m UK homes, says Barclays

October, 2024

Alongside building new homes, ‘right-sizing’ could be an important part of the solution to the UK’s complex housing crisis – if properly incentivised. That is according to...

How much is the average home buyer paying for the space to fit a double bed?

October, 2024

New research from Zoopla highlights why we should be paying more attention to floor space and how much it costs when buying a home in the UK. Zoopla reveals that the average UK home now...

How much could a parking space add to the value of your home?

October, 2024

The latest research from Yopa has found that homes which come with a dedicated car parking space might not command the market premiums homebuyers expect. Yopa has analysed hundreds of...

UK house prices return to growth as sales market improves

October, 2024

The UK housing market continues to pick up, the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey shows. The September 2024 survey found that demand, sales, and...

Would you give up your dream job to get a mortgage?

October, 2024

Almost 9 million Brits have sacrificed 'dream jobs' through fears of being turned down for a mortgage, according to newly released research. As many as one in four working Brits -...

Renters’ Rights Bill returns to parliament today – here’s what you need to know

October, 2024

The Renters’ Rights Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons last month, is scheduled to have its second reading today. The government has provided the following briefing which...

Opportunities for agents under the new Renters’ Rights Bill

October, 2024

Let’s face it, no one likes change forced on them. But change is coming to our industry, the Renters’ Rights Bill has now been fully revealed ahead of its second reading in...

How to add a sense of warmth and comfort to your home

October, 2024

When it’s warm outside, you may want to keep things minimal and breezy in your home. But as the cold seeps in, you’ll start to miss those cosy, insulant layers that make you feel glad...

Monthly property transactions exceeds 100,000 threshold for the first time in almost two years

October, 2024

UK housing market conditions continue to steadily improve, supported in part by greater mortgage affordability, which has been easing thanks to strong wage growth and falling interest rates....

Lower rates continuing to fuel demand among first-time buyers

October, 2024

‘First-time buyer’ searches grew by 9.1% in September, following an increase of 5.4% in August. The latest data from Legal & General has revealed that improved mortgage...

Banks call for Stamp Duty reform in Autumn Budget

October, 2024

Banks are calling for Stamp Duty reform in the upcoming Autumn Budget. There may be expectations of tax rises when Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her first Budget on 30 October, but that...

Landlords awaiting more clarity on Renters Rights Bill

October, 2024

Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, explores what has been happening across the capital's prime lettings market ahead of the forthcoming Renters Rights Bill. The...

Upgrading rental homes to meet 2030 target could cost more than £23bn

October, 2024

An estimated 2.9 million properties need to be improved under the government’s proposal for rental homes to reach a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030, costing £23.4 billion – an...

House prices rise for third consecutive month: Halifax

October, 2024

Year-on-year house prices are at the strongest rate since November 2022, according to Halifax data Average UK house prices saw a further increase during September, edging up slightly by...

Should you buy a new build or renovate?

October, 2024

As the debate between renovating older properties and purchasing new builds intensifies across the UK, G Johns & Sons, a specialist in architectural ironmongery, highlights the importance of...

Rental Yields strengthen further in Q3

October, 2024

The latest buy-to-let sector analysis from Fleet Mortgages has revealed that average yields in England now stand at 7.2% following a year-on-year rise of 0.3%. However, they are down by 0.4%...

Tenants competing for fewer properties as landlords flee the rental market

October, 2024

The latest Goodlord & Vouch State of the Lettings Industry Report – the 7th annual report from the rental tech platforms – shows a sector facing tough challenges. This year,...

Where are the best second-stepper locations in England?

October, 2024

New research has revealed where FTBs can slingshot furthest up the property ladder thanks to high house price growth. The latest research by eXp UK has shown that first-time buyers...

Boost for buyers as BoE chief says interest rate cuts could be more ‘aggressive’

October, 2024

Financial markets are now pricing in a interest rate cut for the UK at the next Bank of England meeting in November following remarks by its governor. Andrew Bailey told the Guardian that the...

Who are the next generation of Portfolio Landlords?

October, 2024

Residential property has long been the investment choice for many in the UK, but as original buy-to-let landlords near retirement, a new generation must step up to meet the future demand for...

Property industry reacts to Zoopla House Price Index

October, 2024

New property sales agreed are 25% higher than a year ago as buyers return to the market, led by gains in the East Midland (32%) and North East (30%), according to the latest Zoopla House Price...

Falling mortgage rates spark double digit surge in property demand and home sales

October, 2024

The lowest mortgage rates for 15 months are fuelling a return of buyers to the market and a recovery in house prices, according to the latest data released by Zoopla. Zoopla's latest...

Britain’s fastest and slowest housing markets unveiled

October, 2024

Carluke in Lanarkshire is Great Britain’s fastest-selling market this year, with sellers in the area finding a buyer in an average of 15 days, Rightmove’s Speed of Market Tracker...

Selling seasonally: how to add value to your property this winter

October, 2024

Home sellers can add huge value to their property by directly appealing to the seasonal wants and needs of homebuyers. The autumn and winter period is a great time to sell your home. It...

Top 10 things to know before buying your first home

October, 2024

So you’ve taken the leap and made the decision to buy your very first home. Discover our guide to becoming a first-time buyer to ensure you're equipped and confident on your journey to...

Demand for homes remains high despite drop off in Q3

October, 2024

Buyer appetite remains stronger than it was this time last year, according to the latest insight from GetAgent. GetAgent’s Hotspots Demand Index monitors homebuyer demand across...

How could proposed tax changes and government reforms likely impact the lettings market?

October, 2024

Members from The Guild of Property Professionals explore the potential impact on landlords and tenants should anticipated reforms and changes to tax laws come into effect. With...

London rents surge in September

October, 2024

The cost of renting across Greater London surged by 7.7% in September, suggesting there’s renewed appetite amongst renters in the city. This brings annual growth to 4.4% in the city,...

Strong tenant demand sees rents holding steady during September

October, 2024

Rents across England remained high in September - breaking the £1,400 barrier for the third month in a row. The average price for a rental property in September was £1,417,...

Property industry reacts to latest UK house price data

October, 2024

Residential property prices rose at the fastest pace in more than two years, according to the latest data from Nationwide. The average price of a home increased by 3.2% over the past 12 months,...

Nationwide: UK house prices growing at fastest rate since end of 2022

October, 2024

Average UK houses prices rose by the fastest pace for two years during September, Nationwide data suggests. The latest Nationwide House Price Index shows average UK property values rose by 3.2%...

House prices accelerate at record pace in September: Nationwide

September, 2024

Nationwide's latest analysis has shown that recovery within the UK housing market has continued at record pace in September. UK house prices saw a further rise of 0.7% in September with...

Mini Budget fallout still evident in today's property market

September, 2024

Despite the market still bearing scars caused by the Mini Budget, plenty of signs of property market positivity have emerged over the last year. The latest market insight from Foxtons...

Autumn Budget predictions for the property and construction sector

September, 2024

Rebecca Wilkinson, partner and property & construction sector specialist at accountancy and advisory firm Menzies The Labour Government has already warned that its first fiscal budget...

Are you familiar with new guidance on the Renters’ Rights Bill?

September, 2024

Following the government’s publication of the full details of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which delivers on Labour’s manifesto commitment to transform the experience of private...

Tenants confusing up-front rent with deposits – agents asked to clarify

September, 2024

A survey by the Deposit Protection Service has shown that six out of every 10 tenant respondents who have moved within the last year said they paid between two and three months’ rent upfront...

Slower rental growth leads to shorter tenancies, new data reveals

September, 2024

In 2024 so far, a decline in the average length of residency has been observed in London and Scotland since Q4 of 2023, according to analysis by TwentyEA. This trend aligns with both regions...

Over half of landlords and agents feel pessimistic about PRS

September, 2024

Early data released by Goodlord and Vouch, ahead of the publication of the seventh annual State of the Lettings Industry report, shows that over half of landlords and estate agents feel...

Revealed! The cost of poor sales progression for estate agents

September, 2024

Poor sales progression is costing agents an estimated £938,697 per brand or £97,274 per branch annually, research suggests. Analysis by ViewMyChain and TwentyEA examined...

Average property prices come to £277,500 – ONS

September, 2024

The median price paid in England and Wales for a property was £277,500 in the year ending March 2024, according to the latest figures. According to the latest data from the...

Prime London demand falls as buyers await Labour tax plans

September, 2024

Conversely, super prime demand has actually seen demand increase. Demand for prime property in the capital fell by 2.5% in the third quarter of this year, dampening the uptick seen in...

Advertise your home by 23rd October to sell by Christmas

September, 2024

The time to sell in 2024 has been slower than the long run average at 67 days so far this year. Prospective home-sellers will need to have their property on the market by Wednesday 23rd...

Keir Starmer unveils “planning passports” to boost housebuilding

September, 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to bring in “planning passports” that mean inner city homes are automatically approved providing they meet design and quality standards. Labour...

Britain’s busiest rental market revealed with 50-plus enquiries per property

September, 2024

Wrexham is the busiest rental market, based on millions of local data points across more than 250 local authorities, new data from Rightmove shows. An average letting agent in Wrexham is...

Price pressure – cities with lowest and highest rents

September, 2024

St Albans tops the list as the most expensive city in the UK to rent outside of London, paying an average £2,307 per month, 71% above the national average. As students prepare to start...

Fewer vendors opt for off-market sales

September, 2024

There has been a sharp fall in the number of vendors choosing to sell their home off-market without it being openly advertised, fresh research has found.? ...

