Santander launches 98% mortgage with restrictions
Santander has introduced a mortgage product allowing first-time buyers to borrow up to 98% of a property’s value, marking the first time in years that a major high street bank…
December transactions ‘disappointing’ as market stays flat
Despite talk of there being a post Budget bounce, mortgage transactions stayed unchanged in December. Net borrowing stood at £4.6 billion, with mortgage approvals falling by 3,100 month-on-month in December…
Sir Vince Cable: Government its own worst enemy on housing
Government interventions have made housing targets even more difficult, according to the independent Housing Oversight Committee headed by Sir Vince Cable. The committee said the new build slowdown combined with…
More clarity needed on commercial energy efficiency rules
Agency body Propertymark has written to the government asking for more clarity on the future of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial properties. The letter, to Martin McCluskey MP,…
Rightmove adds Renters’ Rights module to agent training
Rightmove has updated its Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA) to include a new module on the Renters’ Rights Act, ahead of the legislation’s implementation on 1…
Property sector charity boxing event set for June 2026
A charity boxing event featuring property industry professionals will take place in London on 11 June 2026, with proceeds supporting North London Hospice. The event, organised by Paul Shamplina, will…
Nearly 45,000 UK properties worth £190bn lack ownership data
Approximately 45,000 UK properties valued at an estimated £190 billion are owned through offshore structures where the beneficial owner cannot be identified, according to analysis by Tax Policy Associates. The…
Council chair’s unlicensed HMOs shut down over safety failures
Tamworth Borough Council has issued prohibition orders on two Houses in Multiple Occupation owned by Warwickshire County Council Chair Edward Harris, a Reform councillor, after the properties were found operating…
Lomond consolidates Yorkshire agencies under Hardisty brand
Property group Lomond has merged two of its Yorkshire estate agencies, bringing Eddison Vale under the Hardisty brand name as part of a consolidation strategy. Eddison Vale will now operate…
Recognise Bank provides £231k bridge for Bristol property
Recognise Bank has provided a £231,000 commercial bridging loan for the acquisition of a vacant commercial property in Bristol, arranged through specialist finance broker Word On The Street. The facility…