News and Updates
RICS: House prices rising overall for first time in two years
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2024
House prices are growing overall at a national level for the first time in two years, according to the RICS UK Residential Survey for September.
Up to 3.8 million households open to downsizing
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2024
Around 3.8 million households could be motivated to move to smaller homes “unlocking capacity in the housing market,” data from Barclays shows.
How much is the average home buyer paying for the space to fit a double bed?
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2024
New research from Zoopla highlights why we should be paying more attention to floor space and how much it costs when buying a home in the UK.
Lower rates continuing to fuel demand among first-time buyers
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2024
The latest data from Legal & General has revealed that improved mortgage affordability and lower interest rates are tempting prospective buyers to purchase their first home.
Propertymark: Move to end fixed-term tenancies will push up rents
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2024
Plans to end fixed-term tenancies will drive up rents, according to Propertymark.
Darren Murphy's market update
Posted on Monday, September 30, 2024
Darren Murphy's gives his views on the current property market ahead of the Autumn statement (budget)
Educating tenants vital in the fight against dangerous mould
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Landlords and letting agents must monitor properties more closely and combine regular inspections and proactive ventilation in addition to providing greater levels of education to tenants on the causes of damp and mould, according to inventory specialist, No Letting Go.
New build demand falls by a fifth in five years
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2024
The number of sales agreed for new build homes has dropped by 21% compared to 2019, according to newly released data from TwentyCi.
Government launches new grants to help landlords and tenants with energy upgrades
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2024
The Government aims to boost minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, bringing all homes up to a decent standard by 2030.
Close to half of first time buyers pay rent and mortgage at same time
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2024
According to Aldermore’s latest First Time Buyer Index, nearly half (45%) of first time buyers had to pay both rent and mortgage payments at the same time because they couldn’t align the end of their rental contract with the purchase of their new home.
Over a third of prospective homebuyers say they can't get on the ladder without inheritance
Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024
37% of Brits expecting an inheritance doubt they can buy a home without before receiving it, according to a new study by Forbes Advisor.
Halifax: UK house prices hit two-year high
Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024
Average UK house prices edged up further in August following a July rise of 0.9%, according to the latest data released by Halifax.
Top tips to keep your home in check over the colder months
Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024
Without a little TLC over the colder months, burst pipes, broken boilers, and draughty windows are common problems for many homeowners.
Rightmove: Proportion of former rental homes for sale reaches record levels
Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024
More landlords are choosing to sell up according to the latest stats released by Rightmove, potentially driven by a predicted Capital Gains Tax hike in next month's Autumn Statement.
UK homeowner equity swells to record levels
Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024
Over-55s currently hold an average of £321,213 worth of equity in their homes
Darren Murphy’s Market Update
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market
Rightmove Renters more likely than homeowners to adjust energy use habits
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
According to the latest survey conducted by Rightmove, 72% of adults in the UK would be willing to adjust their daily routine for cheaper energy bills. With the energy price cap set to rise by 10% in October 2024, this could mean an annual increase of £558 for households in the least energy-efficient homes.
Rightmove: Bills set to jump by £558 in least energy-efficient homes
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
The UK’s least energy-efficient homes could see their annual bills jump by £558 following the raising of the energy price cap, data from Rightmove shows.
Home purchases with Help to Buy ISAs fall 14%
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
The number of homes bought using a Help to Buy ISA has fallen by 14% in the first three months of this year to 9,409, compared to the previous quarter as the scheme continues its “slow death”.
The buyer's guide to purchasing a home off-plan
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
Off-plan properties are becoming more and more popular for buyers - in fact, the numbers speak for themselves as in 2024, 37% of buyers chose off-plan properties which was up from 35% in 2020.
67% of landlords concerned about property financing costs
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
Rising financing costs, driven by high interest rates and inflation, have created significant worries for property investors.
Zoopla: Rental growth slowest for almost three years
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2024
Rental growth in the UK has slowed to its lowest level for 33 months, according to the latest market analysis from property website Zoopla.
Homebuyers reveal top red flags when viewing a property
Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
Mould and damp are the biggest property red flags, according to 49% of Brits.
Economic climate impacting who prospective buyers plan to live with
Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
A fifth (20%) of those in the early stages of buying will now need a guarantor in order to get their foot on the housing ladder.
Rightmove: Bank of England rate cut helps boost market activity
Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
The first Bank of England rate cut for four years has led to an immediate upturn in buyer activity, according to the latest Rightmove HPI.
TwentyEA: Days to find a buyer rise but completion times reduce
Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
The number of days to find a buyer has increased across the UK compared with this time last year. However, the time taken between sold subject to contract (SSTC) and completion has reduced, according to the latest data from TwentyEA.
Five-year fixes remain the top choice for remortgaging landlords
Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
A new survey from Landbay uncovered the key factors facing landlords as well as their thoughts on the future of the buy-to-let market.
Zoopla: Two-bed terrace homes hottest property right now
Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Two-bed terraced homes are the fastest-selling property type in England and Wales, with a sale agreed in just 27 days compared to the national average of 32 days.
Zoopla: UK house prices expected to see 2% growth by the end of the year
Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Zoopla's latest data reveals that housing supply is up by 16% with buyers continuing to pay close to asking prices.
Halifax: House prices in July up by 2.3% on annual basis
Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2024
House prices in the UK went up by just 0.8% on a monthly basis, the latest Halifax House Price Index reveals.
Rental yields soar to 10-year high
Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Rental yields reported by landlords have reached their highest level since 2014, according to the latest PRS Trends Report from Paragon.
RICS: Sunnier outlook on housing market
Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2024
New enquiries and house sales remained steady in July, according to the latest residential property survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Vast majority of private renters 'satisfied' with their accommodation
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Private renters have been found to be more satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector, according to newly published data.
Portfolio landlords optimistic about expansion in 2024
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Over a third of portfolio landlords plan to increase the size of their portfolios in 2024, Paragon Bank research has found.
Rents outpacing earnings by 5.2%
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Renters are significantly worse off today than they were a decade ago as salaries have failed to keep up with ballooning rental costs.
Rightmove: Unbalanced market propels average rents to new record high
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Greater support is needed for landlords to invest in good quality homes for the private rented sector, argues Rightmove.
42% of homes do not have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
A survey conducted by Firechief Global has revealed that 42% of homes in the UK do not have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, equivalent to over 1 in 3 homes.
Darren Murphy’s Market Update
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property market
Halifax: UK house prices remain stable in June
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
Average UK house prices held steady in June, down by just -0.2% on a monthly basis, with the typical UK home now costing £288,455 compared to £288,931 in May, according to the latest Halifax house price index.
Average rents outside of London hit new record of £1,316 per calendar month
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
In the capital, average rents are now £2,652 per calendar month after rising by 4% since last year.
Rental yields strengthen across all English regions
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
The North East has performed particularly well achieving a double-digit yield in the second quarter of this year.
What to consider if you are thinking about downsizing
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
Ben Thompson, Deputy CEO at Mortgage Advice Bureau, shares his top considerations for those thinking of making the move to a smaller property.
Fall-throughs see sharp rise during Q1
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
The cost of residential fall-throughs increased by almost 12% during the first quarter of this year, costing UK home sellers £220m.
Reeves moves to relax planning rules and boost housebuilding
Posted on Monday, July 8, 2024
New Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the government will loosen planning restrictions and bring back compulsory housebuilding targets in a bid to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.
Darren Murphy's market update
Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2024
Darren Murphy comments a week before the General Election
Rightmove: House prices hold steady as market maintains momentum
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
House prices in June are sticking to predictable seasonal trends and have remained largely flat over the month.
UK Finance: Interest-only mortgages fell 5.4% in 2023
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Interest-only homeowner mortgages fell by 5.4% to 664,000 last year compared to 12 months before, the latest data from UK Finance reveals.
Virtually all property developers have changed their business strategy in the past year
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
31% have made changes to meet market demand, according to Shawbrook's analysis.
Rightmove: Majority of UK homes need green upgrades
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
At least 18 million homes have an EPC rating of a D or below and need to be improved, according to new analysis from Rightmove.
Rightmove: Average first time buyer payment up 61% since 2019 election
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Over the last five years, the average mortgage payment for a typical first-time buyer home has risen from £667 per month to £1,075 per month, as average mortgage rates have risen and remained elevated.
Zoopla: “Lack of knowledge” preventing millions from owning their own home
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2024
Not understanding the home-buying process and key terms associated with it is putting around 2.2 million potential owners off buying a home, according to new research from Zoopla.
Tenants are spending longer in rental properties
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2024
The time spent in rental properties by PRS tenants has increased by 12% over the last decade, highlighting the important role landlords play in today’s property market.
Halifax: Average UK house prices remain stable in May
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2024
UK house prices have paused in the lead-up to next month's General Election, down just -0.1% on a monthly basis.
Things to consider before adding your partner to your mortgage
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2024
Pete Mugleston, Managing Director and mortgage expert at Online Mortgage Advisor, explores the advantages and potential downsides for anyone thinking about taking the next step in their relationship.
Vast majority of homeowners still don't understand mortgage fees
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2024
A new survey has revealed that 81% of British homeowners lack knowledge about the fees associated with buying a home and securing a mortgage.
Vast majority of landlords to complete EPC work in 2024
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
Despite the government's decision to scrap the proposed EPC legislation targets for rental properties set for 2025, landlords are still prioritising EPC rating improvements.
Three in five homeowners look to property wealth to fund retirement dream
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
More than three in five (61%) UK homeowners – equivalent to 18.7 million people – are interested in releasing money from their home in later life to meet a range of financial needs, according to new findings from the Equity Release Council (ERC).
Average rental yields increase for third successive quarter to hit six-year high
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
The highest yields of 7.0% have been achieved by landlords in the North East and also those with HMOs
Average rental yields increase for third successive quarter to hit six-year high
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
The highest yields of 7.0% have been achieved by landlords in the North East and also those with HMOs
Rightmove: Asking prices top record £375k
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
The average price of property coming to the market hit a record of £375,131, an increase of 0.8% (£2,807) from the month prior, the latest house price index from Rightmove reveals.
Demand for residential flats climbs by 10%
Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
63% of property investors polled by Handelsbanken have indicated that they will purchase residential flats in the next twelve months.
Majority of younger house buyers expect green improvements to increase their home's value
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
A higher proportion of younger house buyers think energy efficiency improvements will increase the value of their home over time.
New research reveals the various strategies landlords are using to mitigate higher costs
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Foundation Home Loans Q1 research has discovered that large numbers of landlords have renegotiated mortgage finance, increased rent, or even sold property to combat rising costs.
Why local market knowledge remains key
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
The huge swings seen between house price gains and reductions across the UK since the market peaked in 2022 highlight the importance of local agent knowledge when selling your home, according to GetAgent.
Buy-to-let mortgage product availability begins to stabilise
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Overall buy-to-let product availability (fixed and variable) rose month-on-month, albeit marginally (39 deals). This comes after a reduction in choice of 276 deals between the start of 2024 and the beginning of February, which was the biggest monthly drop since June 2023.
e-surv: House prices down annually but “recovering”
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Annual house prices in England and Wales fell 2.9% in the year to April, according to the latest data from chartered surveyors e.surv.
NHBC: Tentative signs of house building recovery
Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
The number of new homes being built continues to fall, but there are tentative signs this could be reversing, with the number of new build registrations rising month on month in the first quarter of this year.
Darren Murphy looks at the Uxbridge Residential Property Market in April 2024
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Darren Murphy reports on the use of AI and the local property market
Rents outpacing earnings by 5.2%
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Renters are significantly worse off today than they were a decade ago as salaries have failed to keep up with ballooning rental costs.
Rightmove: Annual house price growth rises to 12-month high of 1.7%
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Asking prices are inching closer to a new record following a strong start to the year for larger homes.
First time buyers opting for smaller properties to get on the housing ladder
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The latest analysis from e.surv, which examines the considerations and strategies used by UK first-time buyers, has found that affordability issues are seeing many opt for smaller homes.
First-time buyer lending doubles in February
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The volume of lending to first-time buyers almost doubled year-on-year in February to £11bn, compared to £5.6bn in the same month last year.
Alternative ways that the Bank of Mum and Dad can help you buy a home
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Ben Thompson, Deputy CEO at Mortgage Advice Bureau, looks at other ways parents could help their children get onto the property ladder beyond gifted deposits.
Average cost of running a home sees 14% rise in five years
Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The analysis of ONS data has revealed an £863 per year surge in the cost of owning and running a home in the UK.
The most common causes of 'snagging' on new build properties
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024
You could be forgiven for thinking that buying a brand-new home means that it is flawless. However, newly-built properties are notorious for their minor defects or “snags” caused by poor workmanship or sub-par equipment.
New-build price premiums hit decade high
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024
New-build house price premiums have risen to a ten-year high following four consecutive years of decline.
Powering the Future: A landlord's guide to affordable energy upgrades
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024
Glynn Williams, UK country director at energy solutions provider, Grundfos, looks at the energy upgrades that landlords can and should make to their properties.
Majority of UK renters want more sustainable homes to offset rising rental costs
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024
The latest data released by NatWest and S&P Global shows that renters are in fear of rising monthly payments with a majority looking to landlords to make green changes to their property and reduce the financial burden.
Portfolio landlords pursuing green home upgrades despite government u-turn
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024
The energy performance of properties in the PRS now outperforms that of owner-occupied homes, according to government data.
Nationwide: Annual house price growth continues to build in March
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
Nationwide's latest data shows that house price growth momentum is continuing to build as cost of living pressures finally begin to ease.
Housing market momentum being driven by new build sector
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
Existing homes are still struggling against the current market headwinds, according to new research.
Energy efficiency, price, and location remain top priorities for landlords
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
Despite the government rolling back on energy efficiency targets for Buy to Let (BTL) properties last year, it's still on the radar for a large number of landlords ahead of an investment.
Halifax: Annual growth slows, but house prices up on last year
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
UK house prices grew in March on a quarterly basis, by 2.0%, with annual growth slowing to 0.3%, from 1.6% in February.
Rightmove: Stronger buyer demand sees house prices strengthen further
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
The positive start to the year continues, according to the latest figures from Rightmove, with average prices of newly marketed properties rising by 1.5% this month to £368,118.
Rightmove: New sellers surge into Easter
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
Thursday 28th March saw a 45% rise in the number of new sellers coming to market compared to a week earlier, according to Rightmove.
The questions that can save first-time buyers thousands in unexpected costs
Posted on Monday, April 8, 2024
Beyond the purchase price of your new home, there are a number of 'hidden' expenses that can quickly turn your dream home into a financial nightmare.
Darren Murphy's Easter market update
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
Darren Murphy gives his views on the Easter property market
What are the most common first-time buyer purchase methods?
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
The latest market insight from Uswitch has revealed that almost half of first-time buyers purchased their property with help from a government scheme.
Volume of sold subject to contract (SSTC) sales surge in February
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
The dramatic rise in demand signals a more robust market and a much-welcome return of optimism for 2024.
Majority of prospective homebuyers to 'push ahead' despite disappointing budget
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
82% of current buyers say that now the Spring Budget has come and gone, they plan to ramp up their search for a new home.
Government on track to collect record IHT receipts this year
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
The Government continues to collect a record amount from inheritance tax, according to the latest data released from HM Revenue & Customs.
Stamp duty receipts slump 23% to £13.8bn
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
Stamp duty receipts slumped 23% to £13.8bn between last April and February in England compared to the same period a year ago, according to official data.
Glenigan: Housebuilding starts tumble 16%
Posted on Friday, March 22, 2024
Housebuilding starts fell 16% in the three months to February, despite an overall rise in planning approvals across the construction sector.
Homelet: UK rents top £1,260
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
Average monthly UK rents in the UK rose 0.2% to £1,262 in February from the previous month, following a quarter of falls, HomeLet data shows.
Cash buyers receiving the largest discounts from sellers
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
Uncertainty in the mortgage market has seen sellers prepared to stretch even further for a cash buyer.
Over a third of landlords looking to expand their portfolios
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
38% of landlords would like to expand their property portfolio in the next twelve months, according to a recent survey by Lendlord.
Which design features will buyers pay the most for?
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
Property developers can achieve significant price premiums for residential developments by incorporating the most sought-after design features into their architectural plans.
Mortgage repayments 'stalling' retirement plans for 2.8 million people
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
20% of over-55s do not expect to retire mortgage-free, according to new findings from the Equity Release Council.
Six signs you have a “problem property”
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
New research highlights six key indicators of a “problem property” with varying severity, what impact they can have on the value of a home and what this equates to in the current market.
DLUHC: Housing planning approvals fell 9% in 2023
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2024
Local councils granted 8,100 residential applications in the final three months of last year, down 8% from the same quarter a year ago, official data shows.
Darren Murphy's market update
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Darren Murphy gives his views on the current property amrket
A fifth of millennials relying on parents to help secure their home
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
Property lender, Together takes a look back to the 1970’s property market and highlights how the first-time buyers of that era are now helping their children to get onto the property ladder.
Significant improvements found in landlord responsiveness to tenants' needs
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
A new survey conducted by Total Landlord has revealed that 71% of landlords commit to responding to tenants within 24 hours - up from 57% a few years ago.
Remortgaging driving recent uptick in lending
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
The recent rise in mortgage lending is being driven by a significant increase in remortgage activity, according to the latest analysis of Bank of England data.
UK property auction market sees robust growth
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
The latest market analysis released by Essential Information Group has revealed positive momentum in the UK property auction market during October.
Rising demand for shared ownership sees enquiries surge for new builds
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
Just Mortgages' new build division has reported a bumper start to the year, with new build leads and enquiries up 40%.
How to add value to your buy-to-let property
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2024
As a landlord, you're always looking for ways to maximize your investment and make your property stand out from the competition. Adding value to your buy-to-let property is a smart way to increase your rental income and attract higher-quality tenants. Here are some tips from Lendlord to help you add value to your buy-to-let property.
Darren Murphy's market update
Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2024
Darren Murphy gives his views on the current residential property market
Elmer George promoted to Residential Sales Manager
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
We are delighted to announce that Elmer George has been promoted to Residential Sales Manager with effect from 1 st January 2024.
Professional landlords unphased by property market fears
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The vast majority of portfolio landlords have purchased property in the last six months, according to newly released data.
Majority of landlords not intending to sell any property
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Only a third of landlords intend to sell some property, according to the latest Landbay survey.
Home improvements most popular use of equity release
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Home improvements continued to be the primary reason for new equity release customers, data from Legal & General Home Finance shows.
The best ways to add value to your property in 2024
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
GetAgent.co.uk offers eight achievable home renovation ideas that will add value to your property ahead of putting it on the market this year.
RICS: UK housing market activity on the up
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The December 2023 RICS UK Residential Survey shows activity picking up, and an improvement on November’s figures as the trend towards lowered mortgage rates continues.
Landlord investment continued to be supported by stable yields and strong demand
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Landlord investors are continuing to benefit from high levels of tenant demand and steady rental yields, according to the findings of newly released research undertaken on behalf of Foundation Home Loans.
Nearly half of first time buyers get help from govt schemes
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Almost half (45%) of first-time buyers purchased their property with help from a government scheme.
Fixed rate mortgage prices continue to fall as lender competition escalates
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Average rates on two- and five-year fixes have been falling this new year as lenders compete on price, the latest data from Moneyfacts shows.