Rachel Reeves vows to take on the NIMBYs at party conference

September, 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to take on the “blockers” that frustrate the housebuilding process at Labour’s annual party conference. She said there was a need to...

Landlords respond to new energy efficiency plans for rented housing

September, 2024

Less than half of private rented properties in England have an EPC rating of C or above. The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, is reportedly planning to announce new...

Government extends Decent Homes Standards and Awaab’s Law into Private Rented Sector

September, 2024

Awaab’s Law legislation for the social rented sector will be brought forward this autumn, and protections will be extended to the private rented sector through the Renters Rights...

Cosy tips to reset your home this autumn

September, 2024

As summer gently fades away and we welcome in the cosy embrace of autumn, coming home takes on a whole new meaning. What was our place to entertain and recharge in the summer, is now our calm...

Autumn interior design tips inspired by nature

September, 2024

The great outdoors during the autumn season is nothing short of glorious. From streets punctuated with fallen leaves to dark landscapes split with the atmospheric colours of a cool sunset,...

Majority of renters have accepted they’ll never buy

September, 2024

Many tenants seem resigned to being stuck in the rental sector for the long term, a Go.Compare Home Insurance survey shows. Six in 10 reckon they’ll never get on the property ladder,...

UK housing market returns to growth with £88bn spent in Q2 2024

September, 2024

The UK housing market has returned to growth, according to the latest research from Savills. Spending on house purchases edged back above £350bn in the year to the end of June –...

New housing policies: Angela Rayner’s speech at Labour Party Conference

September, 2024

Angela Rayner set out measures to protect renters from fire safety defects, damp and mould in her speech at the Labour Party conference yesterday. The deputy prime minister and housing...

Bank of England holds interest rate at 5.0%

September, 2024

The Bank of England has held the interest rate at 5.0%, which was expected but could still come as a disappointment to some mortgage holders. Eight of the nine members of the Monetary Policy...

UK Finance urges government to retain stamp duty levels

September, 2024

Trade body UK Finance has called on Labour to make it so first-time buyers don’t pay stamp duty on the first £425,000 of purchases permanently. As it stands the minimum rate of...

First-time buyers are underestimating how long it actually takes to secure a home

September, 2024

Research by Aldermore revealed that, in particular, liaising with estate agents takes much longer than people expect. According to Aldermore’s latest First Time Buyer Index,...

Transactions fall as Budget uncertainty replaces election uncertainty

September, 2024

For London’s super-prime (£10m-plus) property market, Budget uncertainty has replaced election uncertainty, according to Knight Frank. Many buyers and sellers switched off early for...

Students dominate the September rental market

September, 2024

As a new academic year gets underway, young people across the country are busy leaving the family home and moving to new cities. HESA (Higher Eduation Statistics Agency) estimates 2.9...

Britain’s most and least expensive cities to rent outside London revealed

September, 2024

St Albans is the most expensive city to rent outside London, with tenants paying an average of £2,307 per calendar month (pcm), 71% above the UK average, new analysis from Rightmove reveals....

Average house prices rise for sixth consecutive month: UK HPI

September, 2024

Albeit slightly historic, this morning's data released by the Land Registry has revealed further positive movement in UK house prices ahead of the usual Autumn uptick. The latest...

Bank of England urged to cut interest rates today despite above-target inflation

September, 2024

With inflation holding steady last month at 2.2%, which is below the 2.4% level the Bank of England expected, will Threadneedle Street cut interest rates again today? A cut to interest rates...

Buyers expect to spend £35,000 retrofitting their purchase – research

September, 2024

Prospective homebuyers are preparing to invest substantial amounts in retrofitting and renovating their properties to boost the value of their purchase. Research by Mortgage Advice Bureau found...

Unsold agency stock hits 10-year high but homes are selling faster – research

September, 2024

The level of unsold sales stock in England and Wales is at its highest since 2014, research suggests It comes as the latest Home.co.uk Asking Price Index shows a surge in new...

Buyer activity levels predicted to see post-budget bounce in October

September, 2024

The number of buyers entering the market has increased following the last nine statements. Estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, analysed the number of mortgage approvals seen...

Autumn gardening trends

September, 2024

As the summer warmth succumbs into the embrace of crisp, cool air, it's time to welcome the enchanting season of autumn into our gardens. Whether you’re thinking of showing off your home...

Housing market on course for bumper decade, says Moverly

September, 2024

Property pack provider Moverly has declared that the housing market is on course for a strong decade based on the transaction levels in the 2020s so far. In this decade the UK has seen...

Scrap stamp duty, says the OECD

September, 2024

A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls on the chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish Stamp Duty Land Tax, among a host of other changes to help...

The UK's current prime rental hotspots

September, 2024

Benham and Reeves latest research revealed some locations where a month’s rent costs a year’s salary The latest insight from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and...

UK house market tipped to see a post-Budget bounce

September, 2024

Despite property market activity picking up in recent months, the sector could see a post-Budget bounce come October, with the number of buyers entering the market historically increasing...

Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index

September, 2024

The latest Rightmove data revealing that average new seller asking prices increased by 0.8%, or £2,974, this month to £370,759 is double the long-term average for this time of year,...

New seller asking prices accelerate amid early autumn action: Rightmove

September, 2024

While September usually sees a monthly rise in prices, this year’s increase is double the long-term average, according to the latest market analysis from Rightmove. The average...

North-South divide in rents narrowing

September, 2024

The gap between the cost of renting in the North and South of England has narrowed to its lowest point in over a decade, Hamptons analysis shows. The average rent in the South is 37%...

Sell your home this autumn

September, 2024

If you’re considering selling this season, autumn brings in a golden opportunity to charm potential buyers and make a move. With its cosy ambience and motivated buyers, it’s easy to...

Prospective buyers keen to invest 'substantial amounts' retrofitting their homes

September, 2024

Prospective homeowners are focusing on both aesthetic and functional improvements, according to new MAB research. Prospective homebuyers are preparing to invest substantial amounts in...

Superstitious buyers avoid moving house on Friday 13th

September, 2024

Superstitious people avoid moving house on Friday 13th, a new report from Rightmove has suggested. Friday is the most popular day of the week for people to get the keys to their new home,...

21 tenants competing for every rental property

September, 2024

Some 21 tenants are competing for every rental property on the market – highlighting the challenge faced by renters, Zoopla’s Rental Market Report has revealed. There are...

Bank of England to cut interest rates, economists forecast

September, 2024

The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates again this year in what would be a welcome move for buyers, sellers, and of course, estate agents. UK estate agents have already reported...

Emerging FTB hotspots revealed in new Santander research

September, 2024

First-time buyers are moving further away to secure a spot on the property ladder due to a lack of suitable properties and affordability constraints. Newly released market insight from...

Strongest growth in house price

September, 2024

House prices edged up 0.3% in August, with annual growth rising to 4.3%, the fastest pace since late 2022. However, this is partly due to the comparison with weaker growth this time last year....

House prices move into positive territory for first time in almost two years

September, 2024

Residential property prices are showing signs of increasing for the first time in almost two years as market activity continued to improve, according to surveyors. Price growth moved into...

RICS: Tenant supply and demand becoming more squeezed

September, 2024

Tenant demand is rising while supply is falling, which means rents are likely to increase in the months ahead, the RICS Residential Survey found. A net +11 of surveyors said tenant...

Are you familiar with the new Renters Reform Bill?

September, 2024

Section 21 evictions will be banned, and renters will receive greater protections and security from eviction thanks to historic legislation announced by the government. The Renters’...

Regional Property Market Update Autumn 2024: London

September, 2024

With a more positive outlook for autumn, confidence should continue to return to the housing market, as inflation remains under control and interest rates are now taking their first steps...

The latest housing trends currently shaping the property market

September, 2024

The 2024 Rental Housing Trends Report by MRI Software, revealing the trends that are shaping the residential market has been published. It shows that renters’ preferences for...

Tower Hamlets the best London borough for buy-to-let

September, 2024

Property analyst SBA Property Management has identified Tower Hamlets as the highest-yielding borough for rental returns. The borough offers buy-to-let investors yields of 5.9%, up from...

Labour’s new Renters’ Rights Bill to get its first reading in the House of Commons today

September, 2024

The new bill aims to finally put an end to Section 21 'no fault' evictions Details of the new Renters’ Rights Bill will be published today as the bill makes its way to the Commons...

Autumn interior design trends

September, 2024

The evenings are atmospheric, the mornings are brisk, and the interior of your home is ready for a revamp! Autumn is a great time to inject some cosiness back into your home, so grab a mug of...

Mortgage rates are dropping but so is product choice

September, 2024

Homebuyers are benefiting from mortgage rates dropping to a six-month low. Data from comparison website Moneyfacts shows average mortgage rates on the overall two- and five-year fixed rate...

Which university town is currently achieving the highest yields for student landlords?

September, 2024

Paragon Bank analysis of popular student postcodes has revealed that Russell Group university locations are some of the most profitable for landlords in terms of rental yields. ...

Renters’ Rights Bill to enter parliament this week

September, 2024

The bill banning Section 21 evictions is set to come to the House of Commons for its first reading this week. The Renters’ Rights Bill will also restrict bidding wars, as well as...

House prices hit two-year high – industry response

September, 2024

The latest Halifax index released on Friday showed that residential property prices are up 4.3% year-on-year to £292,505, the strongest growth since late 2022. The lender, which is owned...

Tax hike fears are already hitting the sales market – claim

September, 2024

Sales may be rising overall in prime London areas but there are signs of a decline at the higher-end due to tax fears. Chancellor Rachel Reeves hasn’t stood up in Parliament to deliver...

