News and Updates

Homelet: UK rents top £1,260

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

Average monthly UK rents in the UK rose 0.2% to £1,262 in February from the previous month, following a quarter of falls, HomeLet data shows.  

Cash buyers receiving the largest discounts from sellers

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

Uncertainty in the mortgage market has seen sellers prepared to stretch even further for a cash buyer.

Over a third of landlords looking to expand their portfolios

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

38% of landlords would like to expand their property portfolio in the next twelve months, according to a recent survey by Lendlord.

Which design features will buyers pay the most for?

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

Property developers can achieve significant price premiums for residential developments by incorporating the most sought-after design features into their architectural plans.

Mortgage repayments 'stalling' retirement plans for 2.8 million people

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

20% of over-55s do not expect to retire mortgage-free, according to new findings from the Equity Release Council.

Six signs you have a “problem property”

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

New research highlights six key indicators of a “problem property” with varying severity, what impact they can have on the value of a home and what this equates to in the current market.

DLUHC: Housing planning approvals fell 9% in 2023

Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024

Local councils granted 8,100 residential applications in the final three months of last year, down 8% from the same quarter a year ago, official data shows. 

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property amrket

A fifth of millennials relying on parents to help secure their home

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

Property lender, Together takes a look back to the 1970’s property market and highlights how the first-time buyers of that era are now helping their children to get onto the property ladder.

Significant improvements found in landlord responsiveness to tenants' needs

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

A new survey conducted by Total Landlord has revealed that 71% of landlords commit to responding to tenants within 24 hours - up from 57% a few years ago.

Remortgaging driving recent uptick in lending

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

The recent rise in mortgage lending is being driven by a significant increase in remortgage activity, according to the latest analysis of Bank of England data.

UK property auction market sees robust growth

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

The latest market analysis released by Essential Information Group has revealed positive momentum in the UK property auction market during October.

Rising demand for shared ownership sees enquiries surge for new builds

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

Just Mortgages' new build division has reported a bumper start to the year, with new build leads and enquiries up 40%.

How to add value to your buy-to-let property

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024

As a landlord, you're always looking for ways to maximize your investment and make your property stand out from the competition. Adding value to your buy-to-let property is a smart way to increase your rental income and attract higher-quality tenants. Here are some tips from Lendlord to help you add value to your buy-to-let property.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2024

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current residential property market

Elmer George promoted to Residential Sales Manager

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

We are delighted to announce that Elmer George has been promoted to Residential Sales Manager with effect from 1 st  January 2024.

Professional landlords unphased by property market fears

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The vast majority of portfolio landlords have purchased property in the last six months, according to newly released data.

Majority of landlords not intending to sell any property

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Only a third of landlords intend to sell some property, according to the latest Landbay survey.

Home improvements most popular use of equity release

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Home improvements continued to be the primary reason for new equity release customers, data from Legal & General Home Finance shows.

The best ways to add value to your property in 2024

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

GetAgent.co.uk offers eight achievable home renovation ideas that will add value to your property ahead of putting it on the market this year.

RICS: UK housing market activity on the up

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The December 2023 RICS UK Residential Survey shows activity picking up, and an improvement on November’s figures as the trend towards lowered mortgage rates continues.

Landlord investment continued to be supported by stable yields and strong demand

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Landlord investors are continuing to benefit from high levels of tenant demand and steady rental yields, according to the findings of newly released research undertaken on behalf of Foundation Home Loans.

Nearly half of first time buyers get help from govt schemes

Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Almost half (45%) of first-time buyers purchased their property with help from a government scheme.

Fixed rate mortgage prices continue to fall as lender competition escalates

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Average rates on two- and five-year fixes have been falling this new year as lenders compete on price, the latest data from Moneyfacts shows.

Halifax: UK house prices strengthen further as 2023 draws to a close

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

The latest figures released by Halifax have shown that average UK house prices rose by +1.1% in December, the third monthly rise in a row.

Buy to let landlords 'confident' about the next 12 months

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Sentiment remains high for a large majority of landlords going into the New Year, according to the latest research from TML.

Market momentum continuing to build

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Buyer demand across England crept up by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023, although it remained -6.7% versus Q4 2022.

Rightmove: Record number of sellers come to market on Boxing Day

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Numbers of Boxing Day sellers were up 26% on the previous record set last year

Build-to-Rent sector continues to expand

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Despite sharp increases in build and financing costs, the UK's Build-to-Rent sector has seen year-on-year growth of 11% over the past 12 months, according to new analysis.

Average rents up 9% in 2023

Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

England's lettings market ends 2023 with a major year-on-year increase in rents, according to new data from Goodlord.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the property market as we leave 2023 and enter 2024  

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

Green mortgages continue to gain traction

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

The latest data from Mortgage Advice Bureau has revealed that almost six in ten mortgage lenders now offer a green mortgage.

Rightmove: Boxing Day listings have tripled since 2019

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

The number of homes being listed by estate agents on Boxing Day has seen a huge rise of 173% since 2019, according to the latest research from Rightmove.  

Market cautiously optimistic upbeat RICS survey shows

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

The latest RICS UK Residential Survey points to an improved outlook for the housing market.  This improvement in sentiment is supported by a small easing in mortgage rates over recent weeks.

Below-par EPC ratings could cost the average homeowner over £40k

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

Energy efficiency has once again been brought into sharp focus among homeowners and house hunters as increasingly wintery weather sees temperatures drop.

40% of Brits have ‘no idea’ how energy efficient their home is

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

Despite almost two in five recognising the importance of improving a property's energy efficiency, a similar number are clueless about how their own home performs.

Powering the Future: A landlord's guide to affordable energy upgrades

Posted on Monday, December 18, 2023

Glynn Williams, UK country director at energy solutions provider, Grundfos, looks at the energy upgrades that landlords can and should make to their properties. Original article from Property Reporter.

Style vs. Sustainability: How prospective homebuyers intend to transform their homes

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

More prospective homebuyers want to purchase a property they can revamp to their style than those who want to buy a property they can retrofit, according to new research.

EPC improvement costs hit almost £14k for the average homeowner

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

Much has already been said in the industry press about the financial impact on landlords for improving energy efficiency in rental properties ahead of 2028's deadline. New research from Dashly looks at what the cost is to residential homeowners and how the mortgage market could play a vital role.

Rents in England up by 7% since last year

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

Year-on-year rents are up by 7.3% across England compared to November 2022 figures, according to the latest figures released by Goodlord.

Over two fifths would pay more for a property with a high EPC rating

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

43% of UK house hunters say that they would consider paying a premium for prospective homes to be more energy efficient.

Lenders need greater understanding of complex cases

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

Some 40% of self-employed individuals believe lenders must be more understanding when dealing with those with complex incomes.

Bidding wars see four in ten paying £1,200 above the advertised rent for their home

Posted on Thursday, December 7, 2023

New research has revealed that almost two-fifths of private tenants are paying an average of £1,200 a year above the advertised rate for their property.

Landlord confidence sees strong rebound in Q3

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Landlords are now believed to be more optimistic than this time last year, according to new research from Paragon Bank.

Majority of sheds and outbuildings at risk of burglary, warns Aviva

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

New research from Aviva reveals that millions of Brits could be leaving their sheds and buildings vulnerable to theft and burglary.

Green home improvements set to increase amid escalating climate concerns and rising energy bills

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

According to a new independent survey commissioned by Butterfield Mortgages, two-thirds of homeowners now want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with a majority citing concerns over the environment as the main driving factor for the changes.

Available equity release deals up 57% since January

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

The equity release market has seen a notable rise in the number of deals available since the start of the year, with many lenders opting to reduce their rates.

Is the property market headed for a pre-Christmas boost?

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Despite the usual winter slowdown, people are looking to buy again with the housing market on course for a pre-Christmas boost, according to NAPB research.

Zoopla: Buyer's market strengthening further as discounts hit five-year high

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Buyers are securing huge discounts off the asking price as the number of homes for sale reaches a six-year high, according to the latest analysis from Zoopla.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Things to consider when buying a 'doer-upper'

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

Purchasing an unmodernised home can be the perfect solution for first-time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder. However, finding one may be more challenging than you think.

Record-breaking levels of tenant demand picked up by analysts

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

A record proportion of landlords have reported that tenant demand is on the rise, according to new research conducted on behalf of Paragon Bank.

25% of UK adults unsure when they will be ‘mortgage ready’

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

25% of UK adults admit they are completely in the dark about when they would be ready to apply for a mortgage, according to new research from The Mortgage Lender.

A quarter of landlords plan on selling in the next 12 months

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

A new landlord survey has revealed that new legislation - including the government’s Rental Reforms - was found to be the most common reason for disposal of properties.

Landlords warned over 'nightmare scenario' risks associated with limited company Buy to Let investing

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

Professional landlords have been urged to keep their eyes wide open over Personal Guarantee risks associated with limited company buy-to-let mortgages.

ONS: Rents rise by a record 6.1% in October

Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2023

UK private rents lifted by a record 6.1% in the year to October, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

Majority of younger prospective house hunters willing to pay more for a greener home

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023

New research has revealed that the majority of those under 30 see greener homes as being of the greatest importance and are more willing to pay more for them.

A third of developers remain in the dark over Biodiversity Net Gain regulations

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023

Research from Shawbrook has revealed that 31% of developers are unaware of the new Biodiversity Net Gains regulations set to come into force this month.

First-time buyer economy worth £74bn by 2025, study finds

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023

The value of first-time buyer (FTB) economy is set to reach a total of £74.1bn by 2025, a new study finds.

Homes England sets out case to boost housebuilding

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023

Homes England has set out the case to build more homes across the country to boost the 178,000 houses built last year in a bid to hit the government’s target of 300,000 new homes a year.

ONS: Fifth of properties in England and Wales report 10% rent rise

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023

One in five properties in England and Wales have seen rents rise 10% or more this year, according to latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The latest data on mortgage rates suggests the possibility of some light at the end of the tunnel

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2023

Sarah Thompson, Managing Director, Mortgage Scout, looks at what has been happening in the mortgage markets and whether the worst of it is finally behind us.

What are the biggest red flags for renters?

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2023

Bad smells, lack of natural light, and signs of damp have all been revealed to be deal breakers for large numbers of renters who took part in a new survey by Uswitch.

Around a third of landlords still planning to expand their portfolios

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2023

32% of buy-to-let landlords who took part in the latest survey from Landbay say they intend to buy property in the next 12 months.

Mortgage approvals slide in September

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2023

Net mortgage approvals for house purchases fell to 43,300 in September, the lowest level since January 2023.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

The biggest winter property issues facing homeowners

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

With colder weather set to hit the UK over the next few weeks, seasonal data has revealed the issues most likely to affect properties during winter.

The biggest winter property issues facing homeowners

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

With colder weather set to hit the UK over the next few weeks, seasonal data has revealed the issues most likely to affect properties during winter.

Value of England's empty homes now estimated at £212bn

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

New research has revealed that despite a shortfall in available rental homes, 676,000 potential homes, worth an estimated £212bn, are sitting empty.

Value of England's empty homes now estimated at £212bn

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

New research has revealed that despite a shortfall in available rental homes, 676,000 potential homes, worth an estimated £212bn, are sitting empty.

Value of England's empty homes now estimated at £212bn

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

New research has revealed that despite a shortfall in available rental homes, 676,000 potential homes, worth an estimated £212bn, are sitting empty.

Are average rents now outpacing average salaries?

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

New research looks at what the future holds with the relationship between salaries and the cost of renting across the country.

Are average rents now outpacing average salaries?

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

New research looks at what the future holds with the relationship between salaries and the cost of renting across the country.

The biggest renting mistakes and how to avoid them

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

Whether you've been a tenant for years or have just moved into your first rented home, there's a lot to consider before (and after) taking the keys from your landlord.

Rebuild vs New Build: Why homeowners are turning to demolition

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

Growing numbers of homeowners are looking to rebuild rather than move to a new-build, saving themselves thousands of pounds in the process, according to new research.

Carbon emissions from heating homes up by almost 6% in 12 months

Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2023

Analysis of the carbon footprint of England's homes caused by heating has found that, in some areas, there has been an increase of as much as 5.9%.

Energy efficiency grows in popularity despite government U-turn

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

Last week, Rishi Sunak confirming rumours that the government was set to ‘soften’ several key green policies, including minimum EPC standards for rental properties, but new research shows that energy efficiency is of growing importance amongst prospective homebuyers.

Propertymark: Rental demand continues to outstrip supply

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

Demand is continuing to out-strip supply in the rental market, according to the latest data from Propertymark.

Aborted property sales costing buyers and sellers £240m

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

The number of property transactions falling through is on the rise – costing buyers and sellers almost £240m in the last quarter alone, new figures from House Buyer Bureau reveals.

Buyers seek fixer-uppers while renters look for smart tech

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

According to a new study by Rightmove, fixer-upper homes - or those that need some degree of renovation - are the most popular choice for buyers, while renters are looking for energy efficiency and smart technology.

Halifax: First time buyers account for over half of all home loans

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

First-time buyers still accounted for over half (53%) of all home loans agreed in the first eight months of this year, a similar proportion as during the same period in 2022 (52%), as activity in the wider housing market slowed.

Future proofing homeowners: How energy efficiency is replacing aesthetics in our homes

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

EV charging points and solar panels are the new designer sofas and accent painting according to research from Hive which reveals the extent of the UK's future-proofing revolution.

Future proofing homeowners: How energy efficiency is replacing aesthetics in our homes

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

EV charging points and solar panels are the new designer sofas and accent painting according to research from Hive which reveals the extent of the UK's future-proofing revolution.

75% of sellers considering energy efficiency changes to boost property value

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

61% of sellers have previously researched government grants for home heating improvements but were confused about their eligibility.

Darren Murphy's Market Update

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Tenant demand surges to all-time high

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

A clear majority of landlords who were recently surveyed by Paragon Bank reported that tenant demand increased during Q1 to record-high levels.

Zoopla: Buyers market strengthens as more realistic pricing spreads

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

The proportion of sellers accepting discounts of 5%+ has risen, according to newly released data from Zoopla.

Average rental deposit now £1,434

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

The average tenant is now required to spend 64% of a typical month's income just to cover tenancy deposit costs, according to newly released figures.

Almost a third of all homes sold across Britain over the last 12 months were purchased by cash buyers

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

New research has identified chain-free hotspots where up to 61% of homes sell to a cash buyer.

Almost a third of all homes sold across Britain over the last 12 months were purchased by cash buyers

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

New research has identified chain-free hotspots where up to 61% of homes sell to a cash buyer.

Things you should consider if thinking about seeking a 100% mortgage

Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Mortgage experts at onlinemortgageadvisor, look at 100% mortgages, weighing the potential benefits against the inherent risks.

Almost 1 in 5 over 55s say barriers remain preventing them from moving home

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

A new survey of Brits has cast light on the moving aspirations of those aged 55 or over and revealed what is preventing almost 1 in 5 from doing so.

House prices almost 20% ahead of pre-pandemic levels

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

UK house prices would have to cool by a further -19.3% just to return to pre-pandemic norms according to newly released data from House Buyer Bureau.

House prices almost 20% ahead of pre-pandemic levels

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

UK house prices would have to cool by a further -19.3% just to return to pre-pandemic norms according to newly released data from House Buyer Bureau.

House prices almost 20% ahead of pre-pandemic levels

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

UK house prices would have to cool by a further -19.3% just to return to pre-pandemic norms according to newly released data from House Buyer Bureau.

Government eases home heat pump grant rules

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

Homeowners and small firms may find it cheaper and easier to install heat pumps, under new proposals by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

How to add value to your home in 2023

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

Increasing the floor area of your home or adding an extra bedroom can raise its value by up to 25% according to new insight from Nationwide.

First-time buyer mortgage application volumes down almost 40% in July

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

Three interesting market trends including a significant drop in FTB activity during July have been identified by first direct after analysing CACI’s membership data.

First-time buyer mortgage application volumes down almost 40% in July

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

Three interesting market trends including a significant drop in FTB activity during July have been identified by first direct after analysing CACI’s membership data.

Goodlord: Rents jump 10% to £1,347 in August

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023

Average UK rents lifted 10% to £1,347 last month compared to a year ago, as the lettings market remains “red hot” in the busiest part of the season, data from Goodlord shows. 

£21 million worth of insurance claims could be lost due to smoke alarm negligence

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

74% of Brits don’t realise that failing to test smoke alarms can invalidate home insurance claims.

Moneyfacts: Rates continue to reduce

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Rates are continuing to fall as the mortgage market starts to quieten after weeks of intensity, according to the latest Moneyfacts rate watch.

Homelet: Rents rise across every UK region in July

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The average UK rental price has hit another all-time high, increasing by a further 1.1% from last month with every UK region seeing a month-on-month increase, according to the latest data released by Homelet.

Rightmove: Asking prices see 1.9% drop as summer sellers tempt buyers

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Despite the drop, average prices are still £59,000 (19%) higher than in the pre-pandemic market of August 2019.

Zoopla: Buyers market strengthens as more realistic pricing spreads

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The proportion of sellers accepting discounts of 5%+ has risen, according to newly released data from Zoopla.

Landbay: Majority of landlords plan to press ahead with EPC improvements despite Gove’s call for delay

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Despite recent hints by housing secretary Michael Gove that the proposed date for all landlords to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C could be delayed, over a third of landlords say that they will act as soon as they can.

The issues that can reduce the value of your home

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

The latest analysis from House Buyer Bureau looks at how you can maximize the price you achieve when selling your home by avoiding some of the most common homebuyer deterrents.

Rightmove: Market remains stable after latest BoE rate rise

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

The market has remained relatively calm since the Base Rate increase, and those looking to take out a mortgage soon will be hoping this period of stability continues for as long as possible.

Homelet: Rents jump 10% to top a record £1,240 in July

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

Average rents across the UK jumped 10.3% to a record £1,243 in July from a year ago, data from the Homelet rental index shows. 

Mortgage approvals expected to fall 11% in 2023

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

Mortgage approval levels are forecast to decline by 11% annually come the end of 2023, although short-term positivity is expected with an uplift in activity during the second half of the year.

Buyer demand 'reassuringly resilient' despite economic headwinds

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

The UK housing market continues to show strength in the face of sustained economic challenges, new data has revealed.

Applications for rental guarantors see 50% rise in 6 Months

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023

Soaring demand and falling numbers of landlords operating in the student let market have seen a huge rise in the number of rental guarantor applications, according to the latest data released by Housing Hand.

Tightening your spending and paying off your mortgage sooner

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Sarah Thompson, Managing Director of Mortgage Scout, looks at how mortgage holders can proactively approach recent changes in the mortgage market and rising rates.

Homebuyers adapting plans to align with market

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

20% of UK Homebuyers looking to complete within the next two years have indicated that they are now considering a cheaper property, with 36% postponing plans as the market remains unsettled.

Homebuyers adapting plans to align with market

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

20% of UK Homebuyers looking to complete within the next two years have indicated that they are now considering a cheaper property, with 36% postponing plans as the market remains unsettled.

HMRC: June property transactions down annually but up from May

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

The number of non-seasonally adjusted residential property transactions in June stood at 94,690 according to the latest HMRC data, 9% lower than the same month last year.

Moneyfacts: Lenders starting to offer better rates

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

After weeks of lenders increasing rates on selected mortgage products, this week saw some lenders bring rates down – albeit modestly.

Moneyfacts: Lenders starting to offer better rates

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

After weeks of lenders increasing rates on selected mortgage products, this week saw some lenders bring rates down – albeit modestly.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

OnTheMarket: Property market sentiment remarkably stable despite economic uncertainty

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

OnTheMarket’s latest Property Sentiment Index suggests sentiment among movers is proving to be resilient despite challenging economic factors.

Zoopla: Value of UK housing market hits £10.7 trillion, as 2 in 3 see home increase in value by £19 per day

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

New analysis into the value of all 29m homes in the UK shows market is worth a total of £10.7 trillion - four times the market capitalisation of Apple

Rightmove: Landlords invest in higher EPC rated properties

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

A new study from Rightmove reveals that a greater proportion of properties coming into the rental market from the sales market have an EPC rating of C or higher, as landlords invest in higher EPC rated homes:

Mortgage borrowers want greater lender flexibility

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

Two thirds of UK mortgage customers (66%) believe greater flexibility is needed from lenders in the current economic climate, new research from Butterfield Mortgages has revealed.

Buy to let arrears outpacing those in the residential market

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

Cases of arrears in the buy-to-let sector are worsening at a faster rate than for homeowners, according to analysis from Octane Capital.

Buy to let arrears outpacing those in the residential market

Posted on Monday, July 24, 2023

Cases of arrears in the buy-to-let sector are worsening at a faster rate than for homeowners, according to analysis from Octane Capital.

Rightmove: National rents hit new record high of £1,190 pcm

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

Average rents across the nation have continued their upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace, according to the latest data released by Rightmove who report that outside of the capital asking rents for new tenants have hit a new record high of £1,190 per calendar month.

Landbay: 40% of buy-to-let landlords plan to expand their portfolio over the next year

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

High levels of tenant demand are believed to be the driving force behind a growing proportion of landlords planning to buy more property in the next 12 months, according to Landbay research.

Majority of renters want landlords to adopt “green tech”

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

Despite demand continuing to outstrip supply in today's highly competitive rental market, almost half of renters polled in a new survey said it would be a 'deal breaker' if their landlord failed to demonstrate their green credentials.

Barclays: Homeowners overestimating costs of energy improvements

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

Barclays is extending its Greener Home Reward Scheme after a study revealed many people overestimate the cost of making energy efficient upgrades to their homes.

Things to consider when converting property into flats

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

Whether you're a homeowner looking to make a profit from selling your home, or a landlord splitting a property into two or more units, converting your property into flats could be a lucrative option. Here's what you should consider.

Major lenders insist no UK arrears crisis

Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

UK bank and building society bosses came in front of the Treasury Committee on the 11 th  July to discuss the state of the mortgage market.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

The features most likely to help you achieve above the asking price for your home

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

Energy-saving improvements continue to dominate house hunters' list of most-desirable property features, with a vast majority willing to pay above the asking price for 'bigger ticket' enhancements.

House Buyers Bureau: Average age of first-time buyer is now 37

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

When it comes to climbing the housing ladder, it’s our 40s that present the greatest degree of housing affordability compared to any other life stage. This is according to the latest research by property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau,.

Majority of Brits would take their solar panels with them when they move

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

Despite almost half of homeowners believing that solar panels are included in the standard property fixtures and fittings list, they are typically not included and most who already have them plan to keep them when they move.

Latest survey reveals that only 1 in 10 landlords are currently planning to expand their portfolios

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

A new survey of over 2,000 landlords commissioned by the DPS has found that the strategies of buy-to-let landlords are continuing to be strongly influenced by turbulence in the wider markets.

Majority of homeowners say they're prepared for higher mortgage costs following rates decision

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

Despite over half of homeowners admitting that they are concerned that the cost of their mortgage will rise should the Bank of England opt to increase the base rate further, a majority say that they are prepared should this happen.

UK HPI: House price growth slips to 3.5% in April

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2023

Average UK house prices increased by 3.5% in the 12 months to April 2023 from 4.1% in March 2023, according to the latest figures released by HM Land Registry.

Zoopla: Sales agreed reach their highest point this year

Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Despite weaker demand than a year ago, sales agreed have reached their highest point this year and are up 11% on the five-year average. This is according to Zoopla’s latest House Price Index.

Average first time buyer homes up £25 per day since interest rates started to climb

Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Despite a significant amount of 'pandemic heat' escaping the housing market over recent months, the average first-time buyer in Britain has seen the cost of a home increase by £25 per day since interest rates first started to climb in December 2021.

Rents rise for fifth consecutive month as buy to let market remains steady

Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Demand in the buy-to-let market is steady, with rents rising slightly in May and voids remaining flat, according to the latest rental index data.

Nationwide introduces tool to help lower home energy use

Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Nationwide Building Society is launching a home energy efficiency tool.

UK Finance: Fifth of first time buyers prepared to take on 35-year mortgage

Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Almost one in five first-time buyers are prepared to take out mortgages lasting over 35 years in the present interest rate climate, according to figures from UK Finance.

Rightmove: National rents hit new record high of £1,190 pcm

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Average rents across the nation have continued their upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace, according to the latest data released by Rightmove who report that outside of the capital asking rents for new tenants have hit a new record high of £1,190 per calendar month.

Annual house price growth at 4.1% in March: UK HPI

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Average UK house price growth eased to 4.1% in the 12 months to March 2023, down from 5.8% in February 2023, according to the latest data released by ONS.

Things you need to consider when choosing a 40-year mortgage

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Despite becoming more popular over recent years, a certain degree of caution should be exercised when considering an ultra-long-term mortgage, according to research by Uswitch

Key: Equity release lending slumps 61% to £722m in quarter one

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Equity release lending plummeted by 61% to £722m in the first three months of the year compared to 12 months ago, following “turmoil in the mortgage market” after the mini-Budget, says Key. 

Owner-occupiers drive rise in England’s 25.2 million homes

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

The number of homes in England lifted by 232,820 to 25.2 million, driven by a rise in owner-occupied dwellings, government data shows.

Which property type and age has the greatest impact on a boiler’s efficiency?

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Following a winter of record-high energy bills and with many wondering how efficient their boilers are, new research from Uswitch boilers highlights that the age of a property and whether it is detached, mid-terrace, or otherwise, can make all the difference.

Landlords focusing beyond current market turbulence to expand portfolios

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Despite continuing economic uncertainty, sentiment among large portfolio landlords is running high, with a majority planning to acquire at least one new asset in the coming year.

Shop around & be aware of your property's cost ceiling - renovations in a cost of living crisis

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Renovating used to be a value alternative to moving, but with the cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation, and material price hikes, many will be asking is it still worthwhile?

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Five things to give aspiring first time buyers hope right now

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Since the now infamous (dare we say the word) “mini-budget” in September 2022 media headlines concerning aspiring first-time buyers have been dominated by doom, gloom and shattered home-buying dreams, with no good news seemingly in sight. Not the most inspiring if you’re hoping to own a home one day.

Housing market strengthened by influx of first-time buyers

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The ongoing cost of living crisis, rising interest rates, and general market uncertainty aren't enough to put off the nation's first-time buyers according to the latest market analysis from Zoopla who report that, despite needing an extra £7,350 income to buy a home, first-time buyers continue to fuel the housing market.

NHBC: New home registrations tumble 40% in Q1:

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The number of new homes registered to be built tumbled 40% to 27,673 in the first three months of the year compared to 12 months ago, data from the National House Building Council shows, with worse figures for private sector building.

Majority of UK business owners plan to invest in property over the next 12 months

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Despite a certain amount of turbulence still being felt across the property sector and wider financial markets, less competition will allow business owners to explore property investment opportunities, according to new research from Finbri.

New landlord? How to expand your existing property portfolio

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

As a complete beginner, getting started in property investing can be an exciting but daunting prospect. There are plenty of factors to consider in order to make your new venture as a landlord a success, from how you’ll finance your property purchases to the leasing strategy you’ll use and where in the UK you plan to buy your first buy to let.

UK property remains one of the most reliable investments in tough times

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The economic turbulence of the past few years has proved to be a challenging time for many investors. Yet while traditional asset classes such as precious metals or stocks have failed to weather the storm, property has gone from strength to strength.

Average rents continue to rise across the country

Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Sustained demand for rental properties has continued to drive up average rents across the UK with a further 0.8% rise recorded in March, according to the latest data released by Homelet.

Arrears and voids fall to lowest level in six years

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

The proportion of landlords experiencing tenants in rental arrears has fallen to its lowest level since 2017, as has the proportion of vacant rental properties, according to new market analysis from Paragon Bank.

Annual house price growth falls to 5.5% in February

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

Annual house price growth eased further in February according to the latest figures released by ONS, slipping from 6.5% in January to 5.5% highlighting that more realistic pricing amongst sellers is helping the market return to some semblance of normality.

Majority of landlords in favour of a Decent Homes Standard for the PRS

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

A new survey of over 500 landlords has found that six in 10 back the government's proposed introduction of a minimum set of property standards for the private rented sector as part of its Renters Reform Bill.

Things to consider if you’ve inherited a property with one or more siblings

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

Heather Pollard, Head of Underwriting at Tower Street Finance explains the issues that can arise when receiving a shared inheritance, as well as how to navigate them.

High proportion of renters want more government support to tackle cost of living crisis

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

Over two-fifths of renters would like the government to provide more support with the ongoing cost of living crisis, according to TML whose research found that rising costs and high inflation are evidently weighing on renters’ minds as they consider their living arrangements.

Vast majority say latest RICS cladding guidance is having positive impact

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

Almost 9 out of 10 property professionals believe that the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors guidance on cladding has had a positive impact, according to a new poll undertaken by Countrywide Surveying Services.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Friday, April 21, 2023

Darren Murphy's gives his views on the current market

Younger grandparents more likely to use property wealth to support grandchildren

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

A shift in attitudes to using the home to fund family support has been picked up by new Legal & General Home Finance research which found that, while the vast majority of grandparents are willing to financially help their grandchildren to get onto the property ladder, younger grandparents are more likely to use their home to fund this.

Can the colour of your front door affect the price of your home?

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

Boosting your property's kerb appeal has long been regarded as one the most effective ways of making a good first impression and, in particular, when selling your home, key to influencing the buying decision. If your home looks attractive and well-maintained from the outside, it’s much more appealing to the potential buyer.

The colours to avoid if you want to sell your home

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

Prior to selling up, many homeowners look for ways to make their property attractive to potential buyers, particularly by boosting its kerb appeal. However, once a prospective buyer is through the front door the hard work shouldn't end there and good use of colour could be your secret weapon.

Landlord investment behind rapid rise in private rental sector energy efficiency performance

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

Landlords have driven-up energy efficiency performances in the private rented sector fuelling a 165% increase in the number of homes with an EPC rating of A to C in the past decade, according to a new analysis from Paragon Bank.

Fines for rogue landlords up by half a million pounds over the last three months

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

Fines for rogue landlords and agents have increased by half a million pounds in the last three months, with the total now surpassing £8.6 million in London alone, according to Kamma.

Zoopla: Boost in supply sees 'better than expected' start to spring market

Posted on Thursday, April 6, 2023

Market conditions at the end of Q1 are better than many had expected and defying expectations with 500,000 home sales expected in the first half of 2023, according to the latest data released by Zoopla.

Top tips for moving house with a pet

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

As a nation of animal lovers, it will come as no surprise that around 62% of households in the UK own a pet, with a dog being the most popular. However, with more than half a million UK pet owners moving house over the last year, having a good plan ahead of moving day is always a great idea as the process can be really challenging for both humans and their furry friends.

Strong proportion of landlords remain positive about Buy-To-Let

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Sentiment among UK landlords remains broadly upbeat according to a newly released survey from Landbay, who report that while challenges remain in the sector, 46% of respondents say that they are positive about the future prospects of their buy-to-let business and investments.

Things to consider when re-mortgaging as self-employed

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis will see many homeowners trying to save money wherever possible, particularly those who are looking to remortgage this year. But while everyone will be subject to higher rates, there are some specific requirements that self-employed borrowers will need to keep in mind to guarantee the highest chance of mortgage approval.

Private rental sector 'vital' to country's economic and social life

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

A new report, published today and commissioned by the National Residential Landlords Association, has highlighted the importance of the private rented sector in terms of its socioeconomic role across the country, acting not only as a stepping stone for younger prospective homeowners but also as a mainstay housing option for older people.

Cost-of-living sees growing number of young Brits looking for property abroad

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

A 31% rise in the number of 18-24 year-olds looking for overseas property in Europe to escape UK housing affordability issues has been picked up by analysts at property portal, Kyero.com.

2023's most and least valuable home features

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

With spring approaching and warmer weather on the horizon, green-fingered house hunters are offering an average of £5,044 more for a home with outdoor space, while turning their backs on 'smart' home features.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Five things tenants should look for when moving into a new property

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

Moving into a new property can be expensive, especially when you factor in the rising cost of energy bills and living in general. That’s why CashLady.com’s Personal Finance Expert has released these tips, to help tenants understand their rights and avoid any unnecessary costs.

Rising demand sees rents rise and voids plummet

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

Much-needed momentum returned to the rental market in February according to the latest market analysis from Goodlord who report that, after the traditionally quieter months of December and January, a re-injection of pace during the month brought stronger rents and a significant drop in voids.

First-time buyer activity spikes in January

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

UK first-time buyers were out in force at the start of the year with both applications and market share seeing an increase in numbers, likely driven by more homes on the market and falling house prices, according to CACI data analysed by first direct.

Seven tips to help you afford a mortgage

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

There are many different ways of being able to afford higher mortgage costs without necessarily changing too much in your life or giving up the things you love. Sarah Thompson from Mortgage Scout shares her insight to help you afford a mortgage.

Educating tenants vital in the fight against dangerous mould

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

Landlords and letting agents must monitor properties more closely and combine regular inspections and proactive ventilation in addition to providing greater levels of education to tenants on the causes of damp and mould, according to inventory specialist, No Letting Go.

Homeowners underestimating the cost of upgrading their homes to new build standards

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023

Homeowners upgrading their property to meet new build standards are underestimating the costs involved, according to new research from the Home Builders Federation.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Things to consider regarding recent mortgage rate decreases

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The team at www.onlinemortgageadvisor.co.uk analysed current mortgage rates, predicted if they’ll fall further, and advised borrowers on what to do if their fixed-rate deal is coming to an end.

Arrears and voids fall to lowest level in six years

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The proportion of landlords experiencing tenants in rental arrears has fallen to its lowest level since 2017, as has the proportion of vacant rental properties, according to new market analysis from Paragon Bank.

Lower-income first time buyers are least likely to use government housing schemes

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Amid falling house prices, are first-time buyers making use of government housing schemes? Uswitch polled a number of potential buyers, with the data showing that those on the lowest income are most sceptical about schemes like Help to Buy.

Energy crisis driving demand for energy efficient new build homes

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The well-known cries of "Location, location, location" among property professionals and house hunters could soon be replaced by "Energy efficiency, energy efficiency, energy efficiency" as rising numbers of potential house buyers look to buy a sustainable eco-friendly home as a result of the energy crisis.

68% of landlords unlikely to buy property with low EPC rating

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Over two-thirds of landlords (68%) say they would now be less likely to purchase a property if it has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of below C – the level at which anticipated legislation is likely to be introduced for all new and existing private rental sector tenancies from 2025 onwards.

Damp found to be the number one issue to go undetected without home survey

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The tragic case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020, just eight days after his second birthday, as a direct result of black mould in the flat he lived in, brought into sharp focus the dangers of untreated mould in the home.

What are the main reasons home sellers need a quick sale?

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Regardless of rising financial pressure in most homes across the UK, newly released data from property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau, has revealed home sellers utilising the quick sale method aren’t doing so because of financial hardship, but rather looking to sell sharpish in order to facilitate their onward purchase.

How much does it cost to move abroad?

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Looking out of your window on a grey Monday morning in January, you can be forgiven of daydreaming about quitting your job, selling up and jetting off to a new life in a warmer climate.

What energy efficiency grants are available in the UK?

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, you’re bound to have noticed the increasing focus on encouraging us all to make our properties more energy efficient.

Landlord investment continued to be supported by stable yields and strong demand

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Landlord investors are continuing to benefit from high levels of tenant demand and steady rental yields, according to the findings of newly released research undertaken on behalf of Foundation Home Loans.

Rising voids and steady rents in January

Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

January's rental market was a mixed bag, seeing rents largely unchanged but voids spiking in certain regions, according to the latest market insight from Goodlord.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2023

Darren Murphy's market update

Just 16% of available homes are for rent

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

As demand continues to outstrip supply across the UK's rental market, new insight from Ocasa has revealed where the nation’s renters face the biggest hurdle in securing a home, due to these areas seeing the lowest levels of fresh rental property stock reaching the market so far in 2023.

The final step of the property ladder is the toughest, according to new research

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

There's no denying that the nation’s first-time buyers face a monumental task when it comes to getting that first foot on the ladder, with the initial saving up for a deposit cited as the biggest hurdle for most.

Things to consider when getting a mortgage following a divorce

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

Following the introduction of “no-fault” divorces in April 2022, PWC has projected that the divorce rate in England and Wales will shoot up by 23% during 2023 - the biggest spike in the divorce rate in more than 50 years.

Greater awareness needed among homeowners about EPC ratings

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

With no end in sight for spiralling energy costs, many homeowners will be thinking about ways they can cut their energy bills to save money - including retrofitting to improve their home’s EPC rating.

Are you earning as much as your home?

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

Homes are out-earning humans across half of all regions in the UK as annual house price growth eclipses the average wage, according to newly released research from property developer, Stripe Property Group.

ONS: House price growth eases to 10.3% in November

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

The latest figures released by the government on UK house prices, albeit slightly historic but arguably the most accurate housing market survey data, have revealed that average UK house prices increased by 10.3% in the year to November 2022, down from 12.4% in October 2022.

Knowledge gaps preventing homeowners from achieving net zero

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2023

In order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a liveable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving Net Zero - cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, is one way we can help to reach this target.

Homeowners encouraged to check EPC ratings ahead of selling

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

MAB is encouraging more people to find out what their EPC rating is as it become increasingly a selling point.

Gifted deposits get first-time buyers on the ladder '11 years faster'

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

UK household saving the UK median of £180 per month would take 10.9 years of consistent saving to equal £23,549, the average amount paid by first time buyers on a deposit in England from 2021 to 2022, research by equity release lender more2life has revealed.

Why home repossessions are declining despite rising mortgage costs

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

At the end of 2021, the Bank of England began raising interest rates following years of record low borrowing levels, with many fearing the move would see a rise in people losing their homes as mortgage payments became more expensive. However, the number of homes being repossessed by money lenders has significantly decreased, bucking the expected trend, according to analysis from House Buyer Bureau.

Mortgage guarantee scheme extended by a year

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

To date, the scheme has supported 24,000 households, with 85% of all loans going to first-time buyers.

Nationwide: House prices to edge lower by 5% in 2023

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Nationwide says it will be hard for the market to regain momentum in 2023 with economic headwinds set to strengthen.

Noisy neighbours top list of household complaints

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Household and people noise is the most common reason neighbours raise a noise complaint, with almost half (47%) of residents complaining for this reason - and households with children are more likely to complain than those without.

Nationwide: December house price growth slows to 2.8%

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Annual house price growth was down to 2.8% in December, according to the latest Nationwide house price index, driven by a fourth consecutive monthly decline.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his market update as we enter 2023

8-point winter property maintenance checklist for student landlords

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2022

Without a little TLC over the winter months, burst pipes, broken boilers, and draughty windows are common problems for landlords with vacant properties, with plenty that can go wrong as the colder weather creeps in.

UK Finance: Mortgage lending to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2022

A softening in the mortgage market is predicted for next year marking a return to pre-pandemic norms, with the ongoing cost of living pressures and rising interest rates set to reduce demand for house purchases between 2023 - 2024.

2022 was a record year for regulation in the PRS

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2022

Newly released analysis from geospatial technology company, Kamma, has highlighted the growing trend of evermore regulation targeting the Private Rented Sector, with 52 schemes and consultations launched in 2022 alone - five more than the previous year, and almost 10 more than in 2020.

Property remains one of the most reliable assets amid current economic chaos

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2022

A lot has been said about the future of property values. Following years of COVID-fuelled price booms, the economic uncertainty that much of the world now faces has led many commentators to suggest that property no longer provides the stable investment that it has for so long.

Majority of landlords say that there isn’t enough support for them to improve their EPC ratings

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2022

Ahead of new EPC changes coming into force in April 2025, new research has revealed that 78% of landlords, while aware of the rules, confess to not knowing a lot about the proposals with a similar number saying that the government has done a poor job at communicating the proposed changes.

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Posted on Saturday, December 10, 2022

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

A quarter of Brits set to sell their homes for energy efficient alternatives

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has seen a sharp rise in interest for homes with greater energy efficiency, with one in four homeowners now indicating that they plan to sell their home to buy a property which is more energy efficient.

Mandatory housebuilding targets scrapped following Tory pressure

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

Rishi Sunak has been forced to drop compulsory housebuilding targets in a bid to halt a growing backbench rebellion, prompting Labour to brand the PM 'weak' amid criticism he has put the party ahead of national interest.

Number of middle-aged renters surges

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

The number of middle-aged households privately renting has nearly doubled in the space of a decade, rising from 691,000 in 2011 to 1.18 million in 2021, with many set to remain in rented homes for the long term, according to new analysis of Government data by Paragon Bank.

Halifax: Average house prices fall as market continues to contract

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

The ongoing challenges of economic uncertainty, higher interest rates, rising inflation, and the cost of living crisis are continuing to impact house prices across the UK, with annual house price growth slowing further to 4.7% from 8.2%, according to Halifax.

UK rents hit another all-time high

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

Average rents in the UK have hit record levels once again, reaching £1,175 PCM - a 0.3% rise against last month, with all areas recording a year-on-year price rise.

Half of all first time buyers opting for mortgages with terms of over 30 years

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2022

The proportion of mortgages with longer terms has accelerated sharply since 2021 and now accounts for half of those taken out by first-time buyers, according to newly released market analysis from UK Finance.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Saturday, November 19, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his update on the property market post the Government's autumn review

Over 25% of landlords say they'll sell properties

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

Continuing instability across the BTL sector and an uncertain economic outlook in the wider property market have seen more than a quarter of landlords revealing that they plan to sell properties, according to research by broker forum, cherryplc.co.uk.

Majority now consider environmental impact of a property before renting or buying

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

35% of UK adults are either extremely or moderately concerned about their impact on the environment and living in an environmentally sustainable way, with over half considering the environmental impact of a property ahead of purchase.

Average rents continue their upward trajectory

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

Average rents in the UK have risen again reaching £1,171 PCM, up 1.0% from last month, according to the latest figures released by HomeLet.

The effect of downsizing on energy bills

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

With the cost of living crisis hitting households across the nation and compounded by rising energy bills - up by £1,223 in the last year alone, new research reveals that those downsizing from a detached home to a smaller property will undoubtedly see a reduction in the amount they spend on energy.

Demand accelerating for energy-efficient homes

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

Nine in ten estate agents have reported that demand is rising among homebuyers for properties with greater energy-efficiency, according to newly released market research from Santander.

Rightmove: Competitive pricing drives 'seasonal' November house price drop

Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2022

Despite continuing financial uncertainty, the 1.1% drop in the price of property coming to the market this month is in line with the average drop recorded in November during the pre-pandemic years of 2015-2019, according to the latest market insight from Rightmove.

