Lenders becoming more selective about buy-to-let
We are going through a period of caution in the buy-to-let market, where lenders are more selective and landlords are no longer expanding by default. That is according to Alex…
Shared ownership buyers face hidden financial risks
Buyers entering shared ownership schemes face financial risks they often fail to understand, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The independent watchdog has warned that shared…
CMA investigates major firms over fake reviews
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into several major companies over allegations of fake and misleading customer reviews, raising concerns across the estate agency sector about potential…
Landlord body warns EPC targets face skills shortage
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has warned that new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements for rental properties may fail due to an insufficient number of qualified assessors and retrofitting…
House costs pushing key workers out of London
Teachers, nurses and bus drivers are struggling to rent 1-bed apartments in London, campaign group Generation Rent warned. As many as nine types of key worker would fail letting agent…
Estate agencies plan to increase sales fees in 2026
Nearly two thirds of estate agencies in the UK plan to raise their commission rates in 2026, according to a new industry report, marking a potential shift away from the…
AI platform targets property chain fall-throughs
A proptech platform designed to reduce property chain collapses has launched for independent UK estate agents, offering real-time monitoring of linked transactions. XchangeHero.com, which became available this year, combines sales…
Work starts on development of 155 homes in Essex
A 155-home development in the Essex village of Takeley is underway from Bellway. The development is called Trinity Green and it takes place on land west of Garnetts, by Uttlesford…
Giraffe360 secures £7.5m Series B funding round
Property imaging technology firm Giraffe360 has secured £7.5 million in Series B funding from European investment firm Cipio Partners, the company announced this week. The London-based company, which develops AI-powered…
Propertymark releases tenancy agreement for new rental laws
Propertymark has released a compliant Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement for its letting agent members in advance of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation on 1 May. The legislation abolishes fixed-term…