The Market

Fewer sales were agreed last week in prime London, but there's been a steep rise in the number of homes going Under Offer.

Vendors are now almost 20% less likely to choose a low-key marketing route than last year, according to data from TwentyEA.

Although more sub-4% mortgages are appearing, uncertainty ahead of the Budget means some buyers are hesitant, writes Knight Frank's head of UK resi research.

Savills research highlights a resurgence of mortgage lending and the highest level of first-time buyer activity in eight years.

Catch up on all the latest movements and commentary in less than five minutes, featuring data and analysis from Lonres, Foxtons, Henley & Partners, Savills, Knight Frank & more...

'We heard recently of an American couple who have bought houses in seven different countries in the past 18 months – and are keen to buy more': Top buying agent Philip Harvey explains what's driving h…

Berry Everitt of Chas Everitt shares a rosy view of the South African economy and property market, following the election of the Government of National Unity.

Today's unsurprising decision 'suggests that bringing interest rates down will be a test of stamina not speed,' notes Jackson-Stops boss.

Next month's Budget could send shockwaves through every stratum of the property market, writes veteran agent Trevor Abrahmsohn.

Yet London rental prices 'remained stable' through the Summer, reports lettings agency.

It's a "super-rich explosion", declares Henley & Partners, as the number of individuals with more than US$100mn to their name soars - but "the geography of extreme affluence is shifting".

You could count the number of £30mn-plus sales that happened in the last year on two hands.