Key: New equity release lending hits £1.5bn in Q3

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2022

New equity release lending hit £1.5bn in the third quarter with the average customer borrowing more than £114,000, according to adviser Key Later Life Finance. 

Average rental growth above 2% for second consecutive quarter

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2022

Average rents in the country saw a 2.18% rise during Q3 2022 and reached £889, up 8.68% on the year and marking the second consecutive quarter where growth was above 2%, according to newly released data from The Deposit Protection Service.

HMRC ramps up efforts to track down landlords with undeclared rental income

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2022

Since the government launched its Let Property Campaign in 2013 – an initiative which allows landlords to declare unpaid tax in return for a discounted penalty - more than 58,000 disclosures have been made to the authority and approximately £250 million has been recovered in unpaid taxes.

Over 70% of landlords still own rental properties with an EPC rating of D or below

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2022

Ahead of the changes to EPC legislation coming into force, landlords are currently able to let homes which have an EPC rating of D and above. With the government seeking to raise energy efficiency standards by April 2025, new research from Shawbrook highlights the scale of the challenge facing the PRS and its landlords.

Halifax: House prices slip further as market continues to cool

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2022

Average house prices have seen their third fall in four months, slipping by -0.4% in October as the market continues to correct itself following 18 months of record-breaking rises.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Green mortgage discounts are a key incentive for landlords to improve energy efficiency

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

All buy-to-let properties will need to have an EPC rating of C or above in order to be rented out to new tenants by 2025, according to current proposals, with an extension to all tenancies by 2030. To help landlords make the necessary upgrades, new research suggests that discounts for 'Green' mortgage products could be a key incentive.

How to make sure your new home is energy efficient

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

With energy bills rising and the government announcing yesterday that support will be reviewed from April next year, energy efficiency is high up on the list of priorities for many buyers and renters looking to move house.

The most important features for property photos, according to homebuyers

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

A picture can paint a thousand words, they say. So it's of no great surprise then that prospective house hunters rely quite heavily during the early stages of finding a new home on photos to help them make a decision. However, not all pictures are as effective as others.

Rightmove: Rents hit new record following another quarterly rise

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

Despite an influx of available rental properties easing supply pressure in some areas, tenant demand is continuing to outstrip supply across the board and has sent average asking rents outside London to a new record high of £1,162 per calendar month.

Energy efficiency concerns for 78% of homeowners

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

The cost of living crisis has propelled energy-efficiency high up on the priority lists of many homeowners who now rank the performance of their homes as essential due to rising bills.

Top tips to protect your home from damage on 'Mischief Night'

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

Clocks going back, Bonfire Night, and Mischief Night have been revealed to be behind a yearly spike seen in malicious damage claims according to Aviva who are advising residents to take heed as the Halloween season and longer nights create the perfect mix for mayhem.

The top ten strangest new home rituals

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2022

From scattering coins to burning sage, us Brits are certainly a superstitious bunch when it comes to moving into a new home, following age-old traditions to ensure good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Property maintenance sector recovering post-pandemic

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2022

The property maintenance trade industry is finally bouncing back after a difficult pandemic period, but still remains a long way from its pre-COVID peak, according to research by property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix.

Should I overpay my mortgage or invest?

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2022

Investors who are also homeowners with a mortgage face an ongoing choice through their financial lives – pay down the mortgage or invest excess cash instead?

48% of properties receiving offers on the same day as a viewing

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2022

No meaningful sign of a slowdown amongst house hunters as new research reveals that rising numbers of properties are receiving an offer within one hour of a viewing with many buyers making an offer on a house without even visiting it.

Halifax: Housing market showing further signs of slowing

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2022

Average house prices dipped slightly in September to £293,835 from their record high of £293,992 the previous month. This, alongside a growing number of regions that have seen annual house price inflation fall to single-digit levels, may be the clearest indication yet that the market is beginning to correct, according to this morning's data released by Halifax.

UK homeowners set to invest over £16bn on green home improvements

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2022

In light of the energy crisis which people nationwide are facing, 72% of UK homeowners say they want to make their homes more energy efficient, with 40% saying they’re planning to make energy-saving improvements before the end of 2023

Top tips to help renters get on the property ladder

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2022

With the latest figures revealing that, on average, it takes Brits between 5-9 years of renting before they can afford to buy their first home, Ben Osgood, Money Expert at Beehive Money, shares his insight into steps you can take to make this easier.

Rents hit record £1,250 in September

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2022

UK rents in September broke records hitting £1,249 on average as demand remains high amid tight supply, says Goodlord.

Buy to let void periods decline across the board

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2022

The rental market appears to be returning to good health with a significant reduction in void periods and costs compared to last year, according to the latest data released by Total Landlord Insurance.

Top tips for lowering energy bills and getting your home winter ready

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2022

As the summer heatwaves become a distant memory and the nights begin to draw in, many households across the UK will be wondering what they can do to reduce their energy use as, even with the £2,500 average household cap in place from Saturday, bills have already risen to untenable levels.

Rental yields near universities higher than the wider area

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Rental homes located near to universities command an average yield 1.3% higher than those in the wider area, increasing a landlord’s expected annual income by almost £6,000, according to new research from Stripe Property Group.

Lee Rowley becomes the 13th housing minister in 12 years

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Derbyshire MP, Lee Rowley, has been named as the latest housing minister and replaces Marcus Jones, who spent 63 days in the role after taking up the reins from Stuart Andrew who quit during the rebellion against Boris Johnson.

Which decade has been the best for homebuyers during the last fifty years?

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

You could be forgiven for assuming that due to today's record house prices and demand going through the roof for properties homebuyers have never had it so good. However, despite prices breaking records in recent years, the increase seen in the last decade sits well below that of previous decades.

What are millennial buyers looking for in a new home?

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Often given a hard time in the press over their perceived preference for smashed avocado over saving up a deposit for a house, Millenials are possibly not quite as financially insecure or averse to homeownership as we are sometimes led to believe.

Making your first house feel like home without breaking the bank

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones but it’s an expensive time too and involves a lot of decision-making in those initial months of moving in. With the number of people searching ‘tips for decorating first home’ up +300% it’s apparent most new homeowners need help finding where to start.

Making your first house feel like home without breaking the bank

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones but it’s an expensive time too and involves a lot of decision-making in those initial months of moving in. With the number of people searching ‘tips for decorating first home’ up +300% it’s apparent most new homeowners need help finding where to start.

What to consider when moving house before Christmas

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Given the surge in house prices over the last two years, inflation and the cost of living crisis – property values are predicted to ease in the coming months, presenting an opportunity for homebuyers that are in a position to purchase a new home potentially below market value.

What to consider when moving house before Christmas

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Given the surge in house prices over the last two years, inflation and the cost of living crisis – property values are predicted to ease in the coming months, presenting an opportunity for homebuyers that are in a position to purchase a new home potentially below market value.

52% of homeowners putting DIY plans on hold due to cost of living crisis

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

The current cost of living crisis is stopping more than half of homeowners from hiring skilled professionals to carry out their required home improvements, with 49% also stating they will be spending less on their own DIY endeavours.

52% of homeowners putting DIY plans on hold due to cost of living crisis

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

The current cost of living crisis is stopping more than half of homeowners from hiring skilled professionals to carry out their required home improvements, with 49% also stating they will be spending less on their own DIY endeavours.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on recent Government announcements and the property market

Save money on energy bills: home improvements to beat price rises

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Research from Norton Finance has ranked six of the most cost-effective energy-saving home improvements as Ofgem announces the 80% increase in the price cap for energy - with the cost starting at just £3.

What builders really mean - a jargon-busting guide for homeowners

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix, has created a jargon-busting guide to help homeowners better understand the terms used by tradespeople from electricians to builders and carpenters.

Halifax: Two thirds of mortgage further advances go towards upgrading the home

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Around two thirds of mortgage further advances are being used towards upgrading the home, according to the latest data from Halifax.

Rightmove: Searches for homes with air conditioning triple on yearly basis

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Searches for homes with air conditioning have soared compared to last year following the record-breaking hot summer, according to new analysis from Rightmove.

Buying your first home and the deposit you will need

Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Buying and owning your own home is an amazing feeling, but for many, it can feel unattainable, especially when the average property price is continuing to increase and reach record highs.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Poll shows one in four landlords to sell if 'no fault' evictions are abolished

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

A proposal to abolish controversial ‘no fault’ evictions could lead to a quarter of landlords selling property, new research from The Mortgage Works highlights.

Rightmove: What has become the most searched for term by renters?

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

‘Bills included’ has become the most popular search term by renters, who are looking for more certainty in their outgoings as the cost of living continues to rise.

HBB Solutions: Just a fifth of homeowners worried about prices falling:

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

Homeowners are yet to fear a fall in house prices, although the vast majority would be less likely to sell their homes if property values do start to dip, according to a survey by HBB Solutions.

Property maintenance now swallowing up a fifth of rental income

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

Property maintenance solution provider Help me Fix has revealed data from research into maintenance costs for rental properties showing that maintaining properties now accounts for over a fifth of a landlord's average rental income per property - up 4.7% since the start of 2022.

What are tenants willing to pay more for in the property market?

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

According to the latest JLL survey, conducted in July this year, the cost-of-living crisis and the Pandemic have forced tenants to rethink property priorities.

Propertymark: Tenants staying put as rents surge

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022

A shortage of housing stock is forcing renters to stay put, with 73% of letting agents saying they have seen an increase in the number of tenants renewing contracts over the past year, according to Propertymark.

The top 10 scents that will sell your house quicker

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2022

There are many things to take in when viewing your next potential home - from the look and feel of a property to the surrounding road noise or smell of the house. But could certain scents help sell your house quicker?

Top tips to move home with your pet

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2022

Moving home is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're a pet.

Housing delivery remains insufficient for the number of homes required

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2022

The nation's housing delivery is out of kilter, with the level of homes required in a given area well below the reality of those actually delivered, according to the latest research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk.

Things to consider when parents help with a house deposit

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2022

The cost of living crisis has seen many mortgage lenders tighten their criteria, making it harder for prospective buyers to get onto the property ladder and borrow as much as they could’ve previously.

Canada Life: UK equity release value tops £800bn for first time

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2022

The amount of equity available for release in UK homes topped £800bn for the first time, with this value lifting by £25.6bn in the second quarter of the year, says Canada Life.

Halifax: Number of home movers drops by 35% in 2022 but market remains buoyant

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The number of home movers last year was largely fuelled by the stamp duty holiday, which supported the housing market during the pandemic and led to a 133% increase in home movers between 2020 and 2021.

Rental yields holding steady across England and Wales

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Despite a slight dip in annual rental yields, down from 6.1% a year ago to 5.5%, the drop is only 0.2% on the previous three-month period, Q1 2022, when the yield was 5.7%, according to new data from Fleet Mortgages.

Energy crisis fuelling a rise in planned green home improvements

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Marking the one-year anniversary of its launch, the Greener Homes Attitudes Tracker from NatWest has released its latest stats and reveals that 63% of homeowners now plan to make green improvements to tackle growing energy costs, almost a 10% increase year on year - and younger homeowners overtake on plans to upgrade.

One in six set to improve their home's EPC rating with home improvements

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

17% of adults say they want to make improvements to their home and are being motivated to do so by the need to boost their EPC ratings, according to new research from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Average first-time buyer deposits grow by 76%

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

First-time buyers now need to save an extra £15,000 to purchase their first home, according to new research by Mojo Mortgages.

The garden plants that could be devaluing your home by 15%

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

With summer in full swing and record-breaking temperatures across the UK, now is a great time to enjoy your garden. However, ahead of moving to a new home, a proper garden health check should be on your radar as some plants can not only damage your property but devalue it.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

First time buyer house prices rising at the same pace as the wider market

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

As it stands, the average first-time buyer's house price now sits at 71% of the price paid by existing homeowners. However, in some areas of the market, they are paying a far similar level in order to secure their first home, according to new research from Stipendium.

Government plans see rising numbers of landlords looking to reduce their portfolio

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The nation’s landlords remain split over the Government’s latest plans to improve the rental sector, with almost one in five planning to reduce the size of their buy-to-let portfolio as a result, according to new research from Total Landlord Insurance.

Government plans see rising numbers of landlords looking to reduce their portfolio

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The nation’s landlords remain split over the Government’s latest plans to improve the rental sector, with almost one in five planning to reduce the size of their buy-to-let portfolio as a result, according to new research from Total Landlord Insurance.

Number of landlords looking to purchase through a limited company hits three-year high

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The level of landlords planning to buy their next buy-to-let property through a limited company is now at a three-year high following a substantial uplift from 50% during Q1 to 62% in Q2 2022, according to newly released data from Paragon Bank.

Tenants reveal their biggest rental turn-offs

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Over 1000 tenants shared their thoughts in a new survey from Ocasa which looked at the biggest turn-offs when it comes to searching for that perfect rental property, as well as what they don't like about landlords.

Rents have climbed by up to 30% since before the pandemic

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

During the pandemic, house prices skyrocketed but the rental sector struggled. Eviction bans, social distancing, a much-reported rejection of city living, and widespread reduction in tenant income meant that demand for rented homes diminished and the value of rent declined across much of the country.

Quarter of older households still have rent or mortgage payments

Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022

While the majority of older households own their home outright, a quarter still have either rent or mortgage payments, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ latest survey.

One in four first time buyers now pay stamp duty despite exemption rules

Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2022

HomeOwners Alliance is calling for an urgent review of stamp duty following new research that found almost a third more first-time buyers are having to pay stamp duty, despite the government's first-time buyer exemption.

How much equity would be required to help a first-time buyer climb today’s property ladder?

Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2022

For the vast majority of first-time buyers, raising a deposit remains by far and away the single most challenging part of getting onto the property ladder and, for those who are able, tapping into the Bank of Mum and Dad provides a much-needed boost to help get there.

Value of England's vacant homes falls to £194.3bn

Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Despite the number of vacant homes across England falling by 2% annually, those that remain dormant are still valued at a staggering £194.3bn in the current market.

Average rents climb further as demand remains high

Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2022

While there has been an increase in the availability of properties to rent since February, demand from prospective tenants has also risen and continues to fuel a rise in rents across the UK, according to the latest data from Propertymark.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

How to keep your house cool in the heat

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

comparethemarket.com  have shared their top tips on how to keep your house cool in the heat:

First time buyers account for 11% of transactions despite house price boom

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Despite house prices climbing to record highs, rising borrowing costs, and surges in the cost of living, first-time buyers still account for one in 10 of all property transactions across England.

Top tips for temporary decorating in your rental home

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

One of the first things tenants want to do when they move into a new property is to turn it into their home. The majority of newly leased rental properties will have decorated neutrally, so adding your own touches and style through decorating is a great way to achieve this.

Private rental sector estimated to see 6% growth by 2025 as more rental homes enter the sector

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The PRS is predicted to grow by as much as 6.5% by 2025, bringing the total number of privately rented dwellings just short of 5.8m, according to new estimates from Octane Capital.

Private rental sector estimated to see 6% growth by 2025 as more rental homes enter the sector

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The PRS is predicted to grow by as much as 6.5% by 2025, bringing the total number of privately rented dwellings just short of 5.8m, according to new estimates from Octane Capital.

Bank of England to drop mortgage market affordability test

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The Bank of England has confirmed that it is to withdraw its mortgage market affordability test from August.

Outright ownership equity hits £2.6tr in England

Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The level of equity built up in the property market across England currently sits at over £2.6trn amongst homes that are owned outright, with a 17% increase in this level of total homeownership over the last five years.

Homeowners not yet convinced by heat pumps or community energy

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

"There are a number of barriers standing in the way of increased adoption of community energy projects, which will make a huge difference to the UK meeting its net zero targets."

Propertymark: Demand remains high from prospective tenants despite rising rents

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

Rents are rising across the UK, but the latest data from Propertymark shows that demand remains high from prospective tenants.

Rents hit 8-month high and voids hold steady during May

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

"With the squeeze on available stock, we’re not surprised to see rents continuing to climb as we head into summer."

Nationwide: House prices see tenth successive monthly increase

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

"While the wider UK economy may be wobbling like a homemade Jubilee trifle, the housing market is standing firm, with property values continuing to climb."

10% of landlords 'plans to sell after end of next tenancy'

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

"[Many] landlords said they planned to decrease their portfolio or leave the sector entirely due to recent legislative changes"

Rental sector maintenance hits £30bn a year

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

"Ongoing maintenance can be a sizeable outgoing when it comes to managing a rental property"

Propertymark: Exiting landlords putting pressure on rental availability

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

The vast majority – 94% – of landlords who removed property from the private rented sector (PRS) between 2019 and 2022 did not return to the market, says a new survey from Propertymark.

First time buyer levels up almost 100% in the past decade

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022

Despite soaring house prices, the number of first-time buyers in the UK has increased by nearly 100% in the last decade, hitting a high of almost 410,000 in 2021, according to new market analysis from Stipendium.

Rightmove: Cost of living sees renters locking in longer tenancies

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

The cost of living is changing the behaviours of tenants, with new research showing that many are staying longer in one rental property to avoid being faced with record rents when moving to a new place.

Newcastle Building Society: First time buyers want gardens but fear rising costs will stymie plans

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Around 61% of first-time buyers say a garden is top of their wish list when they step on the property ladder, but 51% of these prospective buyers still living with family feared rising living costs would prevent them from getting a mortgage, according to Newcastle Building Society.

How best to search for a home

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Stipendium has compiled a guide on what to expect when it comes to finding the right property to buy, as well as running through some of the most common mistakes house hunters make when searching for their perfect home.

OnTheMarket: UK movers remain confident in securing a mortgage:

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Potential borrowers were very confident about securing a mortgage during April, although this sentiment is weakening slightly, according to the latest data from OnTheMarket’s property sentiment index.

OnTheMarket: UK movers remain confident in securing a mortgage:

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Potential borrowers were very confident about securing a mortgage during April, although this sentiment is weakening slightly, according to the latest data from OnTheMarket’s property sentiment index.

OnTheMarket: UK movers remain confident in securing a mortgage:

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Potential borrowers were very confident about securing a mortgage during April, although this sentiment is weakening slightly, according to the latest data from OnTheMarket’s property sentiment index.

Ongoing disparity between stock and demand sees prices rise across all regions

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Despite an increase in both foreign and domestic challenges across the UK property market, prices continue to rise rapidly across all regions, driven by considerable demand and an extreme scarcity of property for sale, according to the latest market analysis from Home.co.uk.

Retirement aspirations drive appetite for equity release

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Retirement aspirations and financial planning is driving equity release customer choices, with almost a third (32%) wanting more from life as they get older and 28% focused on financial planning, the latest research from Standard Life Home Finance shows.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Low rental stock sees average tenancy length increase

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

The latest data from Propertymark has indicated signs of ongoing disparity in supply and demand with tenants remaining in their properties for longer periods of time.

What makes the UK's perfect forever home?

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

For many, finding their forever home is the ultimate property goal. An aspiration that follows us throughout our lives, as we look for a place to anchor us and see through life’s milestones.

Legal & General: Bank of Mum and Dad searches lift in March

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

Borrowers continue to rely on the bank of mum and dad as joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage searches climbed by 17% in March, according to data from the Legal & General Mortgage Club.

Halifax: House prices rise for 10th month in a row

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

Average house prices rose 10.8% on an annual basis in April to hit a record £286,079, says the latest Halifax house price index.

Average rents accelerate to new record high

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

The average rent in the UK has reached another record high of £1091 after a 1.2% rise on last month, according to the latest data supplied by Homelet. Excluding the capital, average rents in the UK are now £920, up 1.1% on last month.

Energy crisis sees growing urgency for green home improvements

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022

Homeowners’ attitudes to green home improvements are changing rapidly due to spiralling energy prices, according to new research from NatWest and S&P Global.

An energy-efficient light at the end of the tunnel for landlords fighting inflation

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

As the cost of living continues to rise, energy efficiency has become the new battleground for landlords’ fighting to beat inflation. A recent study conducted on behalf of GetGround has found that a high inflationary environment is triggering a significant change in the way that landlords interact with their tenants, but less in the types of property, they choose to invest in.

Average first-time buyer deposits surge 40% in the last five years

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

Getting a foot on the property ladder has never been more challenging, with average deposits on a first home climbing rapidly over the last decade and pushing homeownership further out of reach for the nation’s first-time buyers.

Be aware of new smoke alarm & carbon monoxide detector rules, landlords warned

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

Landlords are being urged to take heed of forthcoming changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) says they could come into effect as soon as Autumn 2022.

Rightmove: Rents surge 11% in most competitive market ever

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

Disparity between demand and available properties has propelled national asking rents outside of the capital to a new record high, rising to £1,088 per calendar month and taking annual growth in asking rents outside of London above 10% for the first time, according to the latest data released by Rightmove.

Rightmove: Rents surge 11% in most competitive market ever

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

Disparity between demand and available properties has propelled national asking rents outside of the capital to a new record high, rising to £1,088 per calendar month and taking annual growth in asking rents outside of London above 10% for the first time, according to the latest data released by Rightmove.

First-time landlord demand continues to grow

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

"The buy-to-let sector continues to gain interest and lenders are launching new buy-to-let products frequently."

Paragon Bank: Tenant demand hits record levels

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

The strong tenant demand seen during last year has continued into 2022 with the proportion of landlords reporting a rise in demand reaching an all-time high of 62%., according to new data from Paragon bank.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his view on the current property market

Help us help vulnerable people at Hillingdon Hospital and possibly win a great prize too!

Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Christopher Nevill have created an exciting partnership with Hillingdon Hospitals Charity to help vulnerable patients being cared for in Hillingdon Hospital.

Six essential tips for first-time buyers

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The UK property market remains highly active despite rising mortgage rates. At the end of March 2022, Nationwide reported that annual UK house price growth had increased to 14.3%, resulting in the average home gaining £33,000 in value on the previous year and worth a record £265,312.

Homelet: Rents rise by 8.7% in March

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The average rent price increased by 8.7% throughout the UK on an annual basis in March, shows new data from HomeLet.

Eco-friendly upgrades that add value to your home

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Everyone needs to do their bit to help protect the environment. New insight from estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester, reveals how homeowners can make eco-friendly home improvements while adding great value to their property.

House prices continue upward swing in March

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Property prices continued to defy gravity and surged upwards in March, with Halifax’s latest house price index showing a 1.4% rise – the biggest monthly increase for six months.

Re-mortgages spike as borrowers hunt low rates

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Re-mortgages jumped in February as borrowers sought to beat interest rate rises with homeowners looking for new loans after just six months lifting by 30%, according to new data from the Legal & General Mortgage Club.

Off Plan property transactions predicted to hit record high in 2022

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Record numbers of homes will be sold “off-plan” by the end of the year, according to the NAPB which predicts that the number of properties available for purchase before they have been constructed will soar to levels never witnessed before.

25% of Generation Rent have moved home 10 or more times since they left their family house

Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Gen Z and millennials have been classified as Generation Rent for years due to being priced out of the housing market – unable to buy and having to pay a high percentage of income on rent.

Private rents rise at fastest annual rate in more than five years

Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Rents paid by private tenants have risen at their largest annual rate for more than five years after spiking in the past 12 months.

Only a third of private rented stock currently hits ‘minimum’ EPC rating

Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Just one third of privately rented homes have an energy efficiency rating of C or above, new data reveals.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Top tips to boost your home's spring time buying appeal

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2022

Spring is undoubtedly the most popular time of year to buy a home. And with the property market already booming, this spring is expected to be one of the busiest yet.

Rising cost of living sees housing sentiment decline

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2022

Double-digit house price growth, rising interest rates, and the escalating cost of living have seen a decline in housing market sentiment with just 18% of people thinking now is a good time to buy a property.

Housing supply up by a fifth in February

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2022

The volume of new stock entering the market has seen a rise of just over a fifth, according to Propertymark who recorded an increase of 21% during February in the number of properties listed per member agent branch

Majority of portfolio landlords say they'll re-mortgage in the next 12 months

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2022

As many as 70% of portfolio landlords say that they expect to re-mortgage or consolidate loans over the next 12 months, according to newly released data from CHL Mortgages.

Landlords sticking with plans despite inflation fears

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2022

The majority of landlords are sticking with their portfolios despite inflation fears, according to research from GetGround.

Front door trends for 2022

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

Kerb appeal, the art of making the outside of your home more appealing to potential buyers, often starts with the front door. Changing the colour or styling of your front door can make a huge change to the appearance of your home and its saleability

Front door trends for 2022

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

Kerb appeal, the art of making the outside of your home more appealing to potential buyers, often starts with the front door. Changing the colour or styling of your front door can make a huge change to the appearance of your home and its saleability

First time buyer demand drives mortgage search volumes up 80% in January

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

Overall mortgage search volumes by advisers rose by almost 80% in January, according to the latest data from Legal & General Mortgage Club, with demand amongst new buyers remaining a strong driver of activity.

Why it’s worth investing now to make your rental properties more energy efficient

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

With Rightmove’s latest data highlighting a rebound in demand for London as people return to offices to work and move closer to major cities, or at least within comfortable commuting distance of their workplaces – there are lots of opportunities for London landlords and sellers.

UK home to world's fourth largest rental market

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

Across the UK, there are estimated to be over 29.5m homes within the current property market. 30% of these are thought to be privately rented, meaning the UK’s buy-to-let stock totals over 8.7m homes.

Nationwide: House price growth accelerates to 12.6% in February

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2022

House price growth continued to climb in February, pushing average prices up by a further 1.7% against January and £29,000 over the last year, according to this morning's data from Nationwide.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

What should you consider when buying a home with friends?

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

As house prices continue to rise and the market becomes ever more competitive due to stock shortages, many people are considering buying a home with friends to get on the property ladder. In fact, a recent survey found that 10% of Brits aged 18-24 have bought a home with friends.

The 10 interior colours that could cost you your house sale

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

A blank canvass is always ideal for house hunters. Neutral tones are less of a distraction and make it easier to see what the space is actually like. However, owning a home means being able to put your own stamp on it so by all means paint it whatever colour you want, unless you want to sell.

Everything you need to know for creating your own kitchen garden

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Online searches for ‘how to grow your own veg all year round’ have increased by 80% since this time last year. This demand for high quality and fresh produce has been driven due to an extra emphasis on sustainability, saving money and removing pesticides from our food and the environment.

Stamp duty tax receipts jump £5.3bn in 2021

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Stamp duty tax collected by the government totalled £15.1bn during April 2021 to January 2022, an increase of £5.3bn compared to the same period last year, according to recent figures from HMRC.

What’s on the agenda for buy-to-let in 2022?

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The sector boomed in 2021 despite the pandemic, and experts foresee no let-up in the year ahead

What’s on the agenda for buy-to-let in 2022?

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The sector boomed in 2021 despite the pandemic, and experts foresee no let-up in the year ahead

Could UK property be your best investment in 2022?

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The pandemic impacted every inch of the UK but as we start to learn to ‘live with Covid’, we’ve started to see many sectors return to their pre-pandemic forms, includin the economy.

Could UK property be your best investment in 2022?

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The pandemic impacted every inch of the UK but as we start to learn to ‘live with Covid’, we’ve started to see many sectors return to their pre-pandemic forms, includin the economy.

One in five say they'll buy a property this year

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

Spiralling house prices, low stock and one of the most competitive markets on record are failing to deter prospective buyers from their homeownership dreams this year, according to newly released figures from Market Financial Solutions.

Finding the right kitchen that's tenant appropriate

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

When styling your Buy-to-Let one of the most important aspects is the kitchen. The quintessential hub of the home - be that for young professionals needing a work from home space or thriving families which need a living/homework area.

Void periods fall to five-year low

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

After peaking at 39% during the third quarter of 2020, void periods have steadily declined over the last 18 months and have now reached their lowest level for the last 5 years, according to newly released data from Paragon Bank.

Void periods fall to five-year low

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

After peaking at 39% during the third quarter of 2020, void periods have steadily declined over the last 18 months and have now reached their lowest level for the last 5 years, according to newly released data from Paragon Bank.

10 tips for choosing and buying a property later in life

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

It is unquestionably a difficult time for property buyers and sellers. The moving process is challenging for almost everybody, but for those who may not have bought or sold property for decades, it may now feel particularly daunting.

First-time buyers spent £27.3bn more in 2021

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

Britain's first-time buyers were out in force during 2021, with almost 400,000 entering the market and snapping up £86.1bn worth of property market value - a rise of £27.3bn in a single year.

Zoopla: Rents recover at end of 2021

Posted on Monday, February 14, 2022

Rent prices across the UK grew by 8.3% on an annual basis in the final quarter of 2021, shows a new report from Zoopla.

How much more would you pay for a chain-free home?

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Recent figures have revealed that the property sale fall through rate is on the rise, returning to normal levels after dropping to just 11% in Q3 last year.

Rightmove: House price growth at fastest pace since 2016

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

The average price of property coming to market has risen once again, with the 0.3% increase adding a further £852 to the value of a home - 7.6% higher than in January 2021, the highest annual rate of price growth recorded since May 2016, according to Rightmove.

HMRC: Residential transactions up 11.8% in Decembe

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

The latest HMRC data has revealed that UK residential property transactions climbed to 113,470 last December, down 14.6% against December 2020 but 11.8% higher than November 2021.

December saw a 33% rise in house hunters

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Estate agents have reported their busiest December on record for house hunters, with a 33% year-on-year rise in activity, according to the latest data from NAEA Propertymark

December saw a 33% rise in house hunters

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Estate agents have reported their busiest December on record for house hunters, with a 33% year-on-year rise in activity, according to the latest data from NAEA Propertymark

Halifax: Record number of first-time buyers joined market in 2021

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

The most affordable place for a first-time buyer (FTB) to bun the UK was Clackmannanshire in 2021, in a year that saw new buyers boost the housing market by a record rate, according to Halifax.

Darren Murphy's Market Update

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

One in seven landlords in the dark over upcoming EPC rule change

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

From 2025, all newly rented properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above. However, according to a new survey, 15% of landlords still have no knowledge of the upcoming changes to EPC rules.

Mortgage market predicted to ease during 2022

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

Gross mortgage lending will fall to £275bn this year, down from the £304bn reached in 2021 and signal a return to some semblance of normality in the market, according to predictions made by IMLA.

First time buyers unfazed by end of stamp duty holiday

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

Sustained demand from first-time buyers during October and November ensured there was no 'cliff edge' drop off in activity as the Stamp Duty holiday ended, according to newly released data from Legal & General Mortgage Club.

Home improvement boom expected following record-breaking 2021

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

2021 has been one of the busiest years on record for the UK property market. And naturally, beyond the aspiration of owning our own property, we also like to make our house a home and put our own personal stamp on it.

Nearly a quarter of workers see home as retirement fund

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

A survey carried out on behalf of Legal & General Home Finance found that 22% of current workers plan to use the value of their home to pay for their retirement.

Nearly a quarter of workers see home as retirement fund

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

A survey carried out on behalf of Legal & General Home Finance found that 22% of current workers plan to use the value of their home to pay for their retirement.

Half of first-time buyers looking to Bank of Mum and Dad

Posted on Friday, January 14, 2022

Nearly half – 48% – of first-time buyers (FTBs) expect financial help from a family member when buying a property, new research shows.

Buy-to-let activity up 83% in 2021

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

2021 is set to be a record year for mortgage lending, according to data released by UK Finance this morning, with projections for how the market performed in 2021 revealing that gross lending overall will peak this year at £316bn, a 31% rise on 2020.

How much time would you be prepared to add to your commute to afford a property?

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

A new study has revealed that longer, but less frequent, commutes are looking more attractive due to the surge in home and hybrid working adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Propertymark’s 2022 property forecast

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

2021 will be remembered by agents for the overwhelming demand seen from buyers. The average number of buyers registered per branch over a 12-month period stood at 447 for 2021, the highest since 2004.

Zoopla: UK house prices jump 7.1% in 2021

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

The price of the average UK house jumped 7.1% in 2021 to £240,800, driven by the stamp duty holiday, a lack of supply and a race for space sparked by the pandemic.

Are self-managing landlords able to cope with the industry’s regulatory burden?

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

Agencies can leverage technology and economies of scale to ensure compliance across their entire portfolio, while landlords who choose to self-manage face an uphill battle to accomplish the same task with fewer resources.

Soaring landlord confidence sees a third plan to expand their portfolio in the next 12 months

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

34% of landlords in the UK are planning to buy at least one property within the next 12 months, according to newly released data from Shawbrook Bank.

A strong year for a resilient lettings sector - 2021 rental trends

Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2021

As 2021 ends, Goodlord has analysed market data from across 2021. The statistics show a market in strong health, despite the impact of the January lockdown and shifting rules around evictions.

Do you know what your property’s EPC rating is?

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

Research from Mortgage Advice Bureau has shown that just 24% of consumers know what the EPC rating on their property is.

Equity release market predicted for further growth in 2022

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

New research from later life lender, more2life, has revealed that 80% of equity release advisers are confident that the market will grow in 2022, a demonstration of the sector’s resilience after the events of 2020 and 2021.

Record 60,600 homes bought using Help to Buy, but costs mount

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

A record 60,634 homes were bought using Help to Buy equity loans over the last year, according to official data, but rising house prices saw repayments on these mortgages shoot up.

How much extra would you pay for a home with a good view?

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

Homes with a good view are highly sought after in Britain, particularly along the coast. Research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk. highlights the areas where house hunters are paying the most and how much differs from that of the wider market.

How much extra would you pay for a home with a good view?

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

Homes with a good view are highly sought after in Britain, particularly along the coast. Research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk. highlights the areas where house hunters are paying the most and how much differs from that of the wider market.

Re-mortgaging drives bumper month for mortgage business

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

November was the second busiest month for mortgage searches in the past two years, with re-mortgaging continuing to dominate the market, according to the latest monthly report from platform Twenty7Tec.

Top Tips for saving your deposit

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

The spiralling cost of getting on to the property ladder is a daunting obstacle for the average first-time buyer to overcome. According to the latest research from Aldermore, 58% of UK FTBs that bought since March 2020 had to raise a larger deposit than intended due the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

Lockdown DIY projects boost value of England's homes by £21bn

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

Lockdown DIY projects boost value of England's homes by £21bnDuring lockdown, if you weren't baking sourdough bread or flinging yourself around the living room to Joe Wicks, you were probably doing a spot of DIY.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, December 6, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the property market as we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022

Nationwide: House prices rise by 10% in November

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

The average house price grew by 10% on an annual basis in November, figures from Nationwide show.

Rental housing demand at record high

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

Demand for private rental housing is at an all-time high according to a new survey of private landlords across England and Wales that found 57% confirmed that demand for homes to rent had increased during Q3 – up from 39% during Q2.

Should I downsize?

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

While some older homeowners may want to stay put in their larger homes for the extra space and to be near family, friends and other support networks while the pandemic is still front of mind, others may be looking for a change and consider buying their ‘final forever home’ soon.

Rightmove: House prices to rise nationally by 5% in 2022

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

Unrelenting buyer demand and historically low levels of available property are predicted to push house prices further into unchartered territory during 2022, nationally by 5% and for 3% in the capital, according to the latest analysis from Rightmove.

Steep fall in number of affordable homes, despite increase in housebuilding activity

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

There has been a significant fall in the number of affordable homes being built over the past year, according to the latest data from Homes England.

Tenant demand sees average void periods fall

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021

Demand for rental properties has seen void periods decline over the last month, with some regions in England seeing declines of up to a third.

Building societies report 22% rise in mortgage lending

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Q3 data released this morning by the Building Societies Association has revealed sustained momentum in the housing market, with gross lending by building societies up 22% compared to the same period in 2020

Government urged to plan homes for climate change

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Housing secretary Michael Gove should reset planning policy to ban developers from building thousands of new homes in high-risk flood areas, the think-tank Localis has argued.

Leeds adds carbon footprint benefit to 95% loan to value mortgages

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Leeds Building Society is to allow borrowers to offset the carbon footprint of their property during the fixed term of their mortgage.

Leeds adds carbon footprint benefit to 95% loan to value mortgages

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Leeds Building Society is to allow borrowers to offset the carbon footprint of their property during the fixed term of their mortgage.

The impact of flooding on property value

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Being flooded is an incredibly traumatic experience. Polluted water devastates the ground floor of your home, and insurance claims can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Crypto investors turning to property for stability

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Property is fast becoming one of the most popular investment choices for those making money out of cryptocurrency, with an uplift in those using their Crypto gains to fund purchases within the buy-to-let sector, according to research from buy-to-let specialist, Sequre Property Investment.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on 2021 and his prognosis for the months head

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

Posted on Friday, November 26, 2021

Equity release market heads for record-breaking £4bn year

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

Debt management, remortgaging, and gifting are driving the equity release market towards new territory after customers took out £1.049bn in property wealth in the three months to the end of September, according to data from equity release adviser, Key.

Equity release market heads for record-breaking £4bn year

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

Debt management, remortgaging, and gifting are driving the equity release market towards new territory after customers took out £1.049bn in property wealth in the three months to the end of September, according to data from equity release adviser, Key.

Halifax: Number of home-movers at highest levels since 2007

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

The race for space, stamp duty holiday, and low levels of borrowing have pushed the number of people moving home during 2021 to the highest levels seen for 14 years, according to data released this morning by Halifax.

Halifax: Number of home-movers at highest levels since 2007

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

The race for space, stamp duty holiday, and low levels of borrowing have pushed the number of people moving home during 2021 to the highest levels seen for 14 years, according to data released this morning by Halifax.

Eight top questions for first time buyers answered

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

Navigating the house buying process can not only be stressful but also confusing, particularly if you're taking your first step onto the property ladder. Buying your first home is a major milestone, it's natural to have plenty of questions.

ONS: House price growth soared to 11.8% during September

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

Albeit a little historical, the latest house price data released by HM Land Registry for September 2021 has revealed that average house prices in the UK increased by 11.8% in the year to September 2021, up from 10.2% in the year to August 2021

Your top property questions of 2021 answered

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

As with most things these days, if you're unsure about how to navigate the constantly shifting landscape of purchasing a property, your first port of call is likely to be the internet.

Your top property questions of 2021 answered

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

As with most things these days, if you're unsure about how to navigate the constantly shifting landscape of purchasing a property, your first port of call is likely to be the internet.

Zoopla: UK rents urging at fastest pace in 13 years

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

UK rents are rising at the fastest pace since 2008, with strong demand outstripping supply, according to the latest Rental Market report from Zoopla.

Propertymark: Top tips for landlords to protect their property this winter

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

As we head further into the colder months, it's worth remembering that it's not just the seasons that change. Potential changes to property are likely to happen too and landlords should give some extra thought during winter to how they can make sure their property ticks along as it should do.

Tenant demand at record levels

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Tenants demand has risen to record levels during Q3 according to a new survey of over 600 landlords carried out on behalf of Paragon Bank.

Demand for grade-listed homes continues to rise

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

cross the nation, the average demand for grade-listed homes is currently a staggering 52.7% - with more than half of all listed homes already under offer or sold subject to contract. New research from estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, reveals in which cities homebuyers have the best and worst chance of purchasing a grade-listed building.

Rightmove: It pays to go green: Energy efficiency upgrades see sellers’ pocket 16% more for their homes

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Homeowners making energy efficiency improvements before selling are banking as much as 16% extra on average, compared to those who haven’t made any improvements, according to a new study from Rightmove.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Zoopla: British homes valued at four times UK GDP

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The total value of Britain’s homes has reached £9.2tn or four times UK GDP, according to estimates by Zoopla.

Propertymark: Over 65s need homes to help solve housing crisis

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Housing policies need to help the rising number of people aged over 65 move to suitable properties, says Propertymark.

Tenant demand for larger properties continues to drive up detached property rent prices

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

An imbalance of supply and rising demand for more space has seen rents on detached homes increased twice as fast as the average for all UK properties during Q3 2021, according to The Deposit Protection Service.

How to maximise the chances of selling your home this winter

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

For the vast majority of us, the winter period is a steady, cosy wind-down towards Christmas Day and the start of a new year. Yet despite the weather becoming increasingly colder, the property market remains hot, with estate agents and property portals still recording lots of enquiries and highlighting the healthy demand amongst potential buyers.

Average rental yields stand firm in face of pandemic

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Lockdowns, tenants migrating from cities to move back home and reductions in their incomes, working from home requirements, and a ban on evictions. It's fair to say that times have been more than a little challenging for landlords recently.

How to become a greener landlord

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The latest estimates suggest that 67% of people in the UK believe that environmental issues are either equally concerning to, or more concerning than, health issues. And this number is likely to grow.

Buy-to-let acquisitions seeing highest proportion of activity from later life landlords

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Landlords nearing retirement age have been found to be the most prolific in terms of acquiring new investment properties, according to newly released data from Paragon Bank.

Homes England funds £300m regional Housing Growth Partnership

Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Homes England will commit £300m to small and regional housebuilders to build 10,000 new homes by 2025.

Homes England funds £300m regional Housing Growth Partnership

Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Homes England will commit £300m to small and regional housebuilders to build 10,000 new homes by 2025.

Majority of UK house buyers want their new homes to be energy efficient

Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

A new UK-wide study of prospective buyers for new homes has revealed that 61% of house buyers prioritise energy efficiency for heating and fixtures when looking for a new home

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his update on the current property market

Top tips to help you save for your first home

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

Of the many obstacles that first-time buyers face when attempting to get their first foot on the property ladder, one of the most challenging is saving up for the initial deposit.

House hunters reveal the power of kerb appeal

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

Whether it's on a first date, a job interview, or even viewing your potential new home, we all know that first impressions count. In fact, an overwhelming 93% of us judge a property before we’ve even stepped through the front door.

Majority of Brits not spending enough on home maintenance

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

To maintain your home's worth, experts recommend that you should spend the equivalent of 1% of your property's value on its upkeep each year. Current average house prices in the UK stand at £255k, meaning that an annual budget of £2,550 would be correct in this instance.

Pandemic sees surge in downsizing plans for one in eight over 70s

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

The number of over 70s planning to move to a smaller property has accelerated due to the pandemic, according to new research from Retirement Villages Group who are calling for the Government to introduce an SDLT waiver for downsizers to actively support people in making this choice.

HMRC: Stamp duty raised £12.3bn since start of holiday

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

The Treasury has collected £12.3bn in stamp duty receipts from the beginning of the tax holiday last July up to August 2021, according to HMRC data.

HMRC: Property sales surged by 32% between July and August

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

The latest figures from HMRC have revealed that residential property transactions climbed to 98,300 in August - a 20.8% rise against August 2020 and 32.0% higher than July 2021.

Moneyfacts: Over eight in 10 borrowers look for a fixed rate

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

Just over 81% of potential mortgage borrowers are in the market for a fixed rate product, shows new data from the Moneyfacts residential analyser.