Renter’s Rights Bill: Plan to ban Section 21 evictions to return to Commons

September, 2024

The government is set to introduce a bill in the Commons this week which will finally ban landlords in England from evicting tenants without a reason. Ministers are expected to bring the...

Maximising natural light in your home

September, 2024

Light is an important element in any home. Depending on its use, light can set a specific mood and make or break the presentation of your property. Natural light is the best type of light to...

Angela Rayner rules out scrapping Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy scheme

September, 2024

Angela Rayner has dismissed speculation that she plans to abolish Thatcher’s Right to Buy policy but has pledged reform of the policy, which allows most council tenants to buy their council...

UK house prices hit two-year high: Halifax

September, 2024

Average UK house prices edged up further in August following a July rise of 0.9%, according to the latest data released by Halifax. UK house prices have increased by a further 0.3% in...

Revealed: The most affordable places to currently live in the UK

September, 2024

A new survey has revealed that 35% of UK households would consider moving out of the area they grew up in and into a more affordable area to get on the property ladder. Research from...

Uptick in mortgage approvals

September, 2024

July data just released by the Bank of England saw a pick-up in mortgage approvals to just shy of 62,000, the highest monthly rate since the Truss mini budget in September 2022. This July...

Rent and mortgage spending slumps to 17-month low

September, 2024

Rent and mortgage spending grew by just 1.1% in August, the lowest rate of growth recorded since March 2023, according to newly released data from Barclays. The latest Barclays Property...

Proportion of former rental homes for sale reaches record levels

September, 2024

More landlords are choosing to sell up according to the latest stats released by Rightmove, potentially driven by a predicted Capital Gains Tax hike in next month's Autumn Statement. ...

Property transaction times up 23% in last 10 years

September, 2024

There has been a significant increase in property transaction times over the past decade, new figures from Twenty EA shows. According to the data, in 2014 the average property turnaround time...

More Americans buying London property

September, 2024

Some 40% of properties valued above $15 million went to American buyers last year, research by UK Sotheby’s International Realty has revealed. US buyers range from tech...

UK homeowner equity swells to record levels

September, 2024

Over-55s currently hold an average of £321,213 worth of equity in their homes Recovering house prices in the first half of 2024 have boosted the total value of the nation’s...

Buyer demand and agreed sales increase but price expectation gap remains

September, 2024

There was a rise in the number of prospective homebuyers registering with estate agents in July, while the volume of agreed property sales was also up, Propertymark’s Housing Insight report...

UK property investors braced for rising costs and new EPC rules

September, 2024

Property investors in the UK are facing increasing pressure as new energy efficiency regulations, combined with the rising costs of inflation and energy, pose significant financial...

Renting to students: all you need to know

September, 2024

Students are a popular demographic among landlords for numerous reasons; from high demand to longer rental periods, letting to students is a great way to secure your investment and attain high...

Decorating hacks for tenants

September, 2024

If you are ready to make your new rented property feel like home, but feel you lack freedom when it comes to styling your space, check out our top tips to update your home without compromising...

Annual rental growth sits at 7% in August

September, 2024

The cost of renting surged by 7% year-on-year in August, bringing the average to £1,438 across the whole of England, Goodlord research shows. This is despite rents dropping by 2%...

Revealed: Britain's first-time buyer hotspots

September, 2024

Newly released research from Halifax has revealed where Britain's most popular locations for first-time buyers outside of London are. New research, based on data from the Halifax...

What should the new government do to support first-time buyers?

September, 2024

Peter Hawley, director of SOWN looks at the urgent need for more support for first-time buyers and how the government should address this. During the recent general election campaign,...

Pressure on renters starts to ease as rents fall

September, 2024

Rents have been rising faster than earnings for three years but there are clear signs that the recent boom in rents for new lets is coming to an end. Welcome news for under pressure renters...

Property industry reacts to latest UK house price data

September, 2024

Property professionals have welcomed the latest UK house price data – a key indication that the outlook for the housing market appears to be improving. The average price of a home...

Housing transactions stay steady in July: HMRC

September, 2024

The number of housing transactions made in July this year dipped marginally by 1% to 90,630 this July according to the latest figures from HMRC. Despite this slight decrease, this...

“People more interested in packing suitcases than boxes”, as house prices fall in August

September, 2024

House prices fell by 0.2% in August – while they’re still 3% below the all-time peak of the summer of 2022, Nationwide’s house price index has revealed. The average...

The home renovation choices that will lower your property's value

August, 2024

J3 Advisory's Jack Bristow explores the renovations and home adjustments that can lower the value of your home and its market desirability. Removing the bath “Many property...

When is the most popular day to move house this year?

August, 2024

According to analysis by HomeOwners Alliance & reallymoving, more than 20k house moves will occur on the 30th August – this is four times the daily average. Over the last...

Simple hacks to enlarge your living space

August, 2024

Often, it can feel like we have to compromise on space to find a home in the most desirable locations. Here are our top tips to make the most of your space: Keep your home tidy This may seem...

Government launches taskforce to accelerate housebuilding

August, 2024

The government is hoping that hundreds of thousands of new homes stuck in the planning system or partially built will be accelerated to completion as part of its bid to address the housing crisis...

Paragon reveals more buy-to-let properties are bought in partnership than by solo landlords

August, 2024

According to Paragon’s ‘The Next Generation Landlord’ Report, nearly three quarters of buy-to-let (BTL) properties purchased in 2023 were made by a landlord aged 49 or...

Government’s 2030 EPC C target deemed “impossible”

August, 2024

The government’s aim of achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C across all rental stock is unattainable, 95% of people say. That’s according to a poll...

London parks push up house prices by over 50%

August, 2024

Homes located near some of London’s most cherished parks are commanding substantial price premiums, new research from Foxtons shows. On average, properties adjacent to London’s...

Top UK locations for late summer getaways

August, 2024

There are so many amazing countries to visit around the world, and the United Kingdom is one of them. As it gets closer to the end of summer in the UK, it creates the best time to travel and...

Top 10 locations for first-time buyers in the UK revealed

August, 2024

Barratt House’s latest survey of 500 first-time buyers aged 21-34 explores what factors influence the decision to buy in a specific location, such as property prices, local transport,...

Falling mortgage rates slow exodus of first-time buyers leaving London

August, 2024

While first-time buyers stay closer to the capital, upsizers move further away. In the first half of 2024, Londoners purchased 33,130 homes outside the capital, slightly below the...

Sharp rise in rental homes being sold as landlords flee buy-to-let sector

August, 2024

Landlords continue to flee the private rented sector with many actively looking to cut the size of their buy-to-let portfolios, leaving thousands of renters looking for somewhere new to live....

Second homes

August, 2024

Households in England own 4.3 million second homes, according to the 2022/23 English Housing Survey, up from 3.3 million a year earlier. Second properties can be owned or rented. The...

Not a numbers game: keeping landlords in the market

August, 2024

Is a fair and thriving rental market simply a matter of housebuilding numbers? Or could boosting landlord confidence play a part too? Data from the Office of National Statistics...

Renters more likely than homeowners to adjust energy use habits – Rightmove

August, 2024

The increasing price of energy in recent years means that renters and homeowners are likely having to closely consider their total monthly outgoings when choosing their next home, according to...

Buying a home 'more stressful' than selling, homeowners say

August, 2024

Property advisor platform First in the Door has revealed research, commissioned with YouGov, exploring UK buyers' attitudes to the ups and downs of buying a home in the UK. The results...

UK house prices ‘on track’ to rise this year

August, 2024

UK house prices remain on track to edge higher this year, according to Knight Frank, as a mortgage pricing war and expectations of another Bank of England interest rate cut in the final quarter of...

JONATHAN ROLANDE: Why building more homes isn’t enough to fix our broken property market

August, 2024

EVER since Rishi Sunak stood in the rain and effectively announced he’d soon be moving house, Labour have been saying the same thing about its approach to the property crisis. ...

Even the Bank of Mum and Dad has a gender pay gap - research

August, 2024

Almost two-thirds of first-time buyers have got on the property ladder using help from the Bank of Mum and Dad but there appears to be a gender bias. Zoopla has researched the extent of family...

From deskside to beachside: how remote work change prompts a reimagining of land values

August, 2024

The value of a real estate asset is closely associated with the economic value created by the activities that are done there. These activities, like the buildings that house them, are often...

Seven reasons buy-to-let investments can fail – and how to avoid them

August, 2024

Emma Wells is managing director of lettings in the North at Leaders Romans Group The financial success of your buy-to-let depends on the investment making a profit, and both the property...

Five postcodes that offer huge yields for under £100k investment

August, 2024

Where can landlords get the best yields for a smaller investment? Inventory Base has undertaken research revealing the five UK postcodes where buy-to-let investors can get the best yield with...

UK rental growth slows to 33-month low – Zoopla

August, 2024

Rental growth has slowed to its lowest level for 33 months, the latest market analysis from Zoopla has revealed. Demand for rental homes has fallen by 39% over the past year with the rental...

Mortgage rates fall

August, 2024

Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since March 2024. Average two- and five-year fixed rate deals fell monthly by 0.18% and 0.15% respectively, ending five consecutive months of rises....

Buyers opt for better transport links over roomier homes

August, 2024

New research from Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has shown that, in a post-pandemic market, homebuyers are increasingly looking for better transport links - while the square footage of homes...

Moving in the UK is slower than other major nations

August, 2024

The UK has the slowest home moving timeline among 12 global nations, research from Moverly has revealed. It takes an average of 179 days to go from listing to completion in the UK, compared...

No region in England achieving property asking prices

August, 2024

The average percentage of asking price achieved in a home sale in England stands at 97%. No postcode area in England currently achieves property sales above asking price, with the...

