Projects stall ahead of Autumn Budget
Developers are hesitant to progress new housing projects amid the upcoming Autumn Budget on 26 November. Some 64% of developers are not confident about starting new residential developments over the…
Few lenders give preferential mortgage terms to existing customers
It’s rare for mortgage lenders to offer better rates to reward loyal customers, Which? analysis shows. Only Barclays offers cheaper rates to existing borrowers, while Principality Building Society often does.…
Government accused of ‘using nature as a scapegoat’ for lack of housebuilding
MPs have accused the government of using nature as a scapegoat by getting rid of habitat protections in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. A report by the Environmental Audit Committee…
Propertymark offers agents compliance audit
Estate and letting agents can take out a compliance audit in a bid to acclimitise to new regulation, which includes rules around enting reform, material information, energy efficiency, and anti-money…
Scottish landlords hike rents the most despite rent controls
Landlords in Scotland are raising rents every year to compensate for the limits of rent controls, Hamptons research shows. Since April 2024 rent increases in Scotland have been limited to…
Section 21’s May deadline – the industry responds
On 1 May Section 21 evictions will be abolished, after years of promises and delays. This means landlords have six months to prepare for the new regulations, which will also…
Report: Government changes mind on income tax rise
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have decided against raising income tax in the upcoming Autumn Budget, The Financial Times reports. It’s likely the pair fear the effects of breaking a…
Anger as leasehold reform could be delayed by latest appeal
Freeholders have applied to appeal last month’s High Court decision rejecting their challenge to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which could cause further delays. In the original challenge…
Confidence in UK economy from plumbing and heating firms at all-time low
Only 6% of plumbing and heating firms are optimistic about the UK’s economic outlook, the Q3 2025 State of Trade report from the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) found. Pessimism…
Yorkshire the worst offender for hazardous HMOs
Yorkshire & Humber has the highest proportion of HMOs with Category 1 hazards, accounting for 3.2% of the region’s stock. This compares to 1.8% across England as a whole, analysis…