Homeowners borrowing record amount to fund home improvements

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

Homeowners across the UK are now borrowing more money from mortgage lenders than ever before to fund home improvements, according to new research from Mojo Mortgages.

Subsidence: Do you know what to look for?

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

51% of homeowners don't know what the signs of subsidence are and of the one in five who have spotted potential signs, 26% didn't take any action, according to new research from LV= General Insurance.

What are the most in-demand interior trends of 2021?

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

Maximalism is the most in-demand living room trend of 2021, new research has revealed, with searches for the styling up 80% from last year

Nationwide: House price growth rises further to 11% in August

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

Annual house price growth rose from 10.5% in July to 11% in August, according to the latest Nationwide house price index.

Homelet: Average UK rent hits record high for third consecutive month

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

The average UK rent price has hit a record high for the third month in a row, according to the latest data from HomeLet.

Direct Line: Energy efficiency hot topic for renters

Posted on Thursday, September 9, 2021

The majority – 80% of potential renters – would ask their landlord what they have done to improve a property’s energy efficiency before moving in, a survey carried out by Direct Line shows.

Propertymark: Housing market beginning to stabilise

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

The number of properties that sold for more than the asking price dropped from 40% in June to 31% in July in a sign that the housing market is stabilising, the latest figures from Propertymark show.

Demand for rental housing hits five-year high

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

"With lockdown restrictions having ended, and offices beginning to reopen, the jury is out as to whether this trend will continue."

Significantly more portfolio landlords planning to release equity as average value exceeds £2m

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

We’ve seen double-digit house price growth, and even without access to the stamp duty holiday, the intention to re-mortgage to take out that increased value to purchase more has grown."

Five ways to keep your home renovation eco-friendly

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

"If your renovation involves replacing major appliances, then consider investing in energy-efficient goods, as these will last longer and help you reduce your energy waste.

ONS: House prices rose 13.2% in June to highest level since 2004

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

"Another behemoth level of house price growth both on a monthly and annual basis, no doubt influenced by the first of the staggered extensions to the stamp duty holiday"

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Darren Murphy gives hsi views on the current property market

How to style your home to sell

Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

When styling your home to sell, the first job is to know who you’re planning on selling it to. Will it be a young stylish couple, a family, or a first-time buyer? It might not be immediately obvious, so check out other properties for sale in the same area and the budget you hope to achieve and then decide on your target audience.

Record number bought through Help to Buy in year to end of March

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

Over 55,000 households bought homes through Help to Buy equity loan in the financial year 2020/21, an all-time high for the scheme

Searches for luxury new-builds leap 25% in July

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

Buyer interest in luxury new-build homes across Britain surged by 25% during July, indicating that the new homes market continues to be affected by shifting trends in lifestyle priorities due to the pandemic.

Rightmove: Flat prices edge up 1% to £277,000 since pandemic

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

The average asking price of a UK flat has edged up by just over £2,000 since the start of the pandemic, standing at £277,302 as buyers opted for bigger homes with gardens further from city centres, according to Rightmove.

Top tips for renovating your rental

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

Unless you're heavily into white, or have a time machine and are renting a home in the 70s and like marigold, the decor in your new rented home will be one of the first things you'll want to change. Landlords like to keep things simple with regards to decor and most will expect you to put your own stamp on the property. So how do you make the space your own?

Experian: Stamp duty holiday boosts consumer understanding of credit scores

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

The stamp duty holiday has driven consumer understanding of how credit scores work, according to Experian.

Which home renovations will add the most value to your home when selling?

Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2021

Several months of double-digit house price growth is great news for homeowners and those looking to sell their property. However, if you’re looking to boost the asking price of your home even further, it’s important to know which projects will add value in the eyes of a potential buyer

Looking to rent? Here are some of the dos and don’ts to save you extra costs

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

Looking to rent? Here are some of the dos and don’ts to save you extra costs

New home registrations hit 14-year high

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

During the second quarter of 2021, new home registrations hit a 14-year high, as the housebuilding industry rebounded from the nationwide shutdown during the pandemic and reacted to increased demand for new homes.

IMLA: Lending to reach highest level since 2007

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

Gross mortgage lending is on track to reach its highest level since 2007 this year, according to forecasts by the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.

House hunters prepared to pay premium of £10k for strong mobile signal

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

70% of house-hunters say they would walk away from their dream home if mobile connectivity wasn’t up to par, following a shift in working patterns due to the pandemic, according to newly released data from Virgin Media O2.

Housebuilding starts are set to rise in 2021

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

Housebuilding starts are set to rise 20.9% this year before rising a further 9% in 2022, according to predictions made by the Construction Products Association’s construction industry summer forecast.

Paragon Bank: Landlords report tenant demand hits five-year hi

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

The proportion of landlords reporting rising tenant demand has hit a five-year high, according to data from Paragon Bank.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the currnet property market

The room upgrades that add the most value to your home

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

Prior to selling up, many homeowners look for ways to make their property attractive to potential buyers. Although kerb appeal can do it's bit getting house-hunters through the door, giving your home the wow factor and converting a viewing to a sale requires a little investment.

Build to rent planning applications see 52% rise during pandemic

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

Despite the pandemic slightly slowing what looked to be a very impressive rate of growth for the build-to-rent market, the sector has done an admirable job of recovering from the early shock to maintain positive momentum throughout a challenging year.

UK average rent breaks the £1000 per month barrier for the first time on record

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

The average rent in the UK is now at a record high of £1,007, up 5.9% on the same time last year and 7% on 2019, with every single region of the UK showing an annual price increase, according to the latest figures released by Homelet.

Private rental market valued at £1.4trn in current market conditions

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

"The private rental market is the backbone of the UK housing sector and plays an incredibly important role in providing homes for those that are unable to overcome the financial hurdles associated with homeownership."

New home registrations hit 14-year high

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

During the second quarter of 2021, new home registrations hit a 14-year high, as the housebuilding industry rebounded from the nationwide shutdown during the pandemic and reacted to increased demand for new homes.

Treasury pockets £5.4bn in stamp duty so far this year despite holiday

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021

The Treasury has collected £5.4bn in stamp duty during the first half of this year despite the tax holiday reducing or eliminating bills for many buyers.

Majority of tenants willing to pay higher rents for well-furnished properties

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

Modern-day tenants are more likely to splash out on higher rents if their new homes are well furnished, according to the results of a new survey.

Homebuyer demand continues to climb during Q2

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

Homebuyer demand across the UK has continued to climb for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to the latest market analysis from GetAgent.co.uk.

English Housing Survey: First-time buyer deposits hit £47,500

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

Single first-time buyers paid an average of £47,479 in deposits in 2019/20 in the year to March, according to the latest English Housing Survey.

e-surv: House prices march upwards by 10.7% in June

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

House prices in England and Wales grew by 10.7% this June, shows the latest price index from e.surv.

e-surv: House prices march upwards by 10.7% in June

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

House prices in England and Wales grew by 10.7% this June, shows the latest price index from e.surv.

Majority of homeowners financially unprepared for maintenance costs

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

Annual household maintenance costs are forcing the majority of homeowners to use credit cards and loans to cover the bill, with the average costs ranging between £500-£1500 per year.

Almost a third of prospective first-time buyers have delayed plans due to Covid

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021

Three in ten prospective homebuyers have paused plans to purchase their first property as a result of COVID-19, according to a new study from NerdWallet.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his update on the property market as the latest phase of the holiday on stamp duty comes to an end

Can property help you to retire more comfortably?

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

At some point during their career, many people will question, pension or property? As the retirement age rises, and the cost of living increases, this age-old debate is becoming increasingly common.

7 DIY hacks that could help sell your house faster

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

The team at www.onlinemortgageadvisor.co.uk have put together a list of their top DIY hacks that could help you sell your home that little bit faster, without breaking the bank.

ONS: May’s property sales jump by 123% year on year

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

Residential property sales reached their highest May total for seven years last month as buyers rushed to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday, according to official figures.

How has the UK property market fared in the five years since the EU referendum?

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

Now, as we reach the five-year anniversary of the referendum this week (on 23 June to be exact), it seems an opportune moment to reflect on how the market has actually responded to Brexit.

Rental incomes up by 68% since the last property market crash

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

With many investors now showing a degree of caution due to market uncertainty because of the pandemic, new research looks back to the 2008/09 recession and reveals which areas of the English rental market have performed the strongest since then.

Majority in favour of cheaper mortgages for greener homes

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

Despite uncertainty amongst UK households surrounding the technology needed to carry out green home improvements, new research from one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat, Vattenfall, has revealed that over 60% believe mortgages should be cheaper if they are loaned on homes which emit fewer emissions.

Stamp duty scramble sees grand-parents gift £323m for house deposits

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

Since July 2020, the Bank of Gran and Grandad has gifted nearly £1 million a day to help younger family members buy their first home or move up the property ladder, according to new data from equity release adviser, Key.

All time record broken for number of properties selling over the asking price

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021

If you needed any further proof that it is a seller's market out there at the moment, the latest market analysis from NAEA Propertymark puts doubt to rest by revealing that one in three properties sold for more than the asking price in May – the highest ever on record.

Why the end of the eviction ban is unlikely to spark a surge in evictions

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

David Smith, partner at JMW Solicitors, comments on why he thinks a sudden surge in in evictions is unlikely.

Protecting buildings against the effects of climate change

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

The past decade has been officially reported as the hottest on record. And with the UK experiencing not only more extreme but equally unpredictable weather, climate change is a challenge we must all take seriously.

BoE: Mortgage advances value jumps 27% in a year

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

The value of gross mortgage advances made in the first quarter of this year came to £83.3bn, says the Bank of England (BoE), which is 26.5% higher than in Q1 2020.

Why first-time buyers should buy into smart home tech for their first move

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

The stamp duty holiday, teamed with a post-lockdown demand for more space, has resulted in a mini-boom in the housing market in recent months; with the re-introduction of 95% mortgages only increasing this surge further. So, as we quickly approach the end of the stamp-duty holiday, buyers will be hurrying to get their purchases across the line before the end of June deadline.

RICS: Widest supply and demand gap for 7 years

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

The gap between supply of new property listings coming onto the market and demand from those looking to buy was its widest for more than seven years in May as the rush to beat the end of the stamp duty holiday continues, according to the latest index from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Access to green space main driving factor behind home moves in the next two years

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

A new YouGov survey conducted with 2,180 representative UK adults has found that 19% say they would be likely to look to move home or area with more green space in the next 2 years.

Three quarters of Brits against building new homes on green belt land

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

According to recent estimates, almost 77% of people demand more new homes from the government. However, public support for two of the government’s proposed tactics for relieving the housing drought has not been received warmly.

How to rent out your home

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2021

ARLA Propertymark has pulled together these top tips to help you prepare to rent out your home and keep your future tenants happy.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, May 31, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

NHBC: New home registrations climb 10% during Q1

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

The latest figures released by NHBC have revealed that during Q1, 36,863 new homes were registered, with those for the private sector climbing 10% to 26,985 against Q1 2020.

Rightmove: Prices rise by nearly £6,000 in a month to new record

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Asking prices have climbed by £5,767 or 1.8% over the past month to reach a new record of £333,564 in May, the latest index from Rightmove has found.

BoE: Change in housing market character may be here to stay

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Changes to the housing market wrought by the pandemic may be here to stay, a senior Bank of England member is due to say in a speech today.

Nearly half of Brits made home improvements during lockdown

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

They say that if you weren't making sourdough bread or leaping around your living room to Joe Wicks, chances are you were up a ladder painting something during lockdown.

HMRC: Residential property transactions see busiest April since 2007

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

UK residential transactions in April 2021 have increased 197.8% year on year, according to the latest data released by HMRC. However, they caution that a substantial amount of this difference is due to significant negative impacts from the pandemic captured within April 2020 statistics.

BSA: Building society lending rises 33%

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Mortgage lending from building societies rose by 33% in the first quarter of this year on an annual basis, figures from the Building Societies Association show.

How much value could a garden add to your Buy to Let property?

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

The last 15 months have seen a huge rise in demand for property with outside space. The latest figures reveal that having a garden adds 25% more to the average letting price, but this varies drastically when broken down city by city.

Over three quarters of landlords annually reinvest in their properties

Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Standards in the PRS are improving. During the last 15 years, the portion of homes in the sector classed as ‘decent’ under Government standards has increased from 53.2% to 76.7%.

Selling Your Home: How to make a good first impression

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

From the availability of light, to the distinct sights and smells within a home, down to its temperature and sense of warmth, there are a variety of details that can change the perception of a property on the market.

Halifax: House prices climb to new high in April

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

The average house price in the UK grew to £258,204 in April, the latest index from Halifax shows.

Lockdown sees vast majority of homeowners investing in their gardens

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

Brits have always been a green-fingered bunch. However, due to several lockdowns, a highly impressive 71% of homeowners have invested in their garden since the start of last year, rising to 75% among those who have been furloughed.

Which garden improvements will add the most value to your home?

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

With outside space more valuable than ever for homebuyers and 64% of UK residents claiming they wouldn’t buy a property if it didn’t have an outdoor area, our gardens are shifting from simply somewhere to sit on a warm day to being a major player when it comes to increasing the saleability of our homes.

How to 'settle' your new home

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

When moving into a new build, it’s important that time and measures are taken to ensure your home has ‘settled’ and any potential damage identified quickly and dealt with.

NHBC: New home registrations up 10% in Q1

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

The number of new homes registered in Q1 2021 was 36,863, up 10% on the same period last year.

Homeowners reveal what the most important factors are when selling a home

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

Despite the fact we all love a bargain, low estate agent fees are far from being the most important factor when selling a home, according to respondents of a new survey

Help to Buy scheme sees 40% rise in uptake

Posted on Friday, May 14, 2021

There was a 40% rise in use of the Help to Buy scheme in the final quarter of 2020 on an annual basis, latest government figures show.

Government launches 95% mortgage guarantee scheme

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The government's new 95% mortgage guarantee scheme has launched, with a number of lenders including HSBC, Barclays, Santander, NatWest, and Lloyds now further supporting borrowers with smaller deposits.

Top tips for new landlords

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

In step with the growing demand for rental accommodation, the number of first-time landlords is also on the rise.

NAEA Propertymark: Asking prices near seven-year high

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The number of homes selling for more than their asking price neared a seven-year high last month, according to NAEA Propertymark.

Overseas Investors: Will UK property remain a long-term investment choice?

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

UK property has long been a ‘safe haven’ for international investors, with the market’s robust performance throughout the pandemic highlighting its resilience as an investment asset.

Appetite for new build homes sees 9% rise during the last year

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Coastal towns in the south of England and Wales are leading the way in a 9% climb in demand for new build homes during the last year, according to new data.

Frenzied market: One in every 50 UK homes sold so far this year

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

A level of sales not normally achieved until the end of June has been reached by mid-April, with one in every 50 homes in the UK sold, up from one in every 100 homes during the same period last year, according to the latest research by Zoopla.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

A quarter invest in smart home tech during lockdown

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

Across the UK, 74% of us now own a smart device - equating to nearly 50 million people across the country and, since lockdown, there has been a surge of popularity for this technology. But what is the most popular?

Top tips to enhance your property's security when returning to work

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

2020 saw millions leaving their usual places of work and heading home to create makeshift offices in their kitchens and living rooms. Unsurprisingly, as a result of working from home, thefts saw a 35% decrease.

Majority of Brits 'not proud' of their DIY knowledge

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

It's hardly surprising that there was something of a DIY boom during lockdown. With millions stuck indoors for months on end during 2020, imperfections in the home that would otherwise have been overlooked became glaringly obvious and a welcome distraction from the pandemic.

Homebuyers willing to pay premium to live on a Hill, Lane or Garden

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

Despite nearly a third of all homes sold over the last year were on a Road, newly released data has highlighted that, when it comes to commanding the highest price, homes with a more desirable sounding location take some beating.

Annual house price growth approaches 10%

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

Over the last twelve months, the average price of a home in England and Wales has increased by around £30,000, or just below 10%, according to the latest e.surv Acadata House Price Index.

Romal Capital: A third of households planning to move

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

Almost a third of households are planning to move home following the pandemic, according to a survey by Romal Capital.

Brokers anticipating high levels of buy-to-let business over the next 12 months

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

Buy-to-let business expectations amongst mortgage brokers have hit a seven-year high, according to a new survey from Paragon.

How to prepare your home for sale this spring

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

Traditionally, spring is the busiest time of the year for the UK property market. And with thousands flooding the market, spurred on to move by the effects of lockdown and various government incentives, this could be one of the most competitive ones in a while.

Size and safety remain top of the list for UK homeowners

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

Our homes are more than just a roof over our heads, they are an extension of our lifestyle and individual personalities, yet despite the ability to tailor every aspect of our property to our specific needs, you can't beat the basics.

Post-budget spike in housing demand as buyers hunt down bigger homes

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

The latest market analysis from Zoopla has revealed that the budget has fuelled a spike in buyer demand for property compared to the four-year average, with buyers focusing on larger homes.

Older homeowners cleared £612m of debt with property wealth during 2020

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

Over-55s used housing equity to clear more than £612 million of unsecured debt in 2020, according to the latest research from Key, who are marking debt charity, Step Change’s, Debt Awareness Week to highlight the ways that equity release customers address financial issues.

Majority of new-build buyers could benefit from latest H2B scheme

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

The latest Government Help to Buy scheme could help over a half of all new-build homebuyers to get a foot on the ladder, according to newly released data from Buildscan.

A third of homebuyers get on the ladder thanks to lockdown

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

With the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel shining a little brighter by the day, new research has revealed that there has been a silver lining for 27% of recent homebuyers.

Darren Murphy's Market Update

Posted on Friday, March 26, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the post budget property market

Confidence returns to the housing market following budget

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

Optimism has returned to the housing market with the latest data revealing that over a third of people agree that now is a good time to buy a property in the UK.

Top tips to put the spring back into your garden space

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

Hard to believe it but summer officially starts on 28th March. Clocks will go forward, the days will last longer and with light at the end of the lockdown tunnel, you'll want to make the most of your outside space with family and friends once we get the all-clear.

Stamp duty receipts just 6% lower in February

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

Stamp duty receipts were just 6% lower last month compared to a year ago, according to Coventry Building Society analysis of HMRC tax data.

Asking prices surge as demand overwhelms supply

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

The escalating property drought has seen house prices and rents leap by 1.4% since last month, pushing annualised growth up to 4.8%, as stock shortages force up prices outside of the capital.

Demand for property reaches record-breaking ten-year high

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

Driven by lockdowns and fuelled by recent government incentives, Rightmove has revealed that this is the strongest spring sellers’ market in the past decade.

Over a quarter of homeowners miss mortgage payments

Posted on Monday, March 22, 2021

Accidents and falling ill are believed to cause around 26% of homeowners, or those buying a property, to miss paying their mortgage, according to new data which highlights the importance of financial protection.

House price growth sees surprise rebound in February to 6.9%

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Continued demand for housing, regardless of the stamp duty holiday, has seen a surprise rebound in annual house price growth, according to data released by Nationwide.

Rents hold steady in February as tenants look beyond the pandemic

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

February was another strong month for the lettings market, with rents holding steady and voids falling, providing much-welcomed optimism for agents and landlords.

How to build your own garden office without breaking the bank

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Due to lockdown and vast numbers of people working from home, there has been a growing trend of buying luxurious garden buildings and outhouses amongst wealthy home workers during the pandemic.

Cooling down the top home heating myths

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

As the nation shivers its way through the first frosty months of the year, new research reveals that average heating bills are up by around £107 - a side effect of lockdown.

What pet property damage do landlords need to look out for?

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The government's new standard tenancy agreement and rising demand from tenants are set to see a growing number of people in rented accommodation choosing to live with a furry friend.

Darren Murphy's post Budget market update

Posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2021

First time buyers see £42,000 deposit boost from Bank of Gran and Grandad

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

The latest data analysis from retirement finance experts, Key, reveals that those who are attempting to get their first property are being given a generous leg-up onto the ladder by their grandparents.

Rightmove: Lockdown clarity sees prospective buyer numbers up 22%

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

Records were broken once again at Rightmove with the portal revealing that 17th Feb was the site's busiest day ever as house-hunters gear-up to move home in light of the roadmap out of lockdown finally being announced.

Which property nightmares have the biggest negative impact on the value of your home?

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

They say you can fall in love with a property in under seven seconds. However, newly released research from Yes Homebuyers shows how if you can't see major issues with your new home through your rose-tinted glasses, you could be in trouble.

Nationwide pinpoints local areas with most affordable housing for first time buyers

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

There has been a significant widening of the gap between the areas of the UK with the least and most affordable housing according to the latest report from Nationwide Building Society.

How to add £94,000 in value to your home by utilising wasted space

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

During the pandemic, two of the most persistent trends seen across the whole property market have been escalating house prices and a desire for larger homes.

Landlords strategically expanding portfolios during pandemic

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021

Market analysis from Direct Line business insurance has revealed that since the introduction of the Stamp Duty Holiday in July 2020, a staggering 79% of commercial landlords have expanded their property portfolio.

Exceptionally high demand sees UK rents grow by 5.8%

Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

The shifting needs of tenants throughout the pandemic has created a heightened demand for locations that offer greater space, driving average rents up to £839 when London is excluded - a rise of 5.8% against last year.

Detached homes see 10% price surge as house hunters demand more space

Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

The average price of a detached property in the UK hit £486,595 in December 2020, an increase of £43,364 (or 10%) when compared against December 2019 as working from home and the continuing effects of lockdown see house hunters seek more space.

Rightmove: House prices rise on limited supply

Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

House prices in February 2021 grew 3% on an annual basis, shows Rightmove’s latest house price index.

Landlord buying patterns have altered due to the pandemic

Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

The latest research from property investment company, Fabrik Invest, has found that as the continuing impact of the pandemic is felt across the UK's private rented sector, longer-term changes in landlord behaviour and requirements are being seen.

Landlords move back into property market

Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

There is a surge of landlords moving into the UK property market, according to the latest data from Yomdel.

Top tips to maximise existing space and increase the value of your home

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

New research by self-storage company, Space Station, found several ways in which homeowners can increase the value of their homes without paying for an extension, and instead simply making the most of existing space in a property.

Treating limescale could reduce your heating bill by £180 per year

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

New research has revealed the impact of limescale on the average heating bill in the UK, costing households in hard water areas an extra £180.

Affordable homes only account for 17% of new-builds delivered over the last three decades

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

Newly released research from new-build snagging company, HouseScan, analysed new build completions since 1990 and looking at the total of new homes completed in each region and what this equates to as a percentage of all new homes built across the nation.

Build to rent completions forecast to double by 2025

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

As an increasing number of people's attitudes to owning their own home shift towards renting, the UK's Build to Rent sector is set to gain momentum and see competitions double by 2025, according to a forecast from build to rent specialists, Ascend Properties.

Rents continued to hold steady during January

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

Despite the latest lockdown squeezing the brakes on the lettings market, resulting in a rise in voids, rents are continuing to hold steady, reflecting the resilience of the wider market.

Top tips to avoid 'stuffocation' at home during lockdown

Posted on Sunday, February 7, 2021

A third UK-wide lockdown has seen millions working from home and having their freedom restricted as the pandemic carries on and for many, ‘stuffocation’ is causing feelings of claustrophobia in their space.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, January 25, 2021

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Houseplants boost your mood

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

A look at the best houseplants to boost your mood during the darker months by bringing nature inside.

Longer mortgages the norm for first-time buyers

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

The majority of first-time buyers are opting for longer-term mortgages, shows a new report from Nationwide.

Rents rise for larger homes as tenants search for space in lockdown

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

Rent for larger properties continues to rise at a faster rate during the last quarter of 2020, as tenants seek more space as a result of work-from-home restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Government confirms Help to Buy deadline extension

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

As a result of discussions between the Home Builders Federation and government agency, Homes England, the deadline for the existing Help to Buy scheme will now be extended by a month to the end of March.

What are the most sought-after features renters are looking for during the pandemic?

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

It used to be things like open-plan space, clever storage or proximity to a good school. However, the shifting attitudes of UK renters keen to ride out future lockdowns in greater comfort have seen the list of features they want from their new homes change, maybe forever.

MCHLG: Housing completions tripled during Q3

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

Following the shutdown of the housing market last spring, new housing starts and completions sprang back into life during the third quarter of last year.

UK house prices at record level for fifth successive month

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

The average house price in England and Wales now stands at £326,762, establishing a new record level for the fifth consecutive month following heightened and unseasonal activity during December.

Top tips to deal with winter damp

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

Although a well-placed water feature will add a certain something to the majority of homes, unwanted water and especially damp is something that no homeowner wants to deal with.

Top tips to improve your home workspace

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

OK, so we're back in lockdown. And for millions, this means working from home again for the near future.

Modern bathrooms remain essential for majority of homebuyers

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2021

With the housing market still in full swing, the suspension stamp duty has led to many people selling their houses quickly and often for over the asking price. In fact, recent data shows that between November and December, asking prices were up 6.6% compared to 2019.

Bank of England: Mortgage approvals at 13 year high

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2021

UK mortgage lenders approved 104,969 mortgages in November 2020, the highest monthly number in more than 13 years.

Changes to Green Homes Grants welcomed by landlords

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2021

Landlords have welcomed government changes made to the Green Homes Grant Scheme, reducing the challenges both landlords and homeowners were facing finding an installer.

Top tips to improve your home workspace

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2021

OK, so We're back in lockdown. And for millions, this means working from home again for the near future.

Detached properties saw highest price growth in majority of regions during 2020

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2021

Fuelled by lockdown and the desire for larger properties with more open space, new data has revealed that detached homes saw the highest rate of annual house price growth of all property types in all but three UK regions last year.

Lettings market remained buoyant throughout December

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2021

Newly released figures from lettings technology experts, Goodlord, have revealed that the UK rental market held steady during December despite growing fears surrounding the pandemic.

The most common locksmith questions answered

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

 Izzy Schulman, Director at Keys 4 U, answers the most common questions he receives as a locksmith, to help you stay on top of your home security this winter.

English national Survey: First-time buyer numbers rise 14%

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The number of first-time buyers increased by 14% from 727,000 in 2018/19 to 827,0000 in the year to April, the latest English Housing Survey has shown.

Bank of Mum and Dad tightens lending

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

House buying funds supplied by the Bank of Mum and Dad has “dropped dramatically” over the last two years, shows government data.

Post-Covid property market ruled by space and tech, claims new research

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Newly released data from research by housebuilder, Redrow, polled 2,000 UK adults to understand their views on their homes post-pandemic and their desires as they enter 2021.

Pet owners hit with £1.7bn a year in household damage

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The pandemic has seen a spike in pet sales, with new data revealing that almost a fifth of us welcomed a dog to our family during lockdown. However, despite being our best friends, dogs cost around £164 in repairs to damage they have caused in the home each year. Good job they're cute, right?

Yomdel: Housing market activity ‘unseasonably high’

Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Yomdel chief executive Andy Soloman says: “All bets may be off for the moment as regards the pandemic, Brexit, the economic outlook and sales progression logjams, but new estate agent enquiries remain strong.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Sunday, December 27, 2020

As we enter 2021 we can do so with some cautious optimism about the way in which the year will, hopefully, unfold.

MHCLG: Net housing supply hits 33 year high

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

New figures released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have shown that 243,770 homes were created in 2019/20 - the highest amount in 33 years.

What are people actually doing with their equity release cash?

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go astray. And it seems that this is also true of borrowers. With the average sum of £46,928, equity release borrowers could certainly do a lot. But what, exactly, do they actually end up doing?

Top tips to save money, warm your home and enjoy some Gluggaveður this winter

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

As the temperature drops and the frost kicks in it's nice to enjoy a bit of Gluggaveður - an Icelandic term anglicised as 'gluggavedur' - which means 'window-weather'. It's the kind of weather that is nice to look at through the window but not nice to be out in.

Which room is the best value for money in your home?

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

New research by comparethemarket.com has revealed that the master bedroom is the best-valued room in the home with Brits spending the most time here (2,482 hours per year). However, people only spend an average of £308.51 updating the room each year.

Halifax: House prices on strongest run since 2004

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

House prices surged by 7.6% to £253,243 in the year to November, putting growth on the strongest run since 2004, the latest index from Halifax has shown.

Record-breaking year for housing demand and rental stock

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2020

The latest data and analysis from NAEA Propertymark and ARLA Propertymark have revealed that, amongst other things, 2020 has been a record=breaking year when it comes to property.

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Posted on Sunday, November 29, 2020

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

HMRC: Residential property transactions see 9.8% volume rise during September

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The latest data released from HMRC reveals that UK residential transactions in October 2020 were 8.1% higher than October 2019 and 9.8% higher than September 2020.

Majority of equity release sales motivated by desire to stay in the forever home

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

New research from Canada Life has revealed that, for the majority of homeowners, equity release is being used as a means to remain in their forever home.

Stamp duty soars in Q3 from Q2 but down on last year

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The amount of stamp duty the government has collected in the third quarter of 2020 has increased significantly on the previous quarter but is down on Q3 last year.

Green Homes Grant extended for one more year

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The £2bn Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme for home owners in England has been extended until the end of March 2022.

Nationwide: Housing market remains robust as annual house price growth hits five-year high

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

The latest market analysis from Nationwide has confirmed that the housing market recovery continues into autumn, with this morning's figures revealing that annual house price growth rises to 5.8% in October, the highest rate since Jan 2015.

Homeowners urged to inform their insurer when they move

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

With the property market currently in the midst of a mini-boom and many people scrambling to move home before the stamp duty holiday deadline, new data reveals that there has been an increase in homeowners who have forgotten to tell their insurer they’ve moved.

Self-build laws to be reviewed, says government

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

Housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced a review of self-build laws which the government hopes will make it easier for people to build their own home.

How renters can build up their belongings without enduring clutter

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

A common problem among renters is the balancing act of building up your belongings to move into your first home without enduring months, or even years, of clutter in pre-furnished properties.

Retiree renters are the fastest growing tenant segment in the private rental sector

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

Research from Paragon Bank has revealed that, over the last decade, the number of English households in the 55-64-year-old age category in the PRS with an Assured Tenancy has risen by 118%, making retiree renters hot property for UK landlords.

Halifax: Average UK house prices top £250,000 for the first time in history

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2020

Newly released data from Halifax has revealed that during October, average house prices across the UK topped £250,000 for the first time ever following the strongest growth in over four years.

Tenant demand hits four-year high

Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020

New research carried out on behalf of Paragon Bank has revealed that during Q3 tenant demand hit a four-year high, with landlords in the North West and South West reporting the strongest levels of growth.

Top five DIY questions answered

Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020

During the height of lockdown, if you weren't baking bread or learning a new TikTok dance, you were probably making home improvements. In fact, Google searches for ‘DIY’ hit a 16-year high during this period, with many Brits using their extra time indoors to tick off odd jobs around the home.

HMRC: Residential property completions surge 21% in September

Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020

The number of residential property sales registered across the UK in September increased by 21.3% on the previous month to 98,010, data from HM Revenue & Customs reveal.

ONS: House prices rise by 2.5% in August

Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020

House prices increased by 2.5% to £239,196 in the year to August, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics and the Land Registry.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Top tips to secure a mortgage if you’re self-employed

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

Nima Ghasri, Director at regulated property buyers, Good Move , offers helpful tips on how to get a mortgage approved when self-employed.

ARLA Propertymark: Top tips to help you prepare your buy-to-let for colder weather

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

There’s a lot to consider when letting out your property and living in the UK means that, unfortunately, landlords need to think about how to weather-proof their properties throughout the year. ARLA Propertymark has gathered some top tips for landlords to follow during the colder months, which will help them avoid too many costly repairs.

Latest data shows yields are continuing to rise

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

Newly released data from specialist buy-to-let lender, Fleet Mortgages, has revealed that rental yields on residential buy-to-let properties of 6.4% across England are up 0.4% from the 6% achieved in the third quarter of 2019.

Demand for prime UK property rising among international high-end buyers

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

Newly released research from high-net-worth mortgage broker, Enness Global, has revealed the current make up of the international high-end market in the UK and which nations are accounting for the most activity in current market conditions.

Top five storage additions to make your home more attractive to buyers

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

According to new research from self-storage experts, Space Station, 46% of new-build homes now come fitted with a utility room and extra storage space, making these features the must-haves for homes in 2020/21.

What do buyers really look at when viewing a property?

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

New research, that wouldn't feel out of place on the set of a sequel to Minority Report, from  www.comparethemarket.com , may have the answer.

Top tips to find the perfect front door

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020

Homeowners wishing to maximise kerb appeal can look to these considerations from home improvement experts when searching for the perfect front door.

Different interior lighting styles to increase your mood, productivity and even make you feel more romantic

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

A report by  Wren Kitchens  has revealed how different room lighting can affect family life, work and even dating.

Top tips to save money heating your home

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Experts at BestHeating, have put together 10 tips to help you save money on your heating:

Green Homes Grant opens for applications

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The government’s Green Homes Grant has opened for applications, offering property owners the chance to claim a voucher worth up to £5,000 for energy efficiency improvements.

Rightmove: Trade up gap hits £68k for second-steppers as demand for space intensifies

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The demand for bigger homes, fuelled by the ongoing pandemic, is making the leap from a two-bed flat to a three-bed house even more expensive for the UK's frustrated army of second-steppers.

ARLA Propertymark: Tenant demand hits new all-time high

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Data and analysis from ARLA Propertymark has revealed that the number of new prospective tenants continued to rise in August, hitting the highest volumes on record with 101 registered per branch.

ARLA Propertymark: Tenant demand hits new all-time high

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Data and analysis from ARLA Propertymark has revealed that the number of new prospective tenants continued to rise in August, hitting the highest volumes on record with 101 registered per branch.

Permitted development homes must meet space standards

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The government has announced that all new homes created under permitted development rights must now conform to the Nationally Described Space Standard including the stipulation that new one-bedroom flats should be a minimum of 37m² of floorspace.

Over 50s see average house prices rise by over £7,000 since July

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Data released by SunLife reveals that homeowners over 50 have seen their homes more than double in value over the past 20 years, from an average of £113,365 in 2000 to £240,681 in July.

Strong tenant demand sees average UK monthly rent hit £987

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The latest figures released from Homelet have revealed that, for landlords at least, rents are beginning to move in the right direction with the third successive monthly rise.

Top tips to get your home Autumn-ready

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

Autumn is now officially here (September 22nd), so now is a good time to make sure that you prepare your home for chillier months.

So, you've got a blocked drain. Now what?

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

Finding a blocked drain at best is an inconvenience, but at worst, it can be a costly problem that could cause damage to your home.

Widespread evictions 'unlikely' in wake of government lifting the evictions ban

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

On Sunday 20th September, the government finally lifted its restrictions on tenants being evicted after extending the ban in June.

Unclaimed property values hit £1.7bn in England and Wales

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

Newly released research by property developer, StripeHomes, has revealed that there are currently thousands of unclaimed properties lying vacant across England and Wales.

Help to Buy will change in 2021 - what are the alternatives?

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

Getting a foot on the property ladder is never easy and straightforward. Trying to navigate the many schemes on offer to help first-time-buyers can seem a little daunting, especially when the rules for one of the most popular are set to change next year.

What conveyancing experts want you to know before buying a house

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

To help homebuyers through the process of purchasing a house, experts at The University of Law share five things you need to know when buying a house, through the eyes of the solicitor.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Halifax: House prices hit record high in August

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

Newly released data from Halifax has revealed that average UK house prices have rebounded further to hit a record high of £245,747 in August - an unexpected rise of 1.6% against July.

Lettings market holds steady despite rise in voids

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

The latest figures released by Goodlord have revealed that August proved to be another successful month for the lettings market as demand from students and young professionals continued to fuel the sector

One in five will still be repaying mortgage at 65

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

One in five borrowers are expecting that they will still be repaying their mortgage beyond their 65th birthday, research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found.

Can moving your sofa six inches really reduce your utility bills?

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

With millions of us spending more time at home this year, recent data has revealed that the average gas and electric bill has risen by nearly 40% and, as we head towards the cooler months, these high costs could be set to continue. Sofa and carpet specialist, ScS, has partnered with Holly Herbert from webuyanyhouse.co.uk, to share their five easy adjustments you can make to your home to save hundreds of pounds on your utility bills.

What Brits wished they'd known before moving home

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

It's fair to say that the property market in the UK is well on the way to recovery. And, as the pent-up demand for a change of scenery after lockdown translates into a home move, new research reveals what Brits wish they knew before relocating.

Top tips to turn your loft or basement into a storage haven

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

It's amazing how quickly you can fill all the space in a home with your belongings. Once things start getting a little cramped, you only have 3 options. You can either have a massive clear-out, move to a larger home or create more space in the home that you have.

RICS: House price growth driven to four-year high by buyer demand

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

The latest figures released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has revealed that August saw further heightened activity in the housing market with enquiries, sales and new instructions all continuing to perform strongly.

Staycations boosting second home market as Brits face further travel restrictions

Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2020

Currently, a third of Brits either already own a second home or would consider buying one in the UK. But with travel restrictions hampering the plans of many in the UK looking to go on holiday, this figure is likely to rise.

Five reasons why now is the perfect time to buy a property

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

"Whether you’re looking to get on the property ladder, move home, buy another property or add to your portfolio, now is a good time to get moving in the current climate as the housing market is particularly buoyant."

How to update your home interiors on a budget

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

Lockdown has kickstarted a nationwide trend of home improvement, with 69% of homeowners saying they would like to make improvements to their current home.

Garden renovation boom sees homeowners go eco-friendly

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

Homeowners of the UK have sparked a garden renovation boom following the Covid-19 lockdown, with seven in 10 homeowners (68%) planning to improve or add more greenery to their outdoor space in the next three months, according to a new study by national construction supplier Burton Roofing.

Has lockdown sparked the end of 'micro-living'?

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

Lockdown could have sparked a ‘London exodus’ with an increase in people searching for bigger homes outside of the capital and the end of the trend for ‘micro-living’, according to new research from SevenCapital.

Stamp duty holiday sparks 13-year selling high

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

The average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 13 in July following the Chancellor’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday. This is the highest figure recorded since June 2007 when 13 sales were also recorded per member branch.

Why now is a good time to become a buy-to-let landlord

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

Is now the right time to bbecome a uy-to-let landlord?

Tenant demand rises to record high

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

In July, the number of new prospective tenants reached an all-time high, with 97 registered per estate agent branch, according to ARLA Propertymark.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his view on the current market

UK Finance: Mortgage arrears number fall in second quarter

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

There were 73,580 homeowner mortgages in arrears counted in the second quarter of this year, according to UK Finance.

Fast reliable broadband now essential for house-hunters

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

It is hard to argue that lockdown hasn't changed people's attitudes towards their homes. Many house-hunters have shifted their priorities away from traditional ideals such as more bedrooms or a larger kitchen.

Tenants prioritising properties with gardens and space to work

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

Landlords are reporting that tenants are prioritising properties with gardens and space to work when looking for their next rented home, Paragon Bank research has revealed.

Rightmove: Housing sales rise 38% to record high

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

The number of agreed sales is up by 38% on the prior year, and a massive 20% higher than the previous record set in March 2017.

Feng shui, Lagom, and Hygge: Tweaking your home's energy for better wellbeing

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

To adapt to the current climate, many businesses have chosen to adopt a more permanent home working policy. And as a result, we're all spending more time in our homes than ever before.

Post-Covid buyers say having a garden is top priority

Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2020

Outdoor space is now Britain's top priority when it comes to buying a house, according to personal finance comparison website finder.com.

Government publishes planning white paper

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

'Planning for the Future', the government's new white paper, which aims to overhaul the English planning system in a "once in a generation shake-up", has been published today.

How has working from home impacted the property market?

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

With an estimated 34% of people being told they will continue to work solely from home due to Covid-19 and a further 22% continuing to split work between home and the office, new research examines how this is affecting the property market.

Green Homes Grant plans welcomed by landlords

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

UK landlords have welcomed the news that the Government has accepted many of their recommendations about how the new Green Homes Grant scheme should work.

'Summer boom' continues for rental market

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

Newly released data from Goodlord has revealed that the UK rental market continues to go from strength to strength with a ‘summer boom’ throughout July.

Build-to-rent sector sees growth surge 22%

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

The latest figures released by the British Property Federation have shown that there are now 167,853 build-to-rent homes either complete, under construction or in planning across the UK - a 22% jump against the same period last year.

Homes to get automatic planning permission in "once in a generation shake-up"

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

New homes, shops and hospitals are set to have the red tape cut after Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced new rules to planning following the PM's £5bn pledge to "Build, build, build" as part of the government's economic fight against Covid-19.

Top tips for packing your home before your next house move

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

According to the latest estimates, the average home in the UK contains around £35k of contents. With all these belongings to consider, it's little wonder that moving home is widely regarded as one of life's most stressful events.

Help to Buy deadline extended by two months

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

The deadline for the completion of new homes through the Help to Buy scheme has been extended by two months to allow for delays in construction arising from the pandemic.

46% of the nation can now move home stamp-duty free

Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2020

The recent changes to stamp-duty were welcomed by everyone in the property industry as a much-needed step in the right direction to help the property market kick back into gear following lockdown.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market

Land Registry begins accepting e-signatures

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The Land Registry is now accepting electronic signatures so long as they have been witnessed by another individual who also signs the document electronically.

NAEA Propertymark: Housing demand rising

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The number of people looking for a house rose by 10% in June, says NAEA Propertymark in its latest housing report.

Half of households plan to use green homes grant

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

More than half of households are planning to take advantage of the government’s Green Homes Grant when it becomes available in September.

Zoopla: Highest price growth for two years

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

House prices increased by 2.7% year on year to £219,500 in June, the highest annual growth figure for almost two years, according to Zoopla.

New English Housing Survey reveals more 25-34 year olds are homeowners rather than renters

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

For the first time since 2012, the proportion of 25-34 year olds buying a home has risen above those renting.

British gardens reaping the benefits of life under lockdown

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Newly released data from LV= General Insurance has revealed that 74% of Brits with a garden say they’ve changed how they used them during lockdown. With people spending more time in their gardens, they’re also investing in making space fit their needs adding everything from plants and garden furniture to BBQs and children’s toys.

The sky's the limit for new planning legislation

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

New rules allowing apartment buildings to be extended by two-storeys will come into force on 1 August 2020.

Could your planning permission be automatically extended?

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Planning approvals with an expiry date between the start of lockdown in March and the end of this year will be extended to 1 April 2021.

Life in lockdown sees shift in buyers’ priorities

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Life in lockdown has changed the priorities of home hunters, with more prospective buyers seeking outdoor space, larger kitchens and energy efficiency, according to new research.