Chancellor should help landlords meet EPC targets says lender

August, 2024

A mortgage lender wants Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use her October Budget to offer support to beleaguered landlords - especially over energy efficiency improvements. Skipton Group -...

Big rise in mortgage options for holiday let landlords

August, 2024

The choice of holiday let deals is on the rise. According to analysis by Moneyfactscompare the mortgage choices for borrowers looking at holiday lets have increased to 445 options, up...

Why does the UK have the slowest property transactions?

August, 2024

Moverly has analysed the average time it takes to sell a home in 12 countries, countries that UK citizens often choose to emigrate to - with the figures showing the UK is 70% slower than the...

The top 10 locations best meeting the needs of first-time buyers

August, 2024

First-time buyers shared their top priorities, including property prices, local transport routes, school Ofsted ratings and annual salary growth. Buying your first new home is a big...

Downsizers freeing up 'over 340k bedrooms' a year

August, 2024

Data from Quickmove Properties has shown that people moving to smaller homes is adding 343,000 bedrooms back onto the UK housing market per year. Quickmove Properties has estimated how...

Homebuyers reveal top red flags when viewing a property

August, 2024

Mould and damp are the biggest property red flags, according to 49% of Brits. To understand what the biggest property red flags are, Gaffsy surveyed 2,001 Brits to reveal what would put...

August ‘could prove pivotal’ in property market turnaround

August, 2024

August 2024 could go down as a pivotal month for the property market, according to Knight Frank. Reacting to the latest Rightmove house price index, which has reported an upturn in market...

Interest rate cut spurred further upturn in market activity – Rightmove

August, 2024

The first Bank of England rate cut for four years at the start of the month has helped to accelerate mortgage rate drops and contributed significantly to improved buyer demand, according to...

Make your student let stand out

August, 2024

When student towns and cities are a hive of hustle and bustle with plenty of students finding their homes for the term ahead, how do you make your property standout? Here are some tips to guide...

Sustained high rent rises trigger warnings to government

August, 2024

Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024 according to official government figures, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024. Average rents increased to...

The time it takes to find a buyer rises but completion times reduce

August, 2024

Despite strong demand, it is now taking longer to get a sale agreed throughout every UK region compared to this time last year. The number of days to find a buyer has increased across...

Slowly but surely: The housing market is turning a corner

August, 2024

Yann Murciano, CEO at BLEND looks at how, despite the currently slow pace of the housing market, momentum is continuing to build following last month's cut in the base rate. Summer...

When is it best to buy - when prices are rising or falling?

August, 2024

Kevin Shaw, National Sales Managing Director at Leaders Romans Group explores when the 'ideal' time to buy a home is depending on your circumstances. As a general principle, the best...

UK house prices hold steady as rents remain at near-record levels

August, 2024

House prices in the UK recorded an annual increase of 2.7% in June 2024, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). On a monthly basis, prices edged...

Gloucester the fastest moving rental market, while Middlesborough lags

August, 2024

Prospective tenants in Gloucester have to move the quickest as the average property was let within 14 days of being advertised last month, according to research. The analysis also shows the...

Yorkshire found to dominate Britain’s current property investment hotspots

August, 2024

Three Yorkshire cities have provided the best property investment returns in the years since interest rates started to rise in December 2021. In December 2021, the Bank of England tried...

The path to growth

August, 2024

The government has committed to economic growth as its top political priority and it has placed housing delivery at the heart of its growth strategy. Economic growth is hard to achieve...

Areas where homes sell fastest – and slowest – revealed

August, 2024

The latest research from OnTheMarket has revealed the country’s fastest and slowest paced markets, naming buyers and sellers in Plymouth the quickest movers, with the waterfront city...

The five-figure repairs to strike fear into the heart of landlords

August, 2024

Landlords face carrying out repair and maintenance work an average of 72 times throughout ownership of a buy-to-let property, according to new research, with the cost sometimes exceeding...

Transform your home for entertaining this summer

August, 2024

Summer is the most socially invigorating season; pub gardens open up for business, the kids are off school and the weather is primed for barbeques. Whether you’re prepping for fire-pit...

Boost for buyers as mortgage rate cuts continue – how long will it last?

August, 2024

NatWest and Santander are the latest mortgage lenders to unveil rate cuts. The lenders have revealed lower mortgage pricing from this morning following a trend of reductions since the Bank of...

Rental yields hit 10-year high as landlords brace for market shifts

August, 2024

Average rental yields have reached a 10-year high of 6.3%, and 82% of landlords describe tenant demand as strong, according to the Q2 2024 Landlord Trends report, conducted by Pegasus Insight on...

Transform your garden for outdoor entertaining

August, 2024

Now that the sun has finally appeared, it's the perfect time to ramp up your outdoor space for entertaining. From creating a homely living space outside to producing the perfect al fresco...

Buyers ignore most important features when viewing homes

August, 2024

A new analysis of buyers’ actions during viewings suggests many effectively ignore the truly important features, and are instead distracted by items which are not even part of the property....

Landlords will struggle to meet 2030 EPC targets, research finds

August, 2024

At the current pace of energy efficiency improvements, it will take landlords another 18 years to bring all privately rented homes in England and Wales up to an Energy Performance Certificate...

Rental value growth falls in prime London as Labour plan reforms

August, 2024

Just as the prospect of tax rises in the Budget is causing uncertainty in the prime London sales market, Labour’s revival of the Renters Reform Bill is doing the same thing in the lettings...

Finding a rental property this summer

August, 2024

With so many properties on the market and many online listings available to rent, it’s super easy to find the perfect property once you have identified your needs and desires in a home....

Rental market continues to move at pace through summer

August, 2024

Nicky Stevenson, Managing Director of Fine & Country, looks at what has been happening recently in today's highly competitive rental market. While the pace of rental growth has...

Landlords worried about new government’s effect on the rental market

August, 2024

Four in five (79%) landlords don’t think the new government’s housing policies will improve the rental market, a poll from SpareRoom has revealed. As of July 2024, only 19%...

Positive survey points to momentum building in market – analyst

August, 2024

The latest RICS survey shows momentum is building across the housing market, according to one analyst, as the findings were well-received across the property and financial industries....

Rental yields soar to 10-year high

August, 2024

Rental yields reported by landlords have reached their highest level since 2014, according to the latest PRS Trends Report from Paragon. Landlords generated average rental yields of...

RICS: Further rent rises in store

August, 2024

Rents will continue rising thanks to increased demand combined with dwindling interest from landlords, the RICS UK Residential Survey has found. An +18% net balance of surveyors saw tenant...

Halifax: UK house prices rise by 0.8% in July – reaction

August, 2024

UK house prices rose by 0.8% in July, and ongoing reductions in mortgage rates are likely to support continued growth throughout the rest of the year, according to Halifax. The average house...

Summer rentals: How to make your rental property stand out

August, 2024

As a landlord, you will be pleased that the lettings market is performing well, however, there is always room for improvement. One way of optimising your investment and making it both more...

Summer interior design trends

August, 2024

With lighter evenings and calmer days in full swing, the time has come to step away from moody tones and heavy fabrics and welcome new summer interior trends. Inspire yourself with these fresh...

20,000 home moves expected on the UK's most popular moving day

August, 2024

Four times more households than average are expected to move on the busiest day for removal companies this year. Analysis of more than 650,000 removal quotes found August has been the...

UK house prices up by 0.8% in July: Halifax

August, 2024

The price of a typical home in the UK edged up by +0.8% in July, following three months of little movement, according to the latest data from Halifax. The latest Halifax House Price...

A class act

August, 2024

The government announced plans to impose VAT on private school fees to fund improvements in public education. The current exemption from value-added tax (VAT) will be removed to fund 6,500...

Rental properties must reach an EPC of C by 2030

August, 2024

Landlords must bring their properties up to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate bank of C by 2030, Labour has confirmed. Miatta Fahnbulleh, energy security and net zero minister,...

UK housing market optimism boosted by interest rate cut

August, 2024

The recent interest rate cut by the Bank of England has set the stage for renewed optimism in the UK housing market. After years of economic uncertainty, the Bank’s decision to...

Zoopla reveals fastest-selling property type in England and Wales

August, 2024

Two-bedroom terraced homes emerged as the fastest-selling property type in England and Wales between April and June 2024, according to Zoopla data, with an average time to agree a sale of just 27...

England’s top city for residential investment revealed

August, 2024

Manchester has been named as the highest-ranking city in England for residential investment, according to Colliers’ latest edition of its UK’s Top UK Residential Investment Cities...

Market expects more home moves

August, 2024

One third of homeowners plan to move house over the next 12 months due to rising confidence in the UK property market, research from self storage provider Ready Steady Store has revealed. ...

Election has sparked move interest among homeowners

August, 2024

An Opinium poll of 2,000 UK home owners has found that 16% are more likely to consider moving house following the general election. London emerged as the region where sentiment was...

Over a third of all London homes currently for sale have reduced their asking prices

August, 2024

Kensington and Chelsea is the London borough home to the highest proportion of homes currently for sale that have reduced prices. The latest market insight from London lettings and...

Prices up but Propertymark also charts fall in other key metrics

August, 2024

The average UK house price increased by £3,453 to £285,201 in May 2024, according to the latest housing insight report from Propertymark. The report, based on responses to a...

Bank of England cuts base rate: the property industry reacts

August, 2024

Following the news that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee have voted to lower the base rate by 0.25% - marking the first reduction in rate since the start of the...

