News and Updates
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.
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.
Experian: Mortgage demand shoots to pre-lockdown levels Mortgage enquiries in May were 57% higher than in April, and back to levels last seen in January, says Experian. The credit reporting company says that in March, enquiries fell 17%, with the extend o
Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2020
Mortgage enquiries in May were 57% higher than in April, and back to levels last seen in January, says Experian.
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.
Zoopla: Property transactions worth £82bn on hold Property transactions worth a total of £82bn are on pause due to the coronavirus lockdown, a report from Zoopla has found. The housing market was effectively suspended by the government in reaction to the
Posted on Monday, May 4, 2020
Property transactions worth a total of £82bn are on pause due to the coronavirus lockdown, a report from Zoopla has found.
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.
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.
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
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.
Surge of 'Second Steppers' calling on family and friends for financial help
Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018
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.
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.