House prices forecast to rise 1.9% by September

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

House prices look set to increase by 1.9 per cent from June to September reaching an average of £314,235 across England and Wales, according to a forecast by Reallymoving.

NAEA Propertymark: top tips for a speedy post-lockdown sale

Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Usually, the summer sees a drop off in house sales as the holiday season kicks in, with buyers and sellers alike fleeing the country for warmer weather. However, this is obviously far from being a typical year.

10 ways to renovate your home on a budget this summer

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020

Home improvement has always been big in the UK. Driven by the seemingly never-ending stream of DIY shows in the 90s to the cabin-fever of lockdown this year, improving rather than moving is here to stay.

Halifax: House prices remain steady in June

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020

The latest data released by Halifax has revealed that during June there was a slight dip in house prices of 0.1% as the UK property market eased out of lockdown and resumed operations.

Chancellor confirms green home improvement vouchers

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020

The chancellor has confirmed plans to offer home owners a grant to help make their properties more energy efficient.

Top tips for first time renters

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020

Leaving home for the first time and getting your own place is one of the most exciting things that you can do. However, with so much to think about, it can also be one of the most confusing.

First-time buyers opting for longer mortgages

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020

Nearly half of first-time buyers – 45% – picked a mortgage product of 30 years or over in 2018 to 2019, shows the latest English housing survey.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, June 29, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his market update as we reach the half year stage in 2020

Market Update

Posted on Monday, June 29, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his market update as we reach the half year stage in 2020

How British living rooms have transformed through the decades

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

Designs and trends are constantly evolving. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in our homes and as they continue to shift and adapt, more people are looking for ways to change improve their own living space.

Top tips to sell your flat fast

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

One of the more interesting 'side effects' of life under lockdown is the impact that it has had on consumer preference. Research shows that there has been a huge rise in the number of buyers who now require their next home to have a garden.

Rightmove: No signs of a price dip as market bounces back

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

The latest data released by Rightmove this morning has revealed that pent-up home mover momentum has translated into the market's best-ever week outside London with buyers flooding back after lockdown.

ONS: Rents hit record high

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

The latest figures released from the Office for National Statistics has revealed that, as the UK headed into lockdown, average rents in the private rental sector across England hit a record high of £700 per month.

Top tips for current first time buyers

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

Finding a home is a complex task even for those who have been through the process several times before. For those venturing onto the property ladder for the first time during the present climate, this can seem quite daunting.

Top tips to spot a leak early and save money on repairs

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

Water leaks in the home are three things. Hard to spot, damaging and costly.

Zoopla: Asking prices up 2.4% in May

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

Average asking prices increased by 2.4% to £254,600 in May compared to a year earlier, the latest cities index from Zoopla reveals.

House hunter numbers up following lockdown

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

The latest figures released by NAEA Propertymark covering 13th to 31st May has revealed that, during May, the number of house hunters registered per estate agent branch rose by 7%, increasing from 322 in February to 344.

Top tips to ensure your mortgage application isn't delayed by money laundering suspicion

Posted on Friday, June 26, 2020

The sad news is that mortgage application fraud on the rise in the UK, and this can cause a massive headache to the vast majority of honest house hunters who, through no fault of their own, have triggered a red flag during their application.

Top tips for moving home now that you can

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

As part of the government's easing of lockdown measures, on 13th May, estate and letting agents were allowed to return to work and restart operations.

Top tips to improve your garden without spending a penny

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

For those lucky enough to be enduring lockdown with some outside space, tending to the garden has been a bit of a lifesaver.

Buy to let product choice rises as sector begins to recover

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

Encouraging new data released by Moneyfacts has revealed that there may be 'early signs' of recovery in the sector following the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The return of the 100% loan to value (LTV) mortgage

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

Due to the impact of the pandemic, lots of mortgage lenders have been forced to pull nearly all of their highly leveraged products from the market.

Zoopla: Sales rebound to nearly pre-lockdown levels

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

The number of new property sales agreed since the housing market re-opened is close to pre-lockdown levels, new data from Zoopla suggest.

Top tips to maintain your wellbeing at home

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

Over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in our mental health and wellbeing. In fact, since the beginning of the year, searches for the term ‘wellbeing’ have increased by 257%.

RICS predicts greater interest in green space

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

The latest residential survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors shows that the market is preparing for a surge in interest in properties with access to fresh air, be that through a garden or balcony.

Seven things to consider when searching for your ‘forever home’

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

Just as there is a distinct difference between a house and a home, it can arguably be said that there is a difference between a home and a 'forever home'.

Spike in lockdown divorces set to drive-up property sales by over £9bn

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020

It is a well-known fact that death and divorce are a house hunters best friend. Both are inevitable in life, but sadly, due to the ongoing crisis, both are seeing an increase.

New Homes Quality Board launches

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

An interim New Homes Quality Board has been launched as the industry takes another step towards the creation of a new homes ombudsman.

Zoopla: House hunter demand surges in "one-off" boost

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

The latest housing report from Zoopla has revealed that as lockdown restrictions were lifted across England, demand amongst house hunters surged by 88% the week after the market reopened.

Top tips for an organised garden shed

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

The UK-wide lockdown has meant that the vast majority of us have had more time at home. For some, this 'extra time' has transformed itself into sough dough bread making, TikTok dances or even learning a new language.

Top tips to upgrade your home security during lockdown

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

With the nation still currently under lockdown, many have taken to improving their property with DIY projects. But this time at home also gives us the opportunity to evaluate and improve the security of our homes.

Self-build mortgage completions surge by 144%

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

The latest figures released from Saffron Building Society have revealed that recent self-build completions have grown by 144% when compared to the same period last year with a mix of first-time buyers and property conversions through to large, multi-plot projects.

Rental market sees "remarkable" bounce back in activity after lockdown lifted

Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2020

The latest data and analysis from Goodlord has revealed that pent-up demand during lockdown translated into a 111% rise in new tenancy applications once the restrictions were lifted.

Darren Murphy's market update

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his views on the property market, two weeks after offices were allowed to open and physical property visits allowed.

Rightmove: Enquiries doubled overnight as market reopened

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The number of property hunters enquiring about new homes through Rightmove doubled overnight as the government lifted restrictions on viewings and moving house.

Rightmove: Enquiries doubled overnight as market reopened

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The number of property hunters enquiring about new homes through Rightmove doubled overnight as the government lifted restrictions on viewings and moving house.

How to add long-term value to your property and get ready for selling

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

We all have a lot of extra time at home these days and for those thinking about improvements to increase the value of properties when the time comes to sell, home improvement experts, Stormclad, has compiled a useful list to help.

Average amount of equity released drops 3.8% as market remains resilient

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Newly released figures from equity release adviser, Key, have shown that, during Q1 this year, over-55s took out more modest sums than previously - with the average amount released falling by 3.8 %.

Top tips for summer garden security

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

New research reveals that over half of those lucky enough to be going through lockdown with an outside space have never insured any of their outdoor possessions.

Mortgage holiday scheme to be extended by three months

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Mortgage payment holidays for borrowers struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis is to be extended by three months under new proposals announced by the government.

Taylor Wimpey reveal that sales centres will reopen on May 22

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, has announced that following the government’s relaxation of its coronavirus regulations, it will reopen its show homes and sales centres from May 22. This follows similar announcements from major housebuilders such as Persimmon and Redrow.

Light at the end of the tunnel for the PRS as demand continues to grow

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The latest figures from Goodlord have revealed that the UK’s rental market is creeping back to life after a dramatic fall in activity over the last month put the future of thousands of letting agents at risk.

HSBC announce the return of physical property valuations

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Mortgage applications on properties that were not able to be appropriately valued through automated methods can now be physically valued, say HSBC.

What have been the most googled DIY questions during lockdown?

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The UK has always been a nation of DIY enthusiasts. Bank Holiday tradition dictates that we are all required to have a BBQ, complain about the weather and visit our local hardware store and begin a home improvement project.

New data reveals that nearly three quarters of ISA savers are first-time buyers

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

According to the latest figures released by Scottish Friendly, British savers have accrued a staggering £119 billion in ISAs in the past 21 years that has been directed towards buying a home, new research from.

Top tips to create a wildlife friendly home You may be forgiven, what with everything going on in the world right now, that it is spring. They say that it was the hottest April on record and with the warm weather set to continue, now is the perfect time t

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

You may be forgiven, what with everything going on in the world right now, that it is spring. They say that it was the hottest April on record and with the warm weather set to continue, now is the perfect time to get busy in the garden.

Latent demand for viewings suggests the property market has started its engine

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

According to newly released data from property technology company, Coadjute, advanced bookings for property viewings are up 182% in 4 weeks, suggesting that the UK housing market might be poised for recovery.

Mandatory electrical safety regulations on rental property in England become effective on 1st July

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

From 1 July 2020, all new private tenancies in England will need to ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person prior to the start of a new tenancy.

Mid May Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give theri mid month market update

New figures reveal pensioner property wealth is on the rise

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

According to the latest figures released by Key, total property wealth owned by over-65s who have paid off mortgages is valued at £1.133 trillion and has increased by £14.78 billion in the past year which equates to a gain of £3,152 for average retired homeowners.

New data shows the vast majority of buy to let (BTL) lenders are still lending to landlords

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

Newly released data from specialist BTL mortgage broker, Mortgage for Business, reveals that there are still 42 lenders in the BTL market, even at the peak of the covid-19 epidemic.

New data shows the vast majority of buy to let (BTL) lenders are still lending to landlords

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

Newly released data from specialist BTL mortgage broker, Mortgage for Business, reveals that there are still 42 lenders in the BTL market, even at the peak of the covid-19 epidemic.

Remortgage market showing "positive signs" as instructions continue to rise

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

For the second week in a row, remortgage instruction volumes have risen, growing by 12.8% from the week commencing 13th April to the week commencing 20th April.

Blog: Using your time at home to add value to your house

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

The ongoing coronavirus crisis is affecting all of us in one way or another and whether we like it or not, we're all spending more time in our homes these days

Top tips to get your home 'sale ready' during lockdown

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020

As we hurtle through lockdown, it's fair to say that for some, dreaming about looking at four different walls might be more than just a pipe dream as the current crisis will have brought their house selling plans to a temporary halt.

Latest figures show surge in rental demand

Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Newly released figures from Zoopla have revealed that, after falling 57% in the wake of coronavirus, demand for rented properties has bounced back 30% in the two weeks to 14th April.

UK home movers determined to continue with plans at earliest opportunity

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020

The ongoing coronavirus crisis has firmly slammed the brakes on the housing market. However, many prospective home movers across the UK are determined to press ahead with their plans at the earliest opportunity, with three quarters planning a home move from lockdown.

Government considering Help to Buy extension

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020

Ministers are reportedly in talks with housebuilders about extending the Help to Buy scheme as part of a package of measures to kick-start construction.

Build-to-rent boom sees 12% year-on-year growth

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020

The latest figures released by the British Property Federation has revealed that there are now 157,512 build-to-rent homes complete, under construction or in planning across the UK - a 12% jump against the same period last year.

Build-to-rent boom sees 12% year-on-year growth

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020

The latest figures released by the British Property Federation has revealed that there are now 157,512 build-to-rent homes complete, under construction or in planning across the UK - a 12% jump against the same period last year.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his update on the current market and his prognosis for the way ahead.

New survey sees rise in five-star housebuilders

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Thirty-six housebuilders have achieved a five-star rating in the latest National New Home Customer Satisfaction Survey, a notable increase from last year’s 21.

8 lockdown DIY jobs that can save you money and keep the kids busy

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

As the UK adjusts to being in lockdown, many of us are trying to find productive ways to keep busy.

8 lockdown DIY jobs that can save you money and keep the kids busy

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

As the UK adjusts to being in lockdown, many of us are trying to find productive ways to keep busy.

Average UK house prices saw 3% rise in March before market 'paused' due to coronavirus

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The latest figures from Halifax have revealed that prior to market restrictions being implemented due to the lockdown, house prices in March were 3.0% higher than in the same month a year earlier.

Halifax clients on payment holidays can now apply for product transfers

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Halifax Intermediaries has confirmed that borrowers who are on a payment holiday can apply for a product transfer if they would normally be eligible to do so.

Where is demand currently highest for tenant garden space?

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Decent outdoor space has always been close to the top of a tenant's wish list, but with the nation currently on lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the great British garden has suddenly become a hot commodity for the nation’s tenants looking to spend time out of the houseNewly released research by tradesperson comparison site, HaMuch.com, has revealed that this demand for a garden rental home is at its highest in Bristol, Nottingham and London.

Easter Market Update

Posted on Thursday, April 9, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his Easter update

All repossessions on hold for three months: UK Finance

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

All repossessions of home owner and landlord properties will go on hold for three months from today, UK Finance has revealed.

Moving home checklist for new renters

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Often cited as one of the most stressful things you can do in life, moving home can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task.

Moving home checklist for new renters

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Often cited as one of the most stressful things you can do in life, moving home can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task.

Government issues home moving advice during Covid-19

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

The government has urged all parties involved in home moving to “adapt and be flexible” to alter their usual processes due to coronavirus.

Conveyancing industry issues coronavirus guidance

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

An industry group, including the Law Society and the Conveyancing Association, has published guidance pertaining to conveyancers with clients moving house in the current environment.

Top tips for house plants

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Amongst other things, us Brits could be called a green-fingered nation. When weather permits, many of us can be found, pottering about, tending to our gardens. But what if you don't have the outside space or horticultural ninja-skills of Alan Titchmarsh? Then house plants are the way forward.

Top tips for house plants

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Amongst other things, us Brits could be called a green-fingered nation. When weather permits, many of us can be found, pottering about, tending to our gardens. But what if you don't have the outside space or horticultural ninja-skills of Alan Titchmarsh? Then house plants are the way forward.

Government loosens right to rent rules

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020

The government has made a temporary change to right to rent rules to make checking easier for landlords.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, March 28, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his market update as of March 28th 2020

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, March 28, 2020

Darren Murphy gives his market update as of March 28th 2020

Top spring DIY jobs that could save you thousands

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

Spring is on the way. For many homeowners, this is a time to freshen up their property with either a deep clean or spot of DIY.

NAEA Propertymark: Top tips for a quick sale in spring

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

It's on the way. Spring will soon be in full bloom and with the clocks set to go forward in just a few weeks, now is the time to embrace the opportunity for a new beginning and prepare your house for a speedy springtime sale.

Government plans £12bn for affordable housing

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

In his first budget as chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced a boost £12bn to the affordable housing programme.

Homelet: Rents rise by 1.6% across UK

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

Average monthly rents across the UK have risen by 1.6% to £955 in the year to February, the latest index from Homelet reveals.

'Minimum level of Energy Efficiency' deadline looms for landlords'

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

Private rented properties have until 1st April this year to ensure that their property complies with the ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard EPC band E.

House price expectations 'on the increase'

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

House price expectations are on the increase, according to the latest data from the BSA - four in 10 people think property prices will rise in the next year, up from 28% in December. Just 17% think prices will fall in that time - down from 26% in December.

Five ways to freshen up your home for spring

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

With flowers starting to bloom and Easter eggs on the shelves, spring is finally in sight after a long and stormy winter. As the season of new beginnings approaches, experts at ScS share their top tips to get your home feeling fresh and revitalised.

Housing secretary launches new government planning reforms

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2020

Current housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, has revealed new government planning reforms claiming that they will “bring Britain’s planning system into the 21st century”.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

NAEA Propertymark: Rise in house hunter numbers

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

The number of house hunters per estate agency branch jumped by 29% to 382 in January compared to a year earlier, figures from NAEA Propertymark reveal.

Top tips to save time, money and stress on moving day

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

Moving home can be one of the most stressful life experiences to go through. The latest research from estate agent comparison site, HaMuch.com, highlights some essential time, money and stress saving tips for moving day to help you on your way.

Top tips to save money heating your home

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

Experts at BestHeating, have put together 10 tips to help you save money on your heating:

Landlord confidence improves

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

Landlord confidence improved across four out of five measures in the final quarter of 2019, despite the difficulties facing the buy-to-let sector, research by Paragon has found.  

Tenant demand at record high

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

Rental demand reached a record high of 88 prospective tenants per branch in January, but the number of properties sank to the lowest level for seven months, according to ARLA Propertymark.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick reveals details of New Homes Ombudsman

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

The housing secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed further details about the New Homes Ombudsman which it has promised to establish to protect buyers from “shoddy work” by developers.

Property wealth increases for UK's retired homeowners despite market uncertainty

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

The latest figures released by independent equity release adviser, Key, has revealed that despite the impact of political and economic uncertainty on the housing market, property wealth for the UK's over-65s has hit £1.133tr, equating to an average gain of £3,152 for homeowners.

Over 25% don't have carbon monoxide detector in their homes

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

BestHeating warns Brits of the danger of carbon monoxide, after new research reveals more than a quarter (29%) don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in their home.

HMRC: Property transactions up 5.2% in January

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

January’s increase in transactions suggests a rebound in confidence, reflecting the ‘Boris Bounce’ and increased certainty around Brexit.

UK house prices continue to climb

Posted on Friday, February 28, 2020

The latest UK House Price Index has revealed that average house prices in the UK increased by 2.2% over the year to December 2019, up from 1.7% in November 2019.

Buyer demand soars by 26% as life returns to the market

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

The latest figures released by Zoopla have revealed that that house price growth across UK Cities has hit a two year high of +3.9%.

Top 5 home renovations that require no planning permission

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

Many people these days are deciding to improve rather than move. Spiralling costs involved with relocating, low stock levels and economic uncertainty are all playing their part.

Homeownership not top priority for majority of non-owners

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

A new survey has revealed that, due to the spiralling costs associated with getting onto the property ladder, homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for the vast majority of British consumers.

One in three banking on property wealth to boost retirement income

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

Newly released research from Key has revealed that around 30% of people who are due to finish full-time work in 2020 are planning to use their property wealth to help boost their retirement income.

Stamp duty receipts stable in Q4 2019

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

Stamp duty transactions in Q4 2019 were 314,700, representing less than a 1 per cent fall on Q4 2018, according to HM Revenue & Customs.

Rightmove notes busiest ever month

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

Rightmove recorded its busiest ever month in January 2020, logging 152 million visits.

Local economies given £3.6bn annual boost from active landlords

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

According to the latest findings from a newly commissioned survey by Aldermore, the UK's 2.5m landlords have spent an average of £1,443 using local tradesmen in the last 12 months - contributing to boosting local economies by billions.

What will be the DIY jobs of the future?

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

As our homes become ever-more futuristic and complex, so will the repairs and maintenance needed to keep them running smoothly and with consumer need for a tradesperson around the house already evolving, what could the future hold?

Number of home registrations highest since 2007

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

The number of home registrations in 2019 came in at the highest level since 2007, says the National House Building Council.

First-time buyers to benefit from 30% discount

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

The government has announced the launch of ‘First Homes’, a scheme that will see some new home prices cut by a third for first-time buyers.

Annual house price growth climbs to 4.1%, says Halifax

Posted on Monday, February 10, 2020

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has revealed that there has been a slight rise in annual house price growth since the end of 2019. According to this morning's figures, annual house price growth increased to 4.1% in January after gains of 1.8% and 1.2% seen in December and November respectively.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 20, 2020

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

British Property Federation: Number of Build to Rent properties jumps 33%

Posted on Monday, January 20, 2020

The total number of ‘build-to-rent’ properties across the UK has increased by 33% year-on-year, according to British Property Federation.

Retired homeowners released £3.4bn of equity in 2019

Posted on Monday, January 20, 2020

Retired homeowners released £3.4bn of property wealth in 2019, data from Key’s market monitor shows.

A calmer political climate will support UK mortgage market growth in 2020 and 2021

Posted on Monday, January 20, 2020

According to the latest analysis from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association, over the next two years and largely driven by house purchases as buyers return to the market, gross mortgage lending will see a return to growth.

Office for National Statistics: House price growth highest since 2018

Posted on Monday, January 20, 2020

House prices rose by 2.2% to an average of £235,298 in the year to November, the latest index from the Office for National Statistics and the Land Registry shows.

How to avoid New Year DIY disasters

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

As well as the usual mass exodus to the gym and setting fire to all the take-a-way menus, the new year often kickstarts a renewed interest in DIY as we look to hit the ground running and spruce up our homes.

Top ten home moving statistics of 2019

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

Home move comparison site, reallymoving, has revealed ten statistics that together tell the story of UK home movers during 2019, including when people moved, how far they went, the most popular destinations and of course, what it all cost.

Eight top tips for first time sellers

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

Selling your home for the first time can be daunting, especially if you are juggling it alongside looking for a property to buy at the same time. The decisions you make along the way could save you – or cost you - thousands of pounds and therefore it’s important you get it right. NAEA Propertymark have produced the followings tips to help you approach the house-selling process with confidence.

New data reveals that January remains the best month for a quick property sale

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

The latest research released by the HomeOwners Alliance has revealed that now remains the best time to list your property for a speedy sale, with homes listed in January selling the fastest than in any other month of the year.

What is the perfect temperature to keep warm but costs down in your home?

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

The latest research from boiler installation and repair experts, Boiler Plan, has revealed the perfect temperature for ensuring your home is warm throughout winter, without the risk of spiralling bills.

Competition for first-time-buyer business sees biggest fall in higher LTV rates

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

The latest research from Moneyfacts.co.uk has revealed that fierce competition between lenders has seen higher loan-to-value fixed rates receive the largest interest rate cuts over the course of 2019.

What have been the top performing property types of the past decade?

Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2020

New research, published by Proportunity, takes a look at what property types have seen the highest price growth over the past decade.

Market Update: Out with the old, in with the new!

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019

As we enter 2020 it seems an appropriate time to take a look at the property market and give our thoughts on the year ahead.

Almost a third of landlords plan to re-mortgage over the next year

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019

The latest research from specialist lender, Precise Mortgages, has revealed that 31% of UK landlords plan to re-mortgage over the next year fuelled by heated market competition and various new products.

How well do you know your neighbours?

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019

According to the song everybody needs good ones, but a new study from Aviva has revealed that UK adults typically only know four of their neighbours by name.

Rightmove predict 2% house price rise in 2020

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019

We might not be out of the storm just yet, but a newly elected majority government has certainly calmed the waters a little and given UK home-movers a window of certainty for an active spring moving season and a more favourable forecast for next year's house prices.

HomeLet: Average rents climb 3.2%

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019

Average monthly rents have increased by 3.2% to £947 over the year to November, figures from HomeLet have shown.

5 top tips to spend less on heating your home this winter

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

With freezing temperatures hitting the UK and the Met Office issuing a cold weather alert for large parts of the country, it is time for people to start winter-proofing their homes - but this can prove expensive unless you use a little common sense.

First-time buyer numbers rise across the UK

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all saw rises in the number of new borrowers on the housing market, shows data from UK Finance.

What makes a 'Forever Home'?

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

New research from LV= General Insurance has found that 86% of homeowners, equating to roughly 15 million adults, decided to make improvements to transform their house into their ‘forever home’.

The importance of keeping indoor plants

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

The importance of keeping indoor plants

Homes England: Housing starts highest in 10 years

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

Building work began on 16,955 new homes in the six months to the end of September under programmes run by Homes England.

What are some of the biggest myths surrounding mortgages?

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

What are some of the biggest myths surrounding mortgages?

What property types generate the best return?

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

According to the latest research from the National Landlords Association (NLA), landlords might think that letting their property to a major international company or high-flying executive would generate top dollar, but they would be wrong.

Annual house price growth hits 2.1% in November

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019

The latest data from Halifax has surprised many with the news that November saw the the biggest monthly rise in house prices since February. However, is this just a pre-Christmas rush or a sign of things to come?

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, November 28, 2019

Darren Murphy & Chris Harper give their views on the property market as we end 2019 and enter 2020

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Surge in number of landlords planning to use limited company vehicles to make next purchase

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

New data released by Foundation Home Loans has revealed that the number of landlords planning to buy their next property within a limited company vehicle has jumped significantly in a few months.

Majority of renters say they would move a maximum of 17 minutes further away from work to buy a home

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

The latest research and analysis from buy to let specialist, Landbay, has revealed that 76% of private renters would consider buying a property - but not at the expense of their commute.

Third of landlords use personal savings for refurbishments

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

Over a third, 34%, of landlords use their personal savings to fund refurbishments, data collected by Interbay shows.

New figures reveal substantial increase in housing supply

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

The latest government figures have revealed that housing stock net additions rose to 241,130 in 2018/19, representing a 93% increase over the past six years including close to 214,000 new build completions

How much does the average Brit spend on their new home within the first year?

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

Figures shows that younger homeowners overspend by 10% more than planned, whereas those aged 65 or more spent 13% less than expected.

Majority of single person households to be occupied by over 65's by 2022

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

According to newly released findings by the Equity Release Council, the total number of over-65s living alone is on course to outnumber those aged under-65 for the first time on record within the next three years.

Tenant sentiment remains high

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

The latest research and data from buy to let specialists, Landbay, has revealed that as many as 75% of all UK tenants are happy to rent, and a third of those are happy to rent forever.

Top tips for home security during darker months

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

According to stats released by Halifax, last year, there was a 35% increase in Halifax Home Insurance claims for forced burglary in ‘darker months’ versus ‘lighter months’.

Prime residential property transactions see twelve-fold increase in past 20 years

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

Fuelled by the seemingly never ending rise of property prices, the number of prime residential housing transactions have increased rapidly in the past 20 years.

Prime market growth holds steady in the past five years

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

Despite rumours of a prime market slowdown, over the past five years Private Finance’s analysis suggests an overall trend of growth, with increases in the number of £1 million+ property transactions every year except 2018. Transactions in the £5 million+ price bracket have been more volatile but have held above 320 for the past five years.

First time buyer monthly lending figures at 12 year high

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

Figures released by UK Finance have revealed that first-time-buyers were out in force during the summer, with just over 35'000 new first-time buyer mortgages completed in August - the highest monthly total seen since August 2007.

What keeps landlords up at night?

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

As jobs go, being a landlord can carry a lot of stress. From navigating constantly changing laws, buying and managing multiple properties and tackling problem tenants, there's a lot to deal with. However, according to the latest research from The Mortgage Lender, property maintenance tops the list of issues that are keeping residential landlords awake at night.

Investec: Long-term house price outlook positive

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

Long-term house price growth will be propped up by the ongoing shortage of supply, Investec economist Victoria Clarke has forecast.

How to protect against noise pollution and increase your property’s rental appeal

Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2019

At one point or another, we've all been victim to unwanted noise in our homes whether it's from traffic, animals or neighbours.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, October 27, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current residential property market

Zoopla: Majority of UK property is stamp duty exempt for first time buyers

Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2019

New research from Zoopla has revealed that 59% of all homes for sale across the UK fall under the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold for first-time buyers.

Government offers incentives to build schools near homes

Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Department for Education is offering loans of up to £20m per school to housing developers.

Top tips to winter-proof your home

Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2019

Tradespeople comparison website, HaMuch.com, has put together some advice on some of the key steps you can take to winter-proof your property, and save money in the process.

Traditional property features still ranked the highest by UK homebuyers

Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2019

According to the latest research from new home specialists, Stone Real Estate, when it comes to the most important factors a new-build home can have, homebuyers still value traditional property features the most when house hunting.

How can you pass on a rental property to children tax-efficiently?

Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2019

Article by Simon Misiewicz of Optimise Accountants that appeared in Property Reporter

Tenant demand sustains UK rents at record high for fourth consecutive month

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

The latest data and analysis from ARLA Propertymark has revealed that, across the UK, the number of tenants experiencing rent rises rose to the highest figure on record during August.

Top tips to sell your home by Christmas

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

The HomeOwners Alliance shares their top tips for selling before Christmas:

Top tips to extend the life of your bathroom

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

What’s Your Bathroom’s Expiration Date? Your bathroom is often one of the most used rooms in your home, so it’s particularly important to keep it in the best condition and functioning well.

Which home renovations can add the most value to your property?

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

Range cooker specialist, Leisure, have been crunching the numbers and calculated the value per square metre, that extending your home can add to your property and highlights the interior renovations homeowners are carrying out the most.

Compromise is the key to a dream home say two thirds of first-time buyers (FTB)

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

Newly released data from Post Office Money has revealed that the key to buying your first home could be as simple as moving 28 minutes away from your preferred location.

Over a third would ignore a structural fault to get on the property ladder

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

According to a new survey from Atom Bank, over half of British house buyers don’t even check for major issues such as rising damp central heating and electrics, with a third admitting to turning a blind eye to serious structural issues, risking losing thousands.

Moneyfacts: Boom in mortgage deals for first-time landlords

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2019

The number of mortgage deals for first-time landlords has jumped by 25% over the past year to reach a new high of 1,474, figures from Moneyfacts reveal.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

How much does it cost to create effective 'Kerb Appeal'?

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2019

With over two thirds of homeowners saying “Kerb Appeal” was important in their choice of home, we take a look at what features are most important and how much they should cost.

Majority of private tenants happy to remain in rented accommodation

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Buy-to-let focused marketplace lender, Landbay, has been crunching the numbers and found that just 42% of tenants are interested in buying in the near future.

McVey launches clamp down on illegal building

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Minister of state for housing Esther McVey has pledged to clampdown on illegal development, particularly on green belt sites.

First time buyers account for over half of market

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2019

First-time buyers now account for 51% of the nation’s house purchase market, the first time this has been the case since 1995, according to Atom Bank.

Nearly half of first-time buyers funded by relatives

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Almost half, 47%, of first-time buyers are partially funded by their parents or grandparents, says Key Partnership.

What are the most desirable attributes in a rental property?

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

A new study of 2,000 private renters across the UK has revealed the most and least popular attributes for rental properties, offering insight to landlords on the wants and needs of their tenants.

The most popular, the cheapest and the most expensive days to move home

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

Home moving experts, Compare My Move, have been crunching the numbers and found the most popular, most expensive and cheapest days to move home across the UK.

Buy to let remains main focus for 8 out of 10 landlords

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

According to the latest report from The Mortgage Lender, 84% of landlords are committed to the buy to let market and looking to maintain or increase the number of properties in their portfolios over the next 12 months.

Top tips to give your home an autumn refresh

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

There are many essential jobs that can be done come Autumn to prepare you home for the cooler months. That’s why Hoppy.co.uk have decided to share some top tips on how to refresh your home and help to save you money as the nights get colder.

How to make the most of a small garden

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

35% of Brits describe their garden as small, but tiny gardens can easily be easily transformed to look full-of-life with clever arrangements, the right plants and simple accessories.

How much will your 'Forever Home' cost?

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

The latest research and data released by The Nottingham has revealed what age the nation anticipates they will move into their Forever Home, and what features they will look for in the home they are going to settle in long term.

The unique challenges of older private renters

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

The UK’s growing number of older private renters face distinct challenges which could worsen the nation’s housing crisis, according to research by the University of Stirling on behalf of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE).

Brits spend over £63,000 in rent before buying their first home

Posted on Saturday, September 7, 2019

The average adult will spend more than £63,000 in rent before they get onto the property ladder, according to research from UK homebuilder Keepmoat Homes.

Government reforms shared ownership and Help to Buy

Posted on Friday, August 30, 2019

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has unveiled reforms to shared ownership and Help to Buy designed to make the schemes more accessible for borrowers.

Parents pay up to 102% more to live by the best schools

Posted on Friday, August 30, 2019

Property around the best primary schools sells for 40.1% more than property surrounding the best secondary schools.

Home-mover numbers increase for first time in three years

Posted on Friday, August 30, 2019

The number of people moving home increased for the first time in three years in the first half of 2019, despite deposits remaining at record highs of over £100,000, according to research from Lloyds Bank.

Mortgage approvals rise to ten-year high

Posted on Friday, August 30, 2019

Mortgage approvals for home purchase were 16.4% higher than in July 2018.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, August 30, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Number of First Time Buyers highest since 2007

Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2019

The number of people getting on the UK property ladder is at its highest level since 2007, according to the Yorkshire Building Society.

Number of 10-year fixed rate mortgage products reaches record high

Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2019

The number of 10-year fixed rate mortgage products has reached 157, a record high, according to data collected by Moneyfacts.

Top tips to make your home age friendly

Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2019

None of us are getting any younger. And as children are no exception to this rule, most of them grow up and move out of the family home.

Over half of landlords now planning use limited companies to buy their next property

Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2019

Newly released research from Precise Mortgages has revealed that more than half of landlords plan to use limited companies to buy properties in the year ahead underlining the ongoing transformation of the buy to let market

Vast majority of landlords support the idea of a dedicated housing court

Posted on Monday, August 5, 2019

79% of private landlords with experience of using the courts to repossess properties are dissatisfied with the way they work.

Young Brits choosing friends rather than partners when buying a home

Posted on Monday, August 5, 2019

New research explores the emerging trend of Brits choosing to buy and live in homes with friends, rather than with a partner or on their own.

Majority of buy to let lenders now offer products for limited companies

Posted on Monday, August 5, 2019

For the first time, considerably more than half (59%) of all buy to let mortgage lenders offered products to landlords who use limited companies as borrowing vehicles in Q2 2019, according to the results of the latest Buy to Let Mortgage Index published by Mortgages for Business.

NAEA Propertymark: Buyer demand still high as housing market shows 'resilience' in June

Posted on Monday, August 5, 2019

The latest housing report from NAEA Propertymark suggests that the housing market showed resilience in June, as buyer demand remains high.

NHBC: new home registrations at 12 year high

Posted on Monday, August 5, 2019

The latest statistics released by NHBC have revealed that, between April and June this year, housebuilders registered the highest number of new homes for 12 years, with the rental market driving growth.

Market Update – changes ahead

Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on plans for qualifications, regulation and licensing in the property sector

MHCLG set to toughen up on inclusivity and wildlife

Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that planning guidance is set to be toughened to address segregation in mixed-tenure schemes.

Home improvement revealed as most popular reason for equity release

Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2019

Data from Canada Life, which found that paying off mortgage debt to be the most popular reason for equity release, has been challenged.

Government failing to release promised land for new homes, say MPs

Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Government stands to miss its targets for releasing land for the development of new homes by a “wide margin”, MPs have warned in a critical report.

New home registrations climb 9% during spring says NHBC

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

The latest figures from NHBC have revealed that private sector registrations were up 9% between March and May 2019 against the same period last year.

How innovation is changing the modern home

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

In a world where technology is penetrating almost every aspect of life, it’s only natural that our homes are starting to be filled with increasingly smart devices.

NAEA Propertymark: top 10 home improvement tips to increase the value of your home

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

NAEA Propertymark: top 10 home improvement tips to increase the value of your home

Kitchen makeover revealed as the UK's most popular home improvement

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

New research into the renovation desires of UK homeowners has revealed a kitchen makeover to be the king of home improvements.

Bank of England hints at potential relaxation of affordability rules

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

Bank of England has hinted that strict affordability tests could be relaxed, but only if house prices start to rise.

RICS: Positive buyer demand sets tone in “steadier” housing market

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2019

The June RICS housing survey shows the net balance for new buyer enquiries hit 10% in June, as other indicators also ticked up.

Optimism remains high among UK landlords

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The latest research from Cambridge & Counties Bank, has revealed that despite the seemingly never ending Brexit circus and challenging financial climate, around two thirds of UK landlords are optimistic about the outlook for the residential buy-to-let sector over the next three years.

Nearly half of over 55s would downsize to fund jet set lifestyle

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

SunLife have released the results from a new survey revealing that almost half of homeowners over 55 would downsize to release cash to pay for foreign holidays.

Top tips to get your garden BBQ ready

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Garden parties and BBQ’s are British summer essentials and hosting one with a messy, un-preened garden could be disastrous. Almost a third (29%) of Brits say they will be hosting a party this summer, so for the 78% of us who have a private garden, it must be in tip top condition for entertaining guests.

ARLA Propertymark: Average rent rises to record levels in wake of tenant fees act

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The latest report from ARLA Propertymark has revealed that the number of tenants experiencing rent rises increased to the highest figure on record in May, with 45% of agents witnessing landlords increasing them.

Retired homeowners earning more from their homes

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

New research from equity release adviser, Key, has revealed that despite continued market uncertainty, in the past year, retired homeowners saw their property wealth increase by more than £1,000.

Majority of Brits forget about their garden when insuring their home

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The latest analysis from MoneySuperMarket has revealed that a large majority of people never insure items stored outside and 16% have had items stolen from their garden or shed.

Mortgages with 40-year terms rising in popularity

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Mortgages with the option of a 40-year term is rising in popularity, according to data collected by Moneyfacts.

Government offers mortgage help for green home improvements

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Borrowers may soon be able to qualify for discounted mortgage rates by carrying out work to improve the energy rating of their home through a new £5m government fund.

Moneyfacts: Record number of deals for first-time landlords

Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The number of mortgage options for first-time landlords has reached a record high, figures from Moneyfacts have revealed.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2019

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Homes England: Rise in homes built by govt schemes

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2019

Building work began on 45,692 new homes through government-run programmes in the year to April, the highest figure for nine years according to Homes England.

Retirement plans to include property for half of homeowners aged over 45

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2019

The latest analysis from the Equity Release Council has revealed that 51% of homeowners aged 45 and over see money invested in property as part of their financial plans for later life.

Rightmove: Average new asking prices close to record high

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Rightmove has revealed that average new asking prices are close to a record high, up 0.3% on a monthly basis at £309,348, with new all-time price highs in the east midlands, north west, Wales, and Yorkshire & the Humber.

Over a third of prospective home buyers to rely on Bank of Mum and Dad

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Legal & General has revealed that lending at the Bank of Mum and Dad (BoMaD) has increased on average by £6,000 during the last year as young people continue to struggle to get on the property ladder.

Top tips to get your garden ready for summer

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner. We might not get the record-breaking temperatures of last year, but with 48% of us citing summer as the season we spend the most time in our gardens, it's time for some top tips to help us get the most out of our outdoor space.

Government makes it easier to begin housing development

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

The government has introduced new rules for housing developers which aim to make it quicker and easier to begin building properties.

Location remains key for over 65s

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

A new Senior Living Survey has revealed that location remains the most important factor when choosing a property for the UK's over 65s.

Over 55s reveal their ‘dream home improvements’

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

We've all dreamed of winning a few quid on the lottery. And if it wasn't enough to buy our own private island, improving our current residence would surely come high up the list of ways to spend it.

Slowing house price growth not dampening homeowner confidence

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Zoopla has revealed that despite slowing price growth in the property market, homeowner confidence remains strong with 81% of Brits expecting property value increases in their area over the next six months.

Halifax: Recovery and confidence returning to the market

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has revealed that average house prices in May edged up to £237,837 - a rise of 0.5% on the month as the first signs of stability return to the market.

Halifax: Confidence returning to the market

Posted on Monday, June 10, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has revealed that average house prices in May edged up to £237,837 - a rise of 0.5% on the month as the first signs of stability return to the market.

Mortgage market sees strong performance during May

Posted on Monday, June 10, 2019

The latest data and analysis from residential chartered surveyors, e.surv, has revealed that high activity in April was followed by an equally strong performance during May for the mortgage market.

Love your shed!

Posted on Monday, June 10, 2019

Whether it's a simple lean-to used for storing tools and your bike or a full on 'Man Cave' complete with bar, widescreen TV and games consoles, a well-maintained garden shed is a thing of beauty and needs the attention it deserves.

Top tips for a Bee friendly garden

Posted on Monday, June 10, 2019

Homebuilder, David Wilson Homes North West, is encouraging people to make their garden a haven for our fuzzy friends, by planting flowers to attract them and making small changes to their garden to give bees somewhere to shelter.

Number of new homes rose by 222,000 last year

Posted on Sunday, June 2, 2019

The number of homes rose by 222,000 in the year to April, the latest estimates from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show.

NAEA Propertymark: Property transactions up in April

Posted on Sunday, June 2, 2019

In April, the number of property sales agreed per estate agency branch increased to the highest level seen since October, according to the latest data from the NAEA Propertymark.

Fast broadband now more important to house hunters than good schools

Posted on Sunday, June 2, 2019

A poll of 2,115 UK homeowners has found that a fast broadband connection has risen up the ranks of priorities for people when choosing an area to live in.

Tenant Fee Act - the facts

Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2019

Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Top ten Feng Shui tips for your home

Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2019

A UK wide survey by the Mental Health Foundation found last year, 74% of the UK felt overwhelmed with stress at some point in the previous year. And whilst there is a wide range of stress factors, one of the least recognised but easiest life stressors to fix is decluttering your home.

Energy efficiency cited as main reason three quarters would consider a new build home

Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2019

According to a new survey compiled for the Home Builders Federation, three quarters of those seeking a home would consider buying new, with 38% citing energy efficiency as their number one reason.

What are the most common hazards being missed by buy-to-let landlords?

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019

The latest data released by VeriSmart has found that thousands of landlords are failing to address category 1 household hazards within their rental properties.

Would you buy a property with Japanese knotweed if the price was right?

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019

Often described as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”, Japanese knotweed has been striking fear into homeowners for many years. But is it really 'game over' if you find it on your property?

Rise in number of older buy to let investors during 2018

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019

Newly released data from specialist buy to let broker, Commercial Trust Limited, has revealed that the idea of slowing down for a large number of the UK's senior population is not an option.

10 top tips for new landlords

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019

Investing in buy-to-let is a huge responsibility and as the number of people living in rented accommodation is set to rise further, demand for new landlords has never been higher.

Research suggests limited company purchases for landlords are set to rise

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019

New research from specialist lender, Foundation Home Loans, has revealed that the majority of landlords who intend to expand their portfolios in the next year are likely to do so within a limited company vehicle.

If the national rental market was a country, where would it rank in terms of global GDP?

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

New research by lettings inventory and property compliance specialists, VeriSmart, has looked at the value of the English and London rental markets and how they stack up when compared to the GDP of global nations.

Cash house sales down by a fifth

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

The latest updated data from the Office of National Statistics has shown that the number of cash property sales across the UK has decreased by just over 19%.

Mortgage approvals rise to nine-month high

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

The latest data and analysis from UK Finance has revealed that, during March, mortgage approvals by the main high street banks were up 9.1% against March 2018.

ARLA Propertymark: Available rental stock at record high

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

Data released by ARLA Propertymark has revealed that the supply of properties available to rent rose to 203 per member branch in March, from 197 in February – the highest since records began in 2015.

NHBC reports new home registrations up 3% against last year

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

Newly released figures from NHBC have revealed that the number of new homes registered by UK housebuilders and developers in the first three months of the year reached more than 37,500 – a 3% increase on the same period in 2018.

Help to Buy assisted 143 households a day to get on the property ladder during 2018

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2019

The latest statistics released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have revealed that 2018 was another successful year for the scheme.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their market update and recall Benjamin Franklins famous quote that “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Rightmove: Family activity driving Spring market

Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2019

Data and analysis from Rightmove has shown that, despite current market uncertainty, families are doing housing deals as housing needs take priority.