Bank of England rate cut hailed as ‘new chapter for housing market’

August, 2024

The Bank of England has reduced interest rates for the first time since the onset of the Covid pandemic, a move hailed by one financial expert “starting a new chapter for the housing...

Interest rate cut: agents prepare for busy Autumn

August, 2024

Estate agents are braced for a busy Autumn selling season after the first interest rate cut since March 2020. The Bank of England reduced the base rate from 5.25% to 5%, which estate agents...

Nationwide: house prices rise at fastest rate in 18 months

August, 2024

UK house prices have increased at the fastest rate in 18 months, although high mortgage rates still pose challenges for many prospective buyers, according to Nationwide. The building...

Bank’s interest rate cut in narrow vote

August, 2024

The Bank of England decided to cut the base interest rate today by 0.25% from 5.25% to 5%. The Bank of England chose to cut the base interest rate today 0.25% from its...

Marginal decrease in residential transactions, HMRC figures reveal

August, 2024

HMRC figures for seasonally adjusted residential transactions in June 2024 showed a marginal month-on-month decrease for the first time since December 2023, falling by less than 1% from 91,880 in...

House price growth accelerates to 18-month high: Nationwide

August, 2024

Despite the growth, prices are still around 2.8% below the record highs recorded in the summer of 2022. UK house prices increased by 0.3% month on month in July, resulting in a pickup...

Sandbanks revealed as Britain's most expensive coastal area: Rightmove

August, 2024

Average asking prices of over £1.5m have propelled the much sought-after coastal location beyond the reach of most house hunters. New analysis from Rightmove shows that Sandbanks...

How to prepare your home for viewings this summer

August, 2024

Summer lends itself perfectly to property viewings and to preparing your home. Here’s how to make your property as appealing as you can to set the scene for potential buyers and create those...

Rate of housebuilding must accelerate

July, 2024

The government has made clear its commitment to getting new homes built to address the housing crisis and surveys show that growing numbers of people are on-side with the idea of new...

Labour ups housebuilding target to 370,000

July, 2024

The Labour Party has increased the annual housebuilding target from its manifesto pledge of 300,000 to 370,000. This would bring the number of homes delivered to 1.85 million in five...

Rental prices surge past £1,400 barrier for first time

July, 2024

Rental market records are continuing to break with average costs surging upward during July, according to new Goodlord data. The average cost of a property in England is now...

Home mover numbers up by 10% in H1

July, 2024

During the first six months of the year, the number of home moves recorded saw a rise of 10% with Greater London seeing the largest increase, according to new data released by Lloyds. ...

Flats found to be the best buy-to-let investment in the current market

July, 2024

Falling prices and strong rental growth have seen flats rise to the top of the table when it comes to the best returns on offer to buy-to-let investors. The latest market analysis by...

First-time buyers moving to places they’ve never been

July, 2024

Two thirds (67%) of recent first-time buyers bought a home in a neighbourhood they have never been before, suggesting buyers are making more compromises to get on the ladder. Five years...

Why summer is a good time to sell your home

July, 2024

Selling property in the summer season will always remain a smart move, as the warm season offers several advantages that can help you secure a great sale. When selling your home, timing...

Agent survey suggests lack of post-election market bounce

July, 2024

A post-election boost in the housing market has yet to materialise following Labour’s landslide victory, according to the latest property market insight from GetAgent. The...

UK house prices expected to see 2% growth by the end of the year: Zoopla

July, 2024

Zoopla's latest data reveals that housing supply is up by 16% with buyers continuing to pay close to asking prices. The housing market is continuing to adjust to 4%+ mortgages with...

43% of landlords believe Labour will be “good for landlords”

July, 2024

Finbri’s 2024 Landlord Report found that 43% of UK landlords were optimistic that Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election will benefit them. However, the report also found that...

Government urged to maintain first-time buyer Stamp Duty relief

July, 2024

The Government is being urged to keep the first-time buyer Stamp Duty relief threshold at its current level. Labour signalled before it won the General Election that it would lower the...

Breaking the grass ceiling: The importance of access to outdoor space and nature

July, 2024

New research reveals a third of families have no outdoor play areas or nature spaces within safe walking distance of where they live. Over 5 million parents in the UK say their children...

All you need to know about renting your home as a holiday let

July, 2024

Renting out a home as a holiday let is a great way to boost your income. Before you choose to take this leap, it is critical that you understand the relevant rules and regulations. Discover the...

Fall-throughs at lowest levels since Q3 2021

July, 2024

Despite lower fall-through levels being good news for those keen to move, the reasons behind the failed sales suggest caution prevails in the market. The percentage of property sales...

Renters reveal top ‘deal-breakers’ when looking for rental property

July, 2024

Barclays Property Insights data shows that the cost of rent and mortgages stabilised considerably in June, increasing by just 1.5% year-on-year – the slowest rate of growth since March 2023....

Demand for prime property in London climbs during Q2

July, 2024

The increase in demand reverses the downward trend seen so far this year The latest Prime London Demand Index by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that...

Housing Secretary drops “levelling up gimmick”

July, 2024

The Government has dropped the previous Tory Party’s levelling up slogan. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner confirmed the move yesterday, revealing a new name for...

Interest rates should be held again in August, says rate-setter

July, 2024

Interest rates should be held again when the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) next meet in August rather than be cut for the first time in more than four years, a key...

Index shows growth but house price below last year’s level

July, 2024

The latest e.surv index shows that house prices in England and Wales are, on average, still some 1.6% below the level of this time last year. It says the average house price now at...

Oxford the most expensive place to rent alone

July, 2024

Solo renters in Oxford have to fork out £1,050 for a one-bedroom home, ranking it as the most expensive area to rent in the UK outside of London, analysis from Hiatt Hardware shows. ...

Buyers 'keen to go green' for better mortgage rates

July, 2024

One in five prospective homebuyers intend on making their home more energy efficient in the hope of a more favourable mortgage deal 22% of prospective homebuyers plan to make their...

Chancellor puts housing at the heart of a new era for economic growth

July, 2024

The new chancellor yesterday vowed to take immediate action to fix the foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off. In her first speech as...

Rental demand edges up during Q2

July, 2024

Despite the increase, demand is still off the pace set last year. The latest research by Zero Deposit has revealed that tenant demand for rental homes climbed by +1.5% between Q1 and Q2...

The race to rent

July, 2024

With peak rental season underway, homes to rent continue to be in high demand and are renting quickly. The median time on the market from listing to finding a renter is just 12 days meaning...

Labour Government needs 'less chopping and changing' on housing

July, 2024

Property professionals have called for cross-party support and stability when it comes to housing policy under the new Labour Government after the new Cabinet and ministerial team was confirmed....

The fate of Section 21 – the industry responds to Labour government’s impact on landlords

July, 2024

With the 2024 General Election now decided and Keir Starmer’s Labour party announced as the next British government, all eyes in the property industry are on what’s next for the...

New housing minister named

July, 2024

Matthew Pennycook has been appointed Labour’s housing minister, after prime minister Keir Starmer finalised his cabinet over the weekend, making a series of government appointments soon...

Angela Rayner named Secretary of State responsible for housing

July, 2024

Angela Rayner has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Rayner, who took over the shadow Housing Secretary role last autumn shadowing Michael...

Property industry reacts to new UK house price data

July, 2024

UK house prices remained flat in June, with the average price of a residential property dipping by 0.2% on a monthly basis, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. The annual rate of...

UK house prices remain stable in June: Halifax HPI

July, 2024

The steepest rate of house price inflation was found in the North West. Average UK house prices held steady in June, down by just -0.2% on a monthly basis, with the typical UK home now...

Labour landslide – industry reaction

July, 2024

Labour has won a landslide victory in the general election after winning more than 400 seats – significantly more than the 326 seats required to form a majority. Sir Kier Starmer said the...

Transform your bathroom on a budget

July, 2024

Are you looking to transform your bathroom? Here are some inspirational tips to give your bathroom a makeover without breaking the bank: Consider recaulking and repainting instead of...

Demand for homes sees 'significant' climb during Q2

July, 2024

Northumberland has seen the biggest rise in homebuyer demand over the last quarter New market analysis by GetAgent has revealed that buyer demand levels climbed significantly between...

Buyers keen on improving the energy efficiency of their properties

July, 2024

Four in five (81%) prospective buyers plan to make green energy upgrades to their properties, research from Mortgage Advice Bureau has revealed. The main reason (58%) is wanting to...

Rental yields up across all regions of England and Wales

July, 2024

All regions in England and Wales have shown an increase in yearly rental yields, according to the latest Fleet Mortgages’ rental barometer. The latest iteration of its Buy-to-Let Rental...

Anyone for tennis?

July, 2024

As the 137th Wimbledon Championship gets underway, those inspired to recreate their favourite match moments at home will find a choice of 1,050 homes currently available to buy across the...

Where are London's most tempting neighbourhoods?

July, 2024

Some areas of the capital are particularly effective at luring buyers away from their original destination of choice. Foxtons analysed internal data looking at the number of homes sold...

England’s most active housing markets

July, 2024

Four of the five most active local authorities are found within London. New analysis from Yopa looked at the total number of completed residential transactions over the last five years...

Rents hit record high as analysis shows 120,000 rental homes needed

July, 2024

The latest snapshot of the rental market from the UK’s biggest property website Rightmove, reveals that average advertised rents for tenants outside of London have reached a new record of...

General Election: UK voters shifting from Tories to Labour on housing

July, 2024

The Conservatives are set to lose nearly half of homeowner votes on Thursday, latest polling from national estate agency Jackson-Stops reveals. In 2019’s General Election,...

