A New How to Rent Guide

The government is today issuing a new version of the online How to Rent Guide. Landlords and agents are obliged to provide the latest version of this guide to tenants at the start of any new tenancy or at the point of any tenancy renewal (for a statutory periodic tenancy). The new guide has been […]

Economic uncertainty is taking toll on UK mortgage holders

More than half of UK mortgage holders are struggling with their mental health as the cost of living crisis hits home, according to recent research. According to a new survey of 2,000 UK homeowners who pay a mortgage, the ongoing cost of living crisis is affecting the mental health of 56 per cent of mortgage holders. The […]

A more stable property market picture emerging

There are indicators demonstrating a more stable picture for the housing market emerging through the course of 2023, according to the February RICS UK Residential Survey. The headline reading for new buyer enquiries rebounded to a net balance of minus 29 per cent (measured on a seasonally adjusted basis), improving from minus 45 per cent […]

More middle-aged people are now renting their homes

The number of middle-aged households privately renting has nearly doubled in the space of a decade, with many set to remain in rented homes for the long-term. Paragon Bank’s analysis of government data shows the number of households in England where the lead reference person is aged between 45 and 64 has increased from 691,000 […]

One in 40 homes in Britain is now valued at £1 million or more

There are now 730,390 homes valued at £1 million or more across Great Britain, according to recent research. This is the equivalent to one in every 40 homes, or 2.5 per cent of all housing stock.  Over the past three years, the number of £1 million-plus homes has increased by some 40 per cent, according […]

The east of England sees high numbers of successful planning applications

The east of England is one of the areas of the UK currently seeing some of the highest levels of successful planning applications each month. Research has shown that across the UK, almost 24,500 planning applications are received on average each month at the moment, with just over 20,500 (84 per cent) of those successful. […]

Help for landlords as tax deadline draws nearer

Consumer champion Which? has published an e-guide and video for landlords offering advice on filing self-assessment tax returns. As the deadline of January 31 draws closer, the organisation has come up with tips and suggestions that are particularly relevant to buy-to-let landlords. These include examples of the kinds of costs and expenses that can be […]

The construction industry needs more women

Women into Construction is working with The Home Builders Federation (HBF) to launch a nationwide employment programme for women. The aim is to help address the gender imbalance in the construction workforce, which currently sees just 16 per cent female representation. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has teamed with Women into Construction to launch a […]

The housing market is subdued this winter

UK house price growth slowed in November, according to the Nationwide’s House Price Index. Prices fell by 1.4 per cent from November – the biggest drop since June 2020 – and the housing market remains subdued. A market slowdown was expected given the current economic climate and the inflation of house prices over recent years. […]

Extra support for upgrading homes

The government has announced plans for a new scheme to help householders reduce their energy bills through loft and cavity wall insulation, as well as smart heating controls.  The move is part of wider action this across energy policy to help the UK meet its ambition of becoming energy independent. The new ECO+ scheme will […]