Going green in the home could save over £200 per year

Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2019

Price comparison website, MoneySuperMarket, takes a look at the costs and savings associated with the most readily available renewable energy sources and efficiency-improvers around the home.

Number of equity release plans treble in 3 years

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019

The latest data release by Key Partnerships has shown that equity release lenders have rapidly expanded options for customers and can now offer 233 plan options across their product ranges.

What are the top issues that could see a house sale fail?

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019

In order to reduce the chances of your sale falling through, it’s worthwhile to be aware of the qualities your property has which may make the sale difficult, so you can work on resolving them before you find a buyer.

Majority of property investors remain unfazed by Brexit

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019

The latest analysis by Market Financial Solutions has found that after another seemingly pointless week riding the Brexit merry-go-round, more than half of the UK's property investors have indicated that it's business as usual and won't be changing their investment plans.

IMLA report reveals that one in three home movers are 'Last-time buyers'

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019

The latest data and analysis from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association has revealed that almost 200,000 owner occupier housing transactions in England are now made by people over 55 who are able to use their huge equity reserves to find their perfect last home.

Zoopla: Friends and amenities: What are renters willing to compromise on?

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019

Zoopla has revealed that when it comes to what renters aren’t willing to compromise on, nearby amenities including shops, bars and entertainment comes out on top.

What do renters really want?

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2019

The latest data released from Zoopla reveals the property types in the highest demand across the lettings and sales markets in Great Britain.

NAEA Propertymark: First time buyers fuelled by cautious property market

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2019

New figures released by NAEA Propertymark have revealed that as housing demand fell to a six year low, first-time-buyers were out in force during February.

NAEA Propertymark: 10 top home improvement tips to increase the value of your home

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2019

NAEA Propertymark: 10 top home improvement tips to increase the value of your home

Top tips for value boosting DIY

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2019

We are a nation of DIY enthusiasts, and according to the latest research from NAEA Propertymark, we have splashed out a total of £48bn doing up our homes over the last five years – an average of £8,000 each.

Sentiment among new home owners is on the rise

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2019

A new customer satisfaction survey has revealed that an increasing majority of new home owners are happy with their housebuilder and their new home.

Top tips to get your garden ready for spring

Posted on Saturday, March 23, 2019

Spring is in the air. And, if you are like the 52% of Brits who admitted to completely neglecting their garden over the winter, the next few weeks could prove to be the perfect time to dust off the gardening gloves and give your green space some much needed TLC.

Buy to let is still one of the best investment options ten years after the financial crisis

Posted on Saturday, March 23, 2019

According to new research by lettings inventory and property compliance specialists, VeriSmart, buy-to-let property is up there with the FTSE 100 and classic cars when it comes to a sound investment.

Majority of UK property investors intend to increase their portfolios in 2019

Posted on Saturday, March 23, 2019

A new independent survey commissioned by Experience Invest has quizzed over 500 buy-to-let landlords on how they are planning to manage their property portfolios this year.

Top boiler tips for landlords

Posted on Saturday, March 23, 2019

According to data from Direct Line for Business , a 36% rise in claims for faulty boilers occurred last year caused by the aftermath of the 'Beast from the East'. The record number of claims between December and February as temperatures fell as low as −11°C in some parts of the UK, marked the sixth consecutive year in which the volume of insurance claims for faulty boilers has risen.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, March 23, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Brits 'underestimate' the value the top home improvements can add

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Making living spaces open plan and having a loft conversion are the top renovations that will increase the value of a home, according to UK estate agents.

Five small changes to make your home more eco-friendly

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Many homeowners are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and pride themselves on living sustainably. Whether you are a first timer or a full-blown eco-warrior, these five simple home improvement tweaks will make a real difference.

Top tips to downsize your home

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Empty nesters, retirees or homeowners who just want something more manageable. There are many reasons for wanting to move to a smaller property, some financial, some practical. While it may seem a little daunting at first, with some planning and careful consideration, it can be a really positive experience.

Moneyfacts: Average rates on fixed products nearly halve in 10 years

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Data from Moneyfacts shows that the average rate on a fixed product has nearly halved since March 2009.

Bank of England: Lending up 6% as more buyers use high loan to value deals

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Gross mortgage lending grew by 5.5% in the last quarter of 2018 compared to a year earlier as more borrowers took high loan to value (LTV) deals, according to the Bank of England

IMLA: First time buyer completion rate at three-year high:

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019

Data collected by IMLA shows that first-time buyer mortgage completion rates are at a three-year high.

How the Bank of Mum and Dad aim to help their children buy a home

Posted on Monday, March 11, 2019

Research has revealed that for 26% of first-time buyers, raising a deposit remains the biggest obstacle to overcome when trying to buy their first home.

Top tips to improve your EPC rating

Posted on Monday, March 11, 2019

A study from Everest has revealed the best and worst areas across the country for energy efficiency in the home. Everest analysed 15,623,536 home Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) across the country and found that despite being the most expensive place to live for property prices – London homes are the most energy efficient and paying the least on bills.

Top tips to rent out your home

Posted on Monday, March 11, 2019

There are many things to consider for first-time-landlords. If you're planning to rent out your property, here are a few top tips from ARLA Propertymark to get you started.

Majority of Brits expect house prices to increase in the next 3 years

Posted on Monday, March 11, 2019

New research from home moving company, AnyVan.com, has found that confidence of a price rise in UK property remains strong despite the current political and economic climate.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Rightmove: Housing affordability at 8 year high

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

The latest data and analysis from Rightmove has revealed that annual house price growth increased marginally during February. The 0.2% rise was the lowest recorded at this time of year since 2009.

Top tips to keep your roof in check

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

It's usually one of the last things we keep an eye on due to the 'out of sight, out of mind' mind-set, but a leaky, broken, or damaged roof can be a costly and timely expense to UK homeowners.

First-time buyer numbers hit 12-year high during 2018

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

The latest data and analysis from UK Finance has revealed that despite 'challenging' market conditions and the ongoing Brexit and political circus, first-time-buyer numbers reached a 12-year peak during last year.

Top tips for first-time-buyers

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

According to recent figures, the number of first-time buyers coming to the market has risen from 671,000 during 2016-17, to 785,000 during 2017-18.

Zoopla: Surge in agent appreciation among vendors

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

New data collated from a recent survey of over 3,000 respondents by Zoopla has shown that vendors are increasingly acknowledging the insights and services agents offer.

Retired homeowners’ property wealth hits record high of £1.118trillion

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

Mortgage free retired homeowners saw their homes increase by nearly £1,000 a month over the past six months despite housing market uncertainty, analysis from UK’s leading independent equity release adviser Key shows.

Low mortgage rates helping to improve affordability

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019

Possessing a property with a mortgage is more affordable now than it was 10 years ago, according to Private Finance.

UK rent sees 2.5% year-on-year rise in January

Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2019

The latest rental data released by HomeLet has revealed that, during January, rents in the UK rose by 2.5% against the same month a year ago. HomeLet data reveals that the average monthly rent now stands at £932 a month.

First-time buyers more active in January

Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2019

The proportion of mortgage approvals in the first month of 2019 was 27.1% versus the 25.2% figure seen in December.

UK Finance: Home repossessions drop to near forty year low

Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2019

UK Finance reports that homeowner repossessions are at the lowest level recorded in nearly 40 years.

Buyer demand is up in over half of English and Welsh counties since 2016 referendum

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

A new study from PropCast has revealed that, since it was announced that the UK would be leaving the EU, buyer demand has risen for 57% of the counties, 

UK housing market 'still moving' says NAEA

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

NAEA Propertymark has released data covering the housing market for December 2018 and revealed that, despite Brexit woes, the supply of properties available to buy increased to the highest December levels seen for four years.

NAEA: What are the top things that could devalue your home?

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

There are several things which homeowners are sometimes surprised to hear can devalue their home. Here are some of the key things NAEA members have experienced as having a negative impact on a property's value.

UK property investors remain positive

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

MT Finance polled property professionals as part of its research into the future performance of the UK property sector. It found 80% of investors plan to increase their portfolios in 2019, 

Land Registry: Property transaction registrations up in December

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Registered property numbers increased on a monthly basis in December, figures from HM Land Registry show.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2019

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the currnet market supported by reports from Zoopla and Twentyci

Gross mortgage lending sees steady rise during 2018

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

The latest figures released by UK Finance have revealed that, against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty throughout 2018, gross mortgage lending in the UK ended the year on a positive note.

ONS: Number of households renting jumps 61% in 10 years

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

Figures from the office for national statistics show that the number of UK households in the private rented sector jumped from 2.8m in 2007 to 4.5m in 2017 – an increase of 61%.

UK build-to-rent housing sees 40% rise

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

The latest research published by the British Property Federation has revealed that the total number of build-to-rent homes under construction across the UK has increased by nearly 40%.

5 year fixed rate mortgages are most popular choice for landlords

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

Mortgages for Business has revealed that an increasing number of landlords are opting for five year fixed rate products.

DIY cited as most common cause for arguments in long term relationships

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

A survey of 1,000 people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s has revealed that the top two reasons why couples in long term relationships argue are money and home improvements.

Zoopla: Homemovers are researching their next move more than ever

Posted on Friday, January 25, 2019

The latest research from Zoopla has revealed that an impressive 31% of the British public already know the street, or in some cases, even the specific house they want to move to in their next property venture.

MCHLG: New build starts up 12%

Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2019

The number of new build homes starts in England was up 12% in the quarter ending September 2018, compared to both the previous three months and the same quarter last year.

28% of adults have never discussed their parents’ financial circumstances together

Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2019

Nearly a third (28%) of adults aged 30-55 have never discussed their parents’ financial circumstances as a family, equity release lender more 2 life has found.

There are six times as many products for 75% loan to value borrowers than at 95%

Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2019

First-time buyers with a 25% deposit have access to over six times as many mortgage products as those who are only able to put a 5% deposit down, mortgage insurer AmTrust’s latest mortgage LTV tracker has found.

Mortgage brokers remain optimistic despite Brexit

Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2019

With a buoyant outlook, almost seven in ten (69%) stated that they feel confident about the lending environment in the New Year.

Top tips for a quick house sale

Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2019

Being prepared and taking some well thought out steps to get your home looking its best can substantially reduce stress and help you to sell your home even quicker.

Rising demand for eco-friendly homes

Posted on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

A survey of 1,000 25-40 year old home owners and renters has revealed that almost a third want future homes to be more eco-friendly.

Top tips for a more energy efficient home in 2019

Posted on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Large numbers of us now aim to become more energy efficient around our homes.

New developer contribution rules to speed up housing delivery

Posted on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published a consultation on funding infrastructure with a view to quickening the pace of housing delivery in England.

House builders planning for further growth

Posted on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Builders are continuing to invest in land as they look to deliver further increases in housing supply, according to a report from the Huose Builders Federation and Glenigan.

Habitable rented homes Bill becomes law

Posted on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

The law will give tenants new powers to take landlords to court where a property fails to be deemed habitable.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2018

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the property market entering 2019

Re-mortgaging levels at ten year high

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2018

Fierce competition among lenders and huge volumes of fixed rates coming to an end have been cited as the main reasons for re-mortgaging levels reaching their highest amount in a decade.

ONS: One-person households set to grow 26%

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2018

A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) describes the number of one-person households in England increasing by 26 per cent between 2016 and 2041.

Almost half of home movers relocate within a 10 mile radius

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2018

According to the latest research released by home moving company, AnyVan.com, almost half of home movers move less than 10 miles away from their current property.

Five top tips for landlords over winter

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2018

According to research, 49% of people aren't looking forward to winter and many will worry about whether their home will hold up to the freezing temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds, and potential snowfall that the coldest season of the year brings.

Why build-to-rent is the key to helping ‘Generation Rent’

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2018

A recent report estimated that more than 50% of adults under the age of 40 will be living in privately rented accommodation by 2025

What are the top five things people notice first about your home?

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

When we welcome guests into our home, we hope they walk away talking about how lovely it is. But when it comes to spending our hard-earned cash on home improvements, are we focusing on the right things?

£426m saved with First Time Buyers Relief in 12 months

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

HMRC statistics have revealed that over 180,000 first-time buyers have saved £426 million during the twelve months since the government introduced stamp duty relief on purchases up to £300,000.

Deposit disputes remain below 1% for eighth year running

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

New figures released by Tenancy Deposit Scheme have revealed that of the 3.7 million tenancy deposits currently held, only 31,865 ended in disputes in the year to March 2018 - equating to 0.85% and the eighth consecutive year that this figure has remained below 1%.

Almost two thirds expect to sell valuable items to help buy their first home

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

A new survey from The Nottingham Building Society has found that 63% of potential first-time-buyers plan to sell one or more valuable items such as jewellery to help scrape together their deposit - 14% expect to raise more than half of the funds they need this way.

AI to be commonplace in UK homes by 2023

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

Research from insurer Policy Expert reveals nearly 1.5 million households plan to have their home fully automated in the next five years.

Top tips to prevent burst and frozen pipes during winter

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

Halifax Home Insurance has revealed that partly due to the 'Beast from the East' storm at the start of the year, there was an 86% rise during March 2018 in 'escape of water' claims caused by frozen and burst pipes compared to the same month last year.

Building societies increase their share of the mortgage market

Posted on Monday, December 3, 2018

Newly released figures for the sector that cover the three months to September have shown that there has been a 10% rise in new mortgages approved by building societies.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2018

First time buyers show no sign of slowing down as market share increases

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

e.surv has released new data showing that competitive mortgage rates are continuing to reel in first-time-buyers and increasing their share of the market.

Brits now spending more on outside lighting to 'boost mood'

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

As the daylight hours get shorter and dark nights draw in, many Brits are attempting to lighten the mood by lighting their outdoor space.

Industry set to 'smash' government target after new build completions see 6.4% year-on-year rise

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

According to the latest government statistics, new build completions accounted for 195,290 of supply in 2017-18 in the year to April - a rise of 6.4%.

Industry set to 'smash' government target after new build completions see 6.4% year-on-year rise

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

According to the latest government statistics, new build completions accounted for 195,290 of supply in 2017-18 in the year to April - a rise of 6.4%.

What are the most common mistakes made by house sellers?

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

Getting a fair price in a timely manner from a good buyer is all a seller wants at the end of the day. However, sometimes there may be things that vendors do which can prevent this from becoming a reality. NAEA Propertymark reveals the most common mistakes made by sellers, which tend to affect their sale.

Top tips for a successful move to a top school catchment area

Posted on Friday, November 23, 2018

New research from home moving company, AnyVan.com, has revealed that as many as 56% of home movers now strive to live in the catchment of schools ranking high in performance tables, sparking fierce competition.

What is stopping UK homes from going green?

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

According to a new survey and research by AXA, just 2% said they don’t believe homes contribute to our carbon footprint, while 13% said the amount is negligible.

New home registrations reach highest levels since 2007

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

The latest figures released by NHBC have revealed that new home registrations for Q3 have resulted in the strongest quarter in 11 years.

Top tips to protect your home from burglary during darker months

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

According to new data from Lloyds Bank, there were 35% more claims for forced burglary received during the ‘darker months’ of 2017/2018 versus the ‘lighter months’ of 2018.

Retired homeowners cashing in an average of £77,000 through equity release

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

Data released by independent equity release adviser, Key, has revealed that equity release plans have risen by 16% during Q3 as the sector market continues to break records.

Stamp duty reforms prompt first time buyer mortgage uptake

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

The latest research by MoneySuperMarket has shown that first-time buyers are taking full advantage of the changes made to stamp duty laws in the 2017 Budget.

Wage growth now outstripping rental growth in all areas of the UK

Posted on Monday, November 12, 2018

The latest Landbay Rental Index has revealed that a typical tenant in the UK (excluding London) pays a third of their pre-tax monthly pay on rent.

Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

How to use the front of your home to its best advantage

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Some will say you can tell a lot about a house by the way the outside looks, from what colour door it has, to the way the homeowners have pruned their garden.

Record number of landlords making profits

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

88% of landlords have made a profit from their lettings activity in Q3, up by 2% from Q2, according to new research from BM Solutions.

Planning permissions rise to record levels

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

New data released by HBF and Glenigan has shown that planning permissions continued to be granted at record high levels in England in the year to June.

Millennials delaying marriage & children to get on property ladder

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Millennials, aged 18-34, are having to make sacrifices unheard of in previous generations to get onto the property ladder, according to a new study by online mortgage broker Trussle.

Top tips to invite wildlife into your garden

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

With over 2.5 million grey squirrels and almost 600 different species of birds living in the UK*, there are plenty of ways to welcome wildlife into your garden.

Garden envy fuels green fingered improvements

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

A new survey of around 1500 Brits has revealed the old saying of 'Keeping up with the Joneses' is still as relevant today as it has ever been.

RICS: Growth in new builds drives positive sentiment

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

Surveyors have reported increased workloads over the past three months, driven by a growth in new-build homes.

Average 5 year buy to let mortgage rates fall to new record low

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

According to the latest data released by Moneyfacts, average five-year fixed buy to let mortgage rates are now at a record low of 3.40% after falling from 3.55% in April.

First time buyer numbers increased during September

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

The latest data from e.surv has shown that the market share of small borrowers increased during September from 22.8% to 24.2%, resulting in a lending spike for the month. e.surv also reports that approval levels were up on the month.

Demand outstripping supply in lettings market

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018

New research has shown that the lettings market is seeing substantial activity with viewings up over 13% on the year and lease signings up 3.5%, while supply has declined 6.9%.

Rise of the 'outroom'

Posted on Monday, October 15, 2018

Fresh off the back of arguably the best summer the UK has enjoyed since 1976, 'outrooms' are becoming the new must-have property feature as homeowners fall in love with gardens again, extending living spaces and adding value to their homes.

1 in 3 landlords say no to compulsory 3 year tenancies

Posted on Monday, October 15, 2018

The latest research from Paragon has found that a third of landlords are less likely to buy property if three-year tenancies are made compulsory under new government proposals.

Over a third of millennials putting property before pensions

Posted on Monday, October 15, 2018

The latest data and analysis from Prudential has shown that dreams of owning a home are outweighing the desire to put money aside for retirement.

Everybody needs good neighbours

Posted on Monday, October 15, 2018

Like the song says, 'Everybody needs good neighbours', so Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch teamed up and conducted a new survey to find out how UK homeowners get along.

Landlord investment property values at record highs

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

The average market value of landlords’ investment property reached a record high of £1.70m during the third quarter of 2018, according to Paragon’s latest PRS Trends research.

Top tips to get your kids on the property ladder

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

With average deposits for a home in the UK currently weighing in at a terrifying £51.5k – it’s more important than ever to get a plan in place to help your children break into the property market.

Top tips for a smooth property transaction

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

There are a few things you can do to make the process as stress-free as possible. Here are NAEA Propertymark’s top tips that can help with a smooth-sailing property transaction.

How can technology make your home ‘greener’?

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

Energy saving devices to make your home more environmentally friendly don’t always have to involve a major investment.

Five top tips to help make your home baby safe

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

Barratt Homes Manchester is offering homeowners five top tips for moving with a baby and making your new home safe for young families

What are the UK's most popular home improvements?

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2018

We are indeed a nation of DIY and home improvement addicts. And, according to a new survey from GoCompare Home Insurance, painting, flooring and a bathroom makeover are the most popular projects to get our teeth stuck into.

Is it logic or love when buying a home?

Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2018

With one in two UK homeowners viewing their property just once before making an offer, home builder Countryside has teamed up with relationship expert, John Donlon, to uncover just what makes us lead with our hearts when it comes to buying a new home.

How boosting your home's EPC rating could add significantly to its value

Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2018

MoneySuperMarket has found that upgrading your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – the government’s rating of a property’s energy efficiency - from an average D to a high end A can have massive financial benefits.

RICS backs stamp duty reform

Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2018

In order to rebalance and reignite the UK housing market, respondents to the RICS Residential Market Survey suggested overhauling current housing tax and scrapping stamp duty on certain properties, could potentially help thousands more young people own their own home.

Incorporating mindfulness and well-being into your home

Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Between juggling work, family and social commitments, there’s no denying life can be hectic. So much so, that the UK is becoming more conscious of ways to better it’s mindfulness and wellbeing. Over the last ten years, Brits’ interest in wellbeing has increased by 151%¹, while the interest in mindfulness has increased by a whopping 900%.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, September 17, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Top tips to help get your house in order before winter

Posted on Monday, September 17, 2018

According to data released by Lloyds Bank, last year, its home insurance arm received 5,071 claims for storm damage. Predictably, a large amount of these (almost half - 2,389) came in Q1, when Storm Doris was sweeping across the nation.

Five things prospective tenants may not be aware of

Posted on Monday, September 17, 2018

Since May, the number of tenants who are looking for a new home has risen every month. With so many potential tenants entering the market, ARLA Propertymark has compiled their top five facts that the average tenant might not know realise.

Do you need planning permission for garden buildings?

Posted on Monday, September 17, 2018

Outbuildings such as sheds and summerhouses can often be built without planning permission, but there are some limitations. Specialists from outdoor building manufacturer, Tiger Sheds, outline the four key areas of consideration for anyone wanting to update their garden:

Average UK rent pushed to £1209 as recovery continues

Posted on Sunday, September 9, 2018

The latest data and analysis from Landbay has revealed that the average rent in UK has risen by 0.13%, the highest monthly increase since April 2016.

Moneyfacts: Average five-year fixed rate deal hits high in August

Posted on Monday, September 3, 2018

Moneyfacts data shows that as of the end of August, the average five-year fixed rate is 2.92%, slightly down from the 52-week high of 2.95% which occurred earlier in the month.

New Homes registrations rise 35% in July

Posted on Monday, September 3, 2018

The latest figures from NHBC have revealed that new home registrations saw a 35% rise in July against the same month last year.

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy's Market Update

Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

A fifth of landlords intend to stay in buy-to-let for life

Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2018

One in five individual and portfolio landlords intend to remain in the buy-to-let market indefinitely, according to research from Foundation Home Loans.

Rightmove: Home-movers must act now to move by Christmas

Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Home-movers who want to move in by the traditional Christmas deadline, now only 18 weeks away, need to act now to do so, Rightmove has warned.

Average home equity of over 55s stands at £290,000

Posted on Monday, August 20, 2018

Research from Sunlife has revealed that on average, people aged 55 and over who own their own home have houses worth £290,659.

460,000 new homes planned for Green Belt will not help to solve housing crisis

Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

The Green Belt remains under severe pressure, despite government commitments to its protection, according to a new report from the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

First time buyer numbers at decade high

Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Halifax has reported that first-time buyer numbers have hit their highest amount for a decade, increasing more than double the 10% rise for all buyer types.

Rents pick up in July

Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

The latest data from HomeLet has revealed that the average monthly rent in the UK now stands at £937 a month after a 1.3% rise during July.

Almost all landlords are now choosing fixed rate products

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018

A report from Mortgages for Business has revealed that 93% of landlords financing buy to let property chose a fixed rate mortgage in Q2, with five year fixes being the most popular having being chosen by 69%.

Stamp duty cut saves first time buyers £284 million

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018

According to the latest figures released by HMRC, as many as 121,500 first-time buyers have saved £284 million since the cut to stamp duty was implemented during last year's budget.

Boost in supply improves first time buyer sales

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018

The latest data and analysis from NAEA has revealed that the number of property sales saw a 13% rise in June, breathing new life into the UK property market.

Grow your own!

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018

According to a recent survey of 1,009 UK homeowners carried out by household appliances retailer, AppliancesDirect.co.uk, revealed that more than half (52%) of Brits have grown their own fruit or vegetables in their garde

Which day of the week should you move home on?

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018

According to the research , Friday is the most popular day to move house, Thursday is the most expensive and Sunday is the cheapest. Most of Britain prefer to move in the summer and on a Friday, though in Wales they favour Wednesday, and in Yorkshire and the Humber movers wait until December.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Majority of over 55s don’t know equity release cash lump sum is tax free

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018

More than half of homeowners aged 55 and didn’t realise that the cash lump sum they would receive from releasing equity in their home is tax free.

Heatwave prompts Brits to invest in their gardens

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018

New research has revealed that the ongoing heatwave and arguably the best summer in decades is prompting British homeowners to invest in their gardens and outdoor spaces as the heatwave continues.

Vast majority of Brits want an environmentally sustainable home

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018

New research by BLP Insurance, has shown that as many as 78% of people consider the environmentally sustainable performance of a building important when choosing a new home.

Number of fee-free mortgages continue to rise

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018

The latest data from Moneyfacts has revealed that arrangement fee-free mortgages now represent 40% of the mortgage market after growning steadily over the past two years.

Government proposes all new builds be fitted with electric car charging points

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018

The government has launched new proposals which would require all new build homes to be fitted with electric car charging points.

Top tips for the perfect patio

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018

Spring is a key time for people looking to rework their outside space. The arrival of warmer weather turns minds to summer sunshine and makes the prospect of spending time getting the garden BBQ-ready less miserable.

Land Registry launches digital Local Land Charges Register

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018

HM Land Registry has launched its new digital Local Land Charges Register, which aims to make the home-buying process simpler, faster and cheaper.

Japanese knotweed causes no significant structural damage, study finds

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018

A new study found no evidence that Japanese knotweed causes significant structural damage and its ecologists concluded that automatically refusing mortgages on properties where Japanese knotweed is found is "out of proportion to the risk posed by this invasive species".

Majority of tenants satisfied with rented housing

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018

The majority of private sector tenants, 84%, are satisfied with their housing, according to the latest English Housing Survey report.

Desire for homeownership remains strong despite challenging prospects

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

According to new research, 70% of us say that the difficulties young people have getting onto the housing ladder is one of the biggest issues we have in Britain today.

1 in 10 spoilt UK pets have their own room at home

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

There is no denying that Brits are a nation of pet lovers. But the latest research from carried out by interiors retailer, Furniture123.co.uk, has shown the extent that some homeowners are prepared to go to in order to keep their fury friends happy

Over a third back property as the best bet for retirement

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

The UK’s love affair with property as an investment option shows no sign of wavering despite recent changes in tax rules affecting landlords who could face losing thousands of pounds in profit.

UK Apartment price rises outpacing other property types

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

New data from Halifax has shown that the average cost of an apartment in the UK has risen by £1,251 per month over the past five years, increasing in value by £75,074 over the period.

Top tips to keep your home safe while on holiday

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

As millions of Brits prepare to pack their suitcases and head off on their summer holidays, their homes could be a prime target for criminals.

Are you failing to utilise £34,000 worth of space in your home?

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018

New data from TalkTalk has revealed that despite 43% of us wanting to move to a bigger home, 15% of the average British home is unused - a staggering £34,000 worth of wasted space

First time buyer mortgage approvals up in May

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

The latest data and analysis from e.surv has shown that 66,479 mortgages were approved in May - a rise of 6.4% against the previous month. First-time buyers significantly increased their share from 20.2% to 22.4% of the market.

RICS: First signs of stability returning to property market

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

The latest analysis of the UK housing market by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has revealed that new instructions have moved out of negative territory for the first time in over two years.

Five improvements that could improve your rental returns

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

Some renters are happy to pay over the odds for the most desirable or practical properties and landlords can increase their rental income by making some shrewd improvements.

Why UK Buy-to-Let remains very much alive

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

John Parker, Business Development Director at Surrenden Invest, shares his views on the UK buy-to-let market in 2018. Article from Property Reporter.

Nearly 4 million to use property to fund retirement

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

The latest research from OneFamily has has shown that around a fifth of over 50s are planning to draw income from their property to help fund retirement.

What are the main reasons for moving home?

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

With AA reporting that summer movers are planning to spend 3% less on a new home than they were at the start of the year the new AA research busts the myth that Britons are obsessed about buying and selling property to beat the market.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

What has happened to house prices since we won the World Cup in 1966?

Posted on Monday, June 11, 2018

UK house prices are 106 times higher than they were when England won the World Cup in 1966 – growing three times faster than wages,

Over 25% of parents would charge their kids interest on a home loan

Posted on Monday, June 11, 2018

According to the latest survey from Crowdfunding property service, UOWN, charity may begin at home, but not when it comes to the 'Bank of Mum and Dad', as over 25% of British parents admit they would charge interest on a home loan to their children.

Boost in demand for 5 year fixes

Posted on Monday, June 11, 2018

Data from LMS, has found that demand for five-year fixed rate re-mortgages has bounced back to hit 47% of the total re-mortgage market in April – the highest proportion in six months.

Councils receive new powers to deliver homes for local families

Posted on Monday, June 11, 2018

Councils will receive new powers to help them deliver the homes their communities need under proposed regulations published by Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP.

Rise in number of lenders offering interest-only mortgage options

Posted on Monday, June 11, 2018

The number of lenders offering interest-only mortgage products has increased modestly over the past two years, according to the latest research from Moneyfacts.

‘Staycation’ boom offering opportunities for holiday let investors

Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018

Landlords and property investors are taking notice of a growing trend of the Great British ‘staycation’, with a number of them looking to rent out holiday properties on a short-term basis.

Bank of Mum and Dad to lend £5.7bn this year

Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018

The latest data and analysis from Legal & General and Cebr, has shown that parental help equating to an eye-watering £5.7bn will be needed for quarter of housing transactions during this year.

Re-mortgaging surge among UK landlords

Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018

According to the latest analysis from Paragon, a re-mortgaging surge among UK landlords is under way with intermediaries reporting that 52% of BTL mortgage cases during Q1 this year were for landlords seeking to re-mortgage.

Are millennials hopeless around the house?

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Well over half of people wrongly assume that millennials are useless when it comes to carrying out practical jobs around the home, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders.

Brits increase Eurozone property spending by two thirds in a year

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Data released by international payment specialist, Fexco Corporate Payments, has shown that sun hungry Brits have increased the amount they spend on European property by two thirds.

Average price of apartments rises £1,250 a month

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Research from Halifax has revealed that, across the UK over the last five years, the average price of an apartment has risen by £1,251 per month - equating to £75,074.

Savvy millennials tweak spending habits to get on the property ladder

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Data from MoneySuperMarket has revealed that millennials are not as green as they are avocado looking. Growing numbers are making tactical changes to their financial behaviour to help them get on the housing ladder with their first mortgage.

Homeownership not top priority for the younger generation

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

According to the latest research from TopCashback.co.uk, although the vast majority (95%) of millennials would like to buy a house in the future, 31% do not think it will happen and 29% are only hopeful about their chances. Just 39% are sure they will buy a property.

Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Top Tips when buying a non-standard home

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

Buying a house is often described as one of the most stressful experiences you’ll go through in your adult life. However, according to new analysis, it can become even more of a headache if your dream home is one of five non-standard property types deemed too ‘high risk’ for most high street banks to lend on.

Majority of millennials considering a joint mortgage

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

The latest research from M&S Bank has found that due to the challenges involved with getting on the property ladder, buying with multiple friends or siblings is becoming an increasingly popular option for young, aspiring homeowners.

First time buyers driven towards new build properties

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

Research from the House Builders Federation has shown that the affordability of the Government's Help to Buy scheme combined with the energy efficiency and cheaper running costs of new build homes are leading to more and more first-time buyers taking the new build route into home ownership.

Top tips when hiring a builder

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

The latest research by Direct Line Home Insurance has revealed that approximately half a million homeowners go over budget when redecorating or renovating their new home each year.

How much could an average long term property investment earn you?

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

New research and analysis by specialist mortgage lender, Kent Reliance, has shown that long-term property investment could still deliver significant returns for landlords, despite recent regulatory and taxation changes.

Mortgage arrears fall to lowest levels since 1994

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2018

The latest data from UK Finance has revealed that mortgage arrears fell to a new record low during Q1 this year, 8% fewer than in the same period a year ago and the lowest level since 1994 when records began.

Planning permissions hit record high

Posted on Monday, May 7, 2018

The latest report from HBF and Glenigan has revealed that planning permissions were granted for over 350,000 new homes in 2017, a clear demonstration of the commitment of house builders to deliver even more new homes in the years to come.

What will the UK’s homes look like in five, 10 and 20 years’ time?

Posted on Monday, May 7, 2018

With the government pledging to build 300,000 new homes a year, AXA Insurance has asked the public what they think homes will look like in five, 10 and 20 years’ time.

Number of buy-to-let products hits record high

Posted on Monday, May 7, 2018

The number of buy-to-let products on the market has reached an all-time high, passing the 2,000 mark for the first time on record, according to new Moneyfacts data.

Top tips for efficiently heating your home in spring

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

Spring is finally here! Meaning lighter evenings and warmer weather should be on its way. CORGI HomePlan have created some top tips on how you can make small changes around your home over spring, to maintain an efficient heating system and to save money on your energy bills.

Top tips for FTBs when applying for a mortgage

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

The number of first-time buyers in the UK reached a 10-year high of 359,000 in 2017 thanks to a raft of supportive Government initiatives last year - from cuts to stamp duty and progressive policies like Help to Buy and Right to Buy.

Lifetime mortgage growth driven by over 55s upsizing

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

Data from OneFamily has found that over 55s are increasingly likely to use lifetime mortgages to upsize and that buying a new property is now the fourth most popular reason for using a lifetime mortgage as retirees move to be closer to family and friends, or better amenities.

Stamp duty cut to benefit 1m FTBs over the next 5 years

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

The latest government statistics have shown that the cuts to stamp duty which were announced during November's budget have already benefitted 69,000 first-time buyers.

ARLA Propertymark: Business as usual for UK rental sector

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

Data from ARLA Propertymark has revealed that the number of prospective tenants registered per member branch saw a rise of 8% during March - with the supply of rental accommodation also rising.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2018

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

UK Finance: Homeowner purchases at 10 year high

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

The latest data and analysis from UK Finance has revealed that mortgage lending for first-time buyers, home movers and re-mortgagors all saw an increase during February when compared to the previous year.

Sentiment remains high for BTL landlords

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

Despite what has been widely perceived as an attack on landlords by the government in the form of tax hikes and restricting new legislation, a new report from specialist bank, Aldermore, has revealed that many private landlords are feeling positive about the future of the market and the opportunity it presents

Rental sector remains resilient

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

The latest data and analysis from HomeLet has revealed rental prices across the UK have shown a modest rise in the first quarter of 2018. Overall, rents have risen by 0.9% in the last twelve months, equating to an average monthly increase of £3 per property.

Why UK Buy-to-Let is very much alive

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

John Parker, Business Development Director at Surrenden Invest, shares his views on the UK buy-to-let market in 2018.

A fifth of UK areas now see homes earning more than their occupants

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

New research from Halifax has shown that roughly 18% of UK local areas have seen average house prices increase by more than total average pay over the last two years.

Top tips for a stress free move with your pet

Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2018

April could see over 50,000 people moving home. However, although this can be an exciting time, the disruption and anxiety caused by a home move can also cause stress to our pets. Dogs in particular like consistency and a home move can create behavioural problems.

Brits spend more than £40 billion making their house a home

Posted on Monday, April 9, 2018

As National Home Improvement Month begins, NAEA Propertymark reveals UK homeowners have spent a total of £41 billion doing up their homes over the last five years1 – an average of £1,875 each.

UK landlords 'remain optimistic in spite of challenges'

Posted on Monday, April 9, 2018

Despite the uncertainty of Brexit and increasing tax burdens for landlords, buy-to-let (BTL) investors remain largely optimistic about the prospects for the market in the year ahead.

IMLA: Lending set to rise for eighth straight year

Posted on Monday, April 9, 2018

Gross mortgage lending in 2018 is predicted to rise for the eighth year in a row to reach the highest level since 2007, according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association’s (IMLA) fifth annual market review and forecast.

Buy-to-let rental yields remain strong

Posted on Monday, April 9, 2018

Buy-to-let investors earned an average gross rental yield of 5.2% in the second half of 2017, BM Solutions found.

Landlord optimism remains, despite market challenges

Posted on Monday, April 9, 2018

The results of a recent professional landlords’ sentiment survey speaks volumes for the resilience of the buy-to-let market, despite the challenges over the past few years.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, March 30, 2018

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

What are the top ten dream home features for kids?

Posted on Friday, March 30, 2018

A survey by conducted by home developer, Strata, which quizzed over 2,000 children aged 3-11, has revealed some amazing ideas.

UK Finance: Gross lending up 4.9 per cent in February

Posted on Friday, March 30, 2018

February gross mortgage lending was £19bn, up 4.9% year-on-year but down 15% month-on-month, according to UK Finance.

Local authorities given power to double council tax on empty homes

Posted on Friday, March 30, 2018

New legislation will enable local authorities to double council tax rates on properties that have been empty for two years or more.

New home owner satisfaction return to a high

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018

According to the latest National New Home Customer Satisfaction Survey, over 86% of new home buyers would recommend their builder to a friend - a rise of 2% against last year’s result.

Digital connectivity boost for UK property prices

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018

In his spring statement, the chancellor allocated the first wave of funding to help roll out high-speed broadband across the UK in a bid to upgrade the country’s digital infrastructure.

UK Finance: First Time Buyer numbers up 7% year-on-year

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018

The latest data from UK Finance has shown a steady strengthening of the UK property market despite fears over Brexit and increasing political uncertainty.

Average 5 year Buy To Let rates fall to record low

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018

New data from Moneyfacts has revealed that the average five-year fixed rate has dropped to 3.43%, a record-low not seen since October last year.

Spring is here - time to storm-proof your home

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2018

Over 50s insurer, SunLife, offers their advice on storm-proofing your home.

Popularity for longer-term mortgage products surges

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2018

New data from Paragon has shown that mortgages of 5 years or more are now the product of choice for 48% of applicants - over taking 2 year deals for the first time.

Top tips to keep your home secure during half term

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2018

With thousands of homes due to be left empty for the week, half-term can be a popular period for burglars to strike.

Could smaller sites and builders speed up housing delivery?

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2018

According to the Federation of Master Builders, getting more small builders back into the market and focusing attention on the potential of smaller sites is crucial to improving the speed of new home construction.

Opportunities to boost rental yields in light of new energy-efficiency rules

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2018

We are just a few weeks away from another significant change for residential buy-to-let landlords.

How much should you charge your adult children for living at home?

Posted on Friday, March 2, 2018

The latest research by comparethemarket.com has found that a staggering 74% of parents feel there isn’t enough information on hand when it comes to knowing how much to charge their adult children for living at home, despite over half (53%) admitting to doing so.

NAEA: Housing market starts 2018 positively

Posted on Friday, March 2, 2018

New data from NAEA Propertymark has revealed that during January there was a 37% rise in the number of people looking for a new home with the supply of available properties and the number of sales agreed also increasing.

Could UK house prices double over a 25-year period?

Posted on Friday, March 2, 2018

Financial comparison site money.co.uk predicts our future finances by analysing ONS data from the past 80 years to make a forecast for the next 10 years, taking into consideration inflation and rising expenses.

Homeowners failing to take property into account in retirement financing

Posted on Friday, March 2, 2018

"We still find evidence of a collective blind-spot when it comes to property supporting retirement income."

Market Update

Posted on Friday, February 23, 2018

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Moving home costs UK £9.7bn in 2017

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2018

The latest research from removal company comparison website, Compare My Move, has revealed that UK homeowners spent £9,746,745,840 on moving house in 2017, with the average UK homeowner facing £9,580 in additional moving costs.

One million new homes could be built on brownfield land

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2018

A recently published analysis of Brownfield Land Registers has confirmed that there is enough space on brownfield land to build at least one million new homes.

First time buyer numbers up 7.4% during 2017

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2018

The latest data released from UK Finance has revealed a dramatic surge in the number of people taking their first step on to the property ladder.

Top tips for landlords to keep their boilers in check

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2018

Last winter saw a record number of claims for faulty boilers according to new analysis by landlord insurer Direct Line for Business. Claims rose 5.2% last year compared to the winter of 2015/16. The volume of claims for faulty boilers has been consistently increasing for the last five years.

Retired homeowners gained almost £8000 in last year

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2018

The latest data and analysis from over-55s financial specialist, Key Retirement, has revaled that despite a rollercoaster year for the property market, retired homeowners have gained more than £7,900 each in property wealth in the past year.

Cost of homeownership hits lowest level in 10 years

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

Since 2007 the average UK house price has increased by 28%, while rents across the nation have also jumped by 15%. According to the ONS, the average weekly expenditure of the UK household has also reached its highest in the last decade having increased 24% since 2007.

UK new home registrations up 6% in 2017

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

According to NHBC’s latest new home statistics, over 160,000 new homes were registered to be built in the UK last year, an increase of 6% on 2016.

Dress for success when you want to sell your property

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

In a competitive property market, property dressing expert Shelly Robinson of Robinson Stone explains how to achieve the quickest and most desirable sale of your property.

How many toilets do we really need?

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

The latest research from Direct Line Home Insurance has revealed that Hollywood may be affecting the way we want our bathrooms to look.

First time buyer numbers at highest level for a decade

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has shown that despite the average deposit rising 91% from £17,740 in 2007 to £33,3392 ten years later, there seems to be no end to first-time-buyers storming onto the property ladder.

Buy to let demand surges amongst expats

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

According to data from expat mortgage broker, Cherry Mortgage and Finance, despite tougher lending criteria, there has been a 29% increase in the number of expats in Australia looking to invest in UK buy-to-let property over the last 12 months.

Top tips to make your home move green

Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2018

Data and technology business, buzzmove, has calculated that a typical home move creates an average 16.8kg of CO2 emissions. With 1.8 million moves a year in the UK, the company has some ideas on how homemovers can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Why we turn up the heat at home

Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018

According to a new survey, people are more likely to turn up the heating in their house for visitors rather than their partner or kids

Limited company buy to let products now account for one in four

Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018

New data from Mortgages for Business has revealed that the proportion of buy-to-let products available to limited companies increased during the last quarter of 2017 from 21% to just under a quarter of all products.

Lloyds Bank: Home-movers at highest level in 10 years

Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018

The latest data and analysis from Lloyds Bank has revealed that the UK is on the move. According to the figures, the number of people moving home is at its highest level since 2007.

Are we too reliant on home appliances?

Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018

A new report is claiming that Britain has become a nation reliant on appliances, unable to carry out basic tasks without the help of a gadget.

Rightmove: Housing demand rises 9%

Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018

The latest report from Rightmove has revealed a busy start to 2018. According to the site, visits are up by over 9% so far in January when compared to same period last year.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the market earlyi in 2018

Government launches Homes England in homebuilding drive

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

New national housing agency Homes England has been launched by housing secretary Sajid Javid to help the country build more homes.

Average first time buyer house price remains stable as high LTV rates dip

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

Data and analysis from AmTrust has revealed improvements for first-time-buyers with smaller deposits as average interest rates fell slightly and the average first-time buyer house price stayed level.