How to spot an overpriced property

July, 2024

You may have found an ideal property, and you can feel yourself falling for it but there is a niggling question at the back of your mind, and you ask yourself - Is this property priced...

Huge numbers of empty homes discovered as rental supply falls

July, 2024

An insurance firm’s analysis of official figures show there are now no fewer than 760,821 vacant properties in England, Scotland and Wales. Rank Area...

June sees average rents climb by 4%

July, 2024

Rents have grown by 6.7% % in the year to June as the summer surge begins. Rents continued their upward trajectory in June according to the latest figures from Goodlord. The average...

How will the UK general election impact the property and financial markets?

July, 2024

With the UK general election approaching on Thursday 4th July 2024, we look to a panel of industry experts to determine what the impact could be on the property and financial markets: Property...

UK house prices edge higher in June – Property industry reaction to Nationwide HPI

July, 2024

The Nationwide House Price Index for June (and Q2 regional) has just been released. It shows that UK house prices edged up 1.5% in June compared with a year ago, after taking account of...

House hunters happy to pay substantial premium for 'smart homes'

July, 2024

New research from Samsung found that 79% of people who are either looking to rent or buy new homes in the next five years want a smart home. Samsung has released the latest data...

House price growth edges up in June: Nationwide

July, 2024

UK house prices are up by 1.5% in June compared with a year ago. The latest housing market analysis from Nationwide has revealed broadly stable conditions ahead of a widely expected...

Coastal house price growth outpacing wider national areas

June, 2024

Coastal hotspots have seen annual house price growth of 4.2% in the past 12 months, bucking the wider national trend that has seen British property values stagnate. New research from...

7 reasons why your property isn’t selling

June, 2024

Open Property Group highlights the seven most common reasons that could explain why a home isn’t selling and how these issues can best be addressed. There are numerous reasons why...

Property industry reacts to Zoopla House Price Index

June, 2024

Zoopla estimates that UK house prices are ‘overvalued’ by 8%, but are set to return to fair value by the end of 2024 – with house prices also likely to edge up by 1.5% by this...

UK house prices ‘8% over-valued’, says Zoopla

June, 2024

UK house prices are currently 8% over-valued – but this phenomenon should be over by the end of 2024, Zoopla said in its house price index. This is because rising incomes and...

FTB activity surges to 20-year high in London

June, 2024

The capital’s first-time buyers accounted for over a fifth of the total FTB market activity seen throughout the year. The latest research from London lettings and estate agents,...

Boost for buyers as mortgage lenders start cutting rates again

June, 2024

Major lenders have started cutting their mortgage pricing in anticipation of an interest rate cut in the coming months. The Bank of England may have held the base rate last week but with...

Sharp rise in the number of new homes listed for sale

June, 2024

There has been a significant increase in new housing stock as sellers look to get ahead of post-election market rush, new research shows. Fresh market insight from up-front information...

Who, How and Why of HMO investors

June, 2024

Around half of HMO (house in multiple occupation) landlords surveyed said that they use their property or portfolio as their sole source of income. Despite the challenges of managing HMOs,...

Renters ‘may be put off buying by over-strict mortgage regulation’

June, 2024

Mortgage industry research on affordability estimates that the cumulative shortfall in first-time buyer numbers since the financial crisis reached 3.1m by the end of 2023. Despite strong...

Majority of UK homes need green upgrades: Rightmove

June, 2024

At least 18 million homes have an EPC rating of a D or below and need to be improved, according to new analysis from Rightmove. New research from Rightmove has highlighted the urgent...

What are the biggest noise pollution put offs when house hunting?

June, 2024

A new survey has revealed that as many as 80%of house hunters are searching for a home that allows them to sit outside without being disturbed by any external noise The survey of recent...

How do interest rates affect the property market?

June, 2024

Why is the interest rate so important for the property market and homeowners? The fact is that there are only a handful of people who can purchase a property with cash. Most homeowners and...

Homebuyers frustrated at frequency of mortgage rate fluctuations

June, 2024

Buyers and sellers had to process a series of different numbers starting with five last week. The crucial number was 5.7%. That was the annual rise in services inflation reported last...

Soaring rents help make London eighth most expensive global city

June, 2024

Surging rents, inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis has seen London move up the rankings as one of the most expensive cities to live and work, new research shows. London is now...

Top tips to speed up the sale of your property

June, 2024

Digital property pack provider, Moverly, shares their top tips for selling and moving home quickly. After a relatively quiet spring, the UK housing market is poised for a summer of...

Rightmove: 'New government must support buyers as mortgage payments soar'

June, 2024

The average first-time buyer mortgage payment has risen by 61% since the previous election year of 2019, research suggests. Analysis by Rightmove shows that over the past five years, the...

Holiday Cottage Investment still paying off - new figures

June, 2024

Northumberland is fast becoming a very profitable hotspot in the UK to own a holiday let, according to a new report from Sykes Holiday Cottages. With more than five locations in the region...

Interest rates held again: estate agents react

June, 2024

Interest rates were held for the sixth consecutive Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting yesterday, as agents expressed hope of a cut in the coming months. It comes as inflation hit the Bank...

Overwhelming majority of UK home sellers want improvements made to the selling process

June, 2024

A huge majority also believes that the government is putting too much focus on cost-saving housing initiatives. Home Sale Pack has surveyed 1,039 UK home sellers to gauge their opinion...

Prepare your home for summer

June, 2024

Summer; the season of sunshine. Your home becomes a sanctuary of relaxation and enjoyment in the warmer weather. Here are some of our top tips on how to help prepare you and your home for the...

UK house prices increase as recovery gathers pace – industry reactions

June, 2024

UK house prices increased for their second consecutive month in April, latest official figures show, as the housing market continues to show signs of recovery as the economy improves. The...

Spring bounce? Average house price rises for second consecutive month

June, 2024

Average UK house prices rose for a second month in a row during April, Land Registry data shows. The latest Land Registry House Price Index puts the provisional estimate for annual...

Summer solstice

June, 2024

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated around the world. This year, in the northern hemisphere, it will fall on the 20th June at 21: 51 BST. The longest day...

Give your apartment a summer makeover

June, 2024

Summer always makes you feel more alive. Early mornings and brighter, longer days add to the beauty of your surroundings. Go a step further by dialling your home into the summer season. Little...

Inflation set to hit 2% target - will interest rates be cut?

June, 2024

The latest inflation figures this morning are expected to show that the cost of living measure has slowed to the Bank of England’s 2% target. This may give estate agents a boost as it...

Agents join call for Radical Reform of "inaccurate" EPCs

June, 2024

Letting agents’ trade body Propertymark has backed a call by consumer group Which? for radical reforms to Energy Performance Certificates. Yesterday we reported that Which? slammed...

Property listings surge by 36% in London's lettings market: Foxtons

June, 2024

Applicant demand in May saw a month-on-month increase of 20% compared to April. An increase in property listings is helping to create a more normalised market which is a welcome relief...

LonRes: Half of prime properties sold this year had price reduction

June, 2024

Almost half of properties sold in prime central London (PCL) this year had a price reduction, research suggests. The latest data from LonRes for May suggested the PCL market is currently...

Making hay while the sun shines: Agents are taking advantage of longer days to complete deals

June, 2024

A large proportion of estate agents are managing to get more deals over the line thanks to longer daylight hours. A survey of the nation’s estate agents, commissioned by GetAgent,...

Get on your bike with Agents Giving this October

June, 2024

The industry charity is aiming to raise £10,000 for The Trussell Trust with this year's Great British Property Cycle. The Great British Property Cycle is back in October this year...

It’s about more than manifestos – interest rates hold the key to housing

June, 2024

The manifestos are out from the major political parties. As it’s Euro’s season, a quick word search shows a ‘score draw’ on the number of times key housing terms like...

Renting remains more cost-effective than buying with a 5% deposit: Hamptons

June, 2024

New analysis from Hamptons shows that low-deposit mortgage guarantee schemes are struggling to help renters become homeowners when interest rates are high. Would-be buyers with...

UK housing market returns to its pre-pandemic size

June, 2024

The UK housing market returned to its pre-pandemic size in the year to March 2024, fresh analysis from Savills shows. Overall, the total value of the UK housing market contracted by 21% in the...

Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index

June, 2024

Asking prices for homes coming to the market were flat this month, as the housing market continued to cool, the latest data from Rightmove shows. The property portal said the average asking...

House prices hold steady as market maintains momentum: Rightmove

June, 2024

House prices in June are sticking to predictable seasonal trends and have remained largely flat over the month. The latest market analysis from Rightmove has revealed that the price of...

Danger - Housing Market at risk of Chronic Over-Supply Until Rates Fall

June, 2024

There’s a growing supply-demand imbalance in the sales market according to the prominent industry asking price index, Home. It says despite greater market optimism, spurred by...

Demand for sustainable rental properties soars

June, 2024

92% of property investors have received requests from tenants for some form of sustainable feature in the past 12 months, according to new insight from Handelsbanken. Data from...

Mortgage delays and property chains blamed for most gazumping cases

June, 2024

Homebuyers are being gazumped due to lengthy property chains and delays in getting a mortgage, new research from Market Financial Solutions has revealed, with many experiencing financial losses...

Rural property hotspots continue to outpace cities for house price growth

June, 2024

There is a clear split between England’s rural and urban areas when it comes to the price performance over the past 12 months, with the countryside very much outperforming the city. ...

Housing market confidence ‘beginning to dip’ in lead-up to election

June, 2024

Confidence in the UK’s housing market is beginning to ebb despite a markedly improving outlook over the last few months, the latest residential market survey from the Royal Institution of...

