The Market

With land scarce & buyer expectations shifting, tall buildings are increasingly being designed around wellness, amenity & community rather than views alone, explains Berkeley's James Boyce

Any ‘instant contract’ system will still be riddled with legal exits large enough to drive a removal lorry through - there is a much better solution available, says veteran agent.

Property consultancy's updated forecast points to a sharp downturn, with completions falling to just over 150,000 in each of the next two years.

Ministers want to speed up homebuying and reduce failed sales, but many of the reforms being proposed have long been standard practice at the top end of the market, writes property lawyer Laura Conduit.

Savills' resi research chief bemoans yet another round of Westminster upheaval, heralding more unwelcome uncertainty for the housing market.

Sales activity has dipped again.

It's 'a stand-off rather than a slump' in prime regional markets, says Garrington, as it advises buyers that parts of London are 'starting to look good value again.'

'We see Mr Burnham as a negative for the Prime Central London property market for second home owners, foreign owners and landlords,' writes estate agency boss.

Latest British Geological Survey projections pinpoints central and northern boroughs as future hotspots, with potential implications for key housing markets.

May was the first full month with the Renters' Rights Act in force 'and the most remarkable thing is how little changed,' says estate agency.

UPDATED: It's a 'double whammy,' says Becky Fatemi - 'uncertainty over future policy, followed by concern about the policies themselves.

Agents and conveyancers seem split on the latest proposals; there's a broad welcome for binding deals but some scepticism on sales packs.