10 principles of Green Home Design

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

Charlie Luxton, spokesperson for The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, shares his top ten tips on how to build a green, low energy home.

Wildlife Trust calls for nature-friendly housing developments

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

New guidelines published by The Wildlife Trusts have shown how new housing developments can be built in a way that provides people with greener, inspirational homes which help to reverse decades of wildlife and habitat decline.

Decorating on a budget

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

Julia Kendell, BBC’s DIY SOS guest designer and spokesperson for The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, shares her tips on how to decorate a home on a budget:

Why UK property will be a good bet in 2018

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

2017 was a mixed bag for the UK residential market. Hamish Pound, Head of Investment, IP Global, shares his thoughts on why we shouldn't give up on UK property just yet. Article first appeared in Property Reporter

Transform your home for under £5,000

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2018

Michael Holmes, spokesperson for The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show shares his secrets on how to transform your home for under £5,000.

Could adding rent payments to credit scores help tenants become future buyers?

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

The growing movement to ensure that rental payments are added to credit scores as a mandatory requirement could provide a huge incentive for the next generation of home buyers.

Re-mortgage approvals at highest levels since 2008

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

New data and analysis conducted by the Bank of England has revealed that the rise in November's mortgage approvals was driven by a continuing increase in re-mortgaging approvals. According to the report, re-mortgages have now reached a level not seen since 2008.

Stamp duty cut drives up first time buyer confidence

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

New research from Foresters Friendly Society has revealed that as many as 58% of millennials currently saving for a house deposit are more confident about achieving their goal following the Chancellor’s stamp duty changes.

First time buyers set to become largest buyer group in 2018

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

According to the latest data and analysis from Hometrack, first-time buyers will overtake homeowners to become the largest buyer group next year, accounting for a 35% share of all sales.

Which room in the house is the least frequently updated?

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

As a nation obsessed with DIY and home improvement, house proud Brits update their homes on a regular basis, but it appears they are overlooking one important room, according to new research.

Government claims stamp duty cut has helped 16,000 first-time buyers

Posted on Monday, January 8, 2018

The government has claimed that more than 16,000 first-time buyers have saved thousands of pounds as a result of the stamp duty changes.

Rightmove: House price growth to slow further in 2018

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Rightmove forecasts 1% growth in new seller asking prices in 2018 as a result of upwards price pressures in some sectors and locations mitigated by negative price forces in others.

Bathrooms are the rooms most likely to cause an argument

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

New research from Direct Line Home Insurance has found that bathroom battles are wreaking havoc on relationships, with over 800,000 Brits admitting that they have contributed to a split or the end of a friendship.

Equity release levels hit record high

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The latest figures from equity release provider, Responsible Equity Release, has revealed that an end of year surge is responsible for record levels of homeowners taking out an equity release plan for the second consecutive month.

NAEA and ARLA: 2018 predictions

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

NAEA Propertymark and ARLA Propertymark share their predictions for the rental/buying market, looking ahead to 2018.

Top tips on preparing your property for sale in 2018

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Selling and purchasing property, for many, will be one of 2018’s biggest considerations

Red front doors offer the warmest welcome says research

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

If you want to give visitors a warm welcome to your home – paint your front door red, say Leeds Building Society members.

Could converting space above shops help solve the housing crisis?

Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

According to new research by the Federation of Master Builders, more than 90% of MPs think that converting empty spaces above shops could help reverse the current housing shortage in their constituency.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2017

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their end of year views on the property market

Halifax: UK housing stock value hits £6 trillion

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2017

The latest Halifax research shows that, over the last decade, the total value of privately owned UK housing stock has risen by £1.94 trillion - passing the £6 trillion mark for the first time.

Pensioners opt to boost finances with property wealth

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2017

According to new analysis, retirees are boosting their finances by an average £71,500 from their property wealth.

HMRC: First time buyers can get post-Budget stamp duty refunds

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2017

HMRC has confirmed that first-time buyers will be able reclaim stamp duty costs that have been inadvertently paid on house purchases made since the Budget.

Private rented sector value climbs to £1.4trn

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2017

The value of the PRS in Great Britain stands at nearly £1.4trn, a rise of 6.4% or £82.6bn in the last year.

How much do homeowners spend on their property within 5 years of purchase?

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

According to new research, after the deposit, searches and solicitor fees, property buyers continue to spend on their new home.

Winter Blues: top tips to beat burst pipe misery

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

According to new statistics from NFU Mutual, in 2016 claims for mopping up damage caused by burst pipes averaged a massive £5,000. So as Britain faces sub-zero temperatures this week, NFU Mutual is advising homeowners to prepare their property for winter’s worst.

Conveyancing Association wants tough leasehold reform

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

The trade body made the proposals in its response to a Government consultation on leasehold reform.

Smart-tech remains the number one deterrent for burglars

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

New data from Co-op Insurance has claimed that homeowners who have been a victim of a break in are two and a half times more likely to be targeted again than someone who hasn’t.

Right To Build attracts 33,000

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

New research by the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) has found that, since 1st April 2016, over 33,000 people have signed up to Right to Build registers across England to secure a plot to design and build their dream home.

Retired renter numbers to triple by 2032

Posted on Sunday, December 3, 2017

The latest research and analysis from Scottish Widows has revealed that one in eight retirees, over 1 million people, will be renting by 2032 – treble today’s figure.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their post budget views on the property market

Landlords reassured over Budget tax change impact

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

Buy to let experts are reassuring landlords they will be largely unaffected by Budget changes to limited company taxation, despite reports to the contrary.

HMRC: Property transactions up 9.2% in October

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

The number of UK residential property transactions was up 9.2% in October, compared to the same month last year, the latest figures from HMRC show.

Over one-third of parents won’t or can’t help their kids get on the property ladder

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

A new poll commissioned by Royal London, has revealed that 34% of people say they have not and do not intend to offer financial support to children and grandchildren to help them get on the property ladder.

Equity release customer numbers at record high in October

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

Despite the issues facing the wider UK housing market, the popularity of equity release shows no sign of waning, with the number of homeowners releasing equity from their properties hitting a new high in October, according to the latest figures from leading equity release provider Responsible Equity Release.

Top tips for buyers and sellers

Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2017

Preparing your home for viewers, or “staging” to use the correct term, is important. Not only will it ensure your property is sold faster, but it can also potentially add thousands of pounds to its value.

One in ten UK homes are ex-council properties

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

The latest figures from new property search portal, Ex-Council.com, have revealed that former local authority homes comprise one in ten houses in the UK.

Homebuyers refunded £160m in over-paid stamp duty

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

According to the latest figures from HMRC, stamp duty rules designed to clamp down on buy-to-let landlords have landed ordinary homebuyers with unexpected tax bills totalling over £160m which have then had to be refunded.

Successful planning permissions on the rise

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

According to government data, despite planning applications falling by a quarter, the last 10 years has seen the percentage of successful grants grow from 82% to 88%.

Is DIY good for our well-being?

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

According to a new study, 75% of millennials believe DIY has a positive effect on their well-being, despite being a generation of convenience.

What are the best additions for adding value to your home?

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

With growing families and the ever-constant need for more space in life, a lot of people are facing the decision whether to improve or move.

ARLA Propertymark: The top reasons why tenants lose their deposit

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2017

Tenancy deposits are there to protect landlords in the event of unpaid rent or damage to their property. Most tenants will get their full deposits back, but there are instances where the landlord may need to keep part – or all – of it to cover various costs. ARLA Propertymark asked its members for the most common reasons why tenants don’t get their deposits back.

First-time buyers underestimate financial costs of buying

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2017

There is a lack of understanding around the house buying process and the associated costs amongst those looking to buy their first home, research by Aldermore has shown.

Successful planning applications up 6% since 2007

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2017

If you're planning a major development, you could be in luck. Data uncovered by Pure Commercial Finance has shown that it’s easier than ever before to get planning permission in England.

Eight possible obstacles to buying a property if you’ve ever had a criminal conviction

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2017

Regrettable choices and mistakes are a part of growing up that almost everyone experiences at numerous points throughout their lives. Unfortunately, for the unlucky few, some mistakes are easier to forget and move on from than others when it comes to the decision to purchase a home and step onto the property ladder.

Top tips to storm proof your home

Posted on Monday, November 6, 2017

In the 30th anniversary year of the Great Storm which saw the UK battered by hurricane-force winds, Halifax Home Insurance is advising homeowners to take suitable steps to protect their properties as Britain braces itself for wintery weather. 

Equity release lending up 44%

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2017

Figures from the Equity Release Council show that equity release lending rose by 44% against the year in Q3 and passed £800 million in a single quarter for first time.

35-year mortgages see demand surge

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2017

New data from IMLA has found that 69%) of mortgage brokers have reported an increase in demand for 35-year mortgages.

Darker evenings is time to step up home security

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2017

With the cover of darkness to help cloak their movements, burglars will be looking to take advantage of the longer darker nights ahead.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

12% of homeowners plan to buy second home in next ten years

Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2017

According to a new study, 12% of homeowners are saving to invest in a second property within the next decade, the majority of these individuals admit they’ve not fully researched the costs associated with doing so, such as stamp duty surcharges and void periods.

Homelet: UK rents up 2.1% in September

Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2017

Rents in the UK rose by an average of 2.1% during September, according to data from HomeLet.

UK Finance: First time buyer lending up 16% in August

Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2017

The level of first-time borrowing for house purchase was up on both month-on-month and year-on-year comparisons in August, the latest UK Finance figures show.

British homeowners warned that they are too trusting

Posted on Saturday, October 14, 2017

A third of British householders leave their windows open when they are out (35%) and one in ten (11%) even leave doors open when they are not at home.

Over-55 mortgage debt up 14% year-on-year

Posted on Saturday, October 14, 2017

New Aviva research has found that just 8% of over-55 homeowners who are retired are still paying off their mortgage, compared to 31% of those who are still working.

Pensioner property wealth hits record £1.1 trillion

Posted on Saturday, October 14, 2017

New data and analysis from Key Retirement has revealed that retired homeowners have earned £3,500 a month from their houses in the three months to the end of August as their total property wealth hit a new record high of £1.101 trillion.

UK rents continue to rise

Posted on Saturday, October 14, 2017

New data from Homelet has revealed that rents in the UK rose by an average of 2.1% during September, continuing the trend towards higher rents seen in recent months following a period in which rental price inflation was very low or even negative.

Over half of homeowners live within 15 miles of their home town

Posted on Saturday, October 14, 2017

More than half (55%) of homeowners end up buying a property within 15 miles of their home town, research from housebuilder David Wilson Homes has revealed.

Yorkshire Building Society: Majority of FTBs plan to rely on Bank of Mum and Dad

Posted on Thursday, October 5, 2017

A report by the Yorkshire Building Society has revealed that 59% of first-time buyers expect to receive financial help from parents or other members of their family.

Half of Brits will pay a premium for a ready-to-move-into home

Posted on Thursday, October 5, 2017

New research has found that 48% of Britons’ would pay a premium to be able to move in to a property immediately without having to do any renovation or replacement work.

HBF: New home permissions "highest on record"

Posted on Thursday, October 5, 2017

The number of planning permissions granted in the year to June 2017 is the highest seen annually since the Home Builders Federation and Glenigan began their Housing Pipeline reports in 2006.

England one million homes short of demand

Posted on Thursday, October 5, 2017

One million new homes are needed in England to meet the demands of a growing population after years of reducing new home build development, research from conveyancing search provider Search Acumen has found.

Over 18 million Brits set to inherit a property

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2017

New research among 2,000 UK adults by bridging lender MFS has revealed the intentions of those expecting to inherit a property.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

More private renters than mortgaged homeowners by 2025

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2017

There will be more private renters than homeowners with a mortgage by 2025, NatWest senior economist Sebastian Burnside has predicted.

More private renters than mortgaged homeowners by 2025

Posted on Friday, September 29, 2017

There will be more private renters than homeowners with a mortgage by 2025, NatWest senior economist Sebastian Burnside has predicted.

EPCs - ten years on

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

The 1st August 2017 saw the tenth anniversary of the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as part of the requirements on a property owner looking to sell or let a property.

Bank of Mum and Dad UK’s most relaxed lender

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

The Bank of Mum and Dad is potentially the UK’s most lenient lender and its relaxed approach means it ends up writing off huge numbers of loans each year, according to research from Prudential.

New home building blocked by lack of land

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

Research by the Federation of Master Builders’ has identified that a lack of available small sites and a lack of finance top the list of barriers to SME house builders increasing their delivery of new homes.

Outlook for first time buyers looking more optimistic

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

New data and analysis covering Q3 2017 by specialist bank, Aldermore, has revealed that the outlook for first time buyers is slowly becoming more optimistic.

More first time buyers helped by grandparents than parents

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

New research by equity release referral service, Key Partnerships, has revealed that 34% of estate agents have seen a rise in first-time buyers being helped by grandparents compared with 26% who report an increase in parents helping out children.

Buying a home with a partner no longer seen as a long term commitment

Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2017

According to a new report from L&C Mortgages, despite 5.1 million UK adults delaying starting a family or getting hitched in order to buy a home, fewer than 8% see owning a property with a partner as a greater example of a long term commitment.

Almost four million over-55s plan to downsize

Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2017

Almost four million over-55s plan to downsize to a cheaper property later in life, research from Prudential has revealed.

Which feature adds the most value to bathrooms?

Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2017

Showerstoyou consulted 32 different estate agents, property professionals and designers from around the UK to find out how homeowners can maximise the value of their property when renovating their bathroom or adding a new one.

How to live off-grid and become self-sufficient

Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2017

In the modern age, sometimes it feels as though it would be impossible to leave everything behind and live a more self-fulfilling, and self-sufficient, lifestyle.

Halifax: Annual house price growth climbs to 2.6%

Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2017

According to the latest data and analysis from Halifax, house prices in the three months to August were 2.6% higher than in the same three months a year earlier.

Could multi-generation homes be the answer to future property plans?

Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2017

Young people living with two or three generations under one roof are better prepared for the responsibilities of owning a home, a new study constructed by new-homebuilder, Strata has revealed.

English housing starts reach highest level since 2008

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

Housing starts in England have reached their highest level since 2008, according to the latest government figures.

One in four move house to secure school catchment areas

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

24% of parents with school age children have either bought or rented a new property in order to secure an address within their desired school catchment area, according to research from Santander Mortgages.

Basements are in, conservatories are out – Britain’s tastes are changing

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

Research from Halifax Insurance, Dream Abode, shows that just one in five Brits (22%) lives in their dream home, and higher value ownership doesn’t always bring home happiness - almost two thirds (62%) of those who live in homes worth more than £500,000 say their current house isn’t their dream home.

Being a second stepper is harder than being a first time buyer

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

Homeowners ready to take their second step up the property ladder say it’s harder than getting on it in the first place according to the latest Lloyds Bank Second Steppers report, which tracks the ongoing plight of home owners looking to sell their first property whilst buying their second.

Cost of running a home almost half of average income

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

A study by home insurers MORE TH>N has found that owning a three-bedroom home in the UK comes with average annual running costs of £18,197, or £1,516 per month.

Bank of Mum and Dad funding £2.3bn of rental payments

Posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

The Bank of Mum and Dad will fund £2.3 billion of rental payments in 2017, paying out on average £415 every time a rental payment is made, according to new research from Legal & General and Cebr.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, August 25, 2017

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current market

ARLA Propertymark: Rents and demand remain high in July

Posted on Friday, August 25, 2017

The number of letting agents who saw rents rise for tenants remained at 31 per cent in July, up from 27 per cent in May, according to the latest figures from the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

First time buyers given boost by equity release

Posted on Monday, August 21, 2017

New research from Retirement Advantage has revealed that during the first half of 2017, 13 first-time buyers were helped onto the housing ladder every week thanks to relatives who released equity from their homes.

Building societies maintain high share of mortgage market

Posted on Monday, August 21, 2017

The latest data from the Building Societies' Association has revealed that developments in the wider economy are making it more challenging for homebuyers and savers.

Can energy saving improvements increase the value of your home?

Posted on Monday, August 21, 2017

A new report published by leading global real estate advisors CBRE Residential reveals the true environmental impact of residential property, suggests how to create truly eco-friendly homes and considers the long-term premiums attached.

Mortgage arrears and possessions decline in Q2 2017

Posted on Monday, August 21, 2017

The number of mortgages in arrears of 2.5% or more has reached its lowest level since 1994 at 88,200.

Compromise key when you are a first time buyer

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

Post Office Money surveyed more than 1000 people who made their property ownership goals a reality in the last 24 months and found that compromise was the key to realising their dreams.

Homelet: Confidence among landlords see rents rise in July

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

The latest report from Homelet has revealed that rental price inflation has returned in the UK, rising by 1.1%.

UK household wealth now over £10 trillion

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

Research from Lloyds has revealed that during 2016, total household wealth in the UK reached an estimated £10.5 trillion. This is an increase of £892 billion (or 9%) from £9.6 trillion in 2015.

UK leads the way for digital house hunting

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

A study from HSBC has found the UK is leading the way in online property research as 93% of prospective home buyers revealed they use online channels to enhance property search.

Multigenerational living increasing

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

Analysis from lifetime mortgage provider, OneFamily, using data from a survey of over 2,000 parents and grandparents across the UK, has revealed that 35% of the adult children who contribute to household bills pay a share based on what they earn.

New home registrations remain stable in quarter two

Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2017

Statistics from NHBC have revealed that during Q2, 40,000 new homes were registered to be built by developers due to a rise in  the affordable homes sector.

Landlords adapt to new market as sentiments shift

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

The Buy to Let Britain report from Kent Reliance shows the 'shifting sentiment' in the market in response to the new tax landscape for landlords.

Internet access key for home movers

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

Over half (51%) of UK home movers find a weak internet connection stressful when moving, Money Supermarket data shows.

Hundreds of thousands to pay off mortgages with pension cash

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

Around 320,000 homeowners aged 51-65 are planning to use money from their pensions to pay off their mortgages, according to new research from retirement income provider Just Group.

Buy-to-let rates plateau but products soar ahead of Prudential Regulation Authority changes

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

The average two-year fixed BTL rate has fallen by 0.31% in 12 months but by just 1 basis point in 2017, from 2.92% in January to 2.91% in July, research from Moneyfacts shows.

Small builders forced to pass price squeezes onto consumers

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

A third of small building firms say that soaring material prices are squeezing their margins and almost a quarter have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders.

Homebuyers pay average of £12,700 in stamp duty over lifetime

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017

Homeowners spend an average £12,693 in total on stamp duty as they move up the housing ladder, according to research from Lloyds Bank.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, July 28, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

House sales see summer increase

Posted on Friday, July 28, 2017

New data and analysis from NAEA Propertymark has shown that sales for homes are up as buyers push through summer property transactions.

UK Finance: Gross mortgage lending up 9% in June

Posted on Friday, July 28, 2017

UK Finance has estimated that gross mortgage lending reached £22.1bn in June, 9 per cent above the total for May.

First time buyers getting older but appetite to buy remains strong

Posted on Friday, July 28, 2017

The average first-time buyer is getting older and richer, but the appetite for home ownership remains undimmed, according to the UK Finance mortgage board.

Rise in homebuyers choosing to live with friends over partners

Posted on Monday, July 17, 2017

According to a new survey conducted by online furniture retailer Furniture Choice, the homeownership market in the UK is evolving, with more tenants choosing to buy and live in homes with friends rather than with a partner or on their own.

NAEA Propertymark: Top tips to help you sell your house this summer

Posted on Monday, July 17, 2017

The summer can be a tricky time to sell a property, especially if it’s a family one, due to school holidays amongst other things, so NAEA Propertymark offers this advice for sellers putting their property on the market during this time.

Retirees cash in £6.9m of equity per day

Posted on Monday, July 17, 2017

A Key Retirement report has revealed that, during the first half of 2017, retired homeowners released £1.25bn in equity from their properties at the rate of £6.9m per day.

How the over 50s are 'future proofing' their homes

Posted on Monday, July 17, 2017

Recent analysis by the Saga Equity Release Advice Service has shown that, over the last year, there has been a 30% surge in equity release sales - revealing how older people are becoming increasingly comfortable with using the equity they have built up in their homes to improve their lifestyle and those of their families.

Limited companies surpass landlord borrowing for the first time

Posted on Monday, July 10, 2017

New data from Mortgages for Business has revealed that buy to let lending to limited companies hit a record 51% by volume during Q2 surpassing individual landlords for the first time.

Japanese Knotweed: let’s be solution not problem conscious

Posted on Monday, July 10, 2017

New research has revealed a high level of anxiety around Japanese knotweed with 78% admitting that they would be put off buying a property if they discovered the weed was present in the garden.

Smart technologies making traditional home contents obsolete

Posted on Monday, July 10, 2017

Research by E.ON has found that 73% of people have adopted smarter technologies in their homes, ditching traditional furnishings and items such as bookshelves in favour of smart hubs and solar panels.

New housing gets a £2.3bn investment boost

Posted on Monday, July 10, 2017

A £2.3 billion fund which could unlock 100,000 new homes in areas of high demand has been launched by the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid.

Promotion for David

Posted on Friday, June 30, 2017

David Tuffin becom es Lettings Manager

Market Update

Posted on Friday, June 30, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

House prices rebound in June

Posted on Friday, June 30, 2017

The latest data and analysis from Nationwide has revealed that UK house prices rose 1.1% month-on-month in June, reversing the previous three months’ falls.

32% of second steppers rely on bank of Mum and Dad

Posted on Friday, June 30, 2017

The latest data from Lloyds has revealed that nearly a third (32%) of second steppers believe they will still rely on financial help from family and friends to move up the property ladder despite improved conditions for homeowners.

Pensioner property wealth hits £1.054 trillion

Posted on Friday, June 30, 2017

A new report from over-55s financial specialist, Key Retirement, has shown that in the past year retired homeowners have each earned more than £2,400 a month from their houses and have a combined property wealth of £1.054 trillion.

Top ten home improvements of 2017?

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

A new study from GoCompare Home Insurance has revealed that a new bathroom is the UK’s most popular home renovation with 39% of homeowners who carried out a major home improvement in the last five years splashing out on one

Top tips on how to keep your home cool this summer

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

It’s safe to say that as much as we in Britain look forward to a bit of sunshine. Whenever they arrive we suddenly find ourselves struggling to keep cool; even in our own homes we can feel as though we’re walking around in a sauna.

Help to Buy numbers reach 285,000

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

New statistics from DCLG have revealed that over 285,000 homeowners, including 240,000 first time buyers, have been supported by the government's Help to Buy schemes.

CML: Gross mortgage lending up 12% in May

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

The latest data and analysis from The Council of Mortgage Lenders has estimated that gross mortgage lending reached £20.1bn in May - a 12% increase on both April last month and on May last year, in which £17.9bn was advanced.

Majority of first time buyers fear negotiation

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

New research from Barclays has found that 52% of first time buyers have never negotiated and a further 53% admitted they fear missing out in the “extremely competitive” market if they were to negotiate.

Could the Bank of Mum and Dad help solve affordability issues?

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

New research from Legal & General has found that, with the potential to help 450,000 people onto the housing ladder every year, lifetime mortgages could be the best option for many.

Property transactions “resilient”

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2017

Property transactions rose almost 14% in the year to May, according to the latest figures from HMRC.

Average homeowner moves once every 19 years

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017

The average homeowner is moving once every 19 years, according to research from the Intermediary Lenders Association.

Bank of Mum and Dad risking IHT gift trap

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017

The latest research from Key Retirement has revealed that 47% of parents and grandparents do not understand the tax rules on gifting, and nearly three out of four (73%) say the rules are very complicated.

Alok Sharma appointed as new Housing Minister

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017

Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, has been appointed as the new housing and planning minister.

17% switch from downsizing to equity release

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017

Research from Bower Retirement has found that 17% of would-be downsizers decided instead to release property wealth through equity release.

'Property Attachment’ theory

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017

Research from My Home Move covers the phenomenon of ‘Property Attachment’ and looks at why 43% of UK homeowners have experienced a sense of ‘sadness, grief or loss’ after moving house.

First-time buyer completion rate up to 67%

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

Two thirds (67%) of first-time buyer applications reached completion in the first quarter of 2017, Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) research has revealed.

Housebuilding activity surges in May

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

UK housebuilding activity rebounded strongly in May after stuttering to a seven month low in March, the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index has revealed.

Top plumbing tips when moving home

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

WaterSafe, the UK national accreditation body for approved plumbers, has created a quick and easy five-step guide for new home owners to check their plumbing is in tip top condition.

It's all in a name on new home developments

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

According to the latest research, it seems that ‘new build’ developers are drawing on nature and ‘country life’ for inspiration, as ‘Park’, ‘Green’ and ‘Gardens’ top the builders’ choice of titles for their new developments.

Most desirable features in a home

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

New research reveals that although the estate agents’ traditional refrain of ‘location, location, location’ still matters to a degree, it is not the only major factor potential homeowners look for.

DCLG: New build starts up 15%

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

In the year to March, annual new build dwelling starts were up 15 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from the Department for Community and Local Government.

What is the ideal ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms?

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

According to 70% of estate agents, a property should have two bathrooms for every three bedrooms to maximise its value and desirability.

1 in 3 new mortgages provided by building societies

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

According to the latest report from the Building Societies Association (BSA), despite a 'relatively subdued market', building societies are maintaining a high market share of mortgage lending approving one in three new mortgages across the UK in Q1 2017, as well as providing a third of loans made to first time buyers.

Over 50% increase in apartment prices since 2009

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Average price growth for apartments, helped by the London market, have outperformed all other property types since 2009

Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their pre-election views on the property market

Noise is the biggest turn off for home buyers

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

New research from Plentific.com has revealed that homebuyers take noise pollution very seriously when it comes to buying their dream home.

The top 5 tenant “confessions”

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

New research from Lloyds Bank Business Insurance Services suggests that many small-scale private landlords forget that insuring a rental property is a very different kind of risk to insuring their own home.

What makes a good landlord?

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

New research by landlord insurer Direct Line for Business debunks the myth that landlords and tenants don’t see eye to eye.

What are the most sought after features of a modern UK home?

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

New research from Gocompare.com has revealed the most sought after features of a modern home in the UK.

First time buyer numbers continue to grow

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

According to the latest report from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), homebuyer numbers saw a marked increase on February figures as 61,700 loans were taken out during the month - a rise of 27% against February but down 12% on March 2016.

Top Tips for moving home with your pets

Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2017

David Wilson Homes East Midlands has teamed up with the RSPCA to provide pet owners with advice on making moving home as stress-free as possible for their animals.

Cash property purchases reach a new high

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

Research from IMLA has found that a record amount of cash was injected into residential property purchases in 2016.

Number of mortgage products at highest level since 2008

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

Analysis from Moneyfacts has revealed that residential mortgage product numbers have increased by 849 in the last year to reach its highest point since March 2008.

A quarter of all homeowners rely on friends and family to help purchase their home

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

Analysis and research by Legal & General and the Centre for Economics & Business Research (Cebr) shows that, in 2016, home buyers will receive £5 billion of help from families' and friends – equivalent to the annual lending of a top-ten mortgage business.

Halifax: House price growth flat in three months to April

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

UK house price rises were 3.8 per cent higher in the three months to April when compared to the same period last year, according to seasonally adjusted figures from Halifax.

Homeowners seek lower rates and longer deals

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

Re-mortgaging homeowners are seeking out lower interest rates and longer fixed deals, according to conveyancing service provider LMS.

1 in 5 rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad for home improvements after purchase

Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2017

Research from home service provider, Pentific.com, has revealed that the Bank of Mum and Dad doesn't stop lending once the property has been purchased. One in five of us rely on the lender to finance our home improvements too.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Rightmove: Buyer activity at highest level since 2007

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

Increasingly stretched buyer affordability will continue to be a price moderator for sellers who are over-ambitious with their pricing, tempering the pace of price rises

Britain leaves behind £493m worth of valuables when moving home

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

According to the results of a survey, a quarter of careless homeowners are leaving behind a small fortune in forgotten possessions when moving home.

Equity release lending reaches record levels

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

The latest report and analysis from the Equity Release Council has revealed record annual growth in both lending and new customer volumes in Q1 following a record breaking 2016.

How much extra are Brits prepared to pay for their own garden?

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

A new survey, interviewing 2,000 gardening mad Brits, has revealed that we would be prepared to pay an average of £35,000 on top of a property value if it had a garden or outdoor space.

Aspiring first time buyers remain confident

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

Analysis from conveyancers My Home Move reveals that aspiring first time buyers remain ‘hopeful and confident’ about their chances to get a foot on the property ladder with 57% of respondents expecting to buy their first home by 2021.

Should older homeowners be incentivised to downsize and help first time buyers?

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

A survey by Equifax has revealed that 46% feel that they would support a government incentive to encourage older homeowners to downsize their properties to free up space for younger buyers.

Rise in planning permissions for new homes

Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2017

Permission for 293,127 new homes were granted in 2016, the highest yearly total since the HBF Housing Pipeline survey began in 2006 and a strong indicator that increases in house building are set to continue.

Buy to let still an attractive investment

Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2017

Buy to let is still viewed as an attractive investment despite the government crackdown on the sector, data from bridging lender Market Financial Solutions has found.

£1million mortgage volumes rise 24% in last year

Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2017

Analysis by peer to peer secured lending platform, Lendy, has found that the number of new residential mortgages worth over £1 million went up by 24% last year, as banks continue to favour lending to owner-occupiers and reduce lending to property developers.

Strong first time buyer activity sees home buying hit 10 year high

Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2017

Data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has revealed that during the first two months of the year house purchase loans were at their highest levels since 2007.

Close family helping first time buyers onto the property ladder

Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2017

Research from Nationwide has found that, in order to raise a deposit for their home, more than half of all first time buyers are reliant on their family.

Report claims majority of home buyers remain optimistic

Posted on Monday, April 10, 2017

Research from Tesco Bank has found that nearly three quarters of prospective home buyers are optimistic that they will find the right home this year.

What makes Brits fall in love with their property?

Posted on Monday, April 10, 2017

Wood flooring specialists Flooring Republic asked 1,000 Brits what led them to fall in love with their homes, and which factors they consider non-negotiable when buying a property - and between community appeal and room size, it seems Brits are swayed by more than an attractive price tag.

Average landlord loan to value drops to 35%

Posted on Monday, April 10, 2017

Paragon has revealed that gearing amongst landlords remained low in Q1 2017, with the average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio decreasing by 2% to 35%.

Government announce new brownfield land register

Posted on Monday, April 10, 2017

The government has announced that it has given councils new tools to speed up development of derelict and underused land for new homes.

NAEA Propertymark: House sales at 10 year high

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017

Data from NAEA Propertymark has revealed that, during February, agreed house sales rose to a 10 year high - 74% of which were below the original asking price, suggesting sellers are becoming more realistic when it comes to property transactions.

Help to Buy has now assisted over 1 million people

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017

The latest data released by HM Treasury has shown that the government has now supported more than one million people through its Help to Buy schemes, including 868,240 who have opened Help to Buy: ISAs offering government bonuses of up to £3000 for those buying their first home.

Over 20% of buyers have less than 15% deposits

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017

Analysis from e.surv has found that over a fifth of mortgages in February were taken out by borrowers with small deposits - a substantially higher figure than both the previous month and the same point last year.

NAEA Propertymark: Top 10 improvements to add value to your home

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017

April is National Home Improvement Month which  encourages home owners to improve their homes. The NAEA Propertymark top ten of home improvement tips to increase the value of your home:

First time buyers relying on 'Bank of Mum and Dad' at historic high

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017

According to research by the Social Mobility Commission, the proportion of first-time buyers relying on inherited wealth or loans from the 'bank of mum and dad' has reached a historic high with no end in sight for the trend.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, March 27, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Retired homeowners’ property wealth at record high

Posted on Monday, March 27, 2017

The latest report from Key Retirement has revealed that over-65 homeowners’ property wealth has hit a new record of £1.072 trillion.

UK house prices remain strong

Posted on Monday, March 27, 2017

The latest UK House Price Index from the Office of National Statistics and Land Registry has revealed that, across the UK, the average price of a home has have increased by 6.2% in the year to January 2017, up from 5.7% in the year to December 2016.

RICS: Tenant demand rises for third consecutive month

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2017

The latest report from RICS has shown new buyer enquiries remain flat and have now failed to see any meaningful growth since November 2016. Near term expectations remain positive but point to a relatively modest rise in activity in the months to come.

WiFi is top requirement for first time buyers

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2017

A new survey by Principality Building Society has revealed first time buyers would prioritise hooking up their WiFi and TV when moving into their new home…before even having a sofa to sit on.

Bank of England: First-time buyer share of mortgage market is highest since 2007

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2017

The proportion of first-time buyers getting mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2017 was the highest since records began in 2007, according to figures published today by the Bank of England.

Lifetime mortgages see 22% rise in popularity

Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2017

New Equity Release Council data has highlighted that, in terms of customer numbers, lifetime mortgages became the fastest growing segment of the mortgage market during 2016.

First time buyers fill the gap as buy to let demand cools

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

The latest data from Mortgage Advice Bureau has found that as demand slows in the buy-to-let sector there has been a rise in first time buyers buying their first homes.

74% of first time buyers paid stamp duty in 2016

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

A new report from Yorkshire Building Society has revealed that during 2016 almost three quarters of first time buyers paid stamp duty - a rise of 53% compared with a decade earlier.

Homeowners undervaluing their contents insurance by £100bn

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

New research by Admiral Home Insurance has revealed that homeowners across the country could be undervaluing their contents insurance by £100bn, despite a third believing their possessions are at risk.

Top tips to boost your property’s kerb appeal

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

According to several studies it takes the average buyer no more than eight seconds to decide whether or not they like your property, so keeping this in mind, kerb appeal should be a priority when trying to sell your home as first impressions account for much of the overall impression the property has on any potential buyer.

Nationwide reports a steady rise for UK house prices

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

The latest data from Nationwide has shown that during February, the average price of a home in the UK increased slightly to £205,846 - representing a rise of 0.6%.

CML: Over 60,000 shared ownership loans sold since 2006

Posted on Monday, March 6, 2017

Data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders has revealed that there were more than 60,000 shared ownership mortgages advanced since 2006.

Increasing landlord confidence as awareness of BTL changes improves

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

Rising levels of awareness of the implications of buy to let tax changes have led to an increase in confidence among landlords, the latest Paragon Private Rented Sector trends report reveals.

Cash landlords at highest levels in 10 years

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

The proportion of landlords paying in cash for a property reached 61% in January 2017, the highest since records began in 2007.

CML: January gross lending highest since 2008

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

The Council of Mortgage Lenders says gross mortgage lending hit £18.9bn in January, up 6 per cent month on month and 2% year-on-year.

Kitchens lead the way when it comes to influencing potential buyers

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

The latest survey from home services marketplace, Plentific.com, has revealed that a new kitchen is the most effective home improvement for influencing a potential buyer’s final decision as well as their offer.

Tenant demand still rising say landlords

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

New data from Paragon Mortgages has revealed that tenant demand for private rented accommodation is continuing to rise.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

CML: Mortgage repossessions down

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

With interest rates at rock-bottom for so long, it should follow that the number of properties repossessed should be at the lowest level in more than 30 years

A quarter of couples argue over DIY improvements

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

The latest survey from Plentific.com has revealed that 27% of couples have argued at least once over home improvements.

First time buyers increasingly relying on two generations to buy a home

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

New independent research for equity release referral service, Key Partnerships, has revealed that in order for some first time buyers to get their foot on the property ladder they need help form two generations of their family.

Shared ownership sees a popularity surge

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

A new report from mover conveyancing services provider, My Home Move, has found that the number of shared ownership purchases increased by over 130% in the last six years.

Mortgage affordability shows “noticeable improvement”

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

New research from Halifax has found that, since the pre-crisis peak of 2007, there has been a noticeable improvement in mortgage affordability across the majority of all local authority districts.

New homes: Registrations top 150,000 in 2016

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

According to new data, more than 150,000 new homes were registered in the UK by NHBC in 2016, the second highest in almost a decade.

Remortgage approvals at 8 year high

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

Remortgage approvals continued to rise in December, hitting a new eight-year high of 47,721

Help To Buy ISA: 335,750 first time buyers helped

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

Recent figures released by The Office of National Statistics have revealed where in the UK the scheme is most popular.

Nationwide: House price growth remains stable

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

The latest report from Nationwide has revealed that there was a 0.2% month-on-month rise in average house prices during January - with annual house price growth remaining broadly stable at 4.3%.

Buy-to-let landlords undeterred by stamp duty surcharge

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

The number of second homes liable to pay stamp duty increased to 62,800 in the final quarter of last year, up from 56,200 in Q3 and 30,400 in Q2, suggesting that many people believe that investment in buy-to-let property is still worth pursuing.

Home improvement spend to surge in 2017

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

Looking at individual areas, flooring is set to experience the biggest increase in investment, with an average of 29% looking to spend more on this in 2017

Rental growth slows

Posted on Monday, February 6, 2017

Annual rental growth has slowed to 0.7% – falling from 4.7% seven months before, HomeLet’s Rental Index for January has found.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 30, 2017

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

CML: 2016 mortgage lending reached £246bn

Posted on Monday, January 30, 2017

In 2016 mortgage lending totalled £246bn – a 12% increase from 2015’s figure of £220bn according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

2016 was busiest year since 2007

Posted on Monday, January 30, 2017

2016 was the busiest year for housing since 2007 as 1.24 million people moved home, figures from HMRC show.

Landlords: February is the peak month for boiler repairs

Posted on Monday, January 30, 2017

New analysis by landlord insurer Direct Line for Business reveals February is the peak month for boiler repair claims, up 163% compared to the monthly average.

English housing need outpacing supply

Posted on Monday, January 30, 2017

The need for housing in England has in recent years grown faster than its supply, and housebuilding needs to increase across the country.

Rightmove: Robust supply and demand keeps house price inflation steady

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2017

The latest Rightmove statistics report a 0.4% monthly increase in the price of property coming to market - very similar to the 0.5% rise recorded in the same period 12 months ago.

Homes supply and demand gap widened by 370,000 in five years

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2017

The gap between the number of homes being built and demand to buy has increased by 370,000 in the past five years in England.

Halifax: First time buyer numbers hit ten year high

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2017

The number of first time buyers hit a ten-year high in 2016, according to Halifax research.

Prevention is better than cure to beat winter plumbing damage

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2017

Prevention is always better than cure and protecting plumbing before a drop in temperature can dramatically reduce the chances of any damage being caused

Buy to let purchases “returned to normal” in last quarter

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2017

Buy to let purchases took a greater share of the market in the back end of 2016, prompting Mortgages for Business chief executive David Whittaker to say the market has “returned to normal”.

New home planning approvals at a ten year high

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

The number of planning permissions granted for new homes reached a ten year high in the 12 months to September, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

Rise in limited company buy to let finance applications

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

Landlords are increasingly buying through a limited company, Mortgages for Business’ Limited Company Buy to Let Index has revealed.

Government to build thousands of discounted homes for first time buyers

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

The government will build thousands of discounted homes for first time buyers this year on brownfield sites, according to housing minister Gavin Barwell.

Top 10 interior design trends for 2017

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

This year the emphasis within people's homes will be on an intensely natural environment

RICS: UK House prices set to increase by 3% in 2017

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

House prices in the UK will see an average increase of 3% over the course of the new year as the number of transactions stabilises according to the RICS housing forecast for 2017

The UK’s favourite household items

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

A report from Lloyds Bank Insurance takes a look at what gadgets have topped the UK’s most owned household items list.

£60m housebuilding fund established with stamp duty revenue

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

The government has set up an annual £60m fund to help communities ‘affected by second homeownership’ using revenue accumulated from stamp duty hikes.

Homeownership still important to young Brits

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2017

A UK-wide study from First Direct highlights the meaning of success to people across the UK and reveals what they deem as ‘successful’ and important throughout different stages of their lives.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the property market as we enter 2017

60% of first time buyers say stamp duty reform would help them buy

Posted on Friday, December 23, 2016

Research published by Yorkshire Building Society has shown that almost two in three aspiring homeowners would be more likely to buy if they didn’t have to pay stamp duty.

CML to collect buy to let data in 2017

Posted on Friday, December 23, 2016

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) will begin collecting buy to let lending data in 2017.

House price increases outstrip pensioner income over last 20 years

Posted on Friday, December 23, 2016

House prices in England have grown at twice the rate of pensioner households’ disposable incomes over the past 20 years, according to new research from the Equity Release Council.

Over 55’s divorce rates boost equity release market

Posted on Friday, December 23, 2016

Research from Bower Retirement shows that rising divorce rates among women aged 55 and over is driving the equity release market.

Private housing stock now valued at £5.6 trillion

Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2016

The latest research by Halifax has found that privately owned housing stock in the UK has soared in value by £1.9 trillion (or 51%) to over £5.5 trillion in the last ten years.

CML: Landlord insights

Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2016

Research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has revealed significant insights about landlords' profile, motivations, and plans for the future.

Help to Buy numbers hit 220,000

Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2016

According to the latest Help to Buy statistics, over 220,000 people have taken advantage of the scheme and have been able to buy a home using the Government’s Help to Buy products.

Over 65 homeowners seeing home values grow

Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2016

Over 65 homeowners typically saw their homes increase in value by £26,000 this year, Key Retirement’s Pensioner Property Index has revealed.

Michelin starred house prices!

Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2016

Latest research from Halifax has shown that house buyers who wish to live close to the finest restaurants should expect to pay a premium of 50%.

Landlord confidence bounces back

Posted on Monday, December 12, 2016

Despite the range of government measures looking to dampen down buy-to-let, landlords have grown more confident in how their portfolios will perform according to Kent Reliance’s Buy to Let Britain.

RICS: UK housing market shows signs of recovery

Posted on Monday, December 12, 2016

Sales activity in the UK residential market is increasing yet a slow start to 2017 is expected according to the November RICS Residential Market Survey.

Just 4% of affordable house purchases are new build

Posted on Monday, December 12, 2016

Just 4% of house purchases below £125,000 were new build in 2016 – signalling the challenge the government faces as it looks to kickstart the sector

Halifax: House price growth increases for first time in eight months

Posted on Monday, December 12, 2016

Data from Halifax has revealed that the annual rate of house price growth has risen from 5.2% in October to 6.0% in November - the first rise in 8 months.

First time buyer numbers increasing

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

First time buyers took their biggest ever share of the mortgage market in October – accounting for a third (32%) of sales.

New build starts up 10%

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

Quarterly new build starts were up 10% in Q3 from the previous year according to the housebuilding statistics released by the government.