The Guild London Summer Market Report

June, 2024

Momentum is building The property market continues its steady recovery. As momentum builds, buyer demand,transaction levels and prices are rising. All eyes are on the Bank of England...

New tenancies in summer

June, 2024

As many start to think about the end of term and summer holidays, letting agents are gearing up for a busy few months. Around a third of all new tenancies for the year will start in the next 3...

Market activity holding steady ahead of General Election

June, 2024

The General Election is unlikely to reverse the market momentum that has been building in recent months. On 22nd May, Rishi Sunak announced that there would be a general election on...

Your ultimate guide to renting in the city

June, 2024

The rental market can be difficult to understand, especially when you're looking to rent in the city. With many diverse cultures, architectural wonders, and beautiful bustling streets, a concrete...

Permanent £425k stamp duty threshold would mostly aid southerners

June, 2024

First-time buyers in the South of England who buy costlier properties would be the real winners if the minimum stamp duty threshold of £425,000 was made permanent, Zoopla analysis shows....

Sunak vows to maintain first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption

June, 2024

The Conservatives appear to have abandoned plans to reverse Stamp Duty thresholds for first-time buyers if the party returns to power after the General Election. The first-time buyer Stamp Duty...

House prices edge down – industry reactions

June, 2024

UK house prices edged down by 0.1% in May from April, Halifax said on Friday. In the 12 months to May, residential property prices rose by 1.5%, which is faster than the average forecast in the...

Labour to launch Help to Buy-style ‘Freedom to Buy’ scheme

June, 2024

The Labour Party plans to bring forward a permanent version of the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme – dubbed Freedom to Buy. The mortgage guarantee scheme is currently set...

Agents respond to Zoopla’s latest housing data

June, 2024

Agents have shared their thoughts on Zoopla’s latest Rental Price Index, revealing that overall, rents went up 6.6% in year to April – the lowest for two and a half years. Rents...

What’s the outlook for the rental market for the rest of 2024?

June, 2024

The rental market is on track for a slowdown in rental growth to 5% in 2024. This is being driven by changes in demand and affordability, rather than any expansion in supply which should be a key...

Average UK house prices remain stable in May: Halifax

June, 2024

UK house prices have paused in the lead-up to next month's General Election, down just -0.1% on a monthly basis. The latest data released by Halifax this morning has revealed that the...

Buyer demand and supply surges amid brightening economic outlook

June, 2024

Momentum continues to build across the property market, with the hope of an imminent interest rate cut helping to drive buyer demand. Nicky Stevenson, Managing Director of Fine &...

The lack of housing discussion in TV leaders’ debate ‘really disappointing’

June, 2024

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer went head to head in the first leadership debate of the general election campaign on Tuesday night, with an hour of trading blows on live TV. With the Conservatives...

Gearing up for world bicycle day

June, 2024

Cycling is good for our health and wellbeing and, because it is one of the most sustainable modes of transport, it's good for the planet too. That's why we mark World Bicycle Day every June, to...

Housing market sees ‘flurry of activity’ as home buyers and sellers return

June, 2024

There was a notable increase in prospective purchasers, sales instructions and agreed deals in in April as the housing market saw a “flurry of activity”, according to Propertymark....

The UK areas where house prices are falling the most

June, 2024

House prices have fallen across almost half of UK local authority districts in the past year, according to Open Property Group's latest data. Open Property Group's topline analysis of...

Will housing finally get a mention in first General Election debate?

June, 2024

Political parties have been pretty quiet on housing policy during the General Election campaign and industry groups are hopeful that tonight’s first TV election debate will put the issue on...

High EPC ratings push up house prices – but by how much?

June, 2024

Vendors could boost the value of their property by around £13,000 on average by improving its energy efficiency, research suggests. Research by financial website Morningstar has found...

More landlords planning to buy properties, survey shows

June, 2024

Landlord demand remains as strong as ever, as nearly half target buying more property in the next 12 months, Landbay’s landlord survey has revealed. Some 44% intend to buy, up...

Majority of estate agents are predicting a summer rate cut to boost buyer activity levels

June, 2024

85% of agents surveyed believe that higher mortgage rates are keeping market activity down The latest market insight by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has found that the...

How to know when it’s time to sell your home

June, 2024

Whenever you decide to sell your home, you need to make sure you and your property are ready. There is no ‘best time’ to sell a property; just whenever you feel it’s time to part...

Rents heat up ahead of the summer

June, 2024

Rents rose to seven-month high of £1,183 in May, rising by 6.4% year-on-year, Goodlord’s Rental Index has revealed. The average rent is up by 1.4% during May alone. William...

TPFG acquires Fine & Country and The Guild

June, 2024

Fine & Country and The Guild of Property Professionals have been revealed as the next acquisition for The Property Franchise Group (TPFG). A deal worth £15m was confirmed this morning...

The prime London markets driving second home market activity

June, 2024

Stamp Duty data covering 2022/23 revealed that almost half of all residential purchases across Westminster were for second homes. The latest research from London lettings and estate...

Opportunity knocks for record number of Guild Members at The ESTAS 2024

May, 2024

The Guild of Property Professionals has once again shown the strength of their network with 100 Members being crowned winners in the Best in Postcode Award 2024 , all going on to be...

House prices tend to rise after elections

May, 2024

House prices have risen by an average of 4.6% in the 12 months after UK General Elections, research by Compare My Move has revealed. On average, house prices rise by 1.1% more under a...

Property industry reacts to Nationwide House Price Index

May, 2024

UK house prices rebounded in May, nudging up by 0.4% on the month compared to a drop of -0.4% in April despite ongoing affordability pressures for buyers. Annual house price growth was more...

House price growth accelerates in May: Nationwide

May, 2024

Annual house price growth has shown a 'modest' rebound in May, rising to 1.3% from 0.6% in April, according to this morning's data release by Nationwide. The UK housing market continues...

The Guild launches new video series for agents on learning platform

May, 2024

The Guild of Property Professionals has announced the addition of a new series of videos for agents to its online learning platform. The learning platform serves as a central hub for Guild...

Buyers still prefer people rather than robots for mortgage advice

May, 2024

Mortgage borrowers still prefer the human touch when applying for a home loan despite the rising popularity of artificial intelligence, research suggests. A survey of homebuyers found 68% would...

Property industry reacts to Zoopla House Price Index

May, 2024

The north and south divide in annual house price growth continues with modest falls across Southern England, while the supply of homes for sale is up 20% year-on-year . This split in...

Available for sale stock climbs to highest levels in eight years: Zoopla

May, 2024

The current supply of homes for sale is 20% higher than this time last year, with £230bn worth of housing for sale - a £45bn rise on this time last year. The latest market...

Detached homes lead the way

May, 2024

House prices rose by 1.8% in the year to March. House prices grew by 1.8% in the year to March, back in positive territory for the first time since last August – and stronger than at any...

Buyers and sellers undeterred by general election

May, 2024

The vast majority of people planning to buy or sell a home soon are going forward with their plans despite the general election set to take place in just over a month, a survey found. Research...

General Election unlikely to stall property market recovery

May, 2024

Historical analysis has revealed that house prices climb by an average of 5.4% in post-election years. Since the 1980s, house prices have climbed by an average of 5.4% in the year that...

Property industry reacts after leasehold reforms become law

May, 2024

Homeowners will now receive more rights, power and protections over their homes under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, although plans to remove ground rent for existing leaseholders or cap...

'A muted win' – leasehold reform bill passes

May, 2024

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill was the final piece of legislation to pass before Parliament closed ahead of the General Election on July 4. It has been described as a “muted...

House prices in prime central London now expected to see a 1% decline this year: Knight Frank

May, 2024

Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, explains how increasing uncertainty ahead of the General Election has seen a reduction in the near-term forecast for prime central...

Revealed: The British cities with the busiest housing market activity

May, 2024

While the average estate agent across Britain is listing 15 properties for sale, this measure of current market activity ranges between 10 to 25 from one major city to the next. The...

Locations close to a Crossrail station continue to outperform their wider local markets

May, 2024

Crossrail is proving to be the silver bullet against an otherwise sluggish London market, according to new analysis. Benham and Reeves' latest research has shown that while the wider...

Tips to invest in a holiday home

May, 2024

Having a magical home hidden away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life is a great asset to own. Not only will you benefit from being able to relax and having a place to get away from...

Renters reforms to be shelved due to election

May, 2024

The government’s long-awaited Renters (Reform) Bill looks set to be shelved after Rishi Sunak called a surprise July general election on Wednesday. The prime minister would not guarantee...

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill could become law today

May, 2024

The proposed leasehold reforms, championed by the housing secretary Michael Gove, could still become law today. Legislation is currently being rushed through as Friday is the last day MPs will...

General Election date set – will the property market pause?

May, 2024

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday confirmed a date for the General Election. Voters will go the polls on 4 July, meaning the General Election campaign and installation of a new Government...

Industry reacts to latest ONS property price and rent data

May, 2024

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show average UK house prices increased 1.8% to £283,000 in the 12 months to March 2024. This was up from a...

House prices edge up by 0.7% in March: UK HPI

May, 2024

The average UK house price was £283,000 in March 2024 - £5,000 higher than 12 months ago, according to the latest UK HPI data. Average UK house price annual inflation stood...

General Election: Most letting agents ‘undecided’ as 4th July named by Sunak

May, 2024

New poll of both agents and landlords reveals a majority of the three million people involved in the sector have yet to pick a side. Letting agents and landlords are a clear target for...

Which areas of England boast the biggest gardens?

