BoE considers withdrawal of mortgage affordability test, as rates set to rise
“Letting people borrow more money looks like a risky move at a time when house prices are sky high and the outlook is uncertain," comments one analyst as the Bank of England opens a consultation on loosening mortgage lending rules.
BoE drops mortgage affordability test
"Removing the current stress testing could mitigate some of the impact of higher interest rates," suggests Savills, and is "not as reckless as it may sound".
BoE raises interest rates to a 13-year high
The Bank of England expects interest rates to climb to around 2.5% by mid-2023.
Mortgage lending set to ‘return to more stable levels of activity’ after 2021’s surge – UK Finance
"The outlook for the housing and mortgage markets over the next two years is for a return to more stable, balanced picture following the upheavals of the last two years," predicts banking trade body…
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New agency Draper London targets five-office PCL rollout
Founded by ex-Knight Frank and Aston Chase agent Craig Draper, the high-end firm is backed by former Greene & Co MD David Pollock.
Knight Frank cuts UK house price forecasts again
The outlook is not rosy for either prime or mainstream markets this year, but the property consultancy senses a 'change in political direction' before 2030.
UK Sotheby’s shrugs off market slowdown as Q1 sales hit £598mn
Top-end brokerage reports 'strong' start to 2026 with £1bn of property under offer, £4.15bn of stock on the market and 3,500 new registered buyers over £2mn.
In Pictures: $400mn LA mansion becomes world’s most expensive open-market property listing
Agents describe the eight-acre estate as the 'Crown Jewel of Los Angeles'.
In Pictures: 121-acre Victorian Surrey estate with cricketing pedigree asks £9.85mn
Designed by George Devey, the Grade II listed Sendholme comes with its own pitch and pavilion.
Nuhu-designed penthouse at Stirling’s Carlton Gardens scheme hits the market
Boutique agency lists 'showstopping' proposition just off the Mall for £13.9mn.
Chestertons & Aston Chase owner buys another London agency
Campions Group confirms second business acquisition in the capital this month.
Mapped: How prices & rents have shifted across London’s top neighbourhoods so far this year
Latest data shows sales values falling across most PCL areas, with sharper drops in some of the most exclusive markets.
US buyers drive £16mn of deals at luxury Mayfair scheme
Penthouse at REDD’s 6 Charles Street changes hands amid a flurry of American-led activity.
Required Reading: The Renters’ Rights Act is (nearly) here
Next week marks the start of 'new age' for the private rented sector, says Jessica Tomlinson of Savills, as she walks us through what incoming legislation means for top-end tenants & landlords.
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In Pictures: Soho House founder’s private Scottish island hits the market with £10mn eco-lodge plans
Inchconnachan has been listed for sale at £3mn as-is, or at £10mn for a turn-key luxury retreat delivered under the 'direction & vision' of hospitality maven Nick Jones.
Knight Frank notches up £173mn of prime country sales in Q1
Correctly priced homes are still attracting competitive interest despite an uncertain backdrop, says agency.
Opinion: What rental reform really means for prime resi landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act is not the end of landlord advantage, it is the evolution of it, explains Yasmin Ulhaq - and success in the new era will increasingly depend on discipline.
Planning appeals overhauled: What England’s new regulations mean for developers & landowners
Gary Soloman & Connor Maunder of Burges Salmon explore a new regime that came into play in April 2026.
Carter Jonas promotes McConnell to equity partner
Resi sales veteran steps up as trio appointed group partner.