Solar power popularity increases

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

A quarter of all UK homes will have solar panels in the next few years according to research carried out for OVO Energy.

Right to Buy scheme expansion set to benefit thousands

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

More housing association tenants will have an opportunity to buy their homes through the Government’s right to buy scheme, as a result of the Chancellor’s plans for a ‘large-scale’ pilot programme.

NAEA: Top tips for selling your home this winter

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

By following a few simple steps from National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), sellers can ensure their property looks and feels attractive to capture a buyer this winter.

UK needs to build 685 new homes a day by 2020 to meet targets

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016

The UK’s housing shortfall will rise by a further 318,632 by 2020 at the current rate of growth, Aldermore has warned.

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Posted on Monday, November 28, 2016

Our Christmas and New Year opening hours

Market Update

Posted on Monday, November 28, 2016

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the property market as 2016 ends and 2017 begins

Rightmove: House prices “resilient” as first time buyers feel the pressure

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2016

House prices were described as “resilient” in the latest Rightmove House Price Index, which showed asking prices fell 1.1 per cent in the month to November, less than the seasonal average drop of 1 per cent.

RICS: More action needed on brownfield land

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has urged the government to free up brownfield and unused land as well as speed up application approvals.

CML: Gross mortgage lending hits £20.6bn in October

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2016

According to the latest data from CML, gross mortgage lending held steady in October and was an estimated £20.6 billion - closely matching September’s gross lending total of £20.5bn but 5% down on the £21.8bn this time last year.

Government on track for 1 million homes

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2016

Newly released government figures have shown that 190,000 homes were added to the housing stock in England in the last financial year, up 11% on 2014-2015. Of these, 163,940 were new build homes, up 6%

Mortgage arrears remain at 20-year low

Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2016

The UK’s mortgage arrears rate remained at a 20-year low of 0.84% in the third quarter of 2016 according to Council of Mortgage Lenders data.

Buy to let landlords still looking to increase portfolios

Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2016

Nearly half (46%) of landlords with two or more properties expect to increase the size of their portfolio in the next few years, the Bank of Ireland’s UK Buy to Let Market Index has found.

RICS: How to winter proof your home

Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2016

With the cold weather now upon us , RICS is advising homeowners to check their properties to help stop the predicted harsh weather from taking its toll on their property, heating and maintenance bills.

Going green helps boost the household budget

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

As well as benefitting the environment, ‘going green’ can also help homeowners make significant savings

NAEA: Homebuyer confidence hits pre-Brexit levels

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

According to the latest report from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), during September, demand for housing rose by 16% as confidence among the UK's homebuyers eclipsed post-Brexit worries about the effect it would have on the market.

ARLA Rental housing supply at 18 month high

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

According to new data from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the number of rental properties managed per letting agent branch is at the highest levels seen in 18 months.

Cats or Dogs: Which are more accident prone at home?

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

We are a nation of animal lovers. We love our pets dearly, especially cats and dogs. They offer companionship and comfort to millions throughout the UK and are treated like members of our own family. So which ones would cause the most damage to your home?

Business as usual for landlords post Brexit

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

A new survey conducted by Simple Landlords Insurance has found that despite the recent raft of political changes, it's business as usual for the majority of UK landlords.

Equity release: A £2bn market in 2016

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2016

The Equity Release market could break the £2bn barrier for the first time in 2016 after achieving another strong quarter, Equity Release Council data shows.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, October 28, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market and their prognosis for the weeks ahead

Proximity to family or work - where would first time buyers rather live?

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

New research by Principality Building Society released today has found that first time buyers are prepared to forget the family and would rather live nearer the office.

Top tips for winter home security

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Top tips for winter home security

Waiting on the death of a loved on to get on housing ladder

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

According to a new survey of millenial ‘wannabe homeowners’ by money.co.uk, 16% of those polled are waiting for the death of a loved one before they take their first step onto the property ladder.

RICS: Homebuyers return to market as Brexit nerves ease

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Buyer demand has increased for the first time in seven months as Brexit “jitters” have started to ease, the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has found.

Government plans minimum room size for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Bedrooms in HMOs will have to meet a minimum room size of at least 70 square feet for one person or 110 for two under proposals from the government.

Cost of mortgages continues to fall

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The cost of mortgages has fallen once again, Mortgage Brain data shows.

Number of second steppers planning to move is increasing

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The number of first time homeowners planning to take their second step on the property ladder is on the way up, according to a new survey from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

80% of people aspire to be home owners within 10 years

Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Figures published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders  (CML) as part of a long-running series on attitudes to housing tenure confirms homeownership remains firmly in place as the nation’s overwhelming preference.

Top tips to achieve an autumn transaction

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

Now that the summer season is over and people are settling back in after vacations, if you are contemplating or trying to sell or let a property it's a good time to take stock of the situation and plan the way forward.

Top tips: How to get the show home look

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

David Wilson Homes have given their top tips on current trends in interior design and how you can steal the show home look.

Parents becoming landlords to help children get on property ladder

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

A growing number of parents are renting properties to their children or considering doing so in the future, as younger generations continue to struggle to take their first step onto the property ladder.

English cities dominate European house price growth

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

House price growth in four English cities is among the highest in the whole of Europe, Knight Frank’s Global Residential Cities Index shows.

Government unveils £3bn housebuilders fund

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

The government wants to kick-start housebuilding with a £3bn housebuilders fund to support SMEs, custom builders and developers, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has announced.

Over 55s hold more wealth than Italy’s annual GDP

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016

The UK’s over 55 homeowners are sitting on more property wealth than the annual GDP of Italy, research from Age Partnership shows.

ARLA: Rental demand remains high

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

ARLA: Rental demand remains high

Half of first time buyers plan to buy with a partner

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Half (48%) of potential first-time buyers plan to apply for a mortgage with a partner and just a quarter (25%) want to go it alone, Aldermore research shows.

Younger first-time buyers use Help to Buy

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The median age of first-time buyers using the Help to Buy scheme is lower than the open market, quarterly statistics published by The Treasury show.

Government ends Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee scheme

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The government has confirmed the Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee scheme will finish at the end of 2016.

HMRC: £1m+ property sales generating 50% of stamp duty revenue

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Properties worth more than £1m generated 50% of stamp duty land tax revenues in 2015-16, figures published by HMRC reveal.

Safety and green spaces are top priorities for homeowners

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Homeowners choose personal and household safety (83%), having good neighbours (68%) and green spaces (62%) as the three most important factors when buying a house.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, September 26, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Rightmove: Reasons to be optimistic about buy to let

Posted on Monday, September 26, 2016

It has been 12 weeks since the Brexit vote and the buy to let market has many reasons to be optimistic.

Report shows saving for deposit three times more important than pension

Posted on Monday, September 26, 2016

The latest research for the Nottingham Building Society has found that for the under 35s, saving a deposit is top priority for 24% of under-35s compared with just 8% who target pensions.

£1 trillion of pensioner property wealth

Posted on Monday, September 26, 2016

The long-term story as highlighted by our research is that property has performed very well with average over-65s making more than £9,000 a year during a period of record low interest rates and stock market volatility

Buy to let mortgage costs down by as much as 8%

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

Many buy to let landlords are benefitting from the continuing reductions of mortgage costs, with lenders across the board shaving percentage points off their best deals in an effort to attract greater business from those buying or re-mortgaging property, including buy to let landlords.

TDS: Private rental sector continues to grow

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

There has been a significant increase in the amount of tenancy deposits taken on assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales by landlords, reflecting the growth in popularity of buy-to-let property as an attractive investment, it has been claimed.

Majority of small and medium sized builders unaffected by Brexit

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

Only 31% of SME builders have seen significant changes to business as a result of the EU referendum, according to research carried out by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The price of being a first time buyer nears £200,000 mark

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

First-time buyer asking prices are nearing the £200,000 mark after rising by 10.5% annually and 3.3% on a monthly basis.

More new homes being built than being reported

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

The government’s most publicised measure of house building excludes around a fifth of all new build completions every year, a new report has revealed.

HMRC August housing transaction figures

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2016

Quarter of parents buy with school catchment area in mind

Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A quarter (26%) of parents are moving house with a school catchment area in mind, research from Santander Mortgages has found.

Brexit: Homebuyers unperturbed

Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Most homebuyers aren’t perturbed by the impact of the Brexit vote, a Virgin Money poll has indicated.

Government abandons immediate plans to privatise Land Registry

Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A move to privatise the Land Registry has been shelved by the government.

Annual house price growth cools

Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

On the ground we are not finding a huge change in prices, just a determination for buyers and sellers to get on with moving but at more realistic price levels

One in three pensioners using property wealth for dream holidays

Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Retired homeowners are turning property wealth into dream holidays with average spending on trips abroad hitting £6,785, analysis from leading over 55s retirement specialist Key Retirement found.

Decoration or procrastination?

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

82% of Brits admit to putting off essential jobs around the house, procrastinating for an average of nearly four weeks, according to research by residential property manager FirstPort.

Conveyancing Association to keep up with Leasehold campaign

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

The Conveyancing Association has confirmed it will continue unabated with its campaign to reform and amend the leasehold transaction process, despite recent developments.

Most Brits 'would go over budget' for the right home

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

Almost 78% of UK adults - 43 million - are willing to go over budget to find a home which meets all their priorities, according to research conducted on behalf of Ocean Finance.

Buy-to-let market 'will remain robust'

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

Accord Buy to Let has announced plans to expand into the consumer buy-to-let and first-time landlord markets over the next few months.

27% of parents would consider funding others onto property ladder

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

Over a quarter of parents say they would consider funding other people’s children onto the property ladder in exchange for a return on their investment.

ARLA: Rental market in good shape

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

While many are predicting doom in the property market, ARLA’s July private rental sector report found that the number of rental properties on letting agents’ books in July was the highest so far this year at 184.

Poor credit scores put young home seekers at risk

Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2016

Millions of young adults are risk being unable to get a mortgage by damaging their credit rating before they turn 25, according to Amigo research.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

New homes numbers rise

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

The number of homes built in the year to June has increased by 6% to 139,030, the latest Government figures reveal.

British Bankers Association: Brexit not hitting mortgage borrowing

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

Brexit has not hit mortgage borrowing demand, according to figures from the British Bankers’ Association.

CML: Arrears at lowest level since record began

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

Mortgage arrears could plummet to lows not seen since 1982, according to new data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Rental prices increase by 2.4% annually

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

According to the latest figures from the ONS, private rental prices paid by tenants in Great Britain rose by 2.4% in the 12 months to July 2016, unchanged compared with the year to June 2016.

Smaller house builders are key to hitting new homes target

Posted on Monday, August 29, 2016

The Federation of Master Builders has backed a new report from homeless charity Shelter which calls on the Government to put SMEs at the centre of its house building strategy.

Pensioners gift over £39,350 of property wealth to family

Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2016

Over one in five retired homeowners access equity in their properties to treat children and grandchildren.

One in four planning applications is processed late

Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2016

Nearly a quarter of a million applications have not been processed on time for six years, according to an investigation by The Times.

Brexit has not changed lending confidence

Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2016

Confidence is reflected in the proportion of investors looking to buy an additional buy-to-let property over the next year.

Turn your garden into an outdoor living room

Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2016

Do you dream about expanding your living space? Having more room to relax, enjoy family activities or simply rejuvenate creates a comfortable home for every member of the family.

CML: First time buyer lending up 25%

Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2016

First-time buyers are continuing to drive house purchase lending, outperforming home movers for the third month running

Homeowners could save £1800 in interest and reduce mortgage term by a year

Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2016

The latest research from comparethemarket.com has revealed that UK mortgage holders could see significant savings and wipe years off their mortgage term by making regular overpayments.

Private Rental Sector: Demand continues to outstrip supply

Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2016

According to the latest report from Homelet, rents across the UK continued to rise during July, building on the consistent increases seen during the first half of the year. However, despite these increases, the rate of rental growth is still slowing as we enter the second half of the year.

Top tips on staging your home to ensure a faster sale

Posted on Saturday, August 6, 2016

Staging is preparing your home to be seen at its best by potential buyers. It can help your property sell faster, and it can add thousands of pounds to your property’s value. If you’re planning to sell your home, then ‘staging’ it can give the process a real boost.

Bank of mum and dad see 25% rise in deposit lending

Posted on Saturday, August 6, 2016

According to the latest findings from conveyancing specialists at Fidler & Pepper Solicitors, more and more people are relying on the bank of mum and dad to help them get on the property ladder.

Home ownership at lowest level for 30 years

Posted on Saturday, August 6, 2016

English home ownership has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years with Greater Manchester, South and West Yorkshire and the West Midlands all experiencing falls, according to Resolution Foundation analysis.

Rental yields remain strong despite Brexit

Posted on Saturday, August 6, 2016

Rental incomes in the first six months of 2016 were 1.5% higher than in the same period last year, according to figures by BM solutions.

Length of tenancies at a five year high

Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2016

A new report from Imfuna has found that the average length of tenancies in the UK has increased by 300% over the last two years, from 16 months in 2014 to four years in 2016.

Majority of over 55s have no intention to downsize

Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2016

A recent survey conducted by My Home Move has revealed that 58% of over 55s have no intention to downsize in the near future, claiming that they are hindered by moving costs and lack of the ‘right kind of properties’ and despite industry calls for more family-sized properties to come onto market.

Six million over-45 homeowners see property as key to retirement income

Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2016

Some 46% see property wealth as a key part of retirement income planning, with 69% owning a home worth more than their pensions, savings and investments.

Market Update August 2016

Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

UK landlords remain bullish following Brexit

Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016

BDRC Continental ran a special post referendum survey to take the pulse of Britain’s private landlords in the immediate aftermath of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and found that despite two thirds of UK landlords feeling uncertain or worried about a negative impact on the Private Rental Sector, they remain bullish about their own fate.

Retired households to dominate household growth in next twenty years

Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016

The over-65s will dominate household growth over the next two decades, according to projections from the Office for National Statistics.

CML: First-time buyers drive May activity

Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016

First-time buyer lending increased by 23% year-on-year and 10% from the month before to reach £4.3bn in May 2016, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders have revealed.

How old will you be before you buy your 'forever home'?

Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016

New research from first direct finds our homes may no longer be our castles, but they must come with a large kitchen, a private garden, and easy access to a supermarket.

UK house building falls short of targets by 1,199,180 since 2004

Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016

The shortfall in housing supply in England has hit new levels as the government continues to miss its building targets

Changes in landlord behaviour sees growth of Limited Company buy to let investment

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016

Lending to buy to let investors borrowing via limited companies grew in the first half of the year according to the results of the H1 2016 Limited Company Buy to Let Index. The number of lenders and products available to limited company borrowers also increased.

Post Brexit: Housing remains a top priority for the government

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016

Communities secretary Greg Clark and housing minister Brandon Lewis have said that house building will remain a top priority for the government despite uncertainty following the Brexit.

Seven in ten buyers would consider 10-year fix rate mortgage

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016

Seven in ten house-hunters (72%) would consider fixing their mortgage for 10-years as a way of providing certainty on financial outgoings, according to new research from HSBC.

First time buyer interest payments drop by an average of £1,300

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016

Average interest payments for a first-time buyer mortgage over two years fell from £11,327 in Q1 2015 to £10,019 in Q1 2016 – a saving of £1,308 – according to research from AmTrust International, Mortgage and Special Risks.

House price growth slows but remains strong

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016

Annual house price growth slowed to 8.4% in June, the lowest rate in a year, the Halifax House Price Index.

New home planning consents at eight year high

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

The number of planning consents granted for new homes in quarter one of 2016 remained high, HBF and Glenigan’s latest Housing Pipeline report shows

Second steppers lack of savings an issue when upsizing

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

The latest data to come from uSwitch has found that British homeowners have been lulled into a false sense of security by rising house prices, with many of them facing a significant shortfall in funds when they move.

Future changes that landlords face post stamp duty tax increase

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

 Increased SDLT costs on the purchase of additional residential properties is not the only change in store for residential property investors.

Buy to let mortgage sales increase

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

Combined, residential and buy-to-let sales for the intermediated market totalled £6.4bn

Eviction: Supreme Court ruling on Human Rights

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

Private landlords need not fear that tenants they want to evict can invoke breach of their 'Human Rights' when they are being evicted, following a ruling by the Supreme Court, specialist property lawyer Kary Withers of Clarke Willmott LLP has reported

Families now the most common group in the private rental sector

Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

Contrary to popular perception, there’s growing evidence that renting is no obstacle to putting down roots and calling somewhere home

Market Update – July 2016

Posted on Monday, June 27, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market and their prognosis following the Euro referendum vote.

RSPCA: Top Tips for moving home with pets

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

The RSPCA provide pet owners with advice on making moving home as stress-free as possible for their animals.

Retired renter numbers increase by 200,000 in last four years

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

According to a survey of private renters, the number of people living in private rented accommodation in retirement has soared by more than 200,000 in the last four years.

What people look for in a kitchen when buying property

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

People still regard the kitchen as one of the most important rooms in the house when it comes to buying a property

CML: Purchase lending fell in April

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

Buy-to-let mortgage lending fell by 65% in April after the 3% stamp duty surcharge came into force, Council of Mortgage Lenders figures show.

Survey shows tenant demand and satisfaction remain high

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

Surveys of more than 1,800 Private Rented Sector landlords and tenants, show demand for rental properties in the UK is increasing and there is a high degree of tenant satisfaction.

Over a third of investors plan to expand student property portfolios

Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2016

Since 2011, student accommodation has outperformed all other traditional property assets and has been the strongest growing investment property market in the UK.

Raising a deposit remains the biggest hurdle for first time buyers

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2016

According to new research from Nottingham Building Society, nearly two out of three first-time buyers apply for a mortgage as a couple, with just 18% of those saying they could afford to buy on their own.

Landlords looking to exceed tenant expectations

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2016

With increasing competition to attract the best tenants, more landlords are now going out of their way to provide an enhanced tenant experience and improve the quality of rental stock on offer.

Government intervention in private rental sector causing low landlord confidence

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2016

"Increased stamp duty, as well as reduced levels of income tax relief for landlords due to come into force next April, have undoubtedly impacted landlord sentiment."

Spending on DIY at seven year high

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2016

Around £3.65 is spent on DIY tools and materials for every £1 spent on tradesmen, showing how important DIY is to UK households.

Greater London prices eclipse £600,000 in Q1

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2016

In the first quarter of 2016 prices rose by 7.9% from the previous quarter and transactions increased by 3.9% as buyers rushed to beat the 3% stamp duty surcharge coming into force on 1 April.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Private rental sector remains ‘fundamental part’ of housing market

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2016

With tenant demand continuing to rise, the private rented sector (PRS) will remain a “fundamental part” of the UK’s housing market moving forward, according to a leading buy-to-let specialist

Lending drops in April but is still higher than a year ago

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2016

Mortgage lending dropped by a fifth in April after the March stampede to get deals done before the stamp duty changes came into force, BBA figures have found.

NAEA: Housing demand falls away after March boom

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2016

Housing demand dropped to a 2-year low after the stamp duty changes came into force on 1 April, the National Association of Estate Agents April Housing Market report has revealed.

Renters suffer from an inability to plan long-term

Posted on Monday, May 23, 2016

Financial wellness is “drastically split” between homeowners and non-homeowners with renters suffering due to a lack of assets and an inability to plan long-term effectively.

CML: Repossessions and arrears continue to fall

Posted on Monday, May 23, 2016

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), repossessions in Q1 this year fell to 2,100 (1,500 home-owner, 600 buy-to-let), meaning that the repossession rate is the lowest on record.

Over 7 million adults moved back home after a break up

Posted on Monday, May 23, 2016

Research from Churchill Home Insurance has revealed that over 7m UK adults have been forced to move back home with their parents following a break up, divorce or separation.

Landlords – top tips on how to keep your tenants

Posted on Monday, May 23, 2016

Research by landlord insurance provider, Direct Line for Business , has found that on average, British renters spend an average of 18 months in a rented property before moving on.

What barriers are keeping first-time buyers off the property ladder?

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2016

A new survey of 10,000 people in the UK has revealed the key reasons that first time buyers are struggling to get a foot on the UK property ladder.

CML: Stamp duty increase led to 180% rise in buy to let purchases

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2016

According to the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML), the fluctuation in transactions as a result of the new stamp duty rate "appears to have been larger than anything we've seen before that's associated with a tax change".

Buy to let mortgage valuations slump 40% in wake of stamp duty changes

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2016

According to data from Landmark Quest, there has been a 40% decline in the number of Buy-to-Let mortgage valuation instructions in April 2016 when compared to February 2016. Between March and April alone, the figures dropped by a significant 30.6%.

Landlords relax as rents rise after tax increase

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

New data from HomeLet has revealed that fears over higher Stamp Duty charges on purchasing BTL rental property might weaken the market have so far proved unfounded.

Tenant demand remains strong despite drop in landlord confidence

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

Almost four in 10 landlords (39%) have seen an increase in tenant demand over the last three months, despite lower confidence in short-term expectations, according to the latest quarterly index from BM Solutions.

What are the top property turn-offs for buyers?

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

According to the latest research from Gocompare.com Mortgages, dodgy home repairs, tiny rooms and poor lighting are just some of the things that would send a prospective buyer running for the hills - but what is the biggest turn off?

What are the top ten features on British garden wish lists?

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

Research has revealed traditional garden features have fallen out of favour, with more lavish features such as hot tubs, swimming pools and tennis courts taking prime position on garden wish lists.

Planning consents at highest levels for eight years

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

According to the latest housing pipeline report from HBF and Glenigan, initial planning permission for 255,032 new homes was granted in England in 2015 - up 57% from a low point of 162,204 in 2009.

Property wealth exceeds pension savings for over 55s

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

Property wealth is worth more than the total pension savings for nearly six out of 10 over-55s, research from high net worth adviser Bower Private Clients reveals.

Bank of Mum and Dad is now a top ten lender

Posted on Saturday, May 7, 2016

The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ will contribute to 25% of all UK mortgage purchases this year, making them a ‘top ten’ lender.

House construction growth rate slows

Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2016

House building continued to slow in Q1 with only 36% more of those working in residential construction reporting a rise in growth rather than a fall over the first quarter of 2016.

Market Update

Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their update on the current property market

NAEA: Housing supply increasing

Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Sales to first-time buyers increased by 4% in March – and more than a third (36%) of estate agents expected sales to first-time buyers to increase further due to less competition for properties.

How well do you know your neighbours?

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

According to a report from TSB, people in Britain are actually friendlier than you might think.

Buy to let mortgage product numbers on the rise

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

According to Mortgages for Business, the number of buy to let mortgage products available increased from 963 in Q4 2015 to 1,105 in Q1 2016.

ONS: House prices continue upward trend

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK house prices climbed on average across the UK by 7.6% in the year to February 2016, dipping slightly from 7.9% in the year to January 2016.

Is buy to let lending getting tougher?

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

After the introduction of new buy to let tax rules, the Bank of England’s tightening up of mortgage lending criteria may also impact on existing and potential new landlords.

NAEA: Improvement tips to add value to your home

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

April is National Home Improvement Month and the NAEA has provided some advice on how property owners can improve their home to increase its value.

Rightmove: Buy-to-let rush has caused chain reaction

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

In its latest house price index, Rightmove says that the rush to beat the 3% stamp duty surcharge has resulted in a ‘chain reaction’ of higher demand in higher price brackets.

How much have house prices risen since the last Euro referendum?

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

Since the 1975 in-out referendum, where Britain decided to remain in Europe, the average price of property has outperformed shares and eclipsed the growth in value of gold. In fact, only 30 out of 164 quarters (18%) since Q2 1975 have seen negative house price growth.

Public know little about Help to Buy ISAs

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

Research from Precise Mortgages shows that nearly half of the public admit to knowing very little about the government’s Help to Buy ISA while 14% have never even heard of it.

Buy to let market has “strong future”, say landlords

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

Research by Aldermore shows over half the UK’s buy-to-let landlords (52%) expect changes to stamp duty and buy-to-let mortgage tax relief to have no real impact on them.

Tenant’s right to request energy improvements comes into force

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

From 1st April 2016, tenants have the right to request consent from their landlords to make energy-saving improvements for the properties they rent.

The top ten home improvement wish list

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

According to a new report from Gocompare.com Money, 14% of homeowners are considering making improvements to their home.

Landlords move towards limited companies

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

A survey of nearly 1,400 private rented sector landlords undertaken by BDRC Continental on behalf of Paragon Mortgages has revealed that increasing numbers are considering moving their property investments into limited company vehicles.

Government housebuilding targets not being met

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

The Government’s target of building 1 million new homes over this parliament is unlikely to be met. Less than 460,000 homes were built between 2011 and 2014, according to figures from the National Housing Federation, despite forecasts that 974,000 new homes were needed.

Study says new home building may make owning a home less affordable

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

Increasing the supply of new-build properties may make owning a home in the UK less affordable, research by Nottingham Trent University claims.

Market Update April 2016

Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2016

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market and the prognosis for the weeks ahead

Say goodbye DIY, hello DFY!

Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2016

A survey of 2,000 adults by UK based retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone, shows few people take on day to day jobs and chores themselves and are embracing the idea of 'DFY' - jobs Done For You.

HMOs: The top property investment for 2016?

Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2016

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are likely to be the most popular property type for property investors this year, research from Shawbrook has claimed.

Homes can be dangerous: Making yours a safer place

Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2016

Research by Confused.com reveals that in 2015, 750,000 under-5s attended A&E as a result of accidents in the home.

The top 20 things that buyers look for in a home

Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2016

According to a new survey from Gocompare.com Mortgages, house-hunters opt for a good, reliable broadband signal over highly-rated schools; off-road parking over a garage and a living room big enough for a large flat screen telly over period features.

Planning permissions reach eight year high

Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2016

Planning permissions reached an eight year high of 253,000 in 2015 according to figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

30% year on year increase in gross mortgage lending

Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2016

February mortgage lending was 30% higher than the same month last year on a gross basis, Council of Mortgage Lenders figures show.

Number of single tenants falling in the private rental sector

Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2016

The number of tenancies signed by a single tenant has fallen, according to the latest HomeLet Rental Index.

90% of tenants consider their rented property to be home

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

A survey of more than 800 Private Rented Sector (PRS) tenants undertaken by BDRC Continental on behalf of Paragon Mortgages found high levels of satisfaction with rented accommodation with 90% of those surveyed saying they consider their rented property to be their home.

Will EU block accidental landlords from access to cheaper mortgages

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

A little-known piece of EU legislation could see so-called accidental landlords refused cheaper mortgages - because they can't afford them.

Are Housebuilders deliberately restricting supply?

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

It has been suggested that housebuilders are intentionally ‘holding back’ the construction of new homes to keep property prices artificially high in order to boost profits.

Nearly 20% of tenants don’t expect full deposit back

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

Nearly 20% of tenants say that when they hand over their deposit cheque, they never expect to see all the money again.  Meanwhile the same proportion of landlords say the deposit they took didn’t full cover damage by tenants.

Help to Buy: 150,000 completions

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

More than 150,000 people have bought houses under the Help to Buy scheme, according to the Government.

Landlords told they should prepare for longer tenancies

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

According to the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), landlords and property managers must now prepare for long-term tenancies as data shows the average private tenancy length is now four years, up from three and a half years in the previous survey.

'Business as usual' despite tax changes for investors

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2016

A new survey of over 170 property investors shows that 56% of Shawbrook clients are planning to purchase a buy to let property within the next year.

Number of mortgage products available at an 8 year high

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

The latest report from Mortgage Advice Bureau has found that the number of mortgage products available on the market hit 17,132 in January - the highest number seen since March 2008 (23,802).

Up 23%: House building starts highest for seven years

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

The number of house builds started in Q4 of 2015 was 23% higher than in 2014 according to new figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

NAEA: Supply of housing at lowest level in 14 years

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

The supply of housing has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years, the National Association of Estate Agents January Housing Market report has found.

First time buyer income gap at five year high

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

According to the latest research by mortgage insurer, Genworth, the first time buyer income gap between average incomes and the incomes of buyers taking their first step onto the housing ladder has reached a post-recession high.

93% of councils say starter home plans will not address affordable housing need

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

A new online survey, which was sent to Council Leaders, Heads of Planning, Heads of Housing and Heads of Finance in local authorities across England in February 2016, has revealed that just 7% of councils believe that Starter Homes will address the need for affordable housing.

Prudential: Buy to let tax changes not deterring pension pot investors

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

Changes introduced to the tax and stamp duty levied on buy to let income and property appears not to have deterred older investors from deciding to put money into the lettings sector.

Should the buyers of energy-inefficient homes pay more Stamp Duty?

Posted on Saturday, March 5, 2016

The suggestion, which could see purchasers of energy inefficient home paying up to £2,500 more Stamp Duty, has come from think tank Policy Exchange.

Market Update

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Is there really a premium for South facing property?

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

A new study reveals that the benefits of a south facing garden are not reflected in the asking price.

Buy to let purchasers outnumbered three to one by first time buyers

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

There were 311,700 mortgages issued to first time buyers last year. While the figure was the same as 2014, the amount borrowed – £46.7bn – was the highest since 2007.

Why the private rental sector is dominated by young tenants

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The home ownership ladder is disappearing for most young working households on modest incomes who are obliged to rent for the indefinite future, claims an independent think tank.

MPs want more energy information provided to tenants

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

MPs and members of the House of Lords want private sector tenants to be given clearer up-front information on the cost of all utility bills before signing a tenancy agreement, as well as about their right to change energy suppliers

First time buyers spend £52,900 on rent before buying

Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2016

First time buyers typically spend £52,900 on rent before getting on the housing ladder, the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) Cost of Renting report claims.

Over a third of private tenants are not saving to buy

Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2016

A report appears to show that well over a third of British tenants are not saving to buy.

CML: Lowest mortgage arrears in a decade

Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2016

2015 saw the lowest arrears rates in more than a decade, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show.

Love thy neighbour (it seems not always!)

Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2016

According to the latest research, for 18 million Brits, their neighbours have become a nuisance.

Halifax: Average house prices now at over £212,000

Posted on Friday, February 5, 2016

Average house prices in January stood at £212,430 say the Halifax.

A Help to Buy ISA is opened every 30 seconds

Posted on Friday, February 5, 2016

Potential first-time buyers have opened a Help to Buy ISA account every 30 seconds since the scheme was launched on 1 December 2015.

UK housebuilding up 7% year on year but still way behind required levels

Posted on Friday, February 5, 2016

The number of new homes registered to be built in the UK increased by 7% year on year in 2015, hitting an eight year high of over 156,000 according to the National House Building Council (NHBC).

Limited Company Buy to Let transactions rise again in January

Posted on Friday, February 5, 2016

Applications made by Limited Companies accounted for 43% of all buy-to-let transactions in January, analysis from broker Mortgages for Business has revealed, up from 38% in December 2014.

How far will people move to get on the property ladder?

Posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

A new report has revealed that almost 13m people plan to move over 20 miles in order to be able to afford to buy their first home

House price confidence remains strong

Posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

The latest quarterly Halifax Housing Market Confidence Tracker has revealed that confidence in the UK housing market remains strong despite a backdrop of cooling confidence in the wider economy.

CML: Stamp duty reforms urged

Posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Responding to the HM Treasury consultation on the 3% surcharge on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) proposals for second properties, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) urges reform of the implementation plans, to mitigate potentially negative impacts on the housing market as a whole.

BoE: Mortgage approvals up 21% year on year

Posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Mortgage approvals rose 21.2% year on year in December, from 102,910 to 124,803, according to Bank of England (BoE) figures.

ARLA: Dedicated Housing Court needed to cover all lettings sector legal disputes

Posted on Monday, January 25, 2016

ARLA (The Association of Residential Letting Agents) wants a dedicated court or tribunal to deal with all property and housing related legal disputes.

Experian: 1.7 million tenants frustrated in their home buying plans

Posted on Monday, January 25, 2016

According to Experian, one in three private tenants have put their plans to buy on hold and have remained in rented accommodation longer than planned.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 25, 2016

Chris Harper & Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

CML: 2015 lending reached £220.3bn

Posted on Monday, January 25, 2016

Mortgage lending reached an estimated £220.3bn in 2015 – an 8% increase on 2014’s total of £203.3bn, Council of Mortgage Lenders figures show

26% of first-time buyers take 35 year mortgage terms

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2016

In 2007 the proportion taking out a thirty five year term was 16%, yet by 2015 that figure grew to 26% according to researc h from the Halifax.

CML: “slow but steady” growth

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2016

The Director General of the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML) Paul Smee has forecast “slow but steady upward trajectory over the next two years” after the trade body released its lending data for November.

2015: Over 300,000 first time buyers for second year in succession

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2016

The Halifax has revealed that during 2015, first-time-buyer numbers hit 310,000.

Stress: Where does buying or selling a property rate?

Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016

Research from Which? Mortgage Advisers reveals that buying and selling property is one of the most stressful life experiences - more so than having a child and second only to going through a divorce. But which was considered worse?

Halifax: Property prices rise 9.5% year-on-year

Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016

UK property prices in the fourth quarter of 2015 were 9.5% higher than the same period in 2014, according to the Halifax.

Government to directly commission 13,000 new homes

Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016

The Government has kick-started its affordable homes programme by announcing the fast-track building of thousands of houses on publicly-owned land.

ARLA: rents to increase in 2016

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has said that rents will rise in the New Year due to legislation changes affecting landlo

AMI: Mortgage rates to rise early in 2016

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

Mortgage rates are likely to rise in the first quarter of 2016 as lenders look to control their lending before the Mortgage Credit Directive comes into force in March, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries predicts.

First-time buyers reliant on family help

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

More than half (52%) of first-time buyers rely on their families to financially assist them in buying their first home, research from Which? Mortgage Advisers says.

RICS: Rents up 3% in 2016 with forecast of more by 2020

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is predicting that rents are likely to increase even faster than house prices in the next five years

RICS: House prices to increase by 6% in 2016

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

House prices in the UK will see an average increase of 6% over the course of next year, the RICS housing forecast for 2016 is predicting

Zoopla: 600,000 Britons are now property millionaires

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

More than 600,000 Britons are now property millionaires with their home values having eclipsed the £1m mark

Santander: Buying is cheaper than renting across the UK

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016

A report from Santander says that potential first-time buyers would have lower monthly outgoings if they bought a property than they do renting

Christmas & New Year opening hours

Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Christmas & New Year opening hours

Market Update

Posted on Monday, December 21, 2015

The start of a New Year is always an opportunity to reflect on the year that has just passed and look forward to the one that is about to begin.

A third of the UK has problems with neighbours

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

18 million residents, or a third of the UK’s adult population, have faced disputes with their neighbour over the past 12 months, and half of those have been left feeling stressed or depressed

130,000 Help to buy completions to date

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

The Help to Buy Equity Loan and Mortgage Guarantee schemes have assisted 130,000 mortgages since their launch in 2013.

Wear and Tear tax allowance to be changed after consultation

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

HM Revenue and Customs has published the responses it received to its 12 week consultation on changing the Wear and Tear Allowance for buy to let landlords.

Rents are slowing across the UK

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

The latest HomeLet Rental Index reveals that rents on new tenancies agreed over the three months to November fell in most areas of the country.

Do small housebuilders hold keys to home ownership?

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

Owning a home is likely to be on many peoples New Year wish list. With the Government’s commitment to deliver thousands of new homes, there are many doors opening for first time buyers, as well as opportunities for the house building industry.

More 95% loan to value mortgages in 2016

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

New lenders will enter the 95% loan to value market in 2016, Accord’s National Intermediary Sales Manager David Robinson has foretold

Getting on the home ownership ladder getting easier

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015

Barriers to getting on the housing ladder fell from September to December 2015 with the announcement of The Building Societies Association’s Property Tracker which found that 52% saw raising a deposit as the biggest barrier, down from 59% in September.

Tenant demand continues to grow

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2015

Paragon Mortgages report that tenant demand has continued to grow across the country in quarter three of 2015.

Britons quick to fall in love with property

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2015

A survey by My Home Move, has discovered that we are a nation of decisive homebuyers who are quick to fall in love with a home and act fast to buy it.

Average deposits rising

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2015

Mortgage Advice Bureau say that average deposits rose in nine out of eleven regions in October. As a result, the average purchase deposit reached £71,301: a monthly increase of 0.9% and annual rise of 3.5%.

Stamp duty hike may hit new-build volumes warns Berkeley Homes

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2015

The chairman of Berkeley Homes is warning that the Government’s 3% stamp duty increase for buy to let properties and second homes risks damaging the ability of housebuilders to construct new homes.

63% of those eligible intend to take advantage of Help to Buy ISAs

Posted on Friday, December 4, 2015

With the Government’s Help to Buy ISAs now launched, new insight from MoneySuperMarket reveals 63% of prospective homeowners plan to take advantage of these new tax free accounts to help get them on the housing ladder.

2014 stamp duty change saves buyers £1.9bn

Posted on Friday, December 4, 2015

UK homebuyers have saved £1.9bn in stamp duty since it was reformed from a slab to progressive structure in December 2014, My Home Move data has revealed.

£4,600 will be the average cost of raising buy to let stamp duty

Posted on Friday, December 4, 2015

Buy to let landlords would have to pay an extra £4,565 per property purchase in the first three quarters of 2015 if the Chancellor’s 3% stamp duty rise was already in effect, Kensington analysis has revealed.

NAEA: First time buyer sales are at highest level in six years

Posted on Friday, December 4, 2015

First-time buyer sales hit a 6-year high in October to account for nearly a third (31%) of all sales, according to the National Association of Estate Agents’ October Housing Market Report.

New housing starts recovering

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2015

Housing starts recovered in quarter three, reversing some of the drop in activity seen in the second quarter, official figures show.

CML: Gross mortgage lending hits a seven year high

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2015

Gross lending hit its highest level in over seven years in October, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders

TUC: Cost of housing blamed for increased commuting

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2015

The number of commuters spending more than two hours travelling to and from work has increased by 72% over the past 10 years - with high house prices the major factor.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2015

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the property market

Building societies to review mortgage age limits

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

The building society sector has committed to reviewing the maximum age limits for mortgage borrowers.

Rightmove say house price rises will continue next year

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

According to Rightmove, the average asking price of a property new to the market is now £292,572, down 1.3% from October but up 6.2% on a year ago

Value of UK housing stock doubles over past decade

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Halifax has revealed that the value of the UK's private housing stock has risen by 53% over the past decade from c£3.3 trillion in 2005 to c£5.1 trillion in August 2015.

Digital homes add value

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

A Digital Homes Report by Barclays Mortgages reveals that almost a third of home owners surveyed online believe installing technology in their home will increase its value.

NAEA: Top tips to sell your home during the winter

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

The National Association of Estate Agents top tips for those looking to sell their property during winter are as follows:

CML: One in three homes are bought with cash

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

Approximately one in three homes are now bought with cash – the highest level for over 60 years.

Public expect house prices to rise

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

68% of Brits expected house prices to rise in the next 12 months in the third quarter of 2015, the Halifax Housing Market Confidence Tracker reveals.

Second steppers rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

The Bank of Mum and Dad is no longer being relied upon solely by first-time buyers – as second steppers are depending on their parents to make the first move up the housing ladder.

Equity release: Pensioners cash in on property

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

Pensioners are boosting retirement incomes by an average £74,787 by cashing in on rising property prices, analysis from leading over-55s financial provider Key Retirement shows.

Landlords: Beware of winter void periods

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

Landlords should be wary of leaving their homes empty in the winter as the weather could lead to problems such as damp and mould, the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks has warned.

Over-55s wealth to double by 2035

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

The value of property owned by over-55s in England is set to double to almost £2.5 trillion by 2035, research from Age Partnership has revealed.

Government to toughen up on HMO rogue landlords

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

The government plans to extend and toughen up HMO licencing to tackle rogue landlords and overcrowded housing in 2016.

Restricting appeal of buy to let mortgages will push up rents, warn lenders

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

Measures which discourage investment in the private rented sector can only push up rents and harm tenants more than landlords, a report from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association warns.

First-time buyers need £50,000 income to get on the property ladder

Posted on Monday, November 9, 2015

New research by Gocompare.com claims that first-time buyers need on average a minimum household income of £50,000 to purchase a house in the UK.

Office of National Statistics: UK rent rises 2.7%

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2015

The latest report from The Office for National Statistics on private housing rental prices has found that over the last 12 months up to September 2015, private rental prices paid by tenants in Great Britain have risen by 2.7%.

Number of new homes fell in quarter three although up during the year

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2015

Housebuilding registrations fell by 2% in Q3 2015 year on year despite the government’s pledge to boost housing supply, figures from the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveal.

Market Update

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

George Osborne says tougher buy-to-let regulation coming

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2015

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has said that the Bank of England was likely to receive the powers it had asked for to regulate the mortgages which small landlords use to buy properties.

Mortgage market breaks through the £20bn barrier in September

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Gross mortgage lending reached £20bn in September 2015 the Council of Mortgage Lenders has estimated.

Right to Rent to commence in February 2016

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2015

The Government has announced that from 1 February 2016 all private landlords in England will have to check new tenants have the right to be in the UK before renting out their property.

Inquiry by MPs into rental energy efficiency

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

The All Party Parliamentary Group for the private rented sector has launched an inquiry into the energy efficiency of private rented housing.

UK pensioners more reliant on their homes than anywhere else in Europe

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

UK pensioners are more reliant on their homes than in any other European nation, a report from Dutch banking group ING has revealed.

The annual cost of home ownership to reach £15,300

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

The average annual cost of being a homeowner is set to reach £15,300 this year, Legal & General’s Home Truths research predicts.

Housing Bill backed by NAEA and ARLA

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

The National Association of Estate Agents and the Association of Residential Letting Agents are backing the government’s Housing and Planning Bill 2015-2016.

HMRC generates over £50m of extra tax from private rental sector

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

A campaign targeting residential landlords has given HM Revenue and Customs an additional tax take of over £50 million.

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus when it comes to choosing a home

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

Women looking to buy a home are most concerned about the space within a property, while men’s decisions are governed by the home’s location, research from Santander reveals.

Government aim to generate more new homes by clamping down on slow planners

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2015

The government is telling councils to produce local plans for new homes in their area by 2017 – or Whitehall will ensure those plans are produced for them.

20% year on year increase in house purchase mortgage lending

Posted on Monday, October 12, 2015

New data from Chartered Surveyors e.surv has found that over the last twelve months, the number of house purchase mortgage approvals has reached a twenty-month high and risen by 19.8%.

RICS: Rents will rise 3.0% in 2016 as demand continues to outstrip supply

Posted on Monday, October 12, 2015

Average rents have risen for 10 months in a row according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - and there's every sign that it will continue into 2016.

80% of tenants like their landlord

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2015

Research commissioned by Paragon Mortgages reveals positive attitudes among tenants towards private renting.

First time buyer house prices outpace rest of market

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2015

UK property prices have risen 7.3% annually to reach an average of £219,315

Over 15,000 mortgage products to choose from!

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2015

According to new data released by Mortgage Advice Bureau, the total number of mortgage products has passed 15,000 for the first time since the recession.

Volumes of property transactions hit (seasonally adjusted) summer high

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2015

Residential property sales in the UK hit an 18-month high in August, following a 3.1 per cent month-on-month rise, the latest figures published by HMRC have revealed.

Homeowners more optimistic about the UK economy than renters

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2015

Homeowners are more confident in the state of the UK economy and their own finances than renters, the latest Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report has revealed.

NLA survey says majority of landlords won't use pension freedom to invest

Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2015

A report from The National Landlords Association (NLA) shows that the majority of landlords don’t plan to take advantage of pension freedoms to invest in property.

Significant increase in buy to let sales says report

Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2015

Buy to let sales in August 2015 were up by 54.1% compared to the corresponding month last year hitting £3.31bn, research from Equifax Touchstone shows.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2015

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market.

Over half of borrowers say they will struggle when mortgage rates rise

Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2015

52% of borrowers say they will struggle or fall behind with mortgage repayments when interest rates rise, according to a new survey by the Building Societies Association.

60% increase in the price of flats over the last decade

Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2015

Halifax research has revealed that the average price of a flat has risen £730 per month over the past decade from £145,874 in 2005 to £233,424 today.

Nine million renters feel that home ownership is a distant dream

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Nine million UK renters (45%) say they will never be able to afford their own home, according to the latest Post Office Money Mortgages survey.

Lasting Power of Attorney vital say property lawyers

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

A property solicitors’ practice says buy to let investors who intend using their property to fund some, or all, of their retirement should have a property Lasting Power of Attorney created before they reach retirement age.

Number of first time landlords on the increase

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

The latest research from the Nottingham Building Society has found that almost 1 in 5 (19%) of landlords plan to buy more properties and add to their portfolio.

Seven million over 50s still paying a mortgage

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Research by the Saga Equity Release Advice Service has highlighted that around seven million over 50s are still paying off their mortgage, with dreams of holidays and new cars fading fast.

Huge reduction in house building within the green belt

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

The number of homes built within the green belt surrounding our towns and cities has halved over the last twenty years, according to research from Countrywide.

Strong recovery in lending to second steppers

Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Gross mortgage lending to second steppers and home movers rose strongly in July, to its highest level since October 2007, according to figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders

£41,000 premium to live near top rated schools

Posted on Monday, September 7, 2015

On average, parents pay a £41,000 premium to buy a house near one of England’s top secondary schools, say Lloyds Bank.

Government should encourage downsizing say CML

Posted on Monday, September 7, 2015

The government's planning system should be reformed so older borrowers have an incentive to free up family homes, says the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ chief economist Bob Pannell.

Over 1,000 buy to let mortgages now available

Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2015

The number of buy to let mortgages available in the market has hit 1,000 which is the highest level since 2008..

Supply of rental property increases

Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2015

The number of available private rented properties rose in July, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Half a million people intend to use pension to repay mortgage

Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Over half a million people in the UK intend to use all or part of their pension to help repay their mortgage balance, reveals new research from specialist insurer Partnership.

Good news as arrears and repossessions fall again

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the repossession rate - already at its lowest since records began - continued to fall in the second quarter of 2015. During that period, the rate was 0.02% - equivalent to just 1 in 5,000 mortgages. Arrears also continued to fall.

How long does it take to choose a new home?

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

Research shows that a third of house hunters spend almost three months browsing the property market before deciding on their new home.

Nearly 40% of Right to Buy homes have ended up in private rental sector

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

Nearly 40% of all homes sold under Right To Buy in England have gone on to become buy to let investment properties.

Modern kitchens, private parking and gardens top list of “desirability” factors according to survey

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

A modern or open plan kitchen, off-street parking and a back garden are the features most likely to make a home ‘more desirable’ to potential buyers, according to research from property portal OnTheMarket.com.

Rise in popularity for 30+ year mortgage deals

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

The proportion of homebuyers searching for mortgages with terms of 30 years or more has risen 8% to 21% over the past year.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2015

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

£26 million confirmed by Government for new first time buyer homes

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Communities secretary Greg Clark has announced a £26 million fund for house builders to build starter homes for first-time buyers.

Affordability at risk of creating housing market stalemate say Experian

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The UK housing market is at risk of a stalemate as growing families in most parts of the country face unaffordable increases in mortgage size if they want to move up the property ladder, say Experian.

40% of 55 to 64 year olds banking on property wealth to fund their retirement

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

New research from more 2 life shows that 40% of homeowners in the run-up to retirement are now relying on their property wealth as part of their planning.

Re-mortgage lending rising

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

House purchase lending hit £20.1 billion in June 2015, up 25% on May and up 13% on June 2014 while re-mortgage figures finally started to recover, say the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Buy to let mortgage lending enjoys another strong month say CML

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The rise of buy to let lending continues apace with the latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders showing another increase in activity.

Research shows properties on 'Lanes' worth £100k more than 'Streets'

Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Properties situated on ‘Lanes’ are worth over £100,000 more than those on a ‘Street’ according to new research by Barclays Mortgages.

Landlords unperturbed by buy to let mortgage tax relief cuts

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2015

The vast majority of landlords are unperturbed by the cuts in buy to let tax relief announced in the summer budget with just 10% planning to sell up as a result, Barclays has said.

London: The cost of property vs the cost of commuting

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2015

London commuters typically save £450,000 on the cost of buying homes one hour away from the capital by rail, research from Lloyds Bank has found.

ONS: Rents continue to rise

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2015

Private rents paid by tenants in Great Britain rose by 2.5% in the 12 months to June 2015, official figures from the Office for National Statistics show.

NAEA: June sees potential buyers at eleven year high

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2015

According to the National Association of Estate Agents, the number of potential buyers registered per estate agency branch was the highest recorded in eleven years.

Huge increase in planning consents

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2015

Figures released by HBF and Glenigan’s latest Housing Pipeline report show planning permissions for 52,167 homes were granted in England during the first quarter of this year, a 19% increase on the 43,926 permissions in the same quarter in 2014.

Market Update

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

The art, or lack of it, of moving home

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

A survey by London removals and storage firm Kiwi Movers shows that 25% of us pack unwanted clutter that we’ll never use when moving house and over half still have unpacking to do ten months after moving into a new home.

£300 billion of property wealth lies with the over 55’s

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

Over-55 homeowners have some £300 billion of property wealth they could draw upon in retirement, says research from Retirement Advantage.

The average UK home increases in value by £7000 in first half of year

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

The average value of homes across Britain rose by almost £7,000 (2.7%)  during the first six months of 2015, data from property website Zoopla reveals.

Huge increase in investment in student lettings sector

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

Investment into the country’s student housing market hit £3.98 billion in the first half 2015, well ahead of the £2.35 billion recorded for the whole of 2014, say property consultancy CBRE.

Renters to outstrip mortgagors by 2025 say Pricewaterhouse Cooper (PwC)

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2015

A report from PwC says that renters will outnumber mortgagors in a decade due to a lack of supply and tighter mortgage affordability criteria.

Energy efficiency countdown begins for landlords

Posted on Monday, July 20, 2015

New legislation has recently been passed that will make it easier for tenants to rent more energy efficient properties.

Council for Mortgage Lenders: Quarter two lending rises 17%

Posted on Friday, July 17, 2015

Gross mortgage lending rose by 17% in the second quarter of 2015 as the market performed strongly after the general election, data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders has revealed.

Equity release market continues to boom

Posted on Friday, July 17, 2015

Equity release lending surged 17 per cent in the first six months of 2015, new research suggests.

Right to Rent rules to be enforced nationwide autumn 2015

Posted on Friday, July 17, 2015

At present, new rules for Landlords to check the immigration status of their tenants are being piloted in the areas of Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton.

Half a million are property millionaires

Posted on Friday, July 17, 2015

More than half a million homeowners now own property worth £1m, the Zoopla Property Rich List report has revealed.

Rents up everywhere as new tenants flock to cities

Posted on Friday, July 17, 2015

HomeLet’s rental index figures for June shows another rise with average rents outside of London now standing at £747 per month, with the capital coming in at £1,515 per month.

Open House - 18th July - Kingsmill Cottage

Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

A beautiful and unique Grade ll listed executive home found at the entrance to the Willowbank and sought after Kings Island development. 

First Time Buyer mortgage products hit highest level since 2007

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2015

First-time buyer mortgage products have soared to their highest level since 2007 with the number of 90% and 95% loan-to-value mortgages now totalling 723 products, Moneyfacts data shows.

Tie the knot or buy some bricks and mortar?

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2015

You grow up, get married, buy a house and have 2.4 children. At least that's how things used to work. These days an increasing number of young (and indeed not so young) couples are having to make a choice between their dream wedding day and their dream of owning their own home.

Government to reform planning permissions

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2015

The government plans to reform brownfield planning permission rules in a bid to boost housebuilding across the UK.

43% of landlords say demand is booming

Posted on Monday, July 6, 2015

New research by Paragon Mortgages has found that continued growth in the BTL market is rife in the second quarter, with 43% of landlords experiencing a rise in tenant demand.

First-time buyer numbers down

Posted on Monday, July 6, 2015

Research from Halifax showed 10,000 fewer people have taken a step onto the property ladder so far this year compared with 149,500 in the same period last year.

Owner (and under) occupied homes: what do the numbers show?

Posted on Monday, July 6, 2015

People renting their home were nearly four times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than owner-occupiers, according to data emerging from the 2011 census.

More new homes given planning permission than before crash

Posted on Monday, July 6, 2015

The numbers of new homes granted planning permission are now higher than before the 2008 economic crash.

Council for Mortgage Lenders to investigate lending into retirement

Posted on Monday, July 6, 2015

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has begun work to measure the impact the Mortgage Market Review has had on borrowers who want a mortgage past the age of retirement.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the currnet property market

More buy-to-let deals for first-time landlords

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

The number of buy-to-let mortgage deals available to novice landlords is on the rise, according to Moneyfacts.

'Pension freedom' landlords behind buy to let boom

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Analysis by financial services comparison website Moneyfacts suggests that since so-called ‘pension freedom’ was introduced in the spring the number of buy-to-let products available to first-time landlords has risen by 13 per cent, up from 574 in April to 664 today.

1 in 4 cites low rates as reason for moving

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

The latest research from the Nottingham Building Society has found that around one in four homeowners planning to move in the next six months said that rate reductions were the driving factor behind their decision.

Conveyancer optimism rises

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Conveyancers are growing more optimistic in the state of the housing market, SearchFlow’s Conveyancer Sentiment Survey has found.

Would-be buyers confident on mortgage repayment

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Keeping up with monthly mortgage repayments is becoming less of a problem for people wanting to buy a home, the Building Societies Association has suggested.

Average tenancy is almost three years, study finds

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

An industry study reports that the average tenancy length is now almost three years.

RICS: New buyer enquiries increase at fastest rate in over a year

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

The latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey has revealed that house prices rose again in May, and at a quicker pace than in April.

Rents rising across UK

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

Rents in every region of the UK rose for the first time since October 2014 with new tenancies agreed in London scaling £1,500 per month for the first time in May, the HomeLet Rental Index suggests.

House prices hit new highs

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

Six out of ten regions across the UK set new record house price highs as the supply and demand imbalance continued to march north, Rightmove has revealed.

Building Societies Association: Industry must lend past retirement

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

Around half of 25 to 34 year olds say they may need a mortgage that lasts into retirement, a Building Societies Association survey has revealed.

Mortgages for house purchase down 10% in a year

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

Monthly lending for house purchase in April was 10% down on the same month last year.

Location, location, location key for buyers

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

Homebuyers are increasingly sacrificing space for location with fewer people seeing the need for a garage, south-facing garden and private outdoor space than a year ago, Santander research shows.

Pensioner property wealth hits £874bn

Posted on Friday, June 19, 2015

First time buyers have never had it so good

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

New analysis from MoneySuperMarket has found that mortgage rates for first time buyers are at a three year low.

Drop in house sales, Land Registry reports

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

The Land Registry has reported a big drop in sales.

Help to Buy approaches 100,000 mark

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

Help to Buy has helped nearly 100,000 people buy a home in the two years since it launched.

Stamp Duty changes save buyers over £700m

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

Home buyers have saved £701m in the six months since the introduction of the Stamp Duty Land Tax reforms on December 4, conveyancing firm myhomemove has calculated.

Cash buyers of homes at their highest ever at almost four in ten

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

A record number of people who bought homes in the first quarter of this year were cash buyers.

Fast internet is student rental priority

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

A new report ‘What Students Seek’ has surveyed students around the country to gauge what is most important when considering a property to rent.

UK homes need insulation law

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

The government should introduce legislation to ensure all UK homes have proper insulation to end ‘fuel poverty’ where energy is wasted says an independent engineering society.

Number of borrowers using equity release to clear interest-only loans trebles

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2015

The number of borrowers using equity release as a means of paying off an interest-only mortgage has trebled since the Mortgage Market Review was introduced, says Age Partnership.

More than three-quarters of new households in private rented sector

Posted on Monday, June 1, 2015

In a new snapshot of Britain, it has emerged that over three-quarters of all new UK households are being created in the private rented sector.

Private rented sector to account for 20% of housing stock by 2020

Posted on Monday, June 1, 2015

The private rented sector is expected to grow by 700,000 households to 5.5 million by 2020, accounting for 20 per cent of the total housing stock.

Market Update

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

First-timers delaying house purchase

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

First-time buyers are having to wait longer than planned to take their first step onto the property ladder, research from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks claims.

Government should do more with empty homes

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Young people want to see the government devolve more power to local authorities to tackle empty homes, refurbishing them and getting them back in use, Halifax research has claimed.

Another huge surge in buy to let lending

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show there were 18,200 buy to let loans in March - up 12 per cent on the previous month and up a whopping 21 per cent compared to March 2014.

Starving market of supply – the households that stay put for years

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Households are moving home much less often – often waiting two or three decades – and starving the market of supply.

Government fails to promote housing wealth

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The government has failed to promote the role of housing wealth in retirement funding said experts and financial professionals at the Great Retirement Money Debate hosted by the Equity Release Council.

Housebuilding recovery 'gathers momentum': HBF

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Official statistics show that 40,340 new homes were started in England in Q1 of this year, the highest quarterly number since 2007. The figures show that the momentum from 2014, which saw 137,310 new homes started, up 10% on 2013 and 60% on the trough in 2009, is gathering speed.

Promotion for Kayleigh

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2015

We are delighted to announce that Kayleigh Arnold has been promoted to Senior Negotiator in our sales operation

Help to Buy 2 far off capacity

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2015

The Help to Buy mortgage guarantee is a long way off running at full capacity, Genworth analysis has found.

UK landlords seeking more remortgages

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2015

Buy-to-let landlords are rushing to remortgage as record low rates look increasingly attractive, new data from a mortgage broker shows.

UK Help to Buy Schemes Continue to Benefit First Time Buyers

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2015

The UK’s flagship housing schemes aimed at boosting the property market continue to flourish with first time buyers benefitting the most, the latest published data shows.

Arrears and repossessions numbers fall

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2015

Mortgage arrears and repossessions are falling across both owner-occupier and buy-to-let lending.

Landlords urged to act now on new fire regulations

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015

New regulations requiring landlords to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their rental properties have been laid before Parliament and are expected to come into force, subject to approval, on 10 October 2015.

New housing registrations up 18% year-on-year

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015

New house building figures released today by NHBC for Q1 2015 show that more than 40,000 new homes were registered in the UK during the first three months of the year, an increase of 18% on the same period last year.

Buy to Let investors “don't know how to apply”

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015

One in four potential buy-to-let customers don't know how to apply for a mortgage to get started, new research shows.

Agents and developers make Build to Rent plea

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015

Around 40 developers, property consultants and block managers have sent an open letter to the new government to create economic and planning conditions which will allow the growth of the Build To Rent sector.

Mortgage Market Review continues to frustrate customers

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015

According to a recent survey conducted by gocompare.com, just 59% of people who recently switched their mortgage provider described the process as ‘easy’, a drop of 11% compared to July 2014 when the same survey was carried out.

British Property Federation: Build homes to rent not sell

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Britain must build large rented housing schemes run by institutional investors rather than focusing solely on building new homes for sale, a campaign group has claimed.

Transactions drop across England and Wales, says Land Registry

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The average house price in March stood at £178,007 across England and Wales – a monthly drop of 0.8%.

Help to Buy customers £180 better off annually than renters

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

According to new data from Mortgage Advice Bureau, first-time buyers who have used the Government’s Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme are spending £180 less per year on repaying their mortgage than if they were renting.

Over 40s most likely to become first-time landlords

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

According to a new survey by Rentguard Insurance, between 40 and 49 years old is the most common age for those becoming a landlord for the first time.

Landlords fail to take all costs into account for Buy to Let

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

UK landlords are at risk of overestimating the profitability of their buy-to-let investment by neglecting to take into account key running costs, according to research by a property firm.

We can’t build all the homes the politicians want, say house builders

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Over two-thirds of house builders believe that it would be impossible to build any more than 180,000 homes a year – short of the 200,000 that Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP have all pledged to deliver.

One in four landlords consider using pension lump sum

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

One in four landlords would consider using a lump sum from their pension to invest in property, with a further 24% undecided, research from BM Solutions shows

Buy-to-let outpacing residential growth

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Analysis from Equifax Touchstone shows that buy-to-let lending in Q1 2015 grew by nearly 20% year-on-year, outpacing residential lending which was up by 1.6%.

Report says one bed flats have highest yield

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The average rental yield for a one-bed property across the UK is 5.9% compared to 5.3% for a two-bed, 4.7% for a three-bed and 4.0% for a four-bed property.

New report says owners move house 'only once every 23 years'

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

The changing face of the UK’s housing market means the average turnover of a property has almost trebled since the 1980s from eight to 23 years, according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.

Pension saving concerns for one in five

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Up to 45% of over-40s ‘would consider’ buy-to-let to increase retirement income

Buy-to-let market continues to thrive

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

The Bank of England Trends in Lending report for April shows that the buy-to-let sector has continued to grow in 2015.

Gross mortgage lending grows in March

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimates that gross mortgage lending reached £16.5bn billion in March. This is a 21% rise on February at £13.6bn and 7% higher than last year.

Market Update – too close to call?

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the property market as we enter the final days before the General Election

Help to Buy 2 deposits reach 10-month high

Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2015

The average deposit for house purchases using the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme reached a 10-month high in February, according to Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Official statistics show house prices cooling

Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2015

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show house prices cooling.

Buy to let mortgages: steady rise year on year

Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2015

There were 15,900 buy to let loans in February, down 13% compared to January but up 11% on the total a year earlier, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Market optimism returns

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

Optimism in the housing market is rising – as more than a third (36%) see now as a good time to buy, the Building Societies Association has revealed.

New home registrations continue to increase

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

According to figures released by NHBC, the number of new homes registered in the UK in February grew by 25% compared to the same month last year.

The things your parents will throw out when you leave home

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

According to a new study from Big Yellow Self Storage, parents throw out possessions worth £285 when a child grows up and leaves the family home.

HMRC campaign takes £20m in letting sector tax

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

The HMRC ‘Let Property’ campaign recovered just over £20m by the end of January - a dramatic rise from the October 2014 figure which stood at just £7.9 million.

Deregulation Bill receives Royal Assent

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

The Deregulation Bill has received Royal Assent so now is the time for all landlords to ensure that their properties will be compliant with the new laws regarding both deposit protection and revenge evictions.

First time buyers account for a third of all house sales

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

The National Association of Estate Agents has highlighted that 30% of house sales in February were made to those who are just starting to climb the property ladder.

Pensioner property wealth hits record high

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

Retired homeowners in the UK now collectively own property worth £861 billion with their total property wealth increasing by more than £33 billion in the past six months, the equivalent of around £1,200 a month each.

Stamp Duty changes save homebuyers £1bn

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

More than two thirds of homebuyers across the UK are likely to benefit from the new Stamp Duty regime, with 29% seeing no change and just 2% likely to pay more, data produced by Nationwide reveals.

Which of the major housing policies are most important to UK homeowners?

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

The General Election is looming. One of the key points in the battleground is housing and the main political parties have been quick to lay out their promises before us hoping to swing our votes their way.

First-time buyers try before they buy

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

Over half (54%) of the nation’s first-time buyers like to rent before taking the house buying plunge, an annual survey from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks has revealed.

Health and safety law change for all home improvements

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

From April 6th, for health and safety purposes, domestic projects will be treated in the same way as large new housing developments or the construction of shopping centres or office blocks

Custom build could be key to getting housebuilding back on track

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

A new report from Mortgage Advice Bureau has revealed that custom build could be the key to getting UK housebuilding back on track, saying that radical change is required to deliver the number of new homes needed to meet population demand.

Borrowers flock to variable deals

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015

More borrowers plumped for variable deals in February than any month over the last two years on a proportional basis, the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s National Mortgage Index has revealed.

Tories eye property IHT overhaul

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015

Chancellor George Osborne is considering reforms that would allow parents to pass a main property worth up to £1m to their children without paying inheritance tax, The Guardian reports.

Sub-letting clause could spell trouble for landlords

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015

“Allowing sub-letting will be catastrophic for the rental industry” says Landlord Action.

Void periods drop to 13 year low

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015

The latest landlord research by Paragon Mortgages has revealed the average annual void period has dropped to its lowest level since 2002.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015

Chris Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Budget

Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Key points of the Budget at a glance

Landlords: Make Green Deal applications now

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

The Residential Landlords Association is reminding investment property owners in the private rental sector that the government has launched the latest phase of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.

Home Builders Federation urge Chancellor to accelerate increase in housebuilding

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

The Home Builders Federation has used its submission to next week’s Budget to request measures to help boost the delivery of much needed housing by introducing a package of measures to move sites more quickly through the development process and give a shot in the arm to small house builders.

Buy to Let (BTL) sector braces itself for a silver landlord surge

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

As pension freedom day draws closer, the UK buy-to-let sector is bracing itself for a surge of silver landlords ready to put their pensions into property.

Smoke alarms mandatory in rental property from October

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

The government has confirmed that letting agents and landlords will be required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties from October 2015.

Stamp duty revenue at record levels

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

Higher volumes of residential property transactions and an increase in their prices are believed to be behind record breaking stamp duty revenues say the Halifax.

High loan to value (LTV) lending bounces back

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

High LTV mortgage lending has drastically increased as a percentage of market since December when Stamp Duty was reformed, the latest Mortgage Monitor from e.surv has revealed.

20% off starter home prices if Tories win election

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2015

The government has announced that its new starter home website has officially launched allowing young people to register their interest in buying a new home.

Tories pledge 200,000 starter homes

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

David Cameron has doubled his 100,000 homes pledge, vowing to deliver 200,000 properties for first-time buyers in England by 2020 under the Starter Homes initiative if the Conservatives win the election.

First time buyers will be hit by H2B2 closure say IMLA

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

Failing to replace the Help to Buy 2 mortgage guarantee with a permanent indemnity scheme will push the first-time buyer market back into decline, according to new research by the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.

Chinese buyers set to increase spend in UK housing market

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

Chinese international property portal Juwai says that Chinese investment in the UK housing market is set to grow this year.

Housebuilding decline averted by Help to Buy

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

According to new analysis by Mortgage Advice Bureau, HTB1 helped to prevent a drop of 5% in new housing completions in England last year.

More than 1.75m mortgaged households have never seen interest rates rise

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

The Money Charity has warned that more than 1.75m mortgaged households have never experienced a rise in the Bank of England base rate, putting them at risk of a financial shock when rates do increase.

First time buyers no longer relying on parents

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

The number of first-time buyers relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad for support has dropped significantly according to new research.

Help to Buy schemes help over 80,000 people buy a home

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

The Help to Buy equity loan and mortgage guarantee schemes have helped more than 80,000 people buy a home.

MP blames landlords for anti-social tenants

Posted on Monday, March 9, 2015

Nick de Bois, MP for Enfield North,  has tabled a ten-minute rule bill in the Houses of Commons in a bid to change the law to allow the housing ombudsman to intervene between neighbours and landlords.

Market Update

Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2015

Christopher Harper and Darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Huge rise in buy to let mortgage loans

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2015

Buy to let mortgages in December totalled 17,300 - a huge 18 per cent rise over the same month in 2013 according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

What are the top sacrifices made to get on the property ladder?

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2015

For many people owning their own home is a dream they are determined to make a reality.

Mortgage lending down 11% year on year in January

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2015

Gross mortgage lending is estimated to have fallen 11 per cent year-on-year in January.

Challenging time for young tenants, says think tank

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2015

The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that while mortgage-paying owner occupiers and landlords have benefitted hugely from low interest rates, renters - especially young ones - have had no such respite in the lettings market.

Housing sales up 21% say Lloyds Bank

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2015

Home sales increased by 21% in the first 10 months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, research from Lloyds Bank has revealed.

Repossessions down 26% in 2014 say CML

Posted on Monday, February 16, 2015

The Council for Mortgage Lenders has revealed that during 2014 the level of repossessions fell to their lowest numbers since 2006, a drop of 26% against figures from 2013.

Carney warns of potential future rate cuts as deflation looms

Posted on Monday, February 16, 2015

Bank of England governor Mark Carney says inflation could turn negative in the Spring and warns he would consider cutting interest rates if deflation persists.

Parliamentary support for ban on revenge evictions

Posted on Monday, February 16, 2015

A long and technical debate in the House of Lords last evening ended with amendments to the Deregulation Bill being passed which are likely to lead to the outlawing of so-called retaliatory evictions.

Mortgage wars continue as home buyers find cheapest deals ever

Posted on Monday, February 16, 2015

Mortgage rates have plunged to new record lows, the Bank of England has reported, while the price war between lenders shows no sign of a let-up.

Bank of England's new powers to help manage housing market

Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2015

The government is giving the Bank of England new powers over the housing market in a bid to prevent excessive price booms and equally excessive lending by banks.

Energy change could cost lettings sector £3.4 billion over next three years

Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2015

A utility supplier claims that the cost of making rental properties conform with new energy efficiency rules is likely to be £3.4 billion over the next three years.

The fire service calls for all private landlords to install smoke alarms

Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2015

New laws must be introduced to ensure all private landlords install smoke alarms, say fire and rescue authorities.

Council for Mortgage Lenders: Mortgage rates reach new lows - and the outlook remains positive

Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Last November, the average new tracker mortgage rate fell to 1.96%, according to the regulated mortgage survey – the first time that it has ever dipped below 2%. For fixed-rate borrowers, it’s the same picture, with some lenders offering the lowest long-term rates the market has ever seen.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report that private rents rose 1.7% in the 12 months to December.

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

Rents rose most in London at 2.4%. They increased by 1.8% in England, 2% in Scotland and 0.2% in Wales.

Mortgage approvals up for first time in six months, says Bank of England

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

Mortgage approvals rose for the first time in six months in December.

Landlords face ticking time-bomb of energy compliance

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

Landlords are at risk of financial penalties and being unable to let their properties if they fail to meet minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) that come into play in 2018.

Build to Rent key to boosting supply, say MPs

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

A body chaired by two ex-housing ministers and sponsored by a bank has entered the debate on how to increase the supply of new homes across the country and keep house price inflaton under control as a result.

Ultra-low voids still normal in buy to let sector

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

The average void period for landlords over the past three months has been just 2.6 weeks - the lowest in 2014 and continuing a record run of low-void activity in the rental market.

Housing costs eat up over 50% of earnings for one in eight

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

According to new findings from the Debt Advisory Centre, 12% of those who currently have a mortgage or pay rent in the UK are spending most of their take-home pay on keeping a roof over their head.

West Bromwich Building Society: Landlords lose case

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015

A judge has ruled that the West Bromwich building society was within its rights to increase rates on tracker mortgages despite no change in the Bank of England base rate.

Crossrail submits plans for improved West Drayton station

Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The plans include a new glass and steel extension and lifts providing step-free access to all platforms.

Hillingdon Council approves Airports Commission response against Heathrow expansion

Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The council says the airport's proposals are 'fulled of  hollow promises and gaping holes, lacking any realistic assessment'.

Market Update

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market.

UK government finalises new capital gains tax charge for non-resident homeowners

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

Non-resident UK homeowners that have spent less than 90 days in their UK property in the previous tax year will be liable to pay capital gains tax (CGT) on any gains when they sell that property from next year, the UK government has confirmed.

West Bromwich Building Society in court over rate hike

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

The long-awaited court case over increased tracker rates by the West Bromwich Building Society began in January.

Immigration Act 2014. When does it arrive with me?

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

The pilot scheme which started on 1st December 2014 affects landlords and letting agents for residential properties in parts of the West Midlands. Evaluation incorporating evidence from a range of participants and stakeholders, including focus groups, pulse checks and mystery shopping, is contributing to the evaluation of the pilot scheme which will run through to May 2015.

'Test case' as judge backs right to let despite convenant

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

A couple have failed in a bid to prosecute their neighbour for letting out his property in what some say will become a test case.

South East Buyers saving £3870 plus under new stamp duty rules

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

New data released from Mortgage Advice Bureau suggests that buyers are taking advantage of the stamp duty reform.

Win an iPad Air!

Posted on Friday, January 23, 2015

Any homeowner having their property valued (for sale or rent) or instructing us to market their home in the first quarter of 2015 will be entered into our prize draw to win an iPad air.

Stamp Duty Land Tax: Government admits "slight price impact"

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2015

Treasury minister David Gauke says stamp duty changes announced by the government in December’s autumn statement will have a "slight" impact on house prices and may even produce reduced revenue.

2014 saw big increase in home-movers

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2015

More homeowners moved in 2014 than in any year since 2007, the latest Lloyds Bank Home-movers Review has revealed.

Rightmove report record start to year in terms of home seeker numbers

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2015

Rightmove has reported a record start to 2015, with the most page views ever in a single day  (Sunday, January 11).

Announcement of compensation schemes for homeowners in areas neighbouring path of HS2

Posted on Friday, January 16, 2015

The Government has announced details - long awaited by homeowners and estate agents - of compensation schemes for property in areas neighbouring the path of High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 1.

Home ownership in Britain falls to one of Europe’s lowest

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

Britain now has one of the lowest home ownership rates in Europe, it has been claimed.

Pension changes set to fuel buy to let in 2015

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

This year’s pension regulation changes could lead to a lettings investment boom with 32 per cent of people aged 45 to 64 with a pension considering using it for a buy to let property.

First time buyer transactions highest since 2007

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

The number of first-time buyers who entered the market in 2014 increased by 22% from 2013 and 50% from 2012 to reach the highest level since 2007, Halifax’s First Time Buyer Review has revealed.

North-South repossession divide narrows as numbers fall overall

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

The North-South divide has narrowed significantly in terms of repossession rates– yet 76% of Northern towns still have higher rates than their Southern counterparts, research from e.surv chartered surveyors has revealed.

Millions of 'revolving door' renters trapped in cycle

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

A new report from the National Housing Federation has revealed that there is a new generation of private renters that are stuck in a cycle of short-term lets, leaving them unable to plan for the future.

Help 2 Buy 2 sales reach 38,000

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme has assisted 38,052 sales in 20 months from its introduction in April 2013 to November 2014, government statistics have revealed.

Hillingdon Tesco plan stays: Supermarket boss says new store will be built

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

Tesco is scrapping plans for 49 new stores as part of a drastic measure to turnaround the supermarket - but the Hillingdon Circus development will go ahead

Housing market sentiment increases

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

According to the latest report from Lloyds Bank, confidence in the housing market is up five percentage points.

HMRC campaign gets £7.9m from landlords

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The taxman has raised £7.9 million in additional tax as a result of a crackdown on landlords with undeclared, or under-declared, rental income.

Landlords still excluded from Flood Re

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Government has made some changes to the Flood Re agreement – but rental properties are still not covered.

Market slows with biggest-ever asking price drop say Rightmove

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The year is ending with the largest-ever drop in asking prices according to the final ‘old-style’ index from Rightmove - but it says 2015 will see price rises.

Average rents up 8.3% on a year ago but prices have dipped recently

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

HomeLet data shows that on average, rental prices are 8.3 per cent higher across the UK  at £874 per month, compared to a figure of £807 a year ago.

Government launches 20% discount scheme to help first-time buyers

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Government has launched a new scheme that will offer 100,000 first-time buyers under the age of 40 a minimum 20% discount on a new-build home.

The NAEA and ARLA have set out their predictions for 2015

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Mark Hayward, Managing Director of NAEA and David Cox, Managing Director of ARLA provide an overview of what we may see in the housing market in 2015:

Third of landlords had arrears this year says survey

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Some 32 per cent of landlords in the UK – approximately 500,000 – say they have experienced rent arrears in the last 12 months, says the National Landlords’ Association.

Rise in asking price reductions injects feel good factor back into market

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

New research by Zoopla has shown that there has been a rise in the volume of properties currently for sale that have seen their asking price lowered at least once since coming to market.

Supply levels of rental properties on the rise

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

According to the latest quarterly report from the Association of Residential Letting Agents, supply levels in the private rental sector is showing some signs of improvement although high demand means competition for consumers will remain “fierce”.

Market Update:

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Darren Murphy gives his views on teh current property market

iPad Air valuation prize draw winner

Posted on Monday, December 22, 2014

Mr Lunn from Uxbridge was the winner of our iPad Air prize draw

Third of tenants fail to take out contents cover

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

A third of tenants in the private rented sector have no contents insurance at all - a figure that is six times larger than for owner occupiers.

Interest rate rises will not trigger affordability issues say Bank of England

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Bank of England insists that interest rate rises - whenever they come - will not trigger problems for mortgage holders.

First Time Buyer lending back to 2007 levels

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

First-time buyer lending hit £12.1bn during the third quarter of 2014, the highest level since 2007, Bank of England figures have revealed.

Buy to let boom continues with new mortgage highs

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

The buy to let sector is at its strongest for six years according to data released by the Bank of England.

Holiday lettings industry worth £4.35bn a year

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

A report by the London School of Economics has put the annual value of the UK’s holiday rental industry at £4.35bn a year.

How to keep your Buy To Let property winter-proof – advice from ARLA

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

During winter months the risks of damage to properties are always higher than they are in warmer and lighter conditions.

What do landlords and tenants really think about each other?

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

The stereotypical image of a tight-fisted, uncaring and immoral landlord (think Rigsby from Rising Damp) is refreshingly untrue according to a new report.

End of an era as Randall's of Uxbridge closes

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014

MP proprietor says closing the family business that has traded in Vine Street for 123 years is as bad as bereavement

Private renting should be first choice

Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The private rental sector (PRS) should be the first choice for the next generation looking for accommodation, Joanna Hahn of the Department for Communities and Local Government has said.

Will new tax proposal hit second home market?

Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2014

HMRC has released proposals for implementing new Capital Gains Tax rules which will crack down on UK residents electing second homes as their main residence as well as targeting non-UK residents buying in this country.

House price growth slows again

Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The rate of house price growth has declined for four consecutive months to November, the Halifax house price index has revealed.

Value of UK private housing soars £630bn in the last year

Posted on Tuesday, December 2, 2014

New research from Halifax shows the current value of the UK's private housing stock is estimated at £5.06 trillion.

House price growth continues to slow

Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2014

House price inflation slowed to an 11-month low in November, Nationwide’s latest house price index has revealed.

Twenty-somethings pay £66,800 rent in a decade

Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2014

Analysis of data produced by HomeLet suggests that twenty-somethings in the UK can expect to pay £66,800 in rent by the time they are 30.

Market Update

Posted on Friday, November 28, 2014

Chris Harper and darren Murphy give their views on the current property market

Mortgage applications hit record high in October

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

According to data released from Mortgage Advice Bureau, applications from homebuyers and remortgaging homeowners reached their highest point of the year during October.  

Rate cuts encourage 94% of homebuyers to fix

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The proportion of homebuyers opting for fixed rates grew to 94% in October, from 92% in September, despite reports that the Bank of England base rate may remain at 0.5% until after the general election. 

Going up – number of new homes in England rises by 10%

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The number of new homes in England grew by 10% – or 136,610 – over the last year.

Quarter Three repossessions lowest in decade

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Mortgage possession claims in county courts totalled 9,731 between July and September – the lowest quarterly total in a decade, figures from the Ministry of Justice have revealed.

Rural home premium reaches 26%

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Buyers are prepared to pay a premium of nearly £50,000 to purchase a home in a rural part of the UK according to research which shows that at £225,217 the average price of a country property is 26 per cent more than a city location.

Government said to back new-build minimum space standards

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The government has signed up to a campaign to introduce minimum space standards for new build houses and apartments in a bid to stop the creation of more “shoe box homes” according to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

UK needs cross-party house building plan

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

The UK requires a 10-year house building plan with cross-party support to ease the nation’s supply crisis, Stephen Noakes, Council of Mortgages chairman and Lloyds Banking Group mortgages director, has urged.

Base Rate may not rise until 2016 says leading economic commentator

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

Following the news this month that the Bank of England has maintained the Bank rate at 0.5% Ben Brettell, senior economist at Hargreaves Lansdown, said interest rates may not rise until 2016.

Value of buy to let property set to top £1 trillion

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

The value of property owned by landlords in the UK is set to break the £1 trillion pound barrier next year according the Kent Reliance’s inaugural Buy to let Britain report.

Mortgage time bomb ready to explode for thousands of borrowers

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

A ‘mortgage time bomb’ is looming for people aged over 50 with interest-only mortgages and who had hoped that an endowment would clear the lump sum, typically after 25 years.

Tenant demand is booming say 41% of landlords

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

According to the latest research by Paragon, landlords are still experiencing high levels of demand during the third quarter, with just 3% describing demand as declining.

Average HTB2 deposit slip under £9k

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014

New data from Mortgage Advice Bureau has revealed that using the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme, prospective buyers were able to secure their first step on the property ladder with average deposits of just £8,974 in September.

Autumn Newsletter 2014

Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2014

Our latest edition of Christopher Nevill's seasonal newsletter.

Book a valuation and win an iPad air!

Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Just in time for Christmas we are pleased to invite you to enter our prize draw – any homeowner having their property valued (for sale or rent) or instructing us to market their home will be entered into our prize draw to win an iPad air.

Market Update

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Darren Murphy and Chris Harper give their views on the current property market

Year-on-year mortgage lending up 15%

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Statistics released by the BBA have shown that Year-on-year, new mortgage lending is 15% higher and approvals for house purchase have risen by 5%.

Mortgage affordability : First-time buyers ‘hear what they want to hear'

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

First-time buyers have a habit of hearing what they want to hear when it comes to affordability, senior technical manager of John Charcol Ray Boulger and market analayst Kate Faulkner have warned.

Sentiment high amongst mortgage intermediaries for buy to let mortgages

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

According to the latest quarterly intermediary survey by Paragon Mortgages, there is a positive mood about future levels of mortgage business over the next year.

Land Registry: House prices up 7.2% nationally according to latest figures

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

September data released from the Land Registry has shown a 7.2% increase in average prices but also that growth in the UK housing market is relaxing.

Buy-to-let lenders cut fees

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Buy-to-let lenders have slashed up-front fees on low LTV loans as they compete for business, the latest Buy-to-let Mortgage Costs Index from Mortgages for Business has revealed.

Buy-to-let optimism soars

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Optimism in buy-to-let has increased in October as lenders clamour for business, managing director of The Buy to Let Business Ying Tan has said.

60% increase in sell-off of social housing

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Department for Communities and Local Governments says there has been a huge 60 per cent leap in the number of social housing units sold off and so effectively joining the private stock.

Rents rise in last year, says Office for National Statistics

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Rents across Great Britain went up by 1% in the 12 months to September, the Office for National Statistics has reported.

£58,000 needed by “second steppers” says report

Posted on Monday, October 20, 2014

Second steppers must find an extra £58,000 to fund the move to their second home, the fourth annual Second Steppers Report from Lloyds Bank has revealed.

Good news: Unemployment sees steepest annual fall in 40 years

Posted on Monday, October 20, 2014

Unemployment has recorded its greatest annual fall since records began 40 years ago, figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed.

Large numbers of over 40s expect to pay mortgage in retirement

Posted on Monday, October 20, 2014

Half of over-40s believe they will still be repaying their mortgage (31%) or paying rent (20%) when they retire, research from specialist insurer Partnership has revealed.

Councils receive new powers to build affordable homes

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014

New borrowing powers for councils to help them build new affordable homes across the country have been announced by the Housing Minister Brandon Lewis.

All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Private Rented Sector calls for more support for young renters

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014

According to a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Private Rented Sector, the Government should look at whether more can be done to help young people who want to rent.

Bank of England Governor hints that interest rate rises may not be until 2015

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has hinted that a base rate rise in 2014 may be too soon due to a 'modest global recovery'.

The market is still vibrant according to Office of National Statistics (ONS) House Price Index

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The latest ONS house price index has revealed that UK house prices increased by 11.7% in the year to August 2014, unchanged from the year to July 2014.

Almost four in ten oppose mansion tax – poll

Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2014

Labour’s proposal for a so-called ‘mansion tax’ would be an unfair levy to impose, according to nearly four in ten people, despite the fact that the tax would affect less than one in 100 properties, a new poll by Rightmove reveals.

Home prices drop for first time in 17 months - Nationwide

Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2014

There was further evidence that the UK housing market is cooling as Nationwide reported the first monthly decline in residential property prices since April 2013.

Over 100,000 homes with planning consent yet to be developed

Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2014

Despite the urgent need for more new build homes to help solve the existing housing crisis caused largely by a shortage of residential properties in relation to demand from buyers and renters, new research reveals that almost half of all new homes awarded planning consent over the past year have yet to be developed, fresh data shows.

High loan to value lending increases

Posted on Sunday, October 5, 2014

High loan to value lending has increased in line with hightened first-time buyer activity, Bank of England statistics have revealed.

New code of practice for private rental sector

Posted on Sunday, October 5, 2014

Housing minister Brandon Lewis has launched a new code of practice for the private rented sector.

Help to Buy has not inflated house prices, says Bank of England

Posted on Sunday, October 5, 2014

Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney has written to George Osborne about the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme.

Is the steam coming out of the property market?

Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014

Recent reports would seem to indicate a slowing down in the rate of property price increases and the changes lenders have made following the mortgage market review (MMR) have certainly added delays to the process of securing a loan as lenders go through a more detailed process to ascertain that any loans made are affordable by the borrowers.

New home registrations continue to rise

Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014

The number of new homes registered across the country remains up compared to corresponding 2013 statistics, building on the high volumes seen over the past 18 months, according to the latest registration statistics from NHBC.