May, 2024

Over 90% of homes come with a garden in the East Midlands, the highest concentration of garden stock in England. New market insight from Home Sale Pack reveals which parts of England...

Most expensive coastal location named as prices drop

May, 2024

Home buyers face paying up to £1m for top coastal properties although prices have dropped since 2022, research suggests. Research by Lloyds Bank has found that Salcombe in Devon has...

Terraced homes found to be the 'most in demand' property type

May, 2024

Current market conditions have signalled an end to the 'race for space', according to Yopa. The latest research by Yopa reveals that terraced homes are currently the most in-demand...

Sales price snakes and ladders

May, 2024

The average asking price of homes being listed for sale on Rightmove has climbed by 0.8% in the last month, to a new high of £375,131. The top-of-the-ladder sector is driving price...

Experts put dampeners on interest rate cut as inflation falls less than expected

May, 2024

Headline inflation tumbled to 2.3% in the 12 months to April – the lowest level since July 2021– as the cost-of-living crisis begins to subside. The rate of inflation...

Bank of England on course for interest rate cut, suggests deputy governor

May, 2024

All eyes will be on the hotly anticipated inflation data tomorrow that will reveal how close the rate of rising prices is near to the Bank of England’s official target. Mortgage holders,...

First-time buyers take centre stage when it comes to moving home

May, 2024

The latest data from reallymoving shows first-time buyer activity is dominating the property market while downsizing is currently in decline. Mortgage rates may be creeping up again, but...

Top 20 new builds for sale

May, 2024

New builds, with their sleek modern finishes and eco-friendly features, are amongst the most coveted property types in the UK. If you’re looking for a brand-new home and a contemporary...

Property investors looking beyond the capital for the next opportunity

May, 2024

Almost two-thirds of property investors surveyed by Handelsbanken plan to grow their portfolio over the next twelve months with the majority setting their sights on the East of England. ...

Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index

May, 2024

The average asking price of property coming to the market has hit a near record-high this month, the latest figures from Rightmove show, but the market remains price-sensitive. The...

'Pent-up demand' sees asking prices driven to new record: Rightmove

May, 2024

The top-of-the-ladder sector is still leading price growth, with average prices up by 1.3% compared with last year. The average price of property coming to the market for sale has risen...

OnTheMarket: Buyer’s market has shifted to level playing field

May, 2024

A level playing field has emerged between buyers and sellers as purchasers have become less certain of their position, OnTheMarket (OTM) claims. The portal’s latest Property Sentiment...

Vast majority of landlords to complete EPC work in 2024

May, 2024

Despite the government's decision to scrap the proposed EPC legislation targets for rental properties set for 2025, landlords are still prioritising EPC rating improvements. ...

Inflation set to fall to 2% target

May, 2024

The inflation rate is expected to drop to 2% in the second quarter of 2024 in next week’s figures, finally reaching the Bank of England’s target. Despite this positivity,...

House prices continue to edge up as stock levels surge: Home

May, 2024

Steadily rising mortgage costs have negatively impacted the market rebound, according to the latest market analysis from Home. Earlier this year, the market factored in a cut in the...

Fairer Private Renting

May, 2024

The Renters (Reform) Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation for private renters and landlords in the past 30 years. At the end of April, it went through its third reading in...

Can your garden add value to your property?

May, 2024

Homeowners place as much importance on the garden as any room in the house so the more love you give your garden, the more value you will add to your property. And if you are thinking of selling,...

50% of tenant moves due to landlord sales: PayProp

May, 2024

A new survey from PayProp has revealed that half of tenants vacating a property last year had to do so because their landlord wanted to sell their property. In the latest Rental...

London driving UK rental growth with 'staggering' increases

May, 2024

The capital's landlords are benefitting from double-digit increases in rents, outdoing every other region of Great Britain. London rents increased by 11.2% between March 2023 and 2024,...

Top tips to speed up the conveyancing process

May, 2024

The complex nature of the conveyancing process often results in significant delays. Home Sale Pack has highlighted eight essential tips that will help home sellers overcome the biggest...

Period properties over twice as expensive to maintain

May, 2024

While period properties are saught after, the cost of managing elements like the roof, brickwork, garden and leaning chimneys makes them twice as expensive as a modern home, research from Zoopla...

Seasonal trends on a budget

May, 2024

When attempting to prepare your property for a new season, it can sometimes come at a costly expense. We are here to introduce you to budget-friendly ideas on how to embrace the current season in...

Section 21s could still be issued after Renters (Reform) Bill goes through

May, 2024

Landlords with periodic tenancies would still be able to issue a Section 21 eviction once the Renters (Reform) Bill is implemented, according to analysis from letting platform Goodlord and Dutton...

Mortgage rate increases gain pace

May, 2024

Average mortgage rates on the overall two- and five-year fixed rate deals gained pace compared to the month prior, recording the biggest month-on-month jump since March 2024, the latest Moneyfacts...

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urges BoE not to cut interest rates too quickly

May, 2024

Jeremy Hunt has urged the Bank of England not to cut interest rates too quickly after governor Andrew Bailey last week appeared to entertain the idea of cutting borrowing costs. The chancellor...

Varying property market performance shows benefits of local agents - report

May, 2024

Local property market performances vary from 12% gains to price reductions of as much as 24% since the pandemic house price peak in September 2022, research suggests. Agent comparison website...

Fewer tenants in rent arrears

May, 2024

There has been a notable drop in the volume of tenants facing rent arrears, according to Propertymark. The professional body for estate and lettings agents surveyed its members and found...

Revealed: The UK's most sought-after period property style

May, 2024

Period homes continue to capture the attention of house hunters, with demand fuelled by the success of TV shows such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and The Tudors. New data from...

House price reductions falls to an 18-month low as sales pick-up

May, 2024

Hamptons’ latest market metrics show that the average home in Great Britain that went under offer in April had been on the market for 50 days. This is one day longer than the same time...

Chain-free properties command 3.9% premium – research

May, 2024

Chain-free homes are commanding an asking price premium of 3.9% compared with other homes, rising to a premium of 7.2% in one Yorkshire city, research suggests. Upfront information provider...

Renters are increasingly looking further afield to set up home

May, 2024

Abbey Wood, Crystal Palace & Woolwich are among London’s up-and-coming hotspots. A new analysis from flatshare site, SpareRoom, has revealed the up-and-coming London rental...

RICS: Agency stock rises to three-year high but sales are facing short-term slump

May, 2024

Agency stock has hit a three-year high but sales expectations have dipped as hopes of an imminent interest rate cut fade, research suggests. The latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors'...

Cash is king

May, 2024

There is a strong presence of cash buyers in the market. 35% of sales in Great Britain are currently cash, compared to 30% the same month the year before. The proportion of cash buyers has...

UK rents rise for fourth consecutive month

May, 2024

Rents have risen by 1.6% in one month, the fourth consecutive increase, the HomeLet Rental Index has revealed. Across the country, rent has increased by 7.9% in the last year alone, and...

Areas where house prices are beating inflation are on the decline

May, 2024

Fewer areas of the UK property market are home to inflation-busting house price growth, despite a significant drop in inflation. The latest market analysis by specialist property...

House prices rise as activity and demand improve – industry reaction

May, 2024

House prices in April 2024 were 1.1% higher than the same month a year earlier, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. The April HPI reveals that the average house price now stands...

UK house prices continue to tread water in April: Halifax

May, 2024

The latest figures from Halifax show that the housing market is still finding its feet in a sea of higher interest rates. This morning's figures from Halifax have revealed that average...

Rental supply continuing to build across prime London postcodes

May, 2024

Rental value growth in prime London postcodes has narrowed to levels last seen in the summer of 2021. Average rents in prime central London grew by 4.9% in the year to April, while...

London’s rental shortage eases with stock up by a third year-on-year

May, 2024

There has been a significant increase in the number of rental properties available in London, new figures show. The volume of rental homes on the market is up 34.7% in Greater London, while...

Average rental yields increase for third successive quarter to hit six-year high

May, 2024

The highest yields of 7.0% have been achieved by landlords in the North East and also those with HMOs. The average gross rental yield reported by landlords has reached the highest level since...

Property market sees encouraging signs of recovery during Spring

May, 2024

As the UK property market navigates through the spring season, leading indicators are showing promising signs of recovery. Nicky Stevenson, Managing Director of Fine & Country,...

April rents up nearly 6% year-on-year

May, 2024

Average rental prices per property now stand at £1,166 per month, according to the latest data released by Goodlord. The latest Rental Index from Goodlord has shown that, compared...

Top tips to give your garden a makeover in time for summer

May, 2024

You know summer’s drawing closer when the flowers are in full bloom and the sun is shining through the kitchen window, flooding the house with sunlight. With the sun and...

Revealed: The capital's current house buyer hotspots

May, 2024

London has seen the number of buyer enquiries being made per month rise significantly this year. The latest market insight from London lettings and sales estate agent, Foxtons, has...

It's time for terraced homes

May, 2024

Terraced houses are the property type selling the quickest across the UK, at an average of just 56 days, followed closely by semi-detached houses at 58 days. Flats are taking an average of...

Rental stock availability up 12.1% since last year

May, 2024

London has seen the largest boost to the number of homes available to prospective tenants. London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, analysed rental market stock availability...

UK mortgage approvals hit 18-month high – industry reactions

May, 2024

Mortgage approvals increased in March to their highest level since Liz Truss’s mini-budget left the property market in chaos in 2022. Fresh data from the Bank of England shows that 61,300...

House price growth eases to 0.6% in April amid rising mortgage costs: Nationwide

May, 2024

Nationwide's latest analysis has revealed that continuing cost of